If you research the origin of the cross it goes back to the Babylonians and didn't enter into Christian religion until the 4th century. some bible writers used the Greek word Xy'lon which means "timber" stick, club, or tree. see also acts 10:39, acts 13:29, Galations 3:13 and 1 peter 2:24. It was under the pagan ruler Constantine that promoted the cross as a symbol of Christianity. see also Exodus 20:4,5
I can heartily agree with your first paragraph that the Triune God is very Truth. But then you say that the Holy Spirit is not a person. And it's at this point that we have to dwell.
Before I give you some Scriptures, let me ask, "what if God chose to embody His "Truth" (the Holy Spirit), with flesh, as He did to His "Word"? Would that alter your belief that the Spirit is more than the Truth (a Word) of God, but very God Himself by His Spirit?
Some Scriptures for you to consider that the Holy Spirit is not only the 'Truth of God' but sent from God as God: 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 (He is Intelligent, He searches, He knows, He has a Will); Ephesians 4:30 (He has feelings - can be grieved & He seals the believer); John 14:26 (He teaches; notice the pronoun); John 16:13, Romans 8:14; Acts 8:29 (He guides, leads, speaks, hears, glorifies God); Acts 13:4 (He commissions or despatches); Romans 8:26,27 (He intercedes); Matthew 12:31 (He can be blasphemed); Acts 5:3 (He can be lied to); Acts 7:51 (He can be resisted); Hebrews 10:29 (He can be outraged). And these are just a few to consider.
Then if we leave off the word 'Spirit' & replace it with 'Truth' in those Scriptures (as you asked me to try out), in some cases, it could work as the Spirit is Truth, as God & the Son are Truth. But in other cases, that just wouldn't work (e.g. how does the Truth (as a spoken Word) grieve, search, has a Will, feelings, hears, glorifies, commissions, intercedes, blasphemed against, etc.?). And then again, why did God not just use the word 'Truth' (as in 'the Truth shall set you free') but rather shows us that His Spirit (of Truth) was sent to accomplish these tasks? I can see if someone has difficulty with the Doctrine of the Trinity, then understanding the Spirit's part in the Godhead would be a problem.
We're introduced to Paul (then known as Saul) from Acts 7:58 onwards. Saul, by his own claim, was a Jew & a Pharisee (a religious leader, studied in Jewish Law), from the tribe of Benjamin ( Philippians 3:5,6). He also hailed from Tarsus, Celicia in Asia Minor (now Turkey). If you're keen to see the city & you have a map of Turkey, Tarsus is located between the cities of Mersin & Adana on the South coast.
Then from Acts chapter 9, you can read of Saul's mighty encounter with the risen Jesus Christ & from that event, Saul believed on Jesus, was baptized & later he was also referred to as Paul ( Acts 13:9). We generally hear the name Paul being used from hereon.
Paul wasn't one of the 12 disciples who walked with Jesus. However, since Paul had seen the Lord, received teaching from him (from Heaven while in the deserts of Arabia: Galatians 1:17), & called by Jesus to be His apostle ( Romans 1:1), the other apostles after some initial hesitance acceptance him. And of course, we know that God used Paul mightily to preach to both the Jews & the Gentiles of His saving Grace (his mission however was primarily to the Gentiles). Paul went on several missionary journeys & established several Churches, even in his own country. How very sad though, that Turkey now has Islam as its predominant religion, when at the time of Paul, he would have "turned the world upside down" with the power of the Gospel even in his home country.
So, if you read the Book of Acts, especially from chapter 7 onwards, you'll learn more of what I've shared here. And then his letters to the Churches are filled with wisdom, that which he learned from Jesus to teach Christians on how to live the Christian life victoriously.
I think Rob, a dictionary wouldn't be very useful in this matter. So your answer is: "The Holy Spirit is of God". Well, that's correct but to expand on that a little, if I may amplify your thoughts. In great care, I would suggest that you also believe that the Holy Spirit is a Person, i.e. He comes from within the Godhead, sent into the World of sinners to convict & to indwell those who have been born again that they might lead new lives with a new Power within.
That He must be a Person, as shown in many examples: Intelligence ( 1 Corinthians 2:10,11); has feelings ( Ephesians 4:30); has a Will ( 1 Corinthians 12:11); has a Mind ( Romans 8:27); teaches ( John 14:26); guides ( Romans 8:14, John 16:13); commissions ( Acts 13:4); commands ( Acts 8:29); restrains ( Genesis 6:3, 2 Thessalonians 2:7); intercedes ( Romans 8:26); speaks ( John 15:26). Though He may be a spirit as from God, out of God's Being, He is the very Expression & Person of God Himself. I hope you agree to that, or am I putting words in your mind or mouth?
Then we come to God's Word. As seen with the Spirit, the Word of God is unseen, the very Articulation of God in creating, giving commands & direction whether to heavenly hosts, to His people on Earth or through His prophets & in other utterances that we're unaware of. Now there may be other aspects of God's Being that we're not told of, but of the Word & the Spirit, there's no dispute. The difficulty now for some remains with the 'Word'.
If then, God sends out His Spirit to accomplish His Purposes, why is it so hard to comprehend that He sends out His Word to do likewise? Or is that because the Spirit has no flesh, therefore it must hold true that God's Word can only be spirit without flesh? What if God chose to give His Spirit flesh maybe that would make it easier to understand the 'Word' easier.
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. ( Isaiah 1:18)
If you sincerely put your trust in Jesus Christ knowing that he, being the sinless Son of God, laid his life down to pay for our sins, was crucified, dead and buried, and then raised from the dead, you will be saved and fully forgiven.
He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. ( Psalm 103:10-12)
But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption. Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. ( Acts 13:37-39)
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. ( Romans 3:23-26)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ( 1 John 1:9)
Julie, I don't think there is any such verse in the Bible. Psalm 127:3 says, "children are an heritage of the LORD". The word in Hebrew can signify a "gift or a possession" from the Lord. Then in 1 Samuel 1:11, Hannah, who was once barren but God enabled her because of her vow to Him, gave her a son whom she called Samuel. She then gave him back to the Lord in accordance with her vow & we know that he was a mighty prophet used by the Lord.
Pastors sometimes refer to this account in the Bible when offering up a child in a Dedication ceremony, as when the child's parents dedicate the little one gifted to them by the Lord, back to Him for His safe-keeping & service. But we know that not only children but all of us have to one day return to the Lord Who made us & give account. So in that sense we all are placed on this Earth for a short time, to enjoy her blessings & the Lord Who made it all for our sake, & then one day we will return to our Maker.
God abhors homosexuality...He also abhors fornication, when Moses came down from Mt Sinai one time having conversed with God, God struck 23,000 fornicators dead on the spot...We serve a Holy God, we must remember what Holy means...the world does not know the meaning of Holy...they choose not too for then they would have to commit to some type of cleanliness...which turns their stomachs as homosexuality turns ours...
No, there's plenty of Bible verses supporting that Jesus is God and part of a trinity. Here's a list: Link
Your thoughts require complexity and mental gymnastics to arrive to your conclusion, whereas I'm just reading it literally like a child can do and arrive at its natural meaning. So, we already know what the Bible says and the real question is whether you believe in the Bible as God's inspired Word? And if you don't 100% believe it, why not? And what is behind this doubt, satan? Why not just pray to God and ask Him to discover and confirm the truth?
Wesley Barnard, I disagree about the Word of God not being God. God IS the word of Him. HE wrote the Bible, and we should NOT say bad things about it. I love the Lord, and don't say bad things about the Bible or God. Think about it, SERIOUSLY.
AND HE HAD A NAME WRITTEN - In Reply on Acts 13 - 4 years ago
One of Jesus's Names, which appears only once, is: WORD OF GOD.
Revelation Chapter 19
11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
Comment by Mishael:
Jesus Christ is: THE WORD OF GOD
One scripture, in the back of the Bible, but it is undeniably True. Check your Bible again.
(Anyone reading the Book of Revelation is given a blessing by the Lord. Every time we read it. The Blessing: Revelation 1:3 )
Adam, you are not even considering verse 18, which tells us Christ could not be The Most High. You must take into consideration the conversation Christ had with those who hated him and accused him of being God. Do you remember it? It is recorded at John 10:24-39. When Christ said: I and the Father are one. They became angry, believing he was making himself equal to The Most High. How did Christ answer their charge? He refers his opposers to a Psalm 82, which records The Most High condemning the judges of Israel, who were perverting justice. Yet He called them 'gods'. Why? Because they had delegated to them judgment of life or death, wielding great power.
Then Christ concluded with the statement: Say ye of him whom the Father sanctified, and sent into the world, thou blasphemest, because I said I am THE SON OF GOD? (Capitalization mine for emphasis)
Here Christ clearly defines his relationship with The Most High. He is the Son of The Most High, not The Most High.
As I tried to explain in my first comment, we have all been duped and deceived by Satan until now. We are now in 'the time of the end' when the Word would no longer be 'shut up' and 'sealed'. However, just as their were those who could not hear the truth coming out of the mouth of Christ, to day the world will not listen to the truth coming out of the mouth of Christ's 'brothers'; the 'predestinated' ones Paul wrote about extensively at Ephesians 1 and 2.
The truth is available to all men because few have been 'born again'; baptized in water and Spirit. Without Spirit, one cannot hear the words of Christ. To sum up, you have heard the truth, backed up by Scripture. You must decide whether you should continue to cling to the deceptions that have hypnotized the world or pray for The Most High's Holy Spirit to grant you understanding.
Disagree. John 1:1 contradicts what you just said. It says "the Word was God" and you just said the Word was "not" God.
This reminds me how Genesis 3:3-4 Eve said they'll die if they eat the fruit and satan said "Ye shall not surely die." - the exact opposite of the truth.
Satan is the father of lies, he deceives people, even people who think they are right, he's usually the one behind it all.
So, since you're claiming something other than John 1:1 is true, how do we know you're not the one who is deceived? What is the evidence that what you're saying is the truth and not a heresy from satan?
John 1:1 The Word of God is NOT God. The Word was sent forth the represent and articulate The Most High's repentance to Israel, which was 'lost'. A verse 18 testifies: No man has seen God at any time. This fact cannot be denied. Christ was the 'light to the Gentiles' at Isaiah 49:6 foretold. Paul also testifies that The Most High is the only one having immortality and no man has seen him. These facts tell us Christ, the Word of The Most High is not God.
Indeed, Revelation 12:9 is cited, which exposes another humbling truth: We have all been deceived by Satan the Devil. His deceit has been so thorough that billions worship Christ as God, unknowingly. The Most High has a personal name at Psalm 83:18, Yahovah, yet we never hear His Holy Name. Why? Who wants to erase that name? Satan the Devil, who has deceived the whole world.
However, we have now entered a period of enlightenment, if we choose to pursue it. Daniel 12:4 tells us that 'the book', the Bible, would 'shut up' and 'sealed' until when? Until 'the time of the end'. Few would argue that we are NOT living in 'the time of the end'. Yet, how many of us are prepared to accept and absorb the 'knowledge increased' promised?
Indeed, you have just been presented with several new revelations: the worship of Christ is IDOLATRY, for he is not Yahovah and we have all been 'deceived', tricked, fooled by Satan, the Father of the Lie. We have learned that the Word of God has been 'sealed' and 'shut up' for millennia until now. Now, we have access to the truth if we want it. However, to have access to it, we must be 'born again', spiritually recreated as a new creation. Can we receive it? Pray for Spirit from Yahovah, The Most High Elohim and He will give it to you. This is what Christ died and shed his blood for - the truth. Shalom dear ones.
Most people use Sunday because they can't shake customs and traditions.
You are following the Sabbath day requirement because you feel compelled to.
The 7th day was established for ALL of mankind back on the 7th Day of Creation ( Genesis 2:2-3, Exodus 20:8-11, Exodus 34:21, etc. etc.) and was never abolished.
( Mark 2:27-28) "And he said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath."
If we believe in the Father and His only begotten Son, then we have Christ in us every day, not just one day per week. This new understanding is an enhancement of the 7th day, not the abolishing of it. It was made to last forever.
This is a day that God BLESSED and SANCTIFIED! Christ always honored the Sabbath. The Apostles kept the Sabbath after the death of Christ; look at Acts 13:14, 27, 42, 44, Acts 16:13, etc.
Pentecost is a holy SABBATH day; i.e. a day of rest.
In Acts 17:2 and Acts 18:4, Paul is continually feeding the people Scripture on the SABBATH.
Christ never abolished the Sabbath.
God never said anything concerning that fact, and if He wanted that day changed, He would have made it abundantly clear.
Have you considered looking at the Dead Sea Scrolls?
The Book of Enoch, in particular, reveals a 364 day solar priestly calendar.
52 (weeks) x 7 = 364
The calendar begins after the Spring Equinox.
Look at the first book of Enoch; specifically, ch. 72, and ch. 82 (column 27) are words concerning the ancient solar calendar.
The Word of God is God ( John 1:1) and is not of any private interpretation ( 2 Peter 1:20).
The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of god: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned ( Cor. 2:14).
You cannot just change the word 'born' to 'baptize'. The word of God is not of any private interpretation. The water is the living water (Christ) and unless a person is born of the water and the Spirit , he cannot enter into the kingdom of God ( John 3:5; Isaiah 44:3,4; Matthew 3:11; Titus 3:5).
We invite you to study what it means to repent ( Acts 26:18) and the baptism of repentance ( Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; Acts 13:24; 19:4), as it means a lot more than what by nature you have been conditioned to believe.
Water baptism and circumcision was an act of faith but could not save people. Then the next question should be asked: Faith in what?
The Word of God is God ( John 1:1) and is not of any private interpretation ( 2 Peter 1:20).
The word 'Repent' in different forms (repent, repentance, repented, repentest, repenteth, repenting, repentings) is mentioned 110 times in the KJV, and means a lot more than what people by nature have been conditioned to believe. The word 'repent' used in the New Testament was translated from the Greek word "metanoeo", and means to change, transform, to think differently or reconsider.
It is the key principle of all the teachings of Jesus Christ and the axiom (basis) of the Word of God and a prerequisite and primary requirement for the salvation of mankind. It actually means the changing of spirits - to turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God ( Acts 26:18).
For a better understanding and the 'spiritual truth' of what it means to repent, and learn how and by whom mankind has been deceived ( Rev. 12:9) and what people must do to be reunited with the true and living God, we invite you to seek Him according to the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive ( Matthew 7:7; John 14:17).
You need not that any man teach you ( Isaiah 54:13; 6:45; 1 John 2:27), as mankind follows after an image of a false god and a false Christ ( Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22; Gal. 4:8; 2 Cor. 11:13-15; Rev. 12:9).
It is only by revelation of God that people will come to know the true Christ ( Daniel 12:4,9; Amos 3:7; Matthew 16:17; Luke 2:26; Romans 16:25; 1 Cor. 2:10; Gal. 1:16; Eph. 3:3,5; Rev. 1:1), and only then will you be able to overcome the spirit of this world ( 1 John 5:4; Rev. 3:21) and learn what 'True Repentance' means, and how this whole world has been deceived ( Rev. 12:9). It should also be remembered that it is a narrow way that leadeth unto 'Life', and few there be that find it ( Matthew 7:14).
LUKE 15:10. LIKEWISE, I SAY UNTO YOU, THERE IS JOY IN THE PRESENCE OF THE ANGELS OF GOD OVER ONE SINNER THAT REPENTETH
The curtain being torn meant that you did not need the earthly high priest to go to the throne of grace on your behalf. The Sanctuary was not for worshipping but for the atonement of sins. The priest was the mediator using the lamb's blood for atonement. But after Christ died, He become our High Priest not using a lamb's blood, but His own. This meant that the earthly sanctuary system had been abolished.
The Sabbath day was to let us rest and to remind us that God created all that is. Christ observed this day, Luke 4:16.
Paul who came after the curtain was torn, kept the Sabbath, Acts 13:14,42-44, 16:13, 17:2, 18:4. No where in the Bible is the Sabbath abolished.
WHY DO PEOPLE NOT REST ON THE SABBATH DAY / SEVENTH DAY?
And God RESTED on the SEVENTH DAY.
And God BLESSED the SEVENTH DAY and SANCTIFIED the SEVENTH DAY.
Many have changed the day of rest from the SEVENTH DAY to the first day.
There are TWO Biblical reasons people believe this.
1) The first day of the week is the day that Matthew 28:1, Mark and Luke 23:55, 24:2 relate that the sepulchre was opened and Jesus was not found there.
2) During the 40 days that Jesus was on earth before He rose into heaven He appeared to His disciples seven times. Five of the seven times Jesus met with them on the FIRST DAY of the week. The other two times, the day is not mentioned. Look at Mark 16:9-13, Mark 16:14-18, Luke 24:13-33, Luke 24:34, Luke 24:36-44, John 20:11-23, John 20:26-29.
None of the examples given above concerning the FIRST DAY of the week allow any authority for us to change the SEVENTH DAY to the FIRST DAY.
Jesus NEVER GAVE AUTHORITY TO DO THIS.
( Mark 2:27-28) "And he said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath."
If we believe in the Father and His only begotten Son, then we have Christ in us every day, not just one day per week.
This new understanding is an enhancement of the 7th day, not the abolishing of it. It was made to last FOREVER. This is a day that God BLESSED and SANCTIFIED!
Christ ALWAYS honored the Sabbath.
The Apostles kept the Sabbath AFTER CHRIST DIED; look at Acts 13:14, 27, 42, 44, Acts 16:13, etc.
Pentecost is a holy SABBATH day; i.e. a day of rest.
In Acts 17:2 and Acts 18:4, Paul is continually feeding the people Scripture on the SABBATH. Christ never abolished the Sabbath; neither did Paul. God never said anything concerning that fact, and if He wanted that day changed He would have made it abundantly clear.
Further study concerning the importance of the Seventh Day can be found throughout ALL Scripture; as well as in the Book of Enoch.
The Holy Ghost is called God, Jesus is God and the Father is also.
Acts 5:3-4 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to LIE to the HOLY GHOST, and to keep back part of the price of the land? ...thou hast not lied unto men, but unto GOD.
Each Person of the Godhead SPEAKS AUDIBLY in the Bible--
God the Father SAID of Jesus in Matthew 3:17 ..."This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
Jesus SAID in John 10:30, " I and my Father are one."
The Holy Ghost SAID in Acts 13:2, ..."Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them."
Genesis 1:26-27, And God said, LET US make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness...So God created man in his own image, in the image of God [not angels. the "us" can only refer to God.] created he him;
In the Old Testament, we find that God has a Son ( Proverbs 30:4, Psalm 2:7-12) and a Spirit ( Isaiah 40:13, 2 Samuel 23:2, Judges 3:10, etc.).
I Corinthians 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
The Godhead and salvation.
The Holy Ghost reproves us, teaches us, guides us and testifies of Jesus Christ.
John 14:26, But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, HE shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, HE shall testify of me:
Concerning the 7th day of the week and the 1st day of the week
The Hebrew definition of the word "week," or "weeks," simply means "sevened."
The Greek definition of the word "week" is defined as "Sabbath," i.e. the 7th day (of a seven day period); the day of rest.
The 7th day was established for ALL of mankind back on the 7th Day of Creation ( Genesis 2:2-3, Exodus 20:8-11, Exodus 34:21, etc. etc.) and was never abolished.
( Mark 2:27-28) "And he said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath."
If we believe in the Father and His only begotten Son, then we have Christ in us every day, not just one day per week.
This new understanding is an enhancement of the 7th day, not the abolishing of it. It was made to last forever. This is a day that God BLESSED and SANCTIFIED! Christ always honored the Sabbath. The Apostles kept the Sabbath; look at Acts 13:14, 27, 42, 44, Acts 16:13, etc.
Pentecost is a holy SABBATH day; i.e. a day of rest.
Many use the "first day of the week" spoken of in Acts 20:7, to change the Law of God, but this verse concerns the first Sabbath in reckoning the seven Sabbaths until Pentecost. (i.e. the first day of the Sabbath. Week = Sabbath.
In Acts 17:2 and Acts 18:4, Paul is continually feeding the people Scripture on the SABBATH.
Christ never abolished the Sabbath; neither did Paul.
God never said anything concerning that fact, and if He wanted that day changed, He would have made it abundantly clear.
Have you considered looking at the Dead Sea Scrolls?
The Book of Enoch, in particular, reveals a 364 day solar priestly calendar.
52 (weeks) x 7 = 364
Look at the first book of Enoch; specifically, ch. 72, and ch. 82 (column 27) are words concerning the ancient solar calendar.
Kim Burrow, Comments concerning the 7th day, Law, and Grace.
Concerning the Sabbath:
The Hebrew definition of the word "week," or "weeks," simply means "sevened."
The Greek definition is clear, as the word "week" is defined as "Sabbath," i.e. the 7th day (of a seven day period); the day of rest.
The 7th day was established for ALL of mankind back on the 7th Day of Creation ( Genesis 2:2, 3) and was never abolished.
( Mark 2:27-28) "And he said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath."
If we believe in the Father and His only begotten Son, then we have Christ in us every day, not just one day per week.
This new understanding is an enhancement of the 7th day, not the abolishment of it. It was made to last forever. This is a day that God BLESSES and SANCTIFIED! Christ always honored the Sabbath. The Apostles kept the Sabbath; look at Acts 13:14, 27, 42, 44, Acts 16:13, etc.
Pentecost is a holy SABBATH day; i.e. a day of rest.
The "first day of the week" spoken of in Acts 20:7, concerns the first Sabbath in reckoning the seven Sabbaths until Pentecost. (i.e. the first day of the Sabbath. Week = Sabbath.
In Acts 17:2 and Acts 18:4, Paul is continually feeding the people Scripture on the SABBATH. Christ never abolished the Sabbath; neither did Paul. God never said anything concerning that fact, and if He wanted that day changed He would have made it abundantly clear.
To pluck a few verses out of Scripture and declare a law of God to be null and void (especially with so much Scripture speaking contrary to what you are proposing) is playing fast and loose with His words.
*Look at the book of Enoch; specifically chapter 72 and 82 (column 27) concerning the ancient Enoch Solar priestly Calendar. A 364 day calendar (52 x 7)
You ask, "Did God create man so that Christ could come into the world to save him from sin's penalty?"
My response is No. Keep in mind the Angels also sinned. Why didn't God save the Angels? Why create man so Christ could enter creation to save men? For whatever reason, Christ created man and entered the world as a man, to vanquish the devil ( Heb 2:14). Wasn't there a better way? Obviously not.
Consequently, because God created an existence susceptible to corruption ( Rom 8), we have to conclude that He created it that way because it was an absolute necessity. It could not have been done any other way. So God could have created a different existence, if and only if it were not necessary to create it as He did. 1 Peter 1:11, "Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and then to enter His glory?" Peter tells us that even the Angels wait anxiously for our redemption, because their salvation depends on our salvation.
The Bible is clear. Christ didn't just come to save mankind from its sin. He came to redeem all of creation from its corruption. It so happens, God had to do that, of necessity, through the incarnation, death and resurrection of Christ. See Heb 2:10-17, 1 Cor 2:7.
Rom 8:19-22, "The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time."
God did not cause anyone to sin or corrupt. For whatever reason unknown to us, corruption is present in creation. To achieve eternal perfection in things created, God Planned Christ ( Rev 21:4, Acts 13:37). Why things deteriorate is a mystery of the physical laws of the material universe and the angelic realm.
Greetings Rod, Jesus had picked 12 apostles and Judas hung himself. There were then only 11 apostles.
John 6:70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
I fail to find in scripture where the Lord told the apostles to choose a replacement for Judas as recorded here. They did this act on their own accord with out being told to do this.
Acts Chapter 1:24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all [men], shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
I am sure both of these men were faithful in the eyes of the 11, but still the Lord did not command them to do this thing. Saul / Paul however was a different story.
Acts 22:7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
Saul who became Paul was chosen of the Lord himself.
Acts 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
I have had people deny Paul as an apostle and in doing so they must deny the book of acts and the book of 2 Peter which confirms Paul as a brother in Christ. This is usually those who claim to be into "Hebrew roots"
I find it interesting Paul was a learned scholar and was sent to the unlearned uncircumcised "Gentiles"
and Peter an unlearned fisherman was sent to the learned Jews, who knew scriptures.
1 Corinthians 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; These things humble me greatly.
The Son is subject to the Father ,for the Son sent by the Father in His (the Fathers ) name.
The Spirit is subject to the Father, for the Spirit is sent by the Father in the Sons name.
The Spirit is subject to the Son as well as to the Father , for the Spirit is is sent by the Son as well as by the Father
Jesus breathed unto them and said unto them "Receive ye the Holy Ghost"
God the Father purposed redemption.
God the Son secured redemption.
God the Spirit applies redemption.
One Triune God ,three functions !
Before I give you some Scriptures, let me ask, "what if God chose to embody His "Truth" (the Holy Spirit), with flesh, as He did to His "Word"? Would that alter your belief that the Spirit is more than the Truth (a Word) of God, but very God Himself by His Spirit?
Some Scriptures for you to consider that the Holy Spirit is not only the 'Truth of God' but sent from God as God: 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 (He is Intelligent, He searches, He knows, He has a Will); Ephesians 4:30 (He has feelings - can be grieved & He seals the believer); John 14:26 (He teaches; notice the pronoun); John 16:13, Romans 8:14; Acts 8:29 (He guides, leads, speaks, hears, glorifies God); Acts 13:4 (He commissions or despatches); Romans 8:26,27 (He intercedes); Matthew 12:31 (He can be blasphemed); Acts 5:3 (He can be lied to); Acts 7:51 (He can be resisted); Hebrews 10:29 (He can be outraged). And these are just a few to consider.
Then if we leave off the word 'Spirit' & replace it with 'Truth' in those Scriptures (as you asked me to try out), in some cases, it could work as the Spirit is Truth, as God & the Son are Truth. But in other cases, that just wouldn't work (e.g. how does the Truth (as a spoken Word) grieve, search, has a Will, feelings, hears, glorifies, commissions, intercedes, blasphemed against, etc.?). And then again, why did God not just use the word 'Truth' (as in 'the Truth shall set you free') but rather shows us that His Spirit (of Truth) was sent to accomplish these tasks? I can see if someone has difficulty with the Doctrine of the Trinity, then understanding the Spirit's part in the Godhead would be a problem.
Then from Acts chapter 9, you can read of Saul's mighty encounter with the risen Jesus Christ & from that event, Saul believed on Jesus, was baptized & later he was also referred to as Paul ( Acts 13:9). We generally hear the name Paul being used from hereon.
Paul wasn't one of the 12 disciples who walked with Jesus. However, since Paul had seen the Lord, received teaching from him (from Heaven while in the deserts of Arabia: Galatians 1:17), & called by Jesus to be His apostle ( Romans 1:1), the other apostles after some initial hesitance acceptance him. And of course, we know that God used Paul mightily to preach to both the Jews & the Gentiles of His saving Grace (his mission however was primarily to the Gentiles). Paul went on several missionary journeys & established several Churches, even in his own country. How very sad though, that Turkey now has Islam as its predominant religion, when at the time of Paul, he would have "turned the world upside down" with the power of the Gospel even in his home country.
So, if you read the Book of Acts, especially from chapter 7 onwards, you'll learn more of what I've shared here. And then his letters to the Churches are filled with wisdom, that which he learned from Jesus to teach Christians on how to live the Christian life victoriously.
Acts 13:52
John 16:7
I think Rob, a dictionary wouldn't be very useful in this matter. So your answer is: "The Holy Spirit is of God". Well, that's correct but to expand on that a little, if I may amplify your thoughts. In great care, I would suggest that you also believe that the Holy Spirit is a Person, i.e. He comes from within the Godhead, sent into the World of sinners to convict & to indwell those who have been born again that they might lead new lives with a new Power within.
That He must be a Person, as shown in many examples: Intelligence ( 1 Corinthians 2:10,11); has feelings ( Ephesians 4:30); has a Will ( 1 Corinthians 12:11); has a Mind ( Romans 8:27); teaches ( John 14:26); guides ( Romans 8:14, John 16:13); commissions ( Acts 13:4); commands ( Acts 8:29); restrains ( Genesis 6:3, 2 Thessalonians 2:7); intercedes ( Romans 8:26); speaks ( John 15:26). Though He may be a spirit as from God, out of God's Being, He is the very Expression & Person of God Himself. I hope you agree to that, or am I putting words in your mind or mouth?
Then we come to God's Word. As seen with the Spirit, the Word of God is unseen, the very Articulation of God in creating, giving commands & direction whether to heavenly hosts, to His people on Earth or through His prophets & in other utterances that we're unaware of. Now there may be other aspects of God's Being that we're not told of, but of the Word & the Spirit, there's no dispute. The difficulty now for some remains with the 'Word'.
If then, God sends out His Spirit to accomplish His Purposes, why is it so hard to comprehend that He sends out His Word to do likewise? Or is that because the Spirit has no flesh, therefore it must hold true that God's Word can only be spirit without flesh? What if God chose to give His Spirit flesh maybe that would make it easier to understand the 'Word' easier.
If you sincerely put your trust in Jesus Christ knowing that he, being the sinless Son of God, laid his life down to pay for our sins, was crucified, dead and buried, and then raised from the dead, you will be saved and fully forgiven.
He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. ( Psalm 103:10-12)
But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption. Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. ( Acts 13:37-39)
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. ( Romans 3:23-26)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ( 1 John 1:9)
Pastors sometimes refer to this account in the Bible when offering up a child in a Dedication ceremony, as when the child's parents dedicate the little one gifted to them by the Lord, back to Him for His safe-keeping & service. But we know that not only children but all of us have to one day return to the Lord Who made us & give account. So in that sense we all are placed on this Earth for a short time, to enjoy her blessings & the Lord Who made it all for our sake, & then one day we will return to our Maker.
Your thoughts require complexity and mental gymnastics to arrive to your conclusion, whereas I'm just reading it literally like a child can do and arrive at its natural meaning. So, we already know what the Bible says and the real question is whether you believe in the Bible as God's inspired Word? And if you don't 100% believe it, why not? And what is behind this doubt, satan? Why not just pray to God and ask Him to discover and confirm the truth?
God bless...
Revelation Chapter 19
11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
Comment by Mishael:
Jesus Christ is: THE WORD OF GOD
One scripture, in the back of the Bible, but it is undeniably True. Check your Bible again.
(Anyone reading the Book of Revelation is given a blessing by the Lord. Every time we read it. The Blessing: Revelation 1:3 )
Compare verse Revelation 1:14 to
Revelation 19:12 Both refer to Jesus
Then Christ concluded with the statement: Say ye of him whom the Father sanctified, and sent into the world, thou blasphemest, because I said I am THE SON OF GOD? (Capitalization mine for emphasis)
Here Christ clearly defines his relationship with The Most High. He is the Son of The Most High, not The Most High.
As I tried to explain in my first comment, we have all been duped and deceived by Satan until now. We are now in 'the time of the end' when the Word would no longer be 'shut up' and 'sealed'. However, just as their were those who could not hear the truth coming out of the mouth of Christ, to day the world will not listen to the truth coming out of the mouth of Christ's 'brothers'; the 'predestinated' ones Paul wrote about extensively at Ephesians 1 and 2.
The truth is available to all men because few have been 'born again'; baptized in water and Spirit. Without Spirit, one cannot hear the words of Christ. To sum up, you have heard the truth, backed up by Scripture. You must decide whether you should continue to cling to the deceptions that have hypnotized the world or pray for The Most High's Holy Spirit to grant you understanding.
Peace, seeker of truth.
This reminds me how Genesis 3:3-4 Eve said they'll die if they eat the fruit and satan said "Ye shall not surely die." - the exact opposite of the truth.
Satan is the father of lies, he deceives people, even people who think they are right, he's usually the one behind it all.
So, since you're claiming something other than John 1:1 is true, how do we know you're not the one who is deceived? What is the evidence that what you're saying is the truth and not a heresy from satan?
God bless...
Indeed, Revelation 12:9 is cited, which exposes another humbling truth: We have all been deceived by Satan the Devil. His deceit has been so thorough that billions worship Christ as God, unknowingly. The Most High has a personal name at Psalm 83:18, Yahovah, yet we never hear His Holy Name. Why? Who wants to erase that name? Satan the Devil, who has deceived the whole world.
However, we have now entered a period of enlightenment, if we choose to pursue it. Daniel 12:4 tells us that 'the book', the Bible, would 'shut up' and 'sealed' until when? Until 'the time of the end'. Few would argue that we are NOT living in 'the time of the end'. Yet, how many of us are prepared to accept and absorb the 'knowledge increased' promised?
Indeed, you have just been presented with several new revelations: the worship of Christ is IDOLATRY, for he is not Yahovah and we have all been 'deceived', tricked, fooled by Satan, the Father of the Lie. We have learned that the Word of God has been 'sealed' and 'shut up' for millennia until now. Now, we have access to the truth if we want it. However, to have access to it, we must be 'born again', spiritually recreated as a new creation. Can we receive it? Pray for Spirit from Yahovah, The Most High Elohim and He will give it to you. This is what Christ died and shed his blood for - the truth. Shalom dear ones.
Concerning the 7th Day.
Most people use Sunday because they can't shake customs and traditions.
You are following the Sabbath day requirement because you feel compelled to.
The 7th day was established for ALL of mankind back on the 7th Day of Creation ( Genesis 2:2-3, Exodus 20:8-11, Exodus 34:21, etc. etc.) and was never abolished.
( Mark 2:27-28) "And he said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath."
If we believe in the Father and His only begotten Son, then we have Christ in us every day, not just one day per week. This new understanding is an enhancement of the 7th day, not the abolishing of it. It was made to last forever.
This is a day that God BLESSED and SANCTIFIED! Christ always honored the Sabbath. The Apostles kept the Sabbath after the death of Christ; look at Acts 13:14, 27, 42, 44, Acts 16:13, etc.
Pentecost is a holy SABBATH day; i.e. a day of rest.
In Acts 17:2 and Acts 18:4, Paul is continually feeding the people Scripture on the SABBATH.
Christ never abolished the Sabbath.
God never said anything concerning that fact, and if He wanted that day changed, He would have made it abundantly clear.
Have you considered looking at the Dead Sea Scrolls?
The Book of Enoch, in particular, reveals a 364 day solar priestly calendar.
52 (weeks) x 7 = 364
The calendar begins after the Spring Equinox.
Look at the first book of Enoch; specifically, ch. 72, and ch. 82 (column 27) are words concerning the ancient solar calendar.
The Word of God is God ( John 1:1) and is not of any private interpretation ( 2 Peter 1:20).
The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of god: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned ( Cor. 2:14).
You cannot just change the word 'born' to 'baptize'. The word of God is not of any private interpretation. The water is the living water (Christ) and unless a person is born of the water and the Spirit , he cannot enter into the kingdom of God ( John 3:5; Isaiah 44:3,4; Matthew 3:11; Titus 3:5).
We invite you to study what it means to repent ( Acts 26:18) and the baptism of repentance ( Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; Acts 13:24; 19:4), as it means a lot more than what by nature you have been conditioned to believe.
Water baptism and circumcision was an act of faith but could not save people. Then the next question should be asked: Faith in what?
Seek, and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7).
The Word of God is God ( John 1:1) and is not of any private interpretation ( 2 Peter 1:20).
The word 'Repent' in different forms (repent, repentance, repented, repentest, repenteth, repenting, repentings) is mentioned 110 times in the KJV, and means a lot more than what people by nature have been conditioned to believe. The word 'repent' used in the New Testament was translated from the Greek word "metanoeo", and means to change, transform, to think differently or reconsider.
It is the key principle of all the teachings of Jesus Christ and the axiom (basis) of the Word of God and a prerequisite and primary requirement for the salvation of mankind. It actually means the changing of spirits - to turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God ( Acts 26:18).
For a better understanding and the 'spiritual truth' of what it means to repent, and learn how and by whom mankind has been deceived ( Rev. 12:9) and what people must do to be reunited with the true and living God, we invite you to seek Him according to the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive ( Matthew 7:7; John 14:17).
You need not that any man teach you ( Isaiah 54:13; 6:45; 1 John 2:27), as mankind follows after an image of a false god and a false Christ ( Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22; Gal. 4:8; 2 Cor. 11:13-15; Rev. 12:9).
It is only by revelation of God that people will come to know the true Christ ( Daniel 12:4,9; Amos 3:7; Matthew 16:17; Luke 2:26; Romans 16:25; 1 Cor. 2:10; Gal. 1:16; Eph. 3:3,5; Rev. 1:1), and only then will you be able to overcome the spirit of this world ( 1 John 5:4; Rev. 3:21) and learn what 'True Repentance' means, and how this whole world has been deceived ( Rev. 12:9). It should also be remembered that it is a narrow way that leadeth unto 'Life', and few there be that find it ( Matthew 7:14).
LUKE 15:10. LIKEWISE, I SAY UNTO YOU, THERE IS JOY IN THE PRESENCE OF THE ANGELS OF GOD OVER ONE SINNER THAT REPENTETH
"And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:"
The Sabbath day was to let us rest and to remind us that God created all that is. Christ observed this day, Luke 4:16.
Paul who came after the curtain was torn, kept the Sabbath, Acts 13:14,42-44, 16:13, 17:2, 18:4. No where in the Bible is the Sabbath abolished.
Read James 2:8-11.
And God RESTED on the SEVENTH DAY.
And God BLESSED the SEVENTH DAY and SANCTIFIED the SEVENTH DAY.
Many have changed the day of rest from the SEVENTH DAY to the first day.
There are TWO Biblical reasons people believe this.
1) The first day of the week is the day that Matthew 28:1, Mark and Luke 23:55, 24:2 relate that the sepulchre was opened and Jesus was not found there.
2) During the 40 days that Jesus was on earth before He rose into heaven He appeared to His disciples seven times. Five of the seven times Jesus met with them on the FIRST DAY of the week. The other two times, the day is not mentioned. Look at Mark 16:9-13, Mark 16:14-18, Luke 24:13-33, Luke 24:34, Luke 24:36-44, John 20:11-23, John 20:26-29.
None of the examples given above concerning the FIRST DAY of the week allow any authority for us to change the SEVENTH DAY to the FIRST DAY.
Jesus NEVER GAVE AUTHORITY TO DO THIS.
( Mark 2:27-28) "And he said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath."
If we believe in the Father and His only begotten Son, then we have Christ in us every day, not just one day per week.
This new understanding is an enhancement of the 7th day, not the abolishing of it. It was made to last FOREVER. This is a day that God BLESSED and SANCTIFIED!
Christ ALWAYS honored the Sabbath.
The Apostles kept the Sabbath AFTER CHRIST DIED; look at Acts 13:14, 27, 42, 44, Acts 16:13, etc.
Pentecost is a holy SABBATH day; i.e. a day of rest.
In Acts 17:2 and Acts 18:4, Paul is continually feeding the people Scripture on the SABBATH. Christ never abolished the Sabbath; neither did Paul. God never said anything concerning that fact, and if He wanted that day changed He would have made it abundantly clear.
Further study concerning the importance of the Seventh Day can be found throughout ALL Scripture; as well as in the Book of Enoch.
The Holy Ghost is called God, Jesus is God and the Father is also.
Acts 5:3-4 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to LIE to the HOLY GHOST, and to keep back part of the price of the land? ...thou hast not lied unto men, but unto GOD.
Each Person of the Godhead SPEAKS AUDIBLY in the Bible--
God the Father SAID of Jesus in Matthew 3:17 ..."This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
Jesus SAID in John 10:30, " I and my Father are one."
The Holy Ghost SAID in Acts 13:2, ..."Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them."
Genesis 1:26-27, And God said, LET US make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness...So God created man in his own image, in the image of God [not angels. the "us" can only refer to God.] created he him;
In the Old Testament, we find that God has a Son ( Proverbs 30:4, Psalm 2:7-12) and a Spirit ( Isaiah 40:13, 2 Samuel 23:2, Judges 3:10, etc.).
I Corinthians 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
The Godhead and salvation.
The Holy Ghost reproves us, teaches us, guides us and testifies of Jesus Christ.
John 14:26, But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, HE shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, HE shall testify of me:
Concerning the 7th day of the week and the 1st day of the week
The Hebrew definition of the word "week," or "weeks," simply means "sevened."
The Greek definition of the word "week" is defined as "Sabbath," i.e. the 7th day (of a seven day period); the day of rest.
The 7th day was established for ALL of mankind back on the 7th Day of Creation ( Genesis 2:2-3, Exodus 20:8-11, Exodus 34:21, etc. etc.) and was never abolished.
( Mark 2:27-28) "And he said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath."
If we believe in the Father and His only begotten Son, then we have Christ in us every day, not just one day per week.
This new understanding is an enhancement of the 7th day, not the abolishing of it. It was made to last forever. This is a day that God BLESSED and SANCTIFIED! Christ always honored the Sabbath. The Apostles kept the Sabbath; look at Acts 13:14, 27, 42, 44, Acts 16:13, etc.
Pentecost is a holy SABBATH day; i.e. a day of rest.
Many use the "first day of the week" spoken of in Acts 20:7, to change the Law of God, but this verse concerns the first Sabbath in reckoning the seven Sabbaths until Pentecost. (i.e. the first day of the Sabbath. Week = Sabbath.
In Acts 17:2 and Acts 18:4, Paul is continually feeding the people Scripture on the SABBATH.
Christ never abolished the Sabbath; neither did Paul.
God never said anything concerning that fact, and if He wanted that day changed, He would have made it abundantly clear.
Have you considered looking at the Dead Sea Scrolls?
The Book of Enoch, in particular, reveals a 364 day solar priestly calendar.
52 (weeks) x 7 = 364
Look at the first book of Enoch; specifically, ch. 72, and ch. 82 (column 27) are words concerning the ancient solar calendar.
Concerning the Sabbath:
The Hebrew definition of the word "week," or "weeks," simply means "sevened."
The Greek definition is clear, as the word "week" is defined as "Sabbath," i.e. the 7th day (of a seven day period); the day of rest.
The 7th day was established for ALL of mankind back on the 7th Day of Creation ( Genesis 2:2, 3) and was never abolished.
( Mark 2:27-28) "And he said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath."
If we believe in the Father and His only begotten Son, then we have Christ in us every day, not just one day per week.
This new understanding is an enhancement of the 7th day, not the abolishment of it. It was made to last forever. This is a day that God BLESSES and SANCTIFIED! Christ always honored the Sabbath. The Apostles kept the Sabbath; look at Acts 13:14, 27, 42, 44, Acts 16:13, etc.
Pentecost is a holy SABBATH day; i.e. a day of rest.
The "first day of the week" spoken of in Acts 20:7, concerns the first Sabbath in reckoning the seven Sabbaths until Pentecost. (i.e. the first day of the Sabbath. Week = Sabbath.
In Acts 17:2 and Acts 18:4, Paul is continually feeding the people Scripture on the SABBATH. Christ never abolished the Sabbath; neither did Paul. God never said anything concerning that fact, and if He wanted that day changed He would have made it abundantly clear.
To pluck a few verses out of Scripture and declare a law of God to be null and void (especially with so much Scripture speaking contrary to what you are proposing) is playing fast and loose with His words.
*Look at the book of Enoch; specifically chapter 72 and 82 (column 27) concerning the ancient Enoch Solar priestly Calendar. A 364 day calendar (52 x 7)
My response is No. Keep in mind the Angels also sinned. Why didn't God save the Angels? Why create man so Christ could enter creation to save men? For whatever reason, Christ created man and entered the world as a man, to vanquish the devil ( Heb 2:14). Wasn't there a better way? Obviously not.
Consequently, because God created an existence susceptible to corruption ( Rom 8), we have to conclude that He created it that way because it was an absolute necessity. It could not have been done any other way. So God could have created a different existence, if and only if it were not necessary to create it as He did. 1 Peter 1:11, "Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and then to enter His glory?" Peter tells us that even the Angels wait anxiously for our redemption, because their salvation depends on our salvation.
The Bible is clear. Christ didn't just come to save mankind from its sin. He came to redeem all of creation from its corruption. It so happens, God had to do that, of necessity, through the incarnation, death and resurrection of Christ. See Heb 2:10-17, 1 Cor 2:7.
Rom 8:19-22, "The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time."
God did not cause anyone to sin or corrupt. For whatever reason unknown to us, corruption is present in creation. To achieve eternal perfection in things created, God Planned Christ ( Rev 21:4, Acts 13:37). Why things deteriorate is a mystery of the physical laws of the material universe and the angelic realm.
John 6:70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
I fail to find in scripture where the Lord told the apostles to choose a replacement for Judas as recorded here. They did this act on their own accord with out being told to do this.
Acts Chapter 1:24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all [men], shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
I am sure both of these men were faithful in the eyes of the 11, but still the Lord did not command them to do this thing. Saul / Paul however was a different story.
Acts 22:7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
Saul who became Paul was chosen of the Lord himself.
Acts 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
I have had people deny Paul as an apostle and in doing so they must deny the book of acts and the book of 2 Peter which confirms Paul as a brother in Christ. This is usually those who claim to be into "Hebrew roots"
I find it interesting Paul was a learned scholar and was sent to the unlearned uncircumcised "Gentiles"
and Peter an unlearned fisherman was sent to the learned Jews, who knew scriptures.
1 Corinthians 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; These things humble me greatly.
All glory to the Lord.
The Spirit is subject to the Father, for the Spirit is sent by the Father in the Sons name.
The Spirit is subject to the Son as well as to the Father , for the Spirit is is sent by the Son as well as by the Father
Jesus breathed unto them and said unto them "Receive ye the Holy Ghost"
God the Father purposed redemption.
God the Son secured redemption.
God the Spirit applies redemption.
One Triune God ,three functions !