If you love me you will obey my commandments ( John 14:15).
In light of yesterday's comments that I posted; surely this verse shows the works that are done with the proper attitude. Ephesians 2:10 describes works prepared for us from the Lord. In short it is His works done THROUGH us and His love should constrain us ( 2 Corinthians 14; also read verse 15). This passage read to verse 21 shows how we then evangelize to reconcile others toward God as we were.
Going back to the moment of salvation; it is rare to hear someone preach the fact these days that we are enemies of God ( Romans 5:10; Colossians 1:21 and many like passages). Someone coming to true faith should have some realization of this; but preaching about only the love of God (and that far short of what "Agape" means much of the time) naturally makes people hearing that message assume that we would fall head over heals for Him; especially if there are no "strings" attached. Being a slave of righteousness certainly isn't too popular either; or frankly the concept that His Spirit "possesses" us. I have emphasized that TRUST has to be there in our walk with Christ for it to be real. That is a crucial link to obedience because to really believe we assent that His Word can be trusted; AND council where the Lord is present is often how He ministers to us through discipleship. That of course assumes we are in a Biblically sound fellowship to begin with; and doesn't mean we aren't Bereans or always trust what any man can say. Nonetheless God has a purpose for the structure of His church and we should trust Him to lead us to such a fellowship and give us opportunities for wise counsel for ourselves as well as us toward others.
Of course we are commanded to love one another ( John 13:34-35). In the fellowship of the saints in particular we should see that if we offend our brothers and sisters we are doing it to the Lord. Sometimes if we don't love fellow saints we need to ask God to give us Agape.
What is the word of truth and where does it come from ? ?
Apostle Paul almost got Noble Festus to believe the word of truth.
Acts 26:25
But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth thewordsoftruthand soberness.
Apostle Paul is telling us by believing the gospel, the word of truth, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard thewordoftruth, the gospelofyour salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spiritofpromise,
The word of truth is the gospel.
Colossians 1:5
For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in thewordofthetruthofthe gospel;
We are to separate the kingdom of heaven on earth for the Jews from the gospel of grace.
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing thewordoftruth.
This is the gospel of grace in which is the word of truth.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have beenkeptsecretfrom the foundation of the world.
Jesus Christ has secrets .
Romans 16:25
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which waskeptsecretsince the world began,
Apostle Paul was revealed the mystery of Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 3:16
And without controversy great is themysteryof godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Apostle Paul was revealed another mystery.
Romans 11:25
For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of thismystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Jesus Christ revealed mystery to Apostle Paul in a revelation.
Ephesians 3:3
How that by revelation he made known unto me themystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
Apostle Paul know the mystery of Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 3:4
Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in themysteryof Christ)
Apostle Paul was given the gospel of grace in a mystery.
Ephesians 6:19
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known themysteryof the gospel,
Apostle Paul was given another mystery in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 1:27
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of thismysteryamong the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
What day should we worship God in the church ? ? Is it Saturday or Sunday ? ? Some people will be shocked to find out that we were wrong all theses years.
God rested on Saturday, it's that our worship day ? ?
Genesis 2:2
And on the seventh dayGodended his work which he had made; and herestedon the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
Did Apostle Paul collected a offering on the first day of the week. Does that mean we should go to church of Sunday ? ?
1 Corinthians 16:2
Uponthefirstdayoftheweeklet every oneofyou lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, thatthere be no gatherings when I come.
We know that Jesus Christ died for all our sins and rose the third day, but do we really know it was Sunday ? ?
1 Corinthians 15:4
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Today, there's is not a date or time to worship Jesus Christ. Everyone should worship Jesus Christ every second, every minute, everyday and every year in the Godhead.
John 4:24
Godis a Spirit: and they thatworshiphim mustworshiphim in spirit and in truth.
May we remember that the church is the body of Christ in us.
Colossians 1:24
Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behindofthe afflictionsofChrist in my flesh for hisbody's sake, which is thechurch:
Hi Fuji. Thank you for your questions & for seriously considering this very important doctrine. Bro Giannis has certainly answered your questions very well, and if I might add more for you to consider.
Once we can understand such doctrines (i.e. as far as we humanly can understand, since the deep matters of God will always be mysterious to us in this life), then we can piece together the information the Bible gives us, to help us form an understanding & belief. True, we must confess that we cannot know everything about such a subject, such as the one addressed, but from what we're given, without forcefully altering its intended meaning, we can safely believe, before God Who judges righteously, that He would not hold us accountable for any misunderstanding.
To that end, we have already shared that Jesus was already in Heaven, whether in His references to being in 'existence' before Abraham ( John 8:58), or Paul's reference to His creative Work ( Colossians 1:15-17), or even Jesus' Own prayer to His Father ( John 17:5); and how true this prayer must have been, for would Jesus even try to hoodwink His Father on such a matter? So when we come to the Word & believe in every word given to us, as I know you do, then what are we to do with it & how are we to believe & accept the Scriptures. Unfortunately, we very often let human reasoning & logic come to the fore (which of course, is very natural), & so reading the Scriptures can be colored by that intrusion. Onto Page 2.
Since you were talking about the grk, I think I can contribute to this discussion.
Rev 3:14, "...the beginning(in grk "arche") of the creation of God;". The word "arche" has many meanings. It may mean "the begining" but it may mean something that is on top of all the others, such as a "principality".
For exmple, Ephessians 6:12, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities(in grk archae), against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.". The grk for "principalities" in this verse is "archae" which is plural for "arche". Similarly Colossians 1:16, "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities(in grk archae), or powers: all things were created by him, and for him"
So we see that in both verses above the KJB corectly tranaslates the word "archae" as "principalities but wrongly translates it as "begining" in Rev 3:14. The grk "en" in Colossians may mean "in" but also "through". And the later is the right meaning here.
Col 1:17, "kai autos(and He) esti(is) pro panton(before everything), kai ta panta(and everything) en auto(in or through Him) sunesteke(are kept together)"
Lets see another verse that troubles a lot of people. Colossians 1:18, "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning(in grk arche), the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.". Here the grk "arche" is corectly translated as "begining". The question is: what is really meant by "firstborn from the dead"? Many interpretation of this are given. The one that agrees with all the above verses that clearly show the divinity of Jesus is that Jesus(as a human) is the first child of God who was taken out from the dead (dead people spiritually). Who are the rest of those that are born by God? Us, His brothers and sisters. See pt 2
Thanks, brother, it's me again. I just wanted to give my understanding. Jesus was the beginning of God's plan and everything that was created was on the account of Jesus. As in Revelation 3:14 Jesus was the beginning of the creation of God. Jesus was in God's plan before anything was created and when the fullness of times; Jesus was conceived by the Holy Ghost born of Mary.
Colossians 1:16 starts with the Greek word hoti which means because, to explain reasons, and ev meaning in, because in him were all things. Also, the same Greek word ev, all things were created in him and for him, same in verse 17 Jesus was before, the Greek word pro, meaning in front of, in him all things were created. My understanding is that Jesus was the reason and purpose of all creation, to me this ties to Ephesians 1:9-11. The mystery of God's will in the fullness of times all things in Christ that were in God's plan that Jesus was the beginning of.
I know some believe Jesus created all and some believe Jesus is the tool that through Him God created all. To me, all of Scripture shows God the Father the one and only God created all. Jesus was the beginning of God's plan and all was for the sake of Jesus who is God's only begotten Son who was not until the fulness of times conceived by the Holy Ghost in Mary.
Ephesians 1:19-23 We have seen and are now seeing God's plan being fulfilled in Jesus all in heaven and earth until all enemies are under His feet, 1 Corinthians 15:23. Jesus did not have the authority He was given the authority. We were created for Jesus for the glory of God.
Colossians 1:29 - Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working. The word striving is an athletic term, AGONIDZO. It's our word agony but it was used to describe what the athlete goes through. Paul says I'm laboring to the point of exhaustion, agonizing according to His energy, which is energizing in me in power.
What a verse! Paul always gave the credit to Christ. Christ is the one who is energizing in me. And I labor according to His energy which is energizing in me. No human effort. He says it's all the moving and compelling of God's Spirit that makes me do what I do.
Colossians 2:1 - For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
Paul says for I would that you knew what great conflict I have for you. The word conflict is the word AGONA. It's where we get our English word agony from. And it is an athletic term. When an athlete is told to get involved in the Agona, they're told to strive, or to push.
Paul says I am in this conflict just like an athlete. I have great conflict for you. Paul is in Rome, and he heard what's happening there in Colossae, and he's involved in a great battle with his own self in his heart for these believers.
Colossians 1:19 - For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell;
For it pleased the Father that in him should all the fullness dwell;
Notice I translated this with a definite article, all of (the) fullness, because the Gnostics believe that the fullness was who God is. That was their technical term for God, and this fullness sent out emanations from Him, different angels, and different "gods" to visit us. In Christ dwells all of the fullness of who God is.
Colossians 1:23 - If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
It sounds like its conditional. You can be reconciled, have the promise of this position before God in His representation of you, but if you don't continue.
This is the construction in Greek that is known as the First-Class Condition Assumed to be true. He's not saying if you continue on. He's saying since you are continuing in the faith, and listen to this: having been grounded and settled, and not being moved away. There's a lot right there, but basically having been grounded, every Christian that receives Christ has been grounded, and they continue on because of that.
Colossians 1:17 - And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
And he is before all things. That's the word PROS, that means in time and importance. He is before all things. And in Him all things consist. The word consist means held together.
Here's what it is saying: In Christ, all things were created, visible and invisible, heaven and earth. All things were created in Him, and through Him, and for Him. Christ created all things. And He created them for Himself. You and I were created by Him for Him, not for us. You can see how far sin has pulled us away from God, and how much we are so self-centered because of sin, and that all day long, I'm living my life like I want to live my life.
I was created by Him, and I was created for Him and His purposes. And most of the day, I live my life not even realizing that He even exists. But that's the damage that sin has done. And He is before all things, time and importance. And in Him all things are being held together.
It's very interesting how the scientists say that because of the structure of the atom, all material things should just blow apart. They say that there's nothing to hold the atoms together. In fact, they are functioning in such a way that they should repel each other. And I find it interesting that scientists cannot explain what holds the atom together. I have even heard of them saying it is due to some sort of "atomic glue."
But in reality, the bible says that Christ is holding all things together. One day He's just going to let go and it will be all over. In Him, all things are held together. Hebrews 1:1-3 tells us that all the ages are being carried along by the word of God. God is propelling history!
Colossians 1:15 - Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Christ, who is the image of the invisible God, and the word for image is the Greek word EIKON, and it's where we get our word icon from. And it means an exact likeness. It is used to describe what a person sees when they look into a mirror.
You think you're looking at yourself but that's not you. It's your likeness. It's an image. Or you see yourself in the reflection on the water. You're seeing your image. When we get into the book of Hebrews, there's a tremendous assortment of Greek words that talk about the very Spirit of God projecting Himself through the time space factor and taking up residency in the person of Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:16 - For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
For by Him, literally in Him, that's the preposition in. In Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, and that's lordships, or principalities, or authorities:
All things were created by Him, and that's the word through. In Greek, it is DIA with the Genitive. All things were created through Him, and for Him: that's EIS.
Colossians 1:12 - Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Giving thanks unto the Father, and all of these participles are coming under the phrase "that you might walk worthy of the Lord." What does it mean to live a life that represents what we believe?
He's got four participles that explains it, continually bearing fruit, continually increasing in the knowledge of God, continually being empowered for endurance and longsuffering, and continually giving thanks unto the Father.
Which hath made us meet, and the word meet means qualified. He has made us sufficient to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Isn't that great! God qualified me. I'm not qualified. He qualified me to the cleansing and forgiveness of my sins through His Son Jesus Christ. Thanks to the Father.
Colossians 1:13 - Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
If you're saved, you have been delivered from the power of darkness. And He has translated, or transferred us into the kingdom of His dear Son:
The word dear is the word love. It is literally translated into the kingdom of the Son of His love. He did two things for us. He delivered us from the power of darkness, and He transferred us right into the kingdom of Christ. We now function in the spiritual realm and kingdom of Christ.
Colossians 1:11 - Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
Now Verse 11 doesn't look like it says it, but the word strengthen is also a Present Participle. In fact, it's the word empowered, with all power. So being continually empowered with all power, according to his glorious power, and that's the word KRATOS which means grip. For all patience and longsuffering with joy;
So, the power and the continually being empowered is actually two things. For all patience: that's the word endurance. The King James uses the word patience for remaining under circumstances. That's what HUPOMENO or endurance means. It means to remain under. It's a major word in the Christian vocabulary. God gives us the power and the grace to remain under, not to escape.
And secondly, longsuffering. That's patience towards people. MAKROTHUMIA means to be slow in human reaction toward other people. Being empowered with all power, according to His glorious power, for all endurance, and for all longsuffering accompanied by joy. Joyfulness is literally the word joy. And that's the Greek word for satisfaction.
Colossians 1:10 - That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
The word worthy means balanced. It's the name for the balance scales down at the marketplace. If you wanted to buy something, you would put the item on one side, and then you would put enough money on the other side until the scales balanced and that's how much the item costs.
So, what he's saying is live your life that's worthy of pleasing the Lord. If you want to please the Lord, and you belong to the Lord, then walk a life that's balanced. You don't say I want to please the Lord and then do whatever you want to do!
Then he gives us several prepositions coming off of that you might walk worthy of the Lord. He explains this. Being fruitful in every good work. That's the first one. The word good is AGATHOS and that's spiritual good. Being continually fruitful in every good work. Secondly, and increasing in the full knowledge of God; These participles show continuous processes. Continually bearing fruit in the work of the Lord. Continually increasing in the full knowledge of God.
Colossians 1:9 - For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
For this cause we also, since the day we heard of it, we do not cease to pray for you, and to desire, and it's interesting, here's two things:
First of all, that you might be filled with the full knowledge of his will. Notice how I translated the word knowledge. It has a preposition with it in the Greek text that means full knowledge. That you might be filled with the full knowledge of His will, found in two ways: in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
Spiritual goes with both wisdom and understanding. These two words is just what it means, you understand what the bible, or what God's word is teaching. Wisdom is applying it to everyday life. And I don't mean that in the sense of practice. I mean that we can know the truths of God's word, but not see it, realize it, or know it in everyday life.
The things that we study in that book that is called God's word, those are words on a page that are describing what's happening in life that we can't see. So, if we wrap our minds around the book, that's great. But if we have a personal relationship with a book, and that's all we have, that's trouble!
The bible is teaching us spiritual truth. And when we're able to read God's word and be able to see that truth, understand that truth, realize that truth, and experience that truth in everyday life even though you can't see it, that's the purpose of the word of God, that you might be filled with the full knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.
(Colossians Part 1): The Believer's Perfection in Christ. Written for the Christians in the city of Colossae, and written to combat the many heresies of Jewish Gnosticism. The focus of Colossians is the completeness of a person who is in Christ.
Colossians 1:2 - To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Verse 2 starts out by saying to the saints and faithful brethren. In the Greek text, the word saints and faithful make reference to the same people. There's only one definite article that goes with both phrases. A saint is a word that designates position, not performance. A saint is somebody who has been set apart from sin and set apart for Christ.
Faithful is a word associated with Christians and is part of their title to be of the faith. They are faithful because they are under the hearing of faith. And they are the saints and faithful brethren, family members, in Christ, their spiritual position, and then their geographical position, which are at Colossae:
The salutation: He says Grace to you. Notice the word "be" is in italics. He's not wishing grace upon them. It's a statement of fact. Grace is towards you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace is the common greeting to the Greeks, and peace is the common greeting to the Hebrews.
Colossians 1:8 - Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.
That last phrase "in the Spirit," in the Greek text, it's just in Spirit. The emphasis is on two things. First, he's talking about spiritual love, not human love. Secondly, he's talking about love that is produced by the Spirit of God in the spirit realm, again, human beings not being the source.
When a person is moved by God's love, it is spiritual. It's not human effort. It's produced by God. It is AGAPE love, the love that can only be produced by God's Spirit.
Hello Timmywynne. There are many Scriptures that point to the Triune Nature of God, and specifically, that Jesus Christ & the Holy Spirit are revealed to us from the very Being of God the Father. When we think of the Trinity, we know we won't find that word in the Bible, as it is purely a descriptive word of what the Bible declares to be the fullness of God's Being. So to the verses you seek, and you will need to read them fully in your Bible.
Of Jesus Christ: Isaiah 9:6,7 (an Old Testament Prophecy); Micah 5:2 & John 1:1-14 (from everlasting); Matthew 1:22,23; Mark 2:5-7; John 8:56-58; John 16: 27,28; John 17:4,5; John 20:27,28; Philippians 2:5-7; Colossians 1:15-17; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; Titus 3:13; Hebrews 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:8-10; 1 John 5:7; 1 John 5:20.
Of the Holy Spirit: Matthew 12:31; Luke 1:34,35; Luke 11:13; John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7-11; Acts 5:3; Acts 8:29; Acts 13:4; Romans 8:14; Romans 8:26,27; 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 Corinthians 12:11; Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 10:29; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John 5:6.
The above are a few Scriptures that point to the deity of Jesus Christ & God's Spirit: all showing that they don't work independently from God, but have been sent out from God, from God's Being, to accomplish His Purposes in the world. And we know that Jesus, as the Word of God clothed with humanity, is the very expression of God to the world ( John 14:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 4:2). Hope these will help you in your study of this very important doctrine. Blessings.
I will pray for your family and friends and for you to do well in business class. God will open your understanding and give you the knowledge, wisdom and understanding . Keep reading and praying .
This is what Apostle Paul said to Noble Festus and Festus almost believed, but the seed of the Word was planted. Keep up the Word to family and friends.
Acts 26:25
But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth thewordsoftruthand soberness.
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard thewordoftruth, the gospelofyour salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spiritofpromise,
Colossians 1:5
For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in thewordofthetruthofthe gospel;
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing thewordoftruth.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
And, when we grab a hold of these aspects of grace, grace is no longer a vague, impersonal force that is somehow responsible for salvation.
Grace instead describes the attitude of and the approval that God extends towards His elect. We were saved by grace, are sustained by it every day of our Christian life, and, we will be recipients of the surpassing riches of divine grace for all eternity. What an amazing gift from God!
Christianity cannot be understood apart from an adequate grasp of grace. The doctrine of grace distinguishes the Christian faith from every other religion in the world, as well as from the cults which require rituals to appease and which only bring death.
But God's grace gives life through Jesus Christ! It is the source of a believer's righteousness because the believer receives the righteousness of Jesus Christ in place of one's sinfulness and corruption.
Colossians 1:21,22
21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight.
1Corintians 1:30
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
We should ever praise God or the glories of His grace towards and upon us in Christ Jesus. We should be humbled by this grace because we know that we do not deserve it and have sinned grossly and deeply against Him, but His elections stands sure and He is faithful to complete His will and purpose in us as His chosen saints.
This is all for tonight. Tomorrow I will post about God's mercy. God bless you as you sleep and when you awaken. May He be ever over you, no matter what this life brings upon us. We can rest in His embrace of grace.
The only way any of us can enter into a relationship with God is because of His grace toward us. Beginning in Eden when Adam and Eve sinned God restored them to fellowship with Him by His free grace. He could have killed the first humans right then for their disobedience. But rather than destroy them, He chose to make a way for them to be right with Him.
God is the instigator of grace, and it is from Him that all other aspects of grace flows.
God extends grace to those He elected while we all were His enemies ( Romans 5:10) by regeneration wrought by the Spirit.
He gives us forgiveness ( Hebrews 8:12; Ephesians 1:7), reconciliation ( Colossians 1:19-20), abundant life ( John 10:10), eternal treasure ( Luke 12:33), His Holy Spirit ( Luke 11:13), and a place in heaven with Him some day ( John 3:16-18) when we are called by the gospel and its offer and place our faith in Jesus and His work on our behalf.
Grace is God giving the greatest treasure to the least deserving-which is every one of us whom He has brought to faith and placed us in Christ. This redemption is forever and the greatest treasure is Christ Himself.
"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." ( Hebrews 4:16)
"But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." ( James 4:6)
We find the term "grace" throughout the Bible as a gift and action of God. But what is God's grace, and how does it relate to us?
We experience God's grace because God is gracious. In Exodus 34:6, when God shows himself to Moses, we read, "The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." Gracious is used here as an adjective describing God. It is one of His attributes, describing who He is.
Thanks for your further comment Lovealot19. In reference to Proverbs 8:22-31, I read it as applying solely to Wisdom & it is Wisdom that speaks here (even as that whole chapter indicates).
I know, at least I've heard this before, that this chapter is understood as a Christological application, presenting a picture of Christ rather than the eternal character of Wisdom. It is true that Christ is the revelation of God's Wisdom & Power ( 1 Corinthians 1:24), & possesses all wisdom & knowledge ( Colossians 2:3), though there is no indication in that chapter that it speaks directly of Jesus. But it does show us that Wisdom is older than creation itself & is fundamental to it ( Proverbs 8:22); that it assisted in creation as a master workman ( Proverbs 8:30), and it rejoiced in creation ( Proverbs 8:30,31). So to me, this doesn't provide any proof that Jesus (Wisdom) is "the firstborn of all creation", yet it is very true that He was involved in God's creative Work in some form or manner ( Colossians 1:15-17).
Having stated that, & from which you may have gathered, I'm a strong believer & advocate of proper Biblical hermeneutics. For without first correctly understanding what the Bible passages speak about, then one can be prone to moving in all sorts of directions of understanding, believing that we are being led by God's Spirit. Yes, it is essential to be led of His Spirit in all things, even our reading of the Scriptures, but we must also endeavor to first understand as far as is possible what exactly is being communicated by the plain understanding of the Word. So, I would encourage you to bear this in mind as you read & study God's Word. Blessings.
To your second question on Colossians 1:15, "Who (i.e. Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature". In this verse, we can't read it as 'Jesus being the first to be born (or created) of all living things'. If this was so, then the following verses ( Colossians 1:16,17) are incorrect & meaningless, for it's not possible that a first born or created being should also be the creator of other beings; nor was Jesus born/created before Adam & Eve, rather, He came onto the earthly scene only two millenia ago.
The only way that Jesus could be involved in creating, and to be "before all things" & to hold all things together, is for Him to not be made alongside the creation of humans, creatures, etc. Therefore, when we read Colossians 1:15, the word "firstborn" of every creature refers to Jesus' Rank & Rights that a firstborn would hold; and this also speaks of Jesus' preeminent position over all that He has created. As also in Romans 8:29, where Jesus is said to be "the firstborn among many brethren". Here as well, it has nothing to do with a birth, but that Jesus would be the cause (the beginning) & preeminent One of His newly formed Body, His Church, leading us into the family of God His Father.
Revelation 3:14, "..the beginning of the creation of God". Here, it speaks of Jesus as the One Who is the Originator, or the beginner of God's Creation. It certainly cannot be that Jesus was the first creation of God's creative Work; if this was so, then Jesus was created back in eternity past & everything else was created after him by God - and the other Scriptures refute this, confirming that Jesus was actually involved in creating. I realize that this verse can be confusing, but when read in line with other associated passages which tell us of Jesus' Work of creation & His Divinity, then it (and other passages) fit in well together. Hope this was helpful & others may contribute; & thanks again for those good questions.
Hello Kuivaala: It's nice too meet you. I believe the people who post on this dissuasion platform are very loving and caring children of God, including me. I do love the Lord deeply.
We, in ourselves are not worthy when it comes to just ourselves, however, the sacrificial blood of Jesus does make us as God's children worthy of God's love and His salvation. In that way you are worthy. indeed, if you are born again and have accepted Jesus as your Savior then feel worthy in His sight.
Acts 5:41 - "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name."
2 Thessalonian 1:11 - "Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:10 "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;" I hope these few scriptures help. If you go to a website called Bible Hub, if you don't have it already, you can find more verses. Just put "worthy of God" in the search bar.
I would like to ask you, if you don't mind, what do you mean by "shaking" Hello Kuivaala: It's nice too meet you. I believe the people who post on this dissuasion platform are very loving and caring children of God, including me. I do love the Lord deeply.
We, in ourselves are not worthy when it comes to just ourselves, however, the sacrificial blood of Jesus does make us as God's children worthy of God's love and His salvation. In that way you are worthy. indeed, if you are born again and have accepted Jesus as your Savior then feel worthy in His sight.
Acts 5:41 - "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer s? God Bless :) Ann
Thanks, brother, I sometimes do not explain my understanding in the best way, hey I'm old. Years ago, I studied some of the early church histories and I found some scholars have questions about the authenticity of their translations. I understand you believe in them and that is ok.
Just one thing on Ignatius CHAPTER XVIII it should read.
For our God, Jesus Christ was according to the appointment of God, conceived in the womb by Mary, of the seed of David, but by the Holy Ghost. He was born and baptized, that by His passion He might purify the water.
In John 1:10 by Him, the Greek word used is dia means through, on account of, and because of. The word made is the Greek word ginomai means to come into being, to happen, to become.
In Colossians 1:16-17 the Greek word en can mean in him, not by him, whether that changes anything or not.
I know we do not agree on this, but I will do my best to show how I see John 17:5. Like I have said before Jesus was the first thing in God's plan, everything was created in and through Jesus and what He would be. Jesus knew the glory of God's word from which came all things as we see in Genesis, God said, and it was.
When Jesus was anointed with the Holy Ghost and filled with the Spirit without measure, he could see spiritual things unknown to any man. Some of God's servants did see into the future with just a glimpse, like Abraham, David, Moses, and others. Jesus could see and He knew the glory of God's creation and salvation plan.
Jesus knew who He was and was seeking this glory that was in God's plan before the world was to be his reward after all that he was sent to do was finished. In scripture declaring what is, even though it is not yet, simply because it is intended to be. If God intends it, it already is, even though it is not yet. Being from heaven is an expression meant to emphasize his sinless and holy state and show who sent him was God.
Christ's death and resurrection destroyed the OLD and ushered in the NEW.
ALL flesh DIED on the cross of Christ, a new creation was resurrected, the image of Christ and his Father, the equal of Christ and his Father.
Isaiah 43:8 God does not share his glory with another, flesh and blood, they had to DIE, but he does bestow his glory on Christ; John 17:22 and we have been made ONE FLESH with Christ, by his resurrection, we are IN TRAVAIL of birth pains, waiting to be delivered into that PROMISE.
Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be IN YOU, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Philippians 2:6 Who being in the FORM of God, thought it not robbery to be EQUAL with God.
Christ is not THE ONE GOD, but by INHERITANCE, is EQUAL with his Father, the one God.
We share that EQUALITY with Christ, by DYING with Christ on his cross, and being raised with him as ONE FLESH.
If we are going to LIVE by the WORD of God (the sword), we have to DIE by the WORD of God (the sword), understand the NEW and DIE to the OLD.
Psalms 116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
We have the faith of Christ, we have the mind of Christ, we have the glory of Christ, we have the works of Christ, by inheritance.
2 Corinthians 3:18 And we ALL .... are CHANGED into the SAME IMAGE .....by the Spirit of God.
1 Corinthians 15:53 ..... this mortal MUST put on IMMORTALITY ....
1 Timothy 6:16 .... Christ ONLY hath IMMORTALITY, dwelling in the light ....
Isaiah 63:9 And in all their affliction, he was afflicted, and the angel of HIS presence saved them ....
Colossians 1:27 ..... this mystery, hidden from the ages ..... Christ IN YOU ....
Luke 1:2. The use of 'beginning' here is different, as Luke relates how he learned of those accounts of the Lord through those who were with Him & eyewitnesses of those events. Here it is according to Luke's receiving the information; in John's Gospel & Epistle, of eternity past. Same word - different application.
Revelation 19:13. Indeed, it is a title carried by Jesus. But the same John, who was given this revelation, also wrote that the Word of God was made flesh & dwelt among us. In John's vision, he sees the Word of God made flesh now coming in Power & Glory, His clothing dipped in Blood (whether representative of the saints martyred or of the coming slaughter of God's enemies), & the title He wears as God's Word made flesh & now coming in the same way He left. But none of this applies, when we can find no agreement whether John writes in his Gospel, of the Word (God) coming in flesh, or He Who came in flesh became God (Divine).
John 1:10. If this means that 'the world was made through & for Jesus', then we would have to make the same apply to Colossians 1:16,17 (as the same word 'dia' is used). And by doing so, the whole meaning of those verses change, especially that 'he is before all things and by him all things consist'.
Anyway, I hope I've addressed your points, but would still appreciate if anyone, a non-trinitarian, could explain John 17:5, which thus far over the years, none have obliged me. And I find that very strange. Blessings.
Brother Ronald. Thanks for those great Scriptures which clearly support your understanding & belief that Jesus Christ made His first appearance on Earth as a human babe & His Words always pointed to His Father & His position on Earth & now in Heaven He as a Son subject to the Father. And so He is, as One coming in the flesh & giving due honor and glory to God in all things. But as you would expect, I cannot leave it there.
In the past, we have discussed John 1:1, & if I remember correctly, "In the beginning" in your understanding, is 'In the beginning of Christ's Ministry' and not 'In the beginning ('arche') of all things' as pertaining to man's perception of the infinite past. So as we read through John 1:1ff, I would find it difficult to apply 'the beginning of Christ's Ministry' to the next verses 2-4, "The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men". If Jesus was the recipient & embodiment of God's Word at His Coming to Earth, how could the "the same" (Jesus the Word) be with God in the beginning and 'all things made by Him'? And to this, the apostle speaks of in Colossians 1:13-17: that 'by Jesus were all things created..that He is before all things, and by Him all things consist'.
So, I bring up John 1 here as a spring board to a few of the other Scriptures you've quoted. As mentioned, these are all great verses, yet they only show one aspect of Jesus & not in His Fullness.
You quoted John 17:1-3. Precious verses in a part of His prayer to the Father that they both be glorified, that those whom the Father has given Him might have eternal life & the knowledge of God. But just two verses on, verse 5, Jesus adds this bold statement in His prayer, "And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was". Onto Page 2.
I will certainly lift you up in prayer today. Paul battled inward sin, as we all do. Read Romans 7, especially the way he ends the chapter! Jesus has rescued us from the grip of sin! Even when we have to battle against the law of sin in us daily, we can have a heart as yours and Paul, who desire to do God's will and bring Him glory daily, but we find we still fail to live up to all that God wants of us. We are be sanctified daily by the power of the Holy Spirit in us who prompted the Apostle John to affirm and write: "Greater is He that is in you than He that is in the world". 1 JOHN 4:4
So we can have confidence in God and His declaration that we are His and have been transferred from the dominion of darkness into His kingdom of light which is the kingdom of Jesus, the Son of God and our Savior. Colossians 1:13. So don't be discouraged and look to Jesus always, for He is our righteousness and deliver from all that is evil.
GOD established the OT,first celestial environment or first heaven that lasted around 1500 years,from Moses until JESUS.
GOD established the NT,second heavenly environment or second heaven( Ephesians 1:3-8),it has lasted 2000 years as is written: Heb. 1:1-3:
1GOD,who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
2Has in these last days(last two millenniums)spoken unto us by His Son,whom he has appointed heir of all things,by whom also He made the worlds;
3Who being the brightness of His glory,the EXPRESS IMAGE of His Person and upholding all things by the Word of His power,when He had by himself purged our sins,sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:
JESUS said to the Jews: John 2:19-21: 9-->Destroy this temple,and in three days I will raise it up.21But he spake of the temple of His body.(So,up from the grave the body of JESUS arose in the 3rd day,a day of 24 hours,but spiritually the Church is the body of Christ( Colossians 1:24),and now,after two Days,two millenniums,as was prophesied by Hosea 6:2-3,the body of Christ, the true Church of the Lord( Ephesians 1:3-8),will rise up or caught up and put down all rule and all authority and power,JESUS must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet,and the last ENEMY that shall be destroyed is death, having He put all things under His feet. 1Corinthians 15:24-27.
The Kingdom of GOD will be established by the Power of the Word of GOD- Revelation 11:15-18.The Word is GOD,GOD Himself,self-executing.Satan will be cast down into the bottomless pit that he should deceive the nations no more,till the thousand years should be fulfilled.Re.20:2-3
2Pe.3:7-8
7But the heavens(the heavenly environment of the OT and NT which were established by GOD here( Ephesians 1:3-8),and the earth(the current Israel-the clay,the dry land),which are now,by the same Word are kept in store,reserved unto FIRE against this Day of Judgment and perdition of ungodly men(this Day arrived-the Lord's Day)
In light of yesterday's comments that I posted; surely this verse shows the works that are done with the proper attitude. Ephesians 2:10 describes works prepared for us from the Lord. In short it is His works done THROUGH us and His love should constrain us ( 2 Corinthians 14; also read verse 15). This passage read to verse 21 shows how we then evangelize to reconcile others toward God as we were.
Going back to the moment of salvation; it is rare to hear someone preach the fact these days that we are enemies of God ( Romans 5:10; Colossians 1:21 and many like passages). Someone coming to true faith should have some realization of this; but preaching about only the love of God (and that far short of what "Agape" means much of the time) naturally makes people hearing that message assume that we would fall head over heals for Him; especially if there are no "strings" attached. Being a slave of righteousness certainly isn't too popular either; or frankly the concept that His Spirit "possesses" us. I have emphasized that TRUST has to be there in our walk with Christ for it to be real. That is a crucial link to obedience because to really believe we assent that His Word can be trusted; AND council where the Lord is present is often how He ministers to us through discipleship. That of course assumes we are in a Biblically sound fellowship to begin with; and doesn't mean we aren't Bereans or always trust what any man can say. Nonetheless God has a purpose for the structure of His church and we should trust Him to lead us to such a fellowship and give us opportunities for wise counsel for ourselves as well as us toward others.
Of course we are commanded to love one another ( John 13:34-35). In the fellowship of the saints in particular we should see that if we offend our brothers and sisters we are doing it to the Lord. Sometimes if we don't love fellow saints we need to ask God to give us Agape.
Apostle Paul almost got Noble Festus to believe the word of truth.
Acts 26:25
But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth thewordsoftruthand soberness.
Apostle Paul is telling us by believing the gospel, the word of truth, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard thewordoftruth, the gospelofyour salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spiritofpromise,
The word of truth is the gospel.
Colossians 1:5
For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in thewordofthetruthofthe gospel;
We are to separate the kingdom of heaven on earth for the Jews from the gospel of grace.
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing thewordoftruth.
This is the gospel of grace in which is the word of truth.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures
May we all understand the word of truth.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
The word of truth is the gospel of grace.
Jesus Christ kept the resurrection a secret.
Matthew 13:35
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have beenkeptsecretfrom the foundation of the world.
Jesus Christ has secrets .
Romans 16:25
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which waskeptsecretsince the world began,
Apostle Paul was revealed the mystery of Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 3:16
And without controversy great is themysteryof godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Apostle Paul was revealed another mystery.
Romans 11:25
For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of thismystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Jesus Christ revealed mystery to Apostle Paul in a revelation.
Ephesians 3:3
How that by revelation he made known unto me themystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
Apostle Paul know the mystery of Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 3:4
Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in themysteryof Christ)
Apostle Paul was given the gospel of grace in a mystery.
Ephesians 6:19
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known themysteryof the gospel,
Apostle Paul was given another mystery in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 1:27
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of thismysteryamong the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
What day should we worship God in the church ? ? Is it Saturday or Sunday ? ? Some people will be shocked to find out that we were wrong all theses years.
God rested on Saturday, it's that our worship day ? ?
Genesis 2:2
And on the seventh dayGodended his work which he had made; and herestedon the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
Did Apostle Paul collected a offering on the first day of the week. Does that mean we should go to church of Sunday ? ?
1 Corinthians 16:2
Uponthefirstdayoftheweeklet every oneofyou lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, thatthere be no gatherings when I come.
We know that Jesus Christ died for all our sins and rose the third day, but do we really know it was Sunday ? ?
1 Corinthians 15:4
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Today, there's is not a date or time to worship Jesus Christ. Everyone should worship Jesus Christ every second, every minute, everyday and every year in the Godhead.
John 4:24
Godis a Spirit: and they thatworshiphim mustworshiphim in spirit and in truth.
May we remember that the church is the body of Christ in us.
Colossians 1:24
Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behindofthe afflictionsofChrist in my flesh for hisbody's sake, which is thechurch:
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
The body of Christ is the church
Hi Fuji. Thank you for your questions & for seriously considering this very important doctrine. Bro Giannis has certainly answered your questions very well, and if I might add more for you to consider.
Once we can understand such doctrines (i.e. as far as we humanly can understand, since the deep matters of God will always be mysterious to us in this life), then we can piece together the information the Bible gives us, to help us form an understanding & belief. True, we must confess that we cannot know everything about such a subject, such as the one addressed, but from what we're given, without forcefully altering its intended meaning, we can safely believe, before God Who judges righteously, that He would not hold us accountable for any misunderstanding.
To that end, we have already shared that Jesus was already in Heaven, whether in His references to being in 'existence' before Abraham ( John 8:58), or Paul's reference to His creative Work ( Colossians 1:15-17), or even Jesus' Own prayer to His Father ( John 17:5); and how true this prayer must have been, for would Jesus even try to hoodwink His Father on such a matter? So when we come to the Word & believe in every word given to us, as I know you do, then what are we to do with it & how are we to believe & accept the Scriptures. Unfortunately, we very often let human reasoning & logic come to the fore (which of course, is very natural), & so reading the Scriptures can be colored by that intrusion. Onto Page 2.
The sixth dispensation, the one in which we now live, is theDispensation of Grace.
The Gospel of Grace given to Apostle Paul.
Ephesians 3:2
If ye have heard of thedispensationof the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
Apostle Paul could of been the last one to complete the Bible besides Saint John.
Colossians 1:25
Whereof I am made a minister, according to thedispensationof God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
This is true, Apostle Paul is the man that Jesus Christ has chosen at Damascus.
Acts 9:15
But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is achosenvesselunto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Since you were talking about the grk, I think I can contribute to this discussion.
Rev 3:14, "...the beginning(in grk "arche") of the creation of God;". The word "arche" has many meanings. It may mean "the begining" but it may mean something that is on top of all the others, such as a "principality".
For exmple, Ephessians 6:12, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities(in grk archae), against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.". The grk for "principalities" in this verse is "archae" which is plural for "arche". Similarly Colossians 1:16, "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities(in grk archae), or powers: all things were created by him, and for him"
So we see that in both verses above the KJB corectly tranaslates the word "archae" as "principalities but wrongly translates it as "begining" in Rev 3:14. The grk "en" in Colossians may mean "in" but also "through". And the later is the right meaning here.
Col 1:17, "kai autos(and He) esti(is) pro panton(before everything), kai ta panta(and everything) en auto(in or through Him) sunesteke(are kept together)"
Lets see another verse that troubles a lot of people. Colossians 1:18, "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning(in grk arche), the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.". Here the grk "arche" is corectly translated as "begining". The question is: what is really meant by "firstborn from the dead"? Many interpretation of this are given. The one that agrees with all the above verses that clearly show the divinity of Jesus is that Jesus(as a human) is the first child of God who was taken out from the dead (dead people spiritually). Who are the rest of those that are born by God? Us, His brothers and sisters. See pt 2
Thanks, brother, it's me again. I just wanted to give my understanding. Jesus was the beginning of God's plan and everything that was created was on the account of Jesus. As in Revelation 3:14 Jesus was the beginning of the creation of God. Jesus was in God's plan before anything was created and when the fullness of times; Jesus was conceived by the Holy Ghost born of Mary.
Colossians 1:16 starts with the Greek word hoti which means because, to explain reasons, and ev meaning in, because in him were all things. Also, the same Greek word ev, all things were created in him and for him, same in verse 17 Jesus was before, the Greek word pro, meaning in front of, in him all things were created. My understanding is that Jesus was the reason and purpose of all creation, to me this ties to Ephesians 1:9-11. The mystery of God's will in the fullness of times all things in Christ that were in God's plan that Jesus was the beginning of.
I know some believe Jesus created all and some believe Jesus is the tool that through Him God created all. To me, all of Scripture shows God the Father the one and only God created all. Jesus was the beginning of God's plan and all was for the sake of Jesus who is God's only begotten Son who was not until the fulness of times conceived by the Holy Ghost in Mary.
Ephesians 1:19-23 We have seen and are now seeing God's plan being fulfilled in Jesus all in heaven and earth until all enemies are under His feet, 1 Corinthians 15:23. Jesus did not have the authority He was given the authority. We were created for Jesus for the glory of God.
God bless,
RLW
Colossians 1:29 - Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working. The word striving is an athletic term, AGONIDZO. It's our word agony but it was used to describe what the athlete goes through. Paul says I'm laboring to the point of exhaustion, agonizing according to His energy, which is energizing in me in power.
What a verse! Paul always gave the credit to Christ. Christ is the one who is energizing in me. And I labor according to His energy which is energizing in me. No human effort. He says it's all the moving and compelling of God's Spirit that makes me do what I do.
Colossians 2:1 - For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
Paul says for I would that you knew what great conflict I have for you. The word conflict is the word AGONA. It's where we get our English word agony from. And it is an athletic term. When an athlete is told to get involved in the Agona, they're told to strive, or to push.
Paul says I am in this conflict just like an athlete. I have great conflict for you. Paul is in Rome, and he heard what's happening there in Colossae, and he's involved in a great battle with his own self in his heart for these believers.
Colossians 1:19 - For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell;
For it pleased the Father that in him should all the fullness dwell;
Notice I translated this with a definite article, all of (the) fullness, because the Gnostics believe that the fullness was who God is. That was their technical term for God, and this fullness sent out emanations from Him, different angels, and different "gods" to visit us. In Christ dwells all of the fullness of who God is.
Colossians 1:23 - If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
It sounds like its conditional. You can be reconciled, have the promise of this position before God in His representation of you, but if you don't continue.
This is the construction in Greek that is known as the First-Class Condition Assumed to be true. He's not saying if you continue on. He's saying since you are continuing in the faith, and listen to this: having been grounded and settled, and not being moved away. There's a lot right there, but basically having been grounded, every Christian that receives Christ has been grounded, and they continue on because of that.
Colossians 1:17 - And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
And he is before all things. That's the word PROS, that means in time and importance. He is before all things. And in Him all things consist. The word consist means held together.
Here's what it is saying: In Christ, all things were created, visible and invisible, heaven and earth. All things were created in Him, and through Him, and for Him. Christ created all things. And He created them for Himself. You and I were created by Him for Him, not for us. You can see how far sin has pulled us away from God, and how much we are so self-centered because of sin, and that all day long, I'm living my life like I want to live my life.
I was created by Him, and I was created for Him and His purposes. And most of the day, I live my life not even realizing that He even exists. But that's the damage that sin has done. And He is before all things, time and importance. And in Him all things are being held together.
It's very interesting how the scientists say that because of the structure of the atom, all material things should just blow apart. They say that there's nothing to hold the atoms together. In fact, they are functioning in such a way that they should repel each other. And I find it interesting that scientists cannot explain what holds the atom together. I have even heard of them saying it is due to some sort of "atomic glue."
But in reality, the bible says that Christ is holding all things together. One day He's just going to let go and it will be all over. In Him, all things are held together. Hebrews 1:1-3 tells us that all the ages are being carried along by the word of God. God is propelling history!
Colossians 1:15 - Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Christ, who is the image of the invisible God, and the word for image is the Greek word EIKON, and it's where we get our word icon from. And it means an exact likeness. It is used to describe what a person sees when they look into a mirror.
You think you're looking at yourself but that's not you. It's your likeness. It's an image. Or you see yourself in the reflection on the water. You're seeing your image. When we get into the book of Hebrews, there's a tremendous assortment of Greek words that talk about the very Spirit of God projecting Himself through the time space factor and taking up residency in the person of Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:16 - For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
For by Him, literally in Him, that's the preposition in. In Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, and that's lordships, or principalities, or authorities:
All things were created by Him, and that's the word through. In Greek, it is DIA with the Genitive. All things were created through Him, and for Him: that's EIS.
Colossians 1:12 - Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Giving thanks unto the Father, and all of these participles are coming under the phrase "that you might walk worthy of the Lord." What does it mean to live a life that represents what we believe?
He's got four participles that explains it, continually bearing fruit, continually increasing in the knowledge of God, continually being empowered for endurance and longsuffering, and continually giving thanks unto the Father.
Which hath made us meet, and the word meet means qualified. He has made us sufficient to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Isn't that great! God qualified me. I'm not qualified. He qualified me to the cleansing and forgiveness of my sins through His Son Jesus Christ. Thanks to the Father.
Colossians 1:13 - Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
If you're saved, you have been delivered from the power of darkness. And He has translated, or transferred us into the kingdom of His dear Son:
The word dear is the word love. It is literally translated into the kingdom of the Son of His love. He did two things for us. He delivered us from the power of darkness, and He transferred us right into the kingdom of Christ. We now function in the spiritual realm and kingdom of Christ.
Colossians 1:11 - Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
Now Verse 11 doesn't look like it says it, but the word strengthen is also a Present Participle. In fact, it's the word empowered, with all power. So being continually empowered with all power, according to his glorious power, and that's the word KRATOS which means grip. For all patience and longsuffering with joy;
So, the power and the continually being empowered is actually two things. For all patience: that's the word endurance. The King James uses the word patience for remaining under circumstances. That's what HUPOMENO or endurance means. It means to remain under. It's a major word in the Christian vocabulary. God gives us the power and the grace to remain under, not to escape.
And secondly, longsuffering. That's patience towards people. MAKROTHUMIA means to be slow in human reaction toward other people. Being empowered with all power, according to His glorious power, for all endurance, and for all longsuffering accompanied by joy. Joyfulness is literally the word joy. And that's the Greek word for satisfaction.
Colossians 1:10 - That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
The word worthy means balanced. It's the name for the balance scales down at the marketplace. If you wanted to buy something, you would put the item on one side, and then you would put enough money on the other side until the scales balanced and that's how much the item costs.
So, what he's saying is live your life that's worthy of pleasing the Lord. If you want to please the Lord, and you belong to the Lord, then walk a life that's balanced. You don't say I want to please the Lord and then do whatever you want to do!
Then he gives us several prepositions coming off of that you might walk worthy of the Lord. He explains this. Being fruitful in every good work. That's the first one. The word good is AGATHOS and that's spiritual good. Being continually fruitful in every good work. Secondly, and increasing in the full knowledge of God; These participles show continuous processes. Continually bearing fruit in the work of the Lord. Continually increasing in the full knowledge of God.
Colossians 1:9 - For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
For this cause we also, since the day we heard of it, we do not cease to pray for you, and to desire, and it's interesting, here's two things:
First of all, that you might be filled with the full knowledge of his will. Notice how I translated the word knowledge. It has a preposition with it in the Greek text that means full knowledge. That you might be filled with the full knowledge of His will, found in two ways: in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
Spiritual goes with both wisdom and understanding. These two words is just what it means, you understand what the bible, or what God's word is teaching. Wisdom is applying it to everyday life. And I don't mean that in the sense of practice. I mean that we can know the truths of God's word, but not see it, realize it, or know it in everyday life.
The things that we study in that book that is called God's word, those are words on a page that are describing what's happening in life that we can't see. So, if we wrap our minds around the book, that's great. But if we have a personal relationship with a book, and that's all we have, that's trouble!
The bible is teaching us spiritual truth. And when we're able to read God's word and be able to see that truth, understand that truth, realize that truth, and experience that truth in everyday life even though you can't see it, that's the purpose of the word of God, that you might be filled with the full knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.
(Colossians Part 1): The Believer's Perfection in Christ. Written for the Christians in the city of Colossae, and written to combat the many heresies of Jewish Gnosticism. The focus of Colossians is the completeness of a person who is in Christ.
Colossians 1:2 - To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Verse 2 starts out by saying to the saints and faithful brethren. In the Greek text, the word saints and faithful make reference to the same people. There's only one definite article that goes with both phrases. A saint is a word that designates position, not performance. A saint is somebody who has been set apart from sin and set apart for Christ.
Faithful is a word associated with Christians and is part of their title to be of the faith. They are faithful because they are under the hearing of faith. And they are the saints and faithful brethren, family members, in Christ, their spiritual position, and then their geographical position, which are at Colossae:
The salutation: He says Grace to you. Notice the word "be" is in italics. He's not wishing grace upon them. It's a statement of fact. Grace is towards you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace is the common greeting to the Greeks, and peace is the common greeting to the Hebrews.
Colossians 1:8 - Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.
That last phrase "in the Spirit," in the Greek text, it's just in Spirit. The emphasis is on two things. First, he's talking about spiritual love, not human love. Secondly, he's talking about love that is produced by the Spirit of God in the spirit realm, again, human beings not being the source.
When a person is moved by God's love, it is spiritual. It's not human effort. It's produced by God. It is AGAPE love, the love that can only be produced by God's Spirit.
Of Jesus Christ: Isaiah 9:6,7 (an Old Testament Prophecy); Micah 5:2 & John 1:1-14 (from everlasting); Matthew 1:22,23; Mark 2:5-7; John 8:56-58; John 16: 27,28; John 17:4,5; John 20:27,28; Philippians 2:5-7; Colossians 1:15-17; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; Titus 3:13; Hebrews 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:8-10; 1 John 5:7; 1 John 5:20.
Of the Holy Spirit: Matthew 12:31; Luke 1:34,35; Luke 11:13; John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7-11; Acts 5:3; Acts 8:29; Acts 13:4; Romans 8:14; Romans 8:26,27; 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 Corinthians 12:11; Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 10:29; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John 5:6.
The above are a few Scriptures that point to the deity of Jesus Christ & God's Spirit: all showing that they don't work independently from God, but have been sent out from God, from God's Being, to accomplish His Purposes in the world. And we know that Jesus, as the Word of God clothed with humanity, is the very expression of God to the world ( John 14:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 4:2). Hope these will help you in your study of this very important doctrine. Blessings.
This is what Apostle Paul said to Noble Festus and Festus almost believed, but the seed of the Word was planted. Keep up the Word to family and friends.
Acts 26:25
But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth thewordsoftruthand soberness.
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard thewordoftruth, the gospelofyour salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spiritofpromise,
Colossians 1:5
For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in thewordofthetruthofthe gospel;
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing thewordoftruth.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Pt. 5
And, when we grab a hold of these aspects of grace, grace is no longer a vague, impersonal force that is somehow responsible for salvation.
Grace instead describes the attitude of and the approval that God extends towards His elect. We were saved by grace, are sustained by it every day of our Christian life, and, we will be recipients of the surpassing riches of divine grace for all eternity. What an amazing gift from God!
Christianity cannot be understood apart from an adequate grasp of grace. The doctrine of grace distinguishes the Christian faith from every other religion in the world, as well as from the cults which require rituals to appease and which only bring death.
But God's grace gives life through Jesus Christ! It is the source of a believer's righteousness because the believer receives the righteousness of Jesus Christ in place of one's sinfulness and corruption.
Colossians 1:21,22
21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight.
1Corintians 1:30
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
We should ever praise God or the glories of His grace towards and upon us in Christ Jesus. We should be humbled by this grace because we know that we do not deserve it and have sinned grossly and deeply against Him, but His elections stands sure and He is faithful to complete His will and purpose in us as His chosen saints.
This is all for tonight. Tomorrow I will post about God's mercy. God bless you as you sleep and when you awaken. May He be ever over you, no matter what this life brings upon us. We can rest in His embrace of grace.
Pt. 2
The only way any of us can enter into a relationship with God is because of His grace toward us. Beginning in Eden when Adam and Eve sinned God restored them to fellowship with Him by His free grace. He could have killed the first humans right then for their disobedience. But rather than destroy them, He chose to make a way for them to be right with Him.
God is the instigator of grace, and it is from Him that all other aspects of grace flows.
God extends grace to those He elected while we all were His enemies ( Romans 5:10) by regeneration wrought by the Spirit.
He gives us forgiveness ( Hebrews 8:12; Ephesians 1:7), reconciliation ( Colossians 1:19-20), abundant life ( John 10:10), eternal treasure ( Luke 12:33), His Holy Spirit ( Luke 11:13), and a place in heaven with Him some day ( John 3:16-18) when we are called by the gospel and its offer and place our faith in Jesus and His work on our behalf.
Grace is God giving the greatest treasure to the least deserving-which is every one of us whom He has brought to faith and placed us in Christ. This redemption is forever and the greatest treasure is Christ Himself.
"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." ( Hebrews 4:16)
"But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." ( James 4:6)
We find the term "grace" throughout the Bible as a gift and action of God. But what is God's grace, and how does it relate to us?
We experience God's grace because God is gracious. In Exodus 34:6, when God shows himself to Moses, we read, "The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." Gracious is used here as an adjective describing God. It is one of His attributes, describing who He is.
I know, at least I've heard this before, that this chapter is understood as a Christological application, presenting a picture of Christ rather than the eternal character of Wisdom. It is true that Christ is the revelation of God's Wisdom & Power ( 1 Corinthians 1:24), & possesses all wisdom & knowledge ( Colossians 2:3), though there is no indication in that chapter that it speaks directly of Jesus. But it does show us that Wisdom is older than creation itself & is fundamental to it ( Proverbs 8:22); that it assisted in creation as a master workman ( Proverbs 8:30), and it rejoiced in creation ( Proverbs 8:30,31). So to me, this doesn't provide any proof that Jesus (Wisdom) is "the firstborn of all creation", yet it is very true that He was involved in God's creative Work in some form or manner ( Colossians 1:15-17).
Having stated that, & from which you may have gathered, I'm a strong believer & advocate of proper Biblical hermeneutics. For without first correctly understanding what the Bible passages speak about, then one can be prone to moving in all sorts of directions of understanding, believing that we are being led by God's Spirit. Yes, it is essential to be led of His Spirit in all things, even our reading of the Scriptures, but we must also endeavor to first understand as far as is possible what exactly is being communicated by the plain understanding of the Word. So, I would encourage you to bear this in mind as you read & study God's Word. Blessings.
To your second question on Colossians 1:15, "Who (i.e. Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature". In this verse, we can't read it as 'Jesus being the first to be born (or created) of all living things'. If this was so, then the following verses ( Colossians 1:16,17) are incorrect & meaningless, for it's not possible that a first born or created being should also be the creator of other beings; nor was Jesus born/created before Adam & Eve, rather, He came onto the earthly scene only two millenia ago.
The only way that Jesus could be involved in creating, and to be "before all things" & to hold all things together, is for Him to not be made alongside the creation of humans, creatures, etc. Therefore, when we read Colossians 1:15, the word "firstborn" of every creature refers to Jesus' Rank & Rights that a firstborn would hold; and this also speaks of Jesus' preeminent position over all that He has created. As also in Romans 8:29, where Jesus is said to be "the firstborn among many brethren". Here as well, it has nothing to do with a birth, but that Jesus would be the cause (the beginning) & preeminent One of His newly formed Body, His Church, leading us into the family of God His Father.
Revelation 3:14, "..the beginning of the creation of God". Here, it speaks of Jesus as the One Who is the Originator, or the beginner of God's Creation. It certainly cannot be that Jesus was the first creation of God's creative Work; if this was so, then Jesus was created back in eternity past & everything else was created after him by God - and the other Scriptures refute this, confirming that Jesus was actually involved in creating. I realize that this verse can be confusing, but when read in line with other associated passages which tell us of Jesus' Work of creation & His Divinity, then it (and other passages) fit in well together. Hope this was helpful & others may contribute; & thanks again for those good questions.
We, in ourselves are not worthy when it comes to just ourselves, however, the sacrificial blood of Jesus does make us as God's children worthy of God's love and His salvation. In that way you are worthy. indeed, if you are born again and have accepted Jesus as your Savior then feel worthy in His sight.
Acts 5:41 - "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name."
2 Thessalonian 1:11 - "Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:10 "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;" I hope these few scriptures help. If you go to a website called Bible Hub, if you don't have it already, you can find more verses. Just put "worthy of God" in the search bar.
I would like to ask you, if you don't mind, what do you mean by "shaking" Hello Kuivaala: It's nice too meet you. I believe the people who post on this dissuasion platform are very loving and caring children of God, including me. I do love the Lord deeply.
We, in ourselves are not worthy when it comes to just ourselves, however, the sacrificial blood of Jesus does make us as God's children worthy of God's love and His salvation. In that way you are worthy. indeed, if you are born again and have accepted Jesus as your Savior then feel worthy in His sight.
Acts 5:41 - "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer s? God Bless :) Ann
Thanks, brother, I sometimes do not explain my understanding in the best way, hey I'm old. Years ago, I studied some of the early church histories and I found some scholars have questions about the authenticity of their translations. I understand you believe in them and that is ok.
Just one thing on Ignatius CHAPTER XVIII it should read.
For our God, Jesus Christ was according to the appointment of God, conceived in the womb by Mary, of the seed of David, but by the Holy Ghost. He was born and baptized, that by His passion He might purify the water.
In John 1:10 by Him, the Greek word used is dia means through, on account of, and because of. The word made is the Greek word ginomai means to come into being, to happen, to become.
In Colossians 1:16-17 the Greek word en can mean in him, not by him, whether that changes anything or not.
I know we do not agree on this, but I will do my best to show how I see John 17:5. Like I have said before Jesus was the first thing in God's plan, everything was created in and through Jesus and what He would be. Jesus knew the glory of God's word from which came all things as we see in Genesis, God said, and it was.
When Jesus was anointed with the Holy Ghost and filled with the Spirit without measure, he could see spiritual things unknown to any man. Some of God's servants did see into the future with just a glimpse, like Abraham, David, Moses, and others. Jesus could see and He knew the glory of God's creation and salvation plan.
Jesus knew who He was and was seeking this glory that was in God's plan before the world was to be his reward after all that he was sent to do was finished. In scripture declaring what is, even though it is not yet, simply because it is intended to be. If God intends it, it already is, even though it is not yet. Being from heaven is an expression meant to emphasize his sinless and holy state and show who sent him was God.
I hope this makes some sense.
God bless brother,
RLW
Christ's death and resurrection destroyed the OLD and ushered in the NEW.
ALL flesh DIED on the cross of Christ, a new creation was resurrected, the image of Christ and his Father, the equal of Christ and his Father.
Isaiah 43:8 God does not share his glory with another, flesh and blood, they had to DIE, but he does bestow his glory on Christ; John 17:22 and we have been made ONE FLESH with Christ, by his resurrection, we are IN TRAVAIL of birth pains, waiting to be delivered into that PROMISE.
Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be IN YOU, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Philippians 2:6 Who being in the FORM of God, thought it not robbery to be EQUAL with God.
Christ is not THE ONE GOD, but by INHERITANCE, is EQUAL with his Father, the one God.
We share that EQUALITY with Christ, by DYING with Christ on his cross, and being raised with him as ONE FLESH.
If we are going to LIVE by the WORD of God (the sword), we have to DIE by the WORD of God (the sword), understand the NEW and DIE to the OLD.
Psalms 116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
We have the faith of Christ, we have the mind of Christ, we have the glory of Christ, we have the works of Christ, by inheritance.
2 Corinthians 3:18 And we ALL .... are CHANGED into the SAME IMAGE .....by the Spirit of God.
1 Corinthians 15:53 ..... this mortal MUST put on IMMORTALITY ....
1 Timothy 6:16 .... Christ ONLY hath IMMORTALITY, dwelling in the light ....
Isaiah 63:9 And in all their affliction, he was afflicted, and the angel of HIS presence saved them ....
Colossians 1:27 ..... this mystery, hidden from the ages ..... Christ IN YOU ....
God Bless You
Luke 1:2. The use of 'beginning' here is different, as Luke relates how he learned of those accounts of the Lord through those who were with Him & eyewitnesses of those events. Here it is according to Luke's receiving the information; in John's Gospel & Epistle, of eternity past. Same word - different application.
Revelation 19:13. Indeed, it is a title carried by Jesus. But the same John, who was given this revelation, also wrote that the Word of God was made flesh & dwelt among us. In John's vision, he sees the Word of God made flesh now coming in Power & Glory, His clothing dipped in Blood (whether representative of the saints martyred or of the coming slaughter of God's enemies), & the title He wears as God's Word made flesh & now coming in the same way He left. But none of this applies, when we can find no agreement whether John writes in his Gospel, of the Word (God) coming in flesh, or He Who came in flesh became God (Divine).
John 1:10. If this means that 'the world was made through & for Jesus', then we would have to make the same apply to Colossians 1:16,17 (as the same word 'dia' is used). And by doing so, the whole meaning of those verses change, especially that 'he is before all things and by him all things consist'.
Anyway, I hope I've addressed your points, but would still appreciate if anyone, a non-trinitarian, could explain John 17:5, which thus far over the years, none have obliged me. And I find that very strange. Blessings.
Brother Ronald. Thanks for those great Scriptures which clearly support your understanding & belief that Jesus Christ made His first appearance on Earth as a human babe & His Words always pointed to His Father & His position on Earth & now in Heaven He as a Son subject to the Father. And so He is, as One coming in the flesh & giving due honor and glory to God in all things. But as you would expect, I cannot leave it there.
In the past, we have discussed John 1:1, & if I remember correctly, "In the beginning" in your understanding, is 'In the beginning of Christ's Ministry' and not 'In the beginning ('arche') of all things' as pertaining to man's perception of the infinite past. So as we read through John 1:1ff, I would find it difficult to apply 'the beginning of Christ's Ministry' to the next verses 2-4, "The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men". If Jesus was the recipient & embodiment of God's Word at His Coming to Earth, how could the "the same" (Jesus the Word) be with God in the beginning and 'all things made by Him'? And to this, the apostle speaks of in Colossians 1:13-17: that 'by Jesus were all things created..that He is before all things, and by Him all things consist'.
So, I bring up John 1 here as a spring board to a few of the other Scriptures you've quoted. As mentioned, these are all great verses, yet they only show one aspect of Jesus & not in His Fullness.
You quoted John 17:1-3. Precious verses in a part of His prayer to the Father that they both be glorified, that those whom the Father has given Him might have eternal life & the knowledge of God. But just two verses on, verse 5, Jesus adds this bold statement in His prayer, "And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was". Onto Page 2.
I will certainly lift you up in prayer today. Paul battled inward sin, as we all do. Read Romans 7, especially the way he ends the chapter! Jesus has rescued us from the grip of sin! Even when we have to battle against the law of sin in us daily, we can have a heart as yours and Paul, who desire to do God's will and bring Him glory daily, but we find we still fail to live up to all that God wants of us. We are be sanctified daily by the power of the Holy Spirit in us who prompted the Apostle John to affirm and write: "Greater is He that is in you than He that is in the world". 1 JOHN 4:4
So we can have confidence in God and His declaration that we are His and have been transferred from the dominion of darkness into His kingdom of light which is the kingdom of Jesus, the Son of God and our Savior. Colossians 1:13. So don't be discouraged and look to Jesus always, for He is our righteousness and deliver from all that is evil.
GOD established the NT,second heavenly environment or second heaven( Ephesians 1:3-8),it has lasted 2000 years as is written: Heb. 1:1-3:
1GOD,who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
2Has in these last days(last two millenniums)spoken unto us by His Son,whom he has appointed heir of all things,by whom also He made the worlds;
3Who being the brightness of His glory,the EXPRESS IMAGE of His Person and upholding all things by the Word of His power,when He had by himself purged our sins,sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:
JESUS said to the Jews: John 2:19-21: 9-->Destroy this temple,and in three days I will raise it up.21But he spake of the temple of His body.(So,up from the grave the body of JESUS arose in the 3rd day,a day of 24 hours,but spiritually the Church is the body of Christ( Colossians 1:24),and now,after two Days,two millenniums,as was prophesied by Hosea 6:2-3,the body of Christ, the true Church of the Lord( Ephesians 1:3-8),will rise up or caught up and put down all rule and all authority and power,JESUS must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet,and the last ENEMY that shall be destroyed is death, having He put all things under His feet. 1Corinthians 15:24-27.
The Kingdom of GOD will be established by the Power of the Word of GOD- Revelation 11:15-18.The Word is GOD,GOD Himself,self-executing.Satan will be cast down into the bottomless pit that he should deceive the nations no more,till the thousand years should be fulfilled.Re.20:2-3
2Pe.3:7-8
7But the heavens(the heavenly environment of the OT and NT which were established by GOD here( Ephesians 1:3-8),and the earth(the current Israel-the clay,the dry land),which are now,by the same Word are kept in store,reserved unto FIRE against this Day of Judgment and perdition of ungodly men(this Day arrived-the Lord's Day)