We are seal by the Holy Spirit when we believed the gospel of grace in Apostle Paul's epistle 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 .
2 Corinthians 1:22
Who hath alsosealedus, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
We are seal by the Holy Spirit when we believed the gospel of grace in Apostle Paul's epistle 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 .
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye weresealedwith that holy Spirit of promise,
We that are saved by believing the gospel of grace and will have a new body at the day of redemption.
Ephesians 4:30
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye aresealedunto the day of redemption.
Apostle Paul's epistle is for our doctrine and Salvation for today and we can not loose our Salvation. We have to Rightly divide the Word of Truth for it to make sense.
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,rightlydividingthe word of truth.
I thank God Almighty in the third Heaven for my Salvation that its sealed by the Holy Spirit in power of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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
The grace age church in the Body of Christ Jesus is Heavenly.
Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings inheavenlyplacesin Christ:
Ephesians 2:6
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together inheavenlyplacesin Christ Jesus:
Ephesians 3:10
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers inheavenlyplacesmight be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
Amen, glory to God and the Lord Jesus Christ for the Heavenly Places
How important is the Jews ? ? The Jew had the word of God and all the blessings that came with it.
Romans 3:1-2
1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
2Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.
Acts 7:38
This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the livelyoraclesto give unto us:
1 Peter 4:11
If any man speak, let him speak as theoraclesof God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Godforbid: yea,letGodbetrue, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightestbejustified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
Are we responsible to know the Bible ourselves ? ?
John 5:39
Searchthescriptures; for inthem ye think ye have eternal life: andthey arethey which testify of me.
The biggest liar in the world is the devil himself as Satan.
John 8:44
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is aliar, and the father of it.
There will be people with great education and decrees and will look very rightous , but deceive many .
Ephesians 4:14
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait todeceive;
Deception is only going to get worse and we are living in it right now.
2 Timothy 3:13
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and beingdeceived.
If we can't trust man , then who do we trust ? ? Most people will say " I trust Jesus Christ ". But how ? ?
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trustin theLordwith all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
We all have to trust God in His word.
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye alsotrusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Now, after you have trusted God, where do you go from here ? ?
2 Timothy 2:15
Studytoshew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth nottobe ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Can we really follow Jesus's footsteps in His early ministry in the four gospels ? ? Can we really heal everyone like Jesus Christ has ? ? Can we raise the dead from the grave like Jesus Christ ? ?
Jesus Christ healed all that was sick.
Matthew 4:23
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, andhealing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
Jesus casted out devils.
Mark 1:39
And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, andcastoutdevils
Peter tried to walk on water like Jesus.
Matthew 14:29
And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, hewalkedonthewater, to go to Jesus.
Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.
John 11:43
And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice,Lazarus, come forth.
Now we ask ourselves again, can we really walk Jesus Christ footsteps and follow the law without sinning ? ? The answer is a big no .
That's why Jesus Christ died on the cross so we don't have to follow the law for Salvation, because the law only condemneth us and we don't have power anymore to heal or cast out devils.
John 19:30
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said,Itisfinished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
Jesus Christ is our redeemer for Salvation in his grace.
Ephesians 1:7
In whom we haveredemptionthrough his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
We now have the complete word of God. The The other stuff faded away. We are left with the Holy Spirit and the Word of Truth.
1 Corinthians 15:9-10
9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
God's ways are the only way . We tend to forget that God is our priority.
Proverbs 14:12
There isaway which seemethrightuntoaman, but the end thereofare the ways of death.
Adam was Eve story was the start of worldwide death for all of us. Adam's way got him into trouble with God. Adam knew if he eats of the forbidden tree, he would die spiritually.
Genesis 2:16-17
16And theLordGod commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
17But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
We can not use our ways to get to Heaven, it will fail. We have to know we are lost and born a sinner.
Romans 3:12
They are all gone out of theway, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
God will only direct His way for us.
1 Thessalonians 3:11
Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct ourwayunto you.
God will always point our hearts to Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:5
And the Lorddirectyour hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
The only way to Salvation is to believe God's word.
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God untosalvationto every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Trust God for Salvation today.
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of yoursalvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
The gospel is located 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 just believe it and that's it.
Apostle Paul wants us to follow his Epistles in Christ.
1 Corinthians 4:15
For though ye have ten thousandinstructersinChrist, yet have ye not many fathers: forinChristJesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
Apostle Paul sent Timotheus to teach the church , the way of Apostle Paul in his Epistles
1 Corinthians 4:17
For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithfulinthe Lord, who shall bring youinto remembrance of my ways which beinChrist, as I teach every whereinevery church.
To be in Christ is having the Holy Spirit living in your soul. Christ and the Spirit are one.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man beinChrist, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
We that are saved are no longer part of this world.
2 Corinthians 5:20
Now then we are ambassadors forChrist, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray youinChrist's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
We that are saved are in the heavenly places in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord JesusChrist, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessingsinheavenly placesinChrist:
We are living in a age where God word is really happening right now in Christ.
Ephesians 1:10
Thatinthe dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather togetherinone all thingsinChrist, both which areinheaven, and which are on earth; eveninhim:
To trust God with praise and glory is in Christ.
Ephesians 1:12
That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trustedinChrist.
Jesus Christ is right now sitting on the right hand of God in Christ.
Ephesians 1:20
Which he wroughtinChrist, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right handinthe heavenly places,
Jews and Gentiles are in Christ in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 2:6
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit togetherinheavenly placesinChristJesus:
We work for God because we are in Christ.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, createdinChristJesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walkinthem.
Why did Peter have a hard time understanding Paul's wisdom given unto him by the ascended Jesus Christ in Heaven. Was Paul given a different Salvation plan, was Paul given a Rapture plan, was Paul told Jesus Christ is God, was Paul told God is in three parts , did Paul explains the Lord's table, did Paul explains the rules of speaking in tongues, did Paul explains the rule for being a Bishop and Deacon in the church, did Paul teach us the body of Christ , did Paul teach us we are a new creature in Christ, did God make Apostle Paul's epistle for us today for Salvation and doctrine ? ? ? The answer according to Apostle Peter is yes .
2 Peter 3:15-16
15And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
16As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
Apostle Paul always calls his writing the word of truth given to him by Jesus Christ the ascended Lord in Heaven.
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing thewordoftruth.
To believe Apostle Paul's gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 is saying I believe the word of truth in Christ for Salvation.
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the wordoftruth, thegospelofyoursalvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spiritofpromise,
May the God in the Third Heaven open your understanding to the word of truth inwhich is the gospel of grace that Jesus Christ gave to Apostle Paul. God will judge us for that gospel one day.
Romans 2:16
In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christaccordingtomygospel.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 if we believe the gospel ?
How do we get the Holy Spirit ? By believing the gospel only and the Holy Spirit will seal us .
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heardtheword of truth,thegospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye weresealedwiththatholySpiritof promise,
After receiving the Holy Spirit, you can take advantage of the fruits.
Galatians 5:22-23
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Now that you have the Holy Spirit, God owns you and Satan can not take you away.
1 Corinthians 6:19
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghostwhich isin you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own.
By reading and studying the word of truth, we are going to be able to walk with God in the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:25
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit communicate with our spirit.
Romans 8:16
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
The Holy Spirit will help us in our Bible study and reading.
1 Corinthians 2:10
But God hath revealedthemunto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
The Holy Spirit has feelings.
Ephesians 4:30
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Thank you, you definitely can contribute I do not doubt your knowledge of Greek. I understand Greek words have several meanings in English like ev can mean in, by, and through. I may have misunderstood but I must say Revelation 3:14 makes more sense to me, the beginning of the creation of God rather than the principalities of the creation of God. Forgive me if I misunderstood.
Do we see in these verses if Jesus is the creator or God? If Jesus is the start of God's plan, all creation was done for what Jesus would become. Who would gather together all things in Christ in heaven and earth, the new creation?
I agree, this day I have begotten you, refers to Jesus's resurrection, not His conception. He is the first begotten of the dead. I believe His conception was at the fulness of times, Ephesians 1:9-11 when God would send His Messiah to do His will. Jesus at the right hand of the Father putting things in order in heaven, earth, and things to be.
So, if the plan of God is based on who Jesus would be it is understandable that things would be done in, by, or through who Jesus would be.
I know I probably don't make sense, thank you for your knowledge of Greek.
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.
Pastor James. I am so glad and happy for your prayer. I will pray that the Lord will bless you and you're wife in the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ . The devil really makes it harder for the Pastor of today because of the gospel being spread.
Please read this verse and pray for protection .
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,
May God continues to bless this ministry in Christ Jesus .
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 remembering Jesus Christ in his Gospel of grace
The only angels on earth and the universe are the fallen angels. The Holy Angels are in the Third Heaven .
Galatians 1:8
But though we, or anangelfrom heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Satan was a fallen angel and is still around.
2 Corinthians 11:14
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into anangeloflight.
We should not worship angels that are fallen.
Colossians 2:18
Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping ofangels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
The Holy Angeles are in Heaven waiting for the descending of the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 1:7
And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mightyangels,
Every Angel in the Bible has a male name, I don't think there's a female Angel .
We have the Holy Spirit of God and the Word of Truth here on earth.
Romans 8:26
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us withgroanings which cannot be uttered.
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard thewordof truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with thatholySpirit of promise,
May we spread the gospel of grace .
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 may we believe the gospel for Salvation
We are adopted to the family of God. The minute we get save, we are adopted in the family of God
We do not become Jews, we will have the blood of God through the Spirit.
1. Let's start in Genesis, God said it will start with the seed of the woman.
Genesis 3:15
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thyseedand herseed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Galatians 4:4
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of awoman, made under the law,
Romans 1:3
Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of theseedofDavidaccording to the flesh;
2 Timothy 2:8
Remember that Jesus Christ of theseedofDavidwas raised from the dead according to my gospel:
2. Jesus Christ's father is God in Heaven. The Father carries the identity of the child. Marry carried the identity of Jesus Christ through the flesh by the seed of Daved in the woman in Genesis.
Matthew 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his motherMarywas espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
3. We get adopted the minute we believe the finished work of the cross that Apostle Paul calls my gospel. We are circumcised in the family of God.
Colossians 2:11
In whom also ye arecircumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Ephesians 1:5
Having predestinated us unto theadoptionof children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Romans 8:15
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit ofadoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Romans 8:23
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for theadoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1CORINTHIANS 15:1-4 believe only
"What is the difference between God's sovereign will and God's revealed will?
21 de July de 2024
Response
Human will is quite simple: when we desire something to occur, we "will" it to happen; when we take action, we demonstrate our "will" in the situation. God's will is more intricate. Theologians identify three distinct aspects of God's will in the Bible: His sovereign (decretive) will, His revealed (preceptive) will, and His dispositional will.
God's sovereign or decretive will is also known as His "hidden" will. It is "sovereign" because it reveals God as the Supreme ruler of the universe who ordains all events. It is "decretive" as it involves God's decrees. It is "hidden" because we often remain unaware of this aspect of God's will until His decrees come to pass. Nothing occurs outside of God's sovereign will.
For instance, it was God's sovereign will for Joseph to be taken to Egypt, endure imprisonment in Pharaoh's dungeon, interpret the king's dreams, ultimately rescue his people from famine, and receive honor from all ( Genesis 37-50). Initially, Joseph and his brothers were unaware of God's will in these circumstances, but at each stage, God's plan became clearer.
When Ephesians 1:11 portrays God as the one "who works all things according to the counsel of His will," it refers to God's sovereign or decretive will. God Himself affirms the certainty of His sovereign will in Isaiah 46:10: "My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please."
Due to God's sovereignty, His will cannot be thwarted The sovereign or decretive will of God can be categorized into His efficacious will and His permissive will. This distinction is necessary because God does not directly cause everything to occur. Some of His decrees are efficacious (directly contributing to the fulfillment of God's desire), while others are permissive (allowing for an indirect fulfillment of God's desire).
Ephesians 1:10 - That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
That in the dispensation, the explanation of this mystery, it gives us a little introduction. We won't get the mystery until Chapter 3 Verse 6. That in the dispensation of the fulness of times, God might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
Right now, there is a sifting process going on. Christ has been set above all things. There are those who are lining up with Christ and submitting to Him, and there are others who are not. God's plan is to make one body, one group worldwide, past, present, and future, who will be called up to Christ. He's picking out for Himself a people for Himself.
The word dispensation means administration. You've probably heard that doctrine too, the doctrine of dispensation. OIKONOMIA is the Greek word for economy. That's the Greek word that's used here for this dispensation. So, he says the reason why God has made the mystery of His will known at this time is so that He can gather up, in the future of ministration, in the fullness of times, that is when everything's been fulfilled, that He might gather together in one, all things in Christ both in heaven and upon the earth.
Ephesians 1:17 - That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you, literally, a spirit of wisdom and revelation, literally, in the full knowledge of him:
Ephesians 1:7 - In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
In whom (that is in Christ), we have redemption through his blood, that is, the forgiveness of sins. So, redemption equals the forgiveness of sins. And this again is on the basis of according to the riches of his grace;
According to the wealth of God's grace, He provides this for us. The word redemption means to purchase out of the marketplace. They used to line up slaves down at the markets, and people would come down specifically to get a slave. They would buy one. They would purchase him out of the marketplace.
That's what redemption means. Not only do we have forgiveness of sins, but that forgiveness comes through His blood, and it was through His blood that He purchased us. Some believers either forget, or don't realize what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, which you have from God, for you were bought with a price. He owns us. We've been purchased. That's why when we get to Verse 14, when the Holy Spirit seals us, He's waiting for the day that He comes for His possession. You see, He bought us. He owns us!
Ephesians 1:8 - Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
The word prudence means insight. He has given us the ability to see and understand spiritual things. It's interesting that the word prudence gives us understanding. Many believers have understanding, but wisdom is the application of that understanding.
In other words, I can train my mind to memorize the bible where if you just mention a word that is found in the bible, I would start quoting scriptures. But that's not necessarily wisdom. Wisdom is to be able to see and know and have the realization of that truth working in your life. It's not something we claim. It's something that's going on! He abounds towards us in wisdom and insight.
Ephesians 1:2 - Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
The normal greeting by Paul, Grace be to you, and peace. Grace (CHARIS) is the greeting to the Greeks, peace (SHALOM) is the greeting to the Jews. But it's not the human greeting. He's saying grace and peace to you from God. May God's grace and God's peace be with you, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Before I continue, I would like to share with you that Ephesians 1:3-14 in the Greek text is all one sentence. And that's a very important piece of information in deciphering some of the things that we wrestle with from this text.
Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
He says blessed be, and notice the word "be" is in italics. Usually when it is a present statement of fact, the writer will leave the verb out, indicating to us that the word "is" is meant in the text blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The word blessed (EULOGEO) is where we get our English word eulogy from. And it literally means to speak well of someone. There are different meanings for the word blessed. For instance, in Matthew Chapter 5 in the Sermon on the Mount, all of those principles begin with the word blessed or bless-ed. That's the word MAKARIOS and it means to be filled with the fullness of something.
This word blessed used here means to speak well of. What he's saying is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is well spoken of. You'll notice that when we find ourselves in difficult times, we begin to question God, even to His face.
(Ephesians Part 1): Written to the church in Ephesus, the Roman capital of Asia.
Ephesians 1:1 - Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
Where it says, "by the will of God," it is literally through the will of God. It wasn't Paul's will or choice. It was by God's will that he be commissioned as an apostle.
The term "in Ephesus" is not found in the older manuscripts. It's blank, which causes us to conclude along with the style of the letter that this letter was a circulation letter which began in Ephesus. Everything in the book of Ephesians applies to every believer. So, it's not to a specific problem or issue in the city of Ephesus. This is a presentation and an establishment for every believer in Christ.
Please notice what he calls them. He says to the saints who are in Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus. The words saints and faithful have one definite article for both words. The definite article is the word "the." So, saints and faithful describe the same people. The word saint means to be set apart. It is a position, not a performance. Once the Holy Spirit or Spirit of Christ comes into my life, I am set apart. And that's what the word saint means. And that whole process is called sanctification which is the verb form of the adjective saint.
Now the word faithful is an adjective that describes people who are consistently under the persuasion and influence of God's faith. Remember that faith is given to us by God. So, to the saints in Ephesus and to the faithful in Christ Jesus, not to Him, but in Him!
I will pray for you Ruben. Jesus Christ is coming and the Devil knows it. Keep up the faith and finish the race of the Grace of God.
Without the Holy Spirit, it would be difficult to live a Christian life . The word is the Holy Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ that lives in the believer .
Galatians 5:16
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holySpiritof promise,
Ephesians 2:18
For through him we both have access by oneSpiritunto the Father.
Ephesians 2:22
In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through theSpirit.
Ephesians 3:16
That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by hisSpiritin the inner man;
Ephesians 4:30
And grieve not the holySpiritof God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption
Ephesians 5:9
(For the fruit of theSpiritis in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
Ephesians 6:17
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of theSpirit, which is the word of God:
Ephesians 6:18
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in theSpirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
John 16:13
Howbeit when he, theSpiritof truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
John 4:24
God is aSpirit: and they that worship him must worship him inspiritand in truth.
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:
Ephesians 1:3-4Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
IN CHRIST.
I believe This speaks of Christ being the vehicle that was determined before the foundation of the world in which men would be saved. I believe it is Christ who is predestinated!
I believe God looks in his rear view mirror at the future.
He knows who will receive Christ.
I also believe John 3:16-20 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
And this is the condemnation, that LIGHT is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than LIGHT, because their deeds were evil.
For every one that doeth evil hateth the LIGHT, neither cometh to the LIGHT, lest his deeds should be reproved.
But he that doeth truth cometh to the LIGHT, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
I also believe John 1:6-9
"There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
That was the true Light, WHICH LIGHTETH EVERY MAN THAT COMETH INTO THE WORLD.
Verse 12!
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
If we say you don't know why or how God chooses his elect, how can you say "you do believe that our election is not because God looked forward in history to see that we would choose to believe these things on our own or not?
Was not he using foreknowledge to choose you before the foundation of the world?
He knew you would sin right? yes!
When did he find that out?
When did he decide to send you a savior?
We know that God operates by his foreknowledge just by examining "When" Christ was ordained to be the substitute Lamb of God! BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD! 1 Peter 1:19-20.
Also, when were we chosen? Before the foundation of the world! Ephesians 1:4.
There was a plan of redemption set forth before the curse was pronounce on the Earth and before the World began!
Apparently God knew Adam would sin.
You mentioned "Paul speaks clearly in Romans that no one is righteous or seeks God or can please God, being dead in sin and blind to the gospel of grace.
Gigi Paul is referencing the Un generated man as he stands without the Holy Spirit and him refusing the Life and light of the new birth which reveals the things of God.
This speaks of how he stands today as well as back then.
Paul is not making reference to the condition of man determining on when and how God made his Choice.
This is reward and Judgment which means there's conditions needed met and man couldn't meet those requirements!
Man had to believe and receive Christ.
The whosoever is an invitation to the world!
This is how it reads.
FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
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.
2 Corinthians 1:17 - When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?
When I therefore was thus minded, or intentions, did I use lightness? It literally means to waffle. Did I kind of say "Yea, I might do that, or I might not, kind of waffling between decisions."
2 Corinthians 1:18 - But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.
But as God is true, and that's the word faithful in the Greek, our word toward you was not yes and no.
2 Corinthians 1:22 - Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
Who hath also sealed us (the protective element around our spirit), and has given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. The word earnest means guarantee. In fact, the word guarantee, ARRABON in Greek, the word now in modern Greek means engagement ring, a pledge so to speak. So, what God has done is He has sealed us, and He has given us His Spirit as a guarantee or pledge in our hearts that we belong to Him, and that He's coming for us.
He made similar remarks in Ephesians 1:13-14. He said in whom you also trusted (meaning Christ), after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, in whom also after that you believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest, and again that's ARRABON, of the guarantee of our inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession unto the praise of His glory.
He has purchased us. He just hasn't come to pick us up yet. But the giving of His Spirit to us is the guarantee that He is coming for us. And we find that as we continue to go through the scriptures, it is the guarantee of God that we belong to Him. So, Paul says this is our confession, God is the one. He establishes us. He anoints us for what He wants us to do. He seals us. And He gives us His Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 1:3-5 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,"
2 Peter 3:3-13 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth"
The Bible teaches that in the beginning man was created in the image and likeness of God. God immediately placed man in a beautiful garden and told him that he was free to eat the fruit of every tree in the garden saving for the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God warned him that in the day he ate of the fruit of that tree, he would surely die. ( Genesis 2:15-17)
Man failed the test and became spiritually dead, and was driven from the presence of God. ( Genesis 3:24) That condition continues right to the present day. Mankind is by nature in rebellion against his creator and unless God himself intervenes to save him, he will die in his sins. Sin is the trangression of the law, and the wages of sin is death. The Bible is God's lawbook.
The only antidote, the only remedy, is if God himself provides a substitute, a stand-in, someone who is without sin and qualified to bear the penalty for sin in place of man and fully satisfy the demands of God's law. That someone is the Lord Jesus Christ, God Himself, who gave his life in order that God's elect might have the gift of eternal life.
There is absolutely nothing that natural man can do to contribute to or guarantee his salvation. Salvation is 100% the work of God according to God's foreordained elective program and according to God's own timetable. The churches regardless of denomination have set up a Do-It-Yourself salvation plan by which they teach that man can make some contribution to his salvation. The Bible insists that salvation is 100% the work of God and that God sovereignly chose those whom he would save before the foundation of the world. Man can not contribute one iota to or effect his salvation in any way. He is entirely at the mercy of God. Only God can save him. No church, no pastor, no evangelist, no priest, can guarantee anyone's salvation.
The true gospel has to do with the primary problem facing mankind, the wages of sin, which is death, and the penalty demanded by the law of God, which is the second death, eternal damnation, eternal destruction. God sent his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to save sinners. Christ, who is eternal God in every sense of the word, and who was without sin, was laden with the sins of all the elect who were given to him by the Father before the foundation of the world, which had nothing to do with their works. Christ paid the FULL PENALTY demanded by the LAW OF GOD on behalf of the elect, and ONLY the elect, who are just a remnant, a tiny part of the whole.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Ephesians 1:3-11 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
We are seal by the Holy Spirit when we believed the gospel of grace in Apostle Paul's epistle 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 .
2 Corinthians 1:22
Who hath alsosealedus, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
We are seal by the Holy Spirit when we believed the gospel of grace in Apostle Paul's epistle 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 .
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye weresealedwith that holy Spirit of promise,
We that are saved by believing the gospel of grace and will have a new body at the day of redemption.
Ephesians 4:30
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye aresealedunto the day of redemption.
Apostle Paul's epistle is for our doctrine and Salvation for today and we can not loose our Salvation. We have to Rightly divide the Word of Truth for it to make sense.
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,rightlydividingthe word of truth.
I thank God Almighty in the third Heaven for my Salvation that its sealed by the Holy Spirit in power of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
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.
The grace age church in the Body of Christ Jesus is Heavenly.
Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings inheavenlyplacesin Christ:
Ephesians 2:6
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together inheavenlyplacesin Christ Jesus:
Ephesians 3:10
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers inheavenlyplacesmight be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
Amen, glory to God and the Lord Jesus Christ for the Heavenly Places
How important is the Jews ? ? The Jew had the word of God and all the blessings that came with it.
Romans 3:1-2
1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
2Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.
Acts 7:38
This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the livelyoraclesto give unto us:
1 Peter 4:11
If any man speak, let him speak as theoraclesof God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
May we all love the Jew and pray for them.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Who should we trust with the word ? ?
Romans 3:4
Godforbid: yea,letGodbetrue, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightestbejustified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
Are we responsible to know the Bible ourselves ? ?
John 5:39
Searchthescriptures; for inthem ye think ye have eternal life: andthey arethey which testify of me.
The biggest liar in the world is the devil himself as Satan.
John 8:44
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is aliar, and the father of it.
There will be people with great education and decrees and will look very rightous , but deceive many .
Ephesians 4:14
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait todeceive;
Deception is only going to get worse and we are living in it right now.
2 Timothy 3:13
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and beingdeceived.
If we can't trust man , then who do we trust ? ? Most people will say " I trust Jesus Christ ". But how ? ?
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trustin theLordwith all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
We all have to trust God in His word.
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye alsotrusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Now, after you have trusted God, where do you go from here ? ?
2 Timothy 2:15
Studytoshew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth nottobe ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Jesus Christ healed all that was sick.
Matthew 4:23
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, andhealing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
Jesus casted out devils.
Mark 1:39
And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, andcastoutdevils
Peter tried to walk on water like Jesus.
Matthew 14:29
And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, hewalkedonthewater, to go to Jesus.
Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.
John 11:43
And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice,Lazarus, come forth.
Now we ask ourselves again, can we really walk Jesus Christ footsteps and follow the law without sinning ? ? The answer is a big no .
That's why Jesus Christ died on the cross so we don't have to follow the law for Salvation, because the law only condemneth us and we don't have power anymore to heal or cast out devils.
John 19:30
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said,Itisfinished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
Jesus Christ is our redeemer for Salvation in his grace.
Ephesians 1:7
In whom we haveredemptionthrough his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
We now have the complete word of God. The The other stuff faded away. We are left with the Holy Spirit and the Word of Truth.
1 Corinthians 15:9-10
9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
May we believe.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
The word of truth is the gospel of grace.
Proverbs 14:12
There isaway which seemethrightuntoaman, but the end thereofare the ways of death.
Adam was Eve story was the start of worldwide death for all of us. Adam's way got him into trouble with God. Adam knew if he eats of the forbidden tree, he would die spiritually.
Genesis 2:16-17
16And theLordGod commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
17But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
We can not use our ways to get to Heaven, it will fail. We have to know we are lost and born a sinner.
Romans 3:12
They are all gone out of theway, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
God will only direct His way for us.
1 Thessalonians 3:11
Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct ourwayunto you.
God will always point our hearts to Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:5
And the Lorddirectyour hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
The only way to Salvation is to believe God's word.
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God untosalvationto every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Trust God for Salvation today.
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of yoursalvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
The gospel is located 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 just believe it and that's it.
Ray in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
I am saved by believing the gospel.
Apostle Paul wants us to follow his Epistles in Christ.
1 Corinthians 4:15
For though ye have ten thousandinstructersinChrist, yet have ye not many fathers: forinChristJesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
Apostle Paul sent Timotheus to teach the church , the way of Apostle Paul in his Epistles
1 Corinthians 4:17
For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithfulinthe Lord, who shall bring youinto remembrance of my ways which beinChrist, as I teach every whereinevery church.
To be in Christ is having the Holy Spirit living in your soul. Christ and the Spirit are one.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man beinChrist, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
We that are saved are no longer part of this world.
2 Corinthians 5:20
Now then we are ambassadors forChrist, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray youinChrist's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
We that are saved are in the heavenly places in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord JesusChrist, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessingsinheavenly placesinChrist:
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
We are living in a age where God word is really happening right now in Christ.
Ephesians 1:10
Thatinthe dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather togetherinone all thingsinChrist, both which areinheaven, and which are on earth; eveninhim:
To trust God with praise and glory is in Christ.
Ephesians 1:12
That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trustedinChrist.
Jesus Christ is right now sitting on the right hand of God in Christ.
Ephesians 1:20
Which he wroughtinChrist, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right handinthe heavenly places,
Jews and Gentiles are in Christ in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 2:6
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit togetherinheavenly placesinChristJesus:
We work for God because we are in Christ.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, createdinChristJesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walkinthem.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
2 Peter 3:15-16
15And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
16As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
Apostle Paul always calls his writing the word of truth given to him by Jesus Christ the ascended Lord in Heaven.
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing thewordoftruth.
To believe Apostle Paul's gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 is saying I believe the word of truth in Christ for Salvation.
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the wordoftruth, thegospelofyoursalvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spiritofpromise,
May the God in the Third Heaven open your understanding to the word of truth inwhich is the gospel of grace that Jesus Christ gave to Apostle Paul. God will judge us for that gospel one day.
Romans 2:16
In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christaccordingtomygospel.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 if we believe the gospel ?
How do we get the Holy Spirit ? By believing the gospel only and the Holy Spirit will seal us .
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heardtheword of truth,thegospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye weresealedwiththatholySpiritof promise,
After receiving the Holy Spirit, you can take advantage of the fruits.
Galatians 5:22-23
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Now that you have the Holy Spirit, God owns you and Satan can not take you away.
1 Corinthians 6:19
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghostwhich isin you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own.
By reading and studying the word of truth, we are going to be able to walk with God in the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:25
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit communicate with our spirit.
Romans 8:16
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
The Holy Spirit will help us in our Bible study and reading.
1 Corinthians 2:10
But God hath revealedthemunto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
The Holy Spirit has feelings.
Ephesians 4:30
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Thank you, you definitely can contribute I do not doubt your knowledge of Greek. I understand Greek words have several meanings in English like ev can mean in, by, and through. I may have misunderstood but I must say Revelation 3:14 makes more sense to me, the beginning of the creation of God rather than the principalities of the creation of God. Forgive me if I misunderstood.
Do we see in these verses if Jesus is the creator or God? If Jesus is the start of God's plan, all creation was done for what Jesus would become. Who would gather together all things in Christ in heaven and earth, the new creation?
I agree, this day I have begotten you, refers to Jesus's resurrection, not His conception. He is the first begotten of the dead. I believe His conception was at the fulness of times, Ephesians 1:9-11 when God would send His Messiah to do His will. Jesus at the right hand of the Father putting things in order in heaven, earth, and things to be.
So, if the plan of God is based on who Jesus would be it is understandable that things would be done in, by, or through who Jesus would be.
I know I probably don't make sense, thank you for your knowledge of Greek.
God bless,
RLW
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
Please read this verse and pray for protection .
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,
May God continues to bless this ministry in Christ Jesus .
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 remembering Jesus Christ in his Gospel of grace
Galatians 1:8
But though we, or anangelfrom heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Satan was a fallen angel and is still around.
2 Corinthians 11:14
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into anangeloflight.
We should not worship angels that are fallen.
Colossians 2:18
Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping ofangels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
The Holy Angeles are in Heaven waiting for the descending of the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 1:7
And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mightyangels,
Every Angel in the Bible has a male name, I don't think there's a female Angel .
We have the Holy Spirit of God and the Word of Truth here on earth.
Romans 8:26
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us withgroanings which cannot be uttered.
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard thewordof truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with thatholySpirit of promise,
May we spread the gospel of grace .
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 may we believe the gospel for Salvation
We do not become Jews, we will have the blood of God through the Spirit.
1. Let's start in Genesis, God said it will start with the seed of the woman.
Genesis 3:15
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thyseedand herseed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Galatians 4:4
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of awoman, made under the law,
Romans 1:3
Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of theseedofDavidaccording to the flesh;
2 Timothy 2:8
Remember that Jesus Christ of theseedofDavidwas raised from the dead according to my gospel:
2. Jesus Christ's father is God in Heaven. The Father carries the identity of the child. Marry carried the identity of Jesus Christ through the flesh by the seed of Daved in the woman in Genesis.
Matthew 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his motherMarywas espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
3. We get adopted the minute we believe the finished work of the cross that Apostle Paul calls my gospel. We are circumcised in the family of God.
Colossians 2:11
In whom also ye arecircumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Ephesians 1:5
Having predestinated us unto theadoptionof children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Romans 8:15
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit ofadoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Romans 8:23
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for theadoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1CORINTHIANS 15:1-4 believe only
Ephesians 1:3-11
Romans 8:28-30
Pt. 2
EXCERPT
"What is the difference between God's sovereign will and God's revealed will?
21 de July de 2024
Response
Human will is quite simple: when we desire something to occur, we "will" it to happen; when we take action, we demonstrate our "will" in the situation. God's will is more intricate. Theologians identify three distinct aspects of God's will in the Bible: His sovereign (decretive) will, His revealed (preceptive) will, and His dispositional will.
God's sovereign or decretive will is also known as His "hidden" will. It is "sovereign" because it reveals God as the Supreme ruler of the universe who ordains all events. It is "decretive" as it involves God's decrees. It is "hidden" because we often remain unaware of this aspect of God's will until His decrees come to pass. Nothing occurs outside of God's sovereign will.
For instance, it was God's sovereign will for Joseph to be taken to Egypt, endure imprisonment in Pharaoh's dungeon, interpret the king's dreams, ultimately rescue his people from famine, and receive honor from all ( Genesis 37-50). Initially, Joseph and his brothers were unaware of God's will in these circumstances, but at each stage, God's plan became clearer.
When Ephesians 1:11 portrays God as the one "who works all things according to the counsel of His will," it refers to God's sovereign or decretive will. God Himself affirms the certainty of His sovereign will in Isaiah 46:10: "My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please."
Due to God's sovereignty, His will cannot be thwarted The sovereign or decretive will of God can be categorized into His efficacious will and His permissive will. This distinction is necessary because God does not directly cause everything to occur. Some of His decrees are efficacious (directly contributing to the fulfillment of God's desire), while others are permissive (allowing for an indirect fulfillment of God's desire).
See Pt.3
Ephesians 1:10 - That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
That in the dispensation, the explanation of this mystery, it gives us a little introduction. We won't get the mystery until Chapter 3 Verse 6. That in the dispensation of the fulness of times, God might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
Right now, there is a sifting process going on. Christ has been set above all things. There are those who are lining up with Christ and submitting to Him, and there are others who are not. God's plan is to make one body, one group worldwide, past, present, and future, who will be called up to Christ. He's picking out for Himself a people for Himself.
The word dispensation means administration. You've probably heard that doctrine too, the doctrine of dispensation. OIKONOMIA is the Greek word for economy. That's the Greek word that's used here for this dispensation. So, he says the reason why God has made the mystery of His will known at this time is so that He can gather up, in the future of ministration, in the fullness of times, that is when everything's been fulfilled, that He might gather together in one, all things in Christ both in heaven and upon the earth.
Ephesians 1:17 - That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you, literally, a spirit of wisdom and revelation, literally, in the full knowledge of him:
Ephesians 1:7 - In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
In whom (that is in Christ), we have redemption through his blood, that is, the forgiveness of sins. So, redemption equals the forgiveness of sins. And this again is on the basis of according to the riches of his grace;
According to the wealth of God's grace, He provides this for us. The word redemption means to purchase out of the marketplace. They used to line up slaves down at the markets, and people would come down specifically to get a slave. They would buy one. They would purchase him out of the marketplace.
That's what redemption means. Not only do we have forgiveness of sins, but that forgiveness comes through His blood, and it was through His blood that He purchased us. Some believers either forget, or don't realize what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, which you have from God, for you were bought with a price. He owns us. We've been purchased. That's why when we get to Verse 14, when the Holy Spirit seals us, He's waiting for the day that He comes for His possession. You see, He bought us. He owns us!
Ephesians 1:8 - Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
The word prudence means insight. He has given us the ability to see and understand spiritual things. It's interesting that the word prudence gives us understanding. Many believers have understanding, but wisdom is the application of that understanding.
In other words, I can train my mind to memorize the bible where if you just mention a word that is found in the bible, I would start quoting scriptures. But that's not necessarily wisdom. Wisdom is to be able to see and know and have the realization of that truth working in your life. It's not something we claim. It's something that's going on! He abounds towards us in wisdom and insight.
Ephesians 1:2 - Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
The normal greeting by Paul, Grace be to you, and peace. Grace (CHARIS) is the greeting to the Greeks, peace (SHALOM) is the greeting to the Jews. But it's not the human greeting. He's saying grace and peace to you from God. May God's grace and God's peace be with you, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Before I continue, I would like to share with you that Ephesians 1:3-14 in the Greek text is all one sentence. And that's a very important piece of information in deciphering some of the things that we wrestle with from this text.
Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
He says blessed be, and notice the word "be" is in italics. Usually when it is a present statement of fact, the writer will leave the verb out, indicating to us that the word "is" is meant in the text blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The word blessed (EULOGEO) is where we get our English word eulogy from. And it literally means to speak well of someone. There are different meanings for the word blessed. For instance, in Matthew Chapter 5 in the Sermon on the Mount, all of those principles begin with the word blessed or bless-ed. That's the word MAKARIOS and it means to be filled with the fullness of something.
This word blessed used here means to speak well of. What he's saying is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is well spoken of. You'll notice that when we find ourselves in difficult times, we begin to question God, even to His face.
(Ephesians Part 1): Written to the church in Ephesus, the Roman capital of Asia.
Ephesians 1:1 - Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
Where it says, "by the will of God," it is literally through the will of God. It wasn't Paul's will or choice. It was by God's will that he be commissioned as an apostle.
The term "in Ephesus" is not found in the older manuscripts. It's blank, which causes us to conclude along with the style of the letter that this letter was a circulation letter which began in Ephesus. Everything in the book of Ephesians applies to every believer. So, it's not to a specific problem or issue in the city of Ephesus. This is a presentation and an establishment for every believer in Christ.
Please notice what he calls them. He says to the saints who are in Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus. The words saints and faithful have one definite article for both words. The definite article is the word "the." So, saints and faithful describe the same people. The word saint means to be set apart. It is a position, not a performance. Once the Holy Spirit or Spirit of Christ comes into my life, I am set apart. And that's what the word saint means. And that whole process is called sanctification which is the verb form of the adjective saint.
Now the word faithful is an adjective that describes people who are consistently under the persuasion and influence of God's faith. Remember that faith is given to us by God. So, to the saints in Ephesus and to the faithful in Christ Jesus, not to Him, but in Him!
Without the Holy Spirit, it would be difficult to live a Christian life . The word is the Holy Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ that lives in the believer .
Galatians 5:16
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holySpiritof promise,
Ephesians 2:18
For through him we both have access by oneSpiritunto the Father.
Ephesians 2:22
In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through theSpirit.
Ephesians 3:16
That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by hisSpiritin the inner man;
Ephesians 4:30
And grieve not the holySpiritof God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption
Ephesians 5:9
(For the fruit of theSpiritis in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
Ephesians 6:17
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of theSpirit, which is the word of God:
Ephesians 6:18
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in theSpirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
John 16:13
Howbeit when he, theSpiritof truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
John 4:24
God is aSpirit: and they that worship him must worship him inspiritand in truth.
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:
Part 6.
Predestinated.
Ephesians 1:3-4Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
IN CHRIST.
I believe This speaks of Christ being the vehicle that was determined before the foundation of the world in which men would be saved. I believe it is Christ who is predestinated!
I believe God looks in his rear view mirror at the future.
He knows who will receive Christ.
I also believe John 3:16-20 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
And this is the condemnation, that LIGHT is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than LIGHT, because their deeds were evil.
For every one that doeth evil hateth the LIGHT, neither cometh to the LIGHT, lest his deeds should be reproved.
But he that doeth truth cometh to the LIGHT, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
I also believe John 1:6-9
"There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
That was the true Light, WHICH LIGHTETH EVERY MAN THAT COMETH INTO THE WORLD.
Verse 12!
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
See Part 7
Part 4.
If we say you don't know why or how God chooses his elect, how can you say "you do believe that our election is not because God looked forward in history to see that we would choose to believe these things on our own or not?
Was not he using foreknowledge to choose you before the foundation of the world?
He knew you would sin right? yes!
When did he find that out?
When did he decide to send you a savior?
We know that God operates by his foreknowledge just by examining "When" Christ was ordained to be the substitute Lamb of God! BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD! 1 Peter 1:19-20.
Also, when were we chosen? Before the foundation of the world! Ephesians 1:4.
There was a plan of redemption set forth before the curse was pronounce on the Earth and before the World began!
Apparently God knew Adam would sin.
You mentioned "Paul speaks clearly in Romans that no one is righteous or seeks God or can please God, being dead in sin and blind to the gospel of grace.
Gigi Paul is referencing the Un generated man as he stands without the Holy Spirit and him refusing the Life and light of the new birth which reveals the things of God.
This speaks of how he stands today as well as back then.
Paul is not making reference to the condition of man determining on when and how God made his Choice.
This is reward and Judgment which means there's conditions needed met and man couldn't meet those requirements!
Man had to believe and receive Christ.
The whosoever is an invitation to the world!
This is how it reads.
FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
See Part 5
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.
2 Corinthians 1:17 - When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?
When I therefore was thus minded, or intentions, did I use lightness? It literally means to waffle. Did I kind of say "Yea, I might do that, or I might not, kind of waffling between decisions."
2 Corinthians 1:18 - But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.
But as God is true, and that's the word faithful in the Greek, our word toward you was not yes and no.
2 Corinthians 1:22 - Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
Who hath also sealed us (the protective element around our spirit), and has given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. The word earnest means guarantee. In fact, the word guarantee, ARRABON in Greek, the word now in modern Greek means engagement ring, a pledge so to speak. So, what God has done is He has sealed us, and He has given us His Spirit as a guarantee or pledge in our hearts that we belong to Him, and that He's coming for us.
He made similar remarks in Ephesians 1:13-14. He said in whom you also trusted (meaning Christ), after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, in whom also after that you believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest, and again that's ARRABON, of the guarantee of our inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession unto the praise of His glory.
He has purchased us. He just hasn't come to pick us up yet. But the giving of His Spirit to us is the guarantee that He is coming for us. And we find that as we continue to go through the scriptures, it is the guarantee of God that we belong to Him. So, Paul says this is our confession, God is the one. He establishes us. He anoints us for what He wants us to do. He seals us. And He gives us His Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 1:3-5 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,"
2 Peter 3:3-13 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth"
The Bible teaches that in the beginning man was created in the image and likeness of God. God immediately placed man in a beautiful garden and told him that he was free to eat the fruit of every tree in the garden saving for the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God warned him that in the day he ate of the fruit of that tree, he would surely die. ( Genesis 2:15-17)
Man failed the test and became spiritually dead, and was driven from the presence of God. ( Genesis 3:24) That condition continues right to the present day. Mankind is by nature in rebellion against his creator and unless God himself intervenes to save him, he will die in his sins. Sin is the trangression of the law, and the wages of sin is death. The Bible is God's lawbook.
The only antidote, the only remedy, is if God himself provides a substitute, a stand-in, someone who is without sin and qualified to bear the penalty for sin in place of man and fully satisfy the demands of God's law. That someone is the Lord Jesus Christ, God Himself, who gave his life in order that God's elect might have the gift of eternal life.
There is absolutely nothing that natural man can do to contribute to or guarantee his salvation. Salvation is 100% the work of God according to God's foreordained elective program and according to God's own timetable. The churches regardless of denomination have set up a Do-It-Yourself salvation plan by which they teach that man can make some contribution to his salvation. The Bible insists that salvation is 100% the work of God and that God sovereignly chose those whom he would save before the foundation of the world. Man can not contribute one iota to or effect his salvation in any way. He is entirely at the mercy of God. Only God can save him. No church, no pastor, no evangelist, no priest, can guarantee anyone's salvation.
Ephesians 1:1-5
More in part 4
The true gospel has to do with the primary problem facing mankind, the wages of sin, which is death, and the penalty demanded by the law of God, which is the second death, eternal damnation, eternal destruction. God sent his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to save sinners. Christ, who is eternal God in every sense of the word, and who was without sin, was laden with the sins of all the elect who were given to him by the Father before the foundation of the world, which had nothing to do with their works. Christ paid the FULL PENALTY demanded by the LAW OF GOD on behalf of the elect, and ONLY the elect, who are just a remnant, a tiny part of the whole.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Ephesians 1:3-11 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
Continued in Part 3