Hello Adam. I consider your question through two separate perspectives: one, before the incarnation of the Word of God and the other, after it. From my readings of the whole Word of God, I don't believe that the writers of the OT nor their hearers would have understood any other concept or acceptance of the God's Nature other than 'He is One & there is none beside Him' (e.g. Isaiah 45:5.6).
Even the "Shema Yisrael" ( Deuteronomy 6:4,5) is Israel's central belief & affirmation on the singularity of God's Person, & any suggestion of a 'compound' Nature of God would be anathema. Also Isaiah 53:1-12 and Isaiah 9:6,7 references to a coming Messiah, which should clearly reveal the Divine Nature of a Coming One, is discarded by them, then & now. So, anything of a Triune God must be rejected by the Jew, & only the operation of God by His Spirit (i.e. God revealing Himself & working before them) should be acceptable to them (e.g. Psalm 51:10,11; Isaiah 11:2; & many others). As believers though, we can see the Triune God in operation in the whole Bible, but Israel is blinded to this Truth & their hearts hardened.
When Jesus came & spoke (e.g. John 16:27,28; John 17:5), He declared His Divine Nature, that which was not revealed before. So your reference ( Matthew 22:32), speaks primarily of the One Nature of God; but to those who believe, having received salvation through Jesus Christ, know that the God of Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob was always the Triune God, Who would one day manifest Himself fully to a needy world: God's Word first by the prophets, now given through His Word made flesh ( Hebrews 1:1-3) . What Israel knew of the One God then, should have revealed the full Nature of a Triune God at the appearance of their Messiah. But their eyes were blinded & hearts hardened. Therefore, as Christians, I believe that we should see God (in the OT & NT) as a Triune God, manifesting Himself also as His Word and His Spirit going forth to accomplish His Will over His creation.
To quote 'we are looking at the name from the standpoint of God. He named the heaven, the earth and so on. So holiness of God as testified by his Son reflects on the name he acquired above every other name.' In the Book of Genesis' after making Adam a living soul God brings his creation to Adam. "And whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof."(Ge.2:19) As mentioned earlier the Spirit presents from the standpoint of the Father and the last book is about the fulfillment of the will of his Father. He is in his majesty and he promises the churches as an overcomer.
Jesus Christ was the Word become flesh and he overcame the world."In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."( John 16:33). So holiness of God, "Be ye holy for I am holy" is the characteristic of the holiness where his grace and truth rounds off each one. The name of the Father is written on His servants. The first fruits, " having his Father's name written in their foreheads.: have their new song. What Jesus Christ promised is the seal of righteousness like the amulet, "Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death;"(The Song 8:6; Re.14:1-3)
Genesis began with, "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." and the same after Jesus Christ has fulfilled the divine Will is seen from the POV of the church. "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth." It is not God but John is recording it.
Jesus chose 12 disciples to indicate his ministry was of the Servant-King, as Son to his heavenly father.(See under N-numbers, command)
Principle of Association established a new order where it was enough that a servant was an associate as his master "It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord".(Matt.10:25;40)
(See under S- servant)
Discipleship is a loaded word. It is not simply delivering doctrine of God to the world as heard of him. As associates of Jesus Christ it was the Life, which as Jesus declared was his logos aspect. Not only the Word but of the Son. One sign of their adequacy came when they could enter into the heart of the parables." His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God."( John 16:29-33) Their growth was begun when they stayed on trusting. "Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.( John 6:67-68)
Jesus declared that his doctrine was not of his own but that of his Father. He established the cardinal principle of discipleship: Man is the massage. Jesus set an example and he promised a double portion because he was going to his father.
"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father."( John 14:12)
We had this point earlier also discussed in this forum. Macheira in Greek is knife and in the context of the account as set down by the Spirit it was not everyday life he is placing emphasis as with an eye towards their calling. "I have overcome the world"( John 16:33) is a direct statement from Jesus. So it is appropriate to take it as sword, a ceremonial one at that. With joy and peace,
Jeremiah 17:8 along with Psalm 1 bring out the benefits of a tree whose roots are planted near the water. This steadfast faith in the Lord is contrasted in the next verse which describes the vicissitudes of the heart of unregenerate man. These vital concepts describe the state of a soul; who needs to be vigilant to bearing fruit and testing themselves to see if they are in the faith is a necessary prerequisite ( 2 Cor. 13:5). Those who do not bear fruit are cut off and burned; a figurative statement describing a very real state of the lost at Judgment Day (see John 15:2).
Surely all flesh is as grass ( 1 Peter 1:24) and like a vapor this life soon passes away ( James 4:14). Eternity is in men's hearts showing that indeed the nature of man is for their spirit to live forever after the body and soul perish ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). This means their legacy is either eternal glory and recognition of those things done while living for the Lord; or eternal damnation for the lack thereof. (see Matthew 25:34 and associated verses).
There is some hope for us who still are producing works of wood; hay and stubble ( 2 Tim. 2:21-23) to change to better works if we have a foundation in Christ ( 1 Cor. 3:11). This results in varying degrees or levels in the harvest and subsequent reward for those who are saved (see also Mark 4:20).
Those in the flesh and not Born Again can only interpret what they see around them in the world (the actions of others who serve as their peers and interpreted through their own understanding). God alone as I see it through predestination determines who will be saved. On our end it takes a fair evaluation of who we really are as compared to a righteous God which then leads to godly sorrow and repentance (which is indeed a gift from God as about half a dozen scriptures indicate). John 16:8 must enlighten us to our desperate plight that SHOULD be aided by proper evangelism appealing for individuals to repent.
I had an interesting discussion with a friend of mine who is a young Pastor last week. In it; he was lamenting an individual who claimed that Christ died for him (or her). This was because the evidence of it through this person's behavior would indicate otherwise. It is indeed true and necessary that we all have a personal understanding and experience in regard to salvific faith and repentance granted in regard to being one of God's elect if indeed we are saved. Clearly "accepting" Christ as Lord isn't really doing anything beyond what demons do and shudder ( James 2:19). Confession with the mouth and belief in the heart must coexist ( Romans 10:9-10); it is more than just a verbal declaration of facts. Nonetheless there should be some understanding of the atonement; as well as evidence that the heart has been changed with the spirit convicting of sin; righteousness and judgment to come ( John 16:8). As the Lord states "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" ( Matt. 12:34 and other related verses in New and Old Testament). What John 3:16 is indicating is a state of belief; not merely a one time thing (as translated correctly). Enduring to the end shows that it isn't our own strength which brings about this result; since we all struggle with sin as long as we live ( 1 John 1:8). Nonetheless we have the capacity to live a life of Holiness; since greater is He within us than he who is in the world ( 1 John 4:4).
There are variations of strengths and weaknesses that we all have; some are steeped in doctrines but rather cold in affection towards God; others seem to be caught up in experiences at the expense of wisdom from the Word; and often they seem to have little grasp of repentance or deem it not worthy in very much discussion. There is ample substance in the Word for the Spirit to enlighten us; and any personal vision or dream must be subject to the Word; if in variance then it must be discarded.
Isaiah 30:10 warns about people wanting to hear "smooth things" being prophesied. Such may be the case for those who wish to invoke blessings on themselves for any other reasons than scripturally backed statements. Galations 5:19-21 is one of about ONE HUNDRED verses warning us about those who do NOT inherit the Kingdom of God. This is something also found in Ephesians 5:5; the book of 1 Corinthians; Hebrews; Romans; Revelation AND the Gospels.
To remind God of blessings promised in the Scriptures; if done in the correct way is honoring to God. Without discernment; however we may not be aware of what this means; and also if we are living in a sinful lifestyle we are trying to deliberately ask for something we cannot have as long as we refuse to submit to the Lord and we are producing bad fruit.
The church much like Israel has certain CONDITIONAL as well as unconditional promises. The POSSESSING church (that is those who have the Holy Spirit and are truly saved) is and always will be a subset in this age of the confessing or professing body of believers (i.e. the church). The difference is there are some who believe in the true God and others in a God of their own imaginations; fitting the parameters that a person finds reasonable; or comfortable living with by mentally cherry picking what appeals from the Word and filing the unpleasant verses somewhere in the cobwebs in the back of their mind.
God is no respecter of persons ( Acts 10:34 also Romans 2). He does whatever He chooses and we know for certain that He desires glory for Himself and no other. (See Isaiah 42:8). John 16:10 shows how God seeks glory for the Son; therefore His desire for worship is never selfish as He always does the Father's will. This is selfless love and shows an example of how we are to live. If we thank God for things in our lives that bring us into sin such as excess money for greedy gain ( Titus 1:11); we are only heaping greater condemnation on ourselves.
In the last of the three chapters we are examining the doctrine of God as Jesus applied in his own life so we look our own lives under the true Light and it is like a candle we search our inner lives by the in-house tutor. (Pr.20:27). He assured us,"ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full."( John 16:24). Joy is fruit of the Spirit. If this is the truth one need seriously examine wherefore joy is missing from abiding life. St Paul testified amidst all kinds of adversities and perils, "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice."(Ph.4:4)
Abiding life means we have let the risks and irksome minutiae of swimming against the currents into our Redeemer Lord and let our faith go along with His lead. He is our Good Shepherd. There is no split in our eye of faith and what our natural eyes behold. Where such a contrary worlds a believer creates we have the situation found in our key text. He has a public persona which is completely odd with his inner vision. He professes like a lamb but if let he is ready to shred whosoever stands in his way. "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." The proof is in their fruits, "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."(7:16-20)
There is no escaping from God the Father of lights who in giving his Son the redemption of our souls expect clarity in our purpose and walk. Do not expect one may indulge Jesus talk and fool all but God is not fooled by his crooked shadow.
Thank you for your reply. However, my point is what JESUS said and what we have learned from Him establishing here the 2nd Covenant. By the way, remember what my Lord JESUS said: Matthew 12:42
42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the Judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
My Lord JESUS said that "when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you- John 16:13-15.
About works of men, JESUS said: Maatthew 12:34-45
34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the Day of Judgment.
37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
I would respectively disagree here; as filthy garments vs unspotted and unwrinkled ones (see Eph. 5:27). We are responsible as believers who; upon salvation would receive white; clean garments to maintain them. This is what differentiates us from the O.T. as you brought out; now we have Christ's righteousness available to us through the Spirit; but we can allow ourselves to become tarnished from the world; flesh and the Devil. Dying to self now involves daily discipline and perseverance through trials; and for some martyrdom.
Revelation 5 I believe is symbolic of believers that need to purify themselves through martyrdom. Whether these are believers who are lukewarm and left behind certainly seems plausible to me. If it is new believers; it shows that the only real way to bear fruit at that time is through death; unlike now when we have the opportunity to do so through functions we practice largely in the corporate Body but not exclusively. There simply will not be room for compromise; and at that time as the book of Daniel indicates the saints will be overcome; unlike now when the gates of hell will NOT prevail against the church. This will be at the time when ALL nations will hate us; and kill us thinking they are doing God a favor ( John 16:2). This as I see it is likely with the Apostate church who will be the only organized religion after the Rapture; and likely this is a separate event from the martyrs who refuse the Mark of the Beast later on; after Satan goes after all the false AND true religion to get all the glory for himself; thus overthrowing the "Mystery Babylon" system.
I will agree that fear and spiritual oppression are what really cause defeat; many times fear of death and persecution. Yet it is true freedom and release and nothing to fear to die in Christ once we pass this earthly existance. Some; I feel are hidden and God will use the Tribulation to violently sift the wheat so to speak to bear fruit (Tribulum concept)
Thank you Valmar. To respond & also I'm in agreement with you, No, the Triune God never changes - as well as His requirement of faith to please Him & be acceptable to Him. The OT folk were accepted by God because of their faith in Him for Who He was (as revealed to them) & they were confident that He would fulfill all that He had promised to them. Those who died in their sins were the disobedient & faithless & could never please Him & suffered under His Hand. So, the essential requirement was Faith & when the Law & Commandments came to them, they were to obey fully in their strength, looking unto their Maker only.
So, what changed with the coming of Jesus Christ? Faith was still the requirement ( Hebrews 11:6), but it was no longer a human faith, based on human works, to be acceptable to God. The OT faithful (looking forward) would have their sins paid for at Calvary, just as those who would believe from Israel & Gentiles post-Calvary. But now, we don't receive a set of rules to follow to please God - we don't muster up (our) faith to be acceptable - and we contribute nothing in works (sacrifices, feasts, sabbaths, washings, etc.) towards our salvation.
For this reason, I sought your thoughts on the work of the Holy Spirit, He Who was sent by Jesus ( John 15:26; John 16:7; Galatians 4:6), a Spirit that the OT faithful never received for the renewing & enlivening of their hearts - only at Pentecost such a mighty Work of God took place. God indeed has not changed, but the Cross has changed how man stands before God. To Page 2.
Hi Valmar. Thanks for addressing my question & I do agree with you on the incomprehensible Work of the Spirit in giving healing, exhortation, etc. What I was looking for pertains to your subject, viz. a believer's eternal security. And also to a comment you made, "the ability to lose one's salvation rests completely with that individual".
The way I understand the Scriptures, is that if we have the ability, or power, to lose/relinquish our salvation, then it presents questions not only to the Spirit's Work in saving a lost soul, but also the power we have to over-ride what the Spirit has done in our lives. Clearly, you believe that a saved sinner can either choose to depart Christ or to remain faithful to Him. My question then is: is it in the new spiritual make-up of the one now found 'in Christ' to ever desire to leave the One Who has delivered Him from so great a penalty & given him a new life with peace, joy & hope? Here, I'm not referring to a saved soul who through negligence or appeal of the flesh or Satan, strays & toys with the world. I'm confident if that soul is saved, then the Spirit will not let him go; and Momsage shared an apt testimony of this very work of God in her & her husband.
So to my question, I believe the more relevant Work of the Holy Spirit in one's life is that: He Convicts man of his sin ( John 16:8-11); He Regenerates, or gives re-birth to the penitent sinner ( John 3:3-7, Titus 3:5, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 John 2:29); He Indwells ( 1 Corinthians 6:19, Romans 5:5, John 14:16); He Baptizes ( 1 Corinthians 12:13, Ephesians 4:5); and He Seals ( 2 Corinthians 1:22, Ephesians 1:13, Ephesians 4:30). I'm sure you're conversant with these Scriptures, showing that salvation & securing is all of God, without any contribution from man. To Page 2.
John 1:29 ..... Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the "SIN" of the world ..... this sin is singular .....
I agree this "SIN" is a single sin.
Then you said: This speaks of the penalty of sin.
I disagree: the Lamb takes away this single "SIN" not the penalty of this single "SIN" and if this single "SIN" is not purged out of US: the PENALTY STANDS
This is the ONLY "SIN" not covered by the Lamb's blood.
God's word tells us what this single "SIN" is.
You have quoted this in other comments.
John 16:8 And when he is come he will reprove the world of "SIN"
This is the same single "SIN" and same world of John 1:29
This is the same single "SIN" that keep the children of Israel from entering the promised land, the PENALTY: they DIED in the wilderness.
John 16:9 Of "SIN" because they BELIEVE NOT ......
And what purges this "SIN"
Proverbs 16:6 By TRUTH and MERCY iniquity is PURGED.
Christ is the spirit of TRUTH, and when he IS COME he will reprove the world of UNBELIEF.
Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins (plural) of many and unto them who look for him shall he appear the second time without "SIN" (singular)(unbelief) unto salvation.
Sin separates us from God, It doesn't bring us to God.
Man in his natural state loves darkness.
Beware of anyone that teaches that sin is good!
Also Beware of the snare that God saves you by his Love and compromise his righteous Judgment.
"God so loved the world, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON,
(( God didn't excuse our sin, It cost him dearly!
Christ was judged!! He wasn't let off the hook! He prayed 3 times to let this cup pass him!
If it was any other way, God didn't answer him.))
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Read and Study John 3:17-21. and John 16:7-14.
We've been baptized into a body of believers and led and sealed by one Spirit. And that's Christ.
Israel in the OT shows the weakness of man left alone and the absence of the indwelling Spirit of Christ. and it is a lesson for you and I.
Judges 2:8-13.
And Joshua, the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being an hundred and ten years old.
And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnathheres, in the mount of Ephraim, on the north side of the hill Gaash.
And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.
And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:
And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger.
And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth.
Hi Jess L. If I might add a little to what others have shared with you, including those Scriptures for you to consider, I would include a very important chapter (John chapter 17), as Jesus' great & special prayer to His Father just prior to the events leading to His arrest & crucifixion.
The ministry of Jesus on Earth was now completed, only the final work of redemption lay before Him. But Jesus says something interesting to His Father: "Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee" (v1), and then further adds, "O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was" (v5). To glorify means 'to bestow honor; to magnify someone's worth'. When Jesus sought His Father's glory of Himself at this point, it was what remained before Him: the culmination of His Ministry to His disciples & others & the laying down of His Life for them. To many, Jesus' death meant failure, a riddance of a thorn in their flesh, an inability to accomplish what He had promised. But He knew that He did not come to meet the whims & fancies of men, but to bring sinners into the love & fold of God ( John 10:15,16). Men would hate & reject Him, but His Father's Plan for man's redemption would be fully accomplished & in this act of sacrifice & love, both the Father & Son would be glorified & Jesus' time of glorification had arrived - not by pomp & ceremony but by sacrificial Love.
But such love was nothing new, for God is the embodiment of Love, Mercy, Grace, & Truth. But when Jesus came to Earth, that Glory was hidden from men, that only God would be glorified in the Face of Jesus ( 2 Corinthians 4:6). But now the Glory of Jesus would also be seen by those who believe - and this Glory that was once hidden would be returned to Him - as He said, "with the glory which I had with thee before the world was". Jesus, God's Word, was within God's Person, for He 'came out from God & came forth from the Father' ( John 16:27,28).
Just a few things, I am sorry you feel you have been lied to, there are different interpretations out there. If we study Matt. 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 together it helps.
I have found when studying the Bible, we should not start with a preconceived idea, it is easy to see Scriptures that fit a picture we have painted in our mind rather than letting the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit reveal the true meaning.
First, Jesus's death and resurrection were hidden from them, Luke 18:31-34. Even after he was crucified, they were distraught and did not understand the fact that he was killed. John 16:16-20 and we have Luke 24:4-6. Not knowing Jesus was going to die would they be asking Jesus about His second coming?
Is all of Matthew 24 about the end time, many combined it with other prophecies to create a picture of the end time. Some of it is obviously about Jesus's second coming but much of it was to prepare them for what they were to endure up to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. False prophets we see there were many before 70 AD, Acts 21:36-38Acts 8:9 and others. If we look at history there were wars, earthquakes, and famine, Acts 7:11 and Acts 11:28.
Many put Matt. 24:15 and Mark 13:14 at the end time with an antichrist, should we not consider what Luke wrote about the same thing, Luke 21:20 that history has recorded?
One other thing why would Jesus say to pray their flee would not be on a Sabbath day? Today would not be a problem with the transportation we have. Back then the gates of Jerusalem would be locked and would be hard to get out and it would take days to get clear, with a pace of 2.5 mph.
I am with you, we sleep in the grave until resurrection the first of those who are chosen and faithful, Rev. 17:14 at Jesus's second coming and the second, the rest of the dead at the white throne judgment/the sheep and the goats and those whose names are not in the book of life is cast into the lake of fire, Rev. 20:15.
In exercising the sword of Spirit we ward off many thrusts of the enemy even this moment. Ungodly world encourages a child of God to join with them in many hare-brained schemes be it Ponzi scheme or Pro-life marches or pro Israel. Palestine nation reduced to misery without basic amenities did not raise even a murmur from the Christian world against giving a better life to them. What hypocrisy is to take a march for the unborn? Here was a news item, "The fentanyl that killed a one-year-old child at a nursery in New York City was hidden in the nap room under a mat as he slept, police say.". Local churches turn a blind eye to the free flow of dangerous drugs falling into the hands of the vulnerable but they are most vocal for the rights of the foetus! These sort of activism are not from God but from Satan. The word of God is to be used for his glory and not from some worthless political causes.
There was war in heaven and in the Book of Daniel and Revelation we see bad actors spiritual darkness getting involved in the nations. Unknown to us we are engaged in a spiritual struggle against the powers of darkness. There are rules of engagement to which we have our roles, "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity."(1 Co.16:13-14)
"And they went out, they and all their hosts with them, much people, even as the sand thatisupon the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many." ( Josh 11:3-4) The Spirit gives us as total numbers from both worlds of the Spirit and of the body. Here is another passage, "And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them./And thus I saw the horses in the vision,..."(Re.9:16-18)
St. John heard the number and it is a vision given to him. The Spirit gives us a clue. 'Third of men killed''/ The number tag of Three sets in context of the of Son. ( John 16:33)
Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he was the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah.
The Spirit sets Jephtha the Gileadite in the mold of Gideon by addressing him with the title God had used earlier."And the angel of theLordappeared unto him, and said unto him, TheLordis with thee, thou mighty man of valour(6:12)". This sets continuity which by the Law of Gradation invites comparison with God and we shall begin with this verse,"The right hand of theLordis exalted; the right hand of theLorddoeth valiantly(Ps.118:16-KJ21). This takes us all the way to the Son the Alpha Omega, the beginning and the ending. So when Jesus announces "but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.( John 16:33b)"what are we to assume? Is it not that the final outcome of the battle is already determined? For those who entrust their lives unto him, He is the King of kings Lord of Lords who is shown arrayed in all white and on a white horse. He bears this inscription, -"And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written,King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords(Re.19:16)". Predestination by the word of God which is eternal, has covered us. It is a decree Ps.2:7-8. When John speaks of him reveals, "Who has made us kings and priests 'unto God and his Father(Re.1:6)"
Jephtha was the son of a harlot for which his brethren had cast him out. But God raises him out of exile as he did with Moses. God did not hold against Gideon for his Father's idol worship. God had already found him an extension of His sword and also sets events,- as we might say God multitasks, that we cannot refuse but take up our cross as mighty men of valor. As teachers, helps, administrators or as influencers God can make use of every Christian for His kingdom. God chose Jephtha despite of what shame he might have carried among his brethren."Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?/And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother!"
I agree it's time to let this topic rest between you and me. However, before I go, I will comment on your last reply.
Part 1
In Acts 15 it wasn't the apostles debating over the law or Judaism, (it was them debating the Pharisees).
Acts 15:5-6. But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, that it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
Acts 15:22-24 You see the Apostles sent letters against this!
A Disciple is one who follows one's teachings, In Christianity these teachings is taught by the Holyspirit.
We are given Christ spirit to know and perform the things of Christ!
That's why they weren't sent out to the rest of the world until they were filled with the Holyspirit.
The spirit of Christ wouldn't have them continue in Judaism, Something Jesus died to free them from. "The curse of the Law"
The ministry of the Holyspirt is shown here in John 16:12-15.
I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak, and he will shew you things to come.
He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine and shall shew it unto you.
All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
And concerning Acts 10:28, This is nothing to do with the context of our debate. We're debating whether one can lose his Salvation, which later we begun to debate whether the Apostles continued in Judaism "concerning Salvation" This has nothing to do with neither. Infact Acts 10:28-48 shows the opposite, the issue is that he went unto the uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
It's shown in Acts 11:17-18 that what they believed in and practiced went out to the Gentiles also.
"And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons."
Without commitment truth in the inward parts with Eve her heart was a strange continent and it was disengaged so to speak. So the rational way in which the serpent spoke and presented the delectable form and color of fruits inflamed her senses. Without which influencers of our times would not succeed in enriching themselves. Did you notice the instagram look these days? Lately it is sporting a gaunt look and they succeed to con the unwary undergo buccal fat removal. The sunken cheeks shall soon show that of a hideous hag, and when truth hits women, they shall rue that accentuating high cheekbones is pass. This is called ways of the world. Satan presides over the foolish and it works on this premise: 'every man's loss is someone else's gain'. In winning over Eve Satan gained thwarting the Salvation plan of God.
Eve passed on her knowledge of good and evil to her man. They did eat. Since then living in one world of now became the norm. The world of the Spirit for many is non-existent. Glory which was an ornament and a covering for them vanished! Their eyes opened only to know they were naked." What useless knowledge was that?
Without setting the truth like frontlets before your eyes how are you settling what is good or what is evil? Some barbaric countries are willing to hang the youth for matters they as old have not arrived at. Their religion have deceived them just Satan deceived Adam and Eve. They made themselves aprons which was what their knowledge could come up.
Jesus said, 'in me you might have peace'.( John 16:33). How true it is. Look how the man and woman reacted at the voice of the Lord! They were thrown into confusion.
Unfortunately the translation has caused centuries of a great confusion about the identification of the Holy Spirit who is not a "ghost" or "Ghost", but a person, and as a person he is the lesser among the three- John 15:26 combined with John 16:12-15.
I must say that the person of Holy Spirit does not accept being called by this undesirable, unpleasant, inconvenient nickname, in fact such translation sounds as a mockery, it's terrible, very terrible.
Hope that GOD forgives the author(s) of such translation that has caused great and secular confusion for centuries, I should believe that this was not the translators' intention, of course.
This specific trnslation was/ is not good. Times ago I had a short debate about it in the site denominated "purebible".
TKL said he "knows the reference "Holy Ghost" did not exist in the OT" .
1John 5:7-There are three that bear record in heaven,the Father,the Word,and the Holy Spirit(who is not a ghost as is written in English language,but a Person):and these three are One.
Actually the Holy Spirit as a person is very similar to the Son of man,my Lord JESUS,but he has no light of his own as JESUS has,he has not message of his own,as JESUS had and has,and he as a person is very unknown because he has no genealogy as JESUS has,he has a written name,it is quite true,but his name is unknown,no man knows the name of the person of the Holy Spirit,despite being written,and being he SIMILAR to the Son of man-JESUS.In other words,BY ANALOGY,JESUS is the Sun,the Sun of Righteousness,JESUS is the Greater Light,the Greater Luminary,but the person of the Holy Spirit has no light of his own,he is the Lesser Luminary,as the moon is in the Solar system,the moon has not his own light,its light is from the Sun,is the reflection of Solar light.
That said,the light that the person of the Holy Spirit reflects is not from Himself,no,it is not,absolutely not,in fact he reflects the Light that he receives from JESUS,as the moon receives the Light from the Sun. I say this by the Word of the Father,by the Word of my GOD, the Father, as JESUS said: John 16:12-15 &15:26
12 I still have much to say to you, but you cannot bear it now.
13But when that Spirit of truth comes,he will guide you into all truth, for HE WILL NOT SPEAK OF HIMSELF,but he will speak whatever he hears and he will declare to you what is to come
14He will glorify me,for he will receive what is mine and declare it to you.
15All that the Father has is mine;therefore he told you that (HE)WILL RECEIVE WHAT IS MINE and will declare it to you.
The Person of the Holy Spirit is not a"Ghost" as is written in English language,the Person of the Holy Spirit is one of the three DISTINCTS Persons in GOD the Father,in the Word, the Word is GOD.
Christ has already come the second time, as a thief in the night, you don't see the thief?
Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered for the SINS of many, and to those who look for him he shall APPEAR THE SECOND TIME without SIN unto SALVATION.
John 16:7 For I tell you the truth, it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter WILL NOT COME unto you, but if I depart, I will sent him to you.
John 15:26 ....but when the Comforter IS COME ....... even the SPIRIT of TRUTH ..... he will testify of me ......
Colossians 1:27 ..... this mystery ..... Christ ON YOU ......
"In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness."
This fountain is opened from heaven and it is also specific to Israel. We shall find out why it must be so. There is only one measure in heaven and earth which is that of Jesus Christ. He is the Mediator whose ministry of Reconciliation set up the House for Prayer for all nations, "according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel."(Re.21:17). He is the Man component in the Fellowship of God with Man. Whoever is redeemed from the earth has this certainty.(2 Co.5:1-2) It is 'groaning' and not grabbing prosperity and praise of men. 'I in Jesus' so when we speak it is the same spirit of reconciliation that is expressed.(2 Co.5:20). Israel has to be reconciled because of the everlasting gospel is established along with everlasting covenant. So the ministry of Jesus from the earth is finished. He has his ministry from heaven which evidently included the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The Church age began from that point.
Towards the end of the earthly ministry Jesus explained to his disciples one reason of his returning to his Father."The Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you."
"And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:/And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:/Of sin, because they believe not on me;"( John 16:7-9)
John 17:22 And the GLORY that thou GAVEST me, I HAVE GIVEN THEM, that as WE ARE ONE, that THEY MAY BE ONE in us.
Jesus, through prayer, was expounding to his disciples and to us, what was going to happen by his death and HIS RESURRECTION
By HIS RESURRECTION all things became NEW, he is the fulfillment of Mosses and the prophets;
Creation became a JOIN-HEIR with Christ.
A marriage occurred at his RESURRECTION, Jesus became THE LIFE of all men, all men became the BODY of Christ.
We are just the BODY, CHRIST IS THE LIFE, our body has the FAITH of JESUS CHRIST, our BODY does the WORKS of JESUS CHRIST, we have no faith other than the faith of Jesus Christ, we have no works other than the WORKS of Jesus Christ.
OUR body is DEAD with JESUS CHRIST.
John 16:8 And when he is come (the second coming of CHRIST; IN YOU, his body) he will reprove the world of SIN.
John 16:8 Of SIN, because they BELIEVE NOT my words.
YOU died on the cross, how can you repent of your sins, they are COVERED by the blood of Christ, YOU REPENT of your BELIEFS, because the carnal mind is enmity (in direct rebellion) to what GOD SAYS.
Creation DIED with CHRIST on his CROSS, ONLY the BODY of CHRIST arose, we are JOINT-HEIRS of IMMORTALITY.
1 Timothy 6:16 ..... Christ ONLY hath IMMORTALITY .....
We are the BODY, Christ is THE LIFE.
The wages of SIN (unbelief) is DEATH, the absence of LIFE ----- let the dead bury their dead -----
Anti-christ i(and there are many) is opposition to TRUTH; Christ the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE.
While speaking of the unpardonable sin against the Holy Ghost it is as though coming from Trinity. (Matt.12:31-32). 'Therefore I say unto you' in v.31 is from the Son and the following verse is from the Father. This coming from the Holy Ghost would go against his own narrative mode. In the Gospel of John Jesus speaking about the Holy Ghost speaks thus," Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.( John 16:13). 'He shall not speak of himself'. For this reason it is implied that the Trinity is witnessing the unpardonable sin is accounted on anyone who disregards the warning.
There is a time lapse, which is not because God is slow in hearing the prayers of a saint. The Holy Ghost the third office organizes the will of God according to the Word so the timing is perfect. In Daniel's case the angel of his Presence had to attend what changes in the light of his request. "The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia," (Dan.10:13-ESV).This mode of parenthesis ought to inform the length breadth and depth of Power and Wisdom of God.
The intent of the word wide web also throws light on the Law. "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple."(Ps.19:7) Jesus obeyed the will of his Father and it was not only in big events like his death and resurrection but in obedience to the word. Marriage at Cana has this" "Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come."( John 2:4), and this, "Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready." ( John 7:6). "And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified."( John 12:23)
The Word is GOD, GOD the Father, two thousand years ago the Word -GOD- was made flesh, and the NAME He chose for He Himself was JESUS( John 1:18).
Hebrews 1:2-3:- 2 In these last days (last two days) GOD has spoken unto us by His Son,whom He hath appointed heir of all things,by whom also He made the worlds; 3 Who being the brightness of His Glory, and the EXPRESS IMAGE OF GOD's PERSON -the Word-...He sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.
1 John 5:7 - There are THREE that (TESTIFY)bear record in heaven,the Father(the Person of GOD the Father-the Word),the Word (GOD Son-the Word made flesh-JESUS),and the Holy Spirit-the Paraclete,the Confort- John 16:12-15 combined with Jn 15:26 (who is not a ghost as is written in English language, but a Person, actually the Ancient of Days- Daniel 7:22, and the God of the earth- Revelation 11:4):these three are One.
By the way, Judgment was(will be) given to the saints of the most High;the time came that the saints possessed(will posses)the kingdom-Dan.7:22-(in LITERAL fulfillment of Rev.11:15to18.Take a look.)
Unfortunatelly, Your thinking is from a human perspective,a stumblingblock,not from GOD's perspective.Who is of the earth is earthly,and speaks of the earth- John 3:31-who is from above is above all.
JESUS said:He that believeth on me,as the Scriptures-the Bible- hath said,out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water- Jn 7:38.And more:Search the Scriptures(the Bible);for in them ye think ye have Eternal Life:and they are they which testify of me- Jn 5:39.
JESUS said to the Devil:Man shall not live by bread alone,but by every word that proceedeth out of the MOUTH of GOD-Mat.4:4. By the way,GOD who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,Hath in these last days(last two Days or two millenia)spoken unto us by His Son,whom He has appointed heir of all things,by whom also he made the worlds-Heb.1:1-3
Even the "Shema Yisrael" ( Deuteronomy 6:4,5) is Israel's central belief & affirmation on the singularity of God's Person, & any suggestion of a 'compound' Nature of God would be anathema. Also Isaiah 53:1-12 and Isaiah 9:6,7 references to a coming Messiah, which should clearly reveal the Divine Nature of a Coming One, is discarded by them, then & now. So, anything of a Triune God must be rejected by the Jew, & only the operation of God by His Spirit (i.e. God revealing Himself & working before them) should be acceptable to them (e.g. Psalm 51:10,11; Isaiah 11:2; & many others). As believers though, we can see the Triune God in operation in the whole Bible, but Israel is blinded to this Truth & their hearts hardened.
When Jesus came & spoke (e.g. John 16:27,28; John 17:5), He declared His Divine Nature, that which was not revealed before. So your reference ( Matthew 22:32), speaks primarily of the One Nature of God; but to those who believe, having received salvation through Jesus Christ, know that the God of Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob was always the Triune God, Who would one day manifest Himself fully to a needy world: God's Word first by the prophets, now given through His Word made flesh ( Hebrews 1:1-3) . What Israel knew of the One God then, should have revealed the full Nature of a Triune God at the appearance of their Messiah. But their eyes were blinded & hearts hardened. Therefore, as Christians, I believe that we should see God (in the OT & NT) as a Triune God, manifesting Himself also as His Word and His Spirit going forth to accomplish His Will over His creation.
To quote 'we are looking at the name from the standpoint of God. He named the heaven, the earth and so on. So holiness of God as testified by his Son reflects on the name he acquired above every other name.' In the Book of Genesis' after making Adam a living soul God brings his creation to Adam. "And whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof."(Ge.2:19) As mentioned earlier the Spirit presents from the standpoint of the Father and the last book is about the fulfillment of the will of his Father. He is in his majesty and he promises the churches as an overcomer.
Jesus Christ was the Word become flesh and he overcame the world."In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."( John 16:33). So holiness of God, "Be ye holy for I am holy" is the characteristic of the holiness where his grace and truth rounds off each one. The name of the Father is written on His servants. The first fruits, " having his Father's name written in their foreheads.: have their new song. What Jesus Christ promised is the seal of righteousness like the amulet, "Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death;"(The Song 8:6; Re.14:1-3)
Genesis began with, "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." and the same after Jesus Christ has fulfilled the divine Will is seen from the POV of the church. "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth." It is not God but John is recording it.
Jesus chose 12 disciples to indicate his ministry was of the Servant-King, as Son to his heavenly father.(See under N-numbers, command)
Principle of Association established a new order where it was enough that a servant was an associate as his master "It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord".(Matt.10:25;40)
(See under S- servant)
Discipleship is a loaded word. It is not simply delivering doctrine of God to the world as heard of him. As associates of Jesus Christ it was the Life, which as Jesus declared was his logos aspect. Not only the Word but of the Son. One sign of their adequacy came when they could enter into the heart of the parables." His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God."( John 16:29-33) Their growth was begun when they stayed on trusting. "Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.( John 6:67-68)
Jesus declared that his doctrine was not of his own but that of his Father. He established the cardinal principle of discipleship: Man is the massage. Jesus set an example and he promised a double portion because he was going to his father.
"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father."( John 14:12)
(See under D-double )
We had this point earlier also discussed in this forum. Macheira in Greek is knife and in the context of the account as set down by the Spirit it was not everyday life he is placing emphasis as with an eye towards their calling. "I have overcome the world"( John 16:33) is a direct statement from Jesus. So it is appropriate to take it as sword, a ceremonial one at that. With joy and peace,
Jeremiah 17:8 along with Psalm 1 bring out the benefits of a tree whose roots are planted near the water. This steadfast faith in the Lord is contrasted in the next verse which describes the vicissitudes of the heart of unregenerate man. These vital concepts describe the state of a soul; who needs to be vigilant to bearing fruit and testing themselves to see if they are in the faith is a necessary prerequisite ( 2 Cor. 13:5). Those who do not bear fruit are cut off and burned; a figurative statement describing a very real state of the lost at Judgment Day (see John 15:2).
Surely all flesh is as grass ( 1 Peter 1:24) and like a vapor this life soon passes away ( James 4:14). Eternity is in men's hearts showing that indeed the nature of man is for their spirit to live forever after the body and soul perish ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). This means their legacy is either eternal glory and recognition of those things done while living for the Lord; or eternal damnation for the lack thereof. (see Matthew 25:34 and associated verses).
There is some hope for us who still are producing works of wood; hay and stubble ( 2 Tim. 2:21-23) to change to better works if we have a foundation in Christ ( 1 Cor. 3:11). This results in varying degrees or levels in the harvest and subsequent reward for those who are saved (see also Mark 4:20).
Those in the flesh and not Born Again can only interpret what they see around them in the world (the actions of others who serve as their peers and interpreted through their own understanding). God alone as I see it through predestination determines who will be saved. On our end it takes a fair evaluation of who we really are as compared to a righteous God which then leads to godly sorrow and repentance (which is indeed a gift from God as about half a dozen scriptures indicate). John 16:8 must enlighten us to our desperate plight that SHOULD be aided by proper evangelism appealing for individuals to repent.
I had an interesting discussion with a friend of mine who is a young Pastor last week. In it; he was lamenting an individual who claimed that Christ died for him (or her). This was because the evidence of it through this person's behavior would indicate otherwise. It is indeed true and necessary that we all have a personal understanding and experience in regard to salvific faith and repentance granted in regard to being one of God's elect if indeed we are saved. Clearly "accepting" Christ as Lord isn't really doing anything beyond what demons do and shudder ( James 2:19). Confession with the mouth and belief in the heart must coexist ( Romans 10:9-10); it is more than just a verbal declaration of facts. Nonetheless there should be some understanding of the atonement; as well as evidence that the heart has been changed with the spirit convicting of sin; righteousness and judgment to come ( John 16:8). As the Lord states "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" ( Matt. 12:34 and other related verses in New and Old Testament). What John 3:16 is indicating is a state of belief; not merely a one time thing (as translated correctly). Enduring to the end shows that it isn't our own strength which brings about this result; since we all struggle with sin as long as we live ( 1 John 1:8). Nonetheless we have the capacity to live a life of Holiness; since greater is He within us than he who is in the world ( 1 John 4:4).
There are variations of strengths and weaknesses that we all have; some are steeped in doctrines but rather cold in affection towards God; others seem to be caught up in experiences at the expense of wisdom from the Word; and often they seem to have little grasp of repentance or deem it not worthy in very much discussion. There is ample substance in the Word for the Spirit to enlighten us; and any personal vision or dream must be subject to the Word; if in variance then it must be discarded.
MORE TO COME
To remind God of blessings promised in the Scriptures; if done in the correct way is honoring to God. Without discernment; however we may not be aware of what this means; and also if we are living in a sinful lifestyle we are trying to deliberately ask for something we cannot have as long as we refuse to submit to the Lord and we are producing bad fruit.
The church much like Israel has certain CONDITIONAL as well as unconditional promises. The POSSESSING church (that is those who have the Holy Spirit and are truly saved) is and always will be a subset in this age of the confessing or professing body of believers (i.e. the church). The difference is there are some who believe in the true God and others in a God of their own imaginations; fitting the parameters that a person finds reasonable; or comfortable living with by mentally cherry picking what appeals from the Word and filing the unpleasant verses somewhere in the cobwebs in the back of their mind.
God is no respecter of persons ( Acts 10:34 also Romans 2). He does whatever He chooses and we know for certain that He desires glory for Himself and no other. (See Isaiah 42:8). John 16:10 shows how God seeks glory for the Son; therefore His desire for worship is never selfish as He always does the Father's will. This is selfless love and shows an example of how we are to live. If we thank God for things in our lives that bring us into sin such as excess money for greedy gain ( Titus 1:11); we are only heaping greater condemnation on ourselves.
In the last of the three chapters we are examining the doctrine of God as Jesus applied in his own life so we look our own lives under the true Light and it is like a candle we search our inner lives by the in-house tutor. (Pr.20:27). He assured us,"ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full."( John 16:24). Joy is fruit of the Spirit. If this is the truth one need seriously examine wherefore joy is missing from abiding life. St Paul testified amidst all kinds of adversities and perils, "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice."(Ph.4:4)
Abiding life means we have let the risks and irksome minutiae of swimming against the currents into our Redeemer Lord and let our faith go along with His lead. He is our Good Shepherd. There is no split in our eye of faith and what our natural eyes behold. Where such a contrary worlds a believer creates we have the situation found in our key text. He has a public persona which is completely odd with his inner vision. He professes like a lamb but if let he is ready to shred whosoever stands in his way. "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." The proof is in their fruits, "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."(7:16-20)
There is no escaping from God the Father of lights who in giving his Son the redemption of our souls expect clarity in our purpose and walk. Do not expect one may indulge Jesus talk and fool all but God is not fooled by his crooked shadow.
Greetings in Christ JESUS
Thank you for your reply. However, my point is what JESUS said and what we have learned from Him establishing here the 2nd Covenant. By the way, remember what my Lord JESUS said: Matthew 12:42
42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the Judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
My Lord JESUS said that "when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you- John 16:13-15.
About works of men, JESUS said: Maatthew 12:34-45
34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the Day of Judgment.
37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
Revelation 5 I believe is symbolic of believers that need to purify themselves through martyrdom. Whether these are believers who are lukewarm and left behind certainly seems plausible to me. If it is new believers; it shows that the only real way to bear fruit at that time is through death; unlike now when we have the opportunity to do so through functions we practice largely in the corporate Body but not exclusively. There simply will not be room for compromise; and at that time as the book of Daniel indicates the saints will be overcome; unlike now when the gates of hell will NOT prevail against the church. This will be at the time when ALL nations will hate us; and kill us thinking they are doing God a favor ( John 16:2). This as I see it is likely with the Apostate church who will be the only organized religion after the Rapture; and likely this is a separate event from the martyrs who refuse the Mark of the Beast later on; after Satan goes after all the false AND true religion to get all the glory for himself; thus overthrowing the "Mystery Babylon" system.
I will agree that fear and spiritual oppression are what really cause defeat; many times fear of death and persecution. Yet it is true freedom and release and nothing to fear to die in Christ once we pass this earthly existance. Some; I feel are hidden and God will use the Tribulation to violently sift the wheat so to speak to bear fruit (Tribulum concept)
Thank you Valmar. To respond & also I'm in agreement with you, No, the Triune God never changes - as well as His requirement of faith to please Him & be acceptable to Him. The OT folk were accepted by God because of their faith in Him for Who He was (as revealed to them) & they were confident that He would fulfill all that He had promised to them. Those who died in their sins were the disobedient & faithless & could never please Him & suffered under His Hand. So, the essential requirement was Faith & when the Law & Commandments came to them, they were to obey fully in their strength, looking unto their Maker only.
So, what changed with the coming of Jesus Christ? Faith was still the requirement ( Hebrews 11:6), but it was no longer a human faith, based on human works, to be acceptable to God. The OT faithful (looking forward) would have their sins paid for at Calvary, just as those who would believe from Israel & Gentiles post-Calvary. But now, we don't receive a set of rules to follow to please God - we don't muster up (our) faith to be acceptable - and we contribute nothing in works (sacrifices, feasts, sabbaths, washings, etc.) towards our salvation.
For this reason, I sought your thoughts on the work of the Holy Spirit, He Who was sent by Jesus ( John 15:26; John 16:7; Galatians 4:6), a Spirit that the OT faithful never received for the renewing & enlivening of their hearts - only at Pentecost such a mighty Work of God took place. God indeed has not changed, but the Cross has changed how man stands before God. To Page 2.
Hi Valmar. Thanks for addressing my question & I do agree with you on the incomprehensible Work of the Spirit in giving healing, exhortation, etc. What I was looking for pertains to your subject, viz. a believer's eternal security. And also to a comment you made, "the ability to lose one's salvation rests completely with that individual".
The way I understand the Scriptures, is that if we have the ability, or power, to lose/relinquish our salvation, then it presents questions not only to the Spirit's Work in saving a lost soul, but also the power we have to over-ride what the Spirit has done in our lives. Clearly, you believe that a saved sinner can either choose to depart Christ or to remain faithful to Him. My question then is: is it in the new spiritual make-up of the one now found 'in Christ' to ever desire to leave the One Who has delivered Him from so great a penalty & given him a new life with peace, joy & hope? Here, I'm not referring to a saved soul who through negligence or appeal of the flesh or Satan, strays & toys with the world. I'm confident if that soul is saved, then the Spirit will not let him go; and Momsage shared an apt testimony of this very work of God in her & her husband.
So to my question, I believe the more relevant Work of the Holy Spirit in one's life is that: He Convicts man of his sin ( John 16:8-11); He Regenerates, or gives re-birth to the penitent sinner ( John 3:3-7, Titus 3:5, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 John 2:29); He Indwells ( 1 Corinthians 6:19, Romans 5:5, John 14:16); He Baptizes ( 1 Corinthians 12:13, Ephesians 4:5); and He Seals ( 2 Corinthians 1:22, Ephesians 1:13, Ephesians 4:30). I'm sure you're conversant with these Scriptures, showing that salvation & securing is all of God, without any contribution from man. To Page 2.
Romans 6:23 The wages of "SIN" is death .....
John 1:29 ..... Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the "SIN" of the world ..... this sin is singular .....
I agree this "SIN" is a single sin.
Then you said: This speaks of the penalty of sin.
I disagree: the Lamb takes away this single "SIN" not the penalty of this single "SIN" and if this single "SIN" is not purged out of US: the PENALTY STANDS
This is the ONLY "SIN" not covered by the Lamb's blood.
God's word tells us what this single "SIN" is.
You have quoted this in other comments.
John 16:8 And when he is come he will reprove the world of "SIN"
This is the same single "SIN" and same world of John 1:29
This is the same single "SIN" that keep the children of Israel from entering the promised land, the PENALTY: they DIED in the wilderness.
John 16:9 Of "SIN" because they BELIEVE NOT ......
And what purges this "SIN"
Proverbs 16:6 By TRUTH and MERCY iniquity is PURGED.
Christ is the spirit of TRUTH, and when he IS COME he will reprove the world of UNBELIEF.
Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins (plural) of many and unto them who look for him shall he appear the second time without "SIN" (singular)(unbelief) unto salvation.
God BLESS YOU!
Man in his natural state loves darkness.
Beware of anyone that teaches that sin is good!
Also Beware of the snare that God saves you by his Love and compromise his righteous Judgment.
"God so loved the world, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON,
(( God didn't excuse our sin, It cost him dearly!
Christ was judged!! He wasn't let off the hook! He prayed 3 times to let this cup pass him!
If it was any other way, God didn't answer him.))
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Read and Study John 3:17-21. and John 16:7-14.
We've been baptized into a body of believers and led and sealed by one Spirit. And that's Christ.
Israel in the OT shows the weakness of man left alone and the absence of the indwelling Spirit of Christ. and it is a lesson for you and I.
Judges 2:8-13.
And Joshua, the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being an hundred and ten years old.
And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnathheres, in the mount of Ephraim, on the north side of the hill Gaash.
And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.
And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:
And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger.
And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth.
That's why Jeremiah 31:31-34 is Prophesied.
God bless.
The prophecies in Jeremiah were as much for the PROMISED ISRAEL as was it for national Israel.
National Israel was preached the gospel then, as promised Israel is preached the gospel today.
John came preaching the GOSPEL of the Kingdom of God saying REPENT of your SINS.
They didn't understand THEN, as we don't understand TODAY.
Christ was CRUCIFIED from the foundation of the world, the sins of the FLESH God sees NOT, only the righteousness of Christ.
National Israel had this gospel THEN, as well as promised Israel has it TODAY.
Psalms 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our sins from us.
So what was John message of REPENTANCE of our sins.
UNBELIEF is the ONLY sin that keeps us from the PRESENCE of GOD.
John 16:8 An when HE (Christ) IS COME (the second time as the Spirit of Truth), he (Christ) will reprove the world of SIN.
John 16:9 Of SIN because they BELIEVE NOT ......
You REPENT of the sins of UNBELIEF.
CONFESS your SINS of not understanding God's word.
ASK and you will RECEIVE.
John 9:41 ... If you were BLIND, you would have NO SIN, but because you say I SEE, your SIN (not understanding) remaineth.
You may have to read the WORD fifteen hundred times as LIGHT is shined into DARKNESS: our carnal mind of misunderstanding.
These words are meant for encouragement, not condemnation, we are all being JUDGED by the WORD.
Each of us STAND or FALL by those WORDS.
Look at yourself as GOD sees YOU, a NEW CREATION.
Philippians 2:5 Let this MIND be IN YOU, which was ALSO in Christ Jesus,
Philippians 2:6 Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal to God.
God Bless YOU!
The ministry of Jesus on Earth was now completed, only the final work of redemption lay before Him. But Jesus says something interesting to His Father: "Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee" (v1), and then further adds, "O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was" (v5). To glorify means 'to bestow honor; to magnify someone's worth'. When Jesus sought His Father's glory of Himself at this point, it was what remained before Him: the culmination of His Ministry to His disciples & others & the laying down of His Life for them. To many, Jesus' death meant failure, a riddance of a thorn in their flesh, an inability to accomplish what He had promised. But He knew that He did not come to meet the whims & fancies of men, but to bring sinners into the love & fold of God ( John 10:15,16). Men would hate & reject Him, but His Father's Plan for man's redemption would be fully accomplished & in this act of sacrifice & love, both the Father & Son would be glorified & Jesus' time of glorification had arrived - not by pomp & ceremony but by sacrificial Love.
But such love was nothing new, for God is the embodiment of Love, Mercy, Grace, & Truth. But when Jesus came to Earth, that Glory was hidden from men, that only God would be glorified in the Face of Jesus ( 2 Corinthians 4:6). But now the Glory of Jesus would also be seen by those who believe - and this Glory that was once hidden would be returned to Him - as He said, "with the glory which I had with thee before the world was". Jesus, God's Word, was within God's Person, for He 'came out from God & came forth from the Father' ( John 16:27,28).
Just a few things, I am sorry you feel you have been lied to, there are different interpretations out there. If we study Matt. 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 together it helps.
I have found when studying the Bible, we should not start with a preconceived idea, it is easy to see Scriptures that fit a picture we have painted in our mind rather than letting the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit reveal the true meaning.
First, Jesus's death and resurrection were hidden from them, Luke 18:31-34. Even after he was crucified, they were distraught and did not understand the fact that he was killed. John 16:16-20 and we have Luke 24:4-6. Not knowing Jesus was going to die would they be asking Jesus about His second coming?
Is all of Matthew 24 about the end time, many combined it with other prophecies to create a picture of the end time. Some of it is obviously about Jesus's second coming but much of it was to prepare them for what they were to endure up to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. False prophets we see there were many before 70 AD, Acts 21:36-38 Acts 8:9 and others. If we look at history there were wars, earthquakes, and famine, Acts 7:11 and Acts 11:28.
Many put Matt. 24:15 and Mark 13:14 at the end time with an antichrist, should we not consider what Luke wrote about the same thing, Luke 21:20 that history has recorded?
One other thing why would Jesus say to pray their flee would not be on a Sabbath day? Today would not be a problem with the transportation we have. Back then the gates of Jerusalem would be locked and would be hard to get out and it would take days to get clear, with a pace of 2.5 mph.
I am with you, we sleep in the grave until resurrection the first of those who are chosen and faithful, Rev. 17:14 at Jesus's second coming and the second, the rest of the dead at the white throne judgment/the sheep and the goats and those whose names are not in the book of life is cast into the lake of fire, Rev. 20:15.
God bless,
RLW
In exercising the sword of Spirit we ward off many thrusts of the enemy even this moment. Ungodly world encourages a child of God to join with them in many hare-brained schemes be it Ponzi scheme or Pro-life marches or pro Israel. Palestine nation reduced to misery without basic amenities did not raise even a murmur from the Christian world against giving a better life to them. What hypocrisy is to take a march for the unborn? Here was a news item, "The fentanyl that killed a one-year-old child at a nursery in New York City was hidden in the nap room under a mat as he slept, police say.". Local churches turn a blind eye to the free flow of dangerous drugs falling into the hands of the vulnerable but they are most vocal for the rights of the foetus! These sort of activism are not from God but from Satan. The word of God is to be used for his glory and not from some worthless political causes.
There was war in heaven and in the Book of Daniel and Revelation we see bad actors spiritual darkness getting involved in the nations. Unknown to us we are engaged in a spiritual struggle against the powers of darkness. There are rules of engagement to which we have our roles, "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity."(1 Co.16:13-14)
"And they went out, they and all their hosts with them, much people, even as the sand thatisupon the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many." ( Josh 11:3-4) The Spirit gives us as total numbers from both worlds of the Spirit and of the body. Here is another passage, "And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them./And thus I saw the horses in the vision,..."(Re.9:16-18)
St. John heard the number and it is a vision given to him. The Spirit gives us a clue. 'Third of men killed''/ The number tag of Three sets in context of the of Son. ( John 16:33)
"Jephtha"
Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he was the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah.
The Spirit sets Jephtha the Gileadite in the mold of Gideon by addressing him with the title God had used earlier."And the angel of theLordappeared unto him, and said unto him, TheLordis with thee, thou mighty man of valour(6:12)". This sets continuity which by the Law of Gradation invites comparison with God and we shall begin with this verse,"The right hand of theLordis exalted; the right hand of theLorddoeth valiantly(Ps.118:16-KJ21). This takes us all the way to the Son the Alpha Omega, the beginning and the ending. So when Jesus announces "but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.( John 16:33b)"what are we to assume? Is it not that the final outcome of the battle is already determined? For those who entrust their lives unto him, He is the King of kings Lord of Lords who is shown arrayed in all white and on a white horse. He bears this inscription, -"And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written,King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords(Re.19:16)". Predestination by the word of God which is eternal, has covered us. It is a decree Ps.2:7-8. When John speaks of him reveals, "Who has made us kings and priests 'unto God and his Father(Re.1:6)"
Jephtha was the son of a harlot for which his brethren had cast him out. But God raises him out of exile as he did with Moses. God did not hold against Gideon for his Father's idol worship. God had already found him an extension of His sword and also sets events,- as we might say God multitasks, that we cannot refuse but take up our cross as mighty men of valor. As teachers, helps, administrators or as influencers God can make use of every Christian for His kingdom. God chose Jephtha despite of what shame he might have carried among his brethren."Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?/And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother!"
I takes the whole word of God to understand any part of the word.
Romans 7
It takes other truths in God's to understand Romans 7.
If ones does not believe other truths in the word then he want understand Romans 7.
One truth that always has to be applied to any scriptures we study in the word IS:
Hebrews 4:3 .... the WORKS were finished from the foundation of the world ......
Revelation 13:8 ... the LIFE of the Lamb, slain from the foundation of the world .....
Matthew 25:34 ..... the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world .....
Matthew 13:35 .... things which have been keep secret from the foundation of the world ....
So, all this, the WORKS being done before the foundation, we come to this truth:
Hebrews 4:2 ... unto them was the GOSPEL PREACHED, as well as UNTO US ...
One of the truths of the gospel is your sins are forgiven, therefore their sins were forgiven from the foundation of the world.
The prophets declared this to them as well as us:
Psalms 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our SINS from us.
They didn't BELIEVE, as most today don't BELIEVE these words of God, God has not seen our sins from the foundation of the world.
So, what is this SIN that kept THEM and KEEPS us from God: his word tells us:
Hebrews 3:19 So we see that they could not enter in because of UNBELIEF.
So, what's God's solution for UNBELIEF and the mystery keep secret from the foundation of the world.
The SPIRIT of TRUTH, pour out on man at pentecost.
John 16:8 When he is come, he will REPROVE the world of SIN ....
John 16:9 .....of SIN, because they BELIEVE NOT ......
You can believe in God, and yet, NOT BELIEVE his words.
1 Peter 1:23 You are BORN AGAIN, by the WORDS of God ....
I'm out of characters.
Meditate on these truths and we will continue on to Romans 7.
God BLESS YOU!
John
John
I agree it's time to let this topic rest between you and me. However, before I go, I will comment on your last reply.
Part 1
In Acts 15 it wasn't the apostles debating over the law or Judaism, (it was them debating the Pharisees).
Acts 15:5-6. But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, that it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
Acts 15:22-24 You see the Apostles sent letters against this!
A Disciple is one who follows one's teachings, In Christianity these teachings is taught by the Holyspirit.
We are given Christ spirit to know and perform the things of Christ!
That's why they weren't sent out to the rest of the world until they were filled with the Holyspirit.
The spirit of Christ wouldn't have them continue in Judaism, Something Jesus died to free them from. "The curse of the Law"
The ministry of the Holyspirt is shown here in John 16:12-15.
I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak, and he will shew you things to come.
He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine and shall shew it unto you.
All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
And concerning Acts 10:28, This is nothing to do with the context of our debate. We're debating whether one can lose his Salvation, which later we begun to debate whether the Apostles continued in Judaism "concerning Salvation" This has nothing to do with neither. Infact Acts 10:28-48 shows the opposite, the issue is that he went unto the uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
It's shown in Acts 11:17-18 that what they believed in and practiced went out to the Gentiles also.
See Part 2
"And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons."
Without commitment truth in the inward parts with Eve her heart was a strange continent and it was disengaged so to speak. So the rational way in which the serpent spoke and presented the delectable form and color of fruits inflamed her senses. Without which influencers of our times would not succeed in enriching themselves. Did you notice the instagram look these days? Lately it is sporting a gaunt look and they succeed to con the unwary undergo buccal fat removal. The sunken cheeks shall soon show that of a hideous hag, and when truth hits women, they shall rue that accentuating high cheekbones is pass. This is called ways of the world. Satan presides over the foolish and it works on this premise: 'every man's loss is someone else's gain'. In winning over Eve Satan gained thwarting the Salvation plan of God.
Eve passed on her knowledge of good and evil to her man. They did eat. Since then living in one world of now became the norm. The world of the Spirit for many is non-existent. Glory which was an ornament and a covering for them vanished! Their eyes opened only to know they were naked." What useless knowledge was that?
Without setting the truth like frontlets before your eyes how are you settling what is good or what is evil? Some barbaric countries are willing to hang the youth for matters they as old have not arrived at. Their religion have deceived them just Satan deceived Adam and Eve. They made themselves aprons which was what their knowledge could come up.
Jesus said, 'in me you might have peace'.( John 16:33). How true it is. Look how the man and woman reacted at the voice of the Lord! They were thrown into confusion.
Greetings in Christ JESUS
Unfortunately the translation has caused centuries of a great confusion about the identification of the Holy Spirit who is not a "ghost" or "Ghost", but a person, and as a person he is the lesser among the three- John 15:26 combined with John 16:12-15.
I must say that the person of Holy Spirit does not accept being called by this undesirable, unpleasant, inconvenient nickname, in fact such translation sounds as a mockery, it's terrible, very terrible.
Hope that GOD forgives the author(s) of such translation that has caused great and secular confusion for centuries, I should believe that this was not the translators' intention, of course.
This specific trnslation was/ is not good. Times ago I had a short debate about it in the site denominated "purebible".
God bless
TKL said he "knows the reference "Holy Ghost" did not exist in the OT" .
1John 5:7-There are three that bear record in heaven,the Father,the Word,and the Holy Spirit(who is not a ghost as is written in English language,but a Person):and these three are One.
Actually the Holy Spirit as a person is very similar to the Son of man,my Lord JESUS,but he has no light of his own as JESUS has,he has not message of his own,as JESUS had and has,and he as a person is very unknown because he has no genealogy as JESUS has,he has a written name,it is quite true,but his name is unknown,no man knows the name of the person of the Holy Spirit,despite being written,and being he SIMILAR to the Son of man-JESUS.In other words,BY ANALOGY,JESUS is the Sun,the Sun of Righteousness,JESUS is the Greater Light,the Greater Luminary,but the person of the Holy Spirit has no light of his own,he is the Lesser Luminary,as the moon is in the Solar system,the moon has not his own light,its light is from the Sun,is the reflection of Solar light.
That said,the light that the person of the Holy Spirit reflects is not from Himself,no,it is not,absolutely not,in fact he reflects the Light that he receives from JESUS,as the moon receives the Light from the Sun. I say this by the Word of the Father,by the Word of my GOD, the Father, as JESUS said: John 16:12-15 &15:26
12 I still have much to say to you, but you cannot bear it now.
13But when that Spirit of truth comes,he will guide you into all truth, for HE WILL NOT SPEAK OF HIMSELF,but he will speak whatever he hears and he will declare to you what is to come
14He will glorify me,for he will receive what is mine and declare it to you.
15All that the Father has is mine;therefore he told you that (HE)WILL RECEIVE WHAT IS MINE and will declare it to you.
The Person of the Holy Spirit is not a"Ghost" as is written in English language,the Person of the Holy Spirit is one of the three DISTINCTS Persons in GOD the Father,in the Word, the Word is GOD.
Christ has already come the second time, as a thief in the night, you don't see the thief?
Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered for the SINS of many, and to those who look for him he shall APPEAR THE SECOND TIME without SIN unto SALVATION.
John 16:7 For I tell you the truth, it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter WILL NOT COME unto you, but if I depart, I will sent him to you.
John 15:26 ....but when the Comforter IS COME ....... even the SPIRIT of TRUTH ..... he will testify of me ......
Colossians 1:27 ..... this mystery ..... Christ ON YOU ......
God Bless YOU!
"A Fountain for Sin"
"In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness."
This fountain is opened from heaven and it is also specific to Israel. We shall find out why it must be so. There is only one measure in heaven and earth which is that of Jesus Christ. He is the Mediator whose ministry of Reconciliation set up the House for Prayer for all nations, "according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel."(Re.21:17). He is the Man component in the Fellowship of God with Man. Whoever is redeemed from the earth has this certainty.(2 Co.5:1-2) It is 'groaning' and not grabbing prosperity and praise of men. 'I in Jesus' so when we speak it is the same spirit of reconciliation that is expressed.(2 Co.5:20). Israel has to be reconciled because of the everlasting gospel is established along with everlasting covenant. So the ministry of Jesus from the earth is finished. He has his ministry from heaven which evidently included the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The Church age began from that point.
Towards the end of the earthly ministry Jesus explained to his disciples one reason of his returning to his Father."The Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you."
"And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:/And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:/Of sin, because they believe not on me;"( John 16:7-9)
John 1:29 ...... Behold, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the SIN of the world.
Hebrews 12:1 ... an the SIN which doth so easily beset us ......
What is this singular SIN that so easily besets God's people, and Jesus said he will TAKE AWAY, because his blood covers all other sins.
John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of SIN.......
John 16:9 Of SIN, because they BELIEVE NOT .... (the Word of God)......
Philippians 1:29 ... it is GIVEN TO YOU on the behalf of Christ to BELIEVE
God Bless YOU!
Jesus, through prayer, was expounding to his disciples and to us, what was going to happen by his death and HIS RESURRECTION
By HIS RESURRECTION all things became NEW, he is the fulfillment of Mosses and the prophets;
Creation became a JOIN-HEIR with Christ.
A marriage occurred at his RESURRECTION, Jesus became THE LIFE of all men, all men became the BODY of Christ.
We are just the BODY, CHRIST IS THE LIFE, our body has the FAITH of JESUS CHRIST, our BODY does the WORKS of JESUS CHRIST, we have no faith other than the faith of Jesus Christ, we have no works other than the WORKS of Jesus Christ.
OUR body is DEAD with JESUS CHRIST.
John 16:8 And when he is come (the second coming of CHRIST; IN YOU, his body) he will reprove the world of SIN.
John 16:8 Of SIN, because they BELIEVE NOT my words.
YOU died on the cross, how can you repent of your sins, they are COVERED by the blood of Christ, YOU REPENT of your BELIEFS, because the carnal mind is enmity (in direct rebellion) to what GOD SAYS.
Creation DIED with CHRIST on his CROSS, ONLY the BODY of CHRIST arose, we are JOINT-HEIRS of IMMORTALITY.
1 Timothy 6:16 ..... Christ ONLY hath IMMORTALITY .....
We are the BODY, Christ is THE LIFE.
The wages of SIN (unbelief) is DEATH, the absence of LIFE ----- let the dead bury their dead -----
Anti-christ i(and there are many) is opposition to TRUTH; Christ the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE.
God Bless YOU!
While speaking of the unpardonable sin against the Holy Ghost it is as though coming from Trinity. (Matt.12:31-32). 'Therefore I say unto you' in v.31 is from the Son and the following verse is from the Father. This coming from the Holy Ghost would go against his own narrative mode. In the Gospel of John Jesus speaking about the Holy Ghost speaks thus," Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.( John 16:13). 'He shall not speak of himself'. For this reason it is implied that the Trinity is witnessing the unpardonable sin is accounted on anyone who disregards the warning.
There is a time lapse, which is not because God is slow in hearing the prayers of a saint. The Holy Ghost the third office organizes the will of God according to the Word so the timing is perfect. In Daniel's case the angel of his Presence had to attend what changes in the light of his request. "The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia," (Dan.10:13-ESV).This mode of parenthesis ought to inform the length breadth and depth of Power and Wisdom of God.
The intent of the word wide web also throws light on the Law. "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple."(Ps.19:7) Jesus obeyed the will of his Father and it was not only in big events like his death and resurrection but in obedience to the word. Marriage at Cana has this" "Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come."( John 2:4), and this, "Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready." ( John 7:6). "And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified."( John 12:23)
The Word is GOD, GOD the Father, two thousand years ago the Word -GOD- was made flesh, and the NAME He chose for He Himself was JESUS( John 1:18).
Hebrews 1:2-3:- 2 In these last days (last two days) GOD has spoken unto us by His Son,whom He hath appointed heir of all things,by whom also He made the worlds; 3 Who being the brightness of His Glory, and the EXPRESS IMAGE OF GOD's PERSON -the Word-...He sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.
1 John 5:7 - There are THREE that (TESTIFY)bear record in heaven,the Father(the Person of GOD the Father-the Word),the Word (GOD Son-the Word made flesh-JESUS),and the Holy Spirit-the Paraclete,the Confort- John 16:12-15 combined with Jn 15:26 (who is not a ghost as is written in English language, but a Person, actually the Ancient of Days- Daniel 7:22, and the God of the earth- Revelation 11:4):these three are One.
By the way, Judgment was(will be) given to the saints of the most High;the time came that the saints possessed(will posses)the kingdom-Dan.7:22-(in LITERAL fulfillment of Rev.11:15to18.Take a look.)
Unfortunatelly, Your thinking is from a human perspective,a stumblingblock,not from GOD's perspective.Who is of the earth is earthly,and speaks of the earth- John 3:31-who is from above is above all.
JESUS said:He that believeth on me,as the Scriptures-the Bible- hath said,out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water- Jn 7:38.And more:Search the Scriptures(the Bible);for in them ye think ye have Eternal Life:and they are they which testify of me- Jn 5:39.
JESUS said to the Devil:Man shall not live by bread alone,but by every word that proceedeth out of the MOUTH of GOD-Mat.4:4. By the way,GOD who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,Hath in these last days(last two Days or two millenia)spoken unto us by His Son,whom He has appointed heir of all things,by whom also he made the worlds-Heb.1:1-3
Be careful or get ready
The Word is GOD,self-executing