Hebrews 2:7 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 1 John 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
It means the days of creation are described in phases for our understanding and they're not actual days. God is not bound by time and therefore creation took no time, hence he completed creation as he spoke it. Hebrews 4 points to the fact that we still exist in the 6th day, just as the children of Israel still existed in the 6th day in the Psalm reference, and as believers we enter his rest (7th day) by faith, whereas the Israelites did not enter into his rest due to unbelief. In Psalms, Hebrews and on THIS day, the day of rest which was already completed by God is still in our future, and from our standpoint, the creation of man into God's image, is still a work in progress. Digest what the Spirit is saying.
Jesus, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit all exhibit the uniqueness attributable only to God, even though each is somehow spoken of as separate from God. God is Triune and therefore difficult for humans to understand. Humans also have divisions that are not easily understandable, although not separate entities like the Trinity of God. We have spirits, souls, and bodies, and they 3 are one, as we see in 1 John 5:
1 John 5:8
And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
Another reference to the divisions in men is found in Hebrews 4:
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Another example can be gleaned from Romans 7:
14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
Thank you David. You wrote: "how are we born dead in trespasses and sins before being born again of holy spirit." I tried finding this reference in the Bible & the best I could do, was in Ephesians 2:1, "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins." Maybe you have another verse that you're thinking of, so I'd be interested to look at that.
So, using my Ephesians 2:1 verse, I understand that Paul is saying that after sin was imputed to us (through committing the first act), then we died spiritually. Physically alive, but spiritually dead - but God, through His Son, has quickened (enlivened) us, that our spirits might become alive God-wards & not dead, once upon a time having our spirits inclined only towards evil. So, I can't see where we are "BORN dead in trespasses & sins" - I believe that we can only die spiritually after we sin & its imputation to us & not at birth.
Re: "body, soul, & spirit". As I shared in another thread, this triunity of man is given us in the womb - though obviously undeveloped & without expression. I don't understand if you're stating that before our spiritual re-birth, we had only a body & 'breath life soul', without a spirit? Maybe, you're equating the arrival of our spirit only upon the onset of our spiritual rebirth. I could in a small way understand what you're saying (if that's what you're inferring), except for the volume of Scriptures indicating that a human (whatever his spiritual state) must have a human spirit to be alive.
I think these Scriptures reveal what I believe: Haggai 1:14; Job 32:8; Ecclesiastes 12:7; Proverbs 20:27; Zechariah 12:1; 1 Corinthians 2:11; Hebrews 4:12; James 2:26. I've picked a few verses specifically showing the evidence of a human spirit well before ever being touched by God's Spirit. If our spirits are untouched by God's Spirit (i.e. without rebirth), we remain spiritually dead towards God, but humanly alive & our spirits accountable to Him in that coming day.
Imagine; if you can the God of the Universe and beyond time itself humbled to live; breathe and die as a man. He truly suffered as our High Priest; but didn't sin. ( 1 Peter 4:1-2; Hebrews 4:14-16). He was able to know the hearts of all men; hence didn't need to analyze whether they would be responsive or not to the Word and therefore spoke things in light of that based on whoever He was addressing. However; specific rebuke toward individuals was focused on His Disciples; most notably Peter with the famous statement "get behind me Satan." ( Matthew 16:23; Mark 8:33). This was shortly after His statement that Peter's understanding of His being the Son of God was only revealed from God ( Matthew 16:17). There was no misunderstanding in the demon world when they were cast out as to who Christ was. He therefore was operating in the Spirit realm; and based all His conversations and actions on those efforts.
There are unsaid things as well. When the deaf and dumb demon was cast out; Jesus told His disciples in the midst of others that prayer and fasting were necessary to carry out that particular deliverance ( Matthew 17:19-21). This would indicate Christ's preparation for that event along with other times He had reasons to be up well before dawn and late at night with prayer. Knowledge was not necessary but reliance on the Holy Spirit above; and trust in God throughout the process. Since He is our High Priest; he willingly gave up doing anything in His own Divinity so He could be an example of how we are to live trusting entirely on God in our limited state. He still needs to be seen because of having the "Spirit without measure" ( John 3:34). Not acting is as much an example of God's character as actions; when we see that Christ's Divinity would have allowed access to more than 12 legions of angels; which could undoubtably have destroyed everyone at the crucifixion.
Matthew 4:1, Mark 14:38, Luke 8:55, Luke 11:13, Luke 23:46, Luke 24:39, John 3:5,6, John 4:23,24, John 6:63, John 14:17, 1Corinthians 12:3, 1Corinthians 15:45, Galatians 5:16,17, Galatians 5:22-25, Galatians 6:8, Ephesians 1:17, 1Thessalonians 5:23, James 2:26,
Romans 8, Hebrews 4:12,
Warning, 1Timothy 4:1,
1John 4:1-11, 1John 4,
Hopefully these are helpful in your study of your spirit & flesh; (body)
I think he wept because he was feeling empathy for Lazarus' sisters, Mary and Martha, and others gathered to mourn Lazarus' death. Hebrews 4:15 says that Jesus is our High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses, having experienced suffering on our behalf. Jesus, being God as well as human, understood the sorrow of these people deeply and perfectly, better than anyone ever could.
Scripture tells us the unclean spirits/devils knew He was the Son of God, Matt. 8:29Mark 3:11Luke 8:27-28. Scripture tells us Jesus is the Son of God the only begotten of the Father, John 1:14. Scripture tells us Jesus the Son of God was before this world John 17:52 Timothy 1:9. Scripture tells us Jesus the Son of God was the beginning of creation Rev. 3:1. Scripture tells us everything was created through Him Col. 1:16.
Scripture tells us to confess Jesus is the Son of God, 1 John 4:15. Scripture tells us God gave His only begotten Son, John 3:16. Scripture tells us to believe God gave His only begotten Son, 1 John 5:10. Scripture tells us God was made known in the flesh through His only begotten Son same as creation was through His Son 1 Timothy 3:16Col. 1:16.
Scripture tells us we have salvation and eternal life only in Jesus Christ, John 3:36Acts 4:12Eph. 4:121 Thess. 5:91 John 5:13 Scripture tells us we can only come to the Father through Jesus, John 14:61 Timothy 2:5.
Jesus came to fulfill the law and the prophets and died for our sins, and the only way that could be done is in the flesh, the seed of Abraham, Hebrews 2. He experienced temptation the same as you and me, Luke 4:2Heb 2:18, He had a brain and a will, Luke 22:42 but He was obedient to the Father. We now have a high priest in heaven that lived in this flesh just like us, Hebrews 4:14-16.
Salvation and eternal life only by the grace of God through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Jesus Christ's perfect life in the flesh, His blood shed for us, and His resurrection. We cannot deny the divinity of Jesus, the only begotten Son of God that was before this world, but no creed, doctrine, or statement of faith can be placed above or added to that we must believe to receive salvation and eternal life if scripture does not tell us we must believe. Truth is in the simplicity that is in Christ.
I love this site and the brothers and sisters on it.
The Law was given to Israel. The law given was to convict us of sin.
2 Corinthians 3:6-14.
Galatians 3:11-13.
Romans 7:4-5.
Romans 7:9-10.
Some aspects of the Law such as the Sabbath pointed to Christ work on the Cross that would free us from the curse of the Law. " Death"
Colossians 2:11-17.
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the SABBATH DAYS:
HERE'S. THE KEY IN VERSE 17.
Vs.17) "Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ."
Israel "as a nation" regects Christ work on the cross so as of now the have yet to join in that rest.( Yet they honor the Sabbath!)
Please study Hebrews 4:2-11.
That rest comes after salvation. Not to obtain it.
If one wants to observe the sabbath go ahead, but if you do it to earn salvation you fall in the same unbelief as Israel.
The Galatians was warned of the same thing in Galatians 5:4. "Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace."
Salvation is not for sell its a gift. Ephesians 2:8-9. 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.
There are several reasons someone asks this question. I'd like to address the core of your question. If you're having situations in your life that seem impossible, please remember GOD can do impossible! He "said" & the entire Galaxy came into existence, Genesis 1, the Bible is full of GOD's miraculous compassion, 2Kings 7, notice there was a horrible time with horrible actions, 4 leperous men, (usually cast out away from other's because of it) they were in a seemingly hopeless situation. Yet GOD had already made provision for all the City.
GOD cares for us even more than He does the sparrow. 1Peter 4:12-14, 1Peter 1:7-13, hope to the end. 1Peter 2:19-25,
Psalms 139, Matthew 10:22, endure to the end. Exodus 20:13 "Thou shalt not kill."
With that said, instead seek The Savior,John3:15-16, Jesus Christ understands Luke 22:40-48, Matthew 26:36-39, Hebrews 4:15
John 17, Jesus overcame so we can endure through by His example, Revelation 3:21, Romans 12:21 to live is good. 1John 4:4, John 16:33, Hebrews 2:17,18,
We all have to live our own lives & will give account. Matthew 25:31-46, Romans 14:12,
I hope, if you've suffered such a tragic, sad loss, that GOD gives you comfort.
I pray in either situation. GOD gives you direction, hope, encouragement, faith & comfort. Stay in HIS Word.
Hopefully this is helpful. Please let us know if you need prayer.
Hello Edith. Revelation 1:16 is but one verse within the whole Book of the Revelation given to the Apostle John, to record what he sees ( Revelation 1:19). And what the risen Lord Jesus revealed to him in this verse was a part of how Jesus appeared to him (vv 13-16).
In verse 16, John saw seven stars in Jesus' right Hand. We understand that these stars represented the angels (possibly, the leaders) of the seven Churches (the golden candlesticks) in Asia Minor (Turkey): v 20. These were real assemblies of believers in those seven cities & were precious to the Lord, as is indicated by His position amongst them & having them close to Him (in His right Hand). Yet, as we read in the following chapters, not all of them were pure in His Sight & they would be judged & disciplined. Yet the Lord would persevere with them (as He does with us when we go astray) as He also did with Israel, when the promise was given them, "Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God." ( Isaiah 62:3).
John also saw a sharp two-edged sword proceeding from Jesus' Mouth. This is the primary weapon that Jesus uses to subdue His enemies (maybe at that great final battle). We know that the sword is often used to denote the Word of God ( Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 19:13). And God's Word is Truth - it is pure, it cuts & divides, it converts, it blesses. No enemy, both now & in that final day, will be able to withstand God's Truth. Where they once rejected it, even rejecting God's Word made flesh, they will feel the keenness of the 'blade' & will fall, succumbing to the power of that Word. Even Satan flees when God's Word is brought to bear upon him.
And Jesus' countenance appeared to John as the midday Sun in its zenith. One can imagine John turning away from such Brightness. As we read in Malachi 4:2, "the Sun of righteousness" arises to heal those who fear Him, but will also burn the chaff into ashes of those who do wickedly.
I agree with you that every day should be Holy to Christians, and we should try to walk with Christ each day of our lives.
Please keep in mind that the Sabbath is a GIFT that God gave mankind to show us that he loves us and cares for us. The 7th day Sabbath is primarily for mankind to rest our MIND and BODY, and to reflect on our blessings and have the time to really give thanks, without all of the worldly disruptions. It's a special day, to take a much needed break from our work, and the stress of living in this hectic world. God created us, and he knows our body and mind better than anyone - He created us. You can trust Him!
Mark 2:27
"And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:"
GOD ordained that the Sabbath should be a blessing, and not a burden! I don't understand why so many Christian's today take this Commandment to be a burden.
Hebrews 4:9
"There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God."
Hebrews 4:10
"For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his."
So, God gave his people (Christian's a time to rest) a gift, that we should accept and use. This Sabbath is a gift from GOD, and not dissimilar to the gift that God gave us for Salvation. Why would Christian's accept "the gift of salvation" but not "the gift of the 7th Day Sabbath??? Both come directly from God!
Remember the Sabbath, and keep it holy is the 4th Commandment of God?
Gen 2:2-3- And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.
The Sabbath was a Commandment before Mt Sinai and was kept and taught by Noah, Abraham, Moses and Israel, EVEN before the finger of God wrote the 10 Commandments. Gods Commandments are just that, Commandments not Recommendations. As for Col 2:16, notice it says'Sabbath Days" plural. This relates to all the Sabbath Days celebrated that no longer have any significance to God, that is why the Law of Moses was nailed to the cross, not Gods 4th Commandment. Throughout Gods Word He speaks about keeping His Commandments, this includes the 4th Commandment.
Fourth Commandment: Jesus set the example for us of keeping the seventh-day Sabbath ( Luke 4:16), as did the apostle Paul ( Acts 17:2). After Jesus' death, the author of the book of Hebrews confirmed that worshipping on this day continues to be expected of Christians ( Hebrews 4:9).
Jesus said " The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath
Mark 2:27,28
Matt 5:17-19 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
I believe be leaving out 1Peter 2:23, 1Peter 2:19, & what, why & how Jesus suffered, at the hands of unrighteous, unjust men, Jesus openly corrected, rebuked, even insulted, flipped tables, Luke 19, is somewhat out of full context.
I responded to your similar post, just recently.
Proverbs 29:2,
I believe Jesus behaved the way He did, because He understood His authority. Matthew 7:29, Matthew 21:24,27, Mark 1:27, Matthew 28:18, We likewise should recognize, acknowledge & understand our authority.
1st as children of GOD, Gen. 1:28, John 16:23, John 14:14, James 1:5, Hebrews 4:12-16,
2nd as Citizens, if US Citizen we are The People, the Governing authority, as set forth in each State Constitution & US Constitution.
Luke 17:21 ....Behold, the kingdom of God is WITHIN YOU.
Colossians 1:27 ....this mystery ......Christ in you .....
1 John 5:11 This is the record, that God hath GIVEN TO US ETERNAL LIFE, and THIS LIFE is his SON (the Holy Ghost).
Philippians 2:13 For it is GOD (Christ in you, eternal LIFE) that WORKETH IN YOU (you are his body and he is the LIFE, not you, him) both TO WILL and TO DO his (the LIFE's) good pleasure.
John 14:6 ....I am truth and life ....
Christ himself, in the form of the Holy Ghost, THE SEED of God, is the Life in YOU, causing you HIS BODY to Do his good pleasure.
1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God (truth and life) doth not commit sin, for HIS SEED remaineth in him (you, his body), and he (you, his body) cannot sin, because he (you, his body) is born of God.
Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come (it's HERE, Christ in you), thy will be done.
Peace has arrived.
Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put my spirit (Christ's LIFE) in you, and CAUSE you (my body) to walk in my statutes, and to keep my commandments and DO THEM.
Hebrews 4:10 For he (the body of Christ) that has entered into MY REST (God's Kingdom, Christ's Life)) has CEASED from his OWN WORKS .....
In a nut shell: All the WORDS were spoken, and the WORKS were finished before the foundation of the world.
Hebrews 4:10 For he that has entered into his rest, hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
Hebrews 4:3 ....the works WERE FINISHED from the foundation of the world.
Revelation 13:8 .....slain BEFORE the foundation of the world.
Everyone has been given the gift of being a heir to God.
All this is being played out in God's appointed time.
I AM the beginning and the end.
I AM the FIRST (born) and the LAST (born).
All preordained to be conformed to the IMAGE OF HIS SON.
The WHOLE world is in TRAVAIL, as a Woman getting ready to GIVE BIRTH.
You must be BORN AGAIN, into the likeness of Christ.
You are a FINISHED WORK, you are just being brought to TRUTH.
My people perish for lack of knowledge.
This is the GOSPEL, all the works of God. GRACE
Man has no part in these works; man is the HEIR of the works of GRACE.
John 4:23 Now the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and TRUTH, for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
If Christ DIED for the WORLD, and RECONCILED all things TO HIM.
To say different, that it's up to man, is not worshipping the Father in spirit and truth.
Revelation 13:5 And there was give him (man) a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him for forty two months.
One thousand two hundred ninety days. Forty two months. Three and a half years. Christ ministry on earth.
Daniel 12:11 And from the time daily sacrifice shall be taken away (old covenant) and the abomination THAT MAKETH DESOLATE SET UP, there shall be a thousand two hundred ninety days.
Revelation 11:15 The seventh angel sounded (Christ's resurrection), ....saying, the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ: and he shall reign for the age of the age.
John 19:30 .....It is finished ......
Hebrews 2:8 ....we see NOT YET all things put under him.
You commented the other day that just because we don't believe, doesn't make it not so.
Christ said he speaks as if all things are done.
We should look at his words as if all things are done.
Hebrews 4:3 For we which believed (his words) do enter into rest ......the works were finished before the foundation of the world.
Philippians 2:11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Romans 14:11 For it is written, AS I live saith the Lord, Every knee shall bow, and every tongues shall confess
to God.
It's this lake of fire (for our God is a consuming fire) that CAUSES Confession to salvation.
I'm out of characters, give your rebuttal and I will respond.
Sometime we lose sight that the Gospel was preached to Abraham 430 years before this point: being the giving of the law.
Hebrews 4:2 For unto us was the Gospel preached, as well as UNTO THEM .....
Those that fell in the wilderness.
John the Baptist came preaching the gospel.
After John was put in prison, Jesus came preaching the gospel.
Paul says my gospel.
What is this GOSPEL.
It CANNOT BE heaven and hell, else you would see the PROPHETS screaming this at the top of their lungs.
Amos 3:2 Surely the Lord God WILL DO NOTHING, but he REVEALETH HIS SECRETS unto his servants the PROPHETS.
The Book of Job is a PROPHESY.
Job 1:6 Now there was a day (future) when the Sons of God (the Called and Chosen) came to present themselves before the Lord (as a living sacrifice) and Satan (a deceitful and WICKED HEART living inside the called and chosen) came in WITH THEM.
2 Thessalonians 2:8 Then shall that WICKED be revealed ...
2 Thessalonians 2:9 Even him (the called and chosen), whose coming is after the working of Satan (a heart of stone, lies, deception, falsehoods and wickedness) ....
Ezekiel 11:9 And I will GIVE THEM (GRACE) ONE heart, and I will put a new spirit in you, and take the STONEY HEART (after the workings of Satan) out of their flesh, and GIVE THEM (GRACE) a heart of flesh (after the workings of Christ, LIFE and TRUTH).
2 Thessalonians 2:8 Then shall that WICKED (SATANIC HEART) be revealed, whom the Lord shall CONSUME (for our God is a consuming fire) with the spirit of his mouth (his words of TRUTH), and shall DESTROY (that Satanic heart) with the brightness OF HIS COMING.
Matthew 12:28 But if I CAST OUT DEVILS (a STONY HEART) by the SPIRIT of God then the Kingdom of God is come unto YOU (Christ's Heart, Life and truth, REPLACING Satin's heart, lies, wickedness, a heart of antichrist).
All this is GOD'S WORK, man is just HEIR of these work's.
That's fine, the angels being the sons of God and mating with women is a subject that has no bearing on our salvation. May the Holy Spirit lead us and guide us in the discussions that we do in humility and love toward each other so that we all may grow.
Your other point on sin being passed down from the man is a different discussion that if you post it others may have some helpful replies. I know Adam was not deceived 1 Timothy 2:14 and in Adam, all die 1 Corinthians 15:22.
Eve also ate of the tree, she was not born of man, was she not under the same curse? Was it a curse on mankind as a whole without having it passed down to them from dad or mom? Is the sin nature a sin? Jesus had to have the ability to sin to fulfill the covenant, Hebrews 4:15. Just a couple of questions may others give you answers.
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:3 For we which have believe do enter into his rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although THE WORKS were FINISHED from the foundation of the world.
Matthew 13:35 That it might be FULFILLED (the works finished before the foundation of the world) which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth IN PARABLES; I will utter things that have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of the Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have CHOSEN YOU (from the foundation of the world) .....
Man is a vessel, he has no say IN THE WORKS OF GOD.
Philippians 2:13 For it is GOD that WORKETH IN YOU both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.
Man is FULFILLING the WORDS and WORKS FINISHED before the foundation of the world.
If you were CHOSEN from the foundation, you will be a FIRST FRUIT
If you were not CHOSEN to be a FIRST FRUIT, you will be brought into the kingdom at the feast if the Ingathering.
Revelation 1:16 says, "And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword:
That's taken from Isaiah Chapter 49 Verse 2. It is also mentioned later in Revelation Chapter 19 at the second coming of Christ, where it says out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations, and He shall rule them with a rod of iron, and tread them in a winepress of the fierceness and wrath of almighty God.
We do not expect to see a literal sword. That is the Jewish way of saying how powerful God's word is. It is like a sword that cuts right through you. In Hebrews 4:12, it says for the word of God is quick, (that is, living), and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and it is a discerner, (that is, a critic), of the thoughts and motivations of the heart.
That's how powerful God's word is. We're not talking about quoting the bible. We're talking about the truth that God's word has. It cuts deep. It's powerful. Out of the Lord's mouth went a sharp two-edged sword.
And His countenance, that is, His face, was as the sun shineth in his strength. The Greek phrase expresses looking straight into the sun at high noon on the brightest day of the year. Wow, what a sight! That's from Judges Chapter 5 Verse 31. That's who Jesus Christ is!
Grow up from the Milk to the Meat of Gods Word - In Reply - 2 years ago
When a child is very young, they can only consume milk. Foods with more substance are beyond them; they can only process something specifically meant for infants. In the same way, those who are spiritually immature can only deal in simpler spiritual matters. This is not bad, when a person is a new convert. However, if a person remains in this state of spiritual infancy, when they should have grown enough to handle more solid spiritual "food," then they have only themselves to blame ( Ephesians 4:11-15). According to the writer of Hebrews, his target audience is going to miss some of the deeper meanings he will describe ( Hebrews 5:11), since they are "dull of hearing." In this context, that "dullness" means laziness and apathy.
Just as a child has to be trained to grow beyond milk to eating solid food, so too must a Christian's spiritual maturity grow through effort and experience. The prior verse used the term apeiros to describe these spiritual babies, meaning they are inexperienced or unskilled. Spiritual maturity has nothing to do with age, since it's possible to remain an immature Christian for a long, long time. Rather, maturity involves developing the ability to put our faith to practical USE.
In the context of the book of Hebrews, this has everything to do with making a purposeful effort. It requires that a person "pay much closer attention" to the faith ( Hebrews 2:1). It means Christians are to follow God's will without fear and without disobedience ( Hebrews 4:11). Maturity requires that a person learn to use our greatest spiritual tool, the Word of God ( Hebrews 4:12), in order to aid our discernment. The end result, according to this verse, is a person who can distinguish between good and evil. This is about more than just moral dilemmas-it's also a reference to knowing the difference between truthful, godly teaching and worldly, false faith.
It is also producing the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Meditate on these verses:
Philippians 2:13 For it is GOD that WORKETH in you both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.
1 Corinthians 12:27 ...ye are the BODY of CHRIST .......
John 14:6 .....I am THE LIFE .......
Hebrews 4:10 For he that has entered into HIS (Christ) REST, he also has ceased from his OWN WORKS, as God did from his.
God Bless You.
Jesus, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit all exhibit the uniqueness attributable only to God, even though each is somehow spoken of as separate from God. God is Triune and therefore difficult for humans to understand. Humans also have divisions that are not easily understandable, although not separate entities like the Trinity of God. We have spirits, souls, and bodies, and they 3 are one, as we see in 1 John 5:
1 John 5:8
And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
Another reference to the divisions in men is found in Hebrews 4:
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Another example can be gleaned from Romans 7:
14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
So, using my Ephesians 2:1 verse, I understand that Paul is saying that after sin was imputed to us (through committing the first act), then we died spiritually. Physically alive, but spiritually dead - but God, through His Son, has quickened (enlivened) us, that our spirits might become alive God-wards & not dead, once upon a time having our spirits inclined only towards evil. So, I can't see where we are "BORN dead in trespasses & sins" - I believe that we can only die spiritually after we sin & its imputation to us & not at birth.
Re: "body, soul, & spirit". As I shared in another thread, this triunity of man is given us in the womb - though obviously undeveloped & without expression. I don't understand if you're stating that before our spiritual re-birth, we had only a body & 'breath life soul', without a spirit? Maybe, you're equating the arrival of our spirit only upon the onset of our spiritual rebirth. I could in a small way understand what you're saying (if that's what you're inferring), except for the volume of Scriptures indicating that a human (whatever his spiritual state) must have a human spirit to be alive.
I think these Scriptures reveal what I believe: Haggai 1:14; Job 32:8; Ecclesiastes 12:7; Proverbs 20:27; Zechariah 12:1; 1 Corinthians 2:11; Hebrews 4:12; James 2:26. I've picked a few verses specifically showing the evidence of a human spirit well before ever being touched by God's Spirit. If our spirits are untouched by God's Spirit (i.e. without rebirth), we remain spiritually dead towards God, but humanly alive & our spirits accountable to Him in that coming day.
Imagine; if you can the God of the Universe and beyond time itself humbled to live; breathe and die as a man. He truly suffered as our High Priest; but didn't sin. ( 1 Peter 4:1-2; Hebrews 4:14-16). He was able to know the hearts of all men; hence didn't need to analyze whether they would be responsive or not to the Word and therefore spoke things in light of that based on whoever He was addressing. However; specific rebuke toward individuals was focused on His Disciples; most notably Peter with the famous statement "get behind me Satan." ( Matthew 16:23; Mark 8:33). This was shortly after His statement that Peter's understanding of His being the Son of God was only revealed from God ( Matthew 16:17). There was no misunderstanding in the demon world when they were cast out as to who Christ was. He therefore was operating in the Spirit realm; and based all His conversations and actions on those efforts.
There are unsaid things as well. When the deaf and dumb demon was cast out; Jesus told His disciples in the midst of others that prayer and fasting were necessary to carry out that particular deliverance ( Matthew 17:19-21). This would indicate Christ's preparation for that event along with other times He had reasons to be up well before dawn and late at night with prayer. Knowledge was not necessary but reliance on the Holy Spirit above; and trust in God throughout the process. Since He is our High Priest; he willingly gave up doing anything in His own Divinity so He could be an example of how we are to live trusting entirely on God in our limited state. He still needs to be seen because of having the "Spirit without measure" ( John 3:34). Not acting is as much an example of God's character as actions; when we see that Christ's Divinity would have allowed access to more than 12 legions of angels; which could undoubtably have destroyed everyone at the crucifixion.
Romans 8, Hebrews 4:12,
Warning, 1Timothy 4:1,
1John 4:1-11, 1John 4,
Hopefully these are helpful in your study of your spirit & flesh; (body)
I think he wept because he was feeling empathy for Lazarus' sisters, Mary and Martha, and others gathered to mourn Lazarus' death. Hebrews 4:15 says that Jesus is our High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses, having experienced suffering on our behalf. Jesus, being God as well as human, understood the sorrow of these people deeply and perfectly, better than anyone ever could.
Scripture tells us the unclean spirits/devils knew He was the Son of God, Matt. 8:29 Mark 3:11 Luke 8:27-28. Scripture tells us Jesus is the Son of God the only begotten of the Father, John 1:14. Scripture tells us Jesus the Son of God was before this world John 17:5 2 Timothy 1:9. Scripture tells us Jesus the Son of God was the beginning of creation Rev. 3:1. Scripture tells us everything was created through Him Col. 1:16.
Scripture tells us to confess Jesus is the Son of God, 1 John 4:15. Scripture tells us God gave His only begotten Son, John 3:16. Scripture tells us to believe God gave His only begotten Son, 1 John 5:10. Scripture tells us God was made known in the flesh through His only begotten Son same as creation was through His Son 1 Timothy 3:16 Col. 1:16.
Scripture tells us we have salvation and eternal life only in Jesus Christ, John 3:36 Acts 4:12 Eph. 4:12 1 Thess. 5:9 1 John 5:13 Scripture tells us we can only come to the Father through Jesus, John 14:6 1 Timothy 2:5.
Jesus came to fulfill the law and the prophets and died for our sins, and the only way that could be done is in the flesh, the seed of Abraham, Hebrews 2. He experienced temptation the same as you and me, Luke 4:2 Heb 2:18, He had a brain and a will, Luke 22:42 but He was obedient to the Father. We now have a high priest in heaven that lived in this flesh just like us, Hebrews 4:14-16.
Salvation and eternal life only by the grace of God through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Jesus Christ's perfect life in the flesh, His blood shed for us, and His resurrection. We cannot deny the divinity of Jesus, the only begotten Son of God that was before this world, but no creed, doctrine, or statement of faith can be placed above or added to that we must believe to receive salvation and eternal life if scripture does not tell us we must believe. Truth is in the simplicity that is in Christ.
I love this site and the brothers and sisters on it.
God bless,
RLW
I concur Steve.
The Law was given to Israel. The law given was to convict us of sin.
2 Corinthians 3:6-14.
Galatians 3:11-13.
Romans 7:4-5.
Romans 7:9-10.
Some aspects of the Law such as the Sabbath pointed to Christ work on the Cross that would free us from the curse of the Law. " Death"
Colossians 2:11-17.
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the SABBATH DAYS:
HERE'S. THE KEY IN VERSE 17.
Vs.17) "Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ."
Israel "as a nation" regects Christ work on the cross so as of now the have yet to join in that rest.( Yet they honor the Sabbath!)
Please study Hebrews 4:2-11.
That rest comes after salvation. Not to obtain it.
If one wants to observe the sabbath go ahead, but if you do it to earn salvation you fall in the same unbelief as Israel.
The Galatians was warned of the same thing in Galatians 5:4. "Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace."
Salvation is not for sell its a gift. Ephesians 2:8-9. 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.
I hope this helps.
God bless.
GOD cares for us even more than He does the sparrow. 1Peter 4:12-14, 1Peter 1:7-13, hope to the end. 1Peter 2:19-25,
Psalms 139, Matthew 10:22, endure to the end. Exodus 20:13 "Thou shalt not kill."
With that said, instead seek The Savior,John3:15-16, Jesus Christ understands Luke 22:40-48, Matthew 26:36-39, Hebrews 4:15
John 17, Jesus overcame so we can endure through by His example, Revelation 3:21, Romans 12:21 to live is good. 1John 4:4, John 16:33, Hebrews 2:17,18,
We all have to live our own lives & will give account. Matthew 25:31-46, Romans 14:12,
I hope, if you've suffered such a tragic, sad loss, that GOD gives you comfort.
I pray in either situation. GOD gives you direction, hope, encouragement, faith & comfort. Stay in HIS Word.
Hopefully this is helpful. Please let us know if you need prayer.
In verse 16, John saw seven stars in Jesus' right Hand. We understand that these stars represented the angels (possibly, the leaders) of the seven Churches (the golden candlesticks) in Asia Minor (Turkey): v 20. These were real assemblies of believers in those seven cities & were precious to the Lord, as is indicated by His position amongst them & having them close to Him (in His right Hand). Yet, as we read in the following chapters, not all of them were pure in His Sight & they would be judged & disciplined. Yet the Lord would persevere with them (as He does with us when we go astray) as He also did with Israel, when the promise was given them, "Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God." ( Isaiah 62:3).
John also saw a sharp two-edged sword proceeding from Jesus' Mouth. This is the primary weapon that Jesus uses to subdue His enemies (maybe at that great final battle). We know that the sword is often used to denote the Word of God ( Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 19:13). And God's Word is Truth - it is pure, it cuts & divides, it converts, it blesses. No enemy, both now & in that final day, will be able to withstand God's Truth. Where they once rejected it, even rejecting God's Word made flesh, they will feel the keenness of the 'blade' & will fall, succumbing to the power of that Word. Even Satan flees when God's Word is brought to bear upon him.
And Jesus' countenance appeared to John as the midday Sun in its zenith. One can imagine John turning away from such Brightness. As we read in Malachi 4:2, "the Sun of righteousness" arises to heal those who fear Him, but will also burn the chaff into ashes of those who do wickedly.
I agree with you that every day should be Holy to Christians, and we should try to walk with Christ each day of our lives.
Please keep in mind that the Sabbath is a GIFT that God gave mankind to show us that he loves us and cares for us. The 7th day Sabbath is primarily for mankind to rest our MIND and BODY, and to reflect on our blessings and have the time to really give thanks, without all of the worldly disruptions. It's a special day, to take a much needed break from our work, and the stress of living in this hectic world. God created us, and he knows our body and mind better than anyone - He created us. You can trust Him!
Mark 2:27
"And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:"
GOD ordained that the Sabbath should be a blessing, and not a burden! I don't understand why so many Christian's today take this Commandment to be a burden.
Hebrews 4:9
"There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God."
Hebrews 4:10
"For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his."
So, God gave his people (Christian's a time to rest) a gift, that we should accept and use. This Sabbath is a gift from GOD, and not dissimilar to the gift that God gave us for Salvation. Why would Christian's accept "the gift of salvation" but not "the gift of the 7th Day Sabbath??? Both come directly from God!
God Bless.
Remember the Sabbath, and keep it holy is the 4th Commandment of God?
Gen 2:2-3- And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.
The Sabbath was a Commandment before Mt Sinai and was kept and taught by Noah, Abraham, Moses and Israel, EVEN before the finger of God wrote the 10 Commandments. Gods Commandments are just that, Commandments not Recommendations. As for Col 2:16, notice it says'Sabbath Days" plural. This relates to all the Sabbath Days celebrated that no longer have any significance to God, that is why the Law of Moses was nailed to the cross, not Gods 4th Commandment. Throughout Gods Word He speaks about keeping His Commandments, this includes the 4th Commandment.
Fourth Commandment: Jesus set the example for us of keeping the seventh-day Sabbath ( Luke 4:16), as did the apostle Paul ( Acts 17:2). After Jesus' death, the author of the book of Hebrews confirmed that worshipping on this day continues to be expected of Christians ( Hebrews 4:9).
Jesus said " The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath
Mark 2:27,28
Matt 5:17-19 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
God bless
I responded to your similar post, just recently.
Proverbs 29:2,
I believe Jesus behaved the way He did, because He understood His authority. Matthew 7:29, Matthew 21:24,27, Mark 1:27, Matthew 28:18, We likewise should recognize, acknowledge & understand our authority.
1st as children of GOD, Gen. 1:28, John 16:23, John 14:14, James 1:5, Hebrews 4:12-16,
2nd as Citizens, if US Citizen we are The People, the Governing authority, as set forth in each State Constitution & US Constitution.
Hebrews 13:6,
Hopefully these are helpful
I have a question?
Is the best you can do, good enough?
Maybe it's not our doing, but Christ's doing.
Colossians 1:27 ....this mystery .... Christ in you .....
Philippians 2:13 For it is GOD (Christ in you) working in you (his body) both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.
Hebrews 4:10 For he that is entered into HIS (Christ's) REST, he has ceased from his WORKS .....
We are the BODY, Christ is the LIFE.
Revelation 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keeps MY WORKS unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations ....
God Bless You!
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ( Ephesians 2:8)
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. ( James 2:26)
Therefore, to believe the entire Bible and not just parts of the Bible we would need to say we are saved by both grace and works.
And many Biblical passages confirm this:
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ( James 4:7)
Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. ( Hebrews 4:11)
And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; ( Hebrews 5:9)
and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. ( Revelation 2:23)
And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: ( Revelation 2:26)
I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. ( 1 John 2:13)
To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, ( Revelation 2:7)
He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. ( Revelation 21:7)
Those things you SEEK.
Knowing the WILL of God answers what YOU SEEK.
Matthew 6:10 Thy Kingdom come. Thy WILL BE DONE.
Luke 17:21 ....Behold, the kingdom of God is WITHIN YOU.
Colossians 1:27 ....this mystery ......Christ in you .....
1 John 5:11 This is the record, that God hath GIVEN TO US ETERNAL LIFE, and THIS LIFE is his SON (the Holy Ghost).
Philippians 2:13 For it is GOD (Christ in you, eternal LIFE) that WORKETH IN YOU (you are his body and he is the LIFE, not you, him) both TO WILL and TO DO his (the LIFE's) good pleasure.
John 14:6 ....I am truth and life ....
Christ himself, in the form of the Holy Ghost, THE SEED of God, is the Life in YOU, causing you HIS BODY to Do his good pleasure.
1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God (truth and life) doth not commit sin, for HIS SEED remaineth in him (you, his body), and he (you, his body) cannot sin, because he (you, his body) is born of God.
Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come (it's HERE, Christ in you), thy will be done.
Peace has arrived.
Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put my spirit (Christ's LIFE) in you, and CAUSE you (my body) to walk in my statutes, and to keep my commandments and DO THEM.
Hebrews 4:10 For he (the body of Christ) that has entered into MY REST (God's Kingdom, Christ's Life)) has CEASED from his OWN WORKS .....
God Bless You.
Matthew 9:12
Hebrews 4:16
Hebrews 4:16
In a nut shell: All the WORDS were spoken, and the WORKS were finished before the foundation of the world.
Hebrews 4:10 For he that has entered into his rest, hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
Hebrews 4:3 ....the works WERE FINISHED from the foundation of the world.
Revelation 13:8 .....slain BEFORE the foundation of the world.
Everyone has been given the gift of being a heir to God.
All this is being played out in God's appointed time.
I AM the beginning and the end.
I AM the FIRST (born) and the LAST (born).
All preordained to be conformed to the IMAGE OF HIS SON.
The WHOLE world is in TRAVAIL, as a Woman getting ready to GIVE BIRTH.
You must be BORN AGAIN, into the likeness of Christ.
You are a FINISHED WORK, you are just being brought to TRUTH.
My people perish for lack of knowledge.
This is the GOSPEL, all the works of God. GRACE
Man has no part in these works; man is the HEIR of the works of GRACE.
John 4:23 Now the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and TRUTH, for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
If Christ DIED for the WORLD, and RECONCILED all things TO HIM.
To say different, that it's up to man, is not worshipping the Father in spirit and truth.
God Bless YOU!
Revelation 13:5 And there was give him (man) a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him for forty two months.
One thousand two hundred ninety days. Forty two months. Three and a half years. Christ ministry on earth.
Daniel 12:11 And from the time daily sacrifice shall be taken away (old covenant) and the abomination THAT MAKETH DESOLATE SET UP, there shall be a thousand two hundred ninety days.
Revelation 11:15 The seventh angel sounded (Christ's resurrection), ....saying, the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ: and he shall reign for the age of the age.
John 19:30 .....It is finished ......
Hebrews 2:8 ....we see NOT YET all things put under him.
You commented the other day that just because we don't believe, doesn't make it not so.
Christ said he speaks as if all things are done.
We should look at his words as if all things are done.
Hebrews 4:3 For we which believed (his words) do enter into rest ......the works were finished before the foundation of the world.
Philippians 2:11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Romans 14:11 For it is written, AS I live saith the Lord, Every knee shall bow, and every tongues shall confess
to God.
It's this lake of fire (for our God is a consuming fire) that CAUSES Confession to salvation.
I'm out of characters, give your rebuttal and I will respond.
God Bless YOU!
In you post to GiGi you said:
Sometime we lose sight that the Gospel was preached to Abraham 430 years before this point: being the giving of the law.
Hebrews 4:2 For unto us was the Gospel preached, as well as UNTO THEM .....
Those that fell in the wilderness.
John the Baptist came preaching the gospel.
After John was put in prison, Jesus came preaching the gospel.
Paul says my gospel.
What is this GOSPEL.
It CANNOT BE heaven and hell, else you would see the PROPHETS screaming this at the top of their lungs.
Amos 3:2 Surely the Lord God WILL DO NOTHING, but he REVEALETH HIS SECRETS unto his servants the PROPHETS.
The Book of Job is a PROPHESY.
Job 1:6 Now there was a day (future) when the Sons of God (the Called and Chosen) came to present themselves before the Lord (as a living sacrifice) and Satan (a deceitful and WICKED HEART living inside the called and chosen) came in WITH THEM.
2 Thessalonians 2:8 Then shall that WICKED be revealed ...
2 Thessalonians 2:9 Even him (the called and chosen), whose coming is after the working of Satan (a heart of stone, lies, deception, falsehoods and wickedness) ....
Ezekiel 11:9 And I will GIVE THEM (GRACE) ONE heart, and I will put a new spirit in you, and take the STONEY HEART (after the workings of Satan) out of their flesh, and GIVE THEM (GRACE) a heart of flesh (after the workings of Christ, LIFE and TRUTH).
2 Thessalonians 2:8 Then shall that WICKED (SATANIC HEART) be revealed, whom the Lord shall CONSUME (for our God is a consuming fire) with the spirit of his mouth (his words of TRUTH), and shall DESTROY (that Satanic heart) with the brightness OF HIS COMING.
Matthew 12:28 But if I CAST OUT DEVILS (a STONY HEART) by the SPIRIT of God then the Kingdom of God is come unto YOU (Christ's Heart, Life and truth, REPLACING Satin's heart, lies, wickedness, a heart of antichrist).
All this is GOD'S WORK, man is just HEIR of these work's.
God Bless YOU!
I believe you may be correct, just like the Day of The LORD, days = are also a moment of time,
Zephaniah 1:15, Ezekiel 30:3, Revelations 6:17,
Hopefully these are helpful
That's fine, the angels being the sons of God and mating with women is a subject that has no bearing on our salvation. May the Holy Spirit lead us and guide us in the discussions that we do in humility and love toward each other so that we all may grow.
Your other point on sin being passed down from the man is a different discussion that if you post it others may have some helpful replies. I know Adam was not deceived 1 Timothy 2:14 and in Adam, all die 1 Corinthians 15:22.
Eve also ate of the tree, she was not born of man, was she not under the same curse? Was it a curse on mankind as a whole without having it passed down to them from dad or mom? Is the sin nature a sin? Jesus had to have the ability to sin to fulfill the covenant, Hebrews 4:15. Just a couple of questions may others give you answers.
God bless,
RLW
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:3 For we which have believe do enter into his rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although THE WORKS were FINISHED from the foundation of the world.
Matthew 13:35 That it might be FULFILLED (the works finished before the foundation of the world) which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth IN PARABLES; I will utter things that have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of the Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have CHOSEN YOU (from the foundation of the world) .....
Man is a vessel, he has no say IN THE WORKS OF GOD.
Philippians 2:13 For it is GOD that WORKETH IN YOU both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.
Man is FULFILLING the WORDS and WORKS FINISHED before the foundation of the world.
If you were CHOSEN from the foundation, you will be a FIRST FRUIT
If you were not CHOSEN to be a FIRST FRUIT, you will be brought into the kingdom at the feast if the Ingathering.
God Bless You!
Revelation 1:16 says, "And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword:
That's taken from Isaiah Chapter 49 Verse 2. It is also mentioned later in Revelation Chapter 19 at the second coming of Christ, where it says out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations, and He shall rule them with a rod of iron, and tread them in a winepress of the fierceness and wrath of almighty God.
We do not expect to see a literal sword. That is the Jewish way of saying how powerful God's word is. It is like a sword that cuts right through you. In Hebrews 4:12, it says for the word of God is quick, (that is, living), and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and it is a discerner, (that is, a critic), of the thoughts and motivations of the heart.
That's how powerful God's word is. We're not talking about quoting the bible. We're talking about the truth that God's word has. It cuts deep. It's powerful. Out of the Lord's mouth went a sharp two-edged sword.
And His countenance, that is, His face, was as the sun shineth in his strength. The Greek phrase expresses looking straight into the sun at high noon on the brightest day of the year. Wow, what a sight! That's from Judges Chapter 5 Verse 31. That's who Jesus Christ is!
Just as a child has to be trained to grow beyond milk to eating solid food, so too must a Christian's spiritual maturity grow through effort and experience. The prior verse used the term apeiros to describe these spiritual babies, meaning they are inexperienced or unskilled. Spiritual maturity has nothing to do with age, since it's possible to remain an immature Christian for a long, long time. Rather, maturity involves developing the ability to put our faith to practical USE.
In the context of the book of Hebrews, this has everything to do with making a purposeful effort. It requires that a person "pay much closer attention" to the faith ( Hebrews 2:1). It means Christians are to follow God's will without fear and without disobedience ( Hebrews 4:11). Maturity requires that a person learn to use our greatest spiritual tool, the Word of God ( Hebrews 4:12), in order to aid our discernment. The end result, according to this verse, is a person who can distinguish between good and evil. This is about more than just moral dilemmas-it's also a reference to knowing the difference between truthful, godly teaching and worldly, false faith.
It is also producing the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5.