Do we really ever reach a stage that we become "dead to sin", in other words a sinless state? Paul suggests us to consider ourselves dead to sin that is strive not to be controlled/influenced by it, but has anybody ever succeeded to become sinless?
The burden of the word of the Lord in the land of Hadrach, and Damascus shall be the rest thereof: when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, shall be toward the Lord.
According to Isaiah 17:1 Damascus shall become a ruinous heap. There will be a highway; nonetheless in the last days according to Isaiah 19:23 there will be a highway from Assyria into Egypt which encompasses part of Syria; Turkey; and a couple other nations. Isaiah 17:3 states the rest of Syria will be as the glory of Israel. No doubt there will finally be peace among the survivors of the surronding nations.
The destruction of Tyre is also mentioned in Ezekiel 26 and 27 (along with the prince of Tyre and king of Tyre in chapter 28 signifying a human and Lucifer controlling things behind the scenes with his history). This prophecy was partly fulfilled; as to some of the details which I won't elaborate on here.
The same could be said for the Philistines and others mentioned in verses 5 through 7; verse 8 shows the Lord's conquering and control in the future.
Verse 9 is a direct prophecy of Christ riding on a donkey during Palm Sunday and signifies hi eventual rule on earth. His dominion from sea to sea is also in Psalm 72:8 and was a popular hymn of Sir Arthur Sullivan as seen in verse 10.
The rest of the chapter talks about prisoners being brought forth; interestingly it mentions the "blood of the covenant" in verse 11. That shows the King of Kings here but apparently can refer to the earlier promises from the Abrahamic covenant. We see the final blessings here in the last verse for the whole earth; and God's majesty in deliverance of prisioners and over all the enemies of the land. Verse 13 mentions the sons of Greece which certainly had some fulfillment in the book of Maccabees but could indicate some areas near where Antichrist rules from as being conquered with prisoners set free also.
I wouldn't use terms like "true saving faith". Words including the term "true", like "truly saved people" can mislead people into false beliefs. I would say an "active faith". Faith exists in reborn christians but it has to produce results, like fruit, like works...Is it possible for a christian to not have an active faith? Well in the parable of the Sower the 3rd case is an example. If a reborn person stops following Jesus and directs themselves towards other things even if those things may not be sinful but may get us out of our christian path, then their faith becomes inactive. Why do people direct themselves towards other things? People often say ,"a person follows his heart", that is what he loves best where his heart and treasure is. Then the light in our lamp is in danger of going off.
Thunderings and Lightenings go together. The Word became flesh and we beheld his glory. John would attest its glory in terms of grace. "And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.". Grace and truth came along with it so in our example we live by the true Light. When Jesus prayed, "Sanctify them" (the disciples and the believers at large) this word is truth and the light we see through his light.
Lightening is the judgment aspect of the word. Lightening as Elijah brought down from heaven.
Jesus spoke of it in the discourse of end times. " For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be./ For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together."(Matt.24:27-28)
East is with reference to Eden and in the Genesis account (2:10) the Garden of Eden was watered by the river indicating that God blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Christ. With the fall of man he was expelled and he moved farther from the east. Also after the great deluge the nations did not return where they come from but as the Spirit tells us, "And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east,"(Ge.11:2) Somewhat like the tower of Babel the fools would to plant colonies in Mars without having a clue to the mess they have made on the earth.
The brambles in the fable of Jotham has cast a shadow and when we see flames coming out of it we need keep our faith firm.
And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
The Throne is the embodiment of God with His glory surround. When the Psalm declares it he says,"There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard."(Ps.19:3). This voice has a direct impact on the manner the earth shall form eventually and it is what thundering does. "The voice of the Lord is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the Lord is upon many waters."(Ps.29:3) The Spirit of God moving upon the many waters has many agencies to which the command number Seven attest. As a memorial seven lamps of fire burning before the throne see to the successful conclusion of the Salvation Plan of God. Worthy was the Lamb to open the book with seven seals. He is shown in his power and wisdom. "And, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been cranny that nothing escapes from the gospel proclaimed. The Spirit while working upon the face of the waters set up a word-wide web which we see in operation. slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth." (5:6) His power and wisdom are directed to every nook and cranny that nothing escapes from the gospel proclaimed. The Spirit while working upon the face of the waters set up a word-wide web which we see in operation.
:"(Ps.29:7-9a) Even in our times we see the very same voice dividing the flames of fire. If the wildfires in Canada affect the US and move across the Atlantic to Europe and send heatwaves in its wake we are seeing the effect of His voice in action, "Yea, the Lord sitteth King for ever." (Ps.29:10)
Now we have this angel, ,"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,/ Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." Of the everlasting gospel we accounted Three and half years. So this work in heaven concerns the risen Christ. The angel warns "For the hour of his judgment is come.' The great silence before the seventh seal explains this. The command number Four is assigned to the proclamation of the Gospel. Gospel is one whether under heaven or in heaven. Four Synoptic gospels establish Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world.
The angel commands, "Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not."(10:4) Compare with the angel in the following chapter and it is also with regards to to time scale. "And the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein/ But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months."(11:1-2)
Time, times and an half is from POV of the Gospel and 42 months is like a reverse shot, to use a term from cinematography.
I agree with you on some very excellent points. In particular you stated: "it is also an active response from the heart of a person who truly desires to accept Christ as Savior"
It's all about us being Active! Many "modern day christians" will disagree and say they have to do nothing, it's all on Christ. It's simple, if we don't respond to Christ and take action that he commands- we don't get our salvation!
There are many actions we are required to take after we accept Jesus as our saviour, like
Picking up our cross, thats a daily action.
Repenting from sin, a daily action.
Turning our backs on the world, a daily action.
Showing love and serving our fellow man, a daily action.
Praying is a daily action.
Following God's/Jesus Commandments, a daily action.
I could go on, but it's easy to see that if we accept Christ as our saviour and we have the Holy Spirit we will be very busy serving Him.
On the other hand, if we say we are saved and living worldly lives, we are only fooling ourselves. 1John 2:15
"And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God."
Here our approach would be to examine the details that have bearing on the Gospel as proclaimed to which the thundering is a loaded word, and voices associated have bearing on our understanding of the shape of things to come. In the following passage a mighty angel hands over a little book to John, "And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices./ And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not."(Re.10:1-4)
The earthly ministry of Jesus has been completed. These are not to be written down. So the everlasting gospel originates from the throne of God. It is what we read in this verse, " For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven."(Ps.119:89) John's Gospel also refers to it. In the beginning was the Word and it is he who is qualified as another mighty angel. Setting his foot upon the sea and his other foot on the land is not simple as it sound. His authority over the beast and his anti-christ prefigures here. He roars like a lion, as the lion of Judah. "behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof." The little book open in the passage (Ch.10) therefore establishes the connection between the Lamb and his 'angel'. The little detail of the Spirits of God in the key verse and 'a rainbow upon his head' reinforces this link with this line, 'And there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald."(Re.4:3)
Re.10:11 "And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings."
John 17:22 And the GLORY that thou GAVEST me, I HAVE GIVEN THEM, that as WE ARE ONE, that THEY MAY BE ONE in us.
Jesus, through prayer, was expounding to his disciples and to us, what was going to happen by his death and HIS RESURRECTION
By HIS RESURRECTION all things became NEW, he is the fulfillment of Mosses and the prophets;
Creation became a JOIN-HEIR with Christ.
A marriage occurred at his RESURRECTION, Jesus became THE LIFE of all men, all men became the BODY of Christ.
We are just the BODY, CHRIST IS THE LIFE, our body has the FAITH of JESUS CHRIST, our BODY does the WORKS of JESUS CHRIST, we have no faith other than the faith of Jesus Christ, we have no works other than the WORKS of Jesus Christ.
OUR body is DEAD with JESUS CHRIST.
John 16:8 And when he is come (the second coming of CHRIST; IN YOU, his body) he will reprove the world of SIN.
John 16:8 Of SIN, because they BELIEVE NOT my words.
YOU died on the cross, how can you repent of your sins, they are COVERED by the blood of Christ, YOU REPENT of your BELIEFS, because the carnal mind is enmity (in direct rebellion) to what GOD SAYS.
Creation DIED with CHRIST on his CROSS, ONLY the BODY of CHRIST arose, we are JOINT-HEIRS of IMMORTALITY.
1 Timothy 6:16 ..... Christ ONLY hath IMMORTALITY .....
We are the BODY, Christ is THE LIFE.
The wages of SIN (unbelief) is DEATH, the absence of LIFE ----- let the dead bury their dead -----
Anti-christ i(and there are many) is opposition to TRUTH; Christ the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE.
"And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city"
Here the Spirit instructs us how the city of God shall be measured. "The angel speaking with St John had a golden reed. This measurement is uniform for both worlds of the Spirit and the earth. "According to the measure of Christ so the Gospel of God is same as that of Gospel of Christ. The length of 12x1000 refers to the gospel work so we are not looking at the day appointed for the Son but 'now is the day of our salvation.' It is 120. This basic unit of 120 days we already mentioned in the post Blood of the Lamb.( Ge.6:3)
"And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years." 12x10 refers to the Son of man who reconciled both heaven and the earth and St Paul speaks of Jesus Christ who holds them both (Col.1:16) Thus his atoning work brought us under a single scale and 120x100 speaks the entire day decreed for the Son. Both length breadth and height of it are equal. Every saint redeemed from the earth has thus a certain volume in which both worlds of the Spirit and the earth are represented.
The golden reed represents faith. Faith is one as gospel is. ("One Lord, one faith, one baptism"- Ep.4.5)
This is set on a mountain, curiously enough the Spirit sets Ezekiel in his vision under almost identical circumstance. ."(Ez.40:2-3) Notice the significance of line of flax in his hand? The angel is none other than a fellow servant even as John whose measuring reed is mentioned specifically stated. We see in these two same distinction between the vision where Ezekiel as with Daniel represents the nation of Israel. Both mountain serving as a backdrop establishes Zion as intended, as His holy habitation.
The Spirit lays emphasis Daniel's vision differently. The Lamb prevailed to open the seals which pertains to the judgment aspect of the Gospel of God. Thus the two witnesses have their origin from the word of God where water and fire are two aspects. It refers to the line "yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years." (Ge.6:3). Life of man is set in terms of the gospel (12x10) While the blood is a sign to indicate life of man.
God made this provision under the Law of Moses. "For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul."(Le.17:11). Under new testament by blood it is our very lives that must be poured out meaning that we are dead to the world and sin and are in heavenly places. (Ps.50:5)
In the vision of Daniel he was a representative of the Law of Moses. So the man clothed in linen would not reveal the significance of the vision, "And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end."(Dan.12:9)
"And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth./ And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne."(vv.6-7)
We are looking at the same night vision of Daniel described in ch.7. The judgment was set, and the books were opened' In v.10 as with the narrative mode of the Spirit the verse is used to tie up the vision described in vv.1-8, (The motif of the little horn shall play a significant role in the end time) but the phrase 'I beheld till the thrones were cast down,' refers both visions before and after. It also covers the angelic revolt and judgment. This mode of narrative we already saw in Re.12. To digress a little, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." (v.11) The word 'they' denote both war in heaven and tribulation that descends on the left behind church
Judgement was set and the books were opened in the night vision is signified by the book with seven seals, opening of which sets of judgment in a sequence. The calamities pertaining to the great tribulation are thus distributed from the beginning till the end, very similar to the seven days in the creation account . The Lamb is shown worthy to start the proceedings.
(2) Faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior is both the act of a single moment (when an individual initially repents of sin and accepts God's forgiveness and yields his or her life to Christ) and an ongoing attitude of action that must continue to grow and gain strength (see Jn 1:12, note). Because we have faith in a definite person who loves us and gave his life for us (Ro 4:25; 8:32; 1Th 5:9-10), our faith should become greater (Ro 4:20; 2Th 1:3; 1Pe 1:3-9). Trust and obedience-two of God's primary requirements in our lives-develop into loyalty and devotion (Ro 14:8; 2Co 5:15). Loyalty and devotion then develop into a strong sense of personal attachment to and love for the Lord Jesus Christ ( Php 1:21; 3:8-10; see Jn 15:4, note; Gal 2:20, note). This kind of faith in Christ brings us into a new relationship with God and spares us from his final judgment against sin (Ro 1:18; 8:1). Through that new relationship, we become "dead to sin" (i.e., free from its control and unresponsive to its influence, Ro 6:1-18) and alive in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us ( Gal 3:5; 4:6).
God's Grace. In the OT, God revealed himself as a God of grace and mercy who showed love to his people, not because they deserved it, but because of his own desire to have a personal relationship with them and to be faithful to the promises he made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (see Ex 6:9, note; see articles on God's Covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, The Passover, and The Day of Atonement). Justice could be described as getting exactly what we deserve. Mercy could be described as God sparing us from the consequences and judgment we deserve. Grace could be described as God granting us favor and benefits we do not deserve. The NT focuses on the theme of God's grace in the giving of his Son, Jesus, who willingly gave his life for undeserving sinners. Christians today continue to experience that grace through the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The BEST way to defend yourself against the cunning deceptions of Satan like Universalism and such is to gird yourself with a thorough knowledge of God's Word and a firm commitment to obedience. Yet many Christians remain vulnerable because they're unwilling to do that.
As an overcomer he is the heir and the Parable of the Wicked Tenants refers to him. "This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance."(Matt.21:36) The earth abides forever because he is the heir. He has promised all those who put their trust in him their inheritance ."Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:/ Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:/ In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins."(Col.1:11-14)
The Earth and the fulness thereof belongs to God. For this reason he said, "The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with me."(Le.25:23)
Thus we see two groups of people,- Partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light who are sojourners and pilgrims looking for a city that has foundations. On the other hand Cain the wicked one, a murderer as a vagabond cast out from the presence of God.. We see in our times parallel churches, and let believers take warning. "(He.12:2, 22-24)
In the age of Internet we see dark web coexisting with the legal cyberspace. It is these Gospel of Christ is set against another Christ and another Gospel and these revel in controversies. They are dealing 'the other man's riches'. They have resisted good counsel from the Scripture as Cain did. They hold truth in unrighteousness. Jesus warns them, "Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof."(Matt.21:43)
Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me." (v.14)
A vagabond is one with no fixed address floating around like invasive species creating problems to the law and native citizenry. Cain realizes that he was one. God as the creator drives him out as he had sent his father from His presence. Even where his parents had reared with sweat of their labor he was too hot to handle. God gave him good counsel as to how he could manage his anger but no! he simply could not handle the burden of sin. Now he was a murderer and a slave to sin. Jesus was a son who learned his lessons well so when he came to the world he had understood the key to an overcoming life. He was the truth. He said with an emphasis, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin./ And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever." ( John 8:34-35)
Jesus was the truth so he would in the likeness of men would say "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head."(Matt,8:30) But does that make him a vagabond? "I am the Truth and he assured, "In my Father's house are many mansions." Jesus was well aware where he came from and where he was going to. He was the Word become flesh so he submitted himself to perfect the will of the Father.
(b) Faith involves repentance (i.e., admitting, expressing true sorrow for and turning from our own sinful, God-defying way; Ac 17:30; 2Co 7:10) and a complete turning toward God in order to follow Christ. True Biblical faith always involves sincere humility and repentance (Ac 2:37-38; see Mt 3:2, note on repentance).
(c) Faith includes obedience to Jesus Christ and his Word. Such obedience must become a way of life, inspired by our trust in Christ, by our gratitude to God and by the life-transforming work of the Holy Spirit ( Jn 3:3-6; 14:15, 21-24; Heb 5:8-9). It is an "obedience that comes from faith" (Ro 1:5). For this reason, faith and obedience go together. In fact, they cannot be separated when it comes to serving God and following Christ (cf. Ro 16:26). True saving faith is not possible without the commitment to sanctification (i.e., the ongoing process of spiritual purity, separation from evil, growth and preparation for God's purposes; see article on Sanctification).
(d) Faith includes a passionate, personal devotion to Jesus Christ that expresses itself in complete and selfless trust, love, gratitude and loyalty. In a personal relationship with Christ, true faith (and its expression of devotion) cannot be separated from love; the two completely work together as though they were the threads of the same cloth. Both faith and love represent a personal act of surrender and self-sacrifice directed toward Christ (cf. Mt 22:37; Jn 21:15-17; Ac 8:37; Ro 6:17; Gal 2:20; Eph 6:6; 1Pe 1:8).
While speaking of the unpardonable sin against the Holy Ghost it is as though coming from Trinity. (Matt.12:31-32). 'Therefore I say unto you' in v.31 is from the Son and the following verse is from the Father. This coming from the Holy Ghost would go against his own narrative mode. In the Gospel of John Jesus speaking about the Holy Ghost speaks thus," Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.( John 16:13). 'He shall not speak of himself'. For this reason it is implied that the Trinity is witnessing the unpardonable sin is accounted on anyone who disregards the warning.
There is a time lapse, which is not because God is slow in hearing the prayers of a saint. The Holy Ghost the third office organizes the will of God according to the Word so the timing is perfect. In Daniel's case the angel of his Presence had to attend what changes in the light of his request. "The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia," (Dan.10:13-ESV).This mode of parenthesis ought to inform the length breadth and depth of Power and Wisdom of God.
The intent of the word wide web also throws light on the Law. "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple."(Ps.19:7) Jesus obeyed the will of his Father and it was not only in big events like his death and resurrection but in obedience to the word. Marriage at Cana has this" "Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come."( John 2:4), and this, "Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready." ( John 7:6). "And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified."( John 12:23)
Ro 5:21 "So that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Spiritual salvation comes as a gift of God's grace (i.e., his undeserved favor, love, kindness, help and spiritual enablement), but it can only be received and become personally effective in individuals' lives by the response of faith. To understand the process of salvation, we must understand these two words. (For further consideration of the issue of spiritual salvation, see article on Biblical Words for Salvation.)
Saving faith. Faith in Jesus Christ is the only condition or requirement for receiving God's free gift of spiritual salvation. Faith is not only a matter of what a person believes about Christ; it is also an active response from the heart of a person who truly desires to accept Christ as Savior (i.e., the Forgiver of his or her sins) and to follow him as Lord (i.e., the Leader of his or her life; cf. Mt 4:19; 16:24; Lk 9:23-25; Jn 10:4, 27; 12:26; Rev 14:4). This means that faith is more than intellectual acknowledgment that Jesus Christ is God's Son who died to pay the price for our sins. True Biblical faith-the kind that brings spiritual salvation-involves an active trust by which a person surrenders complete control of his or her life to Christ and commits to following his purposes. (1) The NT description and pattern of faith includes four main elements:
(a) Faith involves firmly believing that Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead to bring us life, then trusting in him as our personal Lord and Savior (see Ro 1:17, note). It involves believing with all our hearts (Ro 6:17; Eph 6:6; Heb 10:22), surrendering our wills (i.e., our desires, choices, plans, purposes and motives) and devoting ourselves completely to Jesus Christ and his purposes as revealed in the Bible.
"1:6 Being confident of this. Paul's confidence in the Philippians is based not only on God's good work in their lives and their church, but also on their passion and sacrifice for the cause of Christ (vv. 5, 7; 4:15-18). Because they have already proven to be faithful in supporting and partnering in the work of ministry, Paul was certain that God would continue to work in and through them. God is always faithful to ensure that his work will be effective in the lives of those who remain loyal to and dependent on him. However, his faithfulness can do nothing for those who resist his grace (i.e., unearned favor, love, help and spiritual enablement) and refuse his gift of salvation (see 2:13, note; 2Ti 2:13, note).
Phil 2:13 God who works in you. God works by his Spirit within the lives of Christ's followers to produce in them both the desire and the power to do what is good and right and to fulfill his purposes for their lives (see article on Faith and Grace). However, God's work is not forced, and his grace (i.e., his undeserved favor, love and spiritual help) can be resisted. That is to say, we can reject God's help and guidance and go our own sinful and destructive way if we so choose. God's work within us (1:6; 1Th 5:24; 2Ti 4:18; Tit 3:5-7) is always dependent on our FAITHFULNESS and cooperation (vv. 12, 14-16).
Phil 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
Phil 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Phil 16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain."
That is to say, we can reject God's help and guidance and go our own sinful and destructive way if we so choose. God's work within us (1:6; 1Th 5:24; 2Ti 4:18; Tit 3:5-7) IS ALWAYS DEPENDENT ON OUR ON OUR FAITHFULNESS AND COOPERATION (vv. 12, 14-16).
Interesting story. I have one question and it is a BIG one. Having accepted that gift from that lady, have you accepted the free gift of Salvation? Did you call on the Lord to save you and accept his free gift of Salvation. If you have a Bible, then please read the following verses:
This is the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. His death, burial and resurrection. The Lord Jesus Christ died for you because He loved you unconditionally. John 3:16 and 17 says it all.
Call on Him to save you from the fires of hell and write your name in the Lamb's book of life. I pray that you will be saved.
Second time we come across this expression is in the vision of Daniel where across the river of time the man clothed in linen gives a cryptic answer (Dan.12:7) Then in the vision of John we come across the left out church, 'she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent(Re.12:14). When we take together several other expressions each with reference to a period of time it is clear that the Spirit is using the three and a half year of the ministry of Jesus as the base line
Similarly when we have two witnesses martyred we have variation of the same expression. "And the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months./ And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth(Re.11:2-3)". The church the body of Christ is also compared to a bride, New Jerusalem. Saints redeemed from the earth are tagged by time times and dividing of time as the beast is given power for the same duration. Thus key to unlock the expression is in the Son.
In compressing the Salvation Plan of God a symbol referring to the Father Son relationship is carried over from its context in the natural world to the eternity where relationship is retained. God created "the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night (Ge.1:16)" Under divine Will the pair,- greater and lesser light are treated as one, to rule the day and night respectively. In the eternity there is no more night but the throne of God and of the Lamb explain the same relationship.(Re.22:1). The symbol is in terms of the glory. Instead of the greater and lesser light we have the throne..
In order to fix part of the divine Will in the narrative we have such expressions, 'In the fullness of times, in the beginning in the latter days. While we have time as intended by the Son which are already in the flux. "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.(Re.9:15)". An hour a day a month or a year are as an expression for judgments that do not make a full end but warn man to 'Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord( Ac.3:19-NIV)'." "Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed-without remedy
(Pr.29:1-NIV)".
Names serve as kangaroo words throwing up long shadows. Creation of Eve is an example. "And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living." (Ge.3:20). Adam assigning his wife the name, Eve, has led some scholars conclude it as an example of paronomasia. The Hebrew word hawwa is a play on the word meaning 'life'. Does God need play with words?
The Spirit uses the role of Eve in relation to Adam who foreshadows Christ the head. His deep sleep anticipates his death and Eve expresses his body, the church. Adam in giving the name 'mother of all living' is on the basis 'I am the truth and the life.'
"Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the Lord's thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is (De.10:4)".
The expression 'the heaven and the heaven of heavens' is similar to 'time and times and the dividing of time.' Daniel the seer refers to the latter days. "And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time(Dan.7:25).
While explaining the fulness of God in his Son the Spirit splices his deity and humanity explains kangaroo words, end time events riding the specific events as well as persons doubling for the advent of the Son 'in the fulness of time. For instance the spirit of Christ and the indwelling Spirit after his Ascension are all pointing to the fulness of God.Consequently the Spirit loads words with spiritual shadows. God sent 'his only begotten Son' refers to the logos aspect of Jesus Christ.
Whereas the sons of God who went into the daughters of men and corrupted the old world are rogue elements not being subject to the word.( Ge. 6:2). Ishamael and Isaac are both sons of Abraham but one is the son of promise. In order to distinguish the Word becoming flesh, from humanity of Jesus, Promise of the Word necessitate this narrative mode as we see in the matter of God tempting Abraham. Before Abraham could harm his son the angel of the Lord restrains hi Notice the usage of 'the only son' in this verse, "For now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me."(Ge.22:12b). Both examples are set in direct frame of reference to the Son of man. Isaac is the heir of promise while Ishmael is the son of the bondmaid.
The Spirit incorporates the deity and humanity of the Son to delineate them in the larger context of the Father Son fellowship. Kangaroo words similarly set events within another. Thus Israel being led through the wilderness is an example. "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.(1 Co.10:11-AKJV)" But what is the spiritual principle for the Kangaroo Words? Abiding in Christ like branches to the true Vine we are connected to the world of the Spirit. This 'being hid in Christ' we are in heavenly places. (Col.3:1-3)
Inversion is expressed as a narrative mode where two unequal entities are set on the basis of the Word. Thus blessing come from God to Man and not other way about. The Word is God.
Whereas God the Son becoming man explains one aspect of the Sovereign will of God. Free will on the other hand gives man the choice: either or. In believing the Apostle of God he is adopted in the Son into the Fellowship of God with Man. Here we have the Word freeing man so may be lifted up by faith in the Son. The Word became flesh.
"For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me ( John 6:38-NIV). "Motive force of Jesus was squarely set on the bedrock of the Father Son relationship.
Consequently he humbled himself as man, "And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross./ Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name (Ph.2:8-9)." The Spirit has set this example of God the Son for our instruction in righteousness, "But many that are first shall be last; and the last first."( Mark 10:31)
Denying the free will to man is a heresy because just as his Son freely chose to be the slain Lamb, -and before the worlds began, the same liberty is given man. This empowerment places man who reveals the same DNA of faith outside the earth time and space limitations. As it is the eternal Word that is the Law or Constitution of the kingdom of God, we understand the rationale behing the Law of Gradation.
That is true somewhat although some nations are mentioned that are roughly geographically the same. Others were; as pointed out at that time anyway places where certain descendants went to which could explain Tarshish (some say Spain others America for the sons mentioned); there are some references to the land of tin being England and differing opinions as to Togarmesh; Meschesh and Tubal being Turkey or rough translations of cities in Russia (perhaps both). Other places are extrapolations such as the Kings of the East. Babylon could certainly be America although it seems it could be literally in the old territory with plans for the future if the Lord tarries in coming years seem to be headed for development of a city made for drones somewhere in Abu Dhabi I believe.
Obviously there are certain peoples in tribes particularly in the Western Hemisphere that have gone extinct. Some have said that that issue with the Jamaicans for instance isn't such a mystery because they simply intermarried to the point that they are inextricably meshed with later peoples that took over. The languages certainly mixed things up so we have light skinned people in S. Italy and North Italy has dark skinned; we have languages like the Czeck and Slovak near each other that are completely different and of course even many more native American languages and cultures than we see in the "civilized world".
Nonethelss in glory those who have died would surely make up some from every tribe; tongue and nation who are missing today as the Lord will bear fruit and His Word not be void. Therefore even those who haven't heard the Word through creation it would appear will have faith; at least from the time before Christ came to earth.
Do we really ever reach a stage that we become "dead to sin", in other words a sinless state? Paul suggests us to consider ourselves dead to sin that is strive not to be controlled/influenced by it, but has anybody ever succeeded to become sinless?
Verse 1 states:
The burden of the word of the Lord in the land of Hadrach, and Damascus shall be the rest thereof: when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, shall be toward the Lord.
According to Isaiah 17:1 Damascus shall become a ruinous heap. There will be a highway; nonetheless in the last days according to Isaiah 19:23 there will be a highway from Assyria into Egypt which encompasses part of Syria; Turkey; and a couple other nations. Isaiah 17:3 states the rest of Syria will be as the glory of Israel. No doubt there will finally be peace among the survivors of the surronding nations.
The destruction of Tyre is also mentioned in Ezekiel 26 and 27 (along with the prince of Tyre and king of Tyre in chapter 28 signifying a human and Lucifer controlling things behind the scenes with his history). This prophecy was partly fulfilled; as to some of the details which I won't elaborate on here.
The same could be said for the Philistines and others mentioned in verses 5 through 7; verse 8 shows the Lord's conquering and control in the future.
Verse 9 is a direct prophecy of Christ riding on a donkey during Palm Sunday and signifies hi eventual rule on earth. His dominion from sea to sea is also in Psalm 72:8 and was a popular hymn of Sir Arthur Sullivan as seen in verse 10.
The rest of the chapter talks about prisoners being brought forth; interestingly it mentions the "blood of the covenant" in verse 11. That shows the King of Kings here but apparently can refer to the earlier promises from the Abrahamic covenant. We see the final blessings here in the last verse for the whole earth; and God's majesty in deliverance of prisioners and over all the enemies of the land. Verse 13 mentions the sons of Greece which certainly had some fulfillment in the book of Maccabees but could indicate some areas near where Antichrist rules from as being conquered with prisoners set free also.
I wouldn't use terms like "true saving faith". Words including the term "true", like "truly saved people" can mislead people into false beliefs. I would say an "active faith". Faith exists in reborn christians but it has to produce results, like fruit, like works...Is it possible for a christian to not have an active faith? Well in the parable of the Sower the 3rd case is an example. If a reborn person stops following Jesus and directs themselves towards other things even if those things may not be sinful but may get us out of our christian path, then their faith becomes inactive. Why do people direct themselves towards other things? People often say ,"a person follows his heart", that is what he loves best where his heart and treasure is. Then the light in our lamp is in danger of going off.
Lightenings
Thunderings and Lightenings go together. The Word became flesh and we beheld his glory. John would attest its glory in terms of grace. "And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.". Grace and truth came along with it so in our example we live by the true Light. When Jesus prayed, "Sanctify them" (the disciples and the believers at large) this word is truth and the light we see through his light.
Lightening is the judgment aspect of the word. Lightening as Elijah brought down from heaven.
Jesus spoke of it in the discourse of end times. " For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be./ For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together."(Matt.24:27-28)
East is with reference to Eden and in the Genesis account (2:10) the Garden of Eden was watered by the river indicating that God blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Christ. With the fall of man he was expelled and he moved farther from the east. Also after the great deluge the nations did not return where they come from but as the Spirit tells us, "And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east,"(Ge.11:2) Somewhat like the tower of Babel the fools would to plant colonies in Mars without having a clue to the mess they have made on the earth.
The brambles in the fable of Jotham has cast a shadow and when we see flames coming out of it we need keep our faith firm.
Lightenings
And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
The Throne is the embodiment of God with His glory surround. When the Psalm declares it he says,"There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard."(Ps.19:3). This voice has a direct impact on the manner the earth shall form eventually and it is what thundering does. "The voice of the Lord is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the Lord is upon many waters."(Ps.29:3) The Spirit of God moving upon the many waters has many agencies to which the command number Seven attest. As a memorial seven lamps of fire burning before the throne see to the successful conclusion of the Salvation Plan of God. Worthy was the Lamb to open the book with seven seals. He is shown in his power and wisdom. "And, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been cranny that nothing escapes from the gospel proclaimed. The Spirit while working upon the face of the waters set up a word-wide web which we see in operation. slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth." (5:6) His power and wisdom are directed to every nook and cranny that nothing escapes from the gospel proclaimed. The Spirit while working upon the face of the waters set up a word-wide web which we see in operation.
:"(Ps.29:7-9a) Even in our times we see the very same voice dividing the flames of fire. If the wildfires in Canada affect the US and move across the Atlantic to Europe and send heatwaves in its wake we are seeing the effect of His voice in action, "Yea, the Lord sitteth King for ever." (Ps.29:10)
Thunderings
Now we have this angel, ,"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,/ Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." Of the everlasting gospel we accounted Three and half years. So this work in heaven concerns the risen Christ. The angel warns "For the hour of his judgment is come.' The great silence before the seventh seal explains this. The command number Four is assigned to the proclamation of the Gospel. Gospel is one whether under heaven or in heaven. Four Synoptic gospels establish Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world.
The angel commands, "Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not."(10:4) Compare with the angel in the following chapter and it is also with regards to to time scale. "And the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein/ But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months."(11:1-2)
Time, times and an half is from POV of the Gospel and 42 months is like a reverse shot, to use a term from cinematography.
I agree with you on some very excellent points. In particular you stated: "it is also an active response from the heart of a person who truly desires to accept Christ as Savior"
It's all about us being Active! Many "modern day christians" will disagree and say they have to do nothing, it's all on Christ. It's simple, if we don't respond to Christ and take action that he commands- we don't get our salvation!
There are many actions we are required to take after we accept Jesus as our saviour, like
Picking up our cross, thats a daily action.
Repenting from sin, a daily action.
Turning our backs on the world, a daily action.
Showing love and serving our fellow man, a daily action.
Praying is a daily action.
Following God's/Jesus Commandments, a daily action.
I could go on, but it's easy to see that if we accept Christ as our saviour and we have the Holy Spirit we will be very busy serving Him.
On the other hand, if we say we are saved and living worldly lives, we are only fooling ourselves. 1John 2:15
GBU
Thunderings
"And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God."
Here our approach would be to examine the details that have bearing on the Gospel as proclaimed to which the thundering is a loaded word, and voices associated have bearing on our understanding of the shape of things to come. In the following passage a mighty angel hands over a little book to John, "And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices./ And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not."(Re.10:1-4)
The earthly ministry of Jesus has been completed. These are not to be written down. So the everlasting gospel originates from the throne of God. It is what we read in this verse, " For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven."(Ps.119:89) John's Gospel also refers to it. In the beginning was the Word and it is he who is qualified as another mighty angel. Setting his foot upon the sea and his other foot on the land is not simple as it sound. His authority over the beast and his anti-christ prefigures here. He roars like a lion, as the lion of Judah. "behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof." The little book open in the passage (Ch.10) therefore establishes the connection between the Lamb and his 'angel'. The little detail of the Spirits of God in the key verse and 'a rainbow upon his head' reinforces this link with this line, 'And there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald."(Re.4:3)
Re.10:11 "And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings."
Jesus, through prayer, was expounding to his disciples and to us, what was going to happen by his death and HIS RESURRECTION
By HIS RESURRECTION all things became NEW, he is the fulfillment of Mosses and the prophets;
Creation became a JOIN-HEIR with Christ.
A marriage occurred at his RESURRECTION, Jesus became THE LIFE of all men, all men became the BODY of Christ.
We are just the BODY, CHRIST IS THE LIFE, our body has the FAITH of JESUS CHRIST, our BODY does the WORKS of JESUS CHRIST, we have no faith other than the faith of Jesus Christ, we have no works other than the WORKS of Jesus Christ.
OUR body is DEAD with JESUS CHRIST.
John 16:8 And when he is come (the second coming of CHRIST; IN YOU, his body) he will reprove the world of SIN.
John 16:8 Of SIN, because they BELIEVE NOT my words.
YOU died on the cross, how can you repent of your sins, they are COVERED by the blood of Christ, YOU REPENT of your BELIEFS, because the carnal mind is enmity (in direct rebellion) to what GOD SAYS.
Creation DIED with CHRIST on his CROSS, ONLY the BODY of CHRIST arose, we are JOINT-HEIRS of IMMORTALITY.
1 Timothy 6:16 ..... Christ ONLY hath IMMORTALITY .....
We are the BODY, Christ is THE LIFE.
The wages of SIN (unbelief) is DEATH, the absence of LIFE ----- let the dead bury their dead -----
Anti-christ i(and there are many) is opposition to TRUTH; Christ the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE.
God Bless YOU!
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"And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city"
Here the Spirit instructs us how the city of God shall be measured. "The angel speaking with St John had a golden reed. This measurement is uniform for both worlds of the Spirit and the earth. "According to the measure of Christ so the Gospel of God is same as that of Gospel of Christ. The length of 12x1000 refers to the gospel work so we are not looking at the day appointed for the Son but 'now is the day of our salvation.' It is 120. This basic unit of 120 days we already mentioned in the post Blood of the Lamb.( Ge.6:3)
"And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years." 12x10 refers to the Son of man who reconciled both heaven and the earth and St Paul speaks of Jesus Christ who holds them both (Col.1:16) Thus his atoning work brought us under a single scale and 120x100 speaks the entire day decreed for the Son. Both length breadth and height of it are equal. Every saint redeemed from the earth has thus a certain volume in which both worlds of the Spirit and the earth are represented.
The golden reed represents faith. Faith is one as gospel is. ("One Lord, one faith, one baptism"- Ep.4.5)
This is set on a mountain, curiously enough the Spirit sets Ezekiel in his vision under almost identical circumstance. ."(Ez.40:2-3) Notice the significance of line of flax in his hand? The angel is none other than a fellow servant even as John whose measuring reed is mentioned specifically stated. We see in these two same distinction between the vision where Ezekiel as with Daniel represents the nation of Israel. Both mountain serving as a backdrop establishes Zion as intended, as His holy habitation.
Blood of the Lamb
The Spirit lays emphasis Daniel's vision differently. The Lamb prevailed to open the seals which pertains to the judgment aspect of the Gospel of God. Thus the two witnesses have their origin from the word of God where water and fire are two aspects. It refers to the line "yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years." (Ge.6:3). Life of man is set in terms of the gospel (12x10) While the blood is a sign to indicate life of man.
God made this provision under the Law of Moses. "For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul."(Le.17:11). Under new testament by blood it is our very lives that must be poured out meaning that we are dead to the world and sin and are in heavenly places. (Ps.50:5)
In the vision of Daniel he was a representative of the Law of Moses. So the man clothed in linen would not reveal the significance of the vision, "And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end."(Dan.12:9)
Re.5:7-8
Blood Of The Lamb
"And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth./ And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne."(vv.6-7)
We are looking at the same night vision of Daniel described in ch.7. The judgment was set, and the books were opened' In v.10 as with the narrative mode of the Spirit the verse is used to tie up the vision described in vv.1-8, (The motif of the little horn shall play a significant role in the end time) but the phrase 'I beheld till the thrones were cast down,' refers both visions before and after. It also covers the angelic revolt and judgment. This mode of narrative we already saw in Re.12. To digress a little, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." (v.11) The word 'they' denote both war in heaven and tribulation that descends on the left behind church
Judgement was set and the books were opened in the night vision is signified by the book with seven seals, opening of which sets of judgment in a sequence. The calamities pertaining to the great tribulation are thus distributed from the beginning till the end, very similar to the seven days in the creation account . The Lamb is shown worthy to start the proceedings.
(2) Faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior is both the act of a single moment (when an individual initially repents of sin and accepts God's forgiveness and yields his or her life to Christ) and an ongoing attitude of action that must continue to grow and gain strength (see Jn 1:12, note). Because we have faith in a definite person who loves us and gave his life for us (Ro 4:25; 8:32; 1Th 5:9-10), our faith should become greater (Ro 4:20; 2Th 1:3; 1Pe 1:3-9). Trust and obedience-two of God's primary requirements in our lives-develop into loyalty and devotion (Ro 14:8; 2Co 5:15). Loyalty and devotion then develop into a strong sense of personal attachment to and love for the Lord Jesus Christ ( Php 1:21; 3:8-10; see Jn 15:4, note; Gal 2:20, note). This kind of faith in Christ brings us into a new relationship with God and spares us from his final judgment against sin (Ro 1:18; 8:1). Through that new relationship, we become "dead to sin" (i.e., free from its control and unresponsive to its influence, Ro 6:1-18) and alive in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us ( Gal 3:5; 4:6).
God's Grace. In the OT, God revealed himself as a God of grace and mercy who showed love to his people, not because they deserved it, but because of his own desire to have a personal relationship with them and to be faithful to the promises he made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (see Ex 6:9, note; see articles on God's Covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, The Passover, and The Day of Atonement). Justice could be described as getting exactly what we deserve. Mercy could be described as God sparing us from the consequences and judgment we deserve. Grace could be described as God granting us favor and benefits we do not deserve. The NT focuses on the theme of God's grace in the giving of his Son, Jesus, who willingly gave his life for undeserving sinners. Christians today continue to experience that grace through the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
As an overcomer he is the heir and the Parable of the Wicked Tenants refers to him. "This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance."(Matt.21:36) The earth abides forever because he is the heir. He has promised all those who put their trust in him their inheritance ."Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:/ Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:/ In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins."(Col.1:11-14)
The Earth and the fulness thereof belongs to God. For this reason he said, "The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with me."(Le.25:23)
Thus we see two groups of people,- Partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light who are sojourners and pilgrims looking for a city that has foundations. On the other hand Cain the wicked one, a murderer as a vagabond cast out from the presence of God.. We see in our times parallel churches, and let believers take warning. "(He.12:2, 22-24)
In the age of Internet we see dark web coexisting with the legal cyberspace. It is these Gospel of Christ is set against another Christ and another Gospel and these revel in controversies. They are dealing 'the other man's riches'. They have resisted good counsel from the Scripture as Cain did. They hold truth in unrighteousness. Jesus warns them, "Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof."(Matt.21:43)
Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me." (v.14)
A vagabond is one with no fixed address floating around like invasive species creating problems to the law and native citizenry. Cain realizes that he was one. God as the creator drives him out as he had sent his father from His presence. Even where his parents had reared with sweat of their labor he was too hot to handle. God gave him good counsel as to how he could manage his anger but no! he simply could not handle the burden of sin. Now he was a murderer and a slave to sin. Jesus was a son who learned his lessons well so when he came to the world he had understood the key to an overcoming life. He was the truth. He said with an emphasis, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin./ And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever." ( John 8:34-35)
Jesus was the truth so he would in the likeness of men would say "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head."(Matt,8:30) But does that make him a vagabond? "I am the Truth and he assured, "In my Father's house are many mansions." Jesus was well aware where he came from and where he was going to. He was the Word become flesh so he submitted himself to perfect the will of the Father.
Article on Faith and Grace
(b) Faith involves repentance (i.e., admitting, expressing true sorrow for and turning from our own sinful, God-defying way; Ac 17:30; 2Co 7:10) and a complete turning toward God in order to follow Christ. True Biblical faith always involves sincere humility and repentance (Ac 2:37-38; see Mt 3:2, note on repentance).
(c) Faith includes obedience to Jesus Christ and his Word. Such obedience must become a way of life, inspired by our trust in Christ, by our gratitude to God and by the life-transforming work of the Holy Spirit ( Jn 3:3-6; 14:15, 21-24; Heb 5:8-9). It is an "obedience that comes from faith" (Ro 1:5). For this reason, faith and obedience go together. In fact, they cannot be separated when it comes to serving God and following Christ (cf. Ro 16:26). True saving faith is not possible without the commitment to sanctification (i.e., the ongoing process of spiritual purity, separation from evil, growth and preparation for God's purposes; see article on Sanctification).
(d) Faith includes a passionate, personal devotion to Jesus Christ that expresses itself in complete and selfless trust, love, gratitude and loyalty. In a personal relationship with Christ, true faith (and its expression of devotion) cannot be separated from love; the two completely work together as though they were the threads of the same cloth. Both faith and love represent a personal act of surrender and self-sacrifice directed toward Christ (cf. Mt 22:37; Jn 21:15-17; Ac 8:37; Ro 6:17; Gal 2:20; Eph 6:6; 1Pe 1:8).
While speaking of the unpardonable sin against the Holy Ghost it is as though coming from Trinity. (Matt.12:31-32). 'Therefore I say unto you' in v.31 is from the Son and the following verse is from the Father. This coming from the Holy Ghost would go against his own narrative mode. In the Gospel of John Jesus speaking about the Holy Ghost speaks thus," Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.( John 16:13). 'He shall not speak of himself'. For this reason it is implied that the Trinity is witnessing the unpardonable sin is accounted on anyone who disregards the warning.
There is a time lapse, which is not because God is slow in hearing the prayers of a saint. The Holy Ghost the third office organizes the will of God according to the Word so the timing is perfect. In Daniel's case the angel of his Presence had to attend what changes in the light of his request. "The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia," (Dan.10:13-ESV).This mode of parenthesis ought to inform the length breadth and depth of Power and Wisdom of God.
The intent of the word wide web also throws light on the Law. "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple."(Ps.19:7) Jesus obeyed the will of his Father and it was not only in big events like his death and resurrection but in obedience to the word. Marriage at Cana has this" "Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come."( John 2:4), and this, "Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready." ( John 7:6). "And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified."( John 12:23)
Article on Faith and Grace
Ro 5:21 "So that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Spiritual salvation comes as a gift of God's grace (i.e., his undeserved favor, love, kindness, help and spiritual enablement), but it can only be received and become personally effective in individuals' lives by the response of faith. To understand the process of salvation, we must understand these two words. (For further consideration of the issue of spiritual salvation, see article on Biblical Words for Salvation.)
Saving faith. Faith in Jesus Christ is the only condition or requirement for receiving God's free gift of spiritual salvation. Faith is not only a matter of what a person believes about Christ; it is also an active response from the heart of a person who truly desires to accept Christ as Savior (i.e., the Forgiver of his or her sins) and to follow him as Lord (i.e., the Leader of his or her life; cf. Mt 4:19; 16:24; Lk 9:23-25; Jn 10:4, 27; 12:26; Rev 14:4). This means that faith is more than intellectual acknowledgment that Jesus Christ is God's Son who died to pay the price for our sins. True Biblical faith-the kind that brings spiritual salvation-involves an active trust by which a person surrenders complete control of his or her life to Christ and commits to following his purposes. (1) The NT description and pattern of faith includes four main elements:
(a) Faith involves firmly believing that Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead to bring us life, then trusting in him as our personal Lord and Savior (see Ro 1:17, note). It involves believing with all our hearts (Ro 6:17; Eph 6:6; Heb 10:22), surrendering our wills (i.e., our desires, choices, plans, purposes and motives) and devoting ourselves completely to Jesus Christ and his purposes as revealed in the Bible.
Phil 2:13 God who works in you. God works by his Spirit within the lives of Christ's followers to produce in them both the desire and the power to do what is good and right and to fulfill his purposes for their lives (see article on Faith and Grace). However, God's work is not forced, and his grace (i.e., his undeserved favor, love and spiritual help) can be resisted. That is to say, we can reject God's help and guidance and go our own sinful and destructive way if we so choose. God's work within us (1:6; 1Th 5:24; 2Ti 4:18; Tit 3:5-7) is always dependent on our FAITHFULNESS and cooperation (vv. 12, 14-16).
Phil 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
Phil 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Phil 16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain."
That is to say, we can reject God's help and guidance and go our own sinful and destructive way if we so choose. God's work within us (1:6; 1Th 5:24; 2Ti 4:18; Tit 3:5-7) IS ALWAYS DEPENDENT ON OUR ON OUR FAITHFULNESS AND COOPERATION (vv. 12, 14-16).
Also see article on individual apostasy
Rom. 3:23, Rom. 5:8, Rom. 6:23, Rom. 10: 9, 10 and 13
This is the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. His death, burial and resurrection. The Lord Jesus Christ died for you because He loved you unconditionally. John 3:16 and 17 says it all.
Call on Him to save you from the fires of hell and write your name in the Lamb's book of life. I pray that you will be saved.
Second time we come across this expression is in the vision of Daniel where across the river of time the man clothed in linen gives a cryptic answer (Dan.12:7) Then in the vision of John we come across the left out church, 'she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent(Re.12:14). When we take together several other expressions each with reference to a period of time it is clear that the Spirit is using the three and a half year of the ministry of Jesus as the base line
Similarly when we have two witnesses martyred we have variation of the same expression. "And the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months./ And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth(Re.11:2-3)". The church the body of Christ is also compared to a bride, New Jerusalem. Saints redeemed from the earth are tagged by time times and dividing of time as the beast is given power for the same duration. Thus key to unlock the expression is in the Son.
In compressing the Salvation Plan of God a symbol referring to the Father Son relationship is carried over from its context in the natural world to the eternity where relationship is retained. God created "the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night (Ge.1:16)" Under divine Will the pair,- greater and lesser light are treated as one, to rule the day and night respectively. In the eternity there is no more night but the throne of God and of the Lamb explain the same relationship.(Re.22:1). The symbol is in terms of the glory. Instead of the greater and lesser light we have the throne..
In order to fix part of the divine Will in the narrative we have such expressions, 'In the fullness of times, in the beginning in the latter days. While we have time as intended by the Son which are already in the flux. "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.(Re.9:15)". An hour a day a month or a year are as an expression for judgments that do not make a full end but warn man to 'Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord( Ac.3:19-NIV)'." "Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed-without remedy
(Pr.29:1-NIV)".
Names serve as kangaroo words throwing up long shadows. Creation of Eve is an example. "And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living." (Ge.3:20). Adam assigning his wife the name, Eve, has led some scholars conclude it as an example of paronomasia. The Hebrew word hawwa is a play on the word meaning 'life'. Does God need play with words?
The Spirit uses the role of Eve in relation to Adam who foreshadows Christ the head. His deep sleep anticipates his death and Eve expresses his body, the church. Adam in giving the name 'mother of all living' is on the basis 'I am the truth and the life.'
"Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the Lord's thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is (De.10:4)".
The expression 'the heaven and the heaven of heavens' is similar to 'time and times and the dividing of time.' Daniel the seer refers to the latter days. "And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time(Dan.7:25).
While explaining the fulness of God in his Son the Spirit splices his deity and humanity explains kangaroo words, end time events riding the specific events as well as persons doubling for the advent of the Son 'in the fulness of time. For instance the spirit of Christ and the indwelling Spirit after his Ascension are all pointing to the fulness of God.Consequently the Spirit loads words with spiritual shadows. God sent 'his only begotten Son' refers to the logos aspect of Jesus Christ.
Whereas the sons of God who went into the daughters of men and corrupted the old world are rogue elements not being subject to the word.( Ge. 6:2). Ishamael and Isaac are both sons of Abraham but one is the son of promise. In order to distinguish the Word becoming flesh, from humanity of Jesus, Promise of the Word necessitate this narrative mode as we see in the matter of God tempting Abraham. Before Abraham could harm his son the angel of the Lord restrains hi Notice the usage of 'the only son' in this verse, "For now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me."(Ge.22:12b). Both examples are set in direct frame of reference to the Son of man. Isaac is the heir of promise while Ishmael is the son of the bondmaid.
The Spirit incorporates the deity and humanity of the Son to delineate them in the larger context of the Father Son fellowship. Kangaroo words similarly set events within another. Thus Israel being led through the wilderness is an example. "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.(1 Co.10:11-AKJV)" But what is the spiritual principle for the Kangaroo Words? Abiding in Christ like branches to the true Vine we are connected to the world of the Spirit. This 'being hid in Christ' we are in heavenly places. (Col.3:1-3)
Inversion is expressed as a narrative mode where two unequal entities are set on the basis of the Word. Thus blessing come from God to Man and not other way about. The Word is God.
Whereas God the Son becoming man explains one aspect of the Sovereign will of God. Free will on the other hand gives man the choice: either or. In believing the Apostle of God he is adopted in the Son into the Fellowship of God with Man. Here we have the Word freeing man so may be lifted up by faith in the Son. The Word became flesh.
"For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me ( John 6:38-NIV). "Motive force of Jesus was squarely set on the bedrock of the Father Son relationship.
Consequently he humbled himself as man, "And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross./ Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name (Ph.2:8-9)." The Spirit has set this example of God the Son for our instruction in righteousness, "But many that are first shall be last; and the last first."( Mark 10:31)
Denying the free will to man is a heresy because just as his Son freely chose to be the slain Lamb, -and before the worlds began, the same liberty is given man. This empowerment places man who reveals the same DNA of faith outside the earth time and space limitations. As it is the eternal Word that is the Law or Constitution of the kingdom of God, we understand the rationale behing the Law of Gradation.
Obviously there are certain peoples in tribes particularly in the Western Hemisphere that have gone extinct. Some have said that that issue with the Jamaicans for instance isn't such a mystery because they simply intermarried to the point that they are inextricably meshed with later peoples that took over. The languages certainly mixed things up so we have light skinned people in S. Italy and North Italy has dark skinned; we have languages like the Czeck and Slovak near each other that are completely different and of course even many more native American languages and cultures than we see in the "civilized world".
Nonethelss in glory those who have died would surely make up some from every tribe; tongue and nation who are missing today as the Lord will bear fruit and His Word not be void. Therefore even those who haven't heard the Word through creation it would appear will have faith; at least from the time before Christ came to earth.