Bible Discussion Replies PAGE 1571

Hello Beth. Thank you for your good question. I'll share my understanding - others may share other things.

I liken the mention of the temple in these verses to the Temple that God ordained for His people, Israel. Just as anything entering that temple had to be washed, without spot & sanctified, so too God requires His Temple now (our bodies indwelt by the Holy Spirit) to be clean. If anything unclean entered the old temple, it had to removed & the place cleansed.

Our bodies (God's Temple), likewise needs to be kept clean, as holy vessels fit for His indwelling & His use. Yes, sin & temptations come to us, but His Presence in us alerts us & helps us deal with it through repentance & removal. But what happens if we refuse God's warning & let sins remain & fester, making what should be precious & holy into something vile & disgusting? Verse 17 tells us that "God will destroy him (i.e the body)". See 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 as an example.

There can be times when a believer veers so far off God's requirements for him, that God must take severe action. If a believer fails to heed the warning & conviction but pursues in some sin, then God will act. The sins are many & varied - any sins or behaviour that is permitted to control one's life, thereby quenching any pleas by God's Spirit & making excuse for the sin to be acceptable, will incur God's action.

Let us not tempt the Lord, rather we must seek to please Him in every area of our lives, keeping short accounts with Him. When we remain in the Word & prayer, Satan's thrusts against us will be thwarted & God's Name will be honoured in our lives & we will be used by Him.

Thank you brother S. Spencer for your very worthy comments & the Scriptures you cited. Indeed, our salvation is all of Grace, only through His Blood, & we're kept secure till we see our Saviour; 1 Peter 1:5, "Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

Our obedience & faith-generating works are manifest by the indwelling, out-working Holy Spirit. Romans 8:1; Galatians 5:16, 25.

Hello Leonard. What you've shared & what that Baptist Church has declared, I believe is dependent on whose viewpoint is considered; that of God or of man. That is, both that Baptist Church & Adam's comments are correct.

If you consider 1 Peter 1:2, "Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ", we can clearly see that the Elect (i.e. God's chosen) are in that blessed position because God has selected some according to His Foreknowledge. In other words, all whom God has foreordained to be His elect, will be saved. Now this is in God's department, so to speak, & not ours.

We cannot concern ourselves with what God knows, as sinful man must be in a position to hear the Gospel, be convicted of sin, & respond. So, the one who does hear & believe, can be assumed to be part of the "elect according to God's Foreknowledge". That is, God knows beforehand who will respond to the call. Those who reject the Gospel are outside of grace & can never be saved. Our "choice in the matter" is still a conscious decision we make, but made in concert with the Holy Spirit's working. Without the Gospel & without the Holy Spirit = no salvation. Many try to come another way; they're imposters.

In hyper-calvinism, God's election is taken to an extreme; where it even becomes unnecessary to share the Gospel, as God's choosing requires no response from man. Does that Church evangelize? If it does, then it's clear that they expect the sorrowful sinner to repent, believe, & be saved. The sinner's 'choice' is already in God's Plan to save him. We could ask the opposite question: can a sorrowful sinner be rejected by God because he is not foreordained to be saved? John 6:37, "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." There's God's Promise of election & receiving a penitent sinner.

Only the elect , can blasphemy against the holy sprit ,.. an one must know when an how that is possible

Test the spirits to serif they be of God . Be a doer not a hearer only . 1 John ch 4 v1

Do you know how to test the spirits ? Does not sound like it .

Hello, if we have no free will, what is the purpose of evangelism? If we have no free will what is the purpose of the gospel? If we have no free will, what is the purpose of following Jesus? Did you have freewill to write your question or did something force you to? Did it force you onto this website and are you a prisoner? When you brush your teeth is a force making you do that?

That's an interesting concept that we have no freewill, but it just seems to fall apart quickly with pure logic. Adam and Eve were given an choice and disobeyed God and received a punishment. Today we are given choices of whether to do good or evil and then are judged after this life according to what we have done. Romans 2:6. If there was no free will, why would anyone be judged?

I believe a movement in our society is against Christianity and they like to claim that we're only clumps of cells and that morality is only relative and that we have no choice when we do wrong. It just seems like a lazy way to rationalize committing sin and defying God. The word says to fear God who can send you to hell. Matthew 10:28. Obviously, if there was zero free will or choice then we wouldn't be continually warned to obey, avoid sin, follow Jesus. No freewill would mean everything is a charade and is meaningless. Obviously that idea is a lie and we do have freewill. I choose to respond vs not respond to this question out of my own freewill and hope to help others and help spread truth to replace lies. God bless...

This page might have more related verses.

Link

Hello my dear . I myself have heard God speaking to me a few times in my life . I'd love to know what he's saying to you . Is he just randomly speaking or is he talking to you when your in trouble ? I only have heard him when I've been in trouble . I've been in trouble so many times .He usually says something short and to the point , like , It's going to be okay . Or just put one foot in front of the other . I heard his voice a mans voice like in the back or side of my head I'm sorry I don't have a website or someone specific other than God himself to help you . Have you asked him if he is God who is speaking to you ? That might be a good start . I hope you find the truth you are looking for .

Beautiful Psalm. So inspiring.

The concept of "blasphemy against the Spirit" is mentioned in Mark 3:22-30 and Matthew 12:22-32. Jesus has just performed a miracle. A demon-possessed man was brought to Jesus, and the Lord cast the demon out, healing the man of blindness and muteness. The eyewitnesses to this exorcism began to wonder if Jesus was indeed the Messiah they had been waiting for. A group of Pharisees, hearing the talk of the Messiah, quickly quashed any budding faith in the crowd: "It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons," they said ( Matthew 12:24).

Jesus rebuts the Pharisees with some logical arguments for why He is not casting out demons in the power of Satan ( Matthew 12:25-29). Then He speaks of the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit: "I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come" (verses 31-32).

The unpardonable/unforgivable sin or "blasphemy of the Holy Spirit" is mentioned in Mark 3:22-30 and Matthew 12:22-32. Jesus said, Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter ( Mark 3:28), but then He gives one exception: "Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin (verse 29)".

COMMENT: we need to be wary when accusing others of being false prophets, pastors of fleecing sheep, etc. There's a process of 2-3 witnesses, church leadership, that must be observed. LET US not be stained with hastiness. Keep it legal.

Jesus still heals people. He has healed me.

Mishael

With real life tribulations like serious injury as our family experienced this past summer, it affected our abilities to do things that we would like to have done, like eating together as a family at one table. There were many things that are right and good that we could not do. There might have been noticeable gloominess even, but even in this place of second choice, the whole family carried on with Peace in our hearts. Likely noticed by neighbors particularly of the grace upon the one who was injured. Peace is not works, it is a gift from above while living in the flesh by faith.

:)

My friend's Baptist church teaches that God chooses our eternal destination (Calvinism) and that we do not have any choice in that matter. I have always believed that although God's Holy Spirit draws us to himself, that we have free will and must make a decision for Christ. Which is correct and how do you prove it in a discussion, including scripture verses to back it up?

Thinking of Works, preparations in the flesh kingdom for a future Peaceful Kingdom are not necessary if we believe by faith the Peaceful Kingdom is at hand. The finished Work of Jesus Christ at Calvary which also binds Satan, allows the Kingdom of God to dwell in man. In this Kingdom we are His purpose for His value.

:)

Hi Dwight.

Amen I agree and love verse given. I love the following verse also.

1 John 4:21. And this commandment have we from him, That HE WHO LOVETH GOD LOVE HIS BROTHER ALSO.

I have always read this verse as tho it said, He who loveth God "SHOULD" love his brother also.

But "should" is absent,

It's saying you can't do one without the other!!

HE WHO LOVETH GOD LOVE HIS BROTHER ALSO.

God bless.

Like wise, may God's blessings be upon you.

Amen Gordon.

Well said

God bless.

Thanks Sheila.

Sounds like a interesting future study for me. I have never done a indebted study on them.

Thanks again.

God bless.

Esther is a wonderful story for young women to read about doing the right thing.

Amen Brother Earl.

Thanks.

God bless.

Brother S Spencer

You ask: "Some would argue once Christ saved us it's up to us to remain saved. My question to that group is can you do that and How?"

I will let Jesus and apostle John answer your question(s). Yes, we need to commit as Christians to walk with Christ and are instructed to in many various scripture throughout the bible. Here is apostle John below:

1 John 2:3-6

3And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

Regarding Christians producing good works/good fruit, here below Jesus tells us in no uncertain terms that he will reward us accordingly for our good work:

Revelation 22:12-14

12And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 14Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city

So, Jesus says above: I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man ACCORDING AS HIS WORK SHALL BE!

Blessed are they that do HIS COMMANDMENTS, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and MAY ENTER in through the gates into the city!

To deny the above scripture is to argue with Jesus/God. We must take ACTIVE participation toward our salvation!

God Bless.

Amen Brother Earl, we are His workmanship.

:)

Amen and Amen, Brother Carleton:

We follow him because of HIS WORK:

Ezekiel 36:27

Philippians 1:29

Amen and Amen, Brother S Spencer:

We are just A POT, a pot can do NOTHING of itself.

All is of GOD (Spirit, truth, life).

It is finished. Part 1.

Is our atonement forever or once Christ freed us it's up to us to Atone for ourselves?

When Christ offered himself, He did it all!

The sacrifice had to be without blemishe.

Jesus didn't need cleansing from sin.

Jesus was sinless throughout his life.

PERFECT AND COMPLETE.

What's important to Know is the high priest in the levitical priesthood had to offer up sacrifices for himself and then the children of Israel. because it was IMPERFECT. But not Christ.

Hebrews 7:27. Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

Jesus was an offering to the Lord for our sins. ONCE! By it we have atonement. He was raised from the dead showing the prophesied sacrifice was accepted.

HOW ARE WE KEPT.

As the offering of Christ was complete for remission of sins compared to the Levitical offerings because they had to offered often. Can we remain perfect by law keeping and continuous offerings? NO!

Hebrews 10:11-12. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, WHICH CAN NEVER TAKE AWAY SINS:

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

1 John 2:1-2. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

And he is the propitiation for our sins: Atonement that is (concretely)

Colossians 3:3. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Jude 1:24-25. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

John 10:28. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

It is finished. Part 2

Some would argue once Christ saved us it's up to us to remain saved. My question to that group is can you do that and How?

By doing what wasn't accepted in the Law? Can self righteousness clean evil thoughts? If you refuse the only complete sacrifice and insist sanctification is left up to you, Can you present yourself as the perfect covering/Atonement? In this erred thinking you're misunderstanding what HID IN CHRIST MEANS AND ATONEMENT.

There's some believe Christ died for our sins but we want know if we are saved until we are judged. We'll that don't sound like this group have faith in Christ or their methods of continuous self reconciliation.

And without faith we cannot please God.

I believe in the keeping power and advocate mentioned in the previous scriptures given in Part 1.

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 2:12-13. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

FOR IT IS GOD WHICH WORKETH IN YOU BOTH TO WILL AND TO DO OF HIS GOOD PLEASURE.

It is God in you that ( WILLS ) you to work out your own salvation and to do of his good pleasure.

PS. This is a Message on Sanctification by the Spirit and fruit barring which follows Salvation.

God bless.

Thank you. Hopefully you were not thinking I was saying that the tribe of Dan no longer exist. My reference in their land inheritance and idolatry came from Judges chapter 18 in those days there was no king in Israel: and in those days the tribe of the Danites sought them an inheritance to dwell in; for unto that day all their inheritance had not fallen unto them among the tribes of Israel. and the children of Dan sent their family five men from their coasts, men of valor, from Zorah, and from Eshtaol, to spy out the land....... Verse 29 and they call the name of the city Dan after the name of Dan their father _ Verse 30 and the children of Dan set up graven images.

Ephraim of Joseph has never been a concern to me of where they may stand in the last days.

You are talking about God , Heavenly Father, Creator of all life and sustainer of life . He can work none came hinder, Why is it so hard to Belive that Holy Spirit , Jesus Christ the Lord , and God Almighty be impossible to be 3 persons in One . How and why is that so hard imagime ,when God can do and will the impossible. God can do and does what is impossible with mankind. I don't have any doubt the 3 are One, the Trinity of God. Amen

@Put on Christ even though we may not want to - Some people actually do like it.

Thank you Gentle Brothers in Christ for sharing our hearts together. A few thoughts:

The Gospel message for the Christian to share is "To Come". Do we want to hinder this message by the cares of this world? The scriptures say to give honor to those who have authority over us. God has seen to protect His children by authorities in the world so that in the world we can be quiet and stay on message. What is the message? The message He made in our lives by Christ Jesus, our Life, our eternal life, which is seen by our neighbors by our peace and love. We have been bought for a price and we cannot pickup where we left off in our worldly pride and worldly self worth. Our value is in Him. We can be lambs in Him and he is our Shepherd and if we will follow Him we can lay down our lives without fear for our Love that we have for our friends.

Spiritual discernment is needed in medical and political issues in our lives.

Be brave.

:)

Dear Brother ChrisE,

Sorry to hear that you and your family have suffered with the covid, but also very glad to hear that you, and family members affected, have now recovered. We also praise God along with you for the healing.

I also believe that God created his children to have special talents, including the knowledge to use medicine to heal. God provides us with this knowledge to help ourselves as the following scripture mentions.

Revelation 22:2

"In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."

2 Kings 20:7

"And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered."

Even Jesus acknowledges that we may need a physician:

Matthew 9:12

"But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick."

We Praise God for your recovery, as God continues to use others, and methods (Physicians, pharmaceuticals) to help us in the healing our physical ailments.

God Bless.