Everyone should know that all Presidents of the countries of South America are idolaters,spiritually Roman Catholics guided and dominated by the MAN Beast of Sea having 7 HEADS,10 horns,10 crowns,and a NAME of blasphemy-Re.13:1,with headsquaters in Rome,Vatican City,but linked to the Red Dragon- Revelation 12:3.In fact,also in the European Continent most Presidents are spiritually guided and dominated by the MAN Beast of sea,a Gentile Beast,and are also linked to the satanic BODY OF THE RED DRAGON- Revelation 12:3.
On the other hand,countries considered Christian that remain separate from the Man Beast of the Gentiles,but very similar religiously speaking,influenced by the religious Power of the MAN Beast of sea,for example countries like the United Kingdom, together with the United States(President Biden is Roman Catholic),and others called Eastern Christians and Orthodox Christians,all of these religious nations are linked to the BODY OF THE RED DRAGON-Re.12:3-having 7 HEADS and 10 horns, and seven crowns upon his HEADS.
In the midst of all this satanic and idolatrous mess are Israel,10 tribes in particular,which for now is NOT linked with the MAN Beast of sea,but soon Israel will be;And the believers spread across gigantic divisions,denominational and spiritual,dominated by countless doctrines,many of them even satanic,as in the churches of Asia at the beginning of the Church of the Lord,and in addition to the 7 churches in Asia,the worst of all happened in the apostate Church of Rome( 1John 2:18-19).
Isaiah 9:14-16 prophesied:
14Therefore the Lord will cut off from Israel HEAD and TAIL,branch and rush,in one Day
15The ancient and honorable,he is the head; the prophet who teaches lies,he is the TAIL
16For the leaders of these people cause them to err;and they that are led of them are destroyed
Re.12:4-And his TAIL drew the third part of the stars of heaven,and did cast them to the earth
But now,even now,from now on,all will be punished- Revelation 11:18
I work with the Word of GOD, the Word is GOD, GOD Himself, self-executing, understand? I don't and never used the Word of GOD by a half, but the whole GOD's Word.
2Peter 3:8 - What does the Word of GOD say? But, beloved, be not IGNORANT of this one thing, that one Day (GOD's Day) is with the Lord as a thousand years(a Millennium), and a thousand years(a Millennium) as one Day-(GOD's Day). Did you understand?
In fact, the names of them WHICH ARE USING the verse by a half as base for malevolente comments are SeanPaul, Spencer and Chris. IN FACT, the intention of the stealthy spirit was to throw a stumbling block, and from there develop an environment for a DEMONIC discussion, mainly with me, no surprise, the time is of the last battle as is written, but the Word is GOD, GOD Himself, understand? the Word is quick and powerful, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and is a DISCERNER of the thoughts and INTENTS of the hearts. My Lord JESUS warned(He is GOD, understand?) saying that "out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, FALSE WITNESS, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, blasphemies, understand? Matthew 15:19
Now, what matters and prevails is the Word of GOD, GOD Himself, self-executing, and as He said by His servant the Apostle Peter, i.e. the heavens(the FIRST and the SECOND HEAVENS, THE 3rd will be established from now on), and the earth(the current idolater Israel, the clay, a dry land), which are now, by the same Word are kept in store, reserved unto FIRE against this Day of Judgment(the Judgment Seat of Christ in this current Lord's Day, the seventh and last Day or seventh and last millennium) and perdition of ungodly men.
God made Adam a living soul and after his likeness meant his authority to name His creation came from Jesus Christ. "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;/ And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."(Ph.2:10-11) Here the mind of Christ fulfils the mind of his Father. So the body of saints redeemed from the earth can only fit with his head and none other. In Isaiah we read the Church is signified by seven women. "And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach./ In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent."(Is.4:1-2)
"And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him."
According to the everlasting covenant God created man 'after our image, and after our likeness' so in primary sense we are looking at man who is a living soul. There is a secondary sense where Adam stands as a double for the Man component so blessings are to come on him where soul is the linchpin for his everlasting life. God blessed man on day six, saying, " Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it:" Dominion over His creation required replenishing the earth which is purely in a physical sense. He being after 'our image' required also everything else so the upkeep of life forms left under his care. God had blessed them as well on day five so creation in the seas, air and on land (1:22) multiplied generations after generation. In short what was memorial before the throne did not end up as museum pieces. Both heaven and earth pulsated with the dynamics of the divine power and wisdom. Like begets like on earth to which the four and twenty elders and the four beasts were living testament of the glory of the Father.
Adam being after the likeness of his Son served the Law of the Spirit. The Man would be sent as the word become flesh so he served as the head for the body, a glorious tabernacle so the core value of the covenant was fully met. Fellowship of God with Man required everlasting life as concomitant with his body. This is what we hear when the Word which is God presents the new heaven and new earth. "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God."(Re.21:3)
God made Adam a living soul and after his likeness meant his authority to name came from Jesus Christ. "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,...
I do not agree with your understanding when we harmonize everything the Bible teaches regarding the Nature of Salvation, the Nature of Mankind, and the Nature of God's Justice and Judgment.
Unfortunately what you have stated puts mankind in control of salvation. And if I may paraphrase what you are saying somewhat crassly:
God has done His part and now it's up to us.
And there certainly are verses when taken in isolation that might support that view. (see my responses to Spencer and Adam)
That conclusion, however, flys in the face of many other statements God makes about the Nature of Salvation, the Nature of Mankind, and the Nature of God's Justice and Judgment.
Romans 3:10-18, Romans 9, Ezekiel 36:24-32, Eph 2:1 and many many more.
God did not write the Bible in a way that is easy to come to truth. In fact He wrote it in a way to reveal truth if we follow the principles that God lays down, but also to hide truth. 2 Timothy 3:16 and Matthew 13:10-17.
God also has a time table for revealing truth from the Bible. Romans 16:25,26 and Daniel 12:9. Christ the perfect preacher taught many things about His death and resurrection, yet His disciples did not understand until after the fact.
Most importantly we must be looking to God Himself, praying that He might open our spiritual eyes and ears as we search the Bible comparing Scripture with Scripture. This is not quick or easy business.
In Re.19 we have mention of his destruction, "And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army./ And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.(19:19-20). 'The war in heaven' consequently has consequences on earth. Michael has his counterpart in Apollyon. "And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit." (Re.9:11)
Alongside four river heads we can add four angels who are sent to quell the kings of the earth. In the vision of Zechariah they are four carpenters. (Ze.1:18-20). How do we interpret the prophesy "Therefore thus saith the Lord; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the Lord of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem." (Ze.1:11) The Spirit cues us in with "the angel of the Lord that stood among the myrtle trees," and he stands there as the risen Christ. "I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies' refer to Zion and New Jerusalem and not the old. Myrtle tree signifies resurrection. In Re.22: 1 the tree of life for example is validation of the covenant.
" He shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand."
The verse refers to the beast who shall make his entry, "And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them." (Re.11:7) The bottomless pit is distinct from the pit 'whence ye are digged'. Those names counted as born in Zion shall have a rock hewn tomb which is new. It is this newness that ties the earthy to the heavenly places. New creation is placed in new heaven and new earth. The bottomless pit is where the beast emerges from and it is to be spiritually understood.
Ps.119:89. Sovereignty of God is set which is the Law so there is no place from where one can hide. Ps.139 illustrates it. "In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also." Bottomless is diametrically opposite to the eternal word settled in heaven. It is thus outer darkness in the lexicon of the Spirit the children of disobedience are sent to.
Bottomless consequently is the natural habitat of enemies to Christ of which the beast is pre-eminent. St Paul refers to the beast as the wicked. "And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:/ Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,/ And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved." (2 The.2:8-10) The nations that perish all have their place when the saints redeemed from the earth meet Christ in his glory in mid-air.
You asked; "When these verses use the word "world", is it talking about every single person in the world?
Referring to
1 John 2:2 "And he is the propitiation for our sins: (AND NOT FOR OURS ONLY)...BUT ALSO FOR THE SINS OF THE WHOLE WORLD.
Yes David here's my understanding.
( John specifically included the Greek word holou, which means "whole, entire, all, complete.
Your second question you asked; "How does your understanding of the nature of salvation fit into Romans 3:10-18? Or Romans 9?
My understanding.
Because of Romans 3:10-18 the invitation goes out to everyone in the WHOLE world.
Just as Romans 3:20 goes out to everyone in the whole world.
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
If the Ministration of death which slew us went out to everyone then the Gospel and a drink of the living water invitation went out to everyone.
If the ministration of death that slew us doesn't goes to everyone there would be no need for the Gospel.
Paul said when the law came we died.
(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Romans 5:13.
David here's what we have in front of us and the scope of our debate.
Either God created EVERYONE, then "by the law" slew EVERYONE but only gave the ability to a few to recieve the invitation and condemn the rest to hell.
Or,, Good created everyone,
by the law, slew everyone and brought light into the world that Light, which lighteth EVERY MAN THAT COMETH INTO THE WORLD, as John 1:9 says to offer salvation to everyone.
Is God then obliged to save everyone based on this Sacrifice? The price was paid, the Gift of Salvation is now offered to all who hear, understand & believe the Gospel - all we have to do is to receive this gracious undeserved Gift of God. Some will receive it, being moved by the Spirit towards repentance, but most will have nothing to do with self-examination of their hearts & of judgement to come upon them. God opened the door for all through His Son's shed blood - the price was paid for all - BUT what good is the Gift if it be rejected & counted as something useless?
God did the Work offering them salvation - they sealed their fate by refusing His offer; yet God knowing who would refuse (or accept) Him, the Gift was still there for all to respond to & receive, that none would be without excuse and not one would not have the Sacrifice availed for them - given by the God of Love & all Merciful.
Thank you David0921 for explaining that third paragraph. I mistakenly took it the other way: that God was somehow diminished in knowledge by only seeing 'those who would not respond', failing to see those who would respond, thus entering His Kingdom. I can now see what you were writing.
Further on, you wrote, 'The Bible clearly teaches that ALL Mankind is DEAD in Trespasses and Sin. Eph 2:1 And it requires God to first "draw", and then "save" those whom He has chosen to salvation by giving them a New Heart. This is becoming Born Again. That action is entirely God's action. It is not dependent on any action or response on our part.'
That was an interesting statement, though I wondered where the conviction of sin, repentance, calling upon the Lord, and belief (saving faith) come in, in-between the 'drawing and then saving' (and to this you refer to as 'becoming born again'). Why I ask, is that there is a belief, which I don't subscribe to, that we are first saved & once we are enlightened & regenerated, now alive & not spiritually dead, we can then repent & call upon the Lord in faith.
Yes, I did state, "the merits of His Son's death availed to all". By this, I meant that Christ's Sacrifice was the necessary payment as required by the Father so that every person, who could never make payment for their sin or cleanse their guilty conscience, has now been given a clear path to God for forgiveness, having satisfied God's Wrath against us & Jesus being our Substitute by paying our penalty.
Four River heads, four angels-"River Euphrates" (2 of 2)
"And I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit./And he opened the bottomless pit." (Re.9:1-2) " Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates./ And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men./ And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them."
The fourth river is spiritually bound so it has to be cleared the way for the kings of the eat, which is the beginning of the end. "And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared."(Re.16:12).Alpha Omega aspect of Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of our faith which is derived from the Word. It is the Gospel of God that is the basis for the fellowship of God with Man and not the doctrine of men as the imposter church imposes on the unteachable.
Four river heads, four angels- "River Euphrates" (1 of 2)
Isaiah refers to the creation of man. So path to righteousness is already set where the word of God sets Adam as a double for the Man component in the everlasting covenant. The first Adam is earthy, the form of which creates a pit of sorts.Isaiah refers it to 'the hole of the pit whence ye are digged'.
"Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged." Jesus was buried in a 'new' rock hewn. tomb. Joseph was foreknown so he does as and when his service is needed, and Evangelist Matthew writes,"And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock."(Matt.27:40). Those who follow after righteousness have been called before the worlds began,- they are hewn out of the rock which marks their antecedents begin with Zion. In short realities of heaven and earth are framed by the word of God.
The inaugural vision of the risen Christ explains his Alpha Omega aspect. " I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death." (Re.1:18) so he is in control. This brings us to the great commission and he declares, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."(Matt.26:18)
Now we shall go back to the significance of the River Euphrates. Firstly who holds the key to the bottomless pit? The seven stars were shown in the vision, "The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches."(1:20). The multiples of angels in seven according to the lexicon of the Spirit indicative of the unity of the Spirit. When the Lamb breaks open a seal it has consequences on the earth. Thus the single measurement with which the holy city of God is measured becomes the standard in the Man component. He refers to Jesus Christ the Word become flesh. (Re.21:17)
Jacob after seeing the vision called the windows as the gate of heaven. "this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven."(Ge.28:17) Where shall we look for its match on the earth? "And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them." (Re.11:7). What are the two witnesses? Men or man and angel or the word of God (The idea of sending disciples 'two by two' before the face of Jesus Christ is implied here.) Of them St Paul annotates," For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way./And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming."(2 The.2:8)
This takes us to the 'pit' (introduced by Isaiah 51:1 "Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged." (To be continued)
Ge.2:14 :"And the fourth river is Euphrates." (1 of 2)
The command number Four informs us that this river is under the watch of the word of God. Of the four river heads only this river can be located precisely and it is for a purpose. Heaven and the earth are two worlds framed by the word of God so whatever of the world unseen shall have its match found on the world made to appear. In short faith and the two worlds stated in He.11:3 serves us a vital principle. We shall first state what is unseen. It is the Will of God. We have this verse, which is a match for the river Euphrates."There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High."(Ps.46:4)
We shall search for other match-ups before we proceed further. Before the creation of man we read of subterranean reservoir of water, " But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground." (Ge.2:6) When God would cause a great flood He reveals it to Noah. " behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die."(6:17) Windows of heaven work at tandem with the fountains of the deep. "the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened./ And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights."(Ge.7: 11-12) Forty days (4x10) inform us that it ordained by the word of God what framed the two worlds in the first place.
Jacob after seeing the vision called the windows as the gate of heaven. "this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven."(Ge.28:17) Where shall we look for its match on the earth? "And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them." (Re.11:7).
I also believe those verses and others like them. They are in fact from the mouth of God, Himself just as is every verse in the Bible.
But they must be understood and interpreted in the light of everything of the Bible teaches about the nature of salvation.
So, I would ask:
What does it mean to "believe"?
When these verses use the word "world", is it talking about every single person in the world? Or is it saying that God's salvation is not dependent upon what nation we come from. And that salvation is not based upon nationality in any sense.
How does your understanding of the nature of salvation fit into Romans 3:10-18? Or Romans 9?
Thank you Brother , I'm glad we cleared that up . Ive discovered it's very easy to misunderstand and to be misunderstood when communicating on the internet , so much is missed when we can't see each others facial expressions or body language and hear the tones and inflections in a voice . Words are enormously powerful so we need to choose them wisely but on the internet we are only getting a portion of the communication because the typed words are all we are getting and giving .
We seem to be in total agreement on this subject so no worries there . God bless you .
Yes Oseas, I remember that SeanPaul asked this question & I did respond, as did S. Spencer. And we gave him the Scripture, though there was a slight difference in his wording. And now you've confirmed that the "time line you posted it is LITERALLY based in 2 Peter 3:8". How should readers view that statement? If your timeline (and I have no problem with it, give or take), is based on 2 Peter 3:8, it would be logical to believe that, that is the Scripture used to support your timeline, is it not? Then if you used the first part of that verse in support, the question then is, 'what about the second part of that verse (i.e. "and a thousand years as one day")? If we take the first part of a verse, we must take the second part of it as well, because the whole matter is in the whole verse, not just a part of it.
If then 'one day is as a thousand years', then it is true that 'a thousand years is as one day'. Any use of that verse to show that a day equals a thousand years, must also show that a thousand years equals one day. This verse then cancels out your other statement, "the Scriptures that teach that one Day is with the Lord as a thousand years, so MANKIND would go through six GOD Days of 1,000 years each (a total of 6000 years)": it all gets cancelled, so that verse cannot be used to prove what you believe, rather the verse is simply an expression of the timeless eternity that God resides in & when His Hand moves, it is not based on our clocks & calendars.
I hope you can see why some of us might be perplexed in your understanding and use of this verse, & not just our responses to SeanPaul.
Proverbs 9:8 says Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Again the Berean standard says a "mocker" which seems just an appropriate a term for such an individual.
This; in short had a lot to do with my own marriage collapsing; as getting an emotional response on my part meant the other party was controlling the situation. Warning against a "narcissistic" entanglement as a purely psychological term in itself isn't a complete spiritual diagnosis but is a good warning against who NOT to enter into marriage with.
I will say that we can learn from everyone. My father has also been quite "narcissistic" as well and such stubborn tenacity and not concerning oneself with what anyone else thinks can be a helpful balance to someone who say is emotionally sensitive and always concerned about such things. Naturally; then opposites tend to attract. We can say that God will teach us things even through sinful; unregenerate man. It is easier said than done when someone is trapped in such a situation; and I'm no expert on coping with it. We can sometimes learn when old age has become advanced how those who have always been unbending and stubborn sometimes become much less so; as well as those who always had a kind disposition can go the other way once the mind starts to deteriorate. In both those examples such as my parents; we of course have to continue to look for ways to reach them for Christ.
Again; I am steadfast on this issue; specifically that no matter how bad a marriage is the scriptures make it clear that without infidelity divorce simply isn't an option; separation IS and of course is needed when personal safety or that of children or other family members is in jeopardy.
Of course a good friendship is a good start; and regaining that perhaps will salvage a relationship. Serving the Lord always has to be the number one priority and that truly is what gives women honor and men character.
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Also. 1 John 2:2.
"And he is the propitiation for our sins: (AND NOT FOR OURS ONLY)...BUT ALSO FOR THE SINS OF THE WHOLE WORLD.
I was really hoping to get some input as to church counsel and other supports of marriage. I have argued here before that whenever there is trouble in a marriage there should be a disciplinary procedure and some sort of counselling available. It may be important enough that it should be included in church membership; as to some sort of agreement following the principal in Corinthians ( 1 Cor. 6:7) specifically. Truth be told; let's be honest many Pastors themselves have marriages gone sour or are remarried (as was the case with one of my Pastors in a church that closed about 6 or 7 years ago due to lack of attendance with the older demographics; etc. I may have mentioned it here at some point; when I pressed him it apparently wasn't even infidelity but some issue with drugs or something where he felt justified for his remarriage to be "kept in line". I actually was going to attend a local church the first time where the lady that led me to the Lord along with his son back in 1982; and when I left he was having a conversation with someone asking how his divorce was going. It may be the reason the guy who was my best friend in high school didn't want to keep up communication claiming it was a good church.
My friend in the situation I mentioned has helped this other guy who has separated with things; the latest being moving a tree in his backyard that he didn't want to pay for. He has befriended this guy for years; had he and his wife live with them for a time; etc. He is praying for reconciliation. God has given him a Deacon position in his church and would there be more people like he is. Hebrews 3:12 warns us of a hardness of heart leading to unbelief. 1 Corinthians 13 shows us how love should be; and it is a nice gift to give a married couple so they can meditate on these truths. In this case as well my friend has talked with this guy's wife so that she won't be tempted to harden her heart should the Lord change this guy as is the prayer.
You say: "the merits of His Son's death availed to all"
By that I assume you mean that Christ paid the full penalty required by the Law of God for each and every sin committed by EVERY PERSON, saved or not.
If that were true then GOD must save EVERYONE since they would stand guiltless before the Law of God. And if God were to punish them again, that would be Double Jepardy. And we know that is not the case and would be a violation of God's Justice.
I personally find tremendous comfort in God's elective program. And I can pray not only for myself, but for my loved one's knowing that God is TOTALLY in control of their salvation. And that He doeth ALL things well.
No. You have not understood my third poaragraph correctly. And I quote again:
"God did not look down the corridors of time before He created the world and saw that some would respond to the gospel and some would not. What He saw is the NO ONE would respond. But despite that dismal fact, God in His Mercy chose to save some. God does not tell us how He made that choice. But He did make it crystal clear that it was not because He saw that some were more likely to respond than others or that there was anything inherent in any one of us deserving of salvation. By nature we are all in rebelion against God and will never come to Him."
God ofcourse knows all things. From eternity past to eternity future. What God knows regarding who will and who will not respond to the Gospel, or who will seek Him with their WHOLE HEART, or who will be obedient to His Law in a way that would be pleasing to Him, is summarized in Romans 3:10-18 and other similar passages. In otherwords NO ONE, let me say that again NO ONE apart from the God's sovereign mercy and action in their life will BELIEVE with saving faith which is a gift of God.
The Bible clearly teaches that ALL Mankind is DEAD in Trespasses and Sin. Eph 2:1 And it requires God to first "draw", and then "save" those whom He has chosen to salvation by giving then a New Heart, i.e. a New Resurrected Soul as we read in Ezeikiel 36:26. This is becomming Born Again. That action is entirely God's action. It is not dependent on any action or response on our part. Although it will GENERATE a significant action and response and change in our behavior and attitude toward the Law of God, the Bible. God does this through the HEARING of His Word, the Gospel, as God applies that Word to the Hearts of those whom He is saving.
God's elective program is God's business not our business. Read Romans 9 very carefully.
Why would we want to put our trust in "our action" or "our choice" for our Salvation?
There is absolutely no need for apology. We each have our own way of expressing our thoughts and our own way of putting those thoughts into writing. If I didn't catch what you were getting at, that's on me. I definitely did not mean that we should not be doing what is pleasing to the Lord, or that we should do whatever we want.
We as believers should doing what is pleasing to the Lord, but the only thing He is pleased with are the things we do while under the persuasion of His Spirit leading us to do those things. In other words, anything I do that is pleasing to Him, it is not my doing, but Him doing His work through me. If I, in my own human effort am trying to please Him, and if I believe I am succeeding in my own effort to do what is pleasing to Him, then I have something to boast of. If it's me in the flesh (human effort) doing the work, how can I possibly give all the glory to the Lord?
That's why I say to stop trying. If I apply that to myself, it means that I stop trying in (my own effort) to do what is pleasing to Him and surrender and submit to His Spirit persuading me to do what is right in His eyes. Again, it is His Spirit in me doing the work through me, nothing I'm doing apart from Him. That way, He gets all the glory!
You said, "as you are human, you will fail sometimes, and this is where the sacrifice of our Sinless Redeemer comes in."
I say amen to that! We all fail sometimes; I know I do. But that's the whole point I was trying to make. We will never reach a state of sinless perfection as long as we are in this body of flesh. But when we do fail (commit a single act of sin), we have an advocate with the Father, Christ Jesus. All our sins are covered by His blood, past, present, and future!
Jaz, it's been very nice talking to you. I don't think we have been in any discussions before. May the Lord continue to lead and guide and bless you in all your ways. And may He continue to give you a never-ending hunger for His word.
I agree that many women find that section of Scripture difficult in today's social environment.
It was not hard for me because I believed that God's ways are better than when the world touts as far as what is expected of married women and where we get our "power" from-not ourselves or from "doing it all" or "pursuing my career" or having a 50/50 sharing of home responsibilities.
But I see the so much tension in marriages now with people being guarded as to possibly being 'taken advantage of" or being "taken for granted" or being "put upon" in ways that are impossible to satisfy. This distrust between spouses is a very serious matter and ruins many marriages.
And with the economy as it is, it is so difficult for women to stay home with their children and be able to pay all the bills for necessary expenses. And I know many young women who do not want to stay home with their children because they love their job so much or the comrades at work are too important to leave. So sad that t comes down to that for some.
Anyway, just thought I would chime in. Hope you are doing ok with your parents.
Thanks for the answer. Perhaps it was those scriptures which you mentioned that Nicodemus had to bring in mind. Or perhaps Jesus tried to make him understand that although he was a master of Israel he couldn't have known those things. Because later He said, "12.If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? 13.And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven." In that way Jesus impled that He Himself was/is in heaven and came down to earth to teach people, He wasn't just an other teacher of the Hebrew Law. Anyway. Thanks. GBU
Not sure if you are a man or woman; not that I need to know; it is hard of course as it was for my ex to listen to scriptures on women being submissive; etc.
I have stated before that counseling in churches before marriage is helpful but may be hard to find; I would think it would be more common in the Reformed church; or OPC where I got my counselling after separating from my wife (something I should have done a lot sooner). "Irreconcilable differences" I suppose was the wording in my divorce papers. In terms of "communication issues" it has been said that is a lame term; probably in part because there is enough yelling that the point should get across from either party in such matters but no one really has a heart to listen.
Of course we all need to consider Jeremiah 17:9 on the state of the heart. Also; of course the concept of a church being a family of sorts was something I am partially responsible for messing up as shortly after we were married we moved away from her home town and stopped being involved in church. Her support system was something that was never fully restored when we moved back again to Pittsburgh but I also was noncommittal and too wrapped up on eschatological issues since they were rather adamantly Post-Mil. As an immature believer at that time I made a lot of mistakes; so I do thank God that now I am able to have been more involved with evangelism; and made a true commitment as a church member; etc.
The fact is; with her working with this guy for nearly 12 years before the "crap hit the fan" or I finally became aware of her infidelity what happened may have been inevitable. Also in eternity it is worth following the Lord now and any sacrifices that need to be made. Overall; I have stated on this site at least one time if not more that there is a blessing to the covenant of marriage and on the flipside; I believe divorce started family decay which has led to the abyssmal state of society overall today.
On the other hand,countries considered Christian that remain separate from the Man Beast of the Gentiles,but very similar religiously speaking,influenced by the religious Power of the MAN Beast of sea,for example countries like the United Kingdom, together with the United States(President Biden is Roman Catholic),and others called Eastern Christians and Orthodox Christians,all of these religious nations are linked to the BODY OF THE RED DRAGON-Re.12:3-having 7 HEADS and 10 horns, and seven crowns upon his HEADS.
In the midst of all this satanic and idolatrous mess are Israel,10 tribes in particular,which for now is NOT linked with the MAN Beast of sea,but soon Israel will be;And the believers spread across gigantic divisions,denominational and spiritual,dominated by countless doctrines,many of them even satanic,as in the churches of Asia at the beginning of the Church of the Lord,and in addition to the 7 churches in Asia,the worst of all happened in the apostate Church of Rome( 1John 2:18-19).
Isaiah 9:14-16 prophesied:
14Therefore the Lord will cut off from Israel HEAD and TAIL,branch and rush,in one Day
15The ancient and honorable,he is the head; the prophet who teaches lies,he is the TAIL
16For the leaders of these people cause them to err;and they that are led of them are destroyed
Re.12:4-And his TAIL drew the third part of the stars of heaven,and did cast them to the earth
But now,even now,from now on,all will be punished- Revelation 11:18
Get ready
2Peter 3:8 - What does the Word of GOD say? But, beloved, be not IGNORANT of this one thing, that one Day (GOD's Day) is with the Lord as a thousand years(a Millennium), and a thousand years(a Millennium) as one Day-(GOD's Day). Did you understand?
In fact, the names of them WHICH ARE USING the verse by a half as base for malevolente comments are SeanPaul, Spencer and Chris. IN FACT, the intention of the stealthy spirit was to throw a stumbling block, and from there develop an environment for a DEMONIC discussion, mainly with me, no surprise, the time is of the last battle as is written, but the Word is GOD, GOD Himself, understand? the Word is quick and powerful, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and is a DISCERNER of the thoughts and INTENTS of the hearts. My Lord JESUS warned(He is GOD, understand?) saying that "out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, FALSE WITNESS, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, blasphemies, understand? Matthew 15:19
Now, what matters and prevails is the Word of GOD, GOD Himself, self-executing, and as He said by His servant the Apostle Peter, i.e. the heavens(the FIRST and the SECOND HEAVENS, THE 3rd will be established from now on), and the earth(the current idolater Israel, the clay, a dry land), which are now, by the same Word are kept in store, reserved unto FIRE against this Day of Judgment(the Judgment Seat of Christ in this current Lord's Day, the seventh and last Day or seventh and last millennium) and perdition of ungodly men.
Be careful or else get ready
God made Adam a living soul and after his likeness meant his authority to name His creation came from Jesus Christ. "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;/ And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."(Ph.2:10-11) Here the mind of Christ fulfils the mind of his Father. So the body of saints redeemed from the earth can only fit with his head and none other. In Isaiah we read the Church is signified by seven women. "And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach./ In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent."(Is.4:1-2)
"In that day" refers to the day of regeneration.
"And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him."
According to the everlasting covenant God created man 'after our image, and after our likeness' so in primary sense we are looking at man who is a living soul. There is a secondary sense where Adam stands as a double for the Man component so blessings are to come on him where soul is the linchpin for his everlasting life. God blessed man on day six, saying, " Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it:" Dominion over His creation required replenishing the earth which is purely in a physical sense. He being after 'our image' required also everything else so the upkeep of life forms left under his care. God had blessed them as well on day five so creation in the seas, air and on land (1:22) multiplied generations after generation. In short what was memorial before the throne did not end up as museum pieces. Both heaven and earth pulsated with the dynamics of the divine power and wisdom. Like begets like on earth to which the four and twenty elders and the four beasts were living testament of the glory of the Father.
Adam being after the likeness of his Son served the Law of the Spirit. The Man would be sent as the word become flesh so he served as the head for the body, a glorious tabernacle so the core value of the covenant was fully met. Fellowship of God with Man required everlasting life as concomitant with his body. This is what we hear when the Word which is God presents the new heaven and new earth. "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God."(Re.21:3)
God made Adam a living soul and after his likeness meant his authority to name came from Jesus Christ. "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,...
I do not agree with your understanding when we harmonize everything the Bible teaches regarding the Nature of Salvation, the Nature of Mankind, and the Nature of God's Justice and Judgment.
2 Timothy 3:16
1 Corinthians 2:12-16
Please see my last response to Chris.
Unfortunately what you have stated puts mankind in control of salvation. And if I may paraphrase what you are saying somewhat crassly:
God has done His part and now it's up to us.
And there certainly are verses when taken in isolation that might support that view. (see my responses to Spencer and Adam)
That conclusion, however, flys in the face of many other statements God makes about the Nature of Salvation, the Nature of Mankind, and the Nature of God's Justice and Judgment.
Romans 3:10-18, Romans 9, Ezekiel 36:24-32, Eph 2:1 and many many more.
God did not write the Bible in a way that is easy to come to truth. In fact He wrote it in a way to reveal truth if we follow the principles that God lays down, but also to hide truth. 2 Timothy 3:16 and Matthew 13:10-17.
God also has a time table for revealing truth from the Bible. Romans 16:25,26 and Daniel 12:9. Christ the perfect preacher taught many things about His death and resurrection, yet His disciples did not understand until after the fact.
Most importantly we must be looking to God Himself, praying that He might open our spiritual eyes and ears as we search the Bible comparing Scripture with Scripture. This is not quick or easy business.
In Re.19 we have mention of his destruction, "And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army./ And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.(19:19-20). 'The war in heaven' consequently has consequences on earth. Michael has his counterpart in Apollyon. "And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit." (Re.9:11)
Alongside four river heads we can add four angels who are sent to quell the kings of the earth. In the vision of Zechariah they are four carpenters. (Ze.1:18-20). How do we interpret the prophesy "Therefore thus saith the Lord; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the Lord of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem." (Ze.1:11) The Spirit cues us in with "the angel of the Lord that stood among the myrtle trees," and he stands there as the risen Christ. "I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies' refer to Zion and New Jerusalem and not the old. Myrtle tree signifies resurrection. In Re.22: 1 the tree of life for example is validation of the covenant.
" He shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand."
The verse refers to the beast who shall make his entry, "And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them." (Re.11:7) The bottomless pit is distinct from the pit 'whence ye are digged'. Those names counted as born in Zion shall have a rock hewn tomb which is new. It is this newness that ties the earthy to the heavenly places. New creation is placed in new heaven and new earth. The bottomless pit is where the beast emerges from and it is to be spiritually understood.
Ps.119:89. Sovereignty of God is set which is the Law so there is no place from where one can hide. Ps.139 illustrates it. "In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also." Bottomless is diametrically opposite to the eternal word settled in heaven. It is thus outer darkness in the lexicon of the Spirit the children of disobedience are sent to.
Bottomless consequently is the natural habitat of enemies to Christ of which the beast is pre-eminent. St Paul refers to the beast as the wicked. "And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:/ Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,/ And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved." (2 The.2:8-10) The nations that perish all have their place when the saints redeemed from the earth meet Christ in his glory in mid-air.
You asked; "When these verses use the word "world", is it talking about every single person in the world?
Referring to
1 John 2:2 "And he is the propitiation for our sins: (AND NOT FOR OURS ONLY)...BUT ALSO FOR THE SINS OF THE WHOLE WORLD.
Yes David here's my understanding.
( John specifically included the Greek word holou, which means "whole, entire, all, complete.
Your second question you asked; "How does your understanding of the nature of salvation fit into Romans 3:10-18? Or Romans 9?
My understanding.
Because of Romans 3:10-18 the invitation goes out to everyone in the WHOLE world.
Just as Romans 3:20 goes out to everyone in the whole world.
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
If the Ministration of death which slew us went out to everyone then the Gospel and a drink of the living water invitation went out to everyone.
If the ministration of death that slew us doesn't goes to everyone there would be no need for the Gospel.
Paul said when the law came we died.
(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Romans 5:13.
David here's what we have in front of us and the scope of our debate.
Either God created EVERYONE, then "by the law" slew EVERYONE but only gave the ability to a few to recieve the invitation and condemn the rest to hell.
Or,, Good created everyone,
by the law, slew everyone and brought light into the world that Light, which lighteth EVERY MAN THAT COMETH INTO THE WORLD, as John 1:9 says to offer salvation to everyone.
Which do you believe?
Is God then obliged to save everyone based on this Sacrifice? The price was paid, the Gift of Salvation is now offered to all who hear, understand & believe the Gospel - all we have to do is to receive this gracious undeserved Gift of God. Some will receive it, being moved by the Spirit towards repentance, but most will have nothing to do with self-examination of their hearts & of judgement to come upon them. God opened the door for all through His Son's shed blood - the price was paid for all - BUT what good is the Gift if it be rejected & counted as something useless?
God did the Work offering them salvation - they sealed their fate by refusing His offer; yet God knowing who would refuse (or accept) Him, the Gift was still there for all to respond to & receive, that none would be without excuse and not one would not have the Sacrifice availed for them - given by the God of Love & all Merciful.
Thank you David0921 for explaining that third paragraph. I mistakenly took it the other way: that God was somehow diminished in knowledge by only seeing 'those who would not respond', failing to see those who would respond, thus entering His Kingdom. I can now see what you were writing.
Further on, you wrote, 'The Bible clearly teaches that ALL Mankind is DEAD in Trespasses and Sin. Eph 2:1 And it requires God to first "draw", and then "save" those whom He has chosen to salvation by giving them a New Heart. This is becoming Born Again. That action is entirely God's action. It is not dependent on any action or response on our part.'
That was an interesting statement, though I wondered where the conviction of sin, repentance, calling upon the Lord, and belief (saving faith) come in, in-between the 'drawing and then saving' (and to this you refer to as 'becoming born again'). Why I ask, is that there is a belief, which I don't subscribe to, that we are first saved & once we are enlightened & regenerated, now alive & not spiritually dead, we can then repent & call upon the Lord in faith.
Yes, I did state, "the merits of His Son's death availed to all". By this, I meant that Christ's Sacrifice was the necessary payment as required by the Father so that every person, who could never make payment for their sin or cleanse their guilty conscience, has now been given a clear path to God for forgiveness, having satisfied God's Wrath against us & Jesus being our Substitute by paying our penalty.
"And I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit./And he opened the bottomless pit." (Re.9:1-2) " Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates./ And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men./ And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them."
The fourth river is spiritually bound so it has to be cleared the way for the kings of the eat, which is the beginning of the end. "And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared."(Re.16:12).Alpha Omega aspect of Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of our faith which is derived from the Word. It is the Gospel of God that is the basis for the fellowship of God with Man and not the doctrine of men as the imposter church imposes on the unteachable.
Isaiah refers to the creation of man. So path to righteousness is already set where the word of God sets Adam as a double for the Man component in the everlasting covenant. The first Adam is earthy, the form of which creates a pit of sorts.Isaiah refers it to 'the hole of the pit whence ye are digged'.
"Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged." Jesus was buried in a 'new' rock hewn. tomb. Joseph was foreknown so he does as and when his service is needed, and Evangelist Matthew writes,"And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock."(Matt.27:40). Those who follow after righteousness have been called before the worlds began,- they are hewn out of the rock which marks their antecedents begin with Zion. In short realities of heaven and earth are framed by the word of God.
The inaugural vision of the risen Christ explains his Alpha Omega aspect. " I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death." (Re.1:18) so he is in control. This brings us to the great commission and he declares, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."(Matt.26:18)
Now we shall go back to the significance of the River Euphrates. Firstly who holds the key to the bottomless pit? The seven stars were shown in the vision, "The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches."(1:20). The multiples of angels in seven according to the lexicon of the Spirit indicative of the unity of the Spirit. When the Lamb breaks open a seal it has consequences on the earth. Thus the single measurement with which the holy city of God is measured becomes the standard in the Man component. He refers to Jesus Christ the Word become flesh. (Re.21:17)
Jacob after seeing the vision called the windows as the gate of heaven. "this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven."(Ge.28:17) Where shall we look for its match on the earth? "And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them." (Re.11:7). What are the two witnesses? Men or man and angel or the word of God (The idea of sending disciples 'two by two' before the face of Jesus Christ is implied here.) Of them St Paul annotates," For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way./And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming."(2 The.2:8)
This takes us to the 'pit' (introduced by Isaiah 51:1 "Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged." (To be continued)
The command number Four informs us that this river is under the watch of the word of God. Of the four river heads only this river can be located precisely and it is for a purpose. Heaven and the earth are two worlds framed by the word of God so whatever of the world unseen shall have its match found on the world made to appear. In short faith and the two worlds stated in He.11:3 serves us a vital principle. We shall first state what is unseen. It is the Will of God. We have this verse, which is a match for the river Euphrates."There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High."(Ps.46:4)
We shall search for other match-ups before we proceed further. Before the creation of man we read of subterranean reservoir of water, " But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground." (Ge.2:6) When God would cause a great flood He reveals it to Noah. " behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die."(6:17) Windows of heaven work at tandem with the fountains of the deep. "the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened./ And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights."(Ge.7: 11-12) Forty days (4x10) inform us that it ordained by the word of God what framed the two worlds in the first place.
Jacob after seeing the vision called the windows as the gate of heaven. "this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven."(Ge.28:17) Where shall we look for its match on the earth? "And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them." (Re.11:7).
Thank you for responding.
I also believe those verses and others like them. They are in fact from the mouth of God, Himself just as is every verse in the Bible.
But they must be understood and interpreted in the light of everything of the Bible teaches about the nature of salvation.
So, I would ask:
What does it mean to "believe"?
When these verses use the word "world", is it talking about every single person in the world? Or is it saying that God's salvation is not dependent upon what nation we come from. And that salvation is not based upon nationality in any sense.
How does your understanding of the nature of salvation fit into Romans 3:10-18? Or Romans 9?
We seem to be in total agreement on this subject so no worries there . God bless you .
If then 'one day is as a thousand years', then it is true that 'a thousand years is as one day'. Any use of that verse to show that a day equals a thousand years, must also show that a thousand years equals one day. This verse then cancels out your other statement, "the Scriptures that teach that one Day is with the Lord as a thousand years, so MANKIND would go through six GOD Days of 1,000 years each (a total of 6000 years)": it all gets cancelled, so that verse cannot be used to prove what you believe, rather the verse is simply an expression of the timeless eternity that God resides in & when His Hand moves, it is not based on our clocks & calendars.
I hope you can see why some of us might be perplexed in your understanding and use of this verse, & not just our responses to SeanPaul.
This; in short had a lot to do with my own marriage collapsing; as getting an emotional response on my part meant the other party was controlling the situation. Warning against a "narcissistic" entanglement as a purely psychological term in itself isn't a complete spiritual diagnosis but is a good warning against who NOT to enter into marriage with.
I will say that we can learn from everyone. My father has also been quite "narcissistic" as well and such stubborn tenacity and not concerning oneself with what anyone else thinks can be a helpful balance to someone who say is emotionally sensitive and always concerned about such things. Naturally; then opposites tend to attract. We can say that God will teach us things even through sinful; unregenerate man. It is easier said than done when someone is trapped in such a situation; and I'm no expert on coping with it. We can sometimes learn when old age has become advanced how those who have always been unbending and stubborn sometimes become much less so; as well as those who always had a kind disposition can go the other way once the mind starts to deteriorate. In both those examples such as my parents; we of course have to continue to look for ways to reach them for Christ.
Again; I am steadfast on this issue; specifically that no matter how bad a marriage is the scriptures make it clear that without infidelity divorce simply isn't an option; separation IS and of course is needed when personal safety or that of children or other family members is in jeopardy.
Of course a good friendship is a good start; and regaining that perhaps will salvage a relationship. Serving the Lord always has to be the number one priority and that truly is what gives women honor and men character.
Here's what I believe.
John 3:15-18.
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Also. 1 John 2:2.
"And he is the propitiation for our sins: (AND NOT FOR OURS ONLY)...BUT ALSO FOR THE SINS OF THE WHOLE WORLD.
God bless
God bless
My friend in the situation I mentioned has helped this other guy who has separated with things; the latest being moving a tree in his backyard that he didn't want to pay for. He has befriended this guy for years; had he and his wife live with them for a time; etc. He is praying for reconciliation. God has given him a Deacon position in his church and would there be more people like he is. Hebrews 3:12 warns us of a hardness of heart leading to unbelief. 1 Corinthians 13 shows us how love should be; and it is a nice gift to give a married couple so they can meditate on these truths. In this case as well my friend has talked with this guy's wife so that she won't be tempted to harden her heart should the Lord change this guy as is the prayer.
You say: "the merits of His Son's death availed to all"
By that I assume you mean that Christ paid the full penalty required by the Law of God for each and every sin committed by EVERY PERSON, saved or not.
If that were true then GOD must save EVERYONE since they would stand guiltless before the Law of God. And if God were to punish them again, that would be Double Jepardy. And we know that is not the case and would be a violation of God's Justice.
I personally find tremendous comfort in God's elective program. And I can pray not only for myself, but for my loved one's knowing that God is TOTALLY in control of their salvation. And that He doeth ALL things well.
No. You have not understood my third poaragraph correctly. And I quote again:
"God did not look down the corridors of time before He created the world and saw that some would respond to the gospel and some would not. What He saw is the NO ONE would respond. But despite that dismal fact, God in His Mercy chose to save some. God does not tell us how He made that choice. But He did make it crystal clear that it was not because He saw that some were more likely to respond than others or that there was anything inherent in any one of us deserving of salvation. By nature we are all in rebelion against God and will never come to Him."
God ofcourse knows all things. From eternity past to eternity future. What God knows regarding who will and who will not respond to the Gospel, or who will seek Him with their WHOLE HEART, or who will be obedient to His Law in a way that would be pleasing to Him, is summarized in Romans 3:10-18 and other similar passages. In otherwords NO ONE, let me say that again NO ONE apart from the God's sovereign mercy and action in their life will BELIEVE with saving faith which is a gift of God.
The Bible clearly teaches that ALL Mankind is DEAD in Trespasses and Sin. Eph 2:1 And it requires God to first "draw", and then "save" those whom He has chosen to salvation by giving then a New Heart, i.e. a New Resurrected Soul as we read in Ezeikiel 36:26. This is becomming Born Again. That action is entirely God's action. It is not dependent on any action or response on our part. Although it will GENERATE a significant action and response and change in our behavior and attitude toward the Law of God, the Bible. God does this through the HEARING of His Word, the Gospel, as God applies that Word to the Hearts of those whom He is saving.
God's elective program is God's business not our business. Read Romans 9 very carefully.
Why would we want to put our trust in "our action" or "our choice" for our Salvation?
There is absolutely no need for apology. We each have our own way of expressing our thoughts and our own way of putting those thoughts into writing. If I didn't catch what you were getting at, that's on me. I definitely did not mean that we should not be doing what is pleasing to the Lord, or that we should do whatever we want.
We as believers should doing what is pleasing to the Lord, but the only thing He is pleased with are the things we do while under the persuasion of His Spirit leading us to do those things. In other words, anything I do that is pleasing to Him, it is not my doing, but Him doing His work through me. If I, in my own human effort am trying to please Him, and if I believe I am succeeding in my own effort to do what is pleasing to Him, then I have something to boast of. If it's me in the flesh (human effort) doing the work, how can I possibly give all the glory to the Lord?
That's why I say to stop trying. If I apply that to myself, it means that I stop trying in (my own effort) to do what is pleasing to Him and surrender and submit to His Spirit persuading me to do what is right in His eyes. Again, it is His Spirit in me doing the work through me, nothing I'm doing apart from Him. That way, He gets all the glory!
You said, "as you are human, you will fail sometimes, and this is where the sacrifice of our Sinless Redeemer comes in."
I say amen to that! We all fail sometimes; I know I do. But that's the whole point I was trying to make. We will never reach a state of sinless perfection as long as we are in this body of flesh. But when we do fail (commit a single act of sin), we have an advocate with the Father, Christ Jesus. All our sins are covered by His blood, past, present, and future!
Jaz, it's been very nice talking to you. I don't think we have been in any discussions before. May the Lord continue to lead and guide and bless you in all your ways. And may He continue to give you a never-ending hunger for His word.
God Bless!!!
I agree that many women find that section of Scripture difficult in today's social environment.
It was not hard for me because I believed that God's ways are better than when the world touts as far as what is expected of married women and where we get our "power" from-not ourselves or from "doing it all" or "pursuing my career" or having a 50/50 sharing of home responsibilities.
But I see the so much tension in marriages now with people being guarded as to possibly being 'taken advantage of" or being "taken for granted" or being "put upon" in ways that are impossible to satisfy. This distrust between spouses is a very serious matter and ruins many marriages.
And with the economy as it is, it is so difficult for women to stay home with their children and be able to pay all the bills for necessary expenses. And I know many young women who do not want to stay home with their children because they love their job so much or the comrades at work are too important to leave. So sad that t comes down to that for some.
Anyway, just thought I would chime in. Hope you are doing ok with your parents.
Thanks for the answer. Perhaps it was those scriptures which you mentioned that Nicodemus had to bring in mind. Or perhaps Jesus tried to make him understand that although he was a master of Israel he couldn't have known those things. Because later He said, "12.If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? 13.And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven." In that way Jesus impled that He Himself was/is in heaven and came down to earth to teach people, He wasn't just an other teacher of the Hebrew Law. Anyway. Thanks. GBU
I have stated before that counseling in churches before marriage is helpful but may be hard to find; I would think it would be more common in the Reformed church; or OPC where I got my counselling after separating from my wife (something I should have done a lot sooner). "Irreconcilable differences" I suppose was the wording in my divorce papers. In terms of "communication issues" it has been said that is a lame term; probably in part because there is enough yelling that the point should get across from either party in such matters but no one really has a heart to listen.
Of course we all need to consider Jeremiah 17:9 on the state of the heart. Also; of course the concept of a church being a family of sorts was something I am partially responsible for messing up as shortly after we were married we moved away from her home town and stopped being involved in church. Her support system was something that was never fully restored when we moved back again to Pittsburgh but I also was noncommittal and too wrapped up on eschatological issues since they were rather adamantly Post-Mil. As an immature believer at that time I made a lot of mistakes; so I do thank God that now I am able to have been more involved with evangelism; and made a true commitment as a church member; etc.
The fact is; with her working with this guy for nearly 12 years before the "crap hit the fan" or I finally became aware of her infidelity what happened may have been inevitable. Also in eternity it is worth following the Lord now and any sacrifices that need to be made. Overall; I have stated on this site at least one time if not more that there is a blessing to the covenant of marriage and on the flipside; I believe divorce started family decay which has led to the abyssmal state of society overall today.
Agape. Rich P