I agree with Gigi, We are to gather from those who are gifted to teach, preach, and proclaim.
Jesus said; He is truth!
He also said, "My sheep hear my voice!
When truth is proclaimed it's Christ spirit in us that discerns it.
In 1 Corinthians 3:5-7 Paul illustrates this concept of teaching.
We are to do as the Bereans in Acts 17:11 and test the scriptures to see if these things be true.
I believe we should approach the scripture as babes in Christ and not just examine others doctrine but also constantly examining our own, testing scripture with scripture and applying proper hermeneutics.
We take what we have learned from others and see if it holds up over time as we grow.
I agree with what you are saying, I know I have, and you have said here before, we grow daily, and our understandings have changed over the years. The Holy Spirit opens our eyes to truth as we can bear it or willing to use it. What I am saying is when we study, we are in search of truth whether it agrees with what we have been taught or not.
But when we study in prayer without what we have been taught in our mind and if what we are shown by the Spirit is what we have been taught, great. What if it is not? Are we willing to accept the truth? What will it cost? Are we willing to be persecuted by church members, friends', family members if we accept the truth and speak it? We are to worship God, in spirit and in truth, John 4:23-24.
If we are not willing to embrace the truth, regardless of what it will cost us, it will never be shown to us. I know we do not agree on one doctrine, but are we willing to honestly study any doctrine for the truth? All I say is in love and caring. I hope you take this in love and are not offended.
Hebrews 4 For unto us was the GOSPEL preached, as well as unto them:but the WORD preached did not profit them,not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.For we which have believed do enter into REST,as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my REST:although the WORKS were FINISHED FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did REST the seventh day from ALL HIS WORKS. And in this place again, If they shall enter into my REST. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. For if Jesus had given them REST, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a REST to the people of God. For he that is entered into his REST, he also hath CREASED FROM HIS OWN WORKS AS GOD DID FROM His. Let us labour therefore to enter into that REST, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. For the word of God is quick, and powerful,and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight:but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Isa 53 Who hath believed our report?and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground:he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him,there is no beauty that we should desire him.He is despised and rejected of men;a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief:and we hid as it were our faces from him;he was despised,and we esteemed him not.Surely he hath borne our griefs,and carried our sorrows:yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.But he was wounded for our transgressions,he was bruised for our iniquities:the chastisement of our peace was upon him;and with his stripes we are healed.All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way;and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,yet he opened not his mouth:he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter,and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb,so he openeth not his mouth.He was taken from prison and from judgment:and who shall declare his generation?for he was cut off out of the land of the living:for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked,and with the rich in his death;because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him;he hath put him to grief:when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.He shall see of the travail of his soul,and shall be satisfied:by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many;for he shall bear their iniquities.Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong;because he hath poured out his soul unto death:and he was numbered with the transgressors;and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Chap 10 Concerning Governors, and Governments, and Subjection to this testimony I give to the world.
Governors, Rulers, and Magistrates we own, and do respect in the Lord; (and yet cannot respect any mans person whatsoever) such as be a terror to all evil in their government, and that fears God and hates covetousness, and delights in equity, in justice, and true judgement, and gives diligent heed to try the cause of the poor, and will judge justly without respect of men, who justifies the good and gives praise to the well-doer, such Government and Governors we reverence, where sin and iniquity is kept under, drunkenness, swearing, Murder, quarrelling, and all the ways and works of the flesh are terrified, and a welldoer praised and justified, this Government of men, reaches to the witness of God in every man, and that answers to the justice and righteousness of all such Governors and Government, and these witnesses that they are of God, but the witness of God in every man, bears witness against all unjust men, and Laws, and Rulers, and Governments, which strengthened the hands of the wicked, and oppresses the just, where the making and execution of Laws are in the power of proud men, and covetous men, who fears not God, neither hates covetousness, neither doth respect the cause of the poor but rules by their wills and tyranny, and not by just Laws in righteousness; but makes unrighteous decrees to oppresses the poor and innocent, letting the wicked go free, such who upholds unrighteous worships, and teachers by oppression, and cause the innocent to suffer, and makes them offenders, because the exercise of a pure
conscience towards God and men; such Rulers and Government we cannot be subject to for conscience sake, but doth rather fulfill the law and will of God, though we transgresses their wills and unrighteous Laws, and yet doth not rebel against them, nor seek defense from them, but patiently suffers under them, and bears their injustice and cruelty without seeking any revenge, but leaves vengeance to the Lord to whom it belongs, and this is our judgment in full, the Government and Laws which we cannot obey nor fulfil for conscience sake, we chose rather to suffer under them for disobedience to them, than to transgress the righteous Law of God, written in our hearts by obeying them; so that what we cannot obey for conscience sake, for conscience sake we resist not, but suffers under that (the punishment's of it) patiently, and herein are we subject to every ordinance of man, for conscience sake: in fulfilling of the good, the just, and righteous, and in patience suffering under the cruelty and oppression of the unjust and unrighteous, and this we do and teach every where, subjection to every ordinance of man, and are not destroyers of true Government, not rebellious against just Governors, but are exalters of true justice and judgement in the earth.
THE Kingdom of God and of his Son, is not of this world, but is from above and stands in righteousness and in truth, in mercy and in peace, in true judgement and justice, and this dominion is from everlasting to everlasting, and it reaches beyond all the world, and its Government is love and unity, and everlasting peace, and is prefect liberty to the just and binds and chains the unjust; in it there is no oppression but perfect freedom from all unrighteousness, and it consists not in word, but in power, to the bringing down of the Kingdome of the devil, and to the breaking off the bonds of all injustice, and all ungodliness which is the Kingdom of Satan, which hath long ruled in the world, that Kingdom whereof Christ is King, which stands in righteousness, no unclean thing can have any part therein, and this we believe it shall be set up and advanced in the earth, but not by might of man or arm of flesh, not the multitude of an host, neither by policy, nor craft, nor by revenge, but by the arm of the Lord alone, through the suffering and patience of his people, and by faithful witness bearing unto Jesus Christ by doing and by suffering, by doing his will in all things in a pure life and conversation, and upright walking in the sight of the Lord, and by patient suffering under the injustice and oppression of men, and of their unjust Government and Laws, till they be overturned and confounded; and further we give testimony, that suffering in patience under the cruelty and oppression of the devils government and Kingdom; more reaches to overthrow them than the rising to rebel in any way of outward offence toward them, or defense from them, and the Kingdom of Christ is near to come, and the Kingdoms of this world shall be changed, and none shall have any part therein but they that are redeemed out of kindreds, tongues, and people: this we believe, he that can receive it let him.
Justification is freely by Jesus Christ in the sight of the Father, and not by the works of mans own righteousness, and such as are taught by Christ, and guided by him in all the ways of truth and righteousness, are justified by him, and none else, not in any word or work whatsoever, but in what they are led to fulfill by him, and it is the new man that is justified and not the old, he that is born of God, and none that are born of the flesh, such cannot please God, neither can such be justified by him, for they are not taught of him, nor saved, nor restored, nor redeemed, and therefore are not justified nor cleared from condemnation in the sight of the Lord, but who lives in iniquity, and sin, and the ways and works of the world, which are evil, by Christ Jesus are condemned and not justified, though in words they professes him, yet of justification by him they have no part, and sanctification is by the working of the eternal Spirit in the heart of the creature, which purges out and taketh away all unrighteousness, and all the works and fruits of darkness: it witnessed against, and witnessed unto Jesus, who takes away all sin, and destroys the works of the devil, that man may be holy and pure in the sight of his Maker; and every one that hath the witness of his justification hath the operation by the eternal spirit of sanctification, and all that receives Christ Jesus, who hath lighted every man that cometh into the world, receives sanctification and justification by him, and he unto us is made so of the Father, he that can receive it let him,
Just something to consider or as you say so well meditate, thank you, brother.
John 20:17, just think sunrise on the morning of the Feast of First Fruits, Leviticus 23:9-14, a shadow of what was being fulfilled when Jesus rose from the dead. The priests were waving the sheaf of grain left and right before the altar, and the women were arriving at the Lord's tomb around the same time. They could not eat or partake of the first harvest until it was waved and accepted by God, Jesus had to present Himself to God, He is the First Fruits of those of the dead, the first harvest.
Is this why Mary could not touch Him? We see later after He presented Himself and was accepted by God, after He returned then they could touch Him, Matthew 28:9. He was raised in His glorified body the same as we will be raised in our glorified body, 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 1 Corinthians 15:53-54. Eternal life is the gift and hope we have through Jesus Christ our Lord in Jesus.
I can see where you are coming from in this post. We do need to test what we have learned to be sure that we are believing correctly according to the bible.
However, I do not agree that we are to set aside all that we have been taught or learned in order to gain truth from the Word.
The Israelites were instructed to teach their children the Word of God in Deuteronomy. And Paul certainly tells Timothy, Titus, and others to teach sound doctrine to those under their care. As parents we are responsible for teaching our children from infancy about God and what the Scriptures say, as the mother and grandmother of Timothy did. As pastors we are to teach those who attend our services sound doctrine from God's Word. As believers, we are to study the Scriptures for ourselves to grow up in doctrinal purity and correct understanding, All of these ways of intaking spiritual knowledge are the work of the Holy Spirit. We should have a teachable spirit not only to learn from Scriptures ourselves, but from those who God has placed over us as teachers. I think it is somewhat dangerous to believers to instruct them to abandon what they have been taught by godly believers when they attempt to study the Bible independently. I am not saying that we should take everything taught to us from others as absolute truth, but, when we are of an age to think critically and examine between the Scriptures and what we already know we are to prayerfully sift through our beliefs in light of the Scriptures by the working of the Holy Spirit in us.
Amen, Carleton. We have a wonderful bodily, immortal, uncorruptible eternal life with the Lord when He comes to resurrect our bodies from the grave to be united with our souls and spirits to be one completed human person once again, but without sin and any of its effects, entrapments, temptations, and judgments. We will be perfectly whole and glorified in the resurrection. We will have bodies like Jesus has in His resurrected and glorified body. We will be like Him in His perfect humanity. We will be glorified with a body, soul and spirit that is much better than the way our being was in this earthly life. We will be like Adam and Eve before the fall, but even more so, because we will never be able to sin and also we will have exceptional abilities that Adam and Eve did not have but Jesus, in His resurrected body, soul and spirit possesses. I am so excited for this to come to us, his people!
A Standard lifed up & an Ensign held forth to all Nations
Chap 7
Concerning true Religion, and the true worship of the true God, this testimony I give unto the whole world.
This is true Religion to be kept pure and clean from all evil and from all that which would defile in the sight of the Lord, and to walk in his fear in all things, this is Religion, to do good and to do no evil, and to speak the truth, and to do the truth in all things, and to do unto all men as a man would be done unto, and to love God withal the heart, and the neighbor as self; and not to love the world, and its ways, and pleasures of it, nor to use deceit in words or actions, this is true Religion, and the true worship of God, to be led with his Spirit in all things, and to be guided in the truth at all times on all occasions; this is acceptable and well pleasing unto God above all words, and outward conformity, and set times, and days, and observances; for the worship of God is not in these things, but is without respect of days, places or things; this Religion and worship stands in Christ Jesus the second Adam, who hath lighted every man that comes into the world, that all men through him might believe, and by him have their consciences purely exercised towards God, and towards man in all things whatsoever, and this is our Religion and worship of the true God: he that can receive it let him
I also believe ALL God's words are TRUE; but not all words are literally true, the TRUTH of the scripture is hidden within, and the answer ls found in other scriptures.
Meditate on Genesis 5:2
Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name ADAM, in the day they were created.
Good afternoon all! I began thinking of this verse in my commute back to home today:
"Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God." John 20:17 KJV
Jesus resurrected from the tomb in the same body he completed the finished work in. Mary was not to touch and His message was that he would ascend to the Father his God and the brethren's God.
A born again Christian also resurrects from the grave in the body they died in. Until, we like Jesus ascend to the Father we must remain separate from sin. Jesus did exactly this as an example for us.
Yes Ronald , how many of us can honestly say that we came to the Bible never having ever heard anything about God or Jesus ? Even if we don't remember , we probably heard things that have lodged somewhere in our subconscious . I can't tell you how many Christians know nothing about Christ's one thousand year reign on earth . They believe what they have been told because they are either too lazy to read it for themselves or because they've been led to believe that the Bible is too hard for ordinary people to understand . I want to get to know my God in person , I want to get to know my Saviour in person , I want to feel that personal connection that comes from intimacy . This is why God has preserved His Word , so we can each of us , draw close to Him and grow in faith because the day will come , when our faith will be tested and we have to feel close to Him to ensure that we stick with Him no matter what our eyes and brains might be telling us , no matter what is going on in this world , we have to know Him to trust Him and stick with Him through all of our trials and tribulations . Things are going to get very tough for many of us before Christ returns , we must be convinced in our hearts and minds , that our God is with us always , every second . Thy Kingdom Come ! Much love in Christ .
I'm with you, I believe the Bible is the inspired word of God given to us. A reason we differ, preconceived ideas are obstacles to the truth. We all grow up in cultures where we inherit certain biased beliefs, values, and attitudes from our parents, teachers, religious affiliation, peer groups, and friends. When we study the Bible unless we can clear these obstacles, and beliefs when we read our sub-conscience mind will block the true meaning with the ones we have stored in our mind.
We must empty our minds as we know nothing, take out the garbage, pray, and let the Spirit of Truth show us the true meaning of what we are studying. We must keep in mind we get milk first and then meat and it can be years between.
I also believe in one God and Father of all, who is the God and Father of Jesus, the Son of God, the Messiah/Christ.
John 20:17Romans 15:62 Corinthians 1:32 Corinthians 11:31Ephesians 1:3Ephesians 1:17Ephesians 5:20Colossians 1:31 Peter 1:31 Corinthians 8:6.
Comments posted on this discussion forum, just tell stories from the 'Word of God' but do not provide wisdom and knowledge about deliverance from the 'spiritual' bondage or salvation for mankind, but they rather raise many questions according to God's judgment.
So, who are these false apostles (e.g. Edward Burroughs - 1657) and false Christs the 'Word of God' speaks of ( Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22; Luke 9:55; 2 Cor. 11:13-15; Gal. 4:8; Rev. 12:9)?
AMEN GOD bless all through faith in Christ LORD of all.
"what our senses tell us when we pay attention" oh how very true Charlie!!!
I am getting closer to organizing my thoughts in a way that I can hopefully better express what I mean. Oh my...
I am a firm KJ Bible believer. Some of my brethren are not. (So I try to generically just use "bible" when discussing "sensitive" topics I do not want the issue of my concerns to become about what bible is best etc etc etc.) when I am literally concerned about salvation issues it discourages me that something like the shape of our world has been turned into such a emotionally triggering "taboo". I would like to walk up to a brethren and say "hey, is my salvation partly based on how much I believe in the truth of the Word of God? Like, I know the bible tells me how God created the earth but what if I don't believe that one part of the bible?"
Am I positioning my salvation and eternal lifetime with my King, in jeopardy because of this? Oh gosh!
As I am re-reading what i just typed, a voice? in my head said "Faith is believing in what is unseen, believing without having seen?" ??????? What .....
Is that a bible verse??? I'm a baby Christian....haven't even learned to walk yet!! Oh gosh
I believe every word of the Bible , I believe that God Himself has preserved His Word , the Bible , for our benefit, in order that we might learn of and draw closer to Him and to His Only Begotten Son , Jesus Christ . I am astonished many times , by the fact that we can all read the same book and yet believe different things . For example, the congregation that I belong to does not believe in such a thing as the trinity , so any one who does believe in it wouldn't want to be in fellowship with us . At the end of the day ,God is one , He is our creator and sustainer , He is the Holy One of Israel , the God of Abraham ,Isaac and Jacob and the Father of Jesus Christ , our Sinless Redeemer . He knows who is His and thankfully , He is very merciful :) . Keep reading the Bible with an open heart and mind and you will grow in faith and understanding for sure . May God bless you .
Thank you for your informed and considerate reply to my question. Every point you make is very understandable to me, in fact though not a member of your congregation I myself hold many of these same views. I think I erred when posing my question? I tend to get a little scattered at times so please forgive.
Perhaps maybe my question would be better asked this way:
What is necessary for my salvation? Is my salvation based upon believing in the totality of the truths presented in the bible?
ughhhh I'm still not getting it right!!!!
Heavenly Father, I lift my heart to you and plead your spirit to give me the words I need to seek truth and counsel in fellowship with fellow believers in this forum. LORD, I prayed for direction and you have given me an amazing set of tools to be used, including this forum at KJV. Redeemer, my King, please hear my prayer and if but one other with pray this in agreement with me then thy will be done LORD, and let it be so. Amen Amen
Saul went out to meet Samuel that he might salute him,and Samuel said to Saul: What has you done? Saul said:Because I saw that the people were SCATTERED FROM ME,and that you came not within the days appointed,and the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmas,therefore said I,the Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal,and I have not made supplication unto the Lord:Then I FORCED myself therefore,and offered a burnt offering(Saul offered holocaust unworthily).And Samuel said to Saul, You has done foolishly:you has not kept the commandment of the Lord thy GOD,which he commanded thee: for now would the Lord have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, but now your kingdom shall not continue:the Lord has sought him a man after his own heart(David),and the Lord has commanded him to be captain over his people, because you has not kept that which the Lord commanded thee.
(Saul was rejected by his disobedience,the same will occur with many Ministers of today that tolerate the prolipheration of apostasies in the churches,among other kinds of sin,even idolatries)
And Samuel arose,and got him up from Gilgal unto Gibeah of Benjamin,Saul numbered the people that were present with him,about six hundred men(it means 600 men out of 2000,many had scattered from Saul).Saul,and Jonathan his son,and the people that were present with them,abode in Gibeah of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmas.And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies.(By the way, now in the END of the times,the ENEMY is encamped in whole earth,John saw three unclean spirits like FROGS(WHY FROGS?) come out of the MOUTH of the DRAGON,and out of the MOUTH of the Beast,and out of the MOUTH of the false prophet.They are the spirits of devils,working miracles,which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world,to gather them to the battle of this great Day of GOD Almighty/JESUS, Behold,I COME as a thief-Rev.16:13-15.Take a look
1 Cor. 2:15. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man ( John 8:15,16; 16:11; 17:16).
Comments posted on this discussion forum, that just tell a story but cannot provide deliverance from 'spiritual' bondage or salvation to mankind, raise many questions according to God's judgment.
Do they follow after an image of a false God ( Exodus 20:3,4,7) and a false Christ ( Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22; Luke 9:55;
2 Cor. 11:13-15; Gal. 4:8; Rev. 12:9) or do they remain ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, but have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God ( Romans 10:3).
Concerning mans Restauration, Redemption and Salvation, what they are, and by whom they are wrought, this testimony I give unto all people.
Man's Restoration is a repairing and giving again that which he hath lost by transgression, and Redemption
is a recovering and a winning again, and setting free from that wherein man hath been held (even all the Sons of Adam) because of disobedience, and Salvation is a saving, keeping, and preserving from sin, and death, and disobedience, and all the ways thereof, and also a saving from wrath and misery and condemnation, which are the effects thereof, and by the Son of God Christ Jesus is all this wrought, manifested and witnessed, and Restauration, Redemption and Salvation is only in Christ Jesus the second Adam, and not in any other, and it is wrought by him and by no other, and they are the free gift of the Father unto the sons of men, no way purchased by the works of the creature, or desert of him, but are freely given unto the creature through the power and wisdom of the Creator, and only by Jesus Christ the Son of the eternal God, and by the eternal Spirit are they witnessed in all that believe, and through the word of life are they handled, tasted, seen and felt, near at hand in power and not in words only. Many professes them in words and what others enjoyed of these things, but hath not felt in themselves, the working of the eternal Spirit, neither hath the witnesses in themselves of being restored to God again, and of being redeemed by him from under the devils power, neither are saved by Christ from sin and transgression, and so are not, nor cannot be saved from condemnation and wrath, for who abide in their sins and in the state unreconciled to God, hath not any part or portion in these things which belongs to their peace, and without the knowledge of which by the working of the eternal Spirit, all mankind is everlastingly miserable.
men for Ages , nor the true God known , nor manifestly worshipped in Spirit and Truth , but he hath been as a Stranger among men, and they have been ignorant of his Ways' and Judgments, and all people have been doing that which is right in the light of their own eyes , and God has been forgotten days without number
the living Fountain hath been forsaken, and many broken cisterns have been hewn out, which hath not hold pure water: great evil's and continual abominations have been acted in the sight of God, and the measure of iniquity hath been fulfilling through many generations, and it is grown nigh to the full, the Law of God hath been made void, and his grace hath turned into wantonness, and all things have been out of good order: Kings, Princes, Rulers, Governments, Laws, and Decrees have been corrupt, and not right in the sight of the Lord, oppressions, tyranny and vain-glory hath abounded in the Nations, and justice and true judgement have been neglected, and mercy and truth have been stranger
Oh what cruel injustice and tyranny in civil Government, Oh what abominable superstitions and idolatries hath been in (supposed) Church-Governments, its a vexation to the Spirit of the Lord to consider it, and the righteous soul hath long cried out and mourned under it, and because of this is the Lord of Heaven and Earth now arisen to overturn, to overturn Kings and Princes, Governments and Laws, and he will confound and break down all tyranny and oppression under which the poor hath groaned, and he will change times, and laws, and governments, there shall be no King ruling but Jesus, nor no government of force but the government of the Lamb, nor no law of effect but the law of God, all that which is otherwise shall be ground to powder, the Kingdom of the most high shall rule amongst men, and the Kingdoms of this world shall be changed, and shall become the Kingdoms of the Lord and of his Christ, and the Lord shall be known in the earth to be the God of truth, of righteousness; justice, and mercy, and truth shall be exalted, and true judgement shall be set up in the Nations, and the worship in spirit and in truth shall be established, for the Lord is gathering his numberless number to stand before his throne without guile in their mouth, and without fault before him
A Standard lifted up, and an Ensign held forth to all NATIONS
Chap 4
Concerning Man, and all Mankind, this Testimony I give unto all Nations and people .
Man was created and brought forth in the Image of God , and was with Man to do the will of him that created him, and was lord over all Creatures, to use them to the glory of the Creator, and all Creatures were to serve him , but man transgresses against his Maker, and offended him and dishonored him , and became degenerate, and grieved his Maker continually, and was drove out from the Presence of the Lord and he is now a Child of Disobedience, and of Wrath, and an Enemy in his mind against the Lord that made him; and he is doing and fulfilling daily the will of the Devil, and grieves the Spirit of God, and vexes his righteous soul, and is subject unto the Curse of Wo and Destruction , being ignorant of the Life, and Power, and Wisdom of the Creator, to lead him , to guide him, and preserve him , but follows the counsel of his own heart, which is evil all together, though he was made up right, yet hath he sought out many, inventions, which are continually abominable unto the Lord; the ground in which he stands is corrupted and all his fruit is unpleasant, even bitter and evil unto the Lords Taste . Man is fallen into the Pit of Misery and Sorrow, compassed about with desolation, and is left without a Helper from himself, or from any other Creature, and this in short is the state of all mankind upon the face of the Earth, who was planted a noble Vine; wholly aright Seed, to bring forth good fruit unto his Maker ;but he is turned into a degenerate plant, bringing forth cursed fruits which the Creator hath not pleasure in, his best works are not accepted and his evil deeds are condemned, because the ground in which he stands is accursed, because of disobedience
A Standard lifted up, and an Ensign held forth to all NATIONS
Chap 3
Concerning the Spirit of God, this Testimony I give unto the whole World.
The Spirit is with the Father, and with the Son, and its present everywhere, and fills all places, and is for ever and ever, and teach all things, and revealeth the things of the Father, and of the Son, unto all that doth believe in the Son, and makes manifest, and searches into the deep things of God, and it witnesses the Salvation of the just, and the condemnation of the unjust , it is not absent from any place, nor contained in any one place, the Father and the Son works all things through it, and brings all things in Heaven and Earth to pass by it, and it works in the Hearts of the Children of men, and in every one it witnesses of the Father and of the Son, to the Justness, Greatness, Righteousness, and to the power of the Eternal Creator, that made all things by the Son through his Eternal Spirit, which is one with the Father and with the Son, and is the Worker of their will and mind in all things; it worketh in the Wicked to reprove them, and to witness against them, and that God is angry with them it sheweth ; and it worketh in the Righteous, and witnesses, the Love, and Mercy, and Peace of the Father unto them ; He that can receive it, let him , this is the Testimony of the Spirit of God, and it leaded into all Truth, and out of all Evil all that are guided by it ; and it is given to be the Guide and Rule of Life to the Children of God.
I agree with Gigi, We are to gather from those who are gifted to teach, preach, and proclaim.
Jesus said; He is truth!
He also said, "My sheep hear my voice!
When truth is proclaimed it's Christ spirit in us that discerns it.
In 1 Corinthians 3:5-7 Paul illustrates this concept of teaching.
We are to do as the Bereans in Acts 17:11 and test the scriptures to see if these things be true.
I believe we should approach the scripture as babes in Christ and not just examine others doctrine but also constantly examining our own, testing scripture with scripture and applying proper hermeneutics.
We take what we have learned from others and see if it holds up over time as we grow.
God bless.
I agree with what you are saying, I know I have, and you have said here before, we grow daily, and our understandings have changed over the years. The Holy Spirit opens our eyes to truth as we can bear it or willing to use it. What I am saying is when we study, we are in search of truth whether it agrees with what we have been taught or not.
But when we study in prayer without what we have been taught in our mind and if what we are shown by the Spirit is what we have been taught, great. What if it is not? Are we willing to accept the truth? What will it cost? Are we willing to be persecuted by church members, friends', family members if we accept the truth and speak it? We are to worship God, in spirit and in truth, John 4:23-24.
If we are not willing to embrace the truth, regardless of what it will cost us, it will never be shown to us. I know we do not agree on one doctrine, but are we willing to honestly study any doctrine for the truth? All I say is in love and caring. I hope you take this in love and are not offended.
God bless,
RLW
The REST of Salvation.
Hebrews 4 For unto us was the GOSPEL preached, as well as unto them:but the WORD preached did not profit them,not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.For we which have believed do enter into REST,as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my REST:although the WORKS were FINISHED FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did REST the seventh day from ALL HIS WORKS. And in this place again, If they shall enter into my REST. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. For if Jesus had given them REST, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a REST to the people of God. For he that is entered into his REST, he also hath CREASED FROM HIS OWN WORKS AS GOD DID FROM His. Let us labour therefore to enter into that REST, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. For the word of God is quick, and powerful,and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight:but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Isa 53 Who hath believed our report?and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground:he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him,there is no beauty that we should desire him.He is despised and rejected of men;a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief:and we hid as it were our faces from him;he was despised,and we esteemed him not.Surely he hath borne our griefs,and carried our sorrows:yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.But he was wounded for our transgressions,he was bruised for our iniquities:the chastisement of our peace was upon him;and with his stripes we are healed.All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way;and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,yet he opened not his mouth:he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter,and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb,so he openeth not his mouth.He was taken from prison and from judgment:and who shall declare his generation?for he was cut off out of the land of the living:for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked,and with the rich in his death;because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him;he hath put him to grief:when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.He shall see of the travail of his soul,and shall be satisfied:by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many;for he shall bear their iniquities.Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong;because he hath poured out his soul unto death:and he was numbered with the transgressors;and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Continued on pg 2.
Chap 10 Concerning Governors, and Governments, and Subjection to this testimony I give to the world.
Governors, Rulers, and Magistrates we own, and do respect in the Lord; (and yet cannot respect any mans person whatsoever) such as be a terror to all evil in their government, and that fears God and hates covetousness, and delights in equity, in justice, and true judgement, and gives diligent heed to try the cause of the poor, and will judge justly without respect of men, who justifies the good and gives praise to the well-doer, such Government and Governors we reverence, where sin and iniquity is kept under, drunkenness, swearing, Murder, quarrelling, and all the ways and works of the flesh are terrified, and a welldoer praised and justified, this Government of men, reaches to the witness of God in every man, and that answers to the justice and righteousness of all such Governors and Government, and these witnesses that they are of God, but the witness of God in every man, bears witness against all unjust men, and Laws, and Rulers, and Governments, which strengthened the hands of the wicked, and oppresses the just, where the making and execution of Laws are in the power of proud men, and covetous men, who fears not God, neither hates covetousness, neither doth respect the cause of the poor but rules by their wills and tyranny, and not by just Laws in righteousness; but makes unrighteous decrees to oppresses the poor and innocent, letting the wicked go free, such who upholds unrighteous worships, and teachers by oppression, and cause the innocent to suffer, and makes them offenders, because the exercise of a pure
2 of 2
conscience towards God and men; such Rulers and Government we cannot be subject to for conscience sake, but doth rather fulfill the law and will of God, though we transgresses their wills and unrighteous Laws, and yet doth not rebel against them, nor seek defense from them, but patiently suffers under them, and bears their injustice and cruelty without seeking any revenge, but leaves vengeance to the Lord to whom it belongs, and this is our judgment in full, the Government and Laws which we cannot obey nor fulfil for conscience sake, we chose rather to suffer under them for disobedience to them, than to transgress the righteous Law of God, written in our hearts by obeying them; so that what we cannot obey for conscience sake, for conscience sake we resist not, but suffers under that (the punishment's of it) patiently, and herein are we subject to every ordinance of man, for conscience sake: in fulfilling of the good, the just, and righteous, and in patience suffering under the cruelty and oppression of the unjust and unrighteous, and this we do and teach every where, subjection to every ordinance of man, and are not destroyers of true Government, not rebellious against just Governors, but are exalters of true justice and judgement in the earth.
You are correct, we are now the body we were crucified and DIED in; and raised by the same Spirit Christ was raised with, we are the body of Christ.
1 Timothy 6:16 CHRIST ONLY hath IMMORTALITY, dwelling in the light ...
1 Corinthians 15:53 ....this mortal must PUT ON IMMORTALITY ....
1 Corinthians 15:38 But God giveth it (his SEED) a body as it hath pleased him, and to every SEED (Christ's) own body.
God bless you.
THE Kingdom of God and of his Son, is not of this world, but is from above and stands in righteousness and in truth, in mercy and in peace, in true judgement and justice, and this dominion is from everlasting to everlasting, and it reaches beyond all the world, and its Government is love and unity, and everlasting peace, and is prefect liberty to the just and binds and chains the unjust; in it there is no oppression but perfect freedom from all unrighteousness, and it consists not in word, but in power, to the bringing down of the Kingdome of the devil, and to the breaking off the bonds of all injustice, and all ungodliness which is the Kingdom of Satan, which hath long ruled in the world, that Kingdom whereof Christ is King, which stands in righteousness, no unclean thing can have any part therein, and this we believe it shall be set up and advanced in the earth, but not by might of man or arm of flesh, not the multitude of an host, neither by policy, nor craft, nor by revenge, but by the arm of the Lord alone, through the suffering and patience of his people, and by faithful witness bearing unto Jesus Christ by doing and by suffering, by doing his will in all things in a pure life and conversation, and upright walking in the sight of the Lord, and by patient suffering under the injustice and oppression of men, and of their unjust Government and Laws, till they be overturned and confounded; and further we give testimony, that suffering in patience under the cruelty and oppression of the devils government and Kingdom; more reaches to overthrow them than the rising to rebel in any way of outward offence toward them, or defense from them, and the Kingdom of Christ is near to come, and the Kingdoms of this world shall be changed, and none shall have any part therein but they that are redeemed out of kindreds, tongues, and people: this we believe, he that can receive it let him.
Justification is freely by Jesus Christ in the sight of the Father, and not by the works of mans own righteousness, and such as are taught by Christ, and guided by him in all the ways of truth and righteousness, are justified by him, and none else, not in any word or work whatsoever, but in what they are led to fulfill by him, and it is the new man that is justified and not the old, he that is born of God, and none that are born of the flesh, such cannot please God, neither can such be justified by him, for they are not taught of him, nor saved, nor restored, nor redeemed, and therefore are not justified nor cleared from condemnation in the sight of the Lord, but who lives in iniquity, and sin, and the ways and works of the world, which are evil, by Christ Jesus are condemned and not justified, though in words they professes him, yet of justification by him they have no part, and sanctification is by the working of the eternal Spirit in the heart of the creature, which purges out and taketh away all unrighteousness, and all the works and fruits of darkness: it witnessed against, and witnessed unto Jesus, who takes away all sin, and destroys the works of the devil, that man may be holy and pure in the sight of his Maker; and every one that hath the witness of his justification hath the operation by the eternal spirit of sanctification, and all that receives Christ Jesus, who hath lighted every man that cometh into the world, receives sanctification and justification by him, and he unto us is made so of the Father, he that can receive it let him,
Just something to consider or as you say so well meditate, thank you, brother.
John 20:17, just think sunrise on the morning of the Feast of First Fruits, Leviticus 23:9-14, a shadow of what was being fulfilled when Jesus rose from the dead. The priests were waving the sheaf of grain left and right before the altar, and the women were arriving at the Lord's tomb around the same time. They could not eat or partake of the first harvest until it was waved and accepted by God, Jesus had to present Himself to God, He is the First Fruits of those of the dead, the first harvest.
Is this why Mary could not touch Him? We see later after He presented Himself and was accepted by God, after He returned then they could touch Him, Matthew 28:9. He was raised in His glorified body the same as we will be raised in our glorified body, 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 1 Corinthians 15:53-54. Eternal life is the gift and hope we have through Jesus Christ our Lord in Jesus.
God bless and amen to the may I add.
RLW
I can see where you are coming from in this post. We do need to test what we have learned to be sure that we are believing correctly according to the bible.
However, I do not agree that we are to set aside all that we have been taught or learned in order to gain truth from the Word.
The Israelites were instructed to teach their children the Word of God in Deuteronomy. And Paul certainly tells Timothy, Titus, and others to teach sound doctrine to those under their care. As parents we are responsible for teaching our children from infancy about God and what the Scriptures say, as the mother and grandmother of Timothy did. As pastors we are to teach those who attend our services sound doctrine from God's Word. As believers, we are to study the Scriptures for ourselves to grow up in doctrinal purity and correct understanding, All of these ways of intaking spiritual knowledge are the work of the Holy Spirit. We should have a teachable spirit not only to learn from Scriptures ourselves, but from those who God has placed over us as teachers. I think it is somewhat dangerous to believers to instruct them to abandon what they have been taught by godly believers when they attempt to study the Bible independently. I am not saying that we should take everything taught to us from others as absolute truth, but, when we are of an age to think critically and examine between the Scriptures and what we already know we are to prayerfully sift through our beliefs in light of the Scriptures by the working of the Holy Spirit in us.
Chap 7
Concerning true Religion, and the true worship of the true God, this testimony I give unto the whole world.
This is true Religion to be kept pure and clean from all evil and from all that which would defile in the sight of the Lord, and to walk in his fear in all things, this is Religion, to do good and to do no evil, and to speak the truth, and to do the truth in all things, and to do unto all men as a man would be done unto, and to love God withal the heart, and the neighbor as self; and not to love the world, and its ways, and pleasures of it, nor to use deceit in words or actions, this is true Religion, and the true worship of God, to be led with his Spirit in all things, and to be guided in the truth at all times on all occasions; this is acceptable and well pleasing unto God above all words, and outward conformity, and set times, and days, and observances; for the worship of God is not in these things, but is without respect of days, places or things; this Religion and worship stands in Christ Jesus the second Adam, who hath lighted every man that comes into the world, that all men through him might believe, and by him have their consciences purely exercised towards God, and towards man in all things whatsoever, and this is our Religion and worship of the true God: he that can receive it let him
I also believe ALL God's words are TRUE; but not all words are literally true, the TRUTH of the scripture is hidden within, and the answer ls found in other scriptures.
Meditate on Genesis 5:2
Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name ADAM, in the day they were created.
God bless you
"Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God." John 20:17 KJV
Jesus resurrected from the tomb in the same body he completed the finished work in. Mary was not to touch and His message was that he would ascend to the Father his God and the brethren's God.
A born again Christian also resurrects from the grave in the body they died in. Until, we like Jesus ascend to the Father we must remain separate from sin. Jesus did exactly this as an example for us.
Romans 7:24 1 Corinthians 15:44 1 Corinthians 15:40
I'm with you, I believe the Bible is the inspired word of God given to us. A reason we differ, preconceived ideas are obstacles to the truth. We all grow up in cultures where we inherit certain biased beliefs, values, and attitudes from our parents, teachers, religious affiliation, peer groups, and friends. When we study the Bible unless we can clear these obstacles, and beliefs when we read our sub-conscience mind will block the true meaning with the ones we have stored in our mind.
We must empty our minds as we know nothing, take out the garbage, pray, and let the Spirit of Truth show us the true meaning of what we are studying. We must keep in mind we get milk first and then meat and it can be years between.
I also believe in one God and Father of all, who is the God and Father of Jesus, the Son of God, the Messiah/Christ.
John 20:17 Romans 15:6 2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 11:31 Ephesians 1:3 Ephesians 1:17 Ephesians 5:20 Colossians 1:3 1 Peter 1:3 1 Corinthians 8:6.
God bless,
RLW
So, who are these false apostles (e.g. Edward Burroughs - 1657) and false Christs the 'Word of God' speaks of ( Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22; Luke 9:55; 2 Cor. 11:13-15; Gal. 4:8; Rev. 12:9)?
Seek, and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7).
Thank you!
Thank you for your reply and
AMEN GOD bless all through faith in Christ LORD of all.
"what our senses tell us when we pay attention" oh how very true Charlie!!!
I am getting closer to organizing my thoughts in a way that I can hopefully better express what I mean. Oh my...
I am a firm KJ Bible believer. Some of my brethren are not. (So I try to generically just use "bible" when discussing "sensitive" topics I do not want the issue of my concerns to become about what bible is best etc etc etc.) when I am literally concerned about salvation issues it discourages me that something like the shape of our world has been turned into such a emotionally triggering "taboo". I would like to walk up to a brethren and say "hey, is my salvation partly based on how much I believe in the truth of the Word of God? Like, I know the bible tells me how God created the earth but what if I don't believe that one part of the bible?"
Am I positioning my salvation and eternal lifetime with my King, in jeopardy because of this? Oh gosh!
As I am re-reading what i just typed, a voice? in my head said "Faith is believing in what is unseen, believing without having seen?" ??????? What .....
Is that a bible verse??? I'm a baby Christian....haven't even learned to walk yet!! Oh gosh
God bless you Charlie Slaves.
Thank you for your informed and considerate reply to my question. Every point you make is very understandable to me, in fact though not a member of your congregation I myself hold many of these same views. I think I erred when posing my question? I tend to get a little scattered at times so please forgive.
Perhaps maybe my question would be better asked this way:
What is necessary for my salvation? Is my salvation based upon believing in the totality of the truths presented in the bible?
ughhhh I'm still not getting it right!!!!
Heavenly Father, I lift my heart to you and plead your spirit to give me the words I need to seek truth and counsel in fellowship with fellow believers in this forum. LORD, I prayed for direction and you have given me an amazing set of tools to be used, including this forum at KJV. Redeemer, my King, please hear my prayer and if but one other with pray this in agreement with me then thy will be done LORD, and let it be so. Amen Amen
Saul went out to meet Samuel that he might salute him,and Samuel said to Saul: What has you done? Saul said:Because I saw that the people were SCATTERED FROM ME,and that you came not within the days appointed,and the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmas,therefore said I,the Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal,and I have not made supplication unto the Lord:Then I FORCED myself therefore,and offered a burnt offering(Saul offered holocaust unworthily).And Samuel said to Saul, You has done foolishly:you has not kept the commandment of the Lord thy GOD,which he commanded thee: for now would the Lord have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, but now your kingdom shall not continue:the Lord has sought him a man after his own heart(David),and the Lord has commanded him to be captain over his people, because you has not kept that which the Lord commanded thee.
(Saul was rejected by his disobedience,the same will occur with many Ministers of today that tolerate the prolipheration of apostasies in the churches,among other kinds of sin,even idolatries)
And Samuel arose,and got him up from Gilgal unto Gibeah of Benjamin,Saul numbered the people that were present with him,about six hundred men(it means 600 men out of 2000,many had scattered from Saul).Saul,and Jonathan his son,and the people that were present with them,abode in Gibeah of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmas.And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies.(By the way, now in the END of the times,the ENEMY is encamped in whole earth,John saw three unclean spirits like FROGS(WHY FROGS?) come out of the MOUTH of the DRAGON,and out of the MOUTH of the Beast,and out of the MOUTH of the false prophet.They are the spirits of devils,working miracles,which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world,to gather them to the battle of this great Day of GOD Almighty/JESUS, Behold,I COME as a thief-Rev.16:13-15.Take a look
Comments posted on this discussion forum, that just tell a story but cannot provide deliverance from 'spiritual' bondage or salvation to mankind, raise many questions according to God's judgment.
Do they follow after an image of a false God ( Exodus 20:3,4,7) and a false Christ ( Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22; Luke 9:55;
2 Cor. 11:13-15; Gal. 4:8; Rev. 12:9) or do they remain ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, but have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God ( Romans 10:3).
Matthew 7:7. Seek, and ye shall find.
Concerning mans Restauration, Redemption and Salvation, what they are, and by whom they are wrought, this testimony I give unto all people.
Man's Restoration is a repairing and giving again that which he hath lost by transgression, and Redemption
is a recovering and a winning again, and setting free from that wherein man hath been held (even all the Sons of Adam) because of disobedience, and Salvation is a saving, keeping, and preserving from sin, and death, and disobedience, and all the ways thereof, and also a saving from wrath and misery and condemnation, which are the effects thereof, and by the Son of God Christ Jesus is all this wrought, manifested and witnessed, and Restauration, Redemption and Salvation is only in Christ Jesus the second Adam, and not in any other, and it is wrought by him and by no other, and they are the free gift of the Father unto the sons of men, no way purchased by the works of the creature, or desert of him, but are freely given unto the creature through the power and wisdom of the Creator, and only by Jesus Christ the Son of the eternal God, and by the eternal Spirit are they witnessed in all that believe, and through the word of life are they handled, tasted, seen and felt, near at hand in power and not in words only. Many professes them in words and what others enjoyed of these things, but hath not felt in themselves, the working of the eternal Spirit, neither hath the witnesses in themselves of being restored to God again, and of being redeemed by him from under the devils power, neither are saved by Christ from sin and transgression, and so are not, nor cannot be saved from condemnation and wrath, for who abide in their sins and in the state unreconciled to God, hath not any part or portion in these things which belongs to their peace, and without the knowledge of which by the working of the eternal Spirit, all mankind is everlastingly miserable.
to be continue......
men for Ages , nor the true God known , nor manifestly worshipped in Spirit and Truth , but he hath been as a Stranger among men, and they have been ignorant of his Ways' and Judgments, and all people have been doing that which is right in the light of their own eyes , and God has been forgotten days without number
the living Fountain hath been forsaken, and many broken cisterns have been hewn out, which hath not hold pure water: great evil's and continual abominations have been acted in the sight of God, and the measure of iniquity hath been fulfilling through many generations, and it is grown nigh to the full, the Law of God hath been made void, and his grace hath turned into wantonness, and all things have been out of good order: Kings, Princes, Rulers, Governments, Laws, and Decrees have been corrupt, and not right in the sight of the Lord, oppressions, tyranny and vain-glory hath abounded in the Nations, and justice and true judgement have been neglected, and mercy and truth have been stranger
Oh what cruel injustice and tyranny in civil Government, Oh what abominable superstitions and idolatries hath been in (supposed) Church-Governments, its a vexation to the Spirit of the Lord to consider it, and the righteous soul hath long cried out and mourned under it, and because of this is the Lord of Heaven and Earth now arisen to overturn, to overturn Kings and Princes, Governments and Laws, and he will confound and break down all tyranny and oppression under which the poor hath groaned, and he will change times, and laws, and governments, there shall be no King ruling but Jesus, nor no government of force but the government of the Lamb, nor no law of effect but the law of God, all that which is otherwise shall be ground to powder, the Kingdom of the most high shall rule amongst men, and the Kingdoms of this world shall be changed, and shall become the Kingdoms of the Lord and of his Christ, and the Lord shall be known in the earth to be the God of truth, of righteousness; justice, and mercy, and truth shall be exalted, and true judgement shall be set up in the Nations, and the worship in spirit and in truth shall be established, for the Lord is gathering his numberless number to stand before his throne without guile in their mouth, and without fault before him
Chap 4
Concerning Man, and all Mankind, this Testimony I give unto all Nations and people .
Man was created and brought forth in the Image of God , and was with Man to do the will of him that created him, and was lord over all Creatures, to use them to the glory of the Creator, and all Creatures were to serve him , but man transgresses against his Maker, and offended him and dishonored him , and became degenerate, and grieved his Maker continually, and was drove out from the Presence of the Lord and he is now a Child of Disobedience, and of Wrath, and an Enemy in his mind against the Lord that made him; and he is doing and fulfilling daily the will of the Devil, and grieves the Spirit of God, and vexes his righteous soul, and is subject unto the Curse of Wo and Destruction , being ignorant of the Life, and Power, and Wisdom of the Creator, to lead him , to guide him, and preserve him , but follows the counsel of his own heart, which is evil all together, though he was made up right, yet hath he sought out many, inventions, which are continually abominable unto the Lord; the ground in which he stands is corrupted and all his fruit is unpleasant, even bitter and evil unto the Lords Taste . Man is fallen into the Pit of Misery and Sorrow, compassed about with desolation, and is left without a Helper from himself, or from any other Creature, and this in short is the state of all mankind upon the face of the Earth, who was planted a noble Vine; wholly aright Seed, to bring forth good fruit unto his Maker ;but he is turned into a degenerate plant, bringing forth cursed fruits which the Creator hath not pleasure in, his best works are not accepted and his evil deeds are condemned, because the ground in which he stands is accursed, because of disobedience
Chap 3
Concerning the Spirit of God, this Testimony I give unto the whole World.
The Spirit is with the Father, and with the Son, and its present everywhere, and fills all places, and is for ever and ever, and teach all things, and revealeth the things of the Father, and of the Son, unto all that doth believe in the Son, and makes manifest, and searches into the deep things of God, and it witnesses the Salvation of the just, and the condemnation of the unjust , it is not absent from any place, nor contained in any one place, the Father and the Son works all things through it, and brings all things in Heaven and Earth to pass by it, and it works in the Hearts of the Children of men, and in every one it witnesses of the Father and of the Son, to the Justness, Greatness, Righteousness, and to the power of the Eternal Creator, that made all things by the Son through his Eternal Spirit, which is one with the Father and with the Son, and is the Worker of their will and mind in all things; it worketh in the Wicked to reprove them, and to witness against them, and that God is angry with them it sheweth ; and it worketh in the Righteous, and witnesses, the Love, and Mercy, and Peace of the Father unto them ; He that can receive it, let him , this is the Testimony of the Spirit of God, and it leaded into all Truth, and out of all Evil all that are guided by it ; and it is given to be the Guide and Rule of Life to the Children of God.