I'm aware of that and it makes since in Nicodemus response.
Though it may mean beginning or above and Nicodemus may have understood it as beginning.
I would have to lean on what did Jesus mean.
We know Jesus didn't mean what Nicodemus understood by Jesus response in verses six. (That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.)
I've interpreted it as being born anew by the Spirit of God.
I parallels that verse with 1 John 3:9. "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
The same incident according to Mark. ( Mark 10 20-21)
"20And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. 21Then Jesus beholding him loved him, ..."
Didn't Jesus love him before him saying that he had done all that since he was young?
God loves everybody. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16
But there is a special love for His children. "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not." 1 John 3:1
And even more love for those of His children who are careful to obey His commandements. "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." John 14:21
Actually it is like a father with many kids who is pleased by the one who behaves himself.
But God loves everybody.
Once we were riding with a friend and his family. And we were talking about God and salvation. Then one asked what is that God wishes more than everything? And one of the little kids said "God wants All people to be saved". We knew that it was God who talked. The thing is that God can not decide for us. The choice is in our hands.
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;"
John 15:10
"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."
John 14:21
"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."
John 14:15
"If ye love me, keep my commandments."
1 John 3:22
"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."
Revelation 22:14
"Blessed 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."
Matthew 24:35
"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."
Your posting on God's love brings to mind Heb 2:10 where God deemed it "fitting to crush His Son in order to bring many sons to glory". 1 John 4:16 is so comforting in that it reveals that God is love and in love He ordained to redeem sinful humans to become fitted to commune with Him in the love of the Godhead. We were ruined by sin, but, for His glory, God purposed to save us when we were dead in sin through the sacrifice of our Savior and the regenerative work of the Holy Spirit so we could be made alive in Christ and made holy and acceptable before the Father. 1 John 3:1 expresses that God has "lavished His love upon us" in such a way that we become His children. Oh, what manner of love is this! Can we even know the depths of this love?
1Peter 4:8 exhorts us to love each other because love covers a multitude of sins. The sacrifice of Jesus did just that. He did it all for love of the people the Father predestined to give the Son before all of creation. He loved the Son in this way. We are a gift to His Son and also we are a gift to the Father. We do not deserve this at all, but God deemed it a highly desirable to create us for this purpose. We are to dwell in His love and enjoy the love relationship of the Godhead forever. That is so very awesome!
God's love is a tremendous gift to us. He does all things for His glory. His God-centeredness extends outward to His creation in all He ordains and brings to fruition. We are the beneficiaries of the internal love of the Godhead. In His wisdom, He deemed that He would be most glorified in saving a people made holy and righteous by the work and sacrifice of His ONE and ONLY Son because He is the source of all life, goodness and love. In raising His Son from death to life God demonstrated that death cannot conquer His love for His Son nor for the people Jesus died for to become children of God.
These are my immediate thoughts on your postings on God's love for us. It is such a beautiful truth to grasp.
"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."
Hebrews 10:16
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;"
Romans 7:12
"Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good."
1 John 3:22
"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."
Day 28 January 28, 2025 Matthew 18:19-20 KJV Unity in Prayer West Angeles Church Consecration Calendar
I Pray for unity in my prayers and done in my church and community
Matthew 18:19 KJV
My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
" When done and praying is showing God as holy to believe. Principle-Holy to all religions.Always performaning righteousness, holiness in actions "to do it" of God, to have faith, hope, love is unity"
Confirmation to all the world. Confirmation is of the Gospel performing of miracle. Trusting in Jesus intercession asking in prayer. A guaranteed result I have received being Christian is utterance of the spirtual man.Accord with Jesus Christ God the Father Romans 6:23 KJV." Quoted on prayers being done must be of God expedient, earnest, faithful, preserving.
Expedient definition- serves to promote or advance any means which may be employed to accomplish an end.
Matthew 18:20 KJV
My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY:
" Associated scripture Hebrews 10:25 KJV. Jesus in the midst is Psalm 19:4 KJV to be pleasing in his sight 1 John 3:22 KJV. Jesus Christ is omnipresence amd omniscience to all the world. Quoted on blessing on united, congregational prayer. Jesus want you to have the gift of the Holy Ghost-cordial and sincere. Receiving the blessings -When speaking to have the presence of Christ is true and mighty Psalms 21:6 KJV Communion with his church as real. Speaking in advancement of position Psalms 16:11 KJV
Quoted: Measure is in believing the holy bible-Jesus Christ is life to follow.
"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."
Hebrews 10:16
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;"
Romans 7:12
"Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good."
1 John 3:22
"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."
Regarding the word "adoption" in the Bible. Please note the following: 1 John 3:2a Beloved, now are we the sons of God...
How do we become the sons of God according to the Scripture? Only by the New Birth - John 3:7b ...Ye must be born again. 1Peter 1:23a Being born again... Even in todays venacular there is certainly a major difference in being born, and being adopted.
Now in Romans 8:23b ... waiting for the adoption. It is clear according to Scripture that the moment we are born again that we are presently sons of God, so what is meant by our waiting to be adopted? Adoption in Bible times had a different application. The Jewish tradition, and other Middle East cultures of the day was that when your natural born son became of age, he would go through a celebrated ceremonial practice and be adopted by his own father. This was not to place the son into the family, but rather to bless the natural born son, with the recognition of now being mature. Now, this adopted son was blessed with full rights and had authority. The adopted (mature) son's word now had the same authority as the father. He was no longer under tutors and instructors. No longer could the servant(s) of the family have authority over the child, rather now the adopted (mature) son had full authority over the servant(s). Galatians 4:1,2, 5, 7 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord over all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. read v. 5&7. Being predestinated unto the adoption of sons refers to the fact that every born again child of God, is to become mature in the faith. No where in Scripture is it said that God predestinates people to hell or heaven. Every time the word "predestination" is used in any form, it always refers to us becoming like Christ.
The Father gives to Jesus as the incarnate Word of God all dominion, power, and authority Mt. 28:18) over creation before creation as it is through the Son that all things were created. The Son is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords over all creation. Jesus gives eternal life to all whom the Father brings to Him and He is given the right to judge all of created beings, humans and angelic. ( Heb 1:8, Jn. 17:2)
The Father wills that every knee shall bow and tongue confess that Jesus is Lord of all to the glory of God. The Father has commanded the angels to worship the Son ( Heb 1:6) and all the redeemed are to worship Jesus as well as shown in Rev. 5:6-13 acclaiming that Jesus was slain and redeemed for Himself by His shed blood His people who come from every tongue tribe and nation.
The Father has ordained that His Son will secure the victory over sin, death, hell, and the devil, destroying all the evil works and sins of Him who deceived Eve and enticed Adam to disobey God in the beginning. ( 1 john 3:8, 1 Cor. 15:55; Rev. 1:17-18; 1 Cor. 15:26; Rev. 20:1-10; 21:1-5)
The Father commands that the Son be given the same honor as the Father ( Jn. 5:23) and restores the glory to Jesus upon His resurrection ( Jn. 17:1, 4-5) that He always had before His incarnation.
The Father has the Son, Jesus, sitting on the Father's throne in heaven, at His right hand ( Acts 7:55; Jn. 12:41; Mk. 16:19) displaying that Jesus is equal in nature to the Father and worthy to receive all that the Father receives in worship.
Got to go for now. Making wings for dinner. I realized that I did not cite verses for thr other parts. Sorry, but in this section.
Hi again CrossTalker. Sorry for the late reply; I've had a busy day today. To this matter, which I can see you have raised again in this thread and brother Jesse has given you a very good answer.
It seems you need a Yes or No answer only, without any further explanation, whereas my previous response to you I thought was clear in this. Anyway, the sinful person you mentioned, according to the description you presented of him, appears to be carnal in the extreme and is no different from the unbeliever who rejects God, His Son & the Gospel. So Yes, this person (even a Church leader) in such a state is destined for the Lake of Fire. But if he should come to his senses and truly repents, the Cross still avails for him - but in this state, if he should die tomorrow, the Bible says that all who live a life of sin are children of the devil and not the children of God and as such will suffer in eternal punishment ( 1 John 3:5-9). I had more to write on this type of aberrant belief and practise that some 'Christians' have been taught, but will withhold for now. I trust I have been more direct in answering your question.
The person you've described fits the description of someone who is more than likely unsaved. A person who has been born of God's Spirit no longer lives a continuous lifestyle of sin. They may still commit single acts of sin, but they no longer habitually sin because they are now being energized by God's Spirit.
1 John 3:4 tells us that "Everyone who is practicing the sin, also is practicing the lawlessness." This is the literal translation from the Greek text. "Practicing" is the translation of the present participle which denotes a lifestyle or continuous, ongoing condition. In the second clause, the present indicative verb is translated "is practicing" which also represents a present, ongoing condition.
Both the word for sin and for lawlessness have the definite article "the" representing the principle of sin which is explained in 1 John 3:8 which says, "The devil is sinning from the beginning." The devil is the sinner who energizes people to sin, and we find this in Ephesians 2:1-3.
A person who does not know Christ habitually lives a life of sin because he/she is being energized by the spirit of the devil to fulfill the desires of the flesh and of the mind.
When the Spirit of Christ comes into a person's spirit, the spirit of the devil can no longer cause that person to continuously sin against God. The Seed (Life of God), living inside of the believer prevents the believer from continually and habitually sinning against God.
Paul says in Galatians 5:17 that "The flesh fights against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh so that you cannot do the things that you wish." That is a powerful verse, and it tells us that the Holy Spirit dwelling within prevents a true born-again believer from doing the things that they desire to do - habitually.
Again, it is doubtful that this person is saved. If they were saved, they would not be living the lifestyle you have described.
1 John 3:12 - Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.
So, we should be loving one another, not as Cain (back in Genesis Chapter 4). Not as Cain, who is of the wicked one, and slew, or killed his brother. Literally slaughtered him. In the Greek text, it's the word slaughter. And why did he slaughter? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous. His brother was going down the right road doing what God wanted him to do, and he killed him.
1 John 3:15 - Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
Whoever hates, and that's a Present Participle. Whoever is hating his brother is a murderer: and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
1 John 3:16 - Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
The word ought is the word indebted. In Romans Chapter 13, Paul says to pay taxes to whom taxes are due, give honor to whom honor is due, and respect to whom respect is due. In other words, if the world wants it, give it to them. We only have one debt in life. And that's to love, AGAPE love, God's love. Nothing should be allowed to interfere with God's love in us and through us as a ministry to others.
We are indebted to lay down our lives for the brethren. It's not just a command as we see it. I owe you. Jesus laid down His life for me and said this is love. It's sacrifice. It's giving up yourself for the spiritual good of others, if not your own self.
1 John 3:11 - For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
A beautiful text, technically absolutely perfect! According to the 1 John Chapter 4, it says God is love. Love is not an action. It's not a human performance. Love is the very nature and quality of who God is. So, I cannot have that AGAPE love for anybody unless the Spirit of God who is love is in me. Having AGAPE love means that we have concern for the spiritual welfare of others.
Actually, the love of God is an interruption in people's lives. We are so horizontal, we've got our jobs, we've got our hobbies, we've got things to do, and places to go, and all of a sudden God's Spirit lays on your heart a concern for a person's spiritual welfare. That's the love of God!
So, he says since we are believers, we should be loving one another. You see, that's not a challenge. He's saying that's the trademark. This should be going on in your life. And if it's not, then you don't belong to Him. It's either all or nothing. The bible says that when a person is saved, they are constantly under the influence of AGAPE love, constantly loving.
It's the same formula, the same principle that the bible teaches. I am in the love of God because God is in me. He's love, He's pure, and He's righteous. He's love; therefore, I continuously am under the influence of God's love. Now in the human I'm not, but in the Spirit I am.
1 John 3:10 - In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil:
So here we go, summary statement: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, literal translation. Doeth is a Present Participle, doing, or practicing. Whoever is not practicing righteousness is not of God. Why is that? It's because Christ is the righteous one. And if He does not live inside of one, leading them down the path of righteousness, then they're not practicing righteousness.
Neither he that loveth not his brother. A new concept has now slipped in there. Not only does an unsaved person not practice righteousness, he also does not love his brother. Loving is another Participle, constantly, AGAPE. If a person is not saved, if they're not practicing righteousness, then they're not practicing loving their brother.
When a person is saved, that person is literally delivered from the spirit that is energizing them and influencing them in sin, and God's Spirit is born in them. And that person is called a Christian.
So, he's giving sources now. If you practice sin, it's because your source is the devil because he's the one that sins from the beginning. It's Satan sinning through us. We have a partner in this. We have a spirit that lines things up for us and helps us to sin.
But again, the cure for sin:
For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. The word destroy is the word loosen. Some of you may have heard the doctrine of binding and loosing. It all has to do with sin in Matthew's gospel.
When a person is unsaved, they are called bound to their sins. When a person is saved, they are loosed from their sins. When Jesus came, He came to loosen us from the works of the devil and the devil's influence over our life. That's what He came for.
1 John 3:8 - He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
He that commits sin is of the devil; And again, the word commits is the word practicing. It's a Present Participle. He that practices sin is from out of the devil; for the devil is sinning from the beginning.
The bible says that the sinner is Satan. And according to Psalm 51, David said that at the point of conception, we inherit the sin nature that came to the fallen human race through Adam. We inherit a sin nature. As soon as we are born, we're born in sin, and we're born going our own way and doing our own thing.
In Ephesians 2:1-2, in describing the non-believer, Paul says and you has He made alive who were dead in trespasses and sin, wherein time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works or energizes in the children of the disobedience.
Satan energizes people, as this chapter continues to tell us. Satan energizes people to fulfill the desires of the flesh and of the mind. There are only two groups of people on the earth. And it has nothing to do with religion. There are people who are energized by Satan to live for themselves, and those who are energized by Christ to live for Christ. That's it!
1 John 3:7 - Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that does righteousness, and the word does is a Participle. The one doing righteousness continuously, is righteous, even as He, that is God, is righteous.
Now how in the world can I be as righteous as God is? It's because I have God living inside of me. I have no righteousness of my own, but I have Christ, and I am righteous as He is righteous. If I ever step out of line, He corrects that.
I hope you see the connection. We're talking about lifestyles, and we're talking about walking in a condition that is the same as Jesus because we have Jesus in us living out and walking out the believer's life.
1 John 3:4 - Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
The word committeth, an Old English word, is a Participle, the one who is practicing sin is also sinning against the law. Sin is the transgression of God's law. We could think that we're pretty good people, but once we transgress God's law, we're sinners. And once we sin one time, the question is going to be what are you going to do about it? It's on your record!
There isn't anything you can do to erase that sin. It's only through Jesus Christ. So, what are you going to do? A sinner is someone who in their lifestyle practices sin. In Chapter 2 Verses 1 and 2, we saw that a believer commits acts of sin. The believer does not live a continuous lifestyle of sin because they have God's Spirit convicting them. They walk in the light. But a person that doesn't know Christ, they have no conviction. They're walking in their sin.
1 John 3:6 - Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
Whoever abides in Him, that is, in the Lord, does not sin:
Again, the word abides is a Present Participle, abiding. Whoever has Him abiding "is" Present Tense, not sinning, continuously as a habit of life. We're not talking about committing an act of sin. We're talking about committing sin continuously, a lifestyle of not surrendering to Christ.
But this is a condition. Whoever is continuously remaining in Him, does not practice sin, ever! I can never go back and live the old lifestyle I lived before I received Christ. It's impossible. In contrast: Whoever sins, and again that's a Participle. Whoever is continuously sinning has not seen Him, neither have they known Him. That's a pretty bold statement to make!
1 John 3:1 - Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons, or children of God:
Some translations say "and we are." We're not just called. We are children of God. That's our calling. God calls us to Himself. And when He responds to us, He calls us His children.
The consequence of being a child of God: Therefore the world knows us not, because it knew Him not. So, the world is not going to understand. They're not going to know.
1 John 3:3 - And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
And every man that has this hope in him is purifying himself, even as He, that is, Jesus is pure.
The term hath (or has) is a Present Participle. The one who is having this hope in him. It shows continuous action, never stopping. Everyone having this hope in him "is," factual statement, is purifying himself, even as Jesus is pure.
I hope you see the connection. Number one, the lifestyle is continuous in this condition. And secondly, it will always be as Jesus is.
You see, that's my condition. As separated as Jesus walks in this world, He is going to cause me to be walking in the same way.
Therefore my condition: I have this hope continuously that when He comes, I'm going to go be with Him and I'm going to see Him just as He is. I'm going to be changed and transformed.
The person that has this hope is purifying himself as Jesus is pure.
So, I've got God's Spirit in me convicting me in that separation that He would have me to go. A person who is not saved does not have that conviction.
"But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?"
Deuteronomy 15:11
"For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land."
Please follow me through this thought experiment, comments appreciated.....
As Christians, we often refer to Matthew 21:21 and the casting of the mountain into the sea when talking of faith. In this context, the the mountain in question is a problem or obstacle in our lives. But what is Jesus Himself were the mountain Psalm 118:22 which we all at times "cast off." It's only after we find ourselves drowning in the depths of despair Psalm 71:20 that we meet with Him again Psalm 138:8 right where we placed Him. Micah 7:19 Only this time, He appears more glorious than ever, John 6:29 for we see Him from a different perspective, just as He intended. Matthew 13:13-17 And when we see Him as He is, we shall be changed and we shall be like Him. 1 John 3:2
The Bible's definition of sin is found in 1 John 3:4, which states, "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law".
The Hebrew word for sin is khata, which means "to fail" or "to miss the goal".
The Bible says that all people have sinned, and that sin leads to death.
Romans 5:6-10 reads "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
This shows that God loves sinners and died for them while they were still sinners.
Christ was lifted up on the cross "That WHOSOEVER believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, that WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life.
This is a display of God's Love in his redemptive plans of salvation to a lost world.
(For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.)
SO YES! This display of Love and INVITATION is to all sinners!!
HOWEVER, God doesn't pardon the sinner BY his Love!
HE PROVIDED A SAVIOR BY HIS LOVE!
Christ was lifted up, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish!
This statement, "all have sinned," is found in Romans 3:23 ("For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God") and in the last clause of Romans 5:12 ("because all sinned"). Basically, it means that we're all lawbreakers, because sin is the violation of God's law ( 1 John 3:4). Sinfulness is the general characteristic of all mankind; we are all guilty before God. We are sinners by nature and by our own acts of transgression.
and ends with this
"The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God" ( Psalm 14:2). And what does the all-seeing God find? "All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one" (verse 3). In other words, all have sinned."
To continue with my thoughts:
Some of Arminian persuasion do agree that fallen man needs God's grace to turn to Jesus, but tend to avow that God gives just enough grace for one to be free to make a choice for or against Jesus and His salvation. But my studies, especially in Romans, Ephesians, and Galatians, convinced me that God gives grace in full measure to His elect, not to only be freed to make a choice for or against the gospel, rather He grants His grace that ensures that the elect will repent and believe unto salvation. I will discuss this more in the next section. But for now, I think that when I came understand and accept the truth about man's depravity and inability to come to God before regeneration I can become so gladdened and thankful for what God has done in my life as one of His elect. These truths to me have become glorious as I came to the conviction that God's will is so much better than my own and His saving nature is supreme over my sinful nature. Therefore, I came to trust God more and more and surrender more and more of my reliance, reasoning, logic, and trust in what I thought was man's strengths to God.
1 John 3:22
"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."
Blessings
I'm aware of that and it makes since in Nicodemus response.
Though it may mean beginning or above and Nicodemus may have understood it as beginning.
I would have to lean on what did Jesus mean.
We know Jesus didn't mean what Nicodemus understood by Jesus response in verses six. (That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.)
I've interpreted it as being born anew by the Spirit of God.
I parallels that verse with 1 John 3:9. "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
Thanks and God bless.
The same incident according to Mark. ( Mark 10 20-21)
"20And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. 21Then Jesus beholding him loved him, ..."
Didn't Jesus love him before him saying that he had done all that since he was young?
God loves everybody. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16
But there is a special love for His children. "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not." 1 John 3:1
And even more love for those of His children who are careful to obey His commandements. "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." John 14:21
Actually it is like a father with many kids who is pleased by the one who behaves himself.
But God loves everybody.
Once we were riding with a friend and his family. And we were talking about God and salvation. Then one asked what is that God wishes more than everything? And one of the little kids said "God wants All people to be saved". We knew that it was God who talked. The thing is that God can not decide for us. The choice is in our hands.
GBU
1 John 3:22
"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."
John 14:13 "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing."
Blessings
Exodus 20:8
"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy."
Hebrews 10:16
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;"
John 15:10
"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."
John 14:21
"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."
John 14:15
"If ye love me, keep my commandments."
1 John 3:22
"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."
Revelation 22:14
"Blessed 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."
Matthew 24:35
"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."
Blessings
Your posting on God's love brings to mind Heb 2:10 where God deemed it "fitting to crush His Son in order to bring many sons to glory". 1 John 4:16 is so comforting in that it reveals that God is love and in love He ordained to redeem sinful humans to become fitted to commune with Him in the love of the Godhead. We were ruined by sin, but, for His glory, God purposed to save us when we were dead in sin through the sacrifice of our Savior and the regenerative work of the Holy Spirit so we could be made alive in Christ and made holy and acceptable before the Father. 1 John 3:1 expresses that God has "lavished His love upon us" in such a way that we become His children. Oh, what manner of love is this! Can we even know the depths of this love?
1Peter 4:8 exhorts us to love each other because love covers a multitude of sins. The sacrifice of Jesus did just that. He did it all for love of the people the Father predestined to give the Son before all of creation. He loved the Son in this way. We are a gift to His Son and also we are a gift to the Father. We do not deserve this at all, but God deemed it a highly desirable to create us for this purpose. We are to dwell in His love and enjoy the love relationship of the Godhead forever. That is so very awesome!
God's love is a tremendous gift to us. He does all things for His glory. His God-centeredness extends outward to His creation in all He ordains and brings to fruition. We are the beneficiaries of the internal love of the Godhead. In His wisdom, He deemed that He would be most glorified in saving a people made holy and righteous by the work and sacrifice of His ONE and ONLY Son because He is the source of all life, goodness and love. In raising His Son from death to life God demonstrated that death cannot conquer His love for His Son nor for the people Jesus died for to become children of God.
These are my immediate thoughts on your postings on God's love for us. It is such a beautiful truth to grasp.
1 John 3:22
"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."
Proverbs 28:9
"He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination."
Blessings
1 John 3:22
"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."
Blessings
John 15:10
"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."
Hebrews 10:16
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;"
Romans 7:12
"Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good."
1 John 3:22
"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."
Blessings
1 John 3:22
"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."
Blessings
I Pray for unity in my prayers and done in my church and community
Matthew 18:19 KJV
My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
" When done and praying is showing God as holy to believe. Principle-Holy to all religions.Always performaning righteousness, holiness in actions "to do it" of God, to have faith, hope, love is unity"
Confirmation to all the world. Confirmation is of the Gospel performing of miracle. Trusting in Jesus intercession asking in prayer. A guaranteed result I have received being Christian is utterance of the spirtual man.Accord with Jesus Christ God the Father Romans 6:23 KJV." Quoted on prayers being done must be of God expedient, earnest, faithful, preserving.
Expedient definition- serves to promote or advance any means which may be employed to accomplish an end.
Matthew 18:20 KJV
My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY:
" Associated scripture Hebrews 10:25 KJV. Jesus in the midst is Psalm 19:4 KJV to be pleasing in his sight 1 John 3:22 KJV. Jesus Christ is omnipresence amd omniscience to all the world. Quoted on blessing on united, congregational prayer. Jesus want you to have the gift of the Holy Ghost-cordial and sincere. Receiving the blessings -When speaking to have the presence of Christ is true and mighty Psalms 21:6 KJV Communion with his church as real. Speaking in advancement of position Psalms 16:11 KJV
Quoted: Measure is in believing the holy bible-Jesus Christ is life to follow.
Word Spoken and Written by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
Hebrews 2:18
"For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
1 John 3:24
"And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us."
Blessings
John 15:10
"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."
Hebrews 10:16
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;"
Romans 7:12
"Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good."
1 John 3:22
"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."
Blessings
How do we become the sons of God according to the Scripture? Only by the New Birth - John 3:7b ...Ye must be born again. 1Peter 1:23a Being born again... Even in todays venacular there is certainly a major difference in being born, and being adopted.
Now in Romans 8:23b ... waiting for the adoption. It is clear according to Scripture that the moment we are born again that we are presently sons of God, so what is meant by our waiting to be adopted? Adoption in Bible times had a different application. The Jewish tradition, and other Middle East cultures of the day was that when your natural born son became of age, he would go through a celebrated ceremonial practice and be adopted by his own father. This was not to place the son into the family, but rather to bless the natural born son, with the recognition of now being mature. Now, this adopted son was blessed with full rights and had authority. The adopted (mature) son's word now had the same authority as the father. He was no longer under tutors and instructors. No longer could the servant(s) of the family have authority over the child, rather now the adopted (mature) son had full authority over the servant(s). Galatians 4:1,2, 5, 7 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord over all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. read v. 5&7. Being predestinated unto the adoption of sons refers to the fact that every born again child of God, is to become mature in the faith. No where in Scripture is it said that God predestinates people to hell or heaven. Every time the word "predestination" is used in any form, it always refers to us becoming like Christ.
James 4:17 "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."
1 John 1:6 "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:"
1 John 3:6 "Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him."
Blessings
Pt. 6
The Father gives to Jesus as the incarnate Word of God all dominion, power, and authority Mt. 28:18) over creation before creation as it is through the Son that all things were created. The Son is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords over all creation. Jesus gives eternal life to all whom the Father brings to Him and He is given the right to judge all of created beings, humans and angelic. ( Heb 1:8, Jn. 17:2)
The Father wills that every knee shall bow and tongue confess that Jesus is Lord of all to the glory of God. The Father has commanded the angels to worship the Son ( Heb 1:6) and all the redeemed are to worship Jesus as well as shown in Rev. 5:6-13 acclaiming that Jesus was slain and redeemed for Himself by His shed blood His people who come from every tongue tribe and nation.
The Father has ordained that His Son will secure the victory over sin, death, hell, and the devil, destroying all the evil works and sins of Him who deceived Eve and enticed Adam to disobey God in the beginning. ( 1 john 3:8, 1 Cor. 15:55; Rev. 1:17-18; 1 Cor. 15:26; Rev. 20:1-10; 21:1-5)
The Father commands that the Son be given the same honor as the Father ( Jn. 5:23) and restores the glory to Jesus upon His resurrection ( Jn. 17:1, 4-5) that He always had before His incarnation.
The Father has the Son, Jesus, sitting on the Father's throne in heaven, at His right hand ( Acts 7:55; Jn. 12:41; Mk. 16:19) displaying that Jesus is equal in nature to the Father and worthy to receive all that the Father receives in worship.
Got to go for now. Making wings for dinner. I realized that I did not cite verses for thr other parts. Sorry, but in this section.
See Pt. 7
It seems you need a Yes or No answer only, without any further explanation, whereas my previous response to you I thought was clear in this. Anyway, the sinful person you mentioned, according to the description you presented of him, appears to be carnal in the extreme and is no different from the unbeliever who rejects God, His Son & the Gospel. So Yes, this person (even a Church leader) in such a state is destined for the Lake of Fire. But if he should come to his senses and truly repents, the Cross still avails for him - but in this state, if he should die tomorrow, the Bible says that all who live a life of sin are children of the devil and not the children of God and as such will suffer in eternal punishment ( 1 John 3:5-9). I had more to write on this type of aberrant belief and practise that some 'Christians' have been taught, but will withhold for now. I trust I have been more direct in answering your question.
The person you've described fits the description of someone who is more than likely unsaved. A person who has been born of God's Spirit no longer lives a continuous lifestyle of sin. They may still commit single acts of sin, but they no longer habitually sin because they are now being energized by God's Spirit.
1 John 3:4 tells us that "Everyone who is practicing the sin, also is practicing the lawlessness." This is the literal translation from the Greek text. "Practicing" is the translation of the present participle which denotes a lifestyle or continuous, ongoing condition. In the second clause, the present indicative verb is translated "is practicing" which also represents a present, ongoing condition.
Both the word for sin and for lawlessness have the definite article "the" representing the principle of sin which is explained in 1 John 3:8 which says, "The devil is sinning from the beginning." The devil is the sinner who energizes people to sin, and we find this in Ephesians 2:1-3.
A person who does not know Christ habitually lives a life of sin because he/she is being energized by the spirit of the devil to fulfill the desires of the flesh and of the mind.
When the Spirit of Christ comes into a person's spirit, the spirit of the devil can no longer cause that person to continuously sin against God. The Seed (Life of God), living inside of the believer prevents the believer from continually and habitually sinning against God.
Paul says in Galatians 5:17 that "The flesh fights against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh so that you cannot do the things that you wish." That is a powerful verse, and it tells us that the Holy Spirit dwelling within prevents a true born-again believer from doing the things that they desire to do - habitually.
Again, it is doubtful that this person is saved. If they were saved, they would not be living the lifestyle you have described.
I hope this answers your question.
Blessings to you in Christ!
1 John 3:12 - Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.
So, we should be loving one another, not as Cain (back in Genesis Chapter 4). Not as Cain, who is of the wicked one, and slew, or killed his brother. Literally slaughtered him. In the Greek text, it's the word slaughter. And why did he slaughter? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous. His brother was going down the right road doing what God wanted him to do, and he killed him.
1 John 3:15 - Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
Whoever hates, and that's a Present Participle. Whoever is hating his brother is a murderer: and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
1 John 3:16 - Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
The word ought is the word indebted. In Romans Chapter 13, Paul says to pay taxes to whom taxes are due, give honor to whom honor is due, and respect to whom respect is due. In other words, if the world wants it, give it to them. We only have one debt in life. And that's to love, AGAPE love, God's love. Nothing should be allowed to interfere with God's love in us and through us as a ministry to others.
We are indebted to lay down our lives for the brethren. It's not just a command as we see it. I owe you. Jesus laid down His life for me and said this is love. It's sacrifice. It's giving up yourself for the spiritual good of others, if not your own self.
1 John 3:11 - For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
A beautiful text, technically absolutely perfect! According to the 1 John Chapter 4, it says God is love. Love is not an action. It's not a human performance. Love is the very nature and quality of who God is. So, I cannot have that AGAPE love for anybody unless the Spirit of God who is love is in me. Having AGAPE love means that we have concern for the spiritual welfare of others.
Actually, the love of God is an interruption in people's lives. We are so horizontal, we've got our jobs, we've got our hobbies, we've got things to do, and places to go, and all of a sudden God's Spirit lays on your heart a concern for a person's spiritual welfare. That's the love of God!
So, he says since we are believers, we should be loving one another. You see, that's not a challenge. He's saying that's the trademark. This should be going on in your life. And if it's not, then you don't belong to Him. It's either all or nothing. The bible says that when a person is saved, they are constantly under the influence of AGAPE love, constantly loving.
It's the same formula, the same principle that the bible teaches. I am in the love of God because God is in me. He's love, He's pure, and He's righteous. He's love; therefore, I continuously am under the influence of God's love. Now in the human I'm not, but in the Spirit I am.
1 John 3:10 - In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil:
So here we go, summary statement: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, literal translation. Doeth is a Present Participle, doing, or practicing. Whoever is not practicing righteousness is not of God. Why is that? It's because Christ is the righteous one. And if He does not live inside of one, leading them down the path of righteousness, then they're not practicing righteousness.
Neither he that loveth not his brother. A new concept has now slipped in there. Not only does an unsaved person not practice righteousness, he also does not love his brother. Loving is another Participle, constantly, AGAPE. If a person is not saved, if they're not practicing righteousness, then they're not practicing loving their brother.
1 John 3:8 Continued
When a person is saved, that person is literally delivered from the spirit that is energizing them and influencing them in sin, and God's Spirit is born in them. And that person is called a Christian.
So, he's giving sources now. If you practice sin, it's because your source is the devil because he's the one that sins from the beginning. It's Satan sinning through us. We have a partner in this. We have a spirit that lines things up for us and helps us to sin.
But again, the cure for sin:
For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. The word destroy is the word loosen. Some of you may have heard the doctrine of binding and loosing. It all has to do with sin in Matthew's gospel.
When a person is unsaved, they are called bound to their sins. When a person is saved, they are loosed from their sins. When Jesus came, He came to loosen us from the works of the devil and the devil's influence over our life. That's what He came for.
1 John 3:8 - He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
He that commits sin is of the devil; And again, the word commits is the word practicing. It's a Present Participle. He that practices sin is from out of the devil; for the devil is sinning from the beginning.
The bible says that the sinner is Satan. And according to Psalm 51, David said that at the point of conception, we inherit the sin nature that came to the fallen human race through Adam. We inherit a sin nature. As soon as we are born, we're born in sin, and we're born going our own way and doing our own thing.
In Ephesians 2:1-2, in describing the non-believer, Paul says and you has He made alive who were dead in trespasses and sin, wherein time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works or energizes in the children of the disobedience.
Satan energizes people, as this chapter continues to tell us. Satan energizes people to fulfill the desires of the flesh and of the mind. There are only two groups of people on the earth. And it has nothing to do with religion. There are people who are energized by Satan to live for themselves, and those who are energized by Christ to live for Christ. That's it!
1 John 3:7 - Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that does righteousness, and the word does is a Participle. The one doing righteousness continuously, is righteous, even as He, that is God, is righteous.
Now how in the world can I be as righteous as God is? It's because I have God living inside of me. I have no righteousness of my own, but I have Christ, and I am righteous as He is righteous. If I ever step out of line, He corrects that.
I hope you see the connection. We're talking about lifestyles, and we're talking about walking in a condition that is the same as Jesus because we have Jesus in us living out and walking out the believer's life.
1 John 3:4 - Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
The word committeth, an Old English word, is a Participle, the one who is practicing sin is also sinning against the law. Sin is the transgression of God's law. We could think that we're pretty good people, but once we transgress God's law, we're sinners. And once we sin one time, the question is going to be what are you going to do about it? It's on your record!
There isn't anything you can do to erase that sin. It's only through Jesus Christ. So, what are you going to do? A sinner is someone who in their lifestyle practices sin. In Chapter 2 Verses 1 and 2, we saw that a believer commits acts of sin. The believer does not live a continuous lifestyle of sin because they have God's Spirit convicting them. They walk in the light. But a person that doesn't know Christ, they have no conviction. They're walking in their sin.
1 John 3:6 - Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
Whoever abides in Him, that is, in the Lord, does not sin:
Again, the word abides is a Present Participle, abiding. Whoever has Him abiding "is" Present Tense, not sinning, continuously as a habit of life. We're not talking about committing an act of sin. We're talking about committing sin continuously, a lifestyle of not surrendering to Christ.
But this is a condition. Whoever is continuously remaining in Him, does not practice sin, ever! I can never go back and live the old lifestyle I lived before I received Christ. It's impossible. In contrast: Whoever sins, and again that's a Participle. Whoever is continuously sinning has not seen Him, neither have they known Him. That's a pretty bold statement to make!
1 John 3:1 - Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons, or children of God:
Some translations say "and we are." We're not just called. We are children of God. That's our calling. God calls us to Himself. And when He responds to us, He calls us His children.
The consequence of being a child of God: Therefore the world knows us not, because it knew Him not. So, the world is not going to understand. They're not going to know.
1 John 3:3 - And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
And every man that has this hope in him is purifying himself, even as He, that is, Jesus is pure.
The term hath (or has) is a Present Participle. The one who is having this hope in him. It shows continuous action, never stopping. Everyone having this hope in him "is," factual statement, is purifying himself, even as Jesus is pure.
I hope you see the connection. Number one, the lifestyle is continuous in this condition. And secondly, it will always be as Jesus is.
You see, that's my condition. As separated as Jesus walks in this world, He is going to cause me to be walking in the same way.
Therefore my condition: I have this hope continuously that when He comes, I'm going to go be with Him and I'm going to see Him just as He is. I'm going to be changed and transformed.
The person that has this hope is purifying himself as Jesus is pure.
So, I've got God's Spirit in me convicting me in that separation that He would have me to go. A person who is not saved does not have that conviction.
1 John 3:17
"But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?"
Deuteronomy 15:11
"For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land."
Blessings
As Christians, we often refer to Matthew 21:21 and the casting of the mountain into the sea when talking of faith. In this context, the the mountain in question is a problem or obstacle in our lives. But what is Jesus Himself were the mountain Psalm 118:22 which we all at times "cast off." It's only after we find ourselves drowning in the depths of despair Psalm 71:20 that we meet with Him again Psalm 138:8 right where we placed Him. Micah 7:19 Only this time, He appears more glorious than ever, John 6:29 for we see Him from a different perspective, just as He intended. Matthew 13:13-17 And when we see Him as He is, we shall be changed and we shall be like Him. 1 John 3:2
The Bible's definition of sin is found in 1 John 3:4, which states, "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law".
The Hebrew word for sin is khata, which means "to fail" or "to miss the goal".
The Bible says that all people have sinned, and that sin leads to death.
Romans 5:6-10 reads "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
This shows that God loves sinners and died for them while they were still sinners.
Christ was lifted up on the cross "That WHOSOEVER believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, that WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life.
This is a display of God's Love in his redemptive plans of salvation to a lost world.
(For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.)
SO YES! This display of Love and INVITATION is to all sinners!!
HOWEVER, God doesn't pardon the sinner BY his Love!
HE PROVIDED A SAVIOR BY HIS LOVE!
Christ was lifted up, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish!
Blessings
Pt. 9
Note: the Got Questions excerpt begins with this:
This statement, "all have sinned," is found in Romans 3:23 ("For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God") and in the last clause of Romans 5:12 ("because all sinned"). Basically, it means that we're all lawbreakers, because sin is the violation of God's law ( 1 John 3:4). Sinfulness is the general characteristic of all mankind; we are all guilty before God. We are sinners by nature and by our own acts of transgression.
and ends with this
"The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God" ( Psalm 14:2). And what does the all-seeing God find? "All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one" (verse 3). In other words, all have sinned."
To continue with my thoughts:
Some of Arminian persuasion do agree that fallen man needs God's grace to turn to Jesus, but tend to avow that God gives just enough grace for one to be free to make a choice for or against Jesus and His salvation. But my studies, especially in Romans, Ephesians, and Galatians, convinced me that God gives grace in full measure to His elect, not to only be freed to make a choice for or against the gospel, rather He grants His grace that ensures that the elect will repent and believe unto salvation. I will discuss this more in the next section. But for now, I think that when I came understand and accept the truth about man's depravity and inability to come to God before regeneration I can become so gladdened and thankful for what God has done in my life as one of His elect. These truths to me have become glorious as I came to the conviction that God's will is so much better than my own and His saving nature is supreme over my sinful nature. Therefore, I came to trust God more and more and surrender more and more of my reliance, reasoning, logic, and trust in what I thought was man's strengths to God.
See Pt. 10