[[[When we abide in the Christian doctrine, we give PROOF of the REALITY of our faith.]]] So it makes me really question the salvation of these Western Christian women who don't submit to their husbands, and the majority honestly probably don't."
I can't tell you the enormous amounts of pushback I get from both "Christian" men and women on Ephesians 5 and even more pushback on 1 Corinthians 11 "head coverings during corporate worship whenever I bring it up.
Usually, the go-to scripture for these feminist Christians is Galatians 3:28.
Paul urges all those claiming to be spiritually saved to "examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; TEST yourselves."
2 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV) Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
I am amazed how often Gal 28 is taken out of context to defend the position that wives' are not required to submit to their husbands even in the face of overwhelming clear scripture to the contrary. Let's just ignore 1 Peter 3:1, 1 Peter 3:5-6, Col 3:18, Eph 5:22-24.
Galatians 3:26-29 (KJV) 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
The law made distinctions between these classes. For instance, the distinction between Jew and Gentile is insisted on in Dt 7:6; Dt 14:1, 2. In his morning prayer, a Jewish man thanked God that He had not made him a Gentile, a slave, or a woman. In Christ Jesus these differences disappear, that is, as far as acceptance with God is concerned. A Jew is not preferred over a Gentile, a free man is not more favored than a slave, nor is a man more privileged than a woman. All are on the same level because they are in Christ Jesus.
GALATIONS 28 MUST NOT be pressed into meaning something it does not say. As far as everyday life is concerned (not to mention public ministry in the church), God does recognize the distinction between male and female. The NT contains instructions addressed to each; it also speaks separately to slaves and masters. But in obtaining blessing from God, these things do not matter. The great thing is to be in Christ Jesus. (This refers to our heavenly position, not to our earthly condition.) Before God the believing Jew is not a bit superior to the converted pagan! Govett says: "All the distinctions which the law made are swallowed up in the common grave which God has provided." Therefore, how foolish it is for Christians to seek further holiness by setting up differences which Christ has abolished.
Strobe. There were no people after the "last Adam" (which of course refers to Jesus). Jesus never had a wife or fathered any children of the flesh; however, He did make the Way open & accessible through His Blood, that we might become God's children ( Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 1:4-6; Hebrews 2:10-13). But the first Adam never brought forth Spirit-filled children (since he succumbed to temptation & sin), but he certainly produced many physical children, with unfortunately with the same fallen nature as he. It does take great faith to believe this, as it does take faith to believe that Adam & Eve were the very first human creation of God. But if there were people before Adam, then the Word does not show it, so one again needs great faith to believe the propositions from science, understanding man's very limited knowledge of such a distant past.
Re: Romans 11. Here too, I understand this passage differently. True, unbelieving Jews under the Law are also "under the curse" ( Galatians 3:10,11). And if they continued to place themselves under the Law, when that Law under that Covenant no longer existed (or, had become invalid), then they were doomed & cut out of the olive tree. There were still Jews that became believers ( Romans 11:5,7: the elect (Jews) had obtained salvation, along with the Gentiles who believed (also now the elect of God) & subsequently engrafted into the tree ( Romans 11:17-21)). So I believe that those who would not believe, received 'the spirit of blindness, deafness & slumber', but only temporary (v11), hopefully to be "provoked to jealousy", seeing the Gentiles have embraced the Messiah Whom they rejected & crucified.
But if the Law only 'matured', now to be embraced under the New Covenant, then the bindings & judgements of that Law must still weigh upon those in Christ. I see that there is more to the Old Law, than just a set of holy Commandments to be obeyed. It has to be cast off so that the one in Christ can truly come under the liberty & power that the Spirit gives. So the apostle could exclaim that he was now free from the law of sin & death, embracing the Law of the life-giving Spirit. If the old Law only 'matured' into the New, the full value of the New Covenant may be understood to be diminished.
And re: "fused together", I wasn't referring to the elect being fused together, but to the Law that was given under the Old Covenant to the Law under the New Covenant. But when the elect of Israel turn to the Lord, not only will the veil be taken away ( 2 Corinthians 3:16), but we, together with them can enjoy liberty in obedience to Christ; and particularly for the Jew, I would think that the transition would truly be liberating, giving the certainty & joy that the Law denied them. And we can see the emotion of Paul in his dealing with this subject in his letters.
You said many good things in which I agree and I would like to add my two cents to say that Freedom from the law, in actuality Frees us from being under Any obligation to follow Anything a man would make us to do! Just because a leader of my church doesn't understand something that God has Commanded me to do doesn't mean that I shouldn't obey God, on the contrary, I'm to forsake everything in this world for God! You mention freedom and then you limit freedom by putting restraints upon it by saying that freedom doesn't remove universal laws; and then you give examples by mentioning murder, divorce, and adultery. You see the conflict? The law was our schoolmaster ONLY until Christ came to give us The Holy Spirit! "But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed." Galatians 3:23 KJV "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith." Galatians 3:24 KJV "But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster." Galatians 3:25 KJV "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:26 KJV
Now, don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying to use your freedom to sin; but I am saying that no matter what God Commands, if He indeed does Command it, then He has made it holy! With that said; there are only four things (that I have noticed) that there is no provision for in the holy bible, 1) idolatry, 2) sexual immorality, 3)blaspheme against The Holy Spirit, and 4) hypocrisy. As far as I can tell these are things God will NEVER ask Anyone to do. But, just to give you pause in judgment, the conquering of Canaan was called for ONLY when GOD Himself came to Direct it Himself! " ( Joshua 5:13-15). For we can know that it was God because angels do not allow themselves to be worshipped.
Have you ever presented the Gospel to a atheist or perhaps a Muslim?
The first thing they refer you to is the 10 commandments and their argument sounds just like those who present the keeping of the law as a means of salvation.
So, they should have a clear understanding of what the law was for and what it did "by the scriptures" through a study in Romans, Galatians, and Corinthians.
Romans 7:8-14.
Galatians 2:16-21.
Galatians 3:1-29.
2 Corinthians 3:5-11. and then perhaps scriptures like Philippians 3:2-14.
These verses convict the sinner and put all under sin. That's what the law was for!
Our outward ceremonies and obedience at our best couldn't make us perfect! There is no new birth!
God requires perfection that is why he required a perfect replacement, Lamb. Christ Jesus.
SANCTIFICATION FOLLWS THIS.
Consider Israel.
God displayed the fallen nature of man and their inability to perform even while God was in their midst and carried them. This was and still is an example to us.
We are lost hopeless sheep gone astray apart from Jesus's blood shed on the cross.
Understand Matthew 21:42.
Jesus is the chief cornerstone, the pivotal piece of the foundation in which we are to build on.
When we are led by the Spirit we're building with precious stone. When we are led by the flesh, we build with wood hay and stubble. every man's work shall be tested by fire.
WHEN ISRAEL AS A NATION IS DRIVEN TO CALL ON THEIR MESSIAH THOSE WHO ACCEPT HIM AT THAT TIME WILL BE SAVED ALSO. AND GOD WILL BE SANCTIFIED IN THEM.
Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?
For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.
Wherefore, my brethren, YE ALSO ARE BECOME DEAD TO THE LAW BY THE BODY OF CHRIST; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
For WHEN WE WERE in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to BRING FORTH FRUIT UNTO DEATH.
( The law shows us we have a fleshly nature that is fallen and incapable of bringing forth fruit unto God.)
Galatians 3:21-25.
Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
Romans 7:6.
But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.
Hope your weekend went well brother, if I may give my understanding of Ephesians 4:8-10. As He Ascended up on High, Acts 1:9 He led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men.
He led captivity captive; we see this also in Judges 5:12 which has a meaning to take captive your captors. When Jesus rose from the grave, he took power over what held Him captive. Death and the grave were what held Him, but because He was without sin, they could not hold Him Acts 2:24. Since the garden, Satan had the power of death and the grave, and when Jesus rose from the grave, He took that power which are the keys, Revelation 1:18.
Gifts unto men, we see this in Psalms 68:18. These gifts are also for the rebellious. These gifts are for all people in Acts 1:8 Jesus gave the commission to the Apostles just before He ascended to heaven. The gifts are in Ephesians 4:11-12 He gave apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; all for the ministry for the perfecting of the saints. For the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ for all people. It is the gift to mankind for their salvation, no better gift can be given to man.
He that descended, when Jesus died, He was dead for three days. Jesus descended into death, and the grave, and because He had no sin, they had no power over Him. The first Adam through his disobedience brought sin and death to mankind, Jesus the second Adam through His obedience brought life.
If there were those whom Jesus brought with Him when He resurrected, I would think it would be David but in Acts 2:29 and Acts 2:34 David is dead and buried and has not ascended to heaven. This earth is our home and our reward we do not go to heaven. We are heirs according to the promise, Galatians 3:26-29, Genesis 12:7, Genesis 13:5 it is forever, and Romans 4:13 the whole earth.
Rev. 5:10Psalms 37:9,22,34 This earth is where we will be not heaven.
What matters and prevails is the Word of GOD. The Word is GOD, self-executing.
Again:
We can do nothing against Truth, except by the Truth. The Devil said to JESUS:" It is written-Ps.91:11- He shall give his angels charge concerning thee:and in their hands they shall bear thee up..." JESUS said to the Devil: But it is also written,Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy GOD
Your spirit surreptitiously suggested / suggests to keep the commandments given to Moses.
Galatians 5:4-5
4 Christ is become of no effect unto you (means separated from Christ), whosoever of you are justified by the Law(the commandments); ye are fallen from grace.
5 We through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
Galatians 3:10-12
11 The just shall live by faith, no man is justified by the Law of Moses in the sight of GOD, it is evident:
12 The Law is not of faith
Matthew 11:13 - JESUS said: All the prophets and the law prophesied until John . period
10 As many as are of the WORKS of the Law (given to Moses) are under the CURSE. -> God forbiden
There's maybe a handful such as Bro Dan that believes the commandments was given as a requirement to earn salvation. "When you are done, God owes you"
Look at it this way.
Ok, IF the commandments was given as a requirement to earn your salvation.
Here's questions we should ask ourselves
Does the scripture say; "do the best you can, OR KEEP THEM?, It says keep them!
Can the commandments cause one to be born Again as mentioned in John 3:1-21? Nicodemus a teacher of the Law could not comprehend this.
How many times can you get away with sin before you are doomed for hell? ( I would suggest that you are born a sinner, being that you have to be born Again to become saved.)
If God required a perfect Lamb to take your place and atone for your sins
it's because God required you to be perfect in keeping yourself apart from sin. ( ALL YOUR LIFE)
The thought of sinning is a sin!
No one was able to do this and no one e ever will!
WE ARE TO DO OUR BEST BUT THAT NOT GOOD ENOUGH!
WE NEEDED A SAVIOUR!
Please read Galatians 3:1-29 and
Romans 7:14-25.
Also let's take a look at what Dan shared.
1 John 3:24. "AND HE THAT KEEPETH HIS COMMANDMENTS DWELLETH IN HIM, AND HE IN HIM. AND HEREBY WE KNOW THAT HE ABIDETH IN US, BY THE SPIRIT WHICH HE HATH GIVEN US."
( This is done after salvation!! Hereby we know he is in us, when we keep his commandment.)
This is what I said in my first reply!
( Everything else is obedience to him after you are saved, because he wills you and Lords over your life with a regenerated heart )
Let's go to the previous verse to see what this commandment is to get more context.
1 John 3:23AND THIS IS HIS COMMANDMENT, THAT WE SHOULD BELIEVE ON THE NAME OF HIS SON JESUS CHRIST, AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER, as he gave us commandment.
One is heirs of the promises of salvation by faith. Galatians 3:1-16.
The other is a geographic Land here on Earth;
"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that they shall no more say, The LORD liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;
But, The LORD liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land. Jeremiah 23:5-8.
The Israel of God.
Galatians 6:12-16.
Here is the context in verse 12) As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
These were the judaizers, who wanted "to make a fair shew in the flesh" they were checking on the Galatians to constrain them to be circumcised.
We have two groups in play here within the body of Christ.
1) Messianic Jews/Israel is the circumcision, The Israel of God mentioned in verse 16.
2) The Gentiles is the uncircumcision and the "them" mentioned in verse 16,
It reads; "..peace be on them, and mercy, (AND) upon the Israel of God.
The remnant of believing Israel, "according to the election of grace" within the nation of Israel ( Rom. 9:6; 11:5), is recognized as the true "spiritual Israel"
It would have been strange for the apostle Paul, the Jewish believer who wrote Galatians, to refer to Gentile Christians as Israel.
Thanks for responding, it's been a busy week, sorry for such a late response.
Part 1.
Acts 7:35-38 emphasis is on Moses not the Church. besides this gathering/church is the Nation Israel, Not Christ church "that he would later build mentioned in Matthew 16:18.
Christ have not been crucified yet, so the church couldn't have already been built.
The church was not built on the sacrifices of goats and calves, nor would it be built while the first tabernacle stood.
Church definition.
a calling out that is (concretely) a popular meeting especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both
As you mentioned, In Matthew 16:18 Jesus says upon this rock he will build HIS CHURCH.
So, this rock that Jesus mentions in which he will build his Church, is a rock of offence and a stumbling block to the Jews, so this gathering "The Church " is not the gathering in the wilderness.
GIGI
Galatians 3:29. Is not talking about any promises back to the land here on earth. It's not a Kingdom verse at all. It's about a contrast between Salvation by faith and the works of the Law. That's not a land promises!
Theme; Galatians 3:1-2.
Vs 14) That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Also, Hebrews 11 is a chapter about faith!
The new Jerusalem comes down from heaven "After" The Millennium kingdom here on Earth. Revelation 21:1-2.
Revelation 20:7. And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
The Chruch is the true Israel of God and heirs to God's promises to Abraham
Galatians 3:29 'And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.'
Galatians 6"15-16 'For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and the mercy, and upon the Israel of God.'
All who are in Christ through faith, as Abraham was, are the seed that receive the promise of God to Abraham, the inheritance Abraham looked forward to, the heavenly Jerusalem. Hebrews 11:10.
The promise of the physical land to Abraham and the Israelites was a shadow pointing to the heavenly land of promise, the New heavens and new earth of eternal life with Jesus. The land of Israel was described as flowing with milk and honey, the New Jerusalem is described as flowing with living waters and fruit from the tree of life continually. Both figurative language for the abundant blessings of life in abundance from God for those who are of the faith of Abraham.
We know certain things to be true of God for one reason: in His mercy He has condescended to reveal some of His qualities to us. God is spirit, by nature intangible ( John 4:24). God is One, but He exists as three Persons-God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit ( Matthew 3:16-17). God is infinite ( 1 Timothy 1:17), incomparable ( 2 Samuel 7:22), and unchanging ( Malachi 3:6). God exists everywhere ( Psalm 139:7-12), knows everything ( Psalm 147:5; Isaiah 40:28), and has all power and authority ( Ephesians 1; Revelation 19:6).
Who is God? - His Work
We cannot understand God apart from His works, because what God does flows from who He is. Here is an abbreviated list of God's works, past, present, and future: God created the world ( Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 42:5); He actively sustains the world ( Colossians 1:17); He is executing His eternal plan ( Ephesians 1:11) which involves the redemption of man from the curse of sin and death ( Galatians 3:13-14); He draws people to Christ ( John 6:44); He disciplines His children ( Hebrews 12:6); and He will judge the world ( Revelation 20:11-15).
Who is God? - A Relationship with Him
In the Person of the Son, God became incarnate ( John 1:14). The Son of God became the Son of Man and is therefore the "bridge" between God and man ( John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5). It is only through the Son that we can have forgiveness of sins ( Ephesians 1:7), reconciliation with God ( John 15:15; Romans 5:10), and eternal salvation ( 2 Timothy 2:10). In Jesus Christ "all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" ( Colossians 2:9). So, to really know who God is, all we have to do is look at Jesus.
Jerry that is much of what we know about God and that probably don't scratch the surface on GOD!
Thank you GiGi. I didn't intend to infer, that had the Jews received Christ at the first, then they alone would have received the blessings of salvation, to the rejection of Gentiles; the Gentiles would hear the Gospel as well, though not as the initial beneficiaries. And of course, had the Jews overwhelmingly accepted Jesus as their Messiah, would they have put Him to the Cross? How then would their sins find perfect atonement without the shed Blood of God's Holy Lamb? It could well be that Jesus would still have needed to come & give His Life, but not by what we know now as hateful Jews condemning Him to death.
So, verses such as John 3:16 & Galatians 3:8,9, clearly show that God's Salvation Plan did include the Gentiles ("God so loved the world" & "justify the heathen through faith"), but God's primary focus was that His people Israel would be saved by the Gospel & then Acts 13:46-48 would take place. The Jews would have first inherited salvation's blessings & be a mighty beacon to the whole world of salvation's plan, yet rather, because of their rejection, the Gospel then came to us. And so we see Paul's great yearning for his people in spite of his primary calling to preach to the Gentiles; in Romans 11:14, "If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them". That through the abundant conversion of Gentiles, even through his ministry, his own people might be provoked to jealousy/rivalry (Gk. parazeloo), that he might also save some of them. That they too might inherit eternal life when their ears & hearts are opened, not only to the Gospel, but to the power of the Gospel, just as those of the Gentiles who came under the sound of it, were convicted & believed.
It would be hard to imagine what the State of Israel would be like today had they turned to Christ (as the firstfruits) - or would they have gone down the same road as the other nations, allowing Satan to gain a foothold into their hearts & government?
Hi Texsis. One can understand why Paul wrote this oft-quoted "to the Jew first", as he longed for his people who waited for the Messiah, would also like him, come to know that the Scriptures indeed were being fulfilled before their very eyes in Jesus ( Romans 10:1,2).
And so it was, that God had not forgotten or cast away His people ( Romans 11:1), but that the Messiah would be appointed & sent by God to Israel for their salvation - and what did they do? John 1:11, "He came unto his own, and his own received him not". Jesus saw their hard stubborn hearts, yet could still weep for them ( Luke 19:41,42). And as you wrote & implied, not only did they reject Jesus, ridiculed Him & crucified Him, but the day would come when they would recognize Him.
Paul wrote in Romans 11:12,15, "Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?" For now, by their rejection, the Jews have failed to know & appropriate the immeasurable Love & Grace of God for them and by their "fall & diminishing", the Gentiles have been granted salvation through the preaching of the Gospel. So, if by their casting away, the rest of the world can find reconciliation through Jesus' Sacrifice, Paul exhibits great exhilaration, that when Israel finally turns to Christ, it would be akin to a resurrection from death & corruption to a glorious new life.
And those of Israel who come to salvation, through much suffering now & particularly in the time of Great Tribulation, will also join the saved from the Gentiles ( Galatians 3:28,29). Yet there will be much rejoicing because Elect Israel is truly the "beloved for the fathers' sakes" ( Romans 11:28: Elect, for the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, & Israel). So, it was always "the Jew first", but all who are IN Christ Jesus are special & precious.
And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb:
He staggered not at the PROMISE of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
And being fully persuaded that, what he had PROMISED, he was able also to perform.
And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
NOW IT WAS NOT WRITTEN FOR HIS SAKE ALONE, that it was imputed to him;
BUT FOR US ALSO, TO WHOM IT SHALL BE IMPUTED, if we BELIEVE ON HIM THAT RAISED UP JESUS OUR LORD FROM THE DEAD;
Who was delivered for OUR OFFENCES, and was raised again for OUR JUSTIFICATION.
Galatians 4:28
Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of PROMISE.
Galatians 3:29
And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 3:16-19.
Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by PROMISE.
Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
CONCLUSION
Galatians 3:27-29.
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Jesus being the corner stone and the Apostles being the foundation signifies the beginning of a groundbreaking plan to erect a building and that building is the Church.
As I mentioned previously, the commission to carry the Gospel to the world came right after the resurrection, as shown in the Gospels " Luke 24:42-49 and Matthew 28:19-20."
I agree with you that the scripture says to the Jews first, and then the Gentiles,
However, I would suggest that the Gospel was preached to them before the cross as well as Abraham.
Hebrews 3:17-19 - Hebrews 4:1-6.
"But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?
And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?
So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. FOR UNTO US WAS THE GOSPEL PREACHED, AS WELL AS UNTO THEM: BUT THE WORD PREACHED DID NOT PROFIT THEM, NOT BEING MIXED WITH FAITH IN THEM THAT HEARD IT.
For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, AND THEY TO WHOM IT WAS FIRST PREACHED ENTERED NOT IN BECAUSE OF UNBELIEF:
Also;
And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, PREACHED BEFORE THE GOSPEL UNTO ABRAHAM, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. Galatians 3:8.
Sorry David0921. To your question of "what is the "faith" you are referring to?" In regards to Israel (i.e. those living in obedience to God & with holy fear), under the Law & looking ahead by faith to God's Salvation, I understand that this is the faith that they possessed. It wasn't a God-given faith, simply a faith in God based on God's Commands, His dealings, His special care. They had no Cross to gaze upon & no Holy Spirit unction to grant them Divine Faith. But God recognized that faith, even as "Abraham believed (expressed faith in) God, and it was counted to him for righteousness". Was Abraham's faith God-given? I don't believe so - just ordinary faith to proceed in the ways of God by what He heard, saw, & experienced. That same type of faith that was seen in Abraham is the faith that carried them through to the Cross & the application of the Blood shed to their hearts.
In regards to Gentiles post-Cross (i.e. those not knowing God, steeped in idolatry & sins, & undeserving of God's Mercy), Christ's Blood was extended to them as well ("through faith", Romans 3:20; Galatians 3:8,14). Even though our faith is likened to Abraham's faith ( Galatians 3:7), the description is that of an expression true faith & not how it has been derived. Our natural faith could never secure salvation, as can be seen by those in other religions who also acknowledge God, even Jesus, yet not having the faith that saves. As well, Christ had already completed His Work & His Spirit sent out to do His Work. But when we look to the Cross, understanding that our sin put Jesus there, & the weight & punishment for sin being too much, we then call on God for Mercy. Onto Page 2.
Good morning, Antipas. :-) I think the scriptures are clear on who the lost sheep of the house of Israel are and where.
Romans 1:16
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
They are god's chosen people whom through their fall we have obtained salvation.
Romans 11:11
"I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy."
It was god's good pleasure to do this so that we may all be saved and become one.
Galatians 3:36-29
26For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
It was his promise from the beginning.
Genesis 26:4
"And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;"
Right now things are going to well for any of the nations including Israel.
Revelations 18:1-3
1And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. 2And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. 3For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
Keep preaching and praying because the 7 last plagues are coming soon.
The first situation would be two different accounts. God did create Eve from Adam's rib; although it was a part of him at first (bone of my bone; flesh of my flesh). ( Gen. 2:23). Whatever sense that meant when Adam was created is open to speculation; as to whether there was some part or essense there of what was taken out as part of Adam's being beyond something physical. The creation was done in such a way that God created both man and woman; but especially after the fall woman was to become subject to men; and men to God. There are some other duplicate listings in Genesis which would take a longer study to investigate; and I'm not sure entirely why. Anyway; the accountability after the fall (actually started with the serpent; then the woman; then the man). The man chose to listen to his wife ( 1 Timothy 2:14); so he deliberately rebelled rather than just being deceived according to this verse. In some sense then a typology of Christ and the church was established; namely the first Adam ruled over Eve; like the Second Adam over the Body of Christ (or His bride). So in some sense Eve was in the image of God; but came from Adam; whereas Adam came from the dust.
In both cases the breath of life would have come into them; in both cases they would have lived forever; and Christ came also to die for all men and women. I wouldn't say it is wrong to say that some characteristics of God can be found in women that may not be in man ( Galatians 3:28); but even before the fall a woman was made to be a helpmate; after it she would be ruled over by man ( Genesis 3:16) but in some sense desire to rule over her husband. Also there is no feminine deity; whether in the Godhead or; as far as we can tell in the angelic realm. However humans are created uniquely in comparison to the animal kingdom where there males and females would be created the same way.
Cain would have married one of the unnamed daughters of Adam and Eve; the easy answer.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9) NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast.
10)For we are his workmanship, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS "UNTO GOOD WORKS", which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
11)Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
12) That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
13)But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off ARE MADE NIGH BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST.
THIS IS MARVELOUS SAYING! HERE'S WHERE YOU SEE THE CIRCUMCISION OF THE HEART AS MENTIONED IN ROMANS 2:26-29.
"Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. ( In these verses Jew is not mentioned to describe an ethnic group but rather to describe the performance and seal of the cutting away the flesh.)
WE GENTILES ARE BROUGHT NEAR BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST, NOT CIRCUMCISION OF THE FLESH THAT RESPRESENTS THE JEW AND ALL OF THEIR WRITTEN ARTICLES WHEREBY THEY WERE COMMANDED. ( We're joined by the promise given to Abraham
Galatians 3:14-18.
Galatians 3:21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: FOR IF THERE HAD BEEN A LAW GIVEN WHICH COULD HAVE GIVEN LIFE, VERILY RIGHTEOUSNESS SHOULD HAVE BEEN BY THE LAW.
Thanks Frankie J for your comments. The question then is, 'how do we fulfil all the requirements of the Law?" We know that Jesus truly did so; the only One Who did it perfectly & completely. But how do we do it?
Other questions: what is the meaning & implications of: the "New Covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away"? ( Hebrews 8:13). And "to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel"? ( Hebrews 12:24).
When we compare the great worth of the Covenant that Christ brought us through His shed Blood, how do ever resort to any of the elements of the Old Covenant (whether the Ten Commandments or sacrificial requirements & observances)? The Old Covenant held men (Israel) in bondage leading to death - the New Covenant gave men liberty & eternal life, & to fully know & obey God by the working of the Holy Spirit in them. The contrast is exceedingly clear - maybe our minds are still caged into upholding a Law never designed to give us life.
Galatians 3:19: "Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator." There was a time limit for the Old Law to Israel: "UNTIL THE SEED should come to whom the promise was made". And "if there had been a Law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law" ( Galatians 3:21).
I see that only Jesus could fulfil the Law & by His Death, bring in the New Covenant which abrogated that Old Law. The New Covenant administered by the Holy Spirit cannot be fused together with the Old Covenant that kept men bound to a yoke of strenuous law-keeping that gave no power to overcome & experience the joy of life in the power of the Holy Spirit. To the Jew, I think this release is truly life-changing - maybe not so to Gentiles, not given that Law.
That question would require us to further examine the merits of the New Covenant; but briefly to your question, I don't believe that the Spirit would again resurrect a Law upon us, one which has been superseded by the New. All that is contained in the New Covenant in Christ's Blood entirely covers all that the one in Christ needs to know & practise to please God. The Decalogue could never do this & was never intended to, even as we read in Galatians 3:21, "if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law." No Law could ever instil or even be the cause of righteousness to rise within us - and so Jesus' Coming was necessary, not only for the redemption of the sinner, but that sinner would never have to adhere to a set of Laws that only led to his eternal demise. Why should we then, we who have been revived, released, & given power to live in & by the Spirit, ever need to resort to the Letter that kills?
And you asked, "what Commandments(s) from God's 10 Commandments we are not required to follow now under the New Covenant? And why." The Decalogue is now abrogated through Christ's death, so none of the 10 Commandments with its purpose & penalties ever apply to the believer. Why? Simply because we have God Himself by His Holy Spirit in us to teach, lead, & empower us to know ALL His Commandments, which the Decalogue could never do - and was never designed to do. I always wonder, 'do believers actually understand this - really believing that the Spirit in them alone can fill us with much more than that old Law that was done away could ever do, with the advent of the New Covenant - that it is now perfectly fulfilled in Christ, Who fulfilled the Old entirely? Blessings.
It is true that Moses' Law asked Hebrews to observe the Sabbath.
But as Paul says in Galatians 3:24 the Law served as a schoolmaster (although "tutor and guardian for childs" is a more accurate translation of the grk "paidagogos") which leads people to Christ. That means that many things in the Old Law served as a shadow for things to come in the New Covenant, they served as a figure for the real things to come. So circumcision of the flesh is figurative for circumcision of the Heart (new birth), sacrifice of animals were a figure fot Jesus' sacrifice ... and so on.
Paul in Galatians 8-11 says "8. Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. 9.But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? 10.Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11.I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain."
And in Collossians 2:16-17 he says, "16. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days (FOR NOT HOLDING THEM): WHY NOT PAUL? BECAUSE 17.Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ"
Remenber when the apostles gathered in Jerusalem to discuss about the gentiles following or not the Law. They came up with a conclusion. What was that conclusion? Acts 15:28-29, "28. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; 29. That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well."
You see brother nothing to keep from the Old Law but only the above.
Besides Jesus said in some place that my Father works until now and so am I. God hasn't really gone to rest after the creation but works till now for the salvation of people.
Luke 24:27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures
John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Psalms 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Galatians 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
2 Peter 3:16 As 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.
Revelation 22:18,19 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
These are just a sampling of the many verses that speak about the scriptures, the Bible, the Word of God. They should be examined both in their immediate context and the context of the entire Bible if we are to come to Truth regarding the true nature of the Bible.
I know this has been discussed before and we have different understandings, but just have a couple of thoughts to consider, I will not go over all this prophecy just the first of 9:27.
If I am correct, it is thought the 69th week ended when Jesus' ride into Jerusalem fulfilling Zech. 9:9. Dan. 9:26 says 69 weeks unto the Messiah, should we look over the 3.5 years from when Jesus was baptized and anointed with the Holy Spirit? Look at the multitude that met Him when He rode in, they knew who He was, He came for the lost sheep of Israel.
The antichrist will make a covenant with Israel. We go to Dan. 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: So here we have the last week/7 years and he is said to be the antichrist.
"He shall confirm the covenant with many", could he in this verse fit Jesus? Psalms 105:8-11Isaiah 42:6Isaiah 49:8Isaiah 49:6Romans 15:8Galatians 3:17Hebrews 13:20 I could list many more. The word confirm does not mean make, it shows us the covenant already existed. Confirm means to strengthen, to be stronger.
God made a covenant with Abraham and Abraham said God would provide Himself a Lamb, Genesis 22:7-8, was Jesus this Lamb, Isaiah 53:7John 1:29Revelation 5:6. This covenant is with many, Zechariah 2:11Isaiah 53:11Matthew 20:28Matthew 26:28Romans 5:15,19. Jesus was sent to confirm the promise/covenant made unto Abraham, Romans 15:8. Could Jesus be this he?
"In the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease" Sacrifice and Oblation, the first word is talking about the daily sacrifices, the Tamid, the morning and evening lamb the same time Jesus was on the cross 9 AM the first to 3 PM the last. Then the second word refers to all of the other offerings presented to the Lord.
Do you think the sacrifice and oblation was designed by God to completely cease upon the finished work of Jesus on the cross? Hebrews 9.
Introduction: There is a prescribed manner of conduct in the Scriptures which give us a basic guideline of how to conduct ourselves in public worship. The ceremonial aspects involve; more or less an invocation to prayer and beginning the service; songs of thanksgiving; a sermon; and communion on a set schedule. That and other events such as weddings; funerals; outreach; recreational activities go on more or less on a rather predictable pattern.
As to how the individual interacts with the rest of the local Body present; wherever you go there tends to be a seating and greeting pattern; a mode of discussion when approaching the Pastor; deacons and anyone else with a position; and another one for the rest of the laypersons-often dictated by the proclivities of our personalities; and mutual interests or lack thereof. Ministries tend to have a rather predictable involvement; a few individuals do the majority of service oriented projects and prayer meetings; and one or two others do most of the greeting.
A careful analysis of what is written so far will expose the fact that these activities could go on in a church where the Lord is present; to almost any other religious and perhaps non religious meeting place. The fact is; in either case we tend to familiarize ourselves with what is familiar and sort of at our comfort level. We are in danger of putting form ahead of substance; and focusing on what our natural senses dictate rather than what God is trying to say to us.
The same could be said of the law in scriptures. It is vital to drive us to Christ; as Galatians 3:24 states but never has the power to save. We love its many facets as Psalm 119 explaines in great detail because it illuminates the design of God for a peaceful society and for a manner worthy of those calling themselves citizens of heaven. It is; of course justice and mercy which Jesus excoriated the Pharisees with in Matthew 23:23 as missing.
Jesus was a descendant of Judah through David's lineage (which was the line from which kings were to be chosen).
So Cheryl, this is the breakdown of the line of Shem, Noah's son.
The descendants of Japheth (Noah's son) populated the areas of southern Europe and north of Turkey. From these regions, the descendants of Japheth spread out north and east and west. Japheth's descendants were the most numerous of the three sons.
The descendants of Ham settled in the land of Canaan, Egypt, Ethiopia, and most of the African continent. It is believed that they also settled lands around the Indian Ocean.
So, we are not all Hebrews. People are either descended from Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Most of us are descended from more than one of these sons as intermarriage among cousins was common practice in the time of Noah's sons and descendants.
But, to answer your question, Adam and Eve were not Hebrews. The Hebrew people came to be after the flood. The world was populated by the descendants of Noah's three sons. Anyone who was not descended from Jacob (Israel) was a Gentile, as were everyone who came before Jacob.
Paul tells us in Romans 10:12; Galatians 3:7; 3:28-29; Ephesians 2:13-19 that in Christ we are all one in Him, neither Jew nor Greek (gentile) and are all children of Abraham due to our faith in Jesus. Together we are united in Jesus comprising "one new man" in Him, the promised Seed of Abraham to whom the covenant comes to fulfillment. Because Jesus is the true and intended final heir to the covenant made to Abraham, we in Him are made heirs to this covenant also because of our union with Christ.
Cheryl. I do not know how much more you wish to know on this topic. Maybe you can reply to me whatever you want further explanation. I will try to help with what you are seeking in your original post and any subsequent ones.
Even so, those of us who are in Christ are neither Jew nor Gentile
I can't tell you the enormous amounts of pushback I get from both "Christian" men and women on Ephesians 5 and even more pushback on 1 Corinthians 11 "head coverings during corporate worship whenever I bring it up.
Usually, the go-to scripture for these feminist Christians is Galatians 3:28.
Paul urges all those claiming to be spiritually saved to "examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; TEST yourselves."
2 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV) Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
Galatians 3:26-29 (KJV) 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
The law made distinctions between these classes. For instance, the distinction between Jew and Gentile is insisted on in Dt 7:6; Dt 14:1, 2. In his morning prayer, a Jewish man thanked God that He had not made him a Gentile, a slave, or a woman. In Christ Jesus these differences disappear, that is, as far as acceptance with God is concerned. A Jew is not preferred over a Gentile, a free man is not more favored than a slave, nor is a man more privileged than a woman. All are on the same level because they are in Christ Jesus.
GALATIONS 28 MUST NOT be pressed into meaning something it does not say. As far as everyday life is concerned (not to mention public ministry in the church), God does recognize the distinction between male and female. The NT contains instructions addressed to each; it also speaks separately to slaves and masters. But in obtaining blessing from God, these things do not matter. The great thing is to be in Christ Jesus. (This refers to our heavenly position, not to our earthly condition.) Before God the believing Jew is not a bit superior to the converted pagan! Govett says: "All the distinctions which the law made are swallowed up in the common grave which God has provided." Therefore, how foolish it is for Christians to seek further holiness by setting up differences which Christ has abolished.
Re: Romans 11. Here too, I understand this passage differently. True, unbelieving Jews under the Law are also "under the curse" ( Galatians 3:10,11). And if they continued to place themselves under the Law, when that Law under that Covenant no longer existed (or, had become invalid), then they were doomed & cut out of the olive tree. There were still Jews that became believers ( Romans 11:5,7: the elect (Jews) had obtained salvation, along with the Gentiles who believed (also now the elect of God) & subsequently engrafted into the tree ( Romans 11:17-21)). So I believe that those who would not believe, received 'the spirit of blindness, deafness & slumber', but only temporary (v11), hopefully to be "provoked to jealousy", seeing the Gentiles have embraced the Messiah Whom they rejected & crucified.
But if the Law only 'matured', now to be embraced under the New Covenant, then the bindings & judgements of that Law must still weigh upon those in Christ. I see that there is more to the Old Law, than just a set of holy Commandments to be obeyed. It has to be cast off so that the one in Christ can truly come under the liberty & power that the Spirit gives. So the apostle could exclaim that he was now free from the law of sin & death, embracing the Law of the life-giving Spirit. If the old Law only 'matured' into the New, the full value of the New Covenant may be understood to be diminished.
And re: "fused together", I wasn't referring to the elect being fused together, but to the Law that was given under the Old Covenant to the Law under the New Covenant. But when the elect of Israel turn to the Lord, not only will the veil be taken away ( 2 Corinthians 3:16), but we, together with them can enjoy liberty in obedience to Christ; and particularly for the Jew, I would think that the transition would truly be liberating, giving the certainty & joy that the Law denied them. And we can see the emotion of Paul in his dealing with this subject in his letters.
You said many good things in which I agree and I would like to add my two cents to say that Freedom from the law, in actuality Frees us from being under Any obligation to follow Anything a man would make us to do! Just because a leader of my church doesn't understand something that God has Commanded me to do doesn't mean that I shouldn't obey God, on the contrary, I'm to forsake everything in this world for God! You mention freedom and then you limit freedom by putting restraints upon it by saying that freedom doesn't remove universal laws; and then you give examples by mentioning murder, divorce, and adultery. You see the conflict? The law was our schoolmaster ONLY until Christ came to give us The Holy Spirit! "But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed." Galatians 3:23 KJV "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith." Galatians 3:24 KJV "But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster." Galatians 3:25 KJV "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:26 KJV
Now, don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying to use your freedom to sin; but I am saying that no matter what God Commands, if He indeed does Command it, then He has made it holy! With that said; there are only four things (that I have noticed) that there is no provision for in the holy bible, 1) idolatry, 2) sexual immorality, 3)blaspheme against The Holy Spirit, and 4) hypocrisy. As far as I can tell these are things God will NEVER ask Anyone to do. But, just to give you pause in judgment, the conquering of Canaan was called for ONLY when GOD Himself came to Direct it Himself! " ( Joshua 5:13-15). For we can know that it was God because angels do not allow themselves to be worshipped.
The first thing they refer you to is the 10 commandments and their argument sounds just like those who present the keeping of the law as a means of salvation.
So, they should have a clear understanding of what the law was for and what it did "by the scriptures" through a study in Romans, Galatians, and Corinthians.
Romans 7:8-14.
Galatians 2:16-21.
Galatians 3:1-29.
2 Corinthians 3:5-11. and then perhaps scriptures like Philippians 3:2-14.
These verses convict the sinner and put all under sin. That's what the law was for!
Our outward ceremonies and obedience at our best couldn't make us perfect! There is no new birth!
God requires perfection that is why he required a perfect replacement, Lamb. Christ Jesus.
SANCTIFICATION FOLLWS THIS.
Consider Israel.
God displayed the fallen nature of man and their inability to perform even while God was in their midst and carried them. This was and still is an example to us.
We are lost hopeless sheep gone astray apart from Jesus's blood shed on the cross.
Understand Matthew 21:42.
Jesus is the chief cornerstone, the pivotal piece of the foundation in which we are to build on.
When we are led by the Spirit we're building with precious stone. When we are led by the flesh, we build with wood hay and stubble. every man's work shall be tested by fire.
WHEN ISRAEL AS A NATION IS DRIVEN TO CALL ON THEIR MESSIAH THOSE WHO ACCEPT HIM AT THAT TIME WILL BE SAVED ALSO. AND GOD WILL BE SANCTIFIED IN THEM.
God bless
Part 1
Romans 7:1-5
Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?
For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.
Wherefore, my brethren, YE ALSO ARE BECOME DEAD TO THE LAW BY THE BODY OF CHRIST; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
For WHEN WE WERE in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to BRING FORTH FRUIT UNTO DEATH.
( The law shows us we have a fleshly nature that is fallen and incapable of bringing forth fruit unto God.)
Galatians 3:21-25.
Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
Romans 7:6.
But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.
See Part 2.
Hope your weekend went well brother, if I may give my understanding of Ephesians 4:8-10. As He Ascended up on High, Acts 1:9 He led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men.
He led captivity captive; we see this also in Judges 5:12 which has a meaning to take captive your captors. When Jesus rose from the grave, he took power over what held Him captive. Death and the grave were what held Him, but because He was without sin, they could not hold Him Acts 2:24. Since the garden, Satan had the power of death and the grave, and when Jesus rose from the grave, He took that power which are the keys, Revelation 1:18.
Gifts unto men, we see this in Psalms 68:18. These gifts are also for the rebellious. These gifts are for all people in Acts 1:8 Jesus gave the commission to the Apostles just before He ascended to heaven. The gifts are in Ephesians 4:11-12 He gave apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; all for the ministry for the perfecting of the saints. For the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ for all people. It is the gift to mankind for their salvation, no better gift can be given to man.
He that descended, when Jesus died, He was dead for three days. Jesus descended into death, and the grave, and because He had no sin, they had no power over Him. The first Adam through his disobedience brought sin and death to mankind, Jesus the second Adam through His obedience brought life.
If there were those whom Jesus brought with Him when He resurrected, I would think it would be David but in Acts 2:29 and Acts 2:34 David is dead and buried and has not ascended to heaven. This earth is our home and our reward we do not go to heaven. We are heirs according to the promise, Galatians 3:26-29, Genesis 12:7, Genesis 13:5 it is forever, and Romans 4:13 the whole earth.
Rev. 5:10 Psalms 37:9,22,34 This earth is where we will be not heaven.
God bless you, brother,
RLW
What matters and prevails is the Word of GOD. The Word is GOD, self-executing.
Again:
We can do nothing against Truth, except by the Truth. The Devil said to JESUS:" It is written-Ps.91:11- He shall give his angels charge concerning thee:and in their hands they shall bear thee up..." JESUS said to the Devil: But it is also written,Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy GOD
Your spirit surreptitiously suggested / suggests to keep the commandments given to Moses.
Galatians 5:4-5
4 Christ is become of no effect unto you (means separated from Christ), whosoever of you are justified by the Law(the commandments); ye are fallen from grace.
5 We through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
Galatians 3:10-12
11 The just shall live by faith, no man is justified by the Law of Moses in the sight of GOD, it is evident:
12 The Law is not of faith
Matthew 11:13 - JESUS said: All the prophets and the law prophesied until John . period
10 As many as are of the WORKS of the Law (given to Moses) are under the CURSE. -> God forbiden
This is a topic that comes up often on this site.
There's maybe a handful such as Bro Dan that believes the commandments was given as a requirement to earn salvation. "When you are done, God owes you"
Look at it this way.
Ok, IF the commandments was given as a requirement to earn your salvation.
Here's questions we should ask ourselves
Does the scripture say; "do the best you can, OR KEEP THEM?, It says keep them!
Can the commandments cause one to be born Again as mentioned in John 3:1-21? Nicodemus a teacher of the Law could not comprehend this.
How many times can you get away with sin before you are doomed for hell? ( I would suggest that you are born a sinner, being that you have to be born Again to become saved.)
If God required a perfect Lamb to take your place and atone for your sins
it's because God required you to be perfect in keeping yourself apart from sin. ( ALL YOUR LIFE)
The thought of sinning is a sin!
No one was able to do this and no one e ever will!
WE ARE TO DO OUR BEST BUT THAT NOT GOOD ENOUGH!
WE NEEDED A SAVIOUR!
Please read Galatians 3:1-29 and
Romans 7:14-25.
Also let's take a look at what Dan shared.
1 John 3:24. "AND HE THAT KEEPETH HIS COMMANDMENTS DWELLETH IN HIM, AND HE IN HIM. AND HEREBY WE KNOW THAT HE ABIDETH IN US, BY THE SPIRIT WHICH HE HATH GIVEN US."
( This is done after salvation!! Hereby we know he is in us, when we keep his commandment.)
This is what I said in my first reply!
( Everything else is obedience to him after you are saved, because he wills you and Lords over your life with a regenerated heart )
Let's go to the previous verse to see what this commandment is to get more context.
1 John 3:23AND THIS IS HIS COMMANDMENT, THAT WE SHOULD BELIEVE ON THE NAME OF HIS SON JESUS CHRIST, AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER, as he gave us commandment.
This is what the Holyspirit causes you to do!
John is telling you what you should expect.
I pray others can help also.
Back to work for me.
GB
Part 3.
We are dealing with two separate issues here.
One is heirs of the promises of salvation by faith. Galatians 3:1-16.
The other is a geographic Land here on Earth;
"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that they shall no more say, The LORD liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;
But, The LORD liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land. Jeremiah 23:5-8.
The Israel of God.
Galatians 6:12-16.
Here is the context in verse 12) As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
These were the judaizers, who wanted "to make a fair shew in the flesh" they were checking on the Galatians to constrain them to be circumcised.
We have two groups in play here within the body of Christ.
1) Messianic Jews/Israel is the circumcision, The Israel of God mentioned in verse 16.
2) The Gentiles is the uncircumcision and the "them" mentioned in verse 16,
It reads; "..peace be on them, and mercy, (AND) upon the Israel of God.
The remnant of believing Israel, "according to the election of grace" within the nation of Israel ( Rom. 9:6; 11:5), is recognized as the true "spiritual Israel"
It would have been strange for the apostle Paul, the Jewish believer who wrote Galatians, to refer to Gentile Christians as Israel.
See Part 4.
Thanks for responding, it's been a busy week, sorry for such a late response.
Part 1.
Acts 7:35-38 emphasis is on Moses not the Church. besides this gathering/church is the Nation Israel, Not Christ church "that he would later build mentioned in Matthew 16:18.
Christ have not been crucified yet, so the church couldn't have already been built.
The church was not built on the sacrifices of goats and calves, nor would it be built while the first tabernacle stood.
Church definition.
a calling out that is (concretely) a popular meeting especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both
As you mentioned, In Matthew 16:18 Jesus says upon this rock he will build HIS CHURCH.
So, this rock that Jesus mentions in which he will build his Church, is a rock of offence and a stumbling block to the Jews, so this gathering "The Church " is not the gathering in the wilderness.
GIGI
Galatians 3:29. Is not talking about any promises back to the land here on earth. It's not a Kingdom verse at all. It's about a contrast between Salvation by faith and the works of the Law. That's not a land promises!
Theme; Galatians 3:1-2.
Vs 14) That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Also, Hebrews 11 is a chapter about faith!
The new Jerusalem comes down from heaven "After" The Millennium kingdom here on Earth. Revelation 21:1-2.
Revelation 20:7. And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
See Part 2.
The Chruch is the true Israel of God and heirs to God's promises to Abraham
Galatians 3:29 'And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.'
Galatians 6"15-16 'For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and the mercy, and upon the Israel of God.'
All who are in Christ through faith, as Abraham was, are the seed that receive the promise of God to Abraham, the inheritance Abraham looked forward to, the heavenly Jerusalem. Hebrews 11:10.
The promise of the physical land to Abraham and the Israelites was a shadow pointing to the heavenly land of promise, the New heavens and new earth of eternal life with Jesus. The land of Israel was described as flowing with milk and honey, the New Jerusalem is described as flowing with living waters and fruit from the tree of life continually. Both figurative language for the abundant blessings of life in abundance from God for those who are of the faith of Abraham.
Part 5.
Who is God? - His Nature
We know certain things to be true of God for one reason: in His mercy He has condescended to reveal some of His qualities to us. God is spirit, by nature intangible ( John 4:24). God is One, but He exists as three Persons-God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit ( Matthew 3:16-17). God is infinite ( 1 Timothy 1:17), incomparable ( 2 Samuel 7:22), and unchanging ( Malachi 3:6). God exists everywhere ( Psalm 139:7-12), knows everything ( Psalm 147:5; Isaiah 40:28), and has all power and authority ( Ephesians 1; Revelation 19:6).
Who is God? - His Work
We cannot understand God apart from His works, because what God does flows from who He is. Here is an abbreviated list of God's works, past, present, and future: God created the world ( Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 42:5); He actively sustains the world ( Colossians 1:17); He is executing His eternal plan ( Ephesians 1:11) which involves the redemption of man from the curse of sin and death ( Galatians 3:13-14); He draws people to Christ ( John 6:44); He disciplines His children ( Hebrews 12:6); and He will judge the world ( Revelation 20:11-15).
Who is God? - A Relationship with Him
In the Person of the Son, God became incarnate ( John 1:14). The Son of God became the Son of Man and is therefore the "bridge" between God and man ( John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5). It is only through the Son that we can have forgiveness of sins ( Ephesians 1:7), reconciliation with God ( John 15:15; Romans 5:10), and eternal salvation ( 2 Timothy 2:10). In Jesus Christ "all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" ( Colossians 2:9). So, to really know who God is, all we have to do is look at Jesus.
Jerry that is much of what we know about God and that probably don't scratch the surface on GOD!
I HOPE THIS HELPS.
GOD BLESS.
So, verses such as John 3:16 & Galatians 3:8,9, clearly show that God's Salvation Plan did include the Gentiles ("God so loved the world" & "justify the heathen through faith"), but God's primary focus was that His people Israel would be saved by the Gospel & then Acts 13:46-48 would take place. The Jews would have first inherited salvation's blessings & be a mighty beacon to the whole world of salvation's plan, yet rather, because of their rejection, the Gospel then came to us. And so we see Paul's great yearning for his people in spite of his primary calling to preach to the Gentiles; in Romans 11:14, "If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them". That through the abundant conversion of Gentiles, even through his ministry, his own people might be provoked to jealousy/rivalry (Gk. parazeloo), that he might also save some of them. That they too might inherit eternal life when their ears & hearts are opened, not only to the Gospel, but to the power of the Gospel, just as those of the Gentiles who came under the sound of it, were convicted & believed.
It would be hard to imagine what the State of Israel would be like today had they turned to Christ (as the firstfruits) - or would they have gone down the same road as the other nations, allowing Satan to gain a foothold into their hearts & government?
And so it was, that God had not forgotten or cast away His people ( Romans 11:1), but that the Messiah would be appointed & sent by God to Israel for their salvation - and what did they do? John 1:11, "He came unto his own, and his own received him not". Jesus saw their hard stubborn hearts, yet could still weep for them ( Luke 19:41,42). And as you wrote & implied, not only did they reject Jesus, ridiculed Him & crucified Him, but the day would come when they would recognize Him.
Paul wrote in Romans 11:12,15, "Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?" For now, by their rejection, the Jews have failed to know & appropriate the immeasurable Love & Grace of God for them and by their "fall & diminishing", the Gentiles have been granted salvation through the preaching of the Gospel. So, if by their casting away, the rest of the world can find reconciliation through Jesus' Sacrifice, Paul exhibits great exhilaration, that when Israel finally turns to Christ, it would be akin to a resurrection from death & corruption to a glorious new life.
And those of Israel who come to salvation, through much suffering now & particularly in the time of Great Tribulation, will also join the saved from the Gentiles ( Galatians 3:28,29). Yet there will be much rejoicing because Elect Israel is truly the "beloved for the fathers' sakes" ( Romans 11:28: Elect, for the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, & Israel). So, it was always "the Jew first", but all who are IN Christ Jesus are special & precious.
Romans 4:19-25.
And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb:
He staggered not at the PROMISE of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
And being fully persuaded that, what he had PROMISED, he was able also to perform.
And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
NOW IT WAS NOT WRITTEN FOR HIS SAKE ALONE, that it was imputed to him;
BUT FOR US ALSO, TO WHOM IT SHALL BE IMPUTED, if we BELIEVE ON HIM THAT RAISED UP JESUS OUR LORD FROM THE DEAD;
Who was delivered for OUR OFFENCES, and was raised again for OUR JUSTIFICATION.
Galatians 4:28
Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of PROMISE.
Galatians 3:29
And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 3:16-19.
Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by PROMISE.
Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
CONCLUSION
Galatians 3:27-29.
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Genesis 22:18.
God bless.
Part 2.
The Foundation and Corner stone.
Jesus being the corner stone and the Apostles being the foundation signifies the beginning of a groundbreaking plan to erect a building and that building is the Church.
As I mentioned previously, the commission to carry the Gospel to the world came right after the resurrection, as shown in the Gospels " Luke 24:42-49 and Matthew 28:19-20."
I agree with you that the scripture says to the Jews first, and then the Gentiles,
However, I would suggest that the Gospel was preached to them before the cross as well as Abraham.
Hebrews 3:17-19 - Hebrews 4:1-6.
"But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?
And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?
So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. FOR UNTO US WAS THE GOSPEL PREACHED, AS WELL AS UNTO THEM: BUT THE WORD PREACHED DID NOT PROFIT THEM, NOT BEING MIXED WITH FAITH IN THEM THAT HEARD IT.
For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, AND THEY TO WHOM IT WAS FIRST PREACHED ENTERED NOT IN BECAUSE OF UNBELIEF:
Also;
And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, PREACHED BEFORE THE GOSPEL UNTO ABRAHAM, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. Galatians 3:8.
More about this blindness in part 2.
Sorry David0921. To your question of "what is the "faith" you are referring to?" In regards to Israel (i.e. those living in obedience to God & with holy fear), under the Law & looking ahead by faith to God's Salvation, I understand that this is the faith that they possessed. It wasn't a God-given faith, simply a faith in God based on God's Commands, His dealings, His special care. They had no Cross to gaze upon & no Holy Spirit unction to grant them Divine Faith. But God recognized that faith, even as "Abraham believed (expressed faith in) God, and it was counted to him for righteousness". Was Abraham's faith God-given? I don't believe so - just ordinary faith to proceed in the ways of God by what He heard, saw, & experienced. That same type of faith that was seen in Abraham is the faith that carried them through to the Cross & the application of the Blood shed to their hearts.
In regards to Gentiles post-Cross (i.e. those not knowing God, steeped in idolatry & sins, & undeserving of God's Mercy), Christ's Blood was extended to them as well ("through faith", Romans 3:20; Galatians 3:8,14). Even though our faith is likened to Abraham's faith ( Galatians 3:7), the description is that of an expression true faith & not how it has been derived. Our natural faith could never secure salvation, as can be seen by those in other religions who also acknowledge God, even Jesus, yet not having the faith that saves. As well, Christ had already completed His Work & His Spirit sent out to do His Work. But when we look to the Cross, understanding that our sin put Jesus there, & the weight & punishment for sin being too much, we then call on God for Mercy. Onto Page 2.
Romans 1:16
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
They are god's chosen people whom through their fall we have obtained salvation.
Romans 11:11
"I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy."
It was god's good pleasure to do this so that we may all be saved and become one.
Galatians 3:36-29
26For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
It was his promise from the beginning.
Genesis 26:4
"And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;"
Right now things are going to well for any of the nations including Israel.
Revelations 18:1-3
1And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. 2And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. 3For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
Keep preaching and praying because the 7 last plagues are coming soon.
In both cases the breath of life would have come into them; in both cases they would have lived forever; and Christ came also to die for all men and women. I wouldn't say it is wrong to say that some characteristics of God can be found in women that may not be in man ( Galatians 3:28); but even before the fall a woman was made to be a helpmate; after it she would be ruled over by man ( Genesis 3:16) but in some sense desire to rule over her husband. Also there is no feminine deity; whether in the Godhead or; as far as we can tell in the angelic realm. However humans are created uniquely in comparison to the animal kingdom where there males and females would be created the same way.
Cain would have married one of the unnamed daughters of Adam and Eve; the easy answer.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9) NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast.
10)For we are his workmanship, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS "UNTO GOOD WORKS", which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
11)Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
12) That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
13)But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off ARE MADE NIGH BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST.
THIS IS MARVELOUS SAYING! HERE'S WHERE YOU SEE THE CIRCUMCISION OF THE HEART AS MENTIONED IN ROMANS 2:26-29.
"Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. ( In these verses Jew is not mentioned to describe an ethnic group but rather to describe the performance and seal of the cutting away the flesh.)
WE GENTILES ARE BROUGHT NEAR BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST, NOT CIRCUMCISION OF THE FLESH THAT RESPRESENTS THE JEW AND ALL OF THEIR WRITTEN ARTICLES WHEREBY THEY WERE COMMANDED. ( We're joined by the promise given to Abraham
Galatians 3:14-18.
Galatians 3:21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: FOR IF THERE HAD BEEN A LAW GIVEN WHICH COULD HAVE GIVEN LIFE, VERILY RIGHTEOUSNESS SHOULD HAVE BEEN BY THE LAW.
God bless.
Other questions: what is the meaning & implications of: the "New Covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away"? ( Hebrews 8:13). And "to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel"? ( Hebrews 12:24).
When we compare the great worth of the Covenant that Christ brought us through His shed Blood, how do ever resort to any of the elements of the Old Covenant (whether the Ten Commandments or sacrificial requirements & observances)? The Old Covenant held men (Israel) in bondage leading to death - the New Covenant gave men liberty & eternal life, & to fully know & obey God by the working of the Holy Spirit in them. The contrast is exceedingly clear - maybe our minds are still caged into upholding a Law never designed to give us life.
Galatians 3:19: "Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator." There was a time limit for the Old Law to Israel: "UNTIL THE SEED should come to whom the promise was made". And "if there had been a Law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law" ( Galatians 3:21).
I see that only Jesus could fulfil the Law & by His Death, bring in the New Covenant which abrogated that Old Law. The New Covenant administered by the Holy Spirit cannot be fused together with the Old Covenant that kept men bound to a yoke of strenuous law-keeping that gave no power to overcome & experience the joy of life in the power of the Holy Spirit. To the Jew, I think this release is truly life-changing - maybe not so to Gentiles, not given that Law.
That question would require us to further examine the merits of the New Covenant; but briefly to your question, I don't believe that the Spirit would again resurrect a Law upon us, one which has been superseded by the New. All that is contained in the New Covenant in Christ's Blood entirely covers all that the one in Christ needs to know & practise to please God. The Decalogue could never do this & was never intended to, even as we read in Galatians 3:21, "if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law." No Law could ever instil or even be the cause of righteousness to rise within us - and so Jesus' Coming was necessary, not only for the redemption of the sinner, but that sinner would never have to adhere to a set of Laws that only led to his eternal demise. Why should we then, we who have been revived, released, & given power to live in & by the Spirit, ever need to resort to the Letter that kills?
And you asked, "what Commandments(s) from God's 10 Commandments we are not required to follow now under the New Covenant? And why." The Decalogue is now abrogated through Christ's death, so none of the 10 Commandments with its purpose & penalties ever apply to the believer. Why? Simply because we have God Himself by His Holy Spirit in us to teach, lead, & empower us to know ALL His Commandments, which the Decalogue could never do - and was never designed to do. I always wonder, 'do believers actually understand this - really believing that the Spirit in them alone can fill us with much more than that old Law that was done away could ever do, with the advent of the New Covenant - that it is now perfectly fulfilled in Christ, Who fulfilled the Old entirely? Blessings.
It is true that Moses' Law asked Hebrews to observe the Sabbath.
But as Paul says in Galatians 3:24 the Law served as a schoolmaster (although "tutor and guardian for childs" is a more accurate translation of the grk "paidagogos") which leads people to Christ. That means that many things in the Old Law served as a shadow for things to come in the New Covenant, they served as a figure for the real things to come. So circumcision of the flesh is figurative for circumcision of the Heart (new birth), sacrifice of animals were a figure fot Jesus' sacrifice ... and so on.
Paul in Galatians 8-11 says "8. Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. 9.But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? 10.Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11.I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain."
And in Collossians 2:16-17 he says, "16. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days (FOR NOT HOLDING THEM): WHY NOT PAUL? BECAUSE 17.Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ"
Remenber when the apostles gathered in Jerusalem to discuss about the gentiles following or not the Law. They came up with a conclusion. What was that conclusion? Acts 15:28-29, "28. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; 29. That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well."
You see brother nothing to keep from the Old Law but only the above.
Besides Jesus said in some place that my Father works until now and so am I. God hasn't really gone to rest after the creation but works till now for the salvation of people.
GBU
Luke 24:27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures
John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Psalms 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Galatians 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
2 Peter 3:16 As 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.
Revelation 22:18,19 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
These are just a sampling of the many verses that speak about the scriptures, the Bible, the Word of God. They should be examined both in their immediate context and the context of the entire Bible if we are to come to Truth regarding the true nature of the Bible.
I know this has been discussed before and we have different understandings, but just have a couple of thoughts to consider, I will not go over all this prophecy just the first of 9:27.
If I am correct, it is thought the 69th week ended when Jesus' ride into Jerusalem fulfilling Zech. 9:9. Dan. 9:26 says 69 weeks unto the Messiah, should we look over the 3.5 years from when Jesus was baptized and anointed with the Holy Spirit? Look at the multitude that met Him when He rode in, they knew who He was, He came for the lost sheep of Israel.
The antichrist will make a covenant with Israel. We go to Dan. 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: So here we have the last week/7 years and he is said to be the antichrist.
"He shall confirm the covenant with many", could he in this verse fit Jesus? Psalms 105:8-11 Isaiah 42:6 Isaiah 49:8 Isaiah 49:6 Romans 15:8 Galatians 3:17 Hebrews 13:20 I could list many more. The word confirm does not mean make, it shows us the covenant already existed. Confirm means to strengthen, to be stronger.
God made a covenant with Abraham and Abraham said God would provide Himself a Lamb, Genesis 22:7-8, was Jesus this Lamb, Isaiah 53:7 John 1:29 Revelation 5:6. This covenant is with many, Zechariah 2:11 Isaiah 53:11 Matthew 20:28 Matthew 26:28 Romans 5:15,19. Jesus was sent to confirm the promise/covenant made unto Abraham, Romans 15:8. Could Jesus be this he?
"In the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease" Sacrifice and Oblation, the first word is talking about the daily sacrifices, the Tamid, the morning and evening lamb the same time Jesus was on the cross 9 AM the first to 3 PM the last. Then the second word refers to all of the other offerings presented to the Lord.
Do you think the sacrifice and oblation was designed by God to completely cease upon the finished work of Jesus on the cross? Hebrews 9.
God bless,
RLW
Introduction: There is a prescribed manner of conduct in the Scriptures which give us a basic guideline of how to conduct ourselves in public worship. The ceremonial aspects involve; more or less an invocation to prayer and beginning the service; songs of thanksgiving; a sermon; and communion on a set schedule. That and other events such as weddings; funerals; outreach; recreational activities go on more or less on a rather predictable pattern.
As to how the individual interacts with the rest of the local Body present; wherever you go there tends to be a seating and greeting pattern; a mode of discussion when approaching the Pastor; deacons and anyone else with a position; and another one for the rest of the laypersons-often dictated by the proclivities of our personalities; and mutual interests or lack thereof. Ministries tend to have a rather predictable involvement; a few individuals do the majority of service oriented projects and prayer meetings; and one or two others do most of the greeting.
A careful analysis of what is written so far will expose the fact that these activities could go on in a church where the Lord is present; to almost any other religious and perhaps non religious meeting place. The fact is; in either case we tend to familiarize ourselves with what is familiar and sort of at our comfort level. We are in danger of putting form ahead of substance; and focusing on what our natural senses dictate rather than what God is trying to say to us.
The same could be said of the law in scriptures. It is vital to drive us to Christ; as Galatians 3:24 states but never has the power to save. We love its many facets as Psalm 119 explaines in great detail because it illuminates the design of God for a peaceful society and for a manner worthy of those calling themselves citizens of heaven. It is; of course justice and mercy which Jesus excoriated the Pharisees with in Matthew 23:23 as missing.
Part 2
Jesus was a descendant of Judah through David's lineage (which was the line from which kings were to be chosen).
So Cheryl, this is the breakdown of the line of Shem, Noah's son.
The descendants of Japheth (Noah's son) populated the areas of southern Europe and north of Turkey. From these regions, the descendants of Japheth spread out north and east and west. Japheth's descendants were the most numerous of the three sons.
The descendants of Ham settled in the land of Canaan, Egypt, Ethiopia, and most of the African continent. It is believed that they also settled lands around the Indian Ocean.
So, we are not all Hebrews. People are either descended from Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Most of us are descended from more than one of these sons as intermarriage among cousins was common practice in the time of Noah's sons and descendants.
But, to answer your question, Adam and Eve were not Hebrews. The Hebrew people came to be after the flood. The world was populated by the descendants of Noah's three sons. Anyone who was not descended from Jacob (Israel) was a Gentile, as were everyone who came before Jacob.
Paul tells us in Romans 10:12; Galatians 3:7; 3:28-29; Ephesians 2:13-19 that in Christ we are all one in Him, neither Jew nor Greek (gentile) and are all children of Abraham due to our faith in Jesus. Together we are united in Jesus comprising "one new man" in Him, the promised Seed of Abraham to whom the covenant comes to fulfillment. Because Jesus is the true and intended final heir to the covenant made to Abraham, we in Him are made heirs to this covenant also because of our union with Christ.
Cheryl. I do not know how much more you wish to know on this topic. Maybe you can reply to me whatever you want further explanation. I will try to help with what you are seeking in your original post and any subsequent ones.
Even so, those of us who are in Christ are neither Jew nor Gentile