This question could be handled on a case by case basis. Clearly; if we are to look at Micah 5:2-4 we see the birthplace of the Messiah and we know it was fulfilled on His first coming. There are others such as Revelation 19 in Armageddon which clearly hasn't happened yet.
Most prophecies; however have at least a dual fulfillment or there are near and far implications in the same passage. Such is the case when Christ read from the scroll from Isaiah 61 he stopped after verse 1. Verse 2 talks about the vengeance of God which is tied into His second coming. Therefore many of His own people didn't recognize who He was because they were looking at prophecies of His Messianic Millennial reign rather than the purpose of atonement and death before the Resurrection into glory.
This "near and far" application is one complexity; another is what applies only to covenental promises for the nation of Israel; what applies to the church alone and what has some dual application. Galatians 3:28 shows how Jew and Gentile are incorporated into the church; and verses such as Galatians 3:7 show how not all Israel are true Israel but only the remnant believers. The church basically IS the true Israel as are the subset of Abraham's seed that are believers.
I find the best rule is to see what scriptures are mentioned in Acts in particular as applying to the church in the deepest sense of the meaning. That is the only way to understand the deepest or final meaning to certain prophecies. What we can't do is make the error of making all prophecy figurative that doesn't fit into our doctrinal picture; or dismissing the covenants that were promised to Israel. That is a subject perhaps for another commentary.
Perhaps an individual application would be from Romans 8:30. It isn't a prophecy as traditionally labeled; but the time frame of predestination guarantees that those who are saved will eventually be glorified after sanctification. All prophecy shows God's certain plans.
In part 1 you gave me Luke 1:17 and stated, "This means that another part of John's ministry was to teach Hebrews to clean their heart by preaching them to obey God's commandments. I would have to disagree with you on that.
No one could keep the law therefore it couldn't make you clean. Acts 15:5-10. Romans 8:3. Galatians 3:10-14.
You also referred me to Luke 3:7-18. Notice vs 9) "And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. They couldn't bare fruit! Israel was a degenerate vine.
Jeremiah 2:20-21. Matthew 21:42-44. In contrast to that Jesus is the genuine vine. John 15:1-2.
John was preparing the way for someone to do what the Law couldn't do. and that's Christ.
John's baptism was to turn the Jews "The lost sheep of Israel" to Christ and yet he says there comes one who will give a baptism that exceeds his that brings us to Jesus.
Now John says he must decrease, and Jesus must Increase. Now we have the beginning of Jesus ministry in which he came for the lost sheep of Israel. Due to blindness, they denied there king so as Paul says salvation has come to the Gentiles. That brings us to Pentecost. Here's a predominantly mostly if not all Jewish beginning of the Church. Here is where baptism of the Holyspirit begins and this is where the Spirit of God baptize Jews and Gentiles into the body of Christ and water baptism is a ritual way for you to display what the Spirit of God has already done once you TRULY believed.
So, the obedience is for you to show by display who and what you believe in. It's the faith of Christ that initiates your belief which leads to Salvation.
Did Israel faithlessness void God's promises to Israel?
Romans 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
Paul is asking if there is someone without faith, shall their lack of faith cancel out the faithfulness of God?
Paul answers that in vs 4 God forbid:
Israel's failures doesn't void out the promises of God.
God's promise to send Israel the redeemer was not voided by their wilful disobedience and rejection.
All his promises for the future of the nation will be fulfilled to his glory in spite of their unbelief. This is the unconditional covenant God made with Abraham.
Here's a few more verses causes people to believe the Church is the new Israel.
Galatians 3:28-29.
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.
Romans 2:28-29
"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.
Now these verses is not talking about an ethnic group.
Paul gives us the subject of the matter in Romans 3:1.
"What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?"
Now here is where Paul was actually contrasting the Jews and the law, and the promise by faith of Jesus Christ.
Colossians 2:11-12.
This contrast the belief that righteousness came by the outwardly circumcised jew and the circumcision of the heart, in the spirit,
In other words Abraham was given the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith before he was circumcised.
Romans 4:11-13.
So Jew and Israel is not always used synonymous in the scripture.
Galatians 3:16 "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
For me, this verse says that God went from Abraham straight to Jesus-identifying Christ as the Seed of Abraham to which the promises were made. This verse indicates that God bypassed all of the nation that came from Abraham physically to come to Christ, which is the promised Seed. If Abraham's natural seed resulted in the multiple nations that came from Ishmael and the other 6 sons Abraham had through Keturah (after Sarah died) and from Isaac (who was the child of promise), yet the prophecy said, thy "Seed", which Paul says is Christ. Therefore, it is valid to say that Jesus is true Israel-the promised Seed, not those nations who make up the many, the nation fathered by Jacob.
I realize that the people of Israel in the OT were the God's chosen people, not because they were righteous, but according to His redemptive plan for all of mankind, which culminates in Christ, is fulfilled in Christ, and in Christ, the Israel of God continues to both Jew and Gentile by faith, not by natural lineage.
We may differ on this Jimbob. That's ok. This thread is really long, so it may be best to begin a new thread on this topic if you wish.
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. ( Galatians 3:26)
And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. ( Mark 11:22)
Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. ( Mark 9:23)
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. ( Matthew 19:26)
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. ( Hebrews 13:5)
I hope and pray these scriptures help your faith walk. It's not how we feel its according to our faith (believing and accepting God's word as it is written) and as we believe and accept God's plan of salvation by faith (not by works, Jesus paid that precious price for our salvation), then we can do the works of Christ Jesus and build up our most holy faith by believing, prayer, studying scripture, etc.
I used search words of faith, believe, and possible to find and share some scriptures. You might find searching the word promise to be encouraging, to read and believe all the promises that are for us in God's word. I am happy to hear about your desire to continue your walk with the Lord, stay encouraged and keep the faith in all areas of your life. Nothing is too hard for God, we can begin again. God never stopped loving and forgiving us, just accept it by faith and walk in it.
Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave or free, nor is there male or female we are all ONE in Jesus Christ. We don't have to follow the "Jews" tradition or the "Gentiles". Follow the spirit and the Word. (The New Testament Church) Gentiles were engrafted in and it was no longer just the Jews. That's why it was at Antioch they were called Christians for the first time. Paul taught in Galatians we don't have to follow the Jewish tradition. "The New Testament Church" had people from different backgrounds being born again. The Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth and righteousness. Churches are full of tradition. Jesus didn't have tradition "man made convictions/tradition" such as don't cut your hair. Woman shouldn't ware Jeans. You have to celebrate this or that. Jesus preached the Word. Easter is a pagan holiday(come from Babylon) the world celebrates many people have not been raised in church and don't know any better. Most Christians celebrate Resurrection Day and the Passover because we remember our Lord and Savior and all he did at Calvary. (Is chapter53)
Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
1 Peter 3:21 - The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Mark 16:16 - He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Galatians 3:27 - For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Acts 22:16 - And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Romans 6:4 - Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Six things determined upon Daniel's people and the holy city.
Part 2
To finish the transgression
To finish; to withhold something from someone. transgression "transgress," to overpass as any rule prescribed as the limit of duty, to break or violate, as a law, civil or moral, the act of transgressing, rebellion, revolt, offend, that a penalty for the transgression a payment is due for the offense. Debt and transgressions, that they/we cannot pay, and the animal sacrifices fall short.
The only way anyone can stand before a just and holy God is if somebody is worthy and spotless to pay the debt. And the only one who has earned the right to pay that debt is the Messiah the Son of God and we have justification through Christ alone.
Jesus with a perfect life gave up his body to death; he fulfilled the first covenant of sacrificial law. His sacrifice is the redemption of the transgressions and the fulfillment of the first covenant of sacrificial law.
He became sin for us, and with his blood made the new covenant being the only mediator of the New Testament that we through faith in Jesus Christ receive the promise of eternal inheritance. Offered first to the house of Israel for He came first only for the lost sheep of Israel then was offered to the rest of the world.
These scriptures can trip you up when we use them for doctrine when talking about NATIONAL ISRAEL.
Some day God will open the eyes of Israel to show them that all their services was pointing them through the same door that the Gentiles goes through to get to the father. "CHRIST".
There will be two folds that will come together under one shepherd. There's no advantage to either fold. That's what Colossians 3:11-12 and Galatians 3:27-39 is saying. Angels, People, The Church and Israel is called elect in the Bible.
Israel and the Church has different origins and has a different path and destiny.
( Don't mistake that for having a different path for salvation.)
They have a separate purpose. When Jesus speaks of Israel as his elect in Matthew 24. he speaks of Israel as a nation. National Israel.
The Church isn't National Israel or "The new Israel. Is the Church Jacob also?
They're both are Chosen or elected by God to do the will of God for different purposes.
The bible makes references to both National Israel and the remnant.
Paul makes that distinction in Romans when he says all Israel is not Israel and when he mentions Kinsman of the flesh. Paul hammers away at this in Romans chapters 9,10 and 11.
Daniel 12:1 Speaks of National Israel.
"And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the ( CHILDREN OF THY PEOPLE ): and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time (THY PEOPLE) shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
A very telling verse is Romans 10:9: "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." In this chapter the apostle writes about the weakness & finality of the Old Law & the righteousness of the Law that becomes us by the working of the Spirit ( Romans 10:4). If re-birth occurs at the resurrection or later, then there is no Holy Spirit given to indwell believers - it can't be as we're still unregenerate. If no Holy Spirit, we are then subject to the Law or laws we wish to obey, to obtain our righteousness. The Jews tried to obey the Commandments - they failed - the Law was given to show them their sin & need of a Savior ( Romans 3:20; Galatians 3:19).
Every other religion of the world teaches that man has to do his best to please his god, & even after all that, there's no certainty of a 'happy future'. I know this more certainly of Islam, where a Muslim can never know if God has been pleased with his life. He might have all the boxes ticked in accepting & applying the six Articles of his faith & five Pillars of Islam, even going on Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca), but that dreaded angel overlooking his left shoulder weighing up his bad deeds, being more than the good ones weighed over the other shoulder. The concerned Muslim must dread the day of his death because he doesn't know which way his path to eternity will go. Now is that any different from the Christian who says that only at death can there be any certainty? We might have the worth of Jesus' Sacrifice & the true justice of God in our minds, but have we done enough, obeyed enough, to know an abundant entrance. The message of the Cross is one that's wholly based on God's Grace through Faith in Christ's Work & nothing of our efforts. For if we applied our works, even obedience to the Laws, to guarantee acceptability, then it is no more of Grace, but of our efforts ( Romans 11:6). See Page 3.
Acts 11:2 Peter, was come up to Jerusalem._._. Acts 11:13, the man in Joppa, sent men to call for Peter, it doesn't seem to mention the name of the man, nor the other men Peter ministered to. Acts 11:17, Peter talking explained the Gentile was also given the Holy Spirit & Salvation, not just Jewish people. Galatians 3:28, Romans 1:16,
Luke 24, Peter was one of the 1st witnesses to see the empty
tomb. Luke 24:12, John 21, Jesus meets with Peter after resurrection again & tells him If you love Me feed My lambs.
Acts 2, shows Peter speak boldly in front of thousands Acts 2:14-47,
Joshua288, you are giving two different Scriptures here & they're different.
2 Corinthians 3:6: "Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." If you have read further in this chapter, Paul writes about, "ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious...". This is what he is referring to: the letter of the Law was never designed to give Israel life (freedom of guilt, of penalty, of death & separation from God). The Law was given by God for many reasons, but ultimately we read what Paul wrote in Galatians 3:10-24, mainly that the Law never justified anyone, it couldn't because none could keep it perfectly. But the Law was given to show men their sinfulness & to draw him back to God, Who would one day save men (not by the keeping of the Law), but by having faith in Jesus His Son. So the letter of the Law will kill us sending us to hell, if we're dependent on it to save us. But the Spirit, the Holy Spirit gives the believer life now & into eternity, by virtue of Jesus' Death & Resurrection, & our believing this great act of Love. The letter of the Law could never do this. The Law was temporary, until Jesus came.
Then you quoted John 5:39, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." In this chapter, Jesus is speaking to the Jewish leaders who were wanting to kill Him ( John 5:18). Then Jesus speaks to them concerning what He was doing there & then about His Coming as the Son of God (vv18-24). He tells these leaders that 'they don't have God's Word in them because they refuse to believe in Jesus' (v38). And then He tells them, "Search the Scriptures", or 'you are diligently searching through the Scriptures, believing that eternal life is found in it' (this is from the original Greek). 'But these very Scriptures you read, bear witness of Me.' They failed to see Jesus' Coming in them.
It says all should be treated the same with no favoritism. A certain political group virtue signals that some of a certain skin color were enslaved by some rich people in their own political group about 150-250 years ago. But all those people are dead. No one they're referring to are alive to give any such reparations back to, except they assume that by giving it to descendants then somehow something is made right? You can't change the past and it seems wrong to steal from one group to pay others who were never enslaved. It also seems wrong to show favoritism and act like if you have a certain skin shade that you deserve more sympathy or more money or pandering. What we see on TV is a circus. The Japanese and Germans enslaved and killed people only 81 years ago, but people somehow aren't demanding money for that, but for something twice as long ago. Meanwhile, there are child slaves coming across the southern border trafficked from cartels and other criminals but people aren't as upset about that either. There are also people enslaved right now in China, countries in Africa and other places that don't have people as upset about either. They are alive, and are imprisoned. There are even people in the US itself imprisoned as slaves who had no trial and just happened to be at the politically wrong place at the wrong time, and they are still alive too. What I see is amazing hypocrisy about money and privilege and victimhood as a form of self-worship as if somehow one who was never a slave was harmed, rather than actually helping current slaves alive now. God bless.
Fourthly, the Ten Commandments were given to Israel & were binding upon them. Some of their objectives were:
a. to reveal the Holiness of the Eternal God to His people, Israel: Leviticus 19:2; Leviticus 20:7-8.
b. to set Israel apart as distinct from all the other nations: Exodus 19:5.
c. to reveal man's sinfulness: Galatians 3:19. Although the Law is "holy, just & good ( Romans 7:12), it did not provide salvation for the nation of Israel; and it cannot provide salvation to anyone who wants to or tries to keep the Law. No one will be declared righteous in God's sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin ( Romans 3:20; Acts 13:38-39).
d. to show to humanity that not one person can fully keep the Law but everyone falls short of God's Standard of Holiness. Realizing that, should cause us to cast ourselves upon a Merciful God for His Forgiveness. When Jesus came, He fulfilled the requirements of the Law completely and by His death fully paid the penalty for their breaking it ( Galatians 3:24; Romans 10:4). Therefore, by His Obedience, He was qualified to be the accepted Sacrifice for all mankind, for all of our sins ( Hebrews 10:10-12). If Jesus failed in fully keeping the Law, He would have been disqualified as a Savior - all mankind would be forever stuck in the quagmire of their sins & hell would be the destiny. But He was raised from the dead to show His Father's acceptance, our justification & deliverance ( Romans 4:23-25).
I hope you can see Ani, that even though there was nothing wrong with the Law, even keeping the Sabbath by Israel, anyone who puts themselves under the Law (i.e. to find forgiveness or acceptance by God by it), is doomed to fail. Our Rest - continual rest (Sabbath) is now found in Jesus & not in Law-keeping & we can only be subject now to the Holy Spirit who enables us to fulfil both the spirit of the Law & finding the true rest in Christ Jesus ( 2 Corinthians 3:6-9; Romans 8:1-4).
Galatians 3:7 certainly could be an answer to your question. It isn't merely the physical descendants of Abraham who are true children of God ( Romans 9:7-10). God has a remnant that He saves from both the Old and New Dispensations ( 1 Kings 19); Matthew 7:21).
Keep in mind also the difference between physically being preserved for a time and spiritual deliverance. These are both realities for the children of God in reverse order. In New Testament times as with Old many are called but few chosen ( Matt. 22:14). There are other verses showing how some experience some of the benefits of being in God's presence ( Hebrews 6:4) are still not ultimately saved. The parable of the sower and the seed illustrate this fact showing how the seed of truth must eventually not only take root but produce fruit. God enables that His Spirit reproduces good fruit in our lives as evidence that it is indwelling; not merely an external event. Hence all true believers are "sealed" until the Day of Redemption ( Ephesians 4:30).
In God's Providence there are some; such as the 1/3 that are preserved "going through the fire" ( Zechariah 13:9) who appear to make it physically through the Tribulation to repopulate the earth in the Millennium. That will include the handful of Gentiles that make it; although man is said in general to be "rarer than the gold of Ophir" who makes it through that way ( Isaiah 13:12).
Thus; these verses and a multitude of others makes it imperative that we "test ourselves to see if we are in the faith". ( 2 Corinthians 13:5). I personally believe that through God's sanctification process we all must get beyond our initial excitement over being a new believer as well as the trials of persecution AND temptations of the world to be "tested and approved" as true believers as part of the process of chastisement as God's adopted children. ( Romans 12:2; etc). The end of all those called and chosen in Him is glorification (read all of Romans 8:30).
When we look at the covenants of old specifically made for God's called out people who would eventually become the nation of Israel there was still nothing which man was required to do as far as signing a document on their end. There were certain regulations for those who wished to join the Jewish faith and there were severe restrictions when it came to foreigners and others with approaching the inner sanctuary of worship. God's patience certainly can be seen as they went quickly to idolatry the first time Moses went up into the mount; so the tablets of stone with the 10 commandments were dashed into pieces by Moses. After "cleaning house" as it were and pleading with God not to destroy all of those who crossed over from the Exodus Moses had to go through another 40 days of fasting and repeat the procedure.
As I have mentioned previously; the only covenant that was rendered obsolete was the old law when the new one of grace was established. ( Heb. 8:13). My backdrop in this subject delineates the distinction between obligations of His creation at large and case specific conditions for God's people. We need to be careful here as well; because in the case of Cain and Abel we see murder as something requiring justice well before any law was established. Things unique to Israel were things such as the Sabbath Day which was in force for those living in the land itself. That could bring a punishment as severe as a death penalty for those gathering sticks on the Sabbath; with some other things cutting people off from the camp. In other words there is some intersection of universal law with the specific rules for Israel. A final point here is that there are also covenants made between God and man. In Galatians 3:15 we see that covenants between men cannot be annulled or added to once ratified.
This is what makes marriage something in that category. Man makes a covenant with God "until death do us part." Clearly vows are a serious matter
Hi Benjamin. In Habakkuk 2:4, the subject is the "just" person, the one who is righteous & lives carefully before God; as opposed to the one described in that verse & following verses (here, the Babylonians are intended): one who is haughty, given to drink, uses unethical practises, & with an unsatiable appetite. So in Habakkuk, and looking up the Hebrew for that verse, it seems that the righteous one will live his life with stedfastness & faithfulness, unlike the proud & haughty who is self-centered, lusting for more wealth, power & kingdoms (as were the Babylonians).
Then in Galatians 3:11, I believe the focus is on the Faith that is acceptable by God which is not law-dependent. When the Law was given to Israel, they had to obey it to the letter, coupled with various sacrifices offered to cover them whenever they failed - and fail they did. But when Jesus came, the Law that only led to the Jew's condemnation & death, was cast aside, simply because the Sacrifice of Jesus was God's Sacrifice & Gift to us and not man's sacrifice to God for pardon. The shed Blood of Jesus that required the sinner to accept & believe (i.e. coming to God in faith), could never be mixed in with the Law that had no saving power & could never give life ( Galatians 3:21,22).
Therefore, when the Apostle Paul in Galatians 3:11 quotes from Habakkuk 2:4, I feel that he is highlighting the main point of that verse - that of the righteous living by the faith that is in him, and not specifically about the origin of that faith, even as he referred to Abraham's faith (that was apart from the Law).
We see from Galatians 3:28 in the last post that we are one in Christ. There are certain things such as slavery mentioned in the rest of the verse that supposedly are outlawed almost worldwide (but that continue unabated nonetheless). Thus; when we see Revelation 13:16-18 we see slaves still being mentioned; along with every type person in society (in that case LOST people taking the Mark of the Beast); and in Rev. 13:7 we see every trible; tongue and language who is represented in heaven (saved folk).
I have probably stated before that there are some women who I consider of superior intellect. An example is Amy Van Gerpen at Tracking Bible Prophecy. Her teaching on Revelation is now complete; each chapter being jam packed with page after page of scripture cross references. She is not claiming any authority to teach as a Pastor; and goes to church with her husband. It is in my estimation unsurpassed for detail and theologically accurate.
Sadly though even if we could take an "impartial" approach to women teaching in the church on the pulpit when you look at the women who are prominent or simply calling themselves "public speakers" they often take up a role of authority and I am not aware of any at this point who don't have major theological and/or doctrinal error. Of course as far as prosperity preachers in general I can't say much better. So there is perhaps a predilection for such apostasy and deception to continue with women in these roles ( 1 Tim. 2:12). I have also discussed what roles women can have; and their strength that tends to be with prayer and at times discernment. Also I probably brought up how women were to cover their heads while prophesying or in prayer (ostensively in a public setting) so there are tines things are said; and of course this excludes private settings to some extent.
Kings and priests in Revelation 5:10 could include women as far as I see.
( Matt 22:1-14) The invitations were sent out by a father arranging a wedding feast for his son (as Heavenly Father for His Son). The gospel (invitation) was given to Jews first (God's chosen people) but was made light of and rejected by them. So then wedding invitations (the gospel) went to others in the highways and hedges (gospel was preached to the Gentiles), and the wedding hall was filled. The wedding garment is our garment of salvation ( Isa 61:10) received through Christ. The man who is not wearing his wedding garment had not received salvation and is as the one in Matt 7:21-23 who pretended to be saved, but Jesus said, "I NEVER knew you."
Matthew 7:21-23 (NKJV) "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'
Many received the invitation to salvation, but only a few of God's chosen received it. (Many called, few chosen.)
Galatians 3:27 (KJV) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ (put on wedding garments).
2 Peter 1:10 (NKJV) Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your calling and election sure.
Well said. Jesus has become a curse for us all on the cross ( Galatians 3:13), so now every believer that is covered with His Blood is protected. In fact there are no curses at all (from God) in the world even for unbelievers since we live in the age of Grace, not Law.
Now about tenths, Paul in 1 Cor 16:2 says "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come". So there isn't a fixed amount of money that we should give to the church, ie tenths, but a much as we wish to give, if we have anything to give.
However, it's ironic, I was going to be dealing with this type of heresy suffered and allowed to be presented without rebuke has caused division but when you see this you know that person is being spirit led. Weve seen this on several occasions, "Whos has Gods favor" Brown eyes, blue eyes, they argue genealogy. ect.ect. Weve had one of these "self-claimed" scholars present these racial teachings in their discussions a while back.
There fighting over the inheritance of Adam and have no knowledge of the new birth. Galatians 3:28.
There's a lot of misconceptions here- I'm not sure if you actually believe this or if you're just trying to incite a reaction from people. When I read the Bible I don't see skin color mentioned as much as you mention it, so why do you assume that's so important? The Bible is against discriminating against people as it says in Galatians 3:28, but here you're discriminating against people. Blaming them for how God made them? If someone claims people with one pigment are superior to others with a different pigment, that's racism. That's not exactly following the verse to love your neighbor. The Jews were God's chosen people- chosen for a special purpose- but God doesn't show favoritism Romans 2:11. The punishment and reward for good and evil are the same for "everyone" as it says in v9 and 10. God bless.
I agree with the comment on the intention of the cross. The Catholics; in particular like to venerate the cross as an image of perpetual suffering as though Christ is still suffering; rather than it being finished at Calvary. They also somehow thing they can suffer as Christ did because of the whole concept of the "stigmata" or so called marks of those suffering wounds as Christ did.
Viewed as the scripture stated in the book of Numbers 21:8-9; there was a foreshadowing of Christ on the cross taking on the curse to heal the people. Galatians 3:13 repeats the verse in Deuteronomy 21 about anyone being "cursed" who hangs on a tree.
The bigger problem is the depictions of Christ on the cross or any other imagery as He is God in the flesh; i.e. part of the Godhead. The O.T. made it clear that we were not to make an image of anything to represent God.
We also need to realize that the Resurrection accomplished the victory over death; which was also needed so that Christ could be the first of the firstfruits; so to speak. He now is acting as our High Priest in heaven as the Book of Hebrews indicates; "ever interceding for us". ( Heb. 7:25). Christ is part of the eternal Godhead. Hence; He had to overcome even death. The victory occured at the moment he died when He said "it is finished". As soon as He passed from this earth; His soul went to the underworld to preach to those souls in Sheol; and to set the captives free. He created the heaven and earth hence hell had no suffering or hold on Him as some suggest. The souls of the rightous were freed from Sheol; and in fact many came out of their graves and appeared to the many after He rose from the dead. They would have been Resurrected to heaven at that time as part of the firstfruits as I see it; but it was only some that rose; others will be yet future.
As long as the whole counsel of scripture guides us a cross I believe is ok; it is when we idolize the image we get into trouble.
In Matthew 12:39, Jesus said, "An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:"
So Jesus described the character of this generation. He says that an evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign.
So please be careful if you are a "signs and wonders" seeker. Jesus said that a wicked and an adulterous generation seeks for a sign. It is adultery, it is spiritual adultery!
Did Jesus perform miracles and give signs? Yes. But they were to point to Him. People were not supposed to follow signs, and we are still not supposed to follow them today, but many still do.
We know from 2 Thessalonians Chapter 2 that the antichrist, when he comes, that he is going to perform signs and wonders, miracles, and he's going to say that he is god and he's going to deceive many.
I think that people are setting themselves up today, and they are making it easy for themselves to be deceived when the antichrist comes. Some are constantly looking for signs that point to the end time.
We as believers do not need signs. We are told three times in the New Testament that we are to live by faith. ( Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38)
There's what we call saving faith. We're saved by grace " Through faith". Ephesians 2:8. Here's an element of election with the faith being performed is actually supplied by the Spirit. It is obvious everyone is not supplied with it; however, the invite goes out to everyone. God knew who would believe.
Is believing what it takes to initiate God's faith to the believer? Are they separate? Are they the same?
Here's a few verses where believing is used in the Bible. It's obvious when it comes to salvation It's "what" you believe not just believing in God as seen here in James 2:19.
And then we have John 6:28-28 and Romans 10:9-10 Where belief is directed towards something specific.
God given faith is a fruit and is accompanied with other fruit.
There are results in God given faith as seen here in James 2:14-18.
Faith is not trusting in something! It's trusting in someone and that's the Lord.
Believing is not believing in something It's believing on someone and that's the Lord. We are to believe on the promise given to Abraham as mentioned here in Galatians 3:16-22. We are heirs of the promise by faith as Isaac as mentioned in Galatians 4:28.
We are given a promise by God and given faith to believe in that promise.
The invitation goes out to all as mentioned in 1 John 2:2.
Everyone is given the ability to comprehend that light as mentioned in John 1:4-8. "But all will not"
A person has to fall upon that rock and know he needs a savior.
This is where the 10 commandments come into play. The commandments were meant to drive one to Christ. Some from out of darkness and some from dead works.
The law was given to Israel but let's set that aside.
You are right in that you say, "The Commandments must be kept" Israel couldn't obtain salvation thru the keeping of the law and neither can we.
Christ came to free us from the curse of the law, that doesn't mean he did away with The Law.
In the old covenant "under the law" there was sacrifices made for sin. Those sacrifices pointed ahead to the only sacrifice that could take away sin AND regenerate the believer by the Spirit. Hebrews 10:3-10.
The old covenant had no power over the incurable heart. The new covenant humbled the sinner and pointed him in the right direction. "CHRIST" Ezekiel 36:26-27. Jeremiah 31:31-33.
The old covenant slew us and is called the ministration of death. Romans 7:5-11. 2 Corinthians 3:6-14.
The new covenant gave mercy. Why mercy? Because no one could keep the law, and no one is able to do so today. Putting ourselves in chains and grinding our teeth while restraining from sin isn't keeping the law. Galatians 2:21.
The commandments given didn't say keep the commandments as best you can.
You're breaking the law in your heart You're still a sinner. There's no sanctification. Christ came to give new birth and a new heart accompanied with mercy and grace.
The second you broke any one of them you were forever lost if there was no sacrifice that could take away sin. Hebrews 10:1-5.
It was the sacrifices that pointed to Christ that made atonement for those sins.
Israel having God in their midst with all the providence showed the world that the heart of man is incurably wicked.
The law showed that there was a need of a savior that could regenerate the believer and give a new heart and life.
The commandments are Holy and was given to a nation that was set apart to show man with God in their midst was nothing like God being "IN" them.
That's what's available today.
Read Galatians 3:10-26.
Perhaps more on this later this weekend God bless."
Hi Estelle, the trinity (or Godhead) is mentioned in verses like 1 John 5:7.
The Godhead is mentioned in verses like Romans 1:20.
The KJV doesn't have the word trinity, but "Godhead" and uses 'we' and 'us' plural in places even though God is one. Galatians 3:20
Some unfortunately use this as a weapon to attack who God is, so its worth noting that the word Bible isn't in the Bible either, but that doesn't mean it isn't one. The KJV doesn't have the word demons, but that doesn't mean there's no demons. It doesn't have "labor", "encouragement", "suicide", "anxiety", "honor", but they are still real and true subjects discussed within. So for any onlookers with questionable motives in their heart, this busts one of the most common strawman arguments dishonestly made against God.
The means by way we enter the Kingdom is one way. And that was preached to all ages starting in Genesis 3:15. And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
It also was preached to Abraham.
Galatians 3:8.
Flesh and blood shall not inherit the kingdom, You have to be born again.
In the old testament teachings they was to look for a savior to come. All the services was a foreshadow of Christ. In the new testament teachings we look back and believe on him has come.
Most prophecies; however have at least a dual fulfillment or there are near and far implications in the same passage. Such is the case when Christ read from the scroll from Isaiah 61 he stopped after verse 1. Verse 2 talks about the vengeance of God which is tied into His second coming. Therefore many of His own people didn't recognize who He was because they were looking at prophecies of His Messianic Millennial reign rather than the purpose of atonement and death before the Resurrection into glory.
This "near and far" application is one complexity; another is what applies only to covenental promises for the nation of Israel; what applies to the church alone and what has some dual application. Galatians 3:28 shows how Jew and Gentile are incorporated into the church; and verses such as Galatians 3:7 show how not all Israel are true Israel but only the remnant believers. The church basically IS the true Israel as are the subset of Abraham's seed that are believers.
I find the best rule is to see what scriptures are mentioned in Acts in particular as applying to the church in the deepest sense of the meaning. That is the only way to understand the deepest or final meaning to certain prophecies. What we can't do is make the error of making all prophecy figurative that doesn't fit into our doctrinal picture; or dismissing the covenants that were promised to Israel. That is a subject perhaps for another commentary.
Perhaps an individual application would be from Romans 8:30. It isn't a prophecy as traditionally labeled; but the time frame of predestination guarantees that those who are saved will eventually be glorified after sanctification. All prophecy shows God's certain plans.
Part 1
In part 1 you gave me Luke 1:17 and stated, "This means that another part of John's ministry was to teach Hebrews to clean their heart by preaching them to obey God's commandments. I would have to disagree with you on that.
No one could keep the law therefore it couldn't make you clean. Acts 15:5-10. Romans 8:3. Galatians 3:10-14.
You also referred me to Luke 3:7-18. Notice vs 9) "And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. They couldn't bare fruit! Israel was a degenerate vine.
Jeremiah 2:20-21. Matthew 21:42-44. In contrast to that Jesus is the genuine vine. John 15:1-2.
John was preparing the way for someone to do what the Law couldn't do. and that's Christ.
John's baptism was to turn the Jews "The lost sheep of Israel" to Christ and yet he says there comes one who will give a baptism that exceeds his that brings us to Jesus.
Now John says he must decrease, and Jesus must Increase. Now we have the beginning of Jesus ministry in which he came for the lost sheep of Israel. Due to blindness, they denied there king so as Paul says salvation has come to the Gentiles. That brings us to Pentecost. Here's a predominantly mostly if not all Jewish beginning of the Church. Here is where baptism of the Holyspirit begins and this is where the Spirit of God baptize Jews and Gentiles into the body of Christ and water baptism is a ritual way for you to display what the Spirit of God has already done once you TRULY believed.
So, the obedience is for you to show by display who and what you believe in. It's the faith of Christ that initiates your belief which leads to Salvation.
See part 2.
Romans 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
Paul is asking if there is someone without faith, shall their lack of faith cancel out the faithfulness of God?
Paul answers that in vs 4 God forbid:
Israel's failures doesn't void out the promises of God.
God's promise to send Israel the redeemer was not voided by their wilful disobedience and rejection.
All his promises for the future of the nation will be fulfilled to his glory in spite of their unbelief. This is the unconditional covenant God made with Abraham.
Here's a few more verses causes people to believe the Church is the new Israel.
Galatians 3:28-29.
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.
Romans 2:28-29
"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.
Now these verses is not talking about an ethnic group.
Paul gives us the subject of the matter in Romans 3:1.
"What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?"
Now here is where Paul was actually contrasting the Jews and the law, and the promise by faith of Jesus Christ.
Colossians 2:11-12.
This contrast the belief that righteousness came by the outwardly circumcised jew and the circumcision of the heart, in the spirit,
In other words Abraham was given the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith before he was circumcised.
Romans 4:11-13.
So Jew and Israel is not always used synonymous in the scripture.
Galatians 3:16 "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
For me, this verse says that God went from Abraham straight to Jesus-identifying Christ as the Seed of Abraham to which the promises were made. This verse indicates that God bypassed all of the nation that came from Abraham physically to come to Christ, which is the promised Seed. If Abraham's natural seed resulted in the multiple nations that came from Ishmael and the other 6 sons Abraham had through Keturah (after Sarah died) and from Isaac (who was the child of promise), yet the prophecy said, thy "Seed", which Paul says is Christ. Therefore, it is valid to say that Jesus is true Israel-the promised Seed, not those nations who make up the many, the nation fathered by Jacob.
I realize that the people of Israel in the OT were the God's chosen people, not because they were righteous, but according to His redemptive plan for all of mankind, which culminates in Christ, is fulfilled in Christ, and in Christ, the Israel of God continues to both Jew and Gentile by faith, not by natural lineage.
We may differ on this Jimbob. That's ok. This thread is really long, so it may be best to begin a new thread on this topic if you wish.
And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. ( Mark 11:22)
Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. ( Mark 9:23)
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. ( Matthew 19:26)
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. ( Hebrews 13:5)
I hope and pray these scriptures help your faith walk. It's not how we feel its according to our faith (believing and accepting God's word as it is written) and as we believe and accept God's plan of salvation by faith (not by works, Jesus paid that precious price for our salvation), then we can do the works of Christ Jesus and build up our most holy faith by believing, prayer, studying scripture, etc.
I used search words of faith, believe, and possible to find and share some scriptures. You might find searching the word promise to be encouraging, to read and believe all the promises that are for us in God's word. I am happy to hear about your desire to continue your walk with the Lord, stay encouraged and keep the faith in all areas of your life. Nothing is too hard for God, we can begin again. God never stopped loving and forgiving us, just accept it by faith and walk in it.
Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
1 Peter 3:21 - The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Mark 16:16 - He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Galatians 3:27 - For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Acts 22:16 - And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Romans 6:4 - Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Part 2
To finish the transgression
To finish; to withhold something from someone. transgression "transgress," to overpass as any rule prescribed as the limit of duty, to break or violate, as a law, civil or moral, the act of transgressing, rebellion, revolt, offend, that a penalty for the transgression a payment is due for the offense. Debt and transgressions, that they/we cannot pay, and the animal sacrifices fall short.
The only way anyone can stand before a just and holy God is if somebody is worthy and spotless to pay the debt. And the only one who has earned the right to pay that debt is the Messiah the Son of God and we have justification through Christ alone.
Psalm 32:1 Psalm 89:32 Psalm 103:11-12 Isaiah 43:25 Isaiah 53:5-8 Isaiah 53:11 Galatians 3:19 Ephesians 2:4-5 Hebrews 9:15-18
Jesus with a perfect life gave up his body to death; he fulfilled the first covenant of sacrificial law. His sacrifice is the redemption of the transgressions and the fulfillment of the first covenant of sacrificial law.
He became sin for us, and with his blood made the new covenant being the only mediator of the New Testament that we through faith in Jesus Christ receive the promise of eternal inheritance. Offered first to the house of Israel for He came first only for the lost sheep of Israel then was offered to the rest of the world.
See Part 3
Isaiah 45:4.
Part 1.
Romans 2:25-29.
Colossians 3:11-12
and Galatians 3:27-39
These scriptures can trip you up when we use them for doctrine when talking about NATIONAL ISRAEL.
Some day God will open the eyes of Israel to show them that all their services was pointing them through the same door that the Gentiles goes through to get to the father. "CHRIST".
There will be two folds that will come together under one shepherd. There's no advantage to either fold. That's what Colossians 3:11-12 and Galatians 3:27-39 is saying. Angels, People, The Church and Israel is called elect in the Bible.
Israel and the Church has different origins and has a different path and destiny.
( Don't mistake that for having a different path for salvation.)
They have a separate purpose. When Jesus speaks of Israel as his elect in Matthew 24. he speaks of Israel as a nation. National Israel.
The Church isn't National Israel or "The new Israel. Is the Church Jacob also?
They're both are Chosen or elected by God to do the will of God for different purposes.
The bible makes references to both National Israel and the remnant.
Paul makes that distinction in Romans when he says all Israel is not Israel and when he mentions Kinsman of the flesh. Paul hammers away at this in Romans chapters 9,10 and 11.
Daniel 12:1 Speaks of National Israel.
"And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the ( CHILDREN OF THY PEOPLE ): and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time (THY PEOPLE) shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
"Daniels people is not the Church"
See key verses Daniel 9:24-27 in
Part 2.
A very telling verse is Romans 10:9: "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." In this chapter the apostle writes about the weakness & finality of the Old Law & the righteousness of the Law that becomes us by the working of the Spirit ( Romans 10:4). If re-birth occurs at the resurrection or later, then there is no Holy Spirit given to indwell believers - it can't be as we're still unregenerate. If no Holy Spirit, we are then subject to the Law or laws we wish to obey, to obtain our righteousness. The Jews tried to obey the Commandments - they failed - the Law was given to show them their sin & need of a Savior ( Romans 3:20; Galatians 3:19).
Every other religion of the world teaches that man has to do his best to please his god, & even after all that, there's no certainty of a 'happy future'. I know this more certainly of Islam, where a Muslim can never know if God has been pleased with his life. He might have all the boxes ticked in accepting & applying the six Articles of his faith & five Pillars of Islam, even going on Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca), but that dreaded angel overlooking his left shoulder weighing up his bad deeds, being more than the good ones weighed over the other shoulder. The concerned Muslim must dread the day of his death because he doesn't know which way his path to eternity will go. Now is that any different from the Christian who says that only at death can there be any certainty? We might have the worth of Jesus' Sacrifice & the true justice of God in our minds, but have we done enough, obeyed enough, to know an abundant entrance. The message of the Cross is one that's wholly based on God's Grace through Faith in Christ's Work & nothing of our efforts. For if we applied our works, even obedience to the Laws, to guarantee acceptability, then it is no more of Grace, but of our efforts ( Romans 11:6). See Page 3.
Acts 11:2 Peter, was come up to Jerusalem._._. Acts 11:13, the man in Joppa, sent men to call for Peter, it doesn't seem to mention the name of the man, nor the other men Peter ministered to. Acts 11:17, Peter talking explained the Gentile was also given the Holy Spirit & Salvation, not just Jewish people. Galatians 3:28, Romans 1:16,
Luke 24, Peter was one of the 1st witnesses to see the empty
tomb. Luke 24:12, John 21, Jesus meets with Peter after resurrection again & tells him If you love Me feed My lambs.
Acts 2, shows Peter speak boldly in front of thousands Acts 2:14-47,
Hopefully these are helpful
2 Corinthians 3:6: "Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." If you have read further in this chapter, Paul writes about, "ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious...". This is what he is referring to: the letter of the Law was never designed to give Israel life (freedom of guilt, of penalty, of death & separation from God). The Law was given by God for many reasons, but ultimately we read what Paul wrote in Galatians 3:10-24, mainly that the Law never justified anyone, it couldn't because none could keep it perfectly. But the Law was given to show men their sinfulness & to draw him back to God, Who would one day save men (not by the keeping of the Law), but by having faith in Jesus His Son. So the letter of the Law will kill us sending us to hell, if we're dependent on it to save us. But the Spirit, the Holy Spirit gives the believer life now & into eternity, by virtue of Jesus' Death & Resurrection, & our believing this great act of Love. The letter of the Law could never do this. The Law was temporary, until Jesus came.
Then you quoted John 5:39, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." In this chapter, Jesus is speaking to the Jewish leaders who were wanting to kill Him ( John 5:18). Then Jesus speaks to them concerning what He was doing there & then about His Coming as the Son of God (vv18-24). He tells these leaders that 'they don't have God's Word in them because they refuse to believe in Jesus' (v38). And then He tells them, "Search the Scriptures", or 'you are diligently searching through the Scriptures, believing that eternal life is found in it' (this is from the original Greek). 'But these very Scriptures you read, bear witness of Me.' They failed to see Jesus' Coming in them.
James 2:9
Romans 2:11
James 2:1-26
Deuteronomy 10:17
Galatians 3:28
Acts 10:34
It says all should be treated the same with no favoritism. A certain political group virtue signals that some of a certain skin color were enslaved by some rich people in their own political group about 150-250 years ago. But all those people are dead. No one they're referring to are alive to give any such reparations back to, except they assume that by giving it to descendants then somehow something is made right? You can't change the past and it seems wrong to steal from one group to pay others who were never enslaved. It also seems wrong to show favoritism and act like if you have a certain skin shade that you deserve more sympathy or more money or pandering. What we see on TV is a circus. The Japanese and Germans enslaved and killed people only 81 years ago, but people somehow aren't demanding money for that, but for something twice as long ago. Meanwhile, there are child slaves coming across the southern border trafficked from cartels and other criminals but people aren't as upset about that either. There are also people enslaved right now in China, countries in Africa and other places that don't have people as upset about either. They are alive, and are imprisoned. There are even people in the US itself imprisoned as slaves who had no trial and just happened to be at the politically wrong place at the wrong time, and they are still alive too. What I see is amazing hypocrisy about money and privilege and victimhood as a form of self-worship as if somehow one who was never a slave was harmed, rather than actually helping current slaves alive now. God bless.
Fourthly, the Ten Commandments were given to Israel & were binding upon them. Some of their objectives were:
a. to reveal the Holiness of the Eternal God to His people, Israel: Leviticus 19:2; Leviticus 20:7-8.
b. to set Israel apart as distinct from all the other nations: Exodus 19:5.
c. to reveal man's sinfulness: Galatians 3:19. Although the Law is "holy, just & good ( Romans 7:12), it did not provide salvation for the nation of Israel; and it cannot provide salvation to anyone who wants to or tries to keep the Law. No one will be declared righteous in God's sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin ( Romans 3:20; Acts 13:38-39).
d. to show to humanity that not one person can fully keep the Law but everyone falls short of God's Standard of Holiness. Realizing that, should cause us to cast ourselves upon a Merciful God for His Forgiveness. When Jesus came, He fulfilled the requirements of the Law completely and by His death fully paid the penalty for their breaking it ( Galatians 3:24; Romans 10:4). Therefore, by His Obedience, He was qualified to be the accepted Sacrifice for all mankind, for all of our sins ( Hebrews 10:10-12). If Jesus failed in fully keeping the Law, He would have been disqualified as a Savior - all mankind would be forever stuck in the quagmire of their sins & hell would be the destiny. But He was raised from the dead to show His Father's acceptance, our justification & deliverance ( Romans 4:23-25).
I hope you can see Ani, that even though there was nothing wrong with the Law, even keeping the Sabbath by Israel, anyone who puts themselves under the Law (i.e. to find forgiveness or acceptance by God by it), is doomed to fail. Our Rest - continual rest (Sabbath) is now found in Jesus & not in Law-keeping & we can only be subject now to the Holy Spirit who enables us to fulfil both the spirit of the Law & finding the true rest in Christ Jesus ( 2 Corinthians 3:6-9; Romans 8:1-4).
Keep in mind also the difference between physically being preserved for a time and spiritual deliverance. These are both realities for the children of God in reverse order. In New Testament times as with Old many are called but few chosen ( Matt. 22:14). There are other verses showing how some experience some of the benefits of being in God's presence ( Hebrews 6:4) are still not ultimately saved. The parable of the sower and the seed illustrate this fact showing how the seed of truth must eventually not only take root but produce fruit. God enables that His Spirit reproduces good fruit in our lives as evidence that it is indwelling; not merely an external event. Hence all true believers are "sealed" until the Day of Redemption ( Ephesians 4:30).
In God's Providence there are some; such as the 1/3 that are preserved "going through the fire" ( Zechariah 13:9) who appear to make it physically through the Tribulation to repopulate the earth in the Millennium. That will include the handful of Gentiles that make it; although man is said in general to be "rarer than the gold of Ophir" who makes it through that way ( Isaiah 13:12).
Thus; these verses and a multitude of others makes it imperative that we "test ourselves to see if we are in the faith". ( 2 Corinthians 13:5). I personally believe that through God's sanctification process we all must get beyond our initial excitement over being a new believer as well as the trials of persecution AND temptations of the world to be "tested and approved" as true believers as part of the process of chastisement as God's adopted children. ( Romans 12:2; etc). The end of all those called and chosen in Him is glorification (read all of Romans 8:30).
Hope this helps.
When we look at the covenants of old specifically made for God's called out people who would eventually become the nation of Israel there was still nothing which man was required to do as far as signing a document on their end. There were certain regulations for those who wished to join the Jewish faith and there were severe restrictions when it came to foreigners and others with approaching the inner sanctuary of worship. God's patience certainly can be seen as they went quickly to idolatry the first time Moses went up into the mount; so the tablets of stone with the 10 commandments were dashed into pieces by Moses. After "cleaning house" as it were and pleading with God not to destroy all of those who crossed over from the Exodus Moses had to go through another 40 days of fasting and repeat the procedure.
As I have mentioned previously; the only covenant that was rendered obsolete was the old law when the new one of grace was established. ( Heb. 8:13). My backdrop in this subject delineates the distinction between obligations of His creation at large and case specific conditions for God's people. We need to be careful here as well; because in the case of Cain and Abel we see murder as something requiring justice well before any law was established. Things unique to Israel were things such as the Sabbath Day which was in force for those living in the land itself. That could bring a punishment as severe as a death penalty for those gathering sticks on the Sabbath; with some other things cutting people off from the camp. In other words there is some intersection of universal law with the specific rules for Israel. A final point here is that there are also covenants made between God and man. In Galatians 3:15 we see that covenants between men cannot be annulled or added to once ratified.
This is what makes marriage something in that category. Man makes a covenant with God "until death do us part." Clearly vows are a serious matter
Then in Galatians 3:11, I believe the focus is on the Faith that is acceptable by God which is not law-dependent. When the Law was given to Israel, they had to obey it to the letter, coupled with various sacrifices offered to cover them whenever they failed - and fail they did. But when Jesus came, the Law that only led to the Jew's condemnation & death, was cast aside, simply because the Sacrifice of Jesus was God's Sacrifice & Gift to us and not man's sacrifice to God for pardon. The shed Blood of Jesus that required the sinner to accept & believe (i.e. coming to God in faith), could never be mixed in with the Law that had no saving power & could never give life ( Galatians 3:21,22).
Therefore, when the Apostle Paul in Galatians 3:11 quotes from Habakkuk 2:4, I feel that he is highlighting the main point of that verse - that of the righteous living by the faith that is in him, and not specifically about the origin of that faith, even as he referred to Abraham's faith (that was apart from the Law).
Okay take 2...
We see from Galatians 3:28 in the last post that we are one in Christ. There are certain things such as slavery mentioned in the rest of the verse that supposedly are outlawed almost worldwide (but that continue unabated nonetheless). Thus; when we see Revelation 13:16-18 we see slaves still being mentioned; along with every type person in society (in that case LOST people taking the Mark of the Beast); and in Rev. 13:7 we see every trible; tongue and language who is represented in heaven (saved folk).
I have probably stated before that there are some women who I consider of superior intellect. An example is Amy Van Gerpen at Tracking Bible Prophecy. Her teaching on Revelation is now complete; each chapter being jam packed with page after page of scripture cross references. She is not claiming any authority to teach as a Pastor; and goes to church with her husband. It is in my estimation unsurpassed for detail and theologically accurate.
Sadly though even if we could take an "impartial" approach to women teaching in the church on the pulpit when you look at the women who are prominent or simply calling themselves "public speakers" they often take up a role of authority and I am not aware of any at this point who don't have major theological and/or doctrinal error. Of course as far as prosperity preachers in general I can't say much better. So there is perhaps a predilection for such apostasy and deception to continue with women in these roles ( 1 Tim. 2:12). I have also discussed what roles women can have; and their strength that tends to be with prayer and at times discernment. Also I probably brought up how women were to cover their heads while prophesying or in prayer (ostensively in a public setting) so there are tines things are said; and of course this excludes private settings to some extent.
Kings and priests in Revelation 5:10 could include women as far as I see.
When was the gospel preached to Abraham as mentioned in Galatians 3:8 ?
It what way did God perform the covenant with Abraham?
In what way did he respond when it was counted for him for righteousness?
Goodnight and God bless.
Matthew 7:21-23 (NKJV) "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'
Many received the invitation to salvation, but only a few of God's chosen received it. (Many called, few chosen.)
Galatians 3:27 (KJV) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ (put on wedding garments).
2 Peter 1:10 (NKJV) Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your calling and election sure.
Well said. Jesus has become a curse for us all on the cross ( Galatians 3:13), so now every believer that is covered with His Blood is protected. In fact there are no curses at all (from God) in the world even for unbelievers since we live in the age of Grace, not Law.
Now about tenths, Paul in 1 Cor 16:2 says "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come". So there isn't a fixed amount of money that we should give to the church, ie tenths, but a much as we wish to give, if we have anything to give.
GBU
I'm surprised this got passed the moderators.
However, it's ironic, I was going to be dealing with this type of heresy suffered and allowed to be presented without rebuke has caused division but when you see this you know that person is being spirit led. Weve seen this on several occasions, "Whos has Gods favor" Brown eyes, blue eyes, they argue genealogy. ect.ect. Weve had one of these "self-claimed" scholars present these racial teachings in their discussions a while back.
There fighting over the inheritance of Adam and have no knowledge of the new birth. Galatians 3:28.
GB
Viewed as the scripture stated in the book of Numbers 21:8-9; there was a foreshadowing of Christ on the cross taking on the curse to heal the people. Galatians 3:13 repeats the verse in Deuteronomy 21 about anyone being "cursed" who hangs on a tree.
The bigger problem is the depictions of Christ on the cross or any other imagery as He is God in the flesh; i.e. part of the Godhead. The O.T. made it clear that we were not to make an image of anything to represent God.
We also need to realize that the Resurrection accomplished the victory over death; which was also needed so that Christ could be the first of the firstfruits; so to speak. He now is acting as our High Priest in heaven as the Book of Hebrews indicates; "ever interceding for us". ( Heb. 7:25). Christ is part of the eternal Godhead. Hence; He had to overcome even death. The victory occured at the moment he died when He said "it is finished". As soon as He passed from this earth; His soul went to the underworld to preach to those souls in Sheol; and to set the captives free. He created the heaven and earth hence hell had no suffering or hold on Him as some suggest. The souls of the rightous were freed from Sheol; and in fact many came out of their graves and appeared to the many after He rose from the dead. They would have been Resurrected to heaven at that time as part of the firstfruits as I see it; but it was only some that rose; others will be yet future.
As long as the whole counsel of scripture guides us a cross I believe is ok; it is when we idolize the image we get into trouble.
Agape.
So Jesus described the character of this generation. He says that an evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign.
So please be careful if you are a "signs and wonders" seeker. Jesus said that a wicked and an adulterous generation seeks for a sign. It is adultery, it is spiritual adultery!
Did Jesus perform miracles and give signs? Yes. But they were to point to Him. People were not supposed to follow signs, and we are still not supposed to follow them today, but many still do.
We know from 2 Thessalonians Chapter 2 that the antichrist, when he comes, that he is going to perform signs and wonders, miracles, and he's going to say that he is god and he's going to deceive many.
I think that people are setting themselves up today, and they are making it easy for themselves to be deceived when the antichrist comes. Some are constantly looking for signs that point to the end time.
We as believers do not need signs. We are told three times in the New Testament that we are to live by faith. ( Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38)
Part 1.
Great and important question Gigi!
At the same time can get really confusing!
There's what we call saving faith. We're saved by grace " Through faith". Ephesians 2:8. Here's an element of election with the faith being performed is actually supplied by the Spirit. It is obvious everyone is not supplied with it; however, the invite goes out to everyone. God knew who would believe.
Is believing what it takes to initiate God's faith to the believer? Are they separate? Are they the same?
Here's a few verses where believing is used in the Bible. It's obvious when it comes to salvation It's "what" you believe not just believing in God as seen here in James 2:19.
And then we have John 6:28-28 and Romans 10:9-10 Where belief is directed towards something specific.
God given faith is a fruit and is accompanied with other fruit.
There are results in God given faith as seen here in James 2:14-18.
Faith is not trusting in something! It's trusting in someone and that's the Lord.
Believing is not believing in something It's believing on someone and that's the Lord. We are to believe on the promise given to Abraham as mentioned here in Galatians 3:16-22. We are heirs of the promise by faith as Isaac as mentioned in Galatians 4:28.
We are given a promise by God and given faith to believe in that promise.
The invitation goes out to all as mentioned in 1 John 2:2.
Everyone is given the ability to comprehend that light as mentioned in John 1:4-8. "But all will not"
A person has to fall upon that rock and know he needs a savior.
This is where the 10 commandments come into play. The commandments were meant to drive one to Christ. Some from out of darkness and some from dead works.
Part 2 an article from J Vernon Mcgee.
The law was given to Israel but let's set that aside.
You are right in that you say, "The Commandments must be kept" Israel couldn't obtain salvation thru the keeping of the law and neither can we.
Christ came to free us from the curse of the law, that doesn't mean he did away with The Law.
In the old covenant "under the law" there was sacrifices made for sin. Those sacrifices pointed ahead to the only sacrifice that could take away sin AND regenerate the believer by the Spirit. Hebrews 10:3-10.
The old covenant had no power over the incurable heart. The new covenant humbled the sinner and pointed him in the right direction. "CHRIST" Ezekiel 36:26-27. Jeremiah 31:31-33.
The old covenant slew us and is called the ministration of death. Romans 7:5-11. 2 Corinthians 3:6-14.
The new covenant gave mercy. Why mercy? Because no one could keep the law, and no one is able to do so today. Putting ourselves in chains and grinding our teeth while restraining from sin isn't keeping the law. Galatians 2:21.
The commandments given didn't say keep the commandments as best you can.
You're breaking the law in your heart You're still a sinner. There's no sanctification. Christ came to give new birth and a new heart accompanied with mercy and grace.
The second you broke any one of them you were forever lost if there was no sacrifice that could take away sin. Hebrews 10:1-5.
It was the sacrifices that pointed to Christ that made atonement for those sins.
Israel having God in their midst with all the providence showed the world that the heart of man is incurably wicked.
The law showed that there was a need of a savior that could regenerate the believer and give a new heart and life.
The commandments are Holy and was given to a nation that was set apart to show man with God in their midst was nothing like God being "IN" them.
That's what's available today.
Read Galatians 3:10-26.
Perhaps more on this later this weekend God bless."
The Godhead is mentioned in verses like Romans 1:20.
The KJV doesn't have the word trinity, but "Godhead" and uses 'we' and 'us' plural in places even though God is one. Galatians 3:20
Some unfortunately use this as a weapon to attack who God is, so its worth noting that the word Bible isn't in the Bible either, but that doesn't mean it isn't one. The KJV doesn't have the word demons, but that doesn't mean there's no demons. It doesn't have "labor", "encouragement", "suicide", "anxiety", "honor", but they are still real and true subjects discussed within. So for any onlookers with questionable motives in their heart, this busts one of the most common strawman arguments dishonestly made against God.
God bless.
The means by way we enter the Kingdom is one way. And that was preached to all ages starting in Genesis 3:15. And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
It also was preached to Abraham.
Galatians 3:8.
Flesh and blood shall not inherit the kingdom, You have to be born again.
In the old testament teachings they was to look for a savior to come. All the services was a foreshadow of Christ. In the new testament teachings we look back and believe on him has come.
There's one way.
God bless.