Discuss Romans 8 Page 43

Jesus proclaimed to Nicodemus that one must be born again to enter the Kingdom of God. Since Adam and Eve, mankind has been cut off from God. The design of the Tabernacle, the Temple, and the worship system under the Old Covenant pictures God as distant and virtually unapproachable. Man in his natural condition, having a carnal mind and dead in his sin, is certainly shown as away from God. Though it is necessary for an individual to be born again to enter God's Kingdom, it takes a gracious and miraculous act-completely on God's part-to close the gap between Him and those He calls ( John 6:44).

No one can arbitrarily volunteer for entry and be accepted; a person cannot cause himself to be born again. Flesh does not produce redemption. Unless one is born of the Holy Spirit, whatever one does in the flesh will not make him spiritual in the biblical sense. The Bible shows that the natural mind of man is at war against God and that it is not subject to God's law and cannot be ( Romans 8:7), expressing the harsh reality of the carnal heart of mankind.

When Paul writes that the unconverted are dead in trespasses and sin, he means exactly that. Regardless of how sincere or religious they might be, such people are lifeless in terms of true spiritual life that is given by God. They are part of the old, natural creation and are spiritually lifeless unless and until-and completely at His discretion-God graciously gives life by His Spirit. Paul writes, "For He says to Moses, 'I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.' So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy".

Jesus proclaimed to Nicodemus that one must be born again to enter the Kingdom of God. Since Adam and Eve, mankind has been cut off from God. The design of the Tabernacle, the Temple, and the worship system under the Old Covenant pictures God as distant and virtually unapproachable. Man in his natural condition, having a carnal mind and dead in his sin, is certainly shown as away from God. Though it is necessary for an individual to be born again to enter God's Kingdom, it takes a gracious and miraculous act-completely on God's part-to close the gap between Him and those He calls ( John 6:44).No one can arbitrarily volunteer for entry and be accepted; a person cannot cause himself to be born again. Flesh does not produce redemption. Unless one is born of the Holy Spirit, whatever one does in the flesh will not make him spiritual in the biblical sense. The Bible shows that the natural mind of man is at war against God and that it is not subject to God's law and cannot be ( Romans 8:7), expressing the harsh reality of the carnal heart of mankind.When Paul writes that the unconverted are dead in trespasses and sin, he means exactly that. Regardless of how sincere or religious they might be, such people are lifeless in terms of true spiritual life that is given by God. They are part of the old, natural creation and are spiritually lifeless unless and until-and completely at His discretion-God graciously gives life by His Spirit. Paul writes, "For He says to Moses, 'I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.' So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy" ( Romans 9:15-16).

To FRED SCANLAN

Please remember that the sons of God have come for the pulling down of this world's 'Strongholds', religion being the strongest of them all ( 2 Cor. 10:4; Luke 11:21-23).

When it comes to the Medical Profession, please know that the believers live by faith, as the true and living God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob is their guide in all things. Remember how God took care of a host of 2m people for forty years. He fed them and provided them with water and other essentials. Even their shoes and garments didn't wear out. Also remember that out of the original group that crossed the Red Sea only Joshua & Caleb crossed the Jordan River. All the rest died in the wilderness, while only the new generation crossed the Jordan.

Rather than speaking from personal experience, we believe that the most effective way to be taught and to come to the understanding of 'The Chastening of the Lord' is by the Word of God itself

CHASTENING

Deut. 8:5

Job 5:17-19; 6:1-10; 23:10; 33:19

Psalms 6:1-10; 17:3; 30:1-12; 38:1-21; 94:12-14; 102:1-28; 116:1-19; 119:7,67,71

Proverbs 3:11

Isaiah 26:16

1 Cor. 11:32

Hebrews 12:5,6

James 1:12

1 Peter 1:7

Rev. 3:15-21

AFFLICTIONS

Psalms 34:19; 132:1

Isaiah 48:10

Acts 7:10; 20:23

2 Cor. 6:4

Col. 1:24

1 Thess 3:3

Hebrews 12:5-12

Rev. 3:18

SICKNESS AND HEALING

Exodus 15:26

Psalm 6:2

Isaiah 30:26

Jer. 30:17

Eze. 34:16

Hosea 6:1

Mal. 4:2

Matthew 10:8

Mark 2:17

Luke 5:31

James 5:15

1 Peter 2:24

Rev. 22:2

RELYING ON DOCTORS AND MEDICINE



2 Chr. 16:12,13

Job 13:4

Psalms 34:19; 108:12

Isaiah 30:1-3

Jer. 17:5-7,14

Hosea 5:13

Mark 5:25-29

Luke 8:43

MADE PERFECT THROUGH SUFFERING

Job 5:18; 23:10

Psalms 50:5; 119:67,71

Isaiah 48:10

Jer. 31:18

Hosea 5:15; 6:1

Romans 8:17

2 Cor. 4:17

Hebrews 2:10; 5:7-9; 12:10,11

1 Peter 4:1,12; 5:1,9,10

Rev. 3:19

Seek, and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7).

In His Service.

Andy & Dianne van den Berg - Nova Scotia, Canada

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The Law was given for a time & purpose - Jesus, by His coming & sacrifice, concluded (fulfilled) that 'time & purpose' thereby relieving us (read: Jews) from the bindings of the Law which only brought death. He said: "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." Jn 10:10b. Surely this abundant life includes both the release from the burden of guilt & sin and also the bindings & burdens of the Law which proved that sin & only brought death.

And lest you feel that my belief & stance is antinomian, please don't, as we haven't yet come to the discussion on Romans 8:2. And this I see as the key verse, along with much of Paul's writings on the weakness & finality of the Law in view of Christ's worth; and this has a direct bearing on believers who need to be released from the "weakness" of the Law to the "Power" of the Law that comes from & through the Holy Spirit. I would look forward to this discussion, if you wish to proceed. The Lord be with you (& us) in our meditations on our Saviour's great Sacrifice & spiritual freedom we can enjoy in Him.

Thank you for those lovely comments Richard. Indeed, as we walk closely with our Lord, special things are revealed to us from His Word & through prayer that are helpful for our learning & encouragement. As you have learned about the meaning of "us" & making application to others around you, you are in fact interceding on behalf of others & at the same time keeping you sensitive to them in their needs. It may well be that our Father may draw others to you for help & counsel since you are actively praying for others; if we ask, then we should expect to receive, especially when asking right in the centre of His Will ( 2 Peter 3:9, as you well quoted).

Just as a little background to the Lord's Prayer. You remember, Jesus' disciples asked Him to teach them to pray ( Luke 11:1). It was common then that disciples of a Rabbi/teacher would give his disciples (e.g. John the Baptist) a prayer that would demonstrate their position before God & speaking to Him. And these disciples were usually quite 'raw' in their understanding & maturity, so a prayer that could be recited was particularly special & endeared them to their master. However, since the establishing of the Church at Pentecost, the disciples not only received power from on high, but also were led to speak & pray according to the Will & Power of the Spirit. Yet, sometimes we do yearn in the spirit for someone or some situation & yet pray lacking knowledge believing the Spirit will help us & enrichen our prayer before God ( Romans 8:26).

So, while it may be special to repeat the Lord's Prayer in a meaningful way, rather than a pure recitation as is often commonly done, by adding your own heart-felt words to it, it's offering to God becomes so much more special & personal. But if we feel our prayer is becoming a little mechanical or repetitive, then praying outside the bounds of the Lord's Prayer is certainly warranted. And I'm sure that the apostles engaged in much 'free' praying for the Churches & the lost.

More scriptures on Repentance and Conversion:

Luke 18:13 ; Matthew 9:13 ; Psalms 51:17 2 Corinthians 7:9-11 ; 1 John 1:19 ; Luke 15:18 ; Matthew 3:5-6 ; Acts 19:17-18 ; Romans 6:2 ; 2 Chronicles 7:14 ; Luke 19:8 ; 1 Thessalonians 5:22 ; 2 Corinthians 7:11 ; Romans 8:13 ; Colossians 3:5 ; John 5:24 ; Ephesians 2:1 ; Romans 8:2 ; John 3:5-8 ; Ephesians 5:26 ; Titus 3:5 ; 2 Corinthians 5:17 ;

Romans 12:2 ; John 1:29 ; John 3:14-15 ; 1 Peter 3:18 ; Romans 5:1-2 ; Romans 8:1 ; Philippians 4:7 ; Romans 8:2 ; Romans 8:11-14 ; 2 Corinthians 5:17 ; 1 John 3:19 ; 1 Peter 1:23 ; Psalms 119:11 ; 1 John 4:7 ; Romans 5:5 ; Matthew 5:44 ; 1 John 5:4 ; John 16:33 ; James 1:27 ; 2 Corinthians 4:10 ; Acts 11:26 ; Romans 8:29 ; Ezekiel 36:26-27 ; Ephesians 2:2-3 ; Ephesians 2 4-6 ; Matthew 18:3 ; Acts 3:19 ; Ephesians 4:22-24 ; Colossians 3:1-14 ; Romans 8:29 ; Romans 8:29 ; Romans 6:1-2 ; Matthew 1:21

Likely there are more that are missed here.

:)

Speak these out with confidence every day until they start building you up in your spirit. Memorize some.

Psalms 55:22 - Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

1 Peter 5:7 - Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Isaiah 41:10 - Fear thou not; for I amwith thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Matthew 11:28 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Philippians 4:6-7 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

1 Peter 5:6-7 - Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

James 1:2-4 - My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Philippians 4:7 - And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Psalms 62:8 - Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God [is] a refuge for us. Selah.

Romans 8:28 - 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.

John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Philippians 4:6 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Jesus keep this man close to you.

Mishael.

You're going to have to learn how to fight what got you where you are. You must be born again! John 3. Receive the Holy Spirit.

Read Ephesians 6. Demons are invisible. But we can see their fruit when they are around. For you it is addictions and unable to stop it from destroying your life. It's name is bondage.

SPIRIT OF BONDAGE. Slavery,

Fears, ADDICTION, bondage to sin, compulsive sin, fear of death, servant of corruption, captivity to Satan

Loose the Spirit of Adoption on him.

Romans 8:15; Romans 6:16; Hebrew 2:14,15; II peter 2:19,26; Acts 8:23

Read these scriptures so you will understand that Satan is your problem. The demon of bondage is going to fight back, but you must rely on and plead the Holy Blood of Jesus of Nazareth over you and your family. Don't give up.

Cast the demons into outer darkness and dry places.

Let me know how it's going. Do read your Bible every day. Read Acts 19:19. Get rid of all idols.

Mishael

On ROMANS 8:15

By nature every person is born in sin through the sinful seed of their natural fathers and conditioned therein ( 1 Peter 1:23). For that reason and in order to become a son of God, which are born of God, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God, a person must be 'Born Again' ( John 1:12,13; 3:3-7; 1 John 3:9; 5:4).

By attending a man-made institution a few hours a week ( Acts 7:48; 17:24), does not mean that a person can make a claim that they are followers of Christ and 'Born Again'. That is falsehood, as in truth they follow after an image of a false god and a false Christ ( Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22; Gal. 4:8; Rev. 12:9). This is how Satan has transformed Himself into an angel of light ( 2 Cor. 11:13-15).

Only through 'True Repentance' will God be able to reveal Himself, and adopt you as His sons and daughters ( Rom. 8:15,23; 2 Cor.6:18; Gal. 4:5; Eph. 1:5; Hebr. 12:5; 1 John 3:1).

The word 'Repent' means a lot more than what people by nature have been conditioned to believe. It is the key principle of all the teachings of Jesus Christ and the axiom (basis) of the Word of God and a prerequisite and primary requirement for the salvation of mankind. It actually means the changing of spirits - to turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God ( Acts 26:18).

For a better understanding and the 'spiritual truth' of what it means to repent, and learn how and by whom mankind has been deceived ( Rev. 12:9), and what people must do to be reunited with the true and living God, we invite you to seek Him according to the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive ( John 14:17).

You need not that any man teach you ( Isaiah 54:13; 6:45; 1 John 2:27), It is only by revelation of God that you will come to know Christ ( Daniel 12:4,9; Amos 3:7; Matthew 16:17; Luke 2:26; Romans 16:25; 1 Cor. 2:10; Gal. 1:16; Eph. 3:3,5; Rev. 1:1). It is a narrow way that leadeth unto 'Life', and few there be that find it ( Matthew 7:14).

Jane, I cannot think of any specific instance of an angel doing a healing work on behalf of God. The only one that comes close is in John chapter 5 verses 1-4: the angel that stirred the waters at the pool at Bethesda. Did your Pastor refer to this, or how did he support his message about the healing work of angels?

As a side note, Raphael, the 'archangel' is not accepted by mainstream Christians, but this 'angel' is mentioned in some apocryphal books of Judaism, Catholicism, eastern Orthodox, LDS, & Islam. But I doubt whether your Pastor was inclined to any of these. Yet, as he correctly quoted, Hebrews 1:13-14 does speak of angels who are involved & interested in our human lives to minister to us and also observe our worship ( 1 Corinthians 11:3-10).

We believe that it is God Who gives healing, just as His Son did while He walked on Earth. And this healing to us is ministered by His Spirit Who indwells every child of God & unites with our human spirit: not only bearing witness with our spirit that we belong to Him ( Romans 8:16), but also affecting our whole being to align us with the Will & Purposes of God in our lives. So whenever we sin or choose to go outside the Will of God, the Spirit checks us to draw us back, but sadly many persist in their wilfulness & thereby become estranged & grieve the Heart of God.

The soul and body will not reach their destination in peace, because the carnal mind is enmity with God ( Romans 8:6).

For that reason every believer is chastened of the Lord ( Hebrews 12:5-12, Revelation 3:17-19), in order to overcome the flesh and our sinful nature ( Revelation 2:7,11,17,26; 3:5,12,21; 21:7).

People naturally interpret this different ways. You can get a rough survey of widespread opinion by simply listening to prayers. People often use different terms interchangeably, like Dear... Lord, Jesus, Father, God, etc. I personally believe God looks at the heart and that people are not sinning by using the wrong proper noun.

It is my opinion that we are to pray to the Father in the name of Jesus. Jesus said no one comes to the father but through me. That doesn't automatically mean we switch and start worshiping and praying to Jesus only. Jesus is the pathway; he said he's the way to get to the Father. It doesn't say the Father is the way to get to Jesus, or that Jesus is the way to get to Jesus. So, I believe it implies that we are trying to follow Jesus to lead us to the Father. John 14:6. Jesus intercedes for us. Romans 8:34. It said to follow Jesus in His example, but no where in the Bible am I aware of it saying to worship and sing songs solely to Jesus.

Of course confusion is not surprising as it says Jesus and God the Father are one. Of course, they're separate to some extent, but united. We just don't know to what extent they are united or as 'one'. John 10:30.

John 7:16-18. Jesus was sent by God the Father. He was presenting information pre-approved by God the Father. There is a slight hierarchy in my opinion. So, I think to pray to Jesus and worship Jesus is not supported by scripture in my opinion. But if I hear someone praying to Jesus and praising Him I do not see that as offensive.

God bless...

I hear a lot of people praying to "Father God", but the bible teaches us that Jesus is our intercessor, 1 Timothy 2:5 and Romans 8:34. So why do people pray to "Father God"? I am 65 years old and have been a Born Again Christian since i was 14. I first noticed this about 20 years ago and have often wondered how and why this came about. We should pray to Jesus, shouldn't we? I believe in the trinity. I am not Jesus only but the Bible does put him first until 1 Corinthians 15:28.

THIS WAS REVEALED TO ME BY THE HOLY SPIRIT //Hallelujah//

8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

|Interpretation|: If we live according to the flesh and we dont repent, we are condemned for everlasting *death*. But if we live according to the spirit we will have everlasting *life* and *peace*.

8:33 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

|Interpretation|: If we are with God, no matter what comes against us, we will win. Cuz we have God, who is above all things.

Numbers chapter 13 and 14 contains the historical account of the exodus generation refusing to believe God. Only two of the twelve men that scouted the land had confidence in God's promise. The other ten influenced the people who then refused to enter in and take their inheritance.

Psalm 95, which is the origin of the middle phrase in Hebrews 4:3, expresses the LORD's judgment of their unbelief.

As for us, we are reminded in this passage that we enter into Jesus Christ by believing the gospel ( Matthew 11:28-30). We rest in his finished work on the cross, his resurrection and ever living intercession with our Father in Heaven ( Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25).

The final phrase of verse 3 is preparing us to learn what follows regarding the difference of rest in Jesus Christ versus the seventh day when God rested from all his works ( Genesis 2).

:)

Jesus in his human nature was the Son of God, he came as the Word, which in the beginning was with God, and was God, and became flesh. John Chapter 1.

Jesus was the first born and own Son of the almighty Father and living God. John 1:14; Col 1:15; Romans 8:32; Hebrews 1:8.

I believe with this confession of faith from times past: that Christ in his divine nature he is the Word, in this nature he would be the wisdom of God, the truth and the light, the firstborn of God's creatures, the brightness of the eternal light, the image of the invisible God the Father, as an immaculate reflection of divine purity and an express image of his divinity who in the beginning was with the Father in divine form, glory and purity.

John 1:3; John 14 1-12; Col 1:15; Heb 1:3; Rom 8:29; 1 Cor 1:29.

Two natures each with different names!

By Love.

predestined:

to predetermine, decide beforehand

in the NT of God decreeing from eternity

to foreordain, appoint beforehand

Dear Author,



Greetings in the name of almighty Jesus. 'Praise God', Amen!

My name is Orex Job Kombea, a Christian fellow.

I am bit clinked and alarmed in the points that you put out from the Book of Genesis. I have few ideas and conceptions.

"The Biological perspectives are impacted for the Biblical purposes as a whole world.The Book of Genesis may not only the avenue that soughts the knowledge on

the Biological Sciences in the Bible. But there are other books that sought the references how God designed and created the Biological world which mankind may uncover that seems the mystery.

The book of Isaiah 28:10 quotes; "For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little". Which implies that the Biblical Science quotes are not that aligned into the analytical sequence so that mankind may identify them into the quick and easy paces. They are scattered all over in the book of Bible into both the Old and the New Testaments. Therefore, we'll have to seek them bit by bit and discover them, and literally analyse them into a whole reference that will become a whole approached knowledge.

Into such a concept the Biological perspectives are impacted for the Biblical purposes. Romans 8:28. "And we know that in all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose" .



For instance, What is the purpose of the animal 'BIRD'? Since every creation is created and made for purposes it got its name: acrostically we define it. "Best Informer Resource Daily". Birds' devine purpose is to inform mankind for daily time telling globally.

Note: every creation got its name for its purposes. Therefore the name that each creation got is power and life for purpose. Like the name 'JESUS', " Jehovah Saves Us". Sarah and Abraham changed their names and they experienced the blessing, 'son Isaac'. Name is purpose.

I be contacted for further!

Thank you.....

Paul speaks to the scoffers starting in verse 35 of 1 Corinthians 15 to explain the nature of those resurrected.

In Luke 24:36 Jesus, resurrected, appears to the disciples bodily. He then encourages them to examine him and see that he has flesh and bones. Then he ate some food. Though he was glorified, yet he retained his human nature.

Likewise in John 20 and 21 the disciples have encounters with Jesus physically.

We can trust that we will be made like him ( Romans 8:29).

The Trinity is a heresy. It says right in the bible. Jesus said" The father and I are one"

U need the blood. Not just faith. U need the blood over you. This pastor explains alot. Search up on youtube the Palm Beach Sanctuary Of The Palm Beaches. U can search it on Youtube or on the web.

For the law of the Spirit of life - That is, the doctrine of divine grace in the gospel, accompanied with the quickening, commanding influence of the Holy Spirit, hath made me free from the law of sin and death - That is, not only from the Mosaic dispensation, which, if relied on for justification, left men under the guilt and power of sin, and condemned them to the second death; but also and especially from the law, or constraining power of sin itself, which is attended with spiritual death, and, if not removed, brings men to death eternal. In other words, "The Spirit of Christ, giving me a new life, is now another law, or rule of my actions, freeing me from the motions and power of sin, to which I was subject while under the [Mosaic] law, and from the death to which that law subjected me; or, the gospel, attended with the Spirit, hath wrought this freedom in me." So Whitby. The gospel, or covenant of grace, may be fitly termed the law of the Spirit, or a spiritual law; and that not only as it reaches to the spirit of man, but is such a law as gives spiritual life, or is the ministration of the Spirit, and of life, 2 Corinthians 3:6; 2 Corinthians 3:8; being accompanied with a divine power, which communicates spiritual life to the soul here, and prepares it for eternal life hereafter. It is observable, that the person who speaks in the foregoing chapter is introduced here as continuing the discourse, and showing the method in which his deliverance from the body of sin and death, mentioned Romans 7:25, was accomplished. And what is affirmed concerning him, is intended of other believers also. Here, therefore, we have a second motive to holiness, namely, that under the new covenant sufficient assistance being given to all who in faith and prayer apply for it, to free them from the law of sin and death, they cannot excuse their sins by pleading the strength of their sinful passions, or the depravity of their nature.

Matthew Henry's Concise

Romans 8:15

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but ye have received the Sprit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Minded: means that is what you have purposed in your mind. Double minded means you have a conflict in your mind.

Examples>

James 1:8

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

James 4:8

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Romans 8:6

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Philippians 3:15

Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

2 Corinthians 1:15

And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit;

Titus 2:6

Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

Matthew 1:19

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

Galatians 5:10

I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.

2 Corinthians 1:17

When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose accordingly.

It's about getting the mind of Christ before we do or say anything.

Be aware of who is speaking in your mind: the Holy Spirit? You? The flesh? Satan?

The spirit of this world?

Mishael

in ROMAN 8:30 what does predestine mean this chapter? in my King James Study Bible is says its meaning is not the same as what we think of predestined. help.

Stephende, I actually was one of those who, on the 25th October 1979, cried out "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus". I had come to see the greatness of my sins before God, by a deep intrusion into my heart by God's Spirit. It was a miracle in a moment: the burden of my sins was removed when I cried out in repentance & instantly the Peace of God from His forgiveness flooded my soul. It was a great personal transaction that can never be forgotten.

Yes, I was born again by God's Spirit; if that is 'an empty cliche' to you, it has been to me, the very source of bringing a worthless, hell-bound sinner to understand the greatness of God Love & His eternal Plan to restore mankind to Himself.

"What the Law (as perfect & Holy as it was) could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:3,4.

It is wonderful to read of your love & obedience to God. And do you obey Him fully? Remembering: "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." James 2:10. If that is you & your perfection is that which is attributed to God & His Christ, it is true, you have no need of such 'empty cliches' & you're Heaven-bound. However, I would say, for the rest of us, we would need His Sacrifice desperately as we could never keep His Laws & satisfy His Demands perfectly. To that end, God sent His only begotten Son into this World, for our sake & for our redemption through the shedding of His Blood. What the blood of bulls & goats couldn't do for Israel, Jesus Christ's Blood fully did for the sins of both Jew & Gentile alike. Keep reading His Word: Light & Truth are its blessings for all with a singular heart for God.

Page 2.

b. do you go to Confession for absolution? 1 Timothy 2:5 tells us that there is only one Mediator between God & man & His Name is Jesus. By believing that a priest can hear & absolve your sins shows that Christ is not approachable & cannot forgive, yet 1 John 1:9 says ""If we confess our sins (to whom?), he (Jesus) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness". We have our High Priest seated in Heaven (see Hebrews 5:5,6 & 10:21,22): there is no Priest, Cardinal or Pope that can ever do the work of Jesus in Heaven for us.

c. do you believe in the Eucharist that Christ's Body & Blood are physically evident there? Every time you partake of it, you are sacrificing Christ, or continuing Christ's sacrifice perpetually. Jesus died for your sins once only - we do great wrong to perpetually put Him to the Cross. Romans 6:9,10: "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." Jesus is no longer at the Cross - He is seated at the Father's right Hand, continually interceding for His children ( Romans 8:34).

d. do you study God's Word for yourself or leave it up to the Priest to teach you? 2 Timothy 2:15, says to read & study God's Word for yourself & allow Him to speak to you from it. For many years, Catholics were not allowed to read the Bible for themselves, being told that they won't be able to understand it. So many blindly followed what they were taught - some are now reading the Bible for themselves & seeing new things. That is why we get such questions here: they may be very simple basic questions, but for those people, they were never told the Truth & so are desperate for answers. Please read the references I've given & other portions of the Bible in your devotion times with God: God will speak to you directly.

2 Corinthians 3:18, Psalms 17:17, Epheians 4:18 1:18, 3:14 Deuteroonpmy 29:2-4, Mathew16:17,11:4,6:22-23, 20:15, Luke 24:45, corinthians,2:14-16, John 3:6, Romans 8:5-8, Colossians 1:9, 3:16, 3:16, Amos 8:11-43, Proverbs 22:9,23:6,28:22. 0r google En-Gedi Resource Center and learn alot more.

Predestination refers to first Earth age- Genesis 1:1. It was perfect and beautiful. We all existed in Spirit bodies. Genesis 1:2 refers to the destruction of the first Earth age. It will take too long in writing to explain so I refer you to YouTube. Three world ages Shepherds Chapel. Find out about the elect. Those that stood with God ago lucifer. This is the mystery that Paul writes about.

Chris,

You bring up some interesting points.

I would like to ask a few questions.

If it is true that "our spiritual change was accomplished at our repentance and re-birth at the foot of the cross," then do you believe "once saved, always saved"? I have not found that understanding to be in Scripture.

You also state that "This is purely a bodily change as will occur to those who "sleep in Christ." Do you believe that no person that has already died is in heaven with God and Jesus? If they are in heaven, do they have any "garments" ( Revelation 16:15) on?

You are correct concerning 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 being the same (end-time teaching), however, they cover death (rendered "sleep") from a slightly different angle.

The lesson we are given in 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 has to do with a question posed by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:12 concerning, in general, "the resurrection of the dead" ( 1 Corinthians 15:12). If you believe that Christ rose from the dead, then those that (have already) sleep / die / pass on, are already with Him, ( 1 Corinthians 15:13), also look at John 3:12, Romans 8:6.

In 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17, Paul states that "We which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent (Strong's #5348- precede) them which are asleep (dead). Why? Because they are already dead: This is why "the dead in Christ shall rise first" ( 1 Thessalonians 4:16). So, "If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them which sleep (have already died) in Jesus will God bring with Him (at the 7th trump)" ( 1 Thessalonians 4:14). The dead are not in a hole in the Ground, they are with the Father the moment they pass ( Ecclesiastes 12:6-7). Ecclesiastes 12:7 is the O.T. reference as to why Paul states "By the word of the Lord" in 1 Thessalonians 4:14.