GRACE_ambassador {ChrisE} - In Reply - 3 years ago
Precious friend, The Word Of God's Truth assures us we can have Confidence in our and loved ones' death, who are In CHRIST!:
"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, AND to be present With The LORD." ( 2 Corinthians 5:8). Scriptural Confirmation:
Conscious "souls IN HEAVEN":
(1a) In heaven, John says: "I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for The Word Of God" ( Revelation 6:9)
(1b) "And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O LORD, Holy and True, dost Thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?" ( Revelation 6:10) "crying with a loud voice IS consciousness, Correct? More Confirmation:
(2) What about the "members of the Body Of CHRIST, Today, who depart from the body, in death" to be "asleep In JESUS"?
Are they not "With CHRIST, In Heaven," as Paul states?:
a) "For to me to live is Christ, and to die IS GAIN." ( Philippians 1:21)
b) "For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and TO BE WITH CHRIST; which is FAR BETTER:" ( Philippians 1:23)
c) who Exactly, does "[CHRIST] God Bring WITH HIM" At our Great GRACE Departure?:
"For if we believe that JESUS died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in JESUS Will God BRING With HIM." ( 1 Thessalonians 4:14)
"[CHRIST] WHO Died for us, That, Whether we wake OR sleep, we should LIVE TOGETHER WITH HIM!" ( 1 Thessalonians 5:10) Amen? Hope this helps!
GRACE_ambassador {ChrisE} - In Reply on Mark 2 - 3 years ago
Popeye asks: "infirmity" questions - Please help me that I may pass it along.
Popeye, Precious friend, I will pray for you - hope this helps:
God's GRACE In our infirmities
(1) Read Romans 5:1-5, especially take note of verse 3, "we glory [rejoice] in tribulations." We are not instructed here to glory in spite of the trials of life we find ourselves in, but we are to rejoice because of them. That is to say we are to thank God for allowing times of suffering into our life. This passage of Scripture expressly states that The Lord uses the tribulations of life "to conform us to The Image Of His Son" ( Romans 8:29). To this end, He uses all things "to work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the called According To His Purpose" ( Romans 8:28). As we grow mature in The Lord, our Savior is Glorified. As believers in Jesus Christ it is given us "in behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His Sake" ( Philippians 1:29). (Borrowed from brother Ed Bedore) My study:
(2) After Paul [our #"pattern"# for Today!] prayed 3 times for his affliction, the "Answer he Received," According To The Scriptures, Was:
"And HE [CHRIST] Said Unto me, MY GRACE Is Sufficient For thee: For MY Strength Is Made Perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory [cp] in my infirmities, that The Power Of CHRIST May Rest Upon me!" ( 2 Corinthians 12:9) cp ( 2 Corinthians 11:23-30)
GRACE_ambassador {ChrisE} - In Reply - 3 years ago
Precious friend, Adam, said: "I think the phrase absent from body, present with the Lord is a good example of that [telephone game]. Because if you actually read the verse, Paul did not say what people assume he said."
Of course, The Scriptures Actually Say:
"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, AND to be present With The LORD." ( 2 Corinthians 5:8). Who wouldn't WITH "Paul's CONFIDENCE, "RATHER Be WITH CHRIST"?
Is there really "soul sleep, UNconsciousness," or, as some extremists think, "annihilation" ["ssua"] when "we are absent from the body."? We Must prayerfully "compare spiritual With spiritual, With The Blessed Holy Spirit As TEACHER" ( 1 Corinthians 2:13), for the Full Picture = "What SAITH All The Scriptures" in this doctrine?:
(1a) In heaven, John says: "I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for The Word Of God" ( Revelation 6:9)
(1b) "And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O LORD, Holy and True, dost Thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?" ( Revelation 6:10) = NO "ssua" here, Correct?
(2) So, what about the "members of the Body Of CHRIST, Today, who depart from the body, in death"? Why are they not "With CHRIST, In Heaven," as Paul states?:
a) "For to me to live is Christ, and to die IS GAIN." ( Philippians 1:21)
b) "For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and TO BE WITH CHRIST; which is FAR BETTER:" ( Philippians 1:23)
c) who Exactly, does "[CHRIST] God Bring WITH HIM" At our Great GRACE Departure?:
"For if we believe that JESUS died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in JESUS Will God BRING With HIM." ( 1 Thessalonians 4:14)
Only One Conclusion: we depart, in death, ie: "absent from the body, AND [IMMEDIATELY Are] present With The LORD JESUS CHRIST," Correct, Adam? Thus:
"[CHRIST] WHO Died for us, That, Whether we wake OR sleep, we should LIVE TOGETHER WITH HIM!" ( 1 Thessalonians 5:10)
GRACE_ambassador {ChrisE} - In Reply - 3 years ago
Precious friend(s), IF you have prayed and received NO healing, Then, think about:
God's GRACE in our infirmities:
Read ( Romans 5:1-5), especially take note of verse 3, "we glory [rejoice] in tribulations." We are not instructed here to glory in spite of the trials of life we find ourselves in, but we are to REJOICE because of them. That is to say we are to thank God for allowing times of suffering into our life. This passage of Scripture expressly states that the Lord uses the tribulations of life "to conform us to the image of His Son" ( Romans 8:29). To this end, He uses all things "to work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the called according to His purpose" ( Romans 8:28).
As we grow mature in the Lord, our Savior is glorified. As believers in Jesus Christ it is given us "in behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to SUFFER for His sake" ( Philippians 1:29).
Jesse said: "a non-believer can become a believer and still not be forgiven. A person has to be born of God's Spirit in order to be forgiven and saved. Belief is important, but belief itself does not bring salvation. Receiving Jesus Christ and being born of His Spirit is what saves a person. With that salvation comes forgiveness."? According To Plain/Clear Scriptures?:
Precious friend, then I must Misunderstand: "Repent, and Believe The Gospel Of The GRACE Of God"? = "Believe On CHRIST, His Death, Burial, and Resurrection, by GRACE Through faith {BELIEF, trust}." ( 1 Corinthians 15:3-4) ( Ephesians 2:5-9)?
I must Misunderstand "trusting CHRIST" In ( Ephesians 1:12)? Also:
"But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of The LORD, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and BELIEF of The Truth:" ( 2 Thessalonians 2:13)?
"Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that BELIEVE..." ( Romans 3:22)? compare ( Romans 4:11) ( Romans 4:24) ( 1 Corinthians 1:21) ( Galatians 3:22) ( Ephesians 1:19) ( Philippians 1:29) ( 1 Thessalonians 1:7) ( 1 Thessalonians 2:13) ( 1 Thessalonians 4:14) ( 2 Thessalonians 1:10)
Finally IF I BELIEVE, "but sins are NOT forgiven," how is it that I HAVE Life Everlasting, According To ALL The above Plain And Clear Scriptures About "BELIEF"?:
"Howbeit for this cause I obtained MERCY, that in me first JESUS CHRIST might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter BELIEVE ON HIM to Life Everlasting." ( 1 Timothy 1:16)?
Upon my BELIEF Of Truth, did not The Holy Spirit Baptize ( 1 Corinthians 12:13) me Into The Body Of CHRIST, God "forgiving my sins," in the twinkling of an eye?
Now, IF you are referring to "water baptism for the remission of sins" that is altogether
Another Different Bible study we could pursue, IF you wish...
I would like to attempt to refresh your question because it is All important.
To get a understanding of salvation we must recognize that we have come up short even when giving our best efforts.
We are sinners no matter who we attempt to compare ourselves with. And the wages of sin is death.
Romans 5:12. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Romans 6:23. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Hebrews 9:22. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
OUR REDEMPTION.
Salvation is not getting away with sin "because we say we believe" Salvation is Christ to on the penalty of our sins and died for us, And those who truly has been regenerated was baptized into that death. and when Christ rose again they was baptized into his resurrection with newness of Everlasting life.
1 Corinthians 15:21-22. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
For as IN Adam all die, EVEN SO IN CHRIST SHALL ALL BE MADE ALIVE.
Now to attempt to answer your question.
We believe we are without hope apart from Christ, Christ took the penalty of our sins upon him and paid for them with his life. Then rose again the third day. We were IDENTIFIED/BAPTIZED into that death and resurrection by the Holyspirit. Romans 1:3-4.
Now fruit in our lives confirms our belief.
and we. If there is no fruit produced in our lives then our faith was in vain.
Because it's Christ spirit in you that performs.
Philippians 1:6. Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Here is what I believe a verse that gives the picture of Predestination.
Philippians 1:6. Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
And also here.
Luke 15:1-4. Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
Mark, As for your question, let me reassure you that suicide is not an unforgivable sin. Therefore, if a true believer commits suicide, though their life ended with a sin under tragic circumstances, they are still saved by the blood of Christ. The grace of God through the death and resurrection of Christ covers all sins past, present, and future. A sin that ends your life is no more potent than one that doesn't. God's grace is more powerful and covers it all. So, rest assured that ____ is in the presence of the Lord. The apostle Paul is clear on this in Philippians 1:21-23. He says that when we depart from the body (death) we are then with Christ. This goes for all believers, not just ones that didn't commit suicide.
ABOUT THE SPIRIT OF DEATH. Had some experience with this when I was younger. Death seemed to be a soft blanket to shield me from losses in life.
The following is a list to help you discern whether or not you are being attacked by a spirit of death.
* You experience difficulty finding work to support your family.
* There is an onslaught of sickness and disease reoccurring in your body.
* You are battling with discouraging thoughts to give up the fight and die.
* You are dealing with a barrage of accidents and strange events that can lead to death.
* You are struggling with suicidal thoughts.
* You fight against thoughts of harming others
* You engage in behaviors and activities that invite death, such as reckless driving, drug and alcohol abuse, and other negative habits that display a death wish.
I believe a spirit of death tried to take Jobs life. It spied on what Job was fearful of losing. Job had nothing left, homeless,sick,"friends" blamed him; all he had was faith in God. He trusted in God no matter what happened.
He was healed, got a new wife, more kids, wealth; and a deeper knowledge of who God is. Our faith is valuable. Job didn't have a Bible, but he knew God, respected God: what I learned myself. Mishael
It is interesting that you say that because we see that even today, especially with the health, wealth, and prosperity teachers. They see a believer struggling with hardship and they say that God is not blessing them or that they do not have enough faith. But you are correct. I did some study several years ago on Jewish culture back in that time frame and that was their way of thinking. They believed that if you were wealthy and in perfect health, that you were truly blessed by God. Well, Paul was a mess! He had health issues, problems with his eyesight, and boils all over his body, shipwrecked, beaten, and spent time in prison. He was not a pretty sight to look at. The way the Jewish leaders saw it was that there was no way that Paul was a man of God because how could he go through so much hardship and struggle in his life if God was blessing him? It's sad that there are still people who believe this way today!
Nice sharing bro Another point I would like to share is that he was incarcerated so much that people started to get tricked into not believing what he taught anymore. Others were telling them that if Gods working in Him why is He always getting in trouble, they were looking at it buy the senses not spiritually Ephesians 6:12. He preached to all asia minor in acts and by 2 Timothy 1:15 He writes almost everyone turned from Him. That's an unbelievable verse when you think about it. With all the signs miracles he did by Gods power and they witnessed it they were still tricked out of the truth.
Paul in Philippians 1:12-30 gives his philosophy in dealing with fellowship. The first thing Paul wanted them to know was that he being in prison in Rome, that he was a prisoner of Jesus Christ. Paul was put there for the furtherance of the gospel, not because he did anything wrong. Paul was put under house arrest for two years which meant that a soldier had to be chained to his arm 24 hours a day in 6 hour shifts for two years. Paul wasn't going to complain. He's going to say, "Hi buddy, oh you don't want to hear the gospel? Guess what? We're chained! I mean, who's the prisoner here? The soldier was his prisoner!
Philippians 1:14 is to look at Paul's difficult circumstances. It was an encouragement for them to see Paul in chains, in such a difficult circumstance, and to see him still preaching the gospel under such hardship. So Paul's philosophy was that prison does not cut off fellowship nor God's work. What is interesting is that the people in Philippi, seven hundred miles away are supporting him and praying for him, and even sending their pastor.
In verse 15, he says some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife. Hard to believe, huh? To preach Christ in such a way so as to divide people from other people? We see the same contrast in verse 16. Their motives are not pure when they are preaching the gospel. Paul says "Supposing to add affliction to my bonds."
False teachers would actually go to places where Paul preached, and they would say "Did you hear where Paul's at?" And the people would say no, what's going on? Well, he's in prison in Rome. What happened? And then they would say "I told you to stay away from that guy. He's a jailbird. He's always involved in fights and riots and they arrest him all over the place. I told you not to listen to him."
And then they bring in their false doctrine. So Paul says, "Some people (false teachers) even preach Christ in a way so as to even add more affliction to his imprisonment."
Sister Dianne, may CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS grace.
God CANNOT be SOVEREIGN and man have FREE WILL, it's impossible. Man would be able to CHANGE what God predestinated.
There have been billions of people that have been born and died, if man has free will why didn't at least one free will himself to NOT SIN.
Man makes hundreds of choices every day, but ever choice you make has a CAUSE and that cause is God:
Ephesians 1:11 In whom we also have obtained an inheritance, being PREDESTINATED according to the PURPOSE OF HIM who worketh ALL THINGS after the counsel of HIS WILL.
Philippians 2:13 For it is GOD that WORKETH IN YOU both to WILL and DO of his good pleasure.
You are born again by the word of God.
This is part of being born again: you AGREE with God; that you do nothing of yourself, all is OF GOD, he shares his glory with NO ONE.
He causes you to believe, He causes you to understand that it is his faith not yours, He causes you to repent, He causes you to LOVE.
Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is GIVEN in the behalf of Christ, not only to BELIEVE ON HIM, but to also suffer for his sake;
Philippians 3:9 And being found in HIM, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the FAITH OF CHRIST, the righteousness which is OF GOD by faith.
Romans 2:4 ....Not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.
Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put my spirit WITHIN YOU, and CAUSE YOU to walk in my statutes, and ye shall KEEP my judgements, ans DO THEM.
NO FREE WILL in those scriptures.
Living IN CHRIST becomes quite simple when you are born of TRUTH.
I agree with Dianne that Christ never leaves us. Guilt and shame can be one of two things: God's Spirit in you bringing conviction to your heart about the sin you are/were involved in, or God's Spirit is bringing conviction to draw you closer to Him, and to cause you to surrender your life to Him. I don't know if you've received Christ. Only you and the Lord know that.
The bible teaches that a person who's been born of God's Spirit can no longer sin (Habitually) because the Spirit in them prevents that from happening. 1 John Chapter 3 Verse 9 says, and I'll give it to you literally from the Greek text. It says "Whosoever has been born of God does not (practice) sin; for God's seed remains, or abides (Permanently) in him: and he cannot sin, that is, he does not have the capacity to sin because he has been born of God.
A person's considered a sinner because the spirit of the devil energizes them to fulfil the desires of their flesh. But once that person is born of the Spirit of God, they no longer have the capacity to continue to satisfy a lifestyle of sin. It's impossible for them to continue in sin. Paul explains it partly in Galatians 5:17 where he says, "For the flesh lusts against God's Spirit, and the Spirit is against the flesh."
That tells me is that I have this conflict going on. In my spirit, I'm saved. But my flesh is not redeemed and still has the same desires it had before I was saved. For believers, there's constant conflict between the flesh and the Spirit of Christ in them. If God's Spirit did not live inside of me, I'd be gone! And that's why God puts His Spirit in a believer's life.
It's more than just in our mind that we believe the truth about Jesus. When we are born of the Spirit of God, His Spirit comes into our life and makes sure that we remain His until He comes for us because our propensity is to go out and do whatever we want. That's why people don't surrender to Christ. It's because they can't do what they want to do anymore!
Something to consider sir Christ never leaves us we stop walking in him. you can always ask for forgiveness from the Heart I.E. mean it and get back in fellowship, and by the way God always knows if your honest about it or not. actions always are louder than words. Also He is more willing to foregive us than we are to forgive ourselves, 1 John 3:20 something to consider.
Paul and many Christians that i know once they accepted Jesus they never looked back, can someone like me who left the church and lived a life of sin come back to Jesus and be forgiven because there are times when guilt and shame overwhelm me and it is so hard to imagine God could forgive me since i knew better. Please be honest if you decicde to answer and if possible give me scriptures. Pray for me.
As there seems to be numerous "ideas" about where your soul goes when you die. Which is normal.
I will give you my perception. First off going by actual Testimonies of people who have experienced death and came back to life. As you can do research on this. There have been many people who have testified to have been in the presence of the Lord and experienced Heaven.
Now to the Scriptures. Just a couple. 2 Corinthians 5:8, Philippians 1:21-23. Christ stating that He is the resurrection, John 11:25-26, and that whoever believes in Him will never die.
As to reply to , 1 Thessalonians 4:16. I see it as "the dead in Christ shall rise first" means those who have died, in Christ, have already risen and are with Christ where He is. Then in verse 17 as "we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds" to me means after we come to our physical death, as we all have to, will be with them and Christ as well.
I also believe there is a place of eternal torment that is separate from God. As Christ and Paul note a place of eternal punishment. Along with people who have died, and come back, have experiences/testimonies with this as well.
I'm not here to argue with anyone as this will be my only post. I hope my answer gives you direction Sissy.
Brother David, may CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.
There is MORE TRUTH than asking God to help you choose to do what glorifies Him. The Spirit CAUSES you to ask.
You DIED on the cross with Christ, you were RAISED a new creation; IN CHRIST, at His Resurrection.
Jesus is now living his LIFE in you, CAUSING you to continue being created in HIS IMAGE.
Ezekiel 36:24 And I WILL take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all the countries, and will bring you into your own land.
Ezekiel 36:25 Then WILL I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye SHALL BE CLEAN: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, WILL I cleanse you.
Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also WILL I GIVE you, and a new spirit WILL I PUT within you: and I WILL TAKE AWAY the stony heart out of your flesh, and I WILL GIVE you and heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 36:27 And I WILL PUT my spirit WITHIN YOU, and CAUSE YOU to walk in my statues, and ye shall keep my judgements, AND DO THEM.
Philippians 2:13 For it is God that WORKETH IN YOU both to WILL and TO DO of his good pleasure.
Ephesians 1:5 ....according to the good pleasure of HIS WILL..
Ephesians 1:11 In whom we have obtained an inheritance (sons of God), being predestinated according to the PURPOSE OF HIM who WORKETH all things after the counsel of HIS WILL.
Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is GIVEN in the behalf of Christ, not only TO BELIEVE ON HIM, but also to suffer for him.
Of ourselves we can do NOTHING.
1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doeth NOT COMMIT SIN (because Christ is doing EVERYTHING) (we SIN because we try to put OUR WORKS with this TRUTH); for his seed remaineth in him; and he cannot sin because he is born of God.
This is why Jesus never SINNED. He walked in the TRUTH that the Father did all things FOR HIM.
John 8:28 ...and that I do nothing of myself...
John 5:30 I can of myself do nothing ....
John 3:27 ...A man receive nothing, except it be GIVEN HIM from heaven.
Brother david, may christ in us grace us with his wisdom and his understanding.
you are saved!
i am using god's words showing brothers and sisters that all of salvation is of god. man plays no part in salvation. we have been deceived.
at each mans appointed time (by god). god will bring about the circumstances to cause that man to respond to god.
man does't believe god does this. they believe it is their choice.
paul was on his way to kill more of god's church. he believed he was doing god's work.
in one blinding moment god caused saul to become paul.
ephesians 2:10 for we are his workmanship .....
ephesians 1:11 .....being predestined according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his will.
philippians 1:29 for unto us it is given in the behalf of christ, not only to believe on him, but to also suffer for him.
philippians 3:9 and be found in him, not having our own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of christ, the righteousness of god by faith (of christ).
romans 2:4 ......not knowing that the goodness of god leadeth thee to repentance.
all is of god. god appoints at time, gives man his faith to causes man to believe and causes man to repent.
i give my glory to no one.
i will bring down the high and lofty one.
you died on the cross with christ. he is the life you now have and live by.
Gaudencio, May CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.
Romans 8:20 For the creature was made (CREATED) subject to vanity, NOT WILLINGLY, but by reason of HIM who hath subjected the same in HOPE.
God wants Sons and Daughters that are like HIM. He gives us and EXPERIENCE of natural life so we will KNOW GOOD AND EVIL.
Adam and Eve's sin wasn't eating a natural fruit (the tree of THE KNOWLEDGE of good and evil is within us, it's not a natural tree), we were created with a evil heart. With just a little enticement from this heart; that wasn't born of the Spirit, Eve LUSTED.
God TEST every man to bring him to TRUTH. Without ME YOU CAN DO NOTHING. I am your life.
The POWER and LIFE of the Father which lives in the SON was given to him by the Father. The Father then sent HIS SON to recreate all his sons and daughters into THE IMAGE OF GOD. Christ DESTROYS our EVIL heart by TRUTH and MERCY and gives us his HEART(SPIRIT). Everything given to him by the Father HE GIVES TO US.
Man CANNOT BELIEVE this UNTIL:
Philippians 1:29 For unto YOU IT IS GIVEN in the behalf of Christ, not only TO BELIEVE ON HIM, but to suffer for his sake
James 4:3 You ask, and receive not, because you ask amiss, that you might consume it upon you lusts.
The Lord can and will use anything for His glory and praise even Christmas and Halloween. During the Christmas season, even the unsaved and others who normally not listen or heed the name of Christ do so. From mid November thur the end of Christmas, Songs of Jesus' birth and the coming King are heard almost everywhere. And how many of us leave our Christmas decorations up - way pass December 25!
Halloween lets the people of God use innovating ways to reach the unchurched. Tracts and candies given to children as they come to the doors. In contrast, the decorations for halloween are down quickly by the next day.
We cannot let the world dictate to us how to fight in God's name, however we must remain faithful and call on Jesus and His word to guide our battle plans on a daily basis.
I've never had anyone turn down a Bible tract with money in it. Let's not haggle over what God likes, loves, or wants. Let's go forward and testify in His name. 2 Timothy 4:2
"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine."
Philippians 1: 15 - 18
15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
As I'm not here to say who is going to Heaven and who isn't. Just to put my view to your question with a couple verses. First off there are no surprises with God and He knows exactly who is going to spend eternity with Him. As in Ephesians 1:4-6.
I believe us in the Lord who are His and worthy to be with Him for eternity go to be with Him when our physical body dies. A couple verses: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, Philippians 1:21-23.
As it is written there are two resurrections. Here in Revelation 7:9-17 are all types of people in Heaven around the throne of God and Christ. Also Revelation 20:4-6 which speaks of those who are worthy of the first resurrection who live and reign with Christ and shall not see the second death. This is before the great judgement which is the end of the chapter.
As also that confirms that not all shall go to be with Christ right after our physical death. Only those worthy of the first resurrection and the rest of the dead lived not until the second resurrection before the great judgement.
Hebrews 3:7-11.Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
Israel had a hardened heart. Which is the condition to all men without the "NEW" heart given by the Lord when saved.
( Hebrews 4:2-3. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.)
( For we which have believed do enter into rest,) as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
Jude 1:5. answers itself, " they believe not' ( Was not saved )
James 2:21&26.
21:Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
26:For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
James is speaking of works "AFTER" salvation not for salvation.
Philippians 1:6. Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Philippians 2:13. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. This is what James 2:21 is speaking of.
Hebrews 6:12-19, and James 2:21.
These are 2 seperate accounts of Abraham in Hebrews 6:12-16 and James 2:21-23.
"Hebrews the promise was Issac confirmed by an oath". Played out in Gen. 15:1-12.
James was "Abraham having faith in THAT promise". Played out in Gen. 22:1-14.
Why is this book called Philippians?
Thank you.
"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, AND to be present With The LORD." ( 2 Corinthians 5:8). Scriptural Confirmation:
Conscious "souls IN HEAVEN":
(1a) In heaven, John says: "I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for The Word Of God" ( Revelation 6:9)
(1b) "And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O LORD, Holy and True, dost Thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?" ( Revelation 6:10) "crying with a loud voice IS consciousness, Correct? More Confirmation:
(2) What about the "members of the Body Of CHRIST, Today, who depart from the body, in death" to be "asleep In JESUS"?
Are they not "With CHRIST, In Heaven," as Paul states?:
a) "For to me to live is Christ, and to die IS GAIN." ( Philippians 1:21)
b) "For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and TO BE WITH CHRIST; which is FAR BETTER:" ( Philippians 1:23)
c) who Exactly, does "[CHRIST] God Bring WITH HIM" At our Great GRACE Departure?:
"For if we believe that JESUS died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in JESUS Will God BRING With HIM." ( 1 Thessalonians 4:14)
"[CHRIST] WHO Died for us, That, Whether we wake OR sleep, we should LIVE TOGETHER WITH HIM!" ( 1 Thessalonians 5:10) Amen? Hope this helps!
Please be Richly Encouraged And Edified!!
Popeye, Precious friend, I will pray for you - hope this helps:
God's GRACE In our infirmities
(1) Read Romans 5:1-5, especially take note of verse 3, "we glory [rejoice] in tribulations." We are not instructed here to glory in spite of the trials of life we find ourselves in, but we are to rejoice because of them. That is to say we are to thank God for allowing times of suffering into our life. This passage of Scripture expressly states that The Lord uses the tribulations of life "to conform us to The Image Of His Son" ( Romans 8:29). To this end, He uses all things "to work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the called According To His Purpose" ( Romans 8:28). As we grow mature in The Lord, our Savior is Glorified. As believers in Jesus Christ it is given us "in behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His Sake" ( Philippians 1:29). (Borrowed from brother Ed Bedore) My study:
(2) After Paul [our #"pattern"# for Today!] prayed 3 times for his affliction, the "Answer he Received," According To The Scriptures, Was:
"And HE [CHRIST] Said Unto me, MY GRACE Is Sufficient For thee: For MY Strength Is Made Perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory [cp] in my infirmities, that The Power Of CHRIST May Rest Upon me!" ( 2 Corinthians 12:9) cp ( 2 Corinthians 11:23-30)
(3) Compare With GRACE Scriptures: ( Romans 5:1-5) ( Romans 8:18) ( Romans 8:26-29) ( 1 Corinthians 10:13) ( 2 Corinthians 1:3-4) ( 2 Corinthians 4:17) ( 2 Corinthians 12:9) ( Philippians 3:21)
#"pattern"# = Paul = ( 1 Timothy 1:16) ( Philippians 4:9)
Please be Very Encouraged In The LORD JESUS CHRIST And His Word Of Truth!
Of course, The Scriptures Actually Say:
"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, AND to be present With The LORD." ( 2 Corinthians 5:8). Who wouldn't WITH "Paul's CONFIDENCE, "RATHER Be WITH CHRIST"?
Is there really "soul sleep, UNconsciousness," or, as some extremists think, "annihilation" ["ssua"] when "we are absent from the body."? We Must prayerfully "compare spiritual With spiritual, With The Blessed Holy Spirit As TEACHER" ( 1 Corinthians 2:13), for the Full Picture = "What SAITH All The Scriptures" in this doctrine?:
(1a) In heaven, John says: "I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for The Word Of God" ( Revelation 6:9)
(1b) "And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O LORD, Holy and True, dost Thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?" ( Revelation 6:10) = NO "ssua" here, Correct?
(2) So, what about the "members of the Body Of CHRIST, Today, who depart from the body, in death"? Why are they not "With CHRIST, In Heaven," as Paul states?:
a) "For to me to live is Christ, and to die IS GAIN." ( Philippians 1:21)
b) "For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and TO BE WITH CHRIST; which is FAR BETTER:" ( Philippians 1:23)
c) who Exactly, does "[CHRIST] God Bring WITH HIM" At our Great GRACE Departure?:
"For if we believe that JESUS died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in JESUS Will God BRING With HIM." ( 1 Thessalonians 4:14)
Only One Conclusion: we depart, in death, ie: "absent from the body, AND [IMMEDIATELY Are] present With The LORD JESUS CHRIST," Correct, Adam? Thus:
"[CHRIST] WHO Died for us, That, Whether we wake OR sleep, we should LIVE TOGETHER WITH HIM!" ( 1 Thessalonians 5:10)
Please be Richly Encouraged And Edified!!
God's GRACE in our infirmities:
Read ( Romans 5:1-5), especially take note of verse 3, "we glory [rejoice] in tribulations." We are not instructed here to glory in spite of the trials of life we find ourselves in, but we are to REJOICE because of them. That is to say we are to thank God for allowing times of suffering into our life. This passage of Scripture expressly states that the Lord uses the tribulations of life "to conform us to the image of His Son" ( Romans 8:29). To this end, He uses all things "to work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the called according to His purpose" ( Romans 8:28).
As we grow mature in the Lord, our Savior is glorified. As believers in Jesus Christ it is given us "in behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to SUFFER for His sake" ( Philippians 1:29).
Precious friend, then I must Misunderstand: "Repent, and Believe The Gospel Of The GRACE Of God"? = "Believe On CHRIST, His Death, Burial, and Resurrection, by GRACE Through faith {BELIEF, trust}." ( 1 Corinthians 15:3-4) ( Ephesians 2:5-9)?
I must Misunderstand "trusting CHRIST" In ( Ephesians 1:12)? Also:
"But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of The LORD, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and BELIEF of The Truth:" ( 2 Thessalonians 2:13)?
"Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that BELIEVE..." ( Romans 3:22)? compare ( Romans 4:11) ( Romans 4:24) ( 1 Corinthians 1:21) ( Galatians 3:22) ( Ephesians 1:19) ( Philippians 1:29) ( 1 Thessalonians 1:7) ( 1 Thessalonians 2:13) ( 1 Thessalonians 4:14) ( 2 Thessalonians 1:10)
Finally IF I BELIEVE, "but sins are NOT forgiven," how is it that I HAVE Life Everlasting, According To ALL The above Plain And Clear Scriptures About "BELIEF"?:
"Howbeit for this cause I obtained MERCY, that in me first JESUS CHRIST might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter BELIEVE ON HIM to Life Everlasting." ( 1 Timothy 1:16)?
Upon my BELIEF Of Truth, did not The Holy Spirit Baptize ( 1 Corinthians 12:13) me Into The Body Of CHRIST, God "forgiving my sins," in the twinkling of an eye?
Now, IF you are referring to "water baptism for the remission of sins" that is altogether
Another Different Bible study we could pursue, IF you wish...
Respectfully, ChrisE
I would like to attempt to refresh your question because it is All important.
To get a understanding of salvation we must recognize that we have come up short even when giving our best efforts.
We are sinners no matter who we attempt to compare ourselves with. And the wages of sin is death.
Romans 5:12. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Romans 6:23. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Hebrews 9:22. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
OUR REDEMPTION.
Salvation is not getting away with sin "because we say we believe" Salvation is Christ to on the penalty of our sins and died for us, And those who truly has been regenerated was baptized into that death. and when Christ rose again they was baptized into his resurrection with newness of Everlasting life.
1 Corinthians 15:21-22. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
For as IN Adam all die, EVEN SO IN CHRIST SHALL ALL BE MADE ALIVE.
Now to attempt to answer your question.
We believe we are without hope apart from Christ, Christ took the penalty of our sins upon him and paid for them with his life. Then rose again the third day. We were IDENTIFIED/BAPTIZED into that death and resurrection by the Holyspirit. Romans 1:3-4.
Now fruit in our lives confirms our belief.
and we. If there is no fruit produced in our lives then our faith was in vain.
Because it's Christ spirit in you that performs.
Philippians 1:6. Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Hopefully we can expand on this.
God bless.
Predestination is to the believer.
Here is what I believe a verse that gives the picture of Predestination.
Philippians 1:6. Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
And also here.
Luke 15:1-4. Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
God bless.
ABOUT THE SPIRIT OF DEATH. Had some experience with this when I was younger. Death seemed to be a soft blanket to shield me from losses in life.
The following is a list to help you discern whether or not you are being attacked by a spirit of death.
* You experience difficulty finding work to support your family.
* There is an onslaught of sickness and disease reoccurring in your body.
* You are battling with discouraging thoughts to give up the fight and die.
* You are dealing with a barrage of accidents and strange events that can lead to death.
* You are struggling with suicidal thoughts.
* You fight against thoughts of harming others
* You engage in behaviors and activities that invite death, such as reckless driving, drug and alcohol abuse, and other negative habits that display a death wish.
I believe a spirit of death tried to take Jobs life. It spied on what Job was fearful of losing. Job had nothing left, homeless,sick,"friends" blamed him; all he had was faith in God. He trusted in God no matter what happened.
He was healed, got a new wife, more kids, wealth; and a deeper knowledge of who God is. Our faith is valuable. Job didn't have a Bible, but he knew God, respected God: what I learned myself. Mishael
It is interesting that you say that because we see that even today, especially with the health, wealth, and prosperity teachers. They see a believer struggling with hardship and they say that God is not blessing them or that they do not have enough faith. But you are correct. I did some study several years ago on Jewish culture back in that time frame and that was their way of thinking. They believed that if you were wealthy and in perfect health, that you were truly blessed by God. Well, Paul was a mess! He had health issues, problems with his eyesight, and boils all over his body, shipwrecked, beaten, and spent time in prison. He was not a pretty sight to look at. The way the Jewish leaders saw it was that there was no way that Paul was a man of God because how could he go through so much hardship and struggle in his life if God was blessing him? It's sad that there are still people who believe this way today!
Paul in Philippians 1:12-30 gives his philosophy in dealing with fellowship. The first thing Paul wanted them to know was that he being in prison in Rome, that he was a prisoner of Jesus Christ. Paul was put there for the furtherance of the gospel, not because he did anything wrong. Paul was put under house arrest for two years which meant that a soldier had to be chained to his arm 24 hours a day in 6 hour shifts for two years. Paul wasn't going to complain. He's going to say, "Hi buddy, oh you don't want to hear the gospel? Guess what? We're chained! I mean, who's the prisoner here? The soldier was his prisoner!
Philippians 1:14 is to look at Paul's difficult circumstances. It was an encouragement for them to see Paul in chains, in such a difficult circumstance, and to see him still preaching the gospel under such hardship. So Paul's philosophy was that prison does not cut off fellowship nor God's work. What is interesting is that the people in Philippi, seven hundred miles away are supporting him and praying for him, and even sending their pastor.
In verse 15, he says some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife. Hard to believe, huh? To preach Christ in such a way so as to divide people from other people? We see the same contrast in verse 16. Their motives are not pure when they are preaching the gospel. Paul says "Supposing to add affliction to my bonds."
False teachers would actually go to places where Paul preached, and they would say "Did you hear where Paul's at?" And the people would say no, what's going on? Well, he's in prison in Rome. What happened? And then they would say "I told you to stay away from that guy. He's a jailbird. He's always involved in fights and riots and they arrest him all over the place. I told you not to listen to him."
And then they bring in their false doctrine. So Paul says, "Some people (false teachers) even preach Christ in a way so as to even add more affliction to his imprisonment."
God CANNOT be SOVEREIGN and man have FREE WILL, it's impossible. Man would be able to CHANGE what God predestinated.
There have been billions of people that have been born and died, if man has free will why didn't at least one free will himself to NOT SIN.
Man makes hundreds of choices every day, but ever choice you make has a CAUSE and that cause is God:
Ephesians 1:11 In whom we also have obtained an inheritance, being PREDESTINATED according to the PURPOSE OF HIM who worketh ALL THINGS after the counsel of HIS WILL.
Philippians 2:13 For it is GOD that WORKETH IN YOU both to WILL and DO of his good pleasure.
You are born again by the word of God.
This is part of being born again: you AGREE with God; that you do nothing of yourself, all is OF GOD, he shares his glory with NO ONE.
He causes you to believe, He causes you to understand that it is his faith not yours, He causes you to repent, He causes you to LOVE.
Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is GIVEN in the behalf of Christ, not only to BELIEVE ON HIM, but to also suffer for his sake;
Philippians 3:9 And being found in HIM, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the FAITH OF CHRIST, the righteousness which is OF GOD by faith.
Romans 2:4 ....Not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.
Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put my spirit WITHIN YOU, and CAUSE YOU to walk in my statutes, and ye shall KEEP my judgements, ans DO THEM.
NO FREE WILL in those scriptures.
Living IN CHRIST becomes quite simple when you are born of TRUTH.
As you can see not only was he in the garden of Eden, verse 15 he was perfect (good) until iniquity (sin) was found in him.
The tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the garden.
I agree with Dianne that Christ never leaves us. Guilt and shame can be one of two things: God's Spirit in you bringing conviction to your heart about the sin you are/were involved in, or God's Spirit is bringing conviction to draw you closer to Him, and to cause you to surrender your life to Him. I don't know if you've received Christ. Only you and the Lord know that.
The bible teaches that a person who's been born of God's Spirit can no longer sin (Habitually) because the Spirit in them prevents that from happening. 1 John Chapter 3 Verse 9 says, and I'll give it to you literally from the Greek text. It says "Whosoever has been born of God does not (practice) sin; for God's seed remains, or abides (Permanently) in him: and he cannot sin, that is, he does not have the capacity to sin because he has been born of God.
A person's considered a sinner because the spirit of the devil energizes them to fulfil the desires of their flesh. But once that person is born of the Spirit of God, they no longer have the capacity to continue to satisfy a lifestyle of sin. It's impossible for them to continue in sin. Paul explains it partly in Galatians 5:17 where he says, "For the flesh lusts against God's Spirit, and the Spirit is against the flesh."
That tells me is that I have this conflict going on. In my spirit, I'm saved. But my flesh is not redeemed and still has the same desires it had before I was saved. For believers, there's constant conflict between the flesh and the Spirit of Christ in them. If God's Spirit did not live inside of me, I'd be gone! And that's why God puts His Spirit in a believer's life.
It's more than just in our mind that we believe the truth about Jesus. When we are born of the Spirit of God, His Spirit comes into our life and makes sure that we remain His until He comes for us because our propensity is to go out and do whatever we want. That's why people don't surrender to Christ. It's because they can't do what they want to do anymore!
I will give you my perception. First off going by actual Testimonies of people who have experienced death and came back to life. As you can do research on this. There have been many people who have testified to have been in the presence of the Lord and experienced Heaven.
Now to the Scriptures. Just a couple. 2 Corinthians 5:8, Philippians 1:21-23. Christ stating that He is the resurrection, John 11:25-26, and that whoever believes in Him will never die.
As to reply to , 1 Thessalonians 4:16. I see it as "the dead in Christ shall rise first" means those who have died, in Christ, have already risen and are with Christ where He is. Then in verse 17 as "we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds" to me means after we come to our physical death, as we all have to, will be with them and Christ as well.
I also believe there is a place of eternal torment that is separate from God. As Christ and Paul note a place of eternal punishment. Along with people who have died, and come back, have experiences/testimonies with this as well.
I'm not here to argue with anyone as this will be my only post. I hope my answer gives you direction Sissy.
May the Lord Bless you.
There is MORE TRUTH than asking God to help you choose to do what glorifies Him. The Spirit CAUSES you to ask.
You DIED on the cross with Christ, you were RAISED a new creation; IN CHRIST, at His Resurrection.
Jesus is now living his LIFE in you, CAUSING you to continue being created in HIS IMAGE.
Ezekiel 36:24 And I WILL take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all the countries, and will bring you into your own land.
Ezekiel 36:25 Then WILL I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye SHALL BE CLEAN: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, WILL I cleanse you.
Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also WILL I GIVE you, and a new spirit WILL I PUT within you: and I WILL TAKE AWAY the stony heart out of your flesh, and I WILL GIVE you and heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 36:27 And I WILL PUT my spirit WITHIN YOU, and CAUSE YOU to walk in my statues, and ye shall keep my judgements, AND DO THEM.
Philippians 2:13 For it is God that WORKETH IN YOU both to WILL and TO DO of his good pleasure.
Ephesians 1:5 ....according to the good pleasure of HIS WILL..
Ephesians 1:11 In whom we have obtained an inheritance (sons of God), being predestinated according to the PURPOSE OF HIM who WORKETH all things after the counsel of HIS WILL.
Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is GIVEN in the behalf of Christ, not only TO BELIEVE ON HIM, but also to suffer for him.
Of ourselves we can do NOTHING.
1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doeth NOT COMMIT SIN (because Christ is doing EVERYTHING) (we SIN because we try to put OUR WORKS with this TRUTH); for his seed remaineth in him; and he cannot sin because he is born of God.
This is why Jesus never SINNED. He walked in the TRUTH that the Father did all things FOR HIM.
John 8:28 ...and that I do nothing of myself...
John 5:30 I can of myself do nothing ....
John 3:27 ...A man receive nothing, except it be GIVEN HIM from heaven.
you are saved!
i am using god's words showing brothers and sisters that all of salvation is of god. man plays no part in salvation. we have been deceived.
at each mans appointed time (by god). god will bring about the circumstances to cause that man to respond to god.
man does't believe god does this. they believe it is their choice.
paul was on his way to kill more of god's church. he believed he was doing god's work.
in one blinding moment god caused saul to become paul.
ephesians 2:10 for we are his workmanship .....
ephesians 1:11 .....being predestined according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his will.
philippians 1:29 for unto us it is given in the behalf of christ, not only to believe on him, but to also suffer for him.
philippians 3:9 and be found in him, not having our own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of christ, the righteousness of god by faith (of christ).
romans 2:4 ......not knowing that the goodness of god leadeth thee to repentance.
all is of god. god appoints at time, gives man his faith to causes man to believe and causes man to repent.
i give my glory to no one.
i will bring down the high and lofty one.
you died on the cross with christ. he is the life you now have and live by.
thank god for the works of christ.
Romans 8:20 For the creature was made (CREATED) subject to vanity, NOT WILLINGLY, but by reason of HIM who hath subjected the same in HOPE.
God wants Sons and Daughters that are like HIM. He gives us and EXPERIENCE of natural life so we will KNOW GOOD AND EVIL.
Adam and Eve's sin wasn't eating a natural fruit (the tree of THE KNOWLEDGE of good and evil is within us, it's not a natural tree), we were created with a evil heart. With just a little enticement from this heart; that wasn't born of the Spirit, Eve LUSTED.
God TEST every man to bring him to TRUTH. Without ME YOU CAN DO NOTHING. I am your life.
The POWER and LIFE of the Father which lives in the SON was given to him by the Father. The Father then sent HIS SON to recreate all his sons and daughters into THE IMAGE OF GOD. Christ DESTROYS our EVIL heart by TRUTH and MERCY and gives us his HEART(SPIRIT). Everything given to him by the Father HE GIVES TO US.
Man CANNOT BELIEVE this UNTIL:
Philippians 1:29 For unto YOU IT IS GIVEN in the behalf of Christ, not only TO BELIEVE ON HIM, but to suffer for his sake
James 4:3 You ask, and receive not, because you ask amiss, that you might consume it upon you lusts.
Few ask GOD TO CAUSE THEM TO BELIEVE HIS WORDS.
Few ask to be GIVEN HIS FAITH.
Without HIM we CAN DO NOTHING.
Halloween lets the people of God use innovating ways to reach the unchurched. Tracts and candies given to children as they come to the doors. In contrast, the decorations for halloween are down quickly by the next day.
We cannot let the world dictate to us how to fight in God's name, however we must remain faithful and call on Jesus and His word to guide our battle plans on a daily basis.
I've never had anyone turn down a Bible tract with money in it. Let's not haggle over what God likes, loves, or wants. Let's go forward and testify in His name. 2 Timothy 4:2
"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine."
Philippians 1: 15 - 18
15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
God bless everyone. Have a happy summer! 2021
As I'm not here to say who is going to Heaven and who isn't. Just to put my view to your question with a couple verses. First off there are no surprises with God and He knows exactly who is going to spend eternity with Him. As in Ephesians 1:4-6.
I believe us in the Lord who are His and worthy to be with Him for eternity go to be with Him when our physical body dies. A couple verses: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, Philippians 1:21-23.
As it is written there are two resurrections. Here in Revelation 7:9-17 are all types of people in Heaven around the throne of God and Christ. Also Revelation 20:4-6 which speaks of those who are worthy of the first resurrection who live and reign with Christ and shall not see the second death. This is before the great judgement which is the end of the chapter.
As also that confirms that not all shall go to be with Christ right after our physical death. Only those worthy of the first resurrection and the rest of the dead lived not until the second resurrection before the great judgement.
God Bless.
Magnify yourself in me oh my Lord that those who know me may come to know you!!
Magnify yourself in me oh my Lord so others can see more of you and less of me!!
As all the replies in this thread are good. I came across this today. Enjoy. Philippians 1:21-23.
God Bless.
Of ourselves we have NO FAITH or works; when Christ CALLS he gives us HIS FAITH to answer.
Philippians 3:9 .....but that which is through THE FAITH OF CHRIST, the righteousness which is of GOD be FAITH (of CHRIST).
Galatians 2:16 .....but by FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST .....
Ephesians 3:12 In whom (IN CHRIST) we have boldness and access in CONFIDENCE by the FAITH OF HIM.
James 2:17 Even so FAITH (Christ in you), if it (Faith) (Christ in you) hath not works, is dead, being alone.
The Christ calls, give faith to believe, causes you to respond, purifies you, makes you whole, causes you to walk in his statutes. ( Ezekiel 36:25-27)
Faith without works is dead; BUT, it's HIS faith and HIS works. You bear THE GIFT, the FULLNESS OF CHRIST.
Colossians 1:27....of this MYSTERY, CHRIST IN YOU....
John 6:29 ....This is the WORK OF GOD, that you BELIEVE on him who he hath sent.
Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is GIVEN on behalf of Christ, not only TO BELIEVE ....
God bless
PG 1. "PAGES OUT OF ORDER' 3-1-2.
Hebrews 3:7-11.Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
Israel had a hardened heart. Which is the condition to all men without the "NEW" heart given by the Lord when saved.
( Hebrews 4:2-3. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.)
( For we which have believed do enter into rest,) as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
Jude 1:5. answers itself, " they believe not' ( Was not saved )
James 2:21&26.
21:Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
26:For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
James is speaking of works "AFTER" salvation not for salvation.
Philippians 1:6. Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Philippians 2:13. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. This is what James 2:21 is speaking of.
Hebrews 6:12-19, and James 2:21.
These are 2 seperate accounts of Abraham in Hebrews 6:12-16 and James 2:21-23.
"Hebrews the promise was Issac confirmed by an oath". Played out in Gen. 15:1-12.
James was "Abraham having faith in THAT promise". Played out in Gen. 22:1-14.