Thank you for taking the time to read through my lengthy post. I have read through what you sent to me but I am struggling to see how this adds to or fits with what I presented concerning predestination? Am I missing something here?
I have been reading your posts over the past week, and your response to my message on predestination seems to fit more closely with the things you have been sharing over the past week than they do with what I just posted about predestination, especially with the verses you have provided. Again, maybe I missing something?
Concerning salvation, what are your thoughts on predestination? Does God "predetermine" who will receive eternal salvation and who will receive eternal condemnation?
What a great analogy! The inheritance is what has been predetermined for those who receive Christ. For those who reject Him, their fate has also been predetermined. It is man who chooses to receive or reject the things of God. Romans 9:11 (which you have shared) is a great verse. Thanks for that one. It says (For the children being not yet born). So, they hadn't even been born yet. But secondly, we notice what it says: Neither having done any good or evil.
And then thirdly, the purpose: The reason why God made His choice between Jacob and Esau, before they were born (without them having done good or evil), it is so that the purpose of God could be according to election (His choice), and it might stand, not of works, but of the one who calls;
So, it didn't have anything to do with Jacob and Esau as to who they were, what kind of people they were, whether they were good or evil, it had nothing to do with works or with man. It had to do with God's choice.
I agree in every respect, brother. Especially when it comes to judgment. I have to wonder why, if God has already predestined everyone, what would be the purpose of sharing the gospel message of salvation? And why even send missionaries out?
People talk about the Great Commission and how we need to reach the world for Christ. Why so, if it isn't going to make any difference for those who have already predestined to spend eternity in Hell?
If it is God's will that no one should perish but that all would come to repentance ( 2 Peter 3:9), it would be difficult to connect all this together as to why God would already predetermine ahead of time who will be saved and who will be lost!
"And another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works."
This recalls the night vision of Daniel."The judgment was set, and the books were opened."(7:10). Day of regeneration shall not go out of line with the word of God. The saints redeemed from the earth are priests and kings. They are gathered with Christ as so many sheaves. When Joseph narrated his dream his brethren could not understand it.
"And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more./And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed:/For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf./And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words." The saints are kings. Similar the other dream relates to the priestly service.
"And, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me./ And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?/And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying." (Ge.37:5-11)
"The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek."( Ps. 110:4). The term "forever" attest that they are ordained for it in Christ. "Be ye holy, for I am holy."
Regeneration is where the two worlds are perfected. The unseen world and the seen world match exactly. (He.11:3) That God may be in all explains entering into God's rest.
In continuation to the earlier post the Omega aspect of Christ refers Regeneration. Regeneration is firstly set in terms of the Word which was God from the beginning.
In continuation to the earliest post we can define the Omega aspect of Christ to define Regeneration. Regeneration firstly set in terms of the Word which was God from the beginning. Whosoever believed the word and committed his life to Christ is a new creation. So he is set in the everlasting to everlasting aspect of God's kingdom. "And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all."(1 Co.15:28)
The Spirit also adds, "but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand."
"And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life." The wicked nations both Gentiles and of Israel shall be cast into the lake of fire.
"And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof."(21:23) The saved nations shall walk under the light of the Lamb.
Think of the holy city of God as represented by an animator's ceil placed over the sheet representing the nations. For their healing the nations shall still require the leaves of the tree of life. "the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." The term 'every month' in 22:2 tells us that they sun and the moon still hold relevance to the nation to keep time.
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." (Ec.3:1) The latter part refers to the nations. Not so with the kingdom of God where it is in the 'now' of the will of God. everlasting to everlasting.
"Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand."( Dan 12:10)
Man born of woman has several stages before he is made white. He shall also be tried. It is to which Job says, "But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold."( Job 23:10)
Ps.139 takes even further where sin of disobedience associated with Adam has its position in the world unseen with is part of the divine Will. The word of God made these appear so David writes this line. " My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth." What is the substance yet being unperfect? The Spirit implies the entire sum total of the man is set in terms of what he shall in his Son may become. That is the free will allowed for him. "Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written."(v.16). By the same token the Lamb has the book of life. For example those who worship the beast are those "whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."(Re.13:8)
Man is purified by the word of God; as martyr he is made white. "Clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints./And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb." His blessedness come from the everlasting covenant. So he is set down in the everlasting to everlasting kingdom of God. Physically the disciples of Jesus hold time and place. But in the day of regeneration, in the Omega aspect they are set on their thrones "And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."(Matt.19:28)
"The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the Lord./All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory." This refers to what St John writes in the last book,"And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it." Glory of nations carry symbols and wealth which are seen. Such temporal artifices of man remain only on earth. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God so nations John refers is the earth distinct from the new earth. New heaven and the earth are new to indicate Zion the city of God.(Ps.46:4). Every saint therein has a glorious body and is redeemed from the earth by a covenant. (Ps.50:5). They worship in the beauty of holiness, in Spirit and truth. "for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people."( Is.56:7-8) is Christ Jesus, the head. "all things were created by him, and for him:/And he is before all things, and by him all things consisAll things by him consist in eternity as well. (Col.1:16-19).
Mine house shall be called the House of prayer for all nations. So naturally they may enter to worship. " And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there."(21:25)
"Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?"(Is.60:8) Cf. "Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God."(Ps.84:3). Of what significance is the flying body as a cloud? Here we have the rapture "For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together."(Matt.24:28)
Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river./And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?"
One on this side of the river is Daniel himself while the other on that side is the angel of the Lord. The name Ulai is merely a label. What is seen is temporal and the Spirit instruct us the river of time to which heart of man signified by a spiritual space is privy to. Blessings enshrined in the everlasting covenant sustain every child of God so empowerment of Christian ministry owes to what are unseen and what proceeds from the throne of grace.My testimony is that each day it has supplied my needs and blessed is my Lord to have poured grace in this earthen vessel sufficient in to the day.
In eternity when the throne of God and of the Lamb are inaugurated the same flows in the middle. "And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb."(Re.22:1)
By the same token there is judgment.
In this context let us recall in Mark ch.8 Jesus made the blind man look up before healing. Is heaven up and hell below? There is no centre for cosmos which is science. The Spirit has no use for it in order to instruct us of righteousness or Holiness. The centre is our heart where truth is written 'in inward parts.. So up and down or across are terms we acquaint with relating to worlds of the Spirit and body.
So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the Lord commanded them: the Lord also accepted Job./And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.
The Spirit uses twice in the same sense as the double portion with regards to Elisha's Spirit. "So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning. " The days of our years are threescore years and ten."(Ps.91:10) Let us count Job's age, "After this lived Job an hundred and forty years (70x2). But with regards to his children the Spirit gives us this information, "He had also seven sons and three daughters."(42:13). His children taken away on account of Satan's wager is mentioned in the outset."And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters."(1:2). His children were already in the presence of God. It is thus we hold the worlds of the Spirit and of the flesh in the land of the living. The world unseen and the world made to appear are never decoupled. (He.11:3) What is unseen is eternal. This is how we treat death of infants and foetuses owing to man's sins. Similarly we do not accuse God when Israel commit genocide. It proves what the nation cast out of His sight has become. When they turn to Christ they shall be received in the great congregation. The Holy city of God has only single measurement: man-angel'
The term angel we see often mentioned in the last book. "The revelation of Jesus Christ" "and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John."(Re.1:1) and "And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things./Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book. (22:8-9). Cloud of witnesses correspond to us who were made to appear. What do they urge us? "worship God."
That was an enlightening lesson on the topic of predestination.
I must admit, I didn't quite have that right
I have heard a teaching similar to that several years ago.
They used the scenario of a city bus that took the same route every day. It was predestined.
All you had to do is get on that bus.
It was your choice.
It is a free ride, you can't pay for it.
It is the "WAY" to point B from point A.
It is the WAY. God's way!
"THE WAY" is what is elected by God!
Paralleling with Romans 9:11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, THAT THE PURPOSE OF GOD ACCORDING TO ELECTION MIGHT STAND, not of works, but of him that calleth;)
IT'S ONLY SAVED PEOPLE GETTING ON THAT BUS! and at the end of the ride is an inheritance.
Great to have you in this discussion. I will be spending a few says studying up on the biblical description of the state of unregenerated men and women.
Before the foundation of the world God predetermined that he would destroy sinful man from the face of the earth, and conform them to the IMAGE of his SON.
Matthew 25:34 .... Come, ye blessed of the Father, INHERIT the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
He chose the cross as his instrument.
He was going to do this ONLY ONCE.
In the fullness of time God sent his SON to take all the wrath of God for mankind, not to take the place of mankind, mankind had to also died on that cross.
Three days latter, to fulfill God's words, God resurrected CHRIST, and ALL mankind was resurrected as HEIRS OF CHRIST, his IMAGE, as he is the IMAGE of the Father.
He came to fulfill all the scriptures that were written about HIM, the kingdom of God.
There is more than enough of his speaking to the multitudes to come to the conclusion what his death and resurrection would accomplish: man becoming HIS IMAGE.
John 17:21 That they ALL may be ONE; as thou, Father, art IN ME, and I IN THEE, that they may be ONE IN US; that the world may believe thou has sent me.
Mark 10:8 And they twain, shall be ONE FLESH: so then they are no more twain but ONE FLESH.
Ephesians 2:15 ..... for to make in himself of twain ONE NEW MAN ......
John 10:34 Jesus answered them, IS IT NOT WRITTEN in your law, I SAID,Ye are gods?
Psalms 82:6 I have said: Ye are gods; and ALL OF YOU the children of the most high.
Psalms 82:7 But ye shall DIE LIKE MEN, and fall like one of the princes (Satan).
This was fulfilled on the Cross of Christ.
Isaiah 41:23 Shew the thing that are TO COME HEREAFTER, that we may know ye are gods ......
'Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. '
My Respond: To Verse: Romans 8:27
Luke 23:46-47 KJV 'And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man. '
At the time of Jesus death has giving direct access to God through Jesus Christ. My faith in this scripture has giving me access to God through prayer.
Ways you can can have intercession with God is having faith trusting in Jesus death, burial, resurrection.(Gospel)
Romans 10:9-10 KJV
'that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 11 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. '
Prophet Elisha had double portion of Elijah's Spirit which tells Elijah was after the likeness of his Son and as a prophet 'after our image'. So according to the provisions of the covenant the Spirit of Christ equipped him to serve. This double portion serves to explain the cloud of witnesses, which are angels made spirit by the breath of God. "By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent."( Job 26:13). This has a bearing on the role of the red dragon in the vision of St John. (Re.12:4 a). The angels are witnesses to the soul of man. They testify saints whose faith and works shall not go unrewarded and it was as the double for the Son. "And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:/ God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. "(He.11:39-40). They are perfected with their man part and vice versa. One third of the stars shall thus suffer owing to our lapses. Baptism by fire refers to commit wholly De.6:5
"And, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha."
It tells us that Elisha was also standing by his side; he also see his master in the world of the Spirit. This Elisha surrounded by the chariots of fire only a part. Physical body of his master was another part. His inner eye had take both as one. That is the single measurement St John writes about in Ch.21:17
"And (the angel) he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. Similarly New heaven and New Earth are one part, The other refers to the nations of Israel and the Gentiles. Is.60 refers to these as one. Without drawing this distinction interpretation of the Bible is as what you see and hear, full of heresies. "(Is.28:13) It is thus doctrine of man has arrived at Christian nationalism and prosperity theology.
Since ancient times the church abandoned the Sabbath and have had the church service on Sundays. The very vast majority of all the churches worldwide do that. Apart from very very few that still keep the Sabbath. So thinking that those very very few do the right thing and all the rest, millions and millions of christians since ancient times have been deceived is a little bit "strange" to believe. Only to those few did God reveal His Word? This kind of thinking is dangerous.
Colossians 3:16-23, "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
17Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
18Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
19And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
20Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
21(Touch not; taste not; handle not;
22Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
23Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh."
The above says that we should not let people judge us for not eating meat, nor drink, or not keeping the Sabbath because all those things in the Old Testament was a shadow of things to come. All those things served for a purpose until the whole truth through Jesus Christ was revealed to us.
Romans 12:1, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."
In the Old Testament the priests used to sacrifice animals, as well as other things, to God. It was the offerings at that time. Now God asks for our bodies, ourselves, as an offering to Him. To sacrifice ourselves which means to sacrifice our lives, our ambitions, everything that we wish, we like or love that is against His Will. To be holy. This kind of offering is acceptable to God.
And goes on in verse 2, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
That "not be conformed to this world" is exactly the sacrifice God asks from us.
I just finished watching "The Days of Noah," four part video series and am confused about the primary emphasis being "The Sabbath Day." They make a very strong case for keeping the original Sabbath Day holy, and that it was not just for Israel, but for all. I firmly believe that all of the churches having services on Sunday, instead of the Sabbath, is one of the reasons the world is in a state of major despair and chaos, aside from the fact that Luciferian globalist trillionaires are using their wealth and power to deliberately cause chaos. However, there are some preachers and pastors who claim it is Ok to have church services on Sunday, or any day of the week, and they say something about rightly dividing the Word of God, or the Old Testament from the New Testament, but I'm at a loss trying to justify this statement when searching for answers in the Bible.
I disagree with this because God's commandments clearly states, "Remember, to keep the Sabbath Day Holy," and that day is Saturday, not Sunday, regardless. That is the very specific day God Blessed. Has the whole world been led astray by the Roman Catholic Church? It sure does seem that way, and I'm inclined to believe that as soon as churches begin switching back to the original Sabbath Day, the Vatican will use it's power to enforce Sunday Law, because there are certain powers, or something, that is giving orders to the Vatican, and it's not God. Just look at the abominable wooden artwork in the Vatican. Is this where we are headed? What are your thoughts on this matter? I posted this comment on Facebook and it has caused all sorts of anger, rage, and hatred, in people. How can we get past this and reach the truth for all? It sure seems like the wicked are trying their hardest to mess things up for all of us. I've prayed for discernment and I know what I believe, but how can we get the whole world to believe what God wants from us?
Since God made man a living soul, the world of the Spirit is set in his direct line of vision. Jesus healed a blind man at Bethsaida. He made him look up signifying what makes man truly see which is different than looking. Leading him away out of the town holds significance. First his inner man has to be properly oriented vis-a-vis God. It is called single eye. "The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light./ But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! "(Matt.6:22-23)
Jesus 'asked him if he saw ought./And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking." It is not what he required but physical healing. Nevertheless he sees angels as trees' Finally when fully restored ' he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town." It was for him alone and in healing his blindness he was set in a correct alignment with the world of the Spirit. It was for him to get on with his life as he ought to lead.
Another occasion we have from the life of Prophet Elisha. "And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
18 And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the Lord, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.
19 And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria.
20 And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, Lord, open the eyes of these men, that they may see. "And, behold, they were in the midst of Samaria."(2 Ki.6:17-20)
Thanks brother Jesse for explaining in detail the matter of 'Predestination'. It was very informative indeed & really, not much more could be added to it as you covered it well.
As I re-read Ephesians & Romans on this subject particularly, I found myself wondering whether we actually understand the terms that Paul uses in the context of his writings. If we take a word, e.g. 'choosing' in isolation, then yes, we could easily think in terms of 'choosing someone to receive salvation'. Yet not only from the chapter itself, but by understanding the whole Counsel & Purposes of God in Salvation, this should at least alert the inquiring mind to other possibilities. And this becomes true, as you wrote, that if we incorrectly understand the message to us, then we would believe that God specifically sets aside some to receive salvation and others to be rejected. This then has great bearing on how that sin-soaked, God-rejected person stands before his Judge in that latter day ( Revelation 20:11-13), when there can actually be no accusation against him, since he was appointed to a life of sin & eternal hell simply because he behaved according to God's Will. When we try to study the matter fully, diligently searching for the answers, then a proper balanced outcome will be realized. Blessings.
God separated waters on the second day which runs into eternity. It is the river of time. Everlasting blessing as promised under the covenant from everlasting to everlasting; on the other hand there is stream of fire that ends up at the lake of fire. Blessed is the man who is planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season."(Ps.1:3)
What is the heart of man where he is in the line of vision where the cloud of witnesses stand in attendance. So when Enoch and Noah walk with God, " and he was not; for God took him." (Ge.5:24). The Spirit does not have to mention concerning their vile bodies. Dust to dust is with regards to the outer man. The inner man was represented already as an angel in the presence of the Father. There is only single measurement in the world of the Spirit, man-angel. This speaks about the body God has prepared for the Son.(2 Co.5:1-3) So when Jesus Christ comes in glory with his holy angels they are right there. "Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:/ For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:/ Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me:... Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?/And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matt.25:34-40)
Who was Lazarus? He represented Christ. Since his atonement covered him the Rich man despised him. What shall we speak of present class wars? Are we not despising Christ on the basis colour or race when we make their faith and ministry invisible?
"And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead."
There is a shroud that makes the living despise the word of God even though spoken by God. This shroud is upon the worldly and when Abraham advised the rich man he spoke as one who was the most suited to inform him. Abraham was clear eyed to tell the King of Sodom, " That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich." (Ge.14:23) Faith gave him a vision so his inner man knew where to look for his life and godliness. "By faith he sojourned in the land of promise,as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:/For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." (He.11:9-10)
The Parable sets Lazarus in the line of vision of the rich man. He is a beggar and every time he looked for guests to arrive in he might have looked but he is not seen? What kind of vision is it, if I look at my watch but do not know what hour is it? This is the kind of blindness the rich man had developed. "And the vail that is spread over all nations" is what Satan has cast since he made man fall. Like the rich fool in the parable his heart left no room for anything other than his self aggrandisement. On death the rich man is set down in a place from where he can see the same Lazarus now in bliss. What is the gulf? The river of time of course. It is unbroken from everlasting to everlasting; on the other hand there is stream of fire that ends up at the lake of fire. Daniel's night vision shows the fiery throne "And his wheels as burning fire./A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him."(Dan.7:9-10)
Everlasting fire is prepared for the devil and his angels: ( Matt. 25:41) It is thus the heart of man has to reckon both worlds.
"Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels"
In the Parable we read about holy angels and the devil and his angels. Christ shall come in his glory, there shall be a separation. "When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:/And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another." Glory has single meaning in heaven:Jesus Christ, "Who being the brightness of his glory." So those who makes his authority limited, limited Atonement, has put the axe to the very tree of life so to speak.
What is the glory of man or his treasure? "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."(Matt.6:20-21) The man travelling to the far country is Jesus Christ the Man component in the Fellowship of God with Man. He gave on five talents according to his ability and he prospered because he invested it wisely. "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.
Parable of the Sower relates the heart which man has put to useIsrael heard the word but their heart was hard that no plant could take root. So what seed was sown in their hearts," But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up."(Matt.15:13). This is like a shroud that covers man. They call it glory and Satan tried to tempt Jesus. "And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations."(Is.25:7) Jesus Christ shall destroy the works of Satan. ( 1 John 3:18). The Holy angels are the saints set apart in the world of the Spirit. Because of iniquity one third of they shall be cast down. In our steadfastness we may lose what is destined for dust, to dust. But our souls are in His safekeeping.
" For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods." (v.14)
This parable is about the man travelling to a far country. Jesus Christ ("Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:/But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men"-Ph.2:6-7). Heaven and the earth on account of sin has become so strange to one who knew no sin and did no sin. This is how Jesus Christ set about his itinerary. The everlasting covenant is about life eternal and God formed all hearts alike and tries their works. So His blessings are upon everyone. The kingdom is open for them "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."(25:34). Goats and sheep merely explain from the response of man in the world to the gospel of God.
Second aspect is the goods that God has bestowed on individual. Sin of disobedience has made the world unequal and filled with violence. Hunger penury unjust laws are all stark realities facing the weak and the young.(vv.35-39). The worldly goods are of God and each shall account for it. Charity is dispensing these goods on behalf of God as His stewards. "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."(v.40)
When we see atrocities in Gaza or in Ukraine do we blame God or sinful man who has abused his stewardship? Similarly the false shepherds who misspend the one talent, to their own prosperity? The Son "who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods./And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey." He is the Word become flesh and he shall judge
Thank you for taking the time to read through my lengthy post. I have read through what you sent to me but I am struggling to see how this adds to or fits with what I presented concerning predestination? Am I missing something here?
I have been reading your posts over the past week, and your response to my message on predestination seems to fit more closely with the things you have been sharing over the past week than they do with what I just posted about predestination, especially with the verses you have provided. Again, maybe I missing something?
Concerning salvation, what are your thoughts on predestination? Does God "predetermine" who will receive eternal salvation and who will receive eternal condemnation?
Thanks again, and blessings to you in Christ!
What a great analogy! The inheritance is what has been predetermined for those who receive Christ. For those who reject Him, their fate has also been predetermined. It is man who chooses to receive or reject the things of God. Romans 9:11 (which you have shared) is a great verse. Thanks for that one. It says (For the children being not yet born). So, they hadn't even been born yet. But secondly, we notice what it says: Neither having done any good or evil.
And then thirdly, the purpose: The reason why God made His choice between Jacob and Esau, before they were born (without them having done good or evil), it is so that the purpose of God could be according to election (His choice), and it might stand, not of works, but of the one who calls;
So, it didn't have anything to do with Jacob and Esau as to who they were, what kind of people they were, whether they were good or evil, it had nothing to do with works or with man. It had to do with God's choice.
Blessings to you also!
I agree in every respect, brother. Especially when it comes to judgment. I have to wonder why, if God has already predestined everyone, what would be the purpose of sharing the gospel message of salvation? And why even send missionaries out?
People talk about the Great Commission and how we need to reach the world for Christ. Why so, if it isn't going to make any difference for those who have already predestined to spend eternity in Hell?
If it is God's will that no one should perish but that all would come to repentance ( 2 Peter 3:9), it would be difficult to connect all this together as to why God would already predetermine ahead of time who will be saved and who will be lost!
God Bless!!!
"And another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works."
This recalls the night vision of Daniel."The judgment was set, and the books were opened."(7:10). Day of regeneration shall not go out of line with the word of God. The saints redeemed from the earth are priests and kings. They are gathered with Christ as so many sheaves. When Joseph narrated his dream his brethren could not understand it.
"And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more./And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed:/For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf./And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words." The saints are kings. Similar the other dream relates to the priestly service.
"And, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me./ And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?/And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying." (Ge.37:5-11)
"The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek."( Ps. 110:4). The term "forever" attest that they are ordained for it in Christ. "Be ye holy, for I am holy."
Regeneration is where the two worlds are perfected. The unseen world and the seen world match exactly. (He.11:3) That God may be in all explains entering into God's rest.
In continuation to the earlier post the Omega aspect of Christ refers Regeneration. Regeneration is firstly set in terms of the Word which was God from the beginning.
In continuation to the earliest post we can define the Omega aspect of Christ to define Regeneration. Regeneration firstly set in terms of the Word which was God from the beginning. Whosoever believed the word and committed his life to Christ is a new creation. So he is set in the everlasting to everlasting aspect of God's kingdom. "And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all."(1 Co.15:28)
The Spirit also adds, "but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand."
"And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life." The wicked nations both Gentiles and of Israel shall be cast into the lake of fire.
"And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof."(21:23) The saved nations shall walk under the light of the Lamb.
Think of the holy city of God as represented by an animator's ceil placed over the sheet representing the nations. For their healing the nations shall still require the leaves of the tree of life. "the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." The term 'every month' in 22:2 tells us that they sun and the moon still hold relevance to the nation to keep time.
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." (Ec.3:1) The latter part refers to the nations. Not so with the kingdom of God where it is in the 'now' of the will of God. everlasting to everlasting.
"Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand."( Dan 12:10)
Man born of woman has several stages before he is made white. He shall also be tried. It is to which Job says, "But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold."( Job 23:10)
Ps.139 takes even further where sin of disobedience associated with Adam has its position in the world unseen with is part of the divine Will. The word of God made these appear so David writes this line. " My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth." What is the substance yet being unperfect? The Spirit implies the entire sum total of the man is set in terms of what he shall in his Son may become. That is the free will allowed for him. "Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written."(v.16). By the same token the Lamb has the book of life. For example those who worship the beast are those "whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."(Re.13:8)
Man is purified by the word of God; as martyr he is made white. "Clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints./And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb." His blessedness come from the everlasting covenant. So he is set down in the everlasting to everlasting kingdom of God. Physically the disciples of Jesus hold time and place. But in the day of regeneration, in the Omega aspect they are set on their thrones "And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."(Matt.19:28)
"The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the Lord./All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory." This refers to what St John writes in the last book,"And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it." Glory of nations carry symbols and wealth which are seen. Such temporal artifices of man remain only on earth. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God so nations John refers is the earth distinct from the new earth. New heaven and the earth are new to indicate Zion the city of God.(Ps.46:4). Every saint therein has a glorious body and is redeemed from the earth by a covenant. (Ps.50:5). They worship in the beauty of holiness, in Spirit and truth. "for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people."( Is.56:7-8) is Christ Jesus, the head. "all things were created by him, and for him:/And he is before all things, and by him all things consisAll things by him consist in eternity as well. (Col.1:16-19).
Mine house shall be called the House of prayer for all nations. So naturally they may enter to worship. " And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there."(21:25)
"Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?"(Is.60:8) Cf. "Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God."(Ps.84:3). Of what significance is the flying body as a cloud? Here we have the rapture "For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together."(Matt.24:28)
Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river./And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?"
One on this side of the river is Daniel himself while the other on that side is the angel of the Lord. The name Ulai is merely a label. What is seen is temporal and the Spirit instruct us the river of time to which heart of man signified by a spiritual space is privy to. Blessings enshrined in the everlasting covenant sustain every child of God so empowerment of Christian ministry owes to what are unseen and what proceeds from the throne of grace.My testimony is that each day it has supplied my needs and blessed is my Lord to have poured grace in this earthen vessel sufficient in to the day.
In eternity when the throne of God and of the Lamb are inaugurated the same flows in the middle. "And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb."(Re.22:1)
By the same token there is judgment.
In this context let us recall in Mark ch.8 Jesus made the blind man look up before healing. Is heaven up and hell below? There is no centre for cosmos which is science. The Spirit has no use for it in order to instruct us of righteousness or Holiness. The centre is our heart where truth is written 'in inward parts.. So up and down or across are terms we acquaint with relating to worlds of the Spirit and body.
So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the Lord commanded them: the Lord also accepted Job./And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.
The Spirit uses twice in the same sense as the double portion with regards to Elisha's Spirit. "So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning. " The days of our years are threescore years and ten."(Ps.91:10) Let us count Job's age, "After this lived Job an hundred and forty years (70x2). But with regards to his children the Spirit gives us this information, "He had also seven sons and three daughters."(42:13). His children taken away on account of Satan's wager is mentioned in the outset."And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters."(1:2). His children were already in the presence of God. It is thus we hold the worlds of the Spirit and of the flesh in the land of the living. The world unseen and the world made to appear are never decoupled. (He.11:3) What is unseen is eternal. This is how we treat death of infants and foetuses owing to man's sins. Similarly we do not accuse God when Israel commit genocide. It proves what the nation cast out of His sight has become. When they turn to Christ they shall be received in the great congregation. The Holy city of God has only single measurement: man-angel'
The term angel we see often mentioned in the last book. "The revelation of Jesus Christ" "and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John."(Re.1:1) and "And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things./Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book. (22:8-9). Cloud of witnesses correspond to us who were made to appear. What do they urge us? "worship God."
That was an enlightening lesson on the topic of predestination.
I must admit, I didn't quite have that right
I have heard a teaching similar to that several years ago.
They used the scenario of a city bus that took the same route every day. It was predestined.
All you had to do is get on that bus.
It was your choice.
It is a free ride, you can't pay for it.
It is the "WAY" to point B from point A.
It is the WAY. God's way!
"THE WAY" is what is elected by God!
Paralleling with Romans 9:11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, THAT THE PURPOSE OF GOD ACCORDING TO ELECTION MIGHT STAND, not of works, but of him that calleth;)
IT'S ONLY SAVED PEOPLE GETTING ON THAT BUS! and at the end of the ride is an inheritance.
God bless you.
I will certainly appreciate your ideas here.
Sorry for such a delayed response.
I've been very busy!
I believe the depravity of man starting from Adam and Eve would be a great topic.
I'm all in
God bless you.
I would like to add to you comment.
Predestination is predetermining something.
Before the foundation of the world God predetermined that he would destroy sinful man from the face of the earth, and conform them to the IMAGE of his SON.
Matthew 25:34 .... Come, ye blessed of the Father, INHERIT the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
He chose the cross as his instrument.
He was going to do this ONLY ONCE.
In the fullness of time God sent his SON to take all the wrath of God for mankind, not to take the place of mankind, mankind had to also died on that cross.
Three days latter, to fulfill God's words, God resurrected CHRIST, and ALL mankind was resurrected as HEIRS OF CHRIST, his IMAGE, as he is the IMAGE of the Father.
He came to fulfill all the scriptures that were written about HIM, the kingdom of God.
There is more than enough of his speaking to the multitudes to come to the conclusion what his death and resurrection would accomplish: man becoming HIS IMAGE.
John 17:21 That they ALL may be ONE; as thou, Father, art IN ME, and I IN THEE, that they may be ONE IN US; that the world may believe thou has sent me.
Mark 10:8 And they twain, shall be ONE FLESH: so then they are no more twain but ONE FLESH.
Ephesians 2:15 ..... for to make in himself of twain ONE NEW MAN ......
John 10:34 Jesus answered them, IS IT NOT WRITTEN in your law, I SAID,Ye are gods?
Psalms 82:6 I have said: Ye are gods; and ALL OF YOU the children of the most high.
Psalms 82:7 But ye shall DIE LIKE MEN, and fall like one of the princes (Satan).
This was fulfilled on the Cross of Christ.
Isaiah 41:23 Shew the thing that are TO COME HEREAFTER, that we may know ye are gods ......
God Bless You
Respond:
Romans 8:26-27KJV
'Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. '
My Respond: To Verse: Romans 8:27
Luke 23:46-47 KJV 'And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man. '
At the time of Jesus death has giving direct access to God through Jesus Christ. My faith in this scripture has giving me access to God through prayer.
Ways you can can have intercession with God is having faith trusting in Jesus death, burial, resurrection.(Gospel)
Romans 10:9-10 KJV
'that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 11 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. '
Prophet Elisha had double portion of Elijah's Spirit which tells Elijah was after the likeness of his Son and as a prophet 'after our image'. So according to the provisions of the covenant the Spirit of Christ equipped him to serve. This double portion serves to explain the cloud of witnesses, which are angels made spirit by the breath of God. "By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent."( Job 26:13). This has a bearing on the role of the red dragon in the vision of St John. (Re.12:4 a). The angels are witnesses to the soul of man. They testify saints whose faith and works shall not go unrewarded and it was as the double for the Son. "And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:/ God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. "(He.11:39-40). They are perfected with their man part and vice versa. One third of the stars shall thus suffer owing to our lapses. Baptism by fire refers to commit wholly De.6:5
"And, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha."
It tells us that Elisha was also standing by his side; he also see his master in the world of the Spirit. This Elisha surrounded by the chariots of fire only a part. Physical body of his master was another part. His inner eye had take both as one. That is the single measurement St John writes about in Ch.21:17
"And (the angel) he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. Similarly New heaven and New Earth are one part, The other refers to the nations of Israel and the Gentiles. Is.60 refers to these as one. Without drawing this distinction interpretation of the Bible is as what you see and hear, full of heresies. "(Is.28:13) It is thus doctrine of man has arrived at Christian nationalism and prosperity theology.
Since ancient times the church abandoned the Sabbath and have had the church service on Sundays. The very vast majority of all the churches worldwide do that. Apart from very very few that still keep the Sabbath. So thinking that those very very few do the right thing and all the rest, millions and millions of christians since ancient times have been deceived is a little bit "strange" to believe. Only to those few did God reveal His Word? This kind of thinking is dangerous.
Colossians 3:16-23, "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
17Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
18Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
19And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
20Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
21(Touch not; taste not; handle not;
22Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
23Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh."
The above says that we should not let people judge us for not eating meat, nor drink, or not keeping the Sabbath because all those things in the Old Testament was a shadow of things to come. All those things served for a purpose until the whole truth through Jesus Christ was revealed to us.
Romans 12:1, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."
In the Old Testament the priests used to sacrifice animals, as well as other things, to God. It was the offerings at that time. Now God asks for our bodies, ourselves, as an offering to Him. To sacrifice ourselves which means to sacrifice our lives, our ambitions, everything that we wish, we like or love that is against His Will. To be holy. This kind of offering is acceptable to God.
And goes on in verse 2, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
That "not be conformed to this world" is exactly the sacrifice God asks from us.
I disagree with this because God's commandments clearly states, "Remember, to keep the Sabbath Day Holy," and that day is Saturday, not Sunday, regardless. That is the very specific day God Blessed. Has the whole world been led astray by the Roman Catholic Church? It sure does seem that way, and I'm inclined to believe that as soon as churches begin switching back to the original Sabbath Day, the Vatican will use it's power to enforce Sunday Law, because there are certain powers, or something, that is giving orders to the Vatican, and it's not God. Just look at the abominable wooden artwork in the Vatican. Is this where we are headed? What are your thoughts on this matter? I posted this comment on Facebook and it has caused all sorts of anger, rage, and hatred, in people. How can we get past this and reach the truth for all? It sure seems like the wicked are trying their hardest to mess things up for all of us. I've prayed for discernment and I know what I believe, but how can we get the whole world to believe what God wants from us?
Since God made man a living soul, the world of the Spirit is set in his direct line of vision. Jesus healed a blind man at Bethsaida. He made him look up signifying what makes man truly see which is different than looking. Leading him away out of the town holds significance. First his inner man has to be properly oriented vis-a-vis God. It is called single eye. "The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light./ But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! "(Matt.6:22-23)
Jesus 'asked him if he saw ought./And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking." It is not what he required but physical healing. Nevertheless he sees angels as trees' Finally when fully restored ' he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town." It was for him alone and in healing his blindness he was set in a correct alignment with the world of the Spirit. It was for him to get on with his life as he ought to lead.
Another occasion we have from the life of Prophet Elisha. "And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
18 And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the Lord, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.
19 And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria.
20 And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, Lord, open the eyes of these men, that they may see. "And, behold, they were in the midst of Samaria."(2 Ki.6:17-20)
As I re-read Ephesians & Romans on this subject particularly, I found myself wondering whether we actually understand the terms that Paul uses in the context of his writings. If we take a word, e.g. 'choosing' in isolation, then yes, we could easily think in terms of 'choosing someone to receive salvation'. Yet not only from the chapter itself, but by understanding the whole Counsel & Purposes of God in Salvation, this should at least alert the inquiring mind to other possibilities. And this becomes true, as you wrote, that if we incorrectly understand the message to us, then we would believe that God specifically sets aside some to receive salvation and others to be rejected. This then has great bearing on how that sin-soaked, God-rejected person stands before his Judge in that latter day ( Revelation 20:11-13), when there can actually be no accusation against him, since he was appointed to a life of sin & eternal hell simply because he behaved according to God's Will. When we try to study the matter fully, diligently searching for the answers, then a proper balanced outcome will be realized. Blessings.
God separated waters on the second day which runs into eternity. It is the river of time. Everlasting blessing as promised under the covenant from everlasting to everlasting; on the other hand there is stream of fire that ends up at the lake of fire. Blessed is the man who is planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season."(Ps.1:3)
What is the heart of man where he is in the line of vision where the cloud of witnesses stand in attendance. So when Enoch and Noah walk with God, " and he was not; for God took him." (Ge.5:24). The Spirit does not have to mention concerning their vile bodies. Dust to dust is with regards to the outer man. The inner man was represented already as an angel in the presence of the Father. There is only single measurement in the world of the Spirit, man-angel. This speaks about the body God has prepared for the Son.(2 Co.5:1-3) So when Jesus Christ comes in glory with his holy angels they are right there. "Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:/ For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:/ Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me:... Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?/And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matt.25:34-40)
Who was Lazarus? He represented Christ. Since his atonement covered him the Rich man despised him. What shall we speak of present class wars? Are we not despising Christ on the basis colour or race when we make their faith and ministry invisible?
"And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead."
There is a shroud that makes the living despise the word of God even though spoken by God. This shroud is upon the worldly and when Abraham advised the rich man he spoke as one who was the most suited to inform him. Abraham was clear eyed to tell the King of Sodom, " That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich." (Ge.14:23) Faith gave him a vision so his inner man knew where to look for his life and godliness. "By faith he sojourned in the land of promise,as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:/For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." (He.11:9-10)
The Parable sets Lazarus in the line of vision of the rich man. He is a beggar and every time he looked for guests to arrive in he might have looked but he is not seen? What kind of vision is it, if I look at my watch but do not know what hour is it? This is the kind of blindness the rich man had developed. "And the vail that is spread over all nations" is what Satan has cast since he made man fall. Like the rich fool in the parable his heart left no room for anything other than his self aggrandisement. On death the rich man is set down in a place from where he can see the same Lazarus now in bliss. What is the gulf? The river of time of course. It is unbroken from everlasting to everlasting; on the other hand there is stream of fire that ends up at the lake of fire. Daniel's night vision shows the fiery throne "And his wheels as burning fire./A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him."(Dan.7:9-10)
Everlasting fire is prepared for the devil and his angels: ( Matt. 25:41) It is thus the heart of man has to reckon both worlds.
"Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels"
In the Parable we read about holy angels and the devil and his angels. Christ shall come in his glory, there shall be a separation. "When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:/And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another." Glory has single meaning in heaven:Jesus Christ, "Who being the brightness of his glory." So those who makes his authority limited, limited Atonement, has put the axe to the very tree of life so to speak.
What is the glory of man or his treasure? "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."(Matt.6:20-21) The man travelling to the far country is Jesus Christ the Man component in the Fellowship of God with Man. He gave on five talents according to his ability and he prospered because he invested it wisely. "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.
Parable of the Sower relates the heart which man has put to useIsrael heard the word but their heart was hard that no plant could take root. So what seed was sown in their hearts," But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up."(Matt.15:13). This is like a shroud that covers man. They call it glory and Satan tried to tempt Jesus. "And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations."(Is.25:7) Jesus Christ shall destroy the works of Satan. ( 1 John 3:18). The Holy angels are the saints set apart in the world of the Spirit. Because of iniquity one third of they shall be cast down. In our steadfastness we may lose what is destined for dust, to dust. But our souls are in His safekeeping.
" For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods." (v.14)
This parable is about the man travelling to a far country. Jesus Christ ("Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:/But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men"-Ph.2:6-7). Heaven and the earth on account of sin has become so strange to one who knew no sin and did no sin. This is how Jesus Christ set about his itinerary. The everlasting covenant is about life eternal and God formed all hearts alike and tries their works. So His blessings are upon everyone. The kingdom is open for them "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."(25:34). Goats and sheep merely explain from the response of man in the world to the gospel of God.
Second aspect is the goods that God has bestowed on individual. Sin of disobedience has made the world unequal and filled with violence. Hunger penury unjust laws are all stark realities facing the weak and the young.(vv.35-39). The worldly goods are of God and each shall account for it. Charity is dispensing these goods on behalf of God as His stewards. "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."(v.40)
When we see atrocities in Gaza or in Ukraine do we blame God or sinful man who has abused his stewardship? Similarly the false shepherds who misspend the one talent, to their own prosperity? The Son "who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods./And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey." He is the Word become flesh and he shall judge