The watchmen that went about the city found me, they smote me, they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me
( Song of Solomon 5:7).
Perhaps for context we can look at these verses ( Matthew 25: 1-13). Specifically verse 5 says "
"While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept."
The main theme of Song of Solomon is about two lovers; the one woman had; in previous verses heard the knocking of the door. "I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night." ( Song of Solomon 5:2).
Here we see some similarities to Revelation 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."
We are to wait for the bridegroom; this story reminds us of the foolish virgin. Verse 6 in this chapter of Song of Solomon seems to also say the same thing; possibly an analogy of missing the Rapture.
There is some conjecture to beating fellow servants which is in Matthew 24:48 to the end which would seemingly represent servants warning of the Rapture who are rejected today. Luke 12:47 says
And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
This could also be a parallel verse to Song of Solomon 5:7.
This particular topic came up with some who espoused the idea that there was a "phased rapture". I tend to agree with the Rapture being a reward for a remnant of those sold out for the Lord now; but a later resurrection of the dead either at the midpoint or the end of the Tribulation. That is what I would call a tertiary issue; eschatology as to Pre Trib or not view secondary. The main thing is not to become lukewarm. As my latest posting shows I don't like to get too much into hidden meanings.
Keeping in mind that our hope and home is with Jesus for eternity, we can apply ourselves to the calling the Lord has for us in this present life with willing service to Him and others. Each day given to us is a gift and an opportunity to love others and do the will of God through the guidance and strength we receive from the Holy Spirit. It is good to be in this lie and also good to be called home to our eternal home. Both this life and the next come from God. We will live in the present every day God has ordained for us. We can be assured that He knows what is best for us. We also long for eternal life with him in the life to come. We know that what is in store for us is by far much greater and more valuable than any manner of life we have in the present.
We know that Jesus is everywhere present, so He is always with us. But we do desire to behold him face to face fellowship.
Paul said it well that to be present in this life is to be absent from the Lord and to be with the Lord is to be absent from this earthly life in our present body. Although he (and us) desire to be absent from the body and present with the Lord. Nut whether we are in this life or the next, we do the work He has for us and are to value that we are accepted by Him whether present of absent in wither scenario. ( 2 Cor. 5:6-9).
When I was young, I desired to live out my life with my husband and children before being called home. Now that I am older, I desire more and more to be called home. Since my first grandbaby will arrive any day now, I hope to see her grow up and be a part of her life along with any other grands God gives me. It will be a pleasure and an honor to participate in their lives and experience our children being parents. God knows when my time here will be completed. So, I am so happy to still be given days in this earthly life, knowing that the life to come is guaranteed me with the surety of the Holy Spirit to remind me that our hope in Jesus is secured.
"God help all of us including myself not to hold onto one more day on earth because we want that more than being in His presence" AMEN! Another thought; I do wonder sometimes if Christians are more eager to see "grandma" when they get to heaven than the Lord, Jesus. God Bless :)
I say amen to this posting except the last sentence because I feel like I should understand what you are saying but I can't seem to grasp it. Would you please expound on it? I read Song of Solomon 5:7. Bless you :)
Primary themes and practical applications of the Bible (part 4)
It should be fairly obvious that we only can follow what the Lord says in scripture. As previously mentioned Satan accurately quoted scriptures to Christ but it was to suit his twisted logic in order to make another failed attempt to bring down Christ to get the glory for himself. The previous example of Moses as well as any other Bible characters; almost all whose flaws were painstakingly detailed in the Bible show that even accurate biographies of these individuals doesn't mean we should emulate them in all things. Certainly we can learn from their mistakes; even with circumstances from thousands of years ago when men would covet a neighbor's donkey and other things that are hard to relate to.
"Substance over form"
In 1 Samuel 7:9 Samuel only offered ONE lamb which would be for; as far as I can tell all of Israel at that time. There were other instances when men were allowed to take the Passover one month later when unclean; when David ate the shewbread only by law for the priests; etc. Even in the old Testament times; a true sacrifice was with a broken and contrite spirit ( Psalm 51:17). It became clear later on in passages such as Isaiah 1:14 that God was tired of rituals without being heartfelt and he actually used the word HATE to describe it. That word is rare; the only other time I am aware of it is used with the passage "I hate divorce" ( Malachi 2:16). Eventually the New Covenant would render the old obsolete; but we can't say there aren't relatable themes here; once again pointing to a man's heart condition such as was seen with the parable given in Luke 18:13.
Justifying our religious pride certainly hasn't died out with the law and the Old Testament regulations; it has merely found different ways to control and manipulate people under the "authority" of the church and offices of administration that are excuses for "lording it over" parishioners; and often fleecing money.
Primary themes and primary applications of scripture (continued).
Psalm 119:97 is just one of many verses in this Psalm talking about loving God's law and commandments. We have looked in the last posting about 2 Timothy 3:16 as to the practical truths of the Bible in instruction; but of course without love as Paul stated we are nothing but a clanging cymbal as part off 1 Corinthians 13:1 mentions; and this idea continues throughout what many call the "love" chapter which is often given as a gift to married couples with a door hanging type motif so that hopefully they can realize what they are called to in the Lord. The sentiment of John 14:15 marries the concept of love and obedience together. We can't have God's love (agape) without the truth; and if we attempt to follow the truth without love; we run the risk of what happened to the Ephesian church as described in Revelation in the beginning of chapter 2.
I won't make this study a detailed description of basic codes of conduct for a new believer which are of course needed for a young Christian to study in regard especially to the Epistles of Paul. Maturity in the faith is certainly bolstered by these necessary means; but is not by any means exclusively determined by these instructional verses. We can; for instance find meaning in the book of Esther and Ruth where God isn't even mentioned or just with a passing glance. The faith of both of these women is clearly seen through example. The Song of Solomon; probably the least read book in scripture seems to be an oddity in many ways and of course should be read by mature audiences. Nonetheless the theme of loyalty to the one someone is espoused to is something we can learn from; along with some possible hidden prophetic meanings in, for instance chapter 5; verse 7. In many ways; however it is best not to overspiritualize this one particular book; in attempting to make any direct correlation between eros and agape love for Christ in the sentiment
Section 1: Primary themes of scripture and primary applications
A child could probably read a section of the Bible and learn fairly easily about David and Goliath; Noah's Ark; and major characters in scripture as well as basic scriptures about Christ. We can make two errors related to this topic; the first finding nothing of meaning to us as 21st Century citizens of the USA or other modern civilizations or the opposite-thinking every verse somehow applies to us. Without disputing the 2 Timothy 3:16 concept; we simply cannot find a way to directly relate to David's story fighting a giant or any other incidents involving the genetically mutated offspring of Nephilim; nor can we relate to a command to destroy all men; women; children and cattle in a wartime situation today. In these cases; of course we can apply principles such as obedience being better than sacrifice ( 1 Samuel 15:22) as well as understanding the spiritual dimension which still exists today; even with certain entities already chained in the abyss ( 2 Peter 2:4) being a past event. Still other passages may discuss ceremonial laws which have no practical moral application but would keep an individual out of being part of Israel in the Old Testament times; when certain other Sabbath rules were strictly enforced to the point of death ( Numbers 15:32-36). We also are forced to deal with certain passages such as Deuteronomy 24 and later commentary by Christ in Matthew 5 and 19 which trumpet what Moses permitted due to hardness of hearts but apparently wasn't God's will in the beginning and therefore not "commanded" as the Pharisees presented their arguments in these passages to permit divorce.
In short; I would say that primary themes help tell the story of God's master plan; or, as Navigator's states in the concept Dawson Trotman states "to know Christ and to make Him known." The exclusivity of Christ in such passages as John 3:16 show how to be saved
Memorial of the body in heaven is the pattern God showed Moses. "And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them./According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it." (Ex.25:8-9) Firstly let us consider the tabernacle which has a body. Memorial for it is set in heaven. In Chapters 4 and five John sees a pattern. " And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within" (Re.4:8) In the Exodus, the candlestick is "And six branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side"(25:31-32) and in place of eyes we have, "And in the candlesticks shall be four bowls made like unto almonds, with their knops and their flowers."(v.34). and the seven lamps of "one beaten work of pure gold."(vv36-37 refer to "and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God."(Re.4:5). There are similar other pattern to indicate the stewardship of the last Adam is spiritual than literal. The vicarious death of the slain Lamb, and he makes his presence there. "in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth."(Re.5:6) God sanctified the seventh day since he was found worthy!
"The Word become flesh has a command number 5. The Parable of Five foolish virgins refers to the nation of Israel."
As the following:
"The Word become flesh has a command number 4. So abiding in Christ has this number 5. The Parable of Five foolish virgins refers to the nation of Israel.
In the four beasts we shall see why God rested on the seventh day.the Firstly the man represents the last Adam. When Jesus Christ came to the world it was as the last Adam because we have the reason in Ps.40 introduced. The writer to the Hebrews adds "Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me."(He.10:5; Ps.40:6). So the motif of the slain Lamb (Re.13:8) arises from this point. Creation of two worlds framed by the word sets this colloquy in the world unseen between divine Will and its fulfilment. (He.11:3) Though Adam was created in 'our image and and in our likeness' his disobedience required the Son setting into the breach. When Seth steps into the breach in place of Abel is re-enactment of this covenant between the Father and the Son. The Spirit records, "And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made."(Ge.3:3)
Now for the three beasts lion establishes him as the root of David. "And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David,:(Re.5:5-6) . The second beast the calf speaks for the Servant-Messiah and the flying eagle refers to his resurrection. When God gives the Law which we know as the Law of Moses the man and the ox were considered as one. "Only the firstling of the beasts, which should be the LORD'S firstling, no man shall sanctify it; whether it be ox, or sheep: it is the LORD'S."(Le.27:26;Ex.13:2) So one fifth added to the value as trespass offering is applied to man who abided in the Son. The Word become flesh has a command number 5. The Parable of Five foolish virgins refers to the nation of Israel. Number ten is a full hand and those who are wise are as stars and the foolish are shut out from the Marriage of the Lamb.
Introduction to primary and secondary scripture interpretation.
Oral traditions (continued).
A primary consideration on this topic is the whole concept of oral presentations of scripture and how it is a method that may be underappreciated today. It is commendable; as an example of this; that our church has the "Awana" program where there is a decent level of scriptures memorized by children. This concept; of course comes from scripture. (see Deut. 32:46). Teaching our children should be helpful for the adults involved; nonetheless hypocrisy is something that renders much of what is taught as ineffective. We do well to "preach to ourselves" in meditating on the Word; and naturally this aids us in taking the Gospel to the highways and byways in fulfilling the Great Commission if we have a fair amount of scripture in our hearts and basic Gospel truths memorized.
Taking this to a deeper level we are able to address the culture as to how it had in the past more or less adhered to these truths and how it has now largely departed from it.
Part One: Primary meanings of the Bible
Perhaps the easiest statement that can be made is that the Bible is basically the story of man's history; God's redemptive plan through His Son as atonement for our sins; and the eternal future. If we truly believe we are at least able to see the forest through the trees. What comes with maturity is starting to view the trees as significant signposts that lead to and connect with this overarching theme in seemingly disparate ways at times. It is much like running a marathon as opposed to a sprint; if we were to expect to make sense of running between trees on a slope and curved paths a marathon would be the proper approach rather than a sprint. The varied terrain would; of course make precision timing of the tape at the finish line be all fouled up in a race of say 400 yards. The marathon runner; in contrast prepares his mind and body for different terrain ahead of time.
This is something that is but a small thing in relation to the war that is taking place for the souls of man all around us. Take things like this patiently friend. The Lord knows what you need even before you ask. He provides for you daily. Be patient and understand that these things are all part of God's doing to teach you patience, endurance, long-suffering, and even opportunity for the Lord to be revealed in you through things like this by your patient disposition through disappointments. May the Lord be with you and bless you, Rick.
1 Peter 4:12-19
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
Please pray for Bodyguard Christian Apologetics. Please pray that I am given the grace and discernment to only speak on the things that the Lord leads me to speak on and that the Lord Jesus receives all the glory and praise in this ministry called to earnestly contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints. Thank you and my prayer is that God's people are given a measure of understanding into how vital it is that we rely on the spiritual weapons of warfare as weapons of flesh are no match for spiritual powers and principalities in high places. May the Lord Jesus be with you.
Lord I need you to Show yourself strong in Victor. Wesley life He has 2 children and one on the way and has lost his strive to work just get hi off weed take the tast away help him go back to work God I know you are able to do anything and Give my grandson Davion, Power to put all his trust in you he is in remission from cancer and He knows you Lord but sometimes you need help ,Lord I need help Praying for my family
Scripture interpretation: Primary and secondary applications Introduction
Introduction: An easy to understand analogy of proper vs improper scriptural application and comprehension is looking at the Word such as the 10 commandments spoken by God and written on the tablets that Moses brought forth from the mountain and eventually was placed in the Ark of the Covenant as compared to Satan's use of scripture which were clearly for his own diabolical purposes. Everything that lies in-between is subject to well..subjectivity and takes more careful analysis to determine if the context and subsequent interpretation holds any water or not. Of course there are those who would adhere to other religions who borrow from and utilize parts of scripture; or some aberrant mixture of truth and error so as to perpetuate whatever deception is being practiced. For now I am putting aside considerations of that camp and focusing on PRIMARY meanings of the Bible and its basic truths. Some of these things may; as our founding fathers said seem "self-evident"; but nonetheless it is possible that our own mind as well as local traditions and cultures may skew things unknowingly in a certain direction that the passage may or may not be saying. Hence; we are all to be "Bereans" (see Acts 17:11).
It may seem an absurd question to ask why do we read the Bible; particularly on this site. I need to look at myself; first and foremost when asking that question so if anything; I am not endlessly pontificating to glorify some intellectual prowess that I claim to possess and do nothing more than puff my pride ( 1 Cor. 8:1 and other passages). Again; on this subject I am not going to focus on the nonbeliever despite the fact it would seem this question is more appropriate for them.
Let us go back for a second to consider those in the early church who didn't have possession of much or any of the scrolls.
We only seee Jesus reading the scroll lonce in synagogue; otherwise orating.
I shall give the rest of lines I composed this morning. Here we have dialogue between man and angel. What do theyrepresent? In Christ the holy city of God has single measurement Re.21:17
5:37.
Amen, how little have I with my will won,/ Sum total: trifles and nothing but vain tears / This pond of slough supplied vile form, its own;
38
Satan has with earthly glories his votaries/ Won and surely shall be to it return,/ Thus ashes to ashes their vaunted glories.
39.
Bless'd angel, Your presence let me scan/ Blessed hope of our calling brighter/ From the rock, the pit from where I'm hewn.
40.
On two pinions you and Christ the Savior/ Guard me from the dark waters the earth below/ Let them roar, but not come any where near.
41.
God has set his fiery throne: below/ Let the flood of ungodly nations stir/ The Savior Lord has dealt a body blow
42.
In quietness and trust let your hope soar/ He shall perform all his promises/To which we attend and we concur.
At the moment I am busy composing a cantiche of which five cantos are almost complete. The Spiritual instruction from the Bible is set in terza rima form. Three stanzas follow a strict rhyme pattern. Somewhat similar in spirit to Divine Comedy of Dante. Selected from todays output. I shall not be posting as regularly as I am used to. There are some 60+ cantos to compose. Each canto shall have some 45 stanzas
Canto-5 The ministering angel informs man
5: 33.
How God descants over numbers fixed: /While number Three reserved for the Son/ Affirms in him the saints are ever blessed
34.
The Word transports the gospel from man's bone/To flesh the woman out for the Head/ The Number Twelve fore'er allied with Zion.
35.
The one rib from many becomes the Bride:/ While the earthy man is laid aside in lieu/ The Word made flesh is Last Adam indeed.
36.
The locus of saints made new, his view / Forever through the light of the Son,/ From heavenly places we serve you.
"And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:/ But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."
Adam is the son of God. ("Adam, which was the son of God,"- Luke 3:38) In the everlasting covenant man is created after our image and after our likeness.' In Trinity Adam was set down as the body. By breathing into his nostrils God made him a living soul.
Adam was free to eat of every tree of the garden, including the tree of life." His sin was in disobedience. So the tree of life judged him as it were. This judgment comes under the department of the son to whom God has decreed a day. (Ps.2:6-7)This is what the everlasting covenant presented in the first chapter of Genesis. Seven days are not literal days but its significance is in full harmony with the fulness of Jesus Christ. St Paul refers to it as consistent with God. (He is the visible image of the invisible God.) All things and by him consists. So seven days given refer to the covenant. Each day consists of God commanding as token of the divine Will and at the end of the verse,"And it was so."(Ge.1:7)
With this everlasting covenant in force all other covenants mentioned elsewhere, especially with Israel as a nation, are pendent on it. Similar days, hour ( silence for half an hour in heaven, for instance) are valid but is pendent to the everlasting covenant.
Genealogy of Adam however mentions body producing sons and daughters, of which we have holy family as well as that of the wicked Cain. Death that God referred in the key text is pertaining his soul.
The four beasts of which one had the face of man which could not be that of the disobedient Adam but that of Last Adam. The Spirit allows St Paul to refer Jesus Christ thus. Remnant of the nation of Israel will be included into the body to which Christ is the Head. They havebe new creation in him.
Please read Psalms 43! We are All Praying for you! Take not your eyes off Jesus! Do not be deceived into fleshly things! Stay close to GOD in reading his words! Spirit & Truth is how we stay in step with Jesus & His Holy Spirit! Just ask with your heart & soul & spirit, He will hear & answer you! In my crying out in my despair he heard me & set me free in Jesus! You may not feel like reading But do it & see the light flood your soul! Stay strong! Remember, Jesus Has Already Won, At The Cross Of Calvery! Love, Everyone In Heaven!
16 GOD so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For GOD sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.
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.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world (GOD IS LIGHT), and men loved darkness rather than Light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the Light, neither cometh to the Light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21 But he that doeth Truth cometh to the Light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
16 I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of GOD unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 For therein is the righteousness of GOD revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
18 For the wrath of GOD is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the Truth in unrighteousness;
Thank you bro S. Spencer for that excellent collection of pertinent Scriptures & thoughts regarding the position of Israel, present and future. Even after reading & considering your recent discussions on this matter with others, I can't overlook the fact that even the Apostle Paul (Romans chap 11), still believed that God had not 'cast away His people' (v1) & God's Covenant with Israel remains firm ( Romans 11:26,27). This wasn't the Pharisee Saul who was still hoping that God would one day reveal His Savior to defeat Israel's enemies & that their security & happiness will be assured in that great day of His Return. This was now the saved & enlightened Paul who was directed by His vision of the Lord & the ministry of the Holy Spirit to believe that there was yet hope for his people.
What I perceive from the belief of many now, that Israel ought to be considered a refused & cast-off people because of their rejection of their Messiah, is based wholly upon who the Church is now, those of believing Jews & Gentiles; that unbelieving Israel can have no part in this position & hope. To this point, I find agreement, that all who are unbelieving presently, whether Jew or Gentile, are judged with the same judgement.
But what of the Scriptures that point to the time when those of Israel still alive, see the 'One Whom they pierced' ( Revelation 1:7), that if Israel 'will no longer abide in unbelief, will be re-grafted in (along with other believers) ( Romans 11:23), & that 'salvation will still come to them in that future day as out of Sion shall come the Deliverer Who shall turn all ungodliness from Jacob' ( Romans 11:26)? This is still future and all about believing Israel & not Gentiles.
We shouldn't look at Israel now as a defeated, rejected people - sure, there still remains great hardship & tribulation ahead of them, and many will die an eternal death. But God has not forgotten His Covenant people & the time will come when those living will bend their knee to Jesus.
Concluding thoughts on death; the afterlife (maybe for real this time).
I guess I'd do better with a 10000 character limitation to these posts; although the reader may not have an appetite for that.
Anyway; another point here will fling to a common defence quoting Deuteronomy 29:29. Some things are hidden to us.
Feel free in dissenting viewpoints to doubt my compassion in making such harsh statements. I consider it necessary information.
The harsh reality is that none of us can bear in our natural minds to think of anyone lost and suffering eternal punishment. It seems to trigger a desire to find a believer and just ask for a hug or something for reassurance. We instinctually know as children to seek such comfort from a parent; but no human can offer any assurance that they will be there to greet us after they leave this earth from heaven or a "better place" in their imagination that is made up to substitute for God's atoning death and substitutionary redemption of His people. To take the example before of what a lost person would want those surviving on earth to know; surely a saved person would say something similar. The only example of that perhaps is when Samuel is disturbed by Saul; it ( 1 Samuel 28:15). It didn't go well for Saul; needless to say even if this really was Samuel's spirit risen from rest in the afterlife. We can be certain that those in heaven would feel sorry for us and think it odd or silly that we are feeling sad for them in some ways. Also we can realize that those spiritually dead but still LIVING on earth have no idea or concept of that fact; they cannot fathom anything LIVING that has passed from all they have known in this life with the body and all its 5 senses perished.
Maybe I'm focused more now than I've ever been watching my parents in their nineties whose bodies and minds are decaying.
God help all of us including myself not to hold onto one more day on earth because we want that more than being in His presence
Having as I usually do written something rather hastily I have taken certain chances as to not weighing carefully how this will affect people and attempt some subtlety. I could have bolstered this as a neater package with more careful and thorough scriptural framework. As I often do I am collecting further information "on the fly" and adding it to the original concept. Sorry if that unduly throws some people off.
The principle thing to be considered in all this is man's sin and it's cause his sin NATURE. When we hear of near death experiences and in fact many so called "Christian" experiences or testimonies for that matter it seems little is said of the matter. The best we seem to find is a reference to some particular sin that is tormenting someone or causing them; for instance to go to hell in an NDE. Any true "spiritual" experience should follow what God says of the Spirit in John 16:8-SIN; RIGHTEOUSNESS and JUDGMENT to come. We realize not so much from what we have done but by nature who we ARE; i.e. that STATE we are in. God's HOLINESS should cause us to be prostrate in fear; if it affected God's true prophets such as Daniel; John the "Revelator" and Isaiah those who are lost should really have a fear of the Lord if there has been any true revelation. Finally; of course we know that His judgment is coming. This means that hell primarily is a direct; proportional and FAIR distribution of punishment fitting for the crime. We will know that it is God's wrath; first and foremost whether or not demons are allowed to be involved in causing suffering for now in hades the holding place for hell. Perhaps that expresses my point a bit better.
On the other side of the coin; rather than our closest family members let us consider the vilest sinners; the scum of society.
Do we desire to see these despicable individuals transformed; enough to count the cost of our own comfort zones being violated? The world can't handle that either
More thoughts on life after death and our identity as Christians
There is no doubt that this series of posts is going to generate a lot of buzz; and some major backlash. I can only be as transparent as I can in regard to my past experience when it seemed I sensed the presence of my grandmother who now has been gone the better part of 40 years. I had a quick dream for a few seconds the night before she passed with me telling her she was about to stand before God. As far as I know she was unsaved. Even if there was some last minute repentance it isn't something I would have known about her. There was much surrounding her in terms of possessions and photos and things that I cannot have as keepsakes.
Again; for those who are saved it is in the new identity as a believer that one becomes part of the Body of Christ; this takes us from what in some sense is Satan's body; if not his dominion ( Eph. 2:2). To the lost world it would seem we lose our freedom; and our individuality in such an identity where we die to our old self. But there are many facets like a jewel which we are compared to in Malachi 3:17; the Lord has made us to uniquely minister in and through Him and we shall rule and reign with Him as well.
I did want to say if anyone is still reading this at this point that I believe children before they can understand sin will by God's grace enter heaven. Also when considering the only scriptural example we have of a lost man in hades; we see how he wanted to warn his family not to go there; hence we should in that sense be further emboldened to share the Gospel.
I am not here to try to convince anyone to think this way. On one hand Jesus said "let the dead bury their own dead" ( Luke 9:60); on the other hand someone who compassionately has taken care of a rebel all their life who passes certainly can mourn.
It is only when such a loss keeps us stunted permanently in our growth in God that we need to step back to evaluate ourselves.
Death and Near Death experiences: A Biblical Perspective.
A serious discussion about the mind and the state of our soul.
Some have described what they say are hell experiences where the same memory from the past goes over and over and demons are supposed to be putting thoughts in people's minds. I will say that it is possible that in the process of dying that people will see what they think is relatives and it is really demons; who sometimes reveal their true sinister nature as a person gets closer to death. It may even be possible that some demons who are now in what is in reality hades are authorized to torment people; but in the final judgment the demons themselves along with Satan face eternal suffering. What is likely is that in the second heavens so to speak entities try to affect the souls of men. Anyone who comes back to earth of course hasn't in reality had their final judgment or they wouldn't have returned.
I say all this to examine how a testimony about heaven would be even harder to come by; since what someone sees outside of the true doctrine of scripture is a lie; even if being sincerely narrated by someone. The enemy would love nothing less than to give some ethereal ecstatic experience to delude the person and spread further deception with some New Age concept so that men will stop fearing God and have a false assurance after leaving this earth. Therefore I want to make a major point.
Who a man is after salvation is a NEW man; the old has passed away ( 2 Cor. 5:17). A true believer would only WANT to be remembered in this way. This means for those who are unsaved we must rid ourselves of any affection or attribute once they have gone to the grave or we are GUARANTEED to have demons plant any pleasant thought as to sensing their presence around us. People are either in heaven or hell. This explains one big reason necromancy is against scripture. Often it is hard to know for sure if someone is saved in this life.
Romans 11:16-24 shows Israel as distinct from the Church: the "natural branches" are the Jews, and the "wild branches" are the Gentiles.
The "olive tree" is the collective people of God. The "natural branches" (Jews) are "cut off" the tree for unbelief, and the "wild branches" (believing Gentiles) are grafted in. This has the effect of making the Jews "jealous" and then drawing them to faith in Christ, so they might be grafted in again and receive their promised inheritance.
The natural branches are still distinct from the "wild branches," so that God's covenant with His people is literally fulfilled.
Isaiah 62:11-12 "Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.
And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken.
Moses' prediction of Israel's permanent restoration to the land in Deuteronomy 30:1-10.
Moses said, "THE LORD YOUR GOD WILL CIRCUMCISE YOUR HEARTS!!
SO HOW WILL "ALL ISRAEL BE SAVED?
Zechariah 8-14 , which speak of end-times Israel at Christ's return.
The key verse describing the coming to faith of the future remnant of Israel is Zechariah 12:10.
This occurs at the end of the tribulation.
Also; Zechariah 8:7-8.
Israel will be regathered from the ends of the earth ( Isaiah 11:12.
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:1-2.
Two points worth mentioning.
1) Beloved, "now" are we the sons of God, ( Present tense!)
2) but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; When Christ appear for his purchased possession we shall be like him. Incomprehensible!
( Song of Solomon 5:7).
Perhaps for context we can look at these verses ( Matthew 25: 1-13). Specifically verse 5 says "
"While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept."
The main theme of Song of Solomon is about two lovers; the one woman had; in previous verses heard the knocking of the door. "I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night." ( Song of Solomon 5:2).
Here we see some similarities to Revelation 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."
We are to wait for the bridegroom; this story reminds us of the foolish virgin. Verse 6 in this chapter of Song of Solomon seems to also say the same thing; possibly an analogy of missing the Rapture.
There is some conjecture to beating fellow servants which is in Matthew 24:48 to the end which would seemingly represent servants warning of the Rapture who are rejected today. Luke 12:47 says
And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
This could also be a parallel verse to Song of Solomon 5:7.
This particular topic came up with some who espoused the idea that there was a "phased rapture". I tend to agree with the Rapture being a reward for a remnant of those sold out for the Lord now; but a later resurrection of the dead either at the midpoint or the end of the Tribulation. That is what I would call a tertiary issue; eschatology as to Pre Trib or not view secondary. The main thing is not to become lukewarm. As my latest posting shows I don't like to get too much into hidden meanings.
Agape.
Keeping in mind that our hope and home is with Jesus for eternity, we can apply ourselves to the calling the Lord has for us in this present life with willing service to Him and others. Each day given to us is a gift and an opportunity to love others and do the will of God through the guidance and strength we receive from the Holy Spirit. It is good to be in this lie and also good to be called home to our eternal home. Both this life and the next come from God. We will live in the present every day God has ordained for us. We can be assured that He knows what is best for us. We also long for eternal life with him in the life to come. We know that what is in store for us is by far much greater and more valuable than any manner of life we have in the present.
We know that Jesus is everywhere present, so He is always with us. But we do desire to behold him face to face fellowship.
Paul said it well that to be present in this life is to be absent from the Lord and to be with the Lord is to be absent from this earthly life in our present body. Although he (and us) desire to be absent from the body and present with the Lord. Nut whether we are in this life or the next, we do the work He has for us and are to value that we are accepted by Him whether present of absent in wither scenario. ( 2 Cor. 5:6-9).
When I was young, I desired to live out my life with my husband and children before being called home. Now that I am older, I desire more and more to be called home. Since my first grandbaby will arrive any day now, I hope to see her grow up and be a part of her life along with any other grands God gives me. It will be a pleasure and an honor to participate in their lives and experience our children being parents. God knows when my time here will be completed. So, I am so happy to still be given days in this earthly life, knowing that the life to come is guaranteed me with the surety of the Holy Spirit to remind me that our hope in Jesus is secured.
It should be fairly obvious that we only can follow what the Lord says in scripture. As previously mentioned Satan accurately quoted scriptures to Christ but it was to suit his twisted logic in order to make another failed attempt to bring down Christ to get the glory for himself. The previous example of Moses as well as any other Bible characters; almost all whose flaws were painstakingly detailed in the Bible show that even accurate biographies of these individuals doesn't mean we should emulate them in all things. Certainly we can learn from their mistakes; even with circumstances from thousands of years ago when men would covet a neighbor's donkey and other things that are hard to relate to.
"Substance over form"
In 1 Samuel 7:9 Samuel only offered ONE lamb which would be for; as far as I can tell all of Israel at that time. There were other instances when men were allowed to take the Passover one month later when unclean; when David ate the shewbread only by law for the priests; etc. Even in the old Testament times; a true sacrifice was with a broken and contrite spirit ( Psalm 51:17). It became clear later on in passages such as Isaiah 1:14 that God was tired of rituals without being heartfelt and he actually used the word HATE to describe it. That word is rare; the only other time I am aware of it is used with the passage "I hate divorce" ( Malachi 2:16). Eventually the New Covenant would render the old obsolete; but we can't say there aren't relatable themes here; once again pointing to a man's heart condition such as was seen with the parable given in Luke 18:13.
Justifying our religious pride certainly hasn't died out with the law and the Old Testament regulations; it has merely found different ways to control and manipulate people under the "authority" of the church and offices of administration that are excuses for "lording it over" parishioners; and often fleecing money.
Psalm 119:97 is just one of many verses in this Psalm talking about loving God's law and commandments. We have looked in the last posting about 2 Timothy 3:16 as to the practical truths of the Bible in instruction; but of course without love as Paul stated we are nothing but a clanging cymbal as part off 1 Corinthians 13:1 mentions; and this idea continues throughout what many call the "love" chapter which is often given as a gift to married couples with a door hanging type motif so that hopefully they can realize what they are called to in the Lord. The sentiment of John 14:15 marries the concept of love and obedience together. We can't have God's love (agape) without the truth; and if we attempt to follow the truth without love; we run the risk of what happened to the Ephesian church as described in Revelation in the beginning of chapter 2.
I won't make this study a detailed description of basic codes of conduct for a new believer which are of course needed for a young Christian to study in regard especially to the Epistles of Paul. Maturity in the faith is certainly bolstered by these necessary means; but is not by any means exclusively determined by these instructional verses. We can; for instance find meaning in the book of Esther and Ruth where God isn't even mentioned or just with a passing glance. The faith of both of these women is clearly seen through example. The Song of Solomon; probably the least read book in scripture seems to be an oddity in many ways and of course should be read by mature audiences. Nonetheless the theme of loyalty to the one someone is espoused to is something we can learn from; along with some possible hidden prophetic meanings in, for instance chapter 5; verse 7. In many ways; however it is best not to overspiritualize this one particular book; in attempting to make any direct correlation between eros and agape love for Christ in the sentiment
Section 1: Primary themes of scripture and primary applications
A child could probably read a section of the Bible and learn fairly easily about David and Goliath; Noah's Ark; and major characters in scripture as well as basic scriptures about Christ. We can make two errors related to this topic; the first finding nothing of meaning to us as 21st Century citizens of the USA or other modern civilizations or the opposite-thinking every verse somehow applies to us. Without disputing the 2 Timothy 3:16 concept; we simply cannot find a way to directly relate to David's story fighting a giant or any other incidents involving the genetically mutated offspring of Nephilim; nor can we relate to a command to destroy all men; women; children and cattle in a wartime situation today. In these cases; of course we can apply principles such as obedience being better than sacrifice ( 1 Samuel 15:22) as well as understanding the spiritual dimension which still exists today; even with certain entities already chained in the abyss ( 2 Peter 2:4) being a past event. Still other passages may discuss ceremonial laws which have no practical moral application but would keep an individual out of being part of Israel in the Old Testament times; when certain other Sabbath rules were strictly enforced to the point of death ( Numbers 15:32-36). We also are forced to deal with certain passages such as Deuteronomy 24 and later commentary by Christ in Matthew 5 and 19 which trumpet what Moses permitted due to hardness of hearts but apparently wasn't God's will in the beginning and therefore not "commanded" as the Pharisees presented their arguments in these passages to permit divorce.
In short; I would say that primary themes help tell the story of God's master plan; or, as Navigator's states in the concept Dawson Trotman states "to know Christ and to make Him known." The exclusivity of Christ in such passages as John 3:16 show how to be saved
Memorial of the body in heaven is the pattern God showed Moses. "And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them./According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it." (Ex.25:8-9) Firstly let us consider the tabernacle which has a body. Memorial for it is set in heaven. In Chapters 4 and five John sees a pattern. " And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within" (Re.4:8) In the Exodus, the candlestick is "And six branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side"(25:31-32) and in place of eyes we have, "And in the candlesticks shall be four bowls made like unto almonds, with their knops and their flowers."(v.34). and the seven lamps of "one beaten work of pure gold."(vv36-37 refer to "and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God."(Re.4:5). There are similar other pattern to indicate the stewardship of the last Adam is spiritual than literal. The vicarious death of the slain Lamb, and he makes his presence there. "in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth."(Re.5:6) God sanctified the seventh day since he was found worthy!
Please read these lines
"The Word become flesh has a command number 5. The Parable of Five foolish virgins refers to the nation of Israel."
As the following:
"The Word become flesh has a command number 4. So abiding in Christ has this number 5. The Parable of Five foolish virgins refers to the nation of Israel.
In the four beasts we shall see why God rested on the seventh day.the Firstly the man represents the last Adam. When Jesus Christ came to the world it was as the last Adam because we have the reason in Ps.40 introduced. The writer to the Hebrews adds "Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me."(He.10:5; Ps.40:6). So the motif of the slain Lamb (Re.13:8) arises from this point. Creation of two worlds framed by the word sets this colloquy in the world unseen between divine Will and its fulfilment. (He.11:3) Though Adam was created in 'our image and and in our likeness' his disobedience required the Son setting into the breach. When Seth steps into the breach in place of Abel is re-enactment of this covenant between the Father and the Son. The Spirit records, "And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made."(Ge.3:3)
Now for the three beasts lion establishes him as the root of David. "And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David,:(Re.5:5-6) . The second beast the calf speaks for the Servant-Messiah and the flying eagle refers to his resurrection. When God gives the Law which we know as the Law of Moses the man and the ox were considered as one. "Only the firstling of the beasts, which should be the LORD'S firstling, no man shall sanctify it; whether it be ox, or sheep: it is the LORD'S."(Le.27:26;Ex.13:2) So one fifth added to the value as trespass offering is applied to man who abided in the Son. The Word become flesh has a command number 5. The Parable of Five foolish virgins refers to the nation of Israel. Number ten is a full hand and those who are wise are as stars and the foolish are shut out from the Marriage of the Lamb.
Oral traditions (continued).
A primary consideration on this topic is the whole concept of oral presentations of scripture and how it is a method that may be underappreciated today. It is commendable; as an example of this; that our church has the "Awana" program where there is a decent level of scriptures memorized by children. This concept; of course comes from scripture. (see Deut. 32:46). Teaching our children should be helpful for the adults involved; nonetheless hypocrisy is something that renders much of what is taught as ineffective. We do well to "preach to ourselves" in meditating on the Word; and naturally this aids us in taking the Gospel to the highways and byways in fulfilling the Great Commission if we have a fair amount of scripture in our hearts and basic Gospel truths memorized.
Taking this to a deeper level we are able to address the culture as to how it had in the past more or less adhered to these truths and how it has now largely departed from it.
Part One: Primary meanings of the Bible
Perhaps the easiest statement that can be made is that the Bible is basically the story of man's history; God's redemptive plan through His Son as atonement for our sins; and the eternal future. If we truly believe we are at least able to see the forest through the trees. What comes with maturity is starting to view the trees as significant signposts that lead to and connect with this overarching theme in seemingly disparate ways at times. It is much like running a marathon as opposed to a sprint; if we were to expect to make sense of running between trees on a slope and curved paths a marathon would be the proper approach rather than a sprint. The varied terrain would; of course make precision timing of the tape at the finish line be all fouled up in a race of say 400 yards. The marathon runner; in contrast prepares his mind and body for different terrain ahead of time.
This is something that is but a small thing in relation to the war that is taking place for the souls of man all around us. Take things like this patiently friend. The Lord knows what you need even before you ask. He provides for you daily. Be patient and understand that these things are all part of God's doing to teach you patience, endurance, long-suffering, and even opportunity for the Lord to be revealed in you through things like this by your patient disposition through disappointments. May the Lord be with you and bless you, Rick.
1 Peter 4:12-19
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
Introduction: An easy to understand analogy of proper vs improper scriptural application and comprehension is looking at the Word such as the 10 commandments spoken by God and written on the tablets that Moses brought forth from the mountain and eventually was placed in the Ark of the Covenant as compared to Satan's use of scripture which were clearly for his own diabolical purposes. Everything that lies in-between is subject to well..subjectivity and takes more careful analysis to determine if the context and subsequent interpretation holds any water or not. Of course there are those who would adhere to other religions who borrow from and utilize parts of scripture; or some aberrant mixture of truth and error so as to perpetuate whatever deception is being practiced. For now I am putting aside considerations of that camp and focusing on PRIMARY meanings of the Bible and its basic truths. Some of these things may; as our founding fathers said seem "self-evident"; but nonetheless it is possible that our own mind as well as local traditions and cultures may skew things unknowingly in a certain direction that the passage may or may not be saying. Hence; we are all to be "Bereans" (see Acts 17:11).
It may seem an absurd question to ask why do we read the Bible; particularly on this site. I need to look at myself; first and foremost when asking that question so if anything; I am not endlessly pontificating to glorify some intellectual prowess that I claim to possess and do nothing more than puff my pride ( 1 Cor. 8:1 and other passages). Again; on this subject I am not going to focus on the nonbeliever despite the fact it would seem this question is more appropriate for them.
Let us go back for a second to consider those in the early church who didn't have possession of much or any of the scrolls.
We only seee Jesus reading the scroll lonce in synagogue; otherwise orating.
I shall give the rest of lines I composed this morning. Here we have dialogue between man and angel. What do theyrepresent? In Christ the holy city of God has single measurement Re.21:17
5:37.
Amen, how little have I with my will won,/ Sum total: trifles and nothing but vain tears / This pond of slough supplied vile form, its own;
38
Satan has with earthly glories his votaries/ Won and surely shall be to it return,/ Thus ashes to ashes their vaunted glories.
39.
Bless'd angel, Your presence let me scan/ Blessed hope of our calling brighter/ From the rock, the pit from where I'm hewn.
40.
On two pinions you and Christ the Savior/ Guard me from the dark waters the earth below/ Let them roar, but not come any where near.
41.
God has set his fiery throne: below/ Let the flood of ungodly nations stir/ The Savior Lord has dealt a body blow
42.
In quietness and trust let your hope soar/ He shall perform all his promises/To which we attend and we concur.
Canto-5 The ministering angel informs man
5: 33.
How God descants over numbers fixed: /While number Three reserved for the Son/ Affirms in him the saints are ever blessed
34.
The Word transports the gospel from man's bone/To flesh the woman out for the Head/ The Number Twelve fore'er allied with Zion.
35.
The one rib from many becomes the Bride:/ While the earthy man is laid aside in lieu/ The Word made flesh is Last Adam indeed.
36.
The locus of saints made new, his view / Forever through the light of the Son,/ From heavenly places we serve you.
"And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:/ But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."
Adam is the son of God. ("Adam, which was the son of God,"- Luke 3:38) In the everlasting covenant man is created after our image and after our likeness.' In Trinity Adam was set down as the body. By breathing into his nostrils God made him a living soul.
Adam was free to eat of every tree of the garden, including the tree of life." His sin was in disobedience. So the tree of life judged him as it were. This judgment comes under the department of the son to whom God has decreed a day. (Ps.2:6-7)This is what the everlasting covenant presented in the first chapter of Genesis. Seven days are not literal days but its significance is in full harmony with the fulness of Jesus Christ. St Paul refers to it as consistent with God. (He is the visible image of the invisible God.) All things and by him consists. So seven days given refer to the covenant. Each day consists of God commanding as token of the divine Will and at the end of the verse,"And it was so."(Ge.1:7)
With this everlasting covenant in force all other covenants mentioned elsewhere, especially with Israel as a nation, are pendent on it. Similar days, hour ( silence for half an hour in heaven, for instance) are valid but is pendent to the everlasting covenant.
Genealogy of Adam however mentions body producing sons and daughters, of which we have holy family as well as that of the wicked Cain. Death that God referred in the key text is pertaining his soul.
The four beasts of which one had the face of man which could not be that of the disobedient Adam but that of Last Adam. The Spirit allows St Paul to refer Jesus Christ thus. Remnant of the nation of Israel will be included into the body to which Christ is the Head. They havebe new creation in him.
For your meditation
John 3:16-21
16 GOD so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For GOD sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.
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.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world (GOD IS LIGHT), and men loved darkness rather than Light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the Light, neither cometh to the Light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21 But he that doeth Truth cometh to the Light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
May our Lord GOD hear your petition.
Romans 1:16-18
16 I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of GOD unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 For therein is the righteousness of GOD revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
18 For the wrath of GOD is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the Truth in unrighteousness;
May the Lord GOD bless you and your family
What I perceive from the belief of many now, that Israel ought to be considered a refused & cast-off people because of their rejection of their Messiah, is based wholly upon who the Church is now, those of believing Jews & Gentiles; that unbelieving Israel can have no part in this position & hope. To this point, I find agreement, that all who are unbelieving presently, whether Jew or Gentile, are judged with the same judgement.
But what of the Scriptures that point to the time when those of Israel still alive, see the 'One Whom they pierced' ( Revelation 1:7), that if Israel 'will no longer abide in unbelief, will be re-grafted in (along with other believers) ( Romans 11:23), & that 'salvation will still come to them in that future day as out of Sion shall come the Deliverer Who shall turn all ungodliness from Jacob' ( Romans 11:26)? This is still future and all about believing Israel & not Gentiles.
We shouldn't look at Israel now as a defeated, rejected people - sure, there still remains great hardship & tribulation ahead of them, and many will die an eternal death. But God has not forgotten His Covenant people & the time will come when those living will bend their knee to Jesus.
I guess I'd do better with a 10000 character limitation to these posts; although the reader may not have an appetite for that.
Anyway; another point here will fling to a common defence quoting Deuteronomy 29:29. Some things are hidden to us.
Feel free in dissenting viewpoints to doubt my compassion in making such harsh statements. I consider it necessary information.
The harsh reality is that none of us can bear in our natural minds to think of anyone lost and suffering eternal punishment. It seems to trigger a desire to find a believer and just ask for a hug or something for reassurance. We instinctually know as children to seek such comfort from a parent; but no human can offer any assurance that they will be there to greet us after they leave this earth from heaven or a "better place" in their imagination that is made up to substitute for God's atoning death and substitutionary redemption of His people. To take the example before of what a lost person would want those surviving on earth to know; surely a saved person would say something similar. The only example of that perhaps is when Samuel is disturbed by Saul; it ( 1 Samuel 28:15). It didn't go well for Saul; needless to say even if this really was Samuel's spirit risen from rest in the afterlife. We can be certain that those in heaven would feel sorry for us and think it odd or silly that we are feeling sad for them in some ways. Also we can realize that those spiritually dead but still LIVING on earth have no idea or concept of that fact; they cannot fathom anything LIVING that has passed from all they have known in this life with the body and all its 5 senses perished.
Maybe I'm focused more now than I've ever been watching my parents in their nineties whose bodies and minds are decaying.
God help all of us including myself not to hold onto one more day on earth because we want that more than being in His presence
Having as I usually do written something rather hastily I have taken certain chances as to not weighing carefully how this will affect people and attempt some subtlety. I could have bolstered this as a neater package with more careful and thorough scriptural framework. As I often do I am collecting further information "on the fly" and adding it to the original concept. Sorry if that unduly throws some people off.
The principle thing to be considered in all this is man's sin and it's cause his sin NATURE. When we hear of near death experiences and in fact many so called "Christian" experiences or testimonies for that matter it seems little is said of the matter. The best we seem to find is a reference to some particular sin that is tormenting someone or causing them; for instance to go to hell in an NDE. Any true "spiritual" experience should follow what God says of the Spirit in John 16:8-SIN; RIGHTEOUSNESS and JUDGMENT to come. We realize not so much from what we have done but by nature who we ARE; i.e. that STATE we are in. God's HOLINESS should cause us to be prostrate in fear; if it affected God's true prophets such as Daniel; John the "Revelator" and Isaiah those who are lost should really have a fear of the Lord if there has been any true revelation. Finally; of course we know that His judgment is coming. This means that hell primarily is a direct; proportional and FAIR distribution of punishment fitting for the crime. We will know that it is God's wrath; first and foremost whether or not demons are allowed to be involved in causing suffering for now in hades the holding place for hell. Perhaps that expresses my point a bit better.
On the other side of the coin; rather than our closest family members let us consider the vilest sinners; the scum of society.
Do we desire to see these despicable individuals transformed; enough to count the cost of our own comfort zones being violated? The world can't handle that either
There is no doubt that this series of posts is going to generate a lot of buzz; and some major backlash. I can only be as transparent as I can in regard to my past experience when it seemed I sensed the presence of my grandmother who now has been gone the better part of 40 years. I had a quick dream for a few seconds the night before she passed with me telling her she was about to stand before God. As far as I know she was unsaved. Even if there was some last minute repentance it isn't something I would have known about her. There was much surrounding her in terms of possessions and photos and things that I cannot have as keepsakes.
Again; for those who are saved it is in the new identity as a believer that one becomes part of the Body of Christ; this takes us from what in some sense is Satan's body; if not his dominion ( Eph. 2:2). To the lost world it would seem we lose our freedom; and our individuality in such an identity where we die to our old self. But there are many facets like a jewel which we are compared to in Malachi 3:17; the Lord has made us to uniquely minister in and through Him and we shall rule and reign with Him as well.
I did want to say if anyone is still reading this at this point that I believe children before they can understand sin will by God's grace enter heaven. Also when considering the only scriptural example we have of a lost man in hades; we see how he wanted to warn his family not to go there; hence we should in that sense be further emboldened to share the Gospel.
I am not here to try to convince anyone to think this way. On one hand Jesus said "let the dead bury their own dead" ( Luke 9:60); on the other hand someone who compassionately has taken care of a rebel all their life who passes certainly can mourn.
It is only when such a loss keeps us stunted permanently in our growth in God that we need to step back to evaluate ourselves.
A serious discussion about the mind and the state of our soul.
Some have described what they say are hell experiences where the same memory from the past goes over and over and demons are supposed to be putting thoughts in people's minds. I will say that it is possible that in the process of dying that people will see what they think is relatives and it is really demons; who sometimes reveal their true sinister nature as a person gets closer to death. It may even be possible that some demons who are now in what is in reality hades are authorized to torment people; but in the final judgment the demons themselves along with Satan face eternal suffering. What is likely is that in the second heavens so to speak entities try to affect the souls of men. Anyone who comes back to earth of course hasn't in reality had their final judgment or they wouldn't have returned.
I say all this to examine how a testimony about heaven would be even harder to come by; since what someone sees outside of the true doctrine of scripture is a lie; even if being sincerely narrated by someone. The enemy would love nothing less than to give some ethereal ecstatic experience to delude the person and spread further deception with some New Age concept so that men will stop fearing God and have a false assurance after leaving this earth. Therefore I want to make a major point.
Who a man is after salvation is a NEW man; the old has passed away ( 2 Cor. 5:17). A true believer would only WANT to be remembered in this way. This means for those who are unsaved we must rid ourselves of any affection or attribute once they have gone to the grave or we are GUARANTEED to have demons plant any pleasant thought as to sensing their presence around us. People are either in heaven or hell. This explains one big reason necromancy is against scripture. Often it is hard to know for sure if someone is saved in this life.
Romans 11:16-24 shows Israel as distinct from the Church: the "natural branches" are the Jews, and the "wild branches" are the Gentiles.
The "olive tree" is the collective people of God. The "natural branches" (Jews) are "cut off" the tree for unbelief, and the "wild branches" (believing Gentiles) are grafted in. This has the effect of making the Jews "jealous" and then drawing them to faith in Christ, so they might be grafted in again and receive their promised inheritance.
The natural branches are still distinct from the "wild branches," so that God's covenant with His people is literally fulfilled.
Romans 11:26-29, citing Isaiah 59:20-21 Isaiah 27:9; Jeremiah 31:33-34
Isaiah 62:11-12 "Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.
And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken.
Moses' prediction of Israel's permanent restoration to the land in Deuteronomy 30:1-10.
Moses said, "THE LORD YOUR GOD WILL CIRCUMCISE YOUR HEARTS!!
SO HOW WILL "ALL ISRAEL BE SAVED?
Zechariah 8-14 , which speak of end-times Israel at Christ's return.
The key verse describing the coming to faith of the future remnant of Israel is Zechariah 12:10.
This occurs at the end of the tribulation.
Also; Zechariah 8:7-8.
Israel will be regathered from the ends of the earth ( Isaiah 11:12.
Isaiah 62:10.
Zechariah 13:8-9
Isaiah 12:1-6 is their song of deliverance.
God bless.
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:1-2.
Two points worth mentioning.
1) Beloved, "now" are we the sons of God, ( Present tense!)
2) but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; When Christ appear for his purchased possession we shall be like him. Incomprehensible!
God bless you.