Neither of the two Scripture tell you how to be saved, (born again) John 3:16, or Galatians 5. 1st Corinthians 15:1-4 tell us how to be saved during the age of grace. This is the Apostle Paul's Gospel, given to him by the Lord Jesus Christ to preach to the Gentiles. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:"
John 3:16 tells us who Jesus was and what He accomplished, that whoever believes IN Him, shall not perish, but rather have everlasting life. Believing IN means putting your trust IN Jesus, His death and Resurrection, just Jesus ALONE, not Jesus PLUS other requirements.
Galatians 5 talks about those "other requirements" that weigh people down in bondage. "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." Gal 5:1. Read the whole chapter.
He was warning them about Judiazers, that were telling believers that they had to keep the Mosaic Law. Paul was telling them that they don't have to keep the Mosaic Law, be circumcised or baptized or give to the church or go to church or ANYTHING added to saving faith in Jesus.
Grace alone by Faith alone in Christ alone as instructed by The Scripture alone!
What does it mean to inherit the kingdom of God? John 3:16 gives instructions on how to be saved but Galatians 5 gives different requirements to inherit the kingdom of God. Are they talking about the same salvation or is inheriting the kingdom of God different than salvation?
Fornication, in the Bible, is not just pre-marital sex, but any type of sexual behaviour that is outside of marriage. So the teaching from Jesus, the Apostles & all of Scripture is that any sexual activity outside the bounds of marriage is sin before God as sex was made for the enjoyment & bringing forth of a new life within the sanctity of marriage. In any other situation, it becomes an abuse of God's design & therefore, sin.
Some Scriptures for you to share: Matthew 15:19,20: all sin (some listed here), first starts in the heart of man & when it is conceived there, it brings forth sin & sin ultimately ends in death & judgement.
Romans 1:27-32: speaks of homosexuality & all manner sin that God let men loose to perform because of their wickedness & ultimately will face His Judgement.
1 Corinthians 5:1: the fornication of a son having sexual relations with his step-mother.
1 Corinthians 6:13: our bodies were made to serve God not to serve the flesh (sensuality & abominable acts).
1 Corinthians 6:18: fornication is sin against one's own body. He or she abuses the privilege of an act within marriage by disregarding its special position in committed love & as a gift of God.
1 Corinthians 10:8: 23,000 people were judged & destroyed by God because of their fornication.
Galatians 5:19-21: lists the works of the flesh; all who engage in these sins will never enter God's Presence.
Jude 7: the example of Sodom & Gomorrah is given where many were given over to fornication, homosexuality & other sins & were destroyed by God.
These are a few pertinent Scriptures for you to use, but if you're talking to an atheist who doesn't even believe in the existence of God, you would need to tell him/her about the reality of God through Creation, His sustaining of the worlds in space, His creation of humans with all their biological intricacies, His Love for all but judgement to those who spurn His Love & live selfish, sinful lives. We were made to find pleasure in God - not in sin.
What was the Judaizers message? Circumcision was the 'big thing' ( Gal 5): one could never be a true Christian unless he was first circumcised. They also needed to adhere to the various rites & ceremonies as prescribed by Law ( Gal 4:9,10).
Thirdly, with the above in mind (the limitations & brevity of the Law and to be warned about wrong teaching entering in), Paul then asks, "Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?" ( Gal 3:2). Did the Law, whether found in the 10 Commandments or in the strict observance of religious days, events, sacrifices or ceremonies, ever minister to them the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus? With the limitations of the Law & by its design & expiry date, why would a believer ever appeal to that faded Law when the Life-giving Spirit because of Jesus Christ, was their possession: from the Spirit Who speaks & ministers to the heart & not by the letter of the Law? ( Romans 7:6; 2 Corinthians 3:6).
You ask: "What then is the overall message we need to hear and understand?" The pressing message from the apostle is clearly in Galatians 5:1: "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage". Though most of us don't have a Jewish heritage hanging over us, yet how many other believers still want to appeal to the Law (maybe not as the Judaizers did), but certainly when it comes to the strict adherence to each Law, even the Sabbath in particular, lest they fail from the Grace of God. If that were the case, then as Paul would say in Romans 11:6: "And if by grace, then is it no more of works (conforming to the Law): otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work."
What a life & a liberty that Jesus has gained for us - yet so many Christians today desire to place a yoke of bondage upon us thereby weakening or negating the liberty we have through faith only, in Jesus.
The principle to remember is that " A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." Galatians 5:9 How much error/leaven must you know, to know truth? None. While God exposes the leaven as opposition to himself, he always exhorts us to reject it at the slightest appearance.
"After all, they are inspired by God to some extent too right?" Your assumption is not "after all", but inspite of all known revelation. That is, clearly God has spoken to the world through his revelation of himself in the middle east. To want something other/more is to slight the importance he "has" revealed.
American Treasury agents are given genuine currency to study carefully, and thereby, they have the ability to better detect counterfit currency.
Emily Abrams, Spencer is right. You can only be confident in your own relationship/experience with God, and other people in theirs. If you trust Christ to have paid for all your sins, what's left? It is hard for a sinner to accept the grace of God, that is, you do nothing to earn salvation, but you are led of God's spirit to love him in return by yielding to his leading you to make good choices. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance(self control): against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22&23 For as long as a believer is on this Earth, their character is being changed to a likeness of Christ. The more often you cooperate, the farther you go in the changes, despite the old nature which you will not lose until the body dies.
More often than not, believers can point to a time where God made himself known to them as their Savior. Something like a before and after situation. The title of savior becomes something more than just a teaching, but very personal, to you for you, forever.
This is why it is so important to read our bible KJV on a daily basis, starting with the NT, because when we read the bible, it brings forth a message of mercy, love, joy, peace, longsuffering, and so on, these are the fruits of the Spirit, this is some of the messaging that you should hear when listening to anyone, let alone a so called prophet, if you don't, don't follow him. not promoting anyone, but I like to listen to Billy Graham on y tube on a regular basis, he was a man that would quote scripture and then go on to explain it in a very simple way. Galatians chapter 5 is a good read where Paul explains the fruits of the flesh and the fruits of the Spirit, that should help answer your question, but read the entire NT. I hope this helps you in your journey
1 John 4:1 "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."
Galatians 5:17 "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would."
Our Salvation is paid for us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ on the cross, and all we need to do is repent, and believe, (Faith) and live a Godly life, knowing that when we fail, and we all do, we need to ask for forgiveness in prayer on a daily basis, and also give thanks for all the blessing we also receive on a daily basis.
In Galatians, chapter 5 Paul explains the fruits of the flesh and the fruits of the Spirit, I pray this helps,
1 John 1:7 "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."
1 John Chapter 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith.
Galatians 5:16 "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."
17; "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would."
Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,"
Galatians 5:23 "Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
To know that your experience of re-birth by God's Spirit is real, is found in the testimony from God's Word & by the witness of His Spirit to your heart.
There are many Scriptures that tell us, what God has done in a truly repentant, confessing sinner, is a declaration by God. And if God has said it (through His Word), then He cannot lie & He is faithful to perform it in your life. Look at: John 3:16; 1 John 1:9; 2 Peter 3:9; Acts 2:38; Luke 15:10; 1 John 5:4; 1 John 2:29 are just a few.
Not only from God's Word that He wants all to repent & turn to Him, but also His Spirit witnesses to our hearts:
Romans 8:16; Galatians 5:17,22; 1 Corinthians 12:7 ff; 1 Corinthians 2:14 are some for you to consider.
So these verses declare God's ministry to us to assure our hearts that we belong to Him, i.e. we have been born again by His Spirit. But for each of us, the Spirit's ministry can be specific & special. One may see God doing mighty things through him that blesses many. Others, can have a quiet confidence in the promises of God & willing & able to share with others what God has done in him. But in all cases, the indwelling Spirit is there to assure you, comfort you, direct you, teach you & give you a hope for the future, which an unbeliever simply cannot have & enjoy.
Sometimes, the initial reception of the Spirit can be quite dramatic, whether in outward manifestations or an inward contrition & resulting joy in salvation. If you've had that experience, be assured of His Presence in you. If you've been baptized in water, here is another great testimony of an inward response to God's Work in you. But if you're feeling empty & no different from when you were unsaved, then you need to examine yourself whether you have come to God in the way that God has prescribed or to check whether you are harbouring any sin that stops His Spirit from fully working in you. I can't know all about you from where I am - you will have to search your heart & life & be honest with God.
f. Jesus' time of suffering & death came, but also His glorious resurrection, that through this Divine Act of God to redeem ALL men to Himself, both Jew & Gentile would now be acceptable to Him through faith in the efficacy of the shed Blood. Was the Sabbath & the Law still current for the Jew? As long as they lived according to the requirements of the Law, they had to abide by it & were judged by it; if they failed in one part of the given Law, they had failed in all ( Galatians 5:3, Romans 2:13, James 2:10). When the Jew put aside the Law as necessary for salvation, then the application of the Cross became real: that which was based on faith & promise, & not on the letter that only served to reveal him his sin & to draw him to Christ ( Galatians 3:24).
g. So why then is the keeping of the Sabbath still necessary? For the Jew without Christ, it remains a day of rest, as an act of obedience to God, & using that occasion for religious exercises. For the Jew & Gentile who is now "in Christ", the Sabbath, as all other Laws, have no binding, other than the importance of setting a Rest Day aside from our labours, & the Laws that reveal God's Mind & Purpose for both religious & social responsibility. If one, whether Jew, Gentile or Christian, chose to keep any of the Laws, including Sabbath, then they were bound to keep it & the whole Law - there's no option to pick & choose. And by keeping the Law to justify ourselves before God, even one Law, then precludes us from the Grace of God through Christ, because that is diametrically opposed to the meaning of the Law ( Galatians 5:4).
By the grace Of the Lord Jesus Christ - In Reply on 1 Peter 5 - 4 years ago
Remember this
Galatians 5:24
"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts."
Last but not least, always remember
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
"[1] Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; [2] By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. [3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; [4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:"
The more you lean on God's Grace and follow after the Spirit you shall not have fulfill those fleshy lust.
Galatians 5:16-19
"1[6] This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. [17] For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. [18] But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. [19] Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,"
By the Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ and power, might, and domain be with you.
AND THAT IS NOT THE KIND OF LOVE WE CAN GENERATE ON OUR OWN, ITS A FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT. ITS AGAPE. In Galatians 5:13-26, it uses some of the same language, and it identify the source be hind each action weather you exhibit that attitude or not, one is the flesh and the other is the spirit. a must read when studying in this area. The verse is telling us how to treat one another, it dont say exalt one another or disparage one another, it teaches egalitarian. to take on the same attitude Christ did when he took on the form of a servant. in the washing of feet Jesus says; Ye call me Master and Lord: and you say well; for so I am. if I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. for i have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you... Thank you.
My understanding: the Sabbath was created as a day of rest for Israel ( Exodus 31:12-17), just as the Lord rested from His creative Work. This fourth commandment was blessed by God & sanctified (made holy) long before He gave it as a direct commandment to the children of Israel. It was a day of complete rest (cessation from the activity that occupied the other six days) & a day devoted to God. The other important sign given to Israel to set them apart from all other nations, was the act of circumcision. Both were for Israel only.
From the time of Israel's exodus out of Egypt, they learned which day was the actual Sabbath: Exodus 16:25-27, when they found no manna on the ground on that day. Ever since then, the count was on: 6 days work - 1 day rest, right up to the time of Jesus when He observed the same Sabbath, indeed He did 'work' in it, saying that the Sabbath was created for man & not the other way around.
So the Sabbath was a specific day of rest for the Jews. And it could fall on that day as well, or any other day, for non-Jews. The important point was that man took the day off to cease from his labours for both physical & spiritual recuperation. Where this observance becomes a problem for Christians, is the compulsion by some that we too are bound to a Jewish Saturday Sabbath, & by extension, full obedience to the Law, which none could keep. This Law was not a sign to Christians but to the Jew who was under the Law. Hear what Paul says pertaining to the Law & the Christian: Romans 3:19-22; Galatians 3:21-25; Galatians 4:21-26; Galatians 5:16-18.
If the Christian then sets aside Sunday, the Lord's Day ( Revelation 1:10) as a day of rest & worship, he fulfils the need for both. If he chooses any other day as a rest day, does it matter to the Lord? Colossians 2:16,17. If one believes that the keeping of the Sabbath does matter to the Lord, then he shows a misunderstanding of the Law engraven in stones & the Law of the Life-giving Spirit ( Romans 8:2).
1 John 3:5: "And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin."
Verses, as the above, or where we read that Jesus has removed our sins, etc. primarily show us that Jesus' coming & shedding of His Blood, was God's basis to be able to forgive us our sins, Hebrews 9:22. Without Jesus' death & resurrection, payment for sin, hence forgiveness of sin, could never be made. So, in "taking away our sins", it's implied that we're forgiven both at the time of our coming to Christ for salvation & in our on-going experience in our Christian walk. The efficacy of His Blood is available to all who come with their sin, confessing to God.
Being born again of the Spirit, doesn't remove the fact that we're still in bodies of flesh, corrupted by sin. The purpose of the Spirit's Work is to reside in the believer & transform his spirit from one given to sin to one given to holy living. Does this make us sinless & unable to sin? Never. The only way that could happen is if God, in the process of transforming our spirits also gave us new bodies untainted by sin, as in the pre-Fall days. While in this "body of death", temptation to sin will always be at our door - we will always be engaged in war between the spirit & the flesh, Galatians 5:16,17. And at times, we will lose the battle, but thanks be to God Who forgives us & gives us victory through His Son. Our only escape from sin's pull on us is through our death or translation.
Thank you Gary for that great & accurate declaration of a believer's condition & standing before God.
Galatians 5:16-18: "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law."
The war continually rages between our renewed (born again) spirits & the appeal of carnal flesh. Many just give up & submit to the flesh & continue to do so, erroneously believing that "my salvation & eternity are secure through this great transaction".
Romans 8:8-10: "So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 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. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness."
The Word is clear: as those born again from above, we live according to direction & power of the Holy Spirit & not inclined towards the appeal of the flesh. Though our bodies are corrupt & decaying because of the effects of sin, one day they too will be renewed in that great Translation Day, in which both spirit & the incorruptible body will be taken away to enjoy eternity with the LORD & His Christ.
Yes, Paul struggled with the pull by the spirit & the flesh, & he called it "a war" between his members (Romans chapter 7). If you were referring to the same brother as I'm thinking of, he also said that Paul's struggle happened when he was still bound in his old nature (as an unregenerate Jew), not having Christ's Spirit. But that chapter doesn't suggest that at all, showing the struggle that exists, indeed must be real & constant, in every believer who is still on this Earth & having the Spirit of Christ in him. Saved sinners are not exempt.
Sometimes I wonder if those asking questions are forgetting that the Holy Spirit is the TEACHER of all born again people. You are to cross check everything with Holy Spirit. Learn how to discern Fruit. Bad fruit is stinking doctrine. Be strong enough to say: you are wrong.
Matthew 7:16 - Ye shall know them by their FRUITS. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
2 Timothy 4:3
For the TIME WILL COME when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own LUSTS shall they (you) heap to themselves teachers: having itching ears.
Hebrews 5:12
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
2 Peter 2:1
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
Titus 2:3
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Romans 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them WHICH CAUSE divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and AVOID them.
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ
Galatians 5:22-23
But the FRUIT of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
The Greek, pharmakeia, can also denote the casting of 'spells or incantations', along with as you mentioned, use of drugs as part of witchcraft & sorceries. Brother Mishael might be able to enlighten us if there is any history of such use of drugs/potions, whether in olden or modern days that he has learned. I wonder what they used, or concocted, to bring on their desired outcomes.
In classical Greek pharmakeia referred to the use of drugs whether for medicinal or more sinister purposes, e.g., poisoning. In the New Testament, however, it is invariably associated with the occult, both in Galatians [5:20] and in Revelation, where it occurs twice ( Rev 9:21; 18:23). English translations usually render pharmakeia as "witchcraft" (KJV, NIV) or "sorcery" (RSV, NEB). These words correctly convey the idea of black magic and demonic control, but they miss the more basic meaning of drug use. In New Testament times pharmakeia in fact denoted the use of drugs with occult properties for a variety of purposes including, especially, abortion.
What Adam has written is quite correct: it is the Holy Spirit Who takes up residence in those born again by Him. What you describe (taken from another source I guess), as God's Kingdom in us growing to bring us to maturity, is actually God's Spirit Who is doing the work of bringing us into deeper sanctification & maturing into Christ-likeness. The "battle that rages" within is that of the old carnal nature that is at war with the new nature from God. That is why the Apostle Paul said to "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would." ( Galatians 5:16,17). And in verse 24, "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." So there is nothing to suggest God's Kingdom getting bigger in us, rather that we have determined to put aside sin & not obey its enticements - not allowing the carnal nature to control us, but God's Spirit given full control.
Now, there is a Scripture that some could use to support their errant belief: Luke 17:21, "Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." The Greek word for 'within' is 'entos' which can mean 'within or among'. Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees who certainly did not recognize nor accept Jesus as Messiah, so the meaning of 'within' wouldn't apply as they were certainly not holy vessels for God to come upon or within. I believe Jesus was speaking about Himself Who was already 'within their midst/amongst them' & they couldn't see Him because of their blindness & hardness of their hearts.
So when we allow the Holy Spirit to have more of our lives by being moved by Him rather than by our carnal flesh, then in truth, God's Spirit will delight to reign in His children & we shall see God's Hand move in wonderful ways in our lives. 2 Corinthians 6:16.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. ( Ephesians 2:8-10)
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. ( Titus 2:13-14)
We know that grace through faith in Jesus Christ saves us, but also we are saved unto good works. So it's a matter of a proper order of first becoming a child of God and then walking worthy in obedience to God's will.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. ( Matthew 7:18-20)
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. ( 1 Corinthians 3:11-15)
The Church is the Body of Jesus Christ which is made up of sons and daughters of God. Those who are led by the Spirit of God are the Sons of God. The word "churches" we use today is just the places Christian people come together at certain times. Further, these groups have different ideas, then we call them "denominations". Church-buildings and denominations are not in the Bible and are not important.
What is important is to hear the Gospel, have faith to believe, repent of our sin, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and get the Holy Spirit. That is all.
All souls belong to God . We all have a purpose in life . We all were created by God . He wants all souls to be SAVED, and all can be if they follow his word. It tells us how to live , what to do , what not to do . How to look for a help meet in life a companion. We're not to just take anyone to be our husband or wife . God has guidelines for us all to follow.
He told us to seek the kingdom of God first and then all these things would added unto us. God also tells us to be patient . Wait on him. God never fails he's alway true and faithful . Its people who let Hid down by not trusting in his word and living his word , not just saying your a Christian, but actually living it out the Bible way .
Yes we can all live it . God said in Several Chapters Go an sin No more . Would God tell us to Not sin if we couldn't do it by his help and Grace? No, he wouldn't . John 3 ch. John 8 ch. , John 5 ch. Romans 6:1-2Romans 3:23-251 John 3:1-11 all these and there's more . We all need to be ready when the Lord comes back . Oh what a day of Rejoicing it will truly be fir his Saints .the really saved . Not just say I am when not. Can't go to Heaven with any type of sin in your life at all. None of us . 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 , Galatians 5:16-21.Gid came to show us the way he wants all Souls to be Saved Ezekiel 18:4. If we put God First he will give us also the desires of our heart to . But , we need to very careful what we ask for to have .It can hinder you in walking with God daily or even cause you to go astray from God and never get back .
If you Seek the kingdom of God First Let God Know you truly want to live for him and do as his word tells us and do it from the Heart . Let God know your willing to do it his way . Get o. Your knees and ask for forgiveness , if you've sinned . Truly Repent and to never go back to sin . God will bless your life . Genesis 2:18
"And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him."
John 3:16 tells us who Jesus was and what He accomplished, that whoever believes IN Him, shall not perish, but rather have everlasting life. Believing IN means putting your trust IN Jesus, His death and Resurrection, just Jesus ALONE, not Jesus PLUS other requirements.
Galatians 5 talks about those "other requirements" that weigh people down in bondage. "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." Gal 5:1. Read the whole chapter.
He was warning them about Judiazers, that were telling believers that they had to keep the Mosaic Law. Paul was telling them that they don't have to keep the Mosaic Law, be circumcised or baptized or give to the church or go to church or ANYTHING added to saving faith in Jesus.
Grace alone by Faith alone in Christ alone as instructed by The Scripture alone!
Some Scriptures for you to share: Matthew 15:19,20: all sin (some listed here), first starts in the heart of man & when it is conceived there, it brings forth sin & sin ultimately ends in death & judgement.
Romans 1:27-32: speaks of homosexuality & all manner sin that God let men loose to perform because of their wickedness & ultimately will face His Judgement.
1 Corinthians 5:1: the fornication of a son having sexual relations with his step-mother.
1 Corinthians 6:13: our bodies were made to serve God not to serve the flesh (sensuality & abominable acts).
1 Corinthians 6:18: fornication is sin against one's own body. He or she abuses the privilege of an act within marriage by disregarding its special position in committed love & as a gift of God.
1 Corinthians 10:8: 23,000 people were judged & destroyed by God because of their fornication.
Galatians 5:19-21: lists the works of the flesh; all who engage in these sins will never enter God's Presence.
Jude 7: the example of Sodom & Gomorrah is given where many were given over to fornication, homosexuality & other sins & were destroyed by God.
These are a few pertinent Scriptures for you to use, but if you're talking to an atheist who doesn't even believe in the existence of God, you would need to tell him/her about the reality of God through Creation, His sustaining of the worlds in space, His creation of humans with all their biological intricacies, His Love for all but judgement to those who spurn His Love & live selfish, sinful lives. We were made to find pleasure in God - not in sin.
What was the Judaizers message? Circumcision was the 'big thing' ( Gal 5): one could never be a true Christian unless he was first circumcised. They also needed to adhere to the various rites & ceremonies as prescribed by Law ( Gal 4:9,10).
Thirdly, with the above in mind (the limitations & brevity of the Law and to be warned about wrong teaching entering in), Paul then asks, "Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?" ( Gal 3:2). Did the Law, whether found in the 10 Commandments or in the strict observance of religious days, events, sacrifices or ceremonies, ever minister to them the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus? With the limitations of the Law & by its design & expiry date, why would a believer ever appeal to that faded Law when the Life-giving Spirit because of Jesus Christ, was their possession: from the Spirit Who speaks & ministers to the heart & not by the letter of the Law? ( Romans 7:6; 2 Corinthians 3:6).
You ask: "What then is the overall message we need to hear and understand?" The pressing message from the apostle is clearly in Galatians 5:1: "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage". Though most of us don't have a Jewish heritage hanging over us, yet how many other believers still want to appeal to the Law (maybe not as the Judaizers did), but certainly when it comes to the strict adherence to each Law, even the Sabbath in particular, lest they fail from the Grace of God. If that were the case, then as Paul would say in Romans 11:6: "And if by grace, then is it no more of works (conforming to the Law): otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work."
What a life & a liberty that Jesus has gained for us - yet so many Christians today desire to place a yoke of bondage upon us thereby weakening or negating the liberty we have through faith only, in Jesus.
The principle to remember is that " A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." Galatians 5:9 How much error/leaven must you know, to know truth? None. While God exposes the leaven as opposition to himself, he always exhorts us to reject it at the slightest appearance.
"After all, they are inspired by God to some extent too right?" Your assumption is not "after all", but inspite of all known revelation. That is, clearly God has spoken to the world through his revelation of himself in the middle east. To want something other/more is to slight the importance he "has" revealed.
American Treasury agents are given genuine currency to study carefully, and thereby, they have the ability to better detect counterfit currency.
More often than not, believers can point to a time where God made himself known to them as their Savior. Something like a before and after situation. The title of savior becomes something more than just a teaching, but very personal, to you for you, forever.
1 John 4:1 "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."
Galatians 5:17 "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would."
In Galatians, chapter 5 Paul explains the fruits of the flesh and the fruits of the Spirit, I pray this helps,
1 John 1:7 "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."
1 John Chapter 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith.
Galatians 5:16 "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."
17; "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would."
Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,"
Galatians 5:23 "Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
There are many Scriptures that tell us, what God has done in a truly repentant, confessing sinner, is a declaration by God. And if God has said it (through His Word), then He cannot lie & He is faithful to perform it in your life. Look at: John 3:16; 1 John 1:9; 2 Peter 3:9; Acts 2:38; Luke 15:10; 1 John 5:4; 1 John 2:29 are just a few.
Not only from God's Word that He wants all to repent & turn to Him, but also His Spirit witnesses to our hearts:
Romans 8:16; Galatians 5:17,22; 1 Corinthians 12:7 ff; 1 Corinthians 2:14 are some for you to consider.
So these verses declare God's ministry to us to assure our hearts that we belong to Him, i.e. we have been born again by His Spirit. But for each of us, the Spirit's ministry can be specific & special. One may see God doing mighty things through him that blesses many. Others, can have a quiet confidence in the promises of God & willing & able to share with others what God has done in him. But in all cases, the indwelling Spirit is there to assure you, comfort you, direct you, teach you & give you a hope for the future, which an unbeliever simply cannot have & enjoy.
Sometimes, the initial reception of the Spirit can be quite dramatic, whether in outward manifestations or an inward contrition & resulting joy in salvation. If you've had that experience, be assured of His Presence in you. If you've been baptized in water, here is another great testimony of an inward response to God's Work in you. But if you're feeling empty & no different from when you were unsaved, then you need to examine yourself whether you have come to God in the way that God has prescribed or to check whether you are harbouring any sin that stops His Spirit from fully working in you. I can't know all about you from where I am - you will have to search your heart & life & be honest with God.
f. Jesus' time of suffering & death came, but also His glorious resurrection, that through this Divine Act of God to redeem ALL men to Himself, both Jew & Gentile would now be acceptable to Him through faith in the efficacy of the shed Blood. Was the Sabbath & the Law still current for the Jew? As long as they lived according to the requirements of the Law, they had to abide by it & were judged by it; if they failed in one part of the given Law, they had failed in all ( Galatians 5:3, Romans 2:13, James 2:10). When the Jew put aside the Law as necessary for salvation, then the application of the Cross became real: that which was based on faith & promise, & not on the letter that only served to reveal him his sin & to draw him to Christ ( Galatians 3:24).
g. So why then is the keeping of the Sabbath still necessary? For the Jew without Christ, it remains a day of rest, as an act of obedience to God, & using that occasion for religious exercises. For the Jew & Gentile who is now "in Christ", the Sabbath, as all other Laws, have no binding, other than the importance of setting a Rest Day aside from our labours, & the Laws that reveal God's Mind & Purpose for both religious & social responsibility. If one, whether Jew, Gentile or Christian, chose to keep any of the Laws, including Sabbath, then they were bound to keep it & the whole Law - there's no option to pick & choose. And by keeping the Law to justify ourselves before God, even one Law, then precludes us from the Grace of God through Christ, because that is diametrically opposed to the meaning of the Law ( Galatians 5:4).
Galatians 5:24
"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts."
Last but not least, always remember
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
"[1] Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; [2] By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. [3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; [4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:"
The more you lean on God's Grace and follow after the Spirit you shall not have fulfill those fleshy lust.
Galatians 5:16-19
"1[6] This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. [17] For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. [18] But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. [19] Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,"
By the Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ and power, might, and domain be with you.
From the time of Israel's exodus out of Egypt, they learned which day was the actual Sabbath: Exodus 16:25-27, when they found no manna on the ground on that day. Ever since then, the count was on: 6 days work - 1 day rest, right up to the time of Jesus when He observed the same Sabbath, indeed He did 'work' in it, saying that the Sabbath was created for man & not the other way around.
So the Sabbath was a specific day of rest for the Jews. And it could fall on that day as well, or any other day, for non-Jews. The important point was that man took the day off to cease from his labours for both physical & spiritual recuperation. Where this observance becomes a problem for Christians, is the compulsion by some that we too are bound to a Jewish Saturday Sabbath, & by extension, full obedience to the Law, which none could keep. This Law was not a sign to Christians but to the Jew who was under the Law. Hear what Paul says pertaining to the Law & the Christian: Romans 3:19-22; Galatians 3:21-25; Galatians 4:21-26; Galatians 5:16-18.
If the Christian then sets aside Sunday, the Lord's Day ( Revelation 1:10) as a day of rest & worship, he fulfils the need for both. If he chooses any other day as a rest day, does it matter to the Lord? Colossians 2:16,17. If one believes that the keeping of the Sabbath does matter to the Lord, then he shows a misunderstanding of the Law engraven in stones & the Law of the Life-giving Spirit ( Romans 8:2).
Verses, as the above, or where we read that Jesus has removed our sins, etc. primarily show us that Jesus' coming & shedding of His Blood, was God's basis to be able to forgive us our sins, Hebrews 9:22. Without Jesus' death & resurrection, payment for sin, hence forgiveness of sin, could never be made. So, in "taking away our sins", it's implied that we're forgiven both at the time of our coming to Christ for salvation & in our on-going experience in our Christian walk. The efficacy of His Blood is available to all who come with their sin, confessing to God.
Being born again of the Spirit, doesn't remove the fact that we're still in bodies of flesh, corrupted by sin. The purpose of the Spirit's Work is to reside in the believer & transform his spirit from one given to sin to one given to holy living. Does this make us sinless & unable to sin? Never. The only way that could happen is if God, in the process of transforming our spirits also gave us new bodies untainted by sin, as in the pre-Fall days. While in this "body of death", temptation to sin will always be at our door - we will always be engaged in war between the spirit & the flesh, Galatians 5:16,17. And at times, we will lose the battle, but thanks be to God Who forgives us & gives us victory through His Son. Our only escape from sin's pull on us is through our death or translation.
Galatians 5:16-18: "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law."
The war continually rages between our renewed (born again) spirits & the appeal of carnal flesh. Many just give up & submit to the flesh & continue to do so, erroneously believing that "my salvation & eternity are secure through this great transaction".
Romans 8:8-10: "So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 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. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness."
The Word is clear: as those born again from above, we live according to direction & power of the Holy Spirit & not inclined towards the appeal of the flesh. Though our bodies are corrupt & decaying because of the effects of sin, one day they too will be renewed in that great Translation Day, in which both spirit & the incorruptible body will be taken away to enjoy eternity with the LORD & His Christ.
Yes, Paul struggled with the pull by the spirit & the flesh, & he called it "a war" between his members (Romans chapter 7). If you were referring to the same brother as I'm thinking of, he also said that Paul's struggle happened when he was still bound in his old nature (as an unregenerate Jew), not having Christ's Spirit. But that chapter doesn't suggest that at all, showing the struggle that exists, indeed must be real & constant, in every believer who is still on this Earth & having the Spirit of Christ in him. Saved sinners are not exempt.
Matthew 7:16 - Ye shall know them by their FRUITS. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
2 Timothy 4:3
For the TIME WILL COME when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own LUSTS shall they (you) heap to themselves teachers: having itching ears.
Hebrews 5:12
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
2 Peter 2:1
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
Titus 2:3
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Romans 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them WHICH CAUSE divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and AVOID them.
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ
Galatians 5:22-23
But the FRUIT of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Mishael
-Rebecca_
Now, there is a Scripture that some could use to support their errant belief: Luke 17:21, "Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." The Greek word for 'within' is 'entos' which can mean 'within or among'. Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees who certainly did not recognize nor accept Jesus as Messiah, so the meaning of 'within' wouldn't apply as they were certainly not holy vessels for God to come upon or within. I believe Jesus was speaking about Himself Who was already 'within their midst/amongst them' & they couldn't see Him because of their blindness & hardness of their hearts.
So when we allow the Holy Spirit to have more of our lives by being moved by Him rather than by our carnal flesh, then in truth, God's Spirit will delight to reign in His children & we shall see God's Hand move in wonderful ways in our lives. 2 Corinthians 6:16.
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. ( Titus 2:13-14)
We know that grace through faith in Jesus Christ saves us, but also we are saved unto good works. So it's a matter of a proper order of first becoming a child of God and then walking worthy in obedience to God's will.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. ( Matthew 7:18-20)
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. ( 1 Corinthians 3:11-15)
The Church is the Body of Jesus Christ which is made up of sons and daughters of God. Those who are led by the Spirit of God are the Sons of God. The word "churches" we use today is just the places Christian people come together at certain times. Further, these groups have different ideas, then we call them "denominations". Church-buildings and denominations are not in the Bible and are not important.
What is important is to hear the Gospel, have faith to believe, repent of our sin, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and get the Holy Spirit. That is all.
Peace in Christ
He told us to seek the kingdom of God first and then all these things would added unto us. God also tells us to be patient . Wait on him. God never fails he's alway true and faithful . Its people who let Hid down by not trusting in his word and living his word , not just saying your a Christian, but actually living it out the Bible way .
Yes we can all live it . God said in Several Chapters Go an sin No more . Would God tell us to Not sin if we couldn't do it by his help and Grace? No, he wouldn't . John 3 ch. John 8 ch. , John 5 ch. Romans 6:1-2 Romans 3:23-25 1 John 3:1-11 all these and there's more . We all need to be ready when the Lord comes back . Oh what a day of Rejoicing it will truly be fir his Saints .the really saved . Not just say I am when not. Can't go to Heaven with any type of sin in your life at all. None of us . 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 , Galatians 5:16-21.Gid came to show us the way he wants all Souls to be Saved Ezekiel 18:4. If we put God First he will give us also the desires of our heart to . But , we need to very careful what we ask for to have .It can hinder you in walking with God daily or even cause you to go astray from God and never get back .
If you Seek the kingdom of God First Let God Know you truly want to live for him and do as his word tells us and do it from the Heart . Let God know your willing to do it his way . Get o. Your knees and ask for forgiveness , if you've sinned . Truly Repent and to never go back to sin . God will bless your life . Genesis 2:18
"And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him."