"Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." 1 Timothy 4:16
I have enjoyed this discussion. We agree on many points. Salvation is a gift from God that we cannot earn, and nothing can take it from us. I know you and others believe one cannot walk away or fall away, but to me, that is what is going to happen, as told us in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. We cannot see into a person's heart; only God can, but I have seen people like the one I mentioned before totally change from who they were and never repent and return.
2 Thessalonians 2:3, falling away meaning apostasy, this is to happen before Jesus returns. This will be an enormous betrayal of the faith, as in 1 Timothy 4:1. My understanding this would not be an apostasy if these people were not saved in the faith of Jesus.
We are not far apart. First, to answer your question, will I walk away? The answer is NO! I know Romans 1:28 didn't fit, but it reflects what I was thinking of someone I knew when I wrote it. Only God knows the heart of man. What was in my mind was a person I knew, and anyone who knew them would say this person was a true Christian.
This person lost a child, and they completely changed. Over time, they turned into the opposite of who they were, and this verse fits what I saw happen to this person. This is one of the reasons I believe someone can fall away; only God knows if that is what happened. John 6:44, we may see this as the gospel today, the words of God are preached, which draws people, but that is not coming to Christ himself.
Then we have Matthew 22:14: Many are called, but few are chosen. Some who hear will fully embrace it and be accepted by God, while others will not. We are drawn or called, but is it not up to us to go and believe?
How do we understand verses like Hebrews 3:12-14? This is directed at those in Christ. 1 Timothy 4:1-2, My understanding, this goes with 2 Thessalonians 2:3 and Revelation 13:7-10; here is the patience of the saints. This is a true falling away, John 1.5:4-6; we must continue to abide in Him. Romans 11:19-22, we can be cut off.
James 1:12 is another blessed is a man that endureth, if he does, he will receive a crown of life. As in Revelation 2:10, faithful unto death. I respect you, but to me, there are too many warnings to endure and overcome until our death. We cannot ignore that; we must encourage each other to stay strong in our faith.
Not to spark another debate, I believe the great falling away is connected to when the beast rises and the persecution begins. Many think they will be taken out, but are not; they will be here. My understanding is Christ will never forsake us; the only thing that can separate us from Him is us.
Thank you for the reply. Mutual respect and love to you, my brother. We as believers have love for one another because His Spirit gives us that ability.
As far as enduring to the end, a true believer will endure to the end. I touched on this during my Greek studies. Our English bible makes it sound like it is a challenge, "if" we endure to the end. But in the Greek text, it is not a challenge. We endure to the end because His Spirit gives us the ability to do so. It's not a challenge. Enduring to the end shows proof of those who are saved.
Salvation is all of God. We cannot save ourselves. If you believe you must endure to the end for your salvation, how do you do that without involving human works?
In 2 Thessalonians 2:3, I do not see this speaking about saved believers falling away. Yes, there will be a falling away (Apostasy) first, but not a falling away of saved believers.
Paul speaks on this in 1 Timothy 4:1 where he says, "now the Spirit speaks expressly that in the latter times, some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of demons." We have that in our day. There are many people in cult groups who profess to be Christian but are chasing after false doctrines and teachings.
So, as you mentioned, there must be an apostasy first. This falling away will be those who profess to be Christians but belong to various cult groups. They are the ones who will be deceived into chasing after Satan's lies. The deception will be easy for them, and they are the ones who will fall away.
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; ( 1 Timothy 4:1)
2 Timothy 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
I will repeat once again that the concept of John 16:8; in the fact that sin; righteousness and judgment aren't exactly the focus of many of today's confessions in professing Christian churches. The basic issue is that the end result of hell is downplayed; and people aren't expected to change from the state when they are welcomed into the fold the first time as a visitor. What they are pressured into is a particular agenda quite often that follows a course designed to promote whatever the leadership wants which often is exaltation of a Pastor and promotion through media and hype which is puffed up far beyond anything God ever intended. Rule 1 against this abuse of power is before committing to membership we should determine what the accountability for all including leadership is with doctrinal statements and proper scriptural approach mandated by Christ Himself when we see a brother in sin. PASTOR'S AREN'T IMMUNE TO SUCH DISCIPLINE!! At least in Reformed circles this is generally accepted in most congregations; it doesn't guarantee the outcome as being correct as flawed humans are involved with that process but we should avoid any leader that will not accept this for their own teaching; that can particularlly be an issue with a "stand alone" type church where there aren't elders or deacons balancing things out.
On the other side of the coin is accountability we each have as laypersons to obey the things which those in authority who enforce scripture teach and require. On the line is whether we really want Christ to rule and reign in our hearts or fall for the "rugged individualism" our nation tends to proudly stand on. Without it; we are a group who meet Sunday all flying solo.
As we dive into this topic further, I want to remind the audience that as we approach the end or consummation of this present age we will see the proclamations of truly Holy Spirit filled believers and false prophets line up more and more because the facts are clear; Revelation and its judgments are about to commence and whether it will be under God's protection ( Psalm 91:4) or under His wrath depends on our spiritual state at the time. It is how we interpret events that reveals where our heart is; and sadly many concepts such as Dominionism and full Preterism can be toxic doctrines that inevitably will make many of these individuals believe that Antichrist is actually Christ. Success is defined as power and influence in society according to these mindsets something no doubt Satan desires along with worship of himself. What part of Christ's proclamation my Kingdom is not of this world lest my servants fight ( John 18:36). What part of His self sacrificial life and death that occured immediately after this statement during one of His trials before crucifixion don't some people undestsand? Therefore it is safe to say that those trying to conform this world in this way ignore the verse where it says we should be transformed by the renewing of our minds. ( Romans 12:2). As I have said in other postings before; there is a valid point bought out by some of this mindset; that as long as His church remains the gates of hell cannot prevail against it; and even with most lukewarm or doctrinally compromised His remnant has a duty and responsibility to continue to work the harvest to fulfill the task of making Disciples and being in His service until He comes. We need to soberly assess the time we are in when many are predicted to fall away (See 1 Timothy 4:1); and eventually the admonition of Matthew 24:10 will be fulfilled on a global scale as the Tribulation saints will be martyred wherever they are.
1 Timothy 4:13 - Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
He says until I come, give attendance, and that is what is called a Present Imperative, meaning continue to do this. Give attendance to three things:
Number one: to reading. This is to public reading of the scriptures. There are two different Greek words for reading. This is the one for public reading of the scriptures. It's the same word found in Revelation 1:3, the blessing upon the person who reads and those who listen to the reading of this prophecy, meaning the book of Revelation.
To exhortation, that is encouragement from the scriptures. And thirdly: to doctrine, or teaching. So do the public reading of scripture, encourage people to respond, and teach them the scriptures continuously.
1 Timothy 4:15 - Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
Meditate upon these things; again, a Present Imperative, meaning continue to meditate on all these things that you're being nourished by.
Interesting about the profiting. This is the purpose for which we stay in the word. Other people should see spiritual progress in our life. What he's saying is that here is the purpose. Continue, stay in the word, that your progress in the Lord will be evident to everyone.
1 Timothy 4:16 - Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
The word save in this text has many different meanings. It's the word for salvation, which means delivered from one thing to another. It's also used for physical healing in the bible. It's also used for preservation, and that's the way Paul uses it here in this verse.
By continuing in the doctrine, you will both preserve yourself as a believer, and those that hear you.
1 Timothy 4:8 - For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
He says for bodily exercise profits little: The term little denotes time. That is, the only time physical exercise can ever help anybody, is during their time here on the earth. But godliness is profitable unto all things, having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
Spiritual exercise is not only good for later, but for here right now, and then forever. So why would I not exercise myself, getting ready for now, and throughout eternity? Why would I spend my time focusing only on physical exercise? He's not saying it's bad. He's just saying it's limited. And yet we spend a lot of time on it.
1 Timothy 4:9 - This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
I shared this earlier but thought I would mention it again. Paul uses the phrase "this is a faithful saying." In the early church, this phrase meant that what I'm about to tell you is not in the Old Testament, but it is the word of God. Remember, there was no New Testament at this time.
He's saying this is the word of God, though you're not going to find it in the Old Testament. And of course, we find it in the NT because it is there. This is a saying that they would say all the time. They said you can trust this.
1 Timothy 4:12 - Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
The word charity is the word AGAPE. He's talking about sacrificial love for others.
1 Timothy 4:7 - But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
The term "wives' fables" in Greek was a phrase to represent something that is uneducated and unintelligent. And what they would do, because the older women would sit around, and they didn't have an education, they didn't have access to philosophy where a lot of people in their society did, so in order to be equal with everybody else, they made up stories. The word fables is MUTHOS, where we get our word myth. He calls them myths. That's all they are. They are stories.
And exercise yourself rather unto godliness. The word Greek word exercise, GUMNASIA, is where we get our word gymnasium from. And it is used by Paul and some writers in the New Testament, and it is a word that describes growth as a Christian. Growth as Christian is being exercised by the Spirit of God through the word of God.
Hebrews Chapter 5 where the writer of Hebrews says if you stop being exercised by the Spirit of God through His word, you become dull of hearing. Just like physically, if you stop exercising, your muscles become dull. They become out of shape.
So, he says exercise yourself rather unto godliness. Don't sit around listening to these stories but rather be exercised unto godliness. The word godliness means to reverence the Lord. Let things influence your life that's going to cause you to reverence Him in your life.
1 Timothy 4:2 - Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
Again, the word hypocrisy means an actor, one who answers according to the script. False teachers, they learn the language, you know, "Praise the Lord, how you doing today?" They know all the language of the doctrines, and they know biblical scriptures, and they quote scriptures. They know the script. But they speak the lie in hypocrisy. They act like they are one of the chosen or saved, but they are not.
The second condition is having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
That whole phrase, seared with a hot iron (KEKAUTERIASMENON) is the word cauterized. It's a medical term. It's where a part of the human body is burned where it cannot feel pain and loses its sensitivity.
He says their conscience has become seared with a hot iron. Their conscience can no longer sense the Spirit of God or the truth of God, and they reject it when they hear it. So that was the condition of false teachers.
1 Timothy 4:6 - If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
In the Greek text, the word remembrance literally means to spread out in front of someone. He says if you take the brethren and just lay all this out in front of them. It's like the saying that you can take a horse to water but you can't make him drink. Well, give them the truth. Just lay it all out in front of them. They've got to make a response to it.
Paul says if you do this, you shall be a good minister (or servant) of Jesus Christ, while being nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine. He says not only do you have to lay this out in front of the brethren, but you have to continue to be nourished in the doctrine yourself. There must be a continuation. You must continue to feed on the truth of God's word.
1 Timothy 3:10 - And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
And let these also first be proved, or tested; then let them serve in the office of deacon, after they are found to be blameless. Again, unimpeachable.
1 Timothy 3:11 - Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
It says wives, or women likewise, again working off the verb (to be) in Verse 2. Now there are four things:
The wives must be grave, that is, serious in their approach to the things and handling of the things of God. Secondly, not slanderers. Thirdly, vigilant, or sober in their thinking, watchfulness, attentiveness. And lastly, faithful to Christ in all things.
1 Timothy 4:1 - Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
Now the Spirit speaks clearly. There wasn't any doubt about what God's Spirit was saying in these days about the warning in the church. Notice that it says that in the latter times. Literally, in later times. And notice that times is plural. What he's saying is that beginning at his era, his time, and this will progressively go for several epics, or eras. And as time in history goes on, apostasy from the faith is going to grow worse.
Depart is the word APOSTASIA. It's the Greek word for apostasy. Apostasy means moving away from a fixed position. They had a fixed position in Christ doctrinally, but they have been moved. The term falling away is APOSTASIA.
Theologians have labeled latter times from the ascension of Christ, to His second coming. Those are all the latter days. He is indicating for us that things are going to get worse as far as getting away from the faith. Please notice it doesn't say church. It says the faith. All true doctrine will encourage and teach people to put their trust in Christ for everything.
When we were lost , being not saved by believing the gospel of grace, we were part of the world system and was the devil's child.
Ephesians 2:12
That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in theworld:
Satan has advantages on the unsaved.
Ephesians 2:2
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of thisworld, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
We that are unsaved , are in bondage to the cares of the world.
Galatians 4:3
Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of theworld:
Even as a saved Christian, it's easy to let Satan in our spirit.
Ephesians 4:27
Neither give place to thedevil.
Today, the worldly spirit of Satan is very strong because of cellphone, television and being very busy doing worldly things instead of godly things
1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines ofdevils;
One day we will leave the evil world and be with Jesus Christ.
Galatians 1:4
Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evilworld, according to the will of God and our Father:
Satan is good at hiding the gospel of grace.
2 Corinthians 4:4
In whom the god of thisworldhath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
God gave us a spirit to worship Him. The spirit of the world is of Satan.
1 Corinthians 2:12
Now we have received, not the spirit of theworld, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
There is no prophecy in Apostle Paul's epistle for Israel promises or any happening during that dispensation of time. Prophecy is speaking the word for there was not the complete written Bible.
1 Corinthians 14:5
I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that yeprophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
Romans 12:6
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whetherprophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
1 Corinthians 13:2
And though I have the gift ofprophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
1 Timothy 4:14
Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee byprophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
The more I read Apostle Paul's epistle, the more the doctrine will make me see false preachers and teachers today.
Romans 16:17
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to thedoctrinewhich ye have learned; and avoid them.
At one time I would listen to every preacher out there and think it was good doctrine, but I was not the doctrine of today , it only made things more confusing.
Ephesians 4:14
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind ofdoctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
I thank God Almighty for Grace Believers not being in the Tribulation. It's only going to get worse with doctrines of devils.
1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, anddoctrines of devils;
There is hope for doctrine today and that is Apostle Paul's epistle.
Titus 2:1
But speak thou the things which become sounddoctrine:
Apostle Paul told the Corinthians to follow him, Apostle Paul has the doctrine of grace.
1 Corinthians 11:1
Be yefollowers ofme, even as I also am of Christ.
Apostle Paul did not walk with Jesus like the 12 Disiples in the flesh, Paul is separated from that with his doctrine.
Romans 1:1
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
Apostle Paul has a doctrine.
2 Timothy 3:10
But thou hast fully known mydoctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
The whole Bible has doctrine, but which doctrine do we follow today for living in the gospel of grace. " Apostle Paul "
2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable fordoctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Thanks brother Jesse for your further clarification. I guess 1 Timothy 4:14 was at the back of my mind when I read Romans 1:11; i.e. as Timothy received 'the gift' by the laying of hands upon him, so Paul was planning to do likewise to those believers in Rome. Yet, it seems more reasonable to believe that Paul wanted them to grow in Christ, maturing both in faith (as you mentioned: of being fully persuaded in their mind & spirit) & of course, their usefulness in the Church & living victoriously in a pagan society. Off in a few days & thanks for your prayers. May the Lord enable you in your studies in Romans & sharing the Word with us.
Your posts are helpful, I understand how long it would be on this site with 2000 characters to go verse by verse, but what you do should inspire us to study all the verses around what you post. The conscience: I understand what you are saying but I understand it a little differently. I understand our conscience which is sometimes called our heart, Proverbs 4:23, is a gift God gave us to help us overcome the curse that we received when Adam and Eve ate that fruit of the knowledge of good and evil.
The law and sacrifices could not cleanse our conscience, and we have been told to guard our conscience. When we repent and are born again our conscience is cleaned Hebrews 9:13-14, Hebrews 10:22 and when we slip, we are given confidence if we repent it is cleaned by the blood of Christ, 1 John 1:9. Our conscience and our mind are separate, Titus 1:15.
Our subconscious mind learns from experiences without us being aware of it. It processes information and makes connections effortlessly. We operate 80 to 90 percent with this part of our mind. This kind of learning affects our actions and choices without us consciously realizing it. My thoughts, this is the part of us that is attracted by the world, the part of our flesh that is tempted.
Our conscience can be weak and defiled 1 Corinthians 8:7 and seared like in 1 Timothy 4:1-2 and our minds can become so corrupt 2 Timothy 3:8, that God can turn us over to a reprobate mind Romans 1:28. I feel people can get to a point where their conscience is dead, and they live on the instinct of their subconscious mind for just survival in this earthly world. But there is always hope, I have seen where people have been restored and their conscience cleansed and made alive again, Jesus's blood can wash away all sins.
This is just me, but I believe our conscience is the spirit of man, Zechariah 12:11 Corinthians 2:11.
I am sure we all have thought about that, but it is hard to answer. We have a loving and just God wanting all to come to Him and be saved because He gave His only Son for the redemption of sins. Some may say no since the only way to the Father is through the Son but what about those who never had the opportunity to hear the gospel of Jesus?
All of us have a conscience and the knowledge of good and evil, some get to a point of no return and God gives them over to a reprobate mind, Romans 1:28. Some go so far into evil that their conscience is seared with a hot iron, 1 Timothy 4:2, they do not know good from evil. I do not know if you have ever met someone like that, but you can see cold darkness in their eyes.
If we read Romans 1-16 it is not the hearers of the law but the doers of the law for they, have it written in their heart and their conscience bears witness. Our conscience records all we have ever done or thought. I believe this is about those who have heard the gospel and those who did not have a chance to hear it.
Many take the great white throne judgment as for the lost only, but I believe this is for those who are not in the first resurrection, Revelation 20:4-6. My understanding is the great white throne judgment goes with Daniel 12:2John 5:28-29Matthew 25:31-46 and Revelation 20:11-15.
As it says in Revelation 20:15 all that was not found in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. So, to me, this is all the rest of the dead Revelation 20:5 if some were not found, some are found in the Book of Life. Some who lived before Jesus first came and some after Jesus came who never heard the gospel, their conscience bearing witness, will be found in the Book of Life. As we see in John 8:9Acts 24:16Romans 9:12 Corinthians 1:121 Timothy 3:9Hebrews 13:18.
The first Adam, his disobedience brought sin and death into the world, Romans 5:12-19. The last Adam by obedience to God brought forgiveness and life, the resurrection from the dead, 1 Corinthians 15:21-22.
Adam and Eve were naked and were not ashamed, their hearts were uncorrupted and free from sin. After they ate the forbidden fruit their eyes were opened, their consciences were opened to the knowledge of good and evil, and sin replaced the purity they had. They had a sense of fear and disgrace due to their disobedience.
The shame they now felt was due to the sinful nature that entered them and now they no longer perfectly perceived things, their view of their nakedness should be covered. Nakedness was not a sin, but a fallen perception of nakedness brought shame and sorrow they now felt.
As God covered Adam and Eve with coats of skins to cover their shame/nakedness. Our nakedness of shame can be covered with the garment Isaiah 61:10 given by Jesus. We in Jesus shall not be found naked, but clothed, with the garment of Christ's righteousness, our sins covered and cleansed by the blood of Jesus that makes it spotless and white as long as we continue in faith and overcome.
Concerning those that do not die in the Lord, that do not watch, and keep their garments will walk naked, their sins will be open to being seen, Revelation 16:151 Timothy 4:1-2 Revelation 20:15.
Every human being, whether they're saved or unsaved, and regardless of their culture, ethnicity, or background, has a conscience, Romans 2:14-15. Inside this conscience is the battle between the flesh and the Spirit Romans 9:1 we can repent and be covered, if not we will be naked and found guilty. We cannot hide what is in our conscience, it records every good and evil we have ever done or thought. I feel this is where we are naked or clothed. Romans 4:6-82 Corinthians 1:121 Timothy 1:19Hebrews 9:9Hebrews 13:181 Peter 3:21.
Part 1: The corruption of the universe after the fall.
(Sorry I missed deleting some of my later commentary in the last posting).
In the song "Leaving Eden" at least Brandon Heath's version gives a sobering reminder of man's decay and plight. God has as Ecclesiastes states put eternity in their hearts ( Ecclesiastes 3:11); one aspect of which is always looking back to Eden or finding something that pleases the five senses to give the illusion that we can once again retreat to our own utopia.
One look at our bodies in the mirror after a few decades reminds us of reality. The destruction of the outer shell made from the dust of the earth is the fate of all of us due to what is known as the 2nd law of thermodynamics where all things in the universe at present are in a state of decay. The soul of unregenerate man has nothing to hold onto but memories; which become more and more corrupted and delusional as our mind deteriorates and sin hardens men's hearts. The conscience becomes more and more seared and eventually sin has its full result leading to death; which is spiritual death once the body dies. In reality one is dead spiritually even when living on this earth without Christ. (read Romans 6).
The good news is that before we know the law we are innocent ( Romans 7:9). This would appear to be another verse showing how those before a certain age of accountability have a sin nature but don't understand enough to deliberately sin against God.
We shudder to think of events such as a 5 year old getting hold of a gun and killing a parent or sibling although it does happen. Surely they wouldn't be convicted for murder. I have said this before; that it isn't one's fault that they are born this way; but it is if they are old enough to decide to live it out and remain that way as man has a conscience at least before totally seared ( Romans 2:15). See also 1 Timothy 4:2. In my next posting I am going to discuss man's vs. God's understanding of good and evil.
We all have inside us, a sinful nature from the first Adam, we also have a conscience, the knowledge of good and evil, and the knowledge of God. We first see this when Adam and Eve hid themselves because they were naked. We see some go so far into the darkness that their conscience can be seared, the conscience no longer tells them good from evil, 1 Timothy 4:2. There is a point where God turns them over to a reprobate mind, Romans 1:28-32.
I believe there will be those who enter eternity who have never heard the gospel, and those who lived before Jesus first came because we have a loving and just God.
Romans 2:11-16 For there is no respect of persons with God. 12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; 13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. 14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
My understanding is this will happen at the great white throne judgment, Revelation 20:11-15, in this it says, "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire". If some were not found in the Book of Life means some were found in it. I know many may not agree but if we consider verses like Daniel 12:2Matthew 25:31-46John 5:28-29 to me these also point to this white throne judgment.
I am sure our loving and just God communicates with those who have not had a chance to read or hear Scripture, I believe the blood of Christ will cover them as well.
All truth is in God's WORD destroying the WORKS of SATAN.
2 Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into and ANGEL OF LIGHT
Matthew 12:28 If I (TRUTH) cast out devils by the Spirit of God, theis the KINGDOM of GOD has come unto you.
God does his work in AGES, there has been AGES before the AGE we are currently in, and there are AGES to come.
IN the AGE we are a presently in God is calling out a priesthood to be judges of those those billions who never heard the gospel of the kingdom of God, and the ones that did hear, but died in ignorance of the TRUTH.
Those who are CAUSED to BELIEVE his words will be set over those raised at the second resurrection to JUDGE them by the TRUTH of God's word, as we have been judged by the truth of God's word.
Psalms 22:27 ALL the ends of the earth shall REMEMBER and turn unto the Lord: ALL the kindreds of the earth shall WORSHIP before thee.
Psalms 22:29 And they that be fat upon the earth (the called out) shall eat and WORSHIP (in TRUTH and SPIRIT), and they that go down to the dust (death and the grave) shall BOW BEFORE HIM: and NONE can keep alive his own soul.
1 Timothy 4:10 For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the SAVIOR OF ALL MEN (most in the AGES to come), especially of those that BELIEVE (in this AGE).
Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is GIVEN (gifted) on the behalf of CHRIST to not only BELIEVE on him, but also to suffer for his sake,
Obadiah 1:21 And SAVIORS (those that have become the image of Christ) shall come upon mount Zion to JUDGE the house of ESAU, and the kingdom shall be the LORDS
Mark 14:41 states And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. This is several verses after today's scripture in Mark 14:38.
The indwelling Holy Spirit clearly gave the Apostles newfound courage after not only Peter but all the rest of them scattered; fulfilling the prophecy "smite the Shephard and the sheep will be scattered." ( Matt. 26:31). The 11 remaining Disciples apparently fell asleep multiple times and didn't know what to say; and they didn't heed the warning to pray against temptation.
This frustration on Jesus' part on seeing them short of giving Him strength of consolation in His greatest agony in the Garden ends up being against all of them; something we don't see earlier in His ministry. I could go on with a lengthy description of just how blind they were to Christ's earlier prophecies predicting His death; or their inabililty to realize what Judas was up to; or why He was headed toward Jerusalem. Frankly it is too depressing for me to get into at length. I pray that when other believers are going through life and death issues; at least that we won't shrink back but be a support even risking our lives if necessary.
This should also serve a warning as to how fast crowds will turn from God; especially in the Tribulation. I have gone at length on how today's presentation of the Gospel tends to be lacking repentance as a requisite for salvation; how sin in general is softened; and how counting the cost of being a true disciple is often ignored. Nonetheless even when a true Gospel is offered; there can be some acceptance in times of prosperity; but we should be alert to things changing fast and prepared for many to fall away in these last days as Timothy warned ( 1 Timothy 4:1). Deceiving spirits will come more often I would say to those already"religious" nominal Christians who aren't discerning.
Verses 10-12 state: And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? 11Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff. 12Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.
This passage illustrates the reaction of Joshua after they were routed in battle. Joshua lamely states that it would have been better to not have entered where they were than to be routed by the Amorites. He ignores promises 400 years prior about the fullness of the iniquity of the Amorites; but is totally blind to the REASON for the event; which boiled down to one person coveting gold and other things which were cursed objects somehow tied into the demonic realm that were; as the rest of the populus to be devoted unto destruction. Joshua 6:18 warns about such behavior; and Achan was the individual responsible and was summarily stoned afterwards; followed by victory on the battlefield. They should have learned from what happened with Korah's rebellion in Numbers 16:32 when they were swallowed up by the earth after trying to usurp the role of Priesthood that Moses had. We see in both these passages that unless the sin was dealt with the entire people would be destroyed.
In today's New Testament church we see Ananias and Sapphira in the same sort of swift judgment in Acts 5. Normally; of course our first priority has to be our own sin but we have to guard not only our own hearts but watch out for the "enemy in the camp" which today often involves "damnable heresies" ( 2 Peter 2:1); also see 1 Timothy 4:1 on last days false teaching.
"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;"
1 Corinthians 1:23-24
23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
Going from the last discussion on Cathechisms; doctrine is at the core and essense of that topic. All commitments which we adhere to especially related to church membership in regard to doctrine in the Cathechism should be based on scriptural truth.
Clearly in today's churches we see many variations of interpretation and many are spurious. I am not here primarily to bash any particular denomination; but asking us to be Bereans in studying the Word to be approved before men and God ( Acts 17:11). It is noteable that the Bereans were said to be more noble than the Thessalonians especially since they came to quick understanding of deep prophetic texts. I am not aware that they were even an organized church; per se; maybe someone can shed light on that. In any event NO church hierarchy should dissuade careful study of scripture before any commitment is made; or any statement is said to be factual at least in terms of things that aren't core doctrines such as the life; burial and resurrection and bodily return of Christ. This stems back to my last post as well; because as I see it having kids memorize and study chatechisms before showing evidence of saving faith in Protestant circles is no different than those of Catholic churches which have ritual readings such as the "Hail Mary".
In any event; these verses quoted attempt to keep central teachings always in mind; as well as being careful for new interpretations and errant versions of the Bible. In brief if it appeals to the flesh it is to be avoided in worship.
Wondering what others believe about this verse about everything God created being "good"- Some use this to say it's morally ok for them to do drugs like weed, cocaine, mushrooms, meth?
"For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:" 1 Timothy 4:4 KJV. Also Genesis 1:31, Romans 14:14, Acts 11:7-9
At what point do we believe something is no longer God's creation, but a man-made creation, like a drug made in a lab? And how do we balance that with harming the body? "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?" 1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV
If we look at events unfolding today; it is no surprise when we see verses such as 1 Peter 4:17 on God judging the church before the world; and the scripture on many falling away in the last days ( 1 Timothy 4:1 and other passages). The events of Revelation MUST take place; and will come to pass after the "restrainer" is removed ( 2 Thess. 2:7).
Therefore; there is to be expected increasing efforts from the forces of evil under Satan's dominion to attempt to jump start this process. There are many times in recent decades when an apocalyptic scenario unfolded which the Lord stopped from going any further (such as the area of Babylon under Saddam Hussein in the 1990s with the Gulf War looking like an early fulfillment of the final destruction of Babylon). We could go back centuries to see all the Antichrist candidates since Nero (Napolean; Hitler; Mussolini and many other dictators). Of course the main focus of prophecy is Israel who has miraculously been able to hold that tiny strip of land in the Middle East despite many wars (1948 at it's inception; 1967; 1973 and other skirmishes with Lebanon and the current one on many fronts). I personally believe Psalm 83 is beginning to reach it's fulfillment and may end with the Isaiah 17:1 prophecy on the destruction of Damascus (with many weapons said to be underground there and terrorist cells). I believe after success over the surronding nations Israel will at some point sign the Daniel 9:27 covenant with many to avoid futher regional strife with Turkey; Iran and other enemies who will be consolidated under Russia.
We are; of course to continue to occupy until He comes (for some reason I can't find the verse I want here); and we are to remain as "salt and light" ( Matt. 5:13-14). God uses us to hold back evil but we need to focus on the Great Commission not bringing down a world system. We live as an example to the world ( 1 Peter 3:2 is a good example).
Much of the problems confronting us is because of our own problems with the doctrine we are faced with. For example, some believe that church officers are not to marry. However, Scripture doesn't teach that.
v3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
Paul wrote that meats offered to idols are nothing in 1 Corinthians 8 ...
1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
...9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
We must be careful in our liberties as saints. Be joyful Brethren, for the joy of the LORD is our strength.
Merry Christmas and have a prosperous New Year; enjoy the food provided and blessed by our SAVIOR KING.
May our LORD GOD, continue to shine HIS glorious face on all on this forum.
Wow! The situation with your friend is so sad and so serious. :( Your friend, even if she is imagining the ghost, doesn't realize that the devil has her held captive by this evil idea and, what can you expect from believing in such a terrible doctrine. I'll pray for her and you for this situation. Knowing what to do is concerning. Do you think she would be willing to listen to your advise and the bible as to how God sees this thing. If God is so against it perhaps she would realize it isn't her mother but a servant of the devil trying to deceive her with a false sense of security, deceiving her into false beliefs. Perhaps if you can help her to realize and accept that God is saying, through His true word, that her mother has passed on and is not there with her then she might give up on this idea. References that might help you: 1 Timothy 4:1 - Leviticus 19:31 - 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 - 1 John 4:1.
I know a lot of people believe their loved ones are watching them from heaven, even Christians. I have always wondered if they have ever thought that through to a conclusion. Why God would allow such a thing when heaven is a place of peace and joy, why let people look down on this cursed world after they have gone to be with Him and are in His wonderful Prescence. I suppose they think their loved ones would want to do that but that doesn't make any sense either. Do they think Jesus isn't enough for the ones they've left behind to be there for them? Do they think the loved one is actually able to touch them with a sense of comfort somehow and to desire that instead looking to Jesus for their comfort? To look to someone else, a dead person instead of Jesus, for help from above is idolatry. Even worldly people believe this, like their deceased loved ones automatically went to heaven and since religious people accept it they do too. I hope this has been a little bit of help to you and, again I will be in prayer for you and her. :) God Bless
1 Timothy 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the SAVIOUR OF ALL MEN, specially those that BELIEVE.
Hebrews 2:8 .... we see not yet ALL THINGS put under him .....
1 Corinthians 15:28 And when ALL THINGS shall be subdued unto him ....God will be ALL in ALL....
Revelation 13:8 And all they that dwell upon the earth SHALL WORSHIP HIM, whose names are NOT WRITTEN in the book of life of the Lamb, slain from the foundation of the world.
Psalms 86:9 All nations whom thou has made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name.
Psalms 22:27 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall come and worship before thee.
Revelation 15:4 Who shall not fear thee, Oh Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee, for thy judgements are made manifest.
1 Timothy 4:1 Continuing my thought on this subject which is not one subject in particular, but has to do with what's written in 1Tim 4:11."Now the Spirit speaks" CLEARLY "that in the latter times". Speaking of the last days. My focus is mainly on the part of the verse that says "giving heed to seducing spirits". I feel that is probably the most important part of the verse, and I'd like to start with a question, and my question is "What are we giving heed to"? To heed, or give your attention to. We can fight off a lot of things, and be totally convinced in our minds, that we have it altogether, but there's always something that the devil knows about us, that triggers us. I wrote in my last comment how we don't battle with the same things. Your struggle, or fight in this could look completely different than mine, but we're both fighting the same enemy. The devil. That's important to understand. For one, it helps us to be sensitive to others, and not to always expect others to be at the same level as we are spiritually. One could be battling with anger, and another unforgiveness, we just don't know, but all in all the one causing the havoc in our individual lives is the devil. The reason why a person struggles with these things is because they're giving their attention to something that is ungodly, or unfavorable to the LORD. They've offended God, and have not sought God in repentance. They've given heed to, or have allowed themselves to be swallowed up by that very thing they've given their attention to. This is my main point that I'm wanting to make, and that is, because they've done this, they are now bound, they've given heed, and are now in the grip of Satan. I would like to continue on this subject, but one thing I want to point out is we must keep the door of our heart shut to things which are offensive to GOD. Recognizing the difference between light, and darkness. Not allowing the devil a foot. The saying is true "Give the devil a foot and he'll take a mile."
"Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." 1 Timothy 4:16
GBU
I have enjoyed this discussion. We agree on many points. Salvation is a gift from God that we cannot earn, and nothing can take it from us. I know you and others believe one cannot walk away or fall away, but to me, that is what is going to happen, as told us in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. We cannot see into a person's heart; only God can, but I have seen people like the one I mentioned before totally change from who they were and never repent and return.
2 Thessalonians 2:3, falling away meaning apostasy, this is to happen before Jesus returns. This will be an enormous betrayal of the faith, as in 1 Timothy 4:1. My understanding this would not be an apostasy if these people were not saved in the faith of Jesus.
God bless,
RLW
We are not far apart. First, to answer your question, will I walk away? The answer is NO! I know Romans 1:28 didn't fit, but it reflects what I was thinking of someone I knew when I wrote it. Only God knows the heart of man. What was in my mind was a person I knew, and anyone who knew them would say this person was a true Christian.
This person lost a child, and they completely changed. Over time, they turned into the opposite of who they were, and this verse fits what I saw happen to this person. This is one of the reasons I believe someone can fall away; only God knows if that is what happened. John 6:44, we may see this as the gospel today, the words of God are preached, which draws people, but that is not coming to Christ himself.
Then we have Matthew 22:14: Many are called, but few are chosen. Some who hear will fully embrace it and be accepted by God, while others will not. We are drawn or called, but is it not up to us to go and believe?
How do we understand verses like Hebrews 3:12-14? This is directed at those in Christ. 1 Timothy 4:1-2, My understanding, this goes with 2 Thessalonians 2:3 and Revelation 13:7-10; here is the patience of the saints. This is a true falling away, John 1.5:4-6; we must continue to abide in Him. Romans 11:19-22, we can be cut off.
James 1:12 is another blessed is a man that endureth, if he does, he will receive a crown of life. As in Revelation 2:10, faithful unto death. I respect you, but to me, there are too many warnings to endure and overcome until our death. We cannot ignore that; we must encourage each other to stay strong in our faith.
Not to spark another debate, I believe the great falling away is connected to when the beast rises and the persecution begins. Many think they will be taken out, but are not; they will be here. My understanding is Christ will never forsake us; the only thing that can separate us from Him is us.
Thanks again, brother,
God bless,
RLW
(Part 1):
Thank you for the reply. Mutual respect and love to you, my brother. We as believers have love for one another because His Spirit gives us that ability.
As far as enduring to the end, a true believer will endure to the end. I touched on this during my Greek studies. Our English bible makes it sound like it is a challenge, "if" we endure to the end. But in the Greek text, it is not a challenge. We endure to the end because His Spirit gives us the ability to do so. It's not a challenge. Enduring to the end shows proof of those who are saved.
Salvation is all of God. We cannot save ourselves. If you believe you must endure to the end for your salvation, how do you do that without involving human works?
In 2 Thessalonians 2:3, I do not see this speaking about saved believers falling away. Yes, there will be a falling away (Apostasy) first, but not a falling away of saved believers.
Paul speaks on this in 1 Timothy 4:1 where he says, "now the Spirit speaks expressly that in the latter times, some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of demons." We have that in our day. There are many people in cult groups who profess to be Christian but are chasing after false doctrines and teachings.
So, as you mentioned, there must be an apostasy first. This falling away will be those who profess to be Christians but belong to various cult groups. They are the ones who will be deceived into chasing after Satan's lies. The deception will be easy for them, and they are the ones who will fall away.
2 Timothy 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
I will repeat once again that the concept of John 16:8; in the fact that sin; righteousness and judgment aren't exactly the focus of many of today's confessions in professing Christian churches. The basic issue is that the end result of hell is downplayed; and people aren't expected to change from the state when they are welcomed into the fold the first time as a visitor. What they are pressured into is a particular agenda quite often that follows a course designed to promote whatever the leadership wants which often is exaltation of a Pastor and promotion through media and hype which is puffed up far beyond anything God ever intended. Rule 1 against this abuse of power is before committing to membership we should determine what the accountability for all including leadership is with doctrinal statements and proper scriptural approach mandated by Christ Himself when we see a brother in sin. PASTOR'S AREN'T IMMUNE TO SUCH DISCIPLINE!! At least in Reformed circles this is generally accepted in most congregations; it doesn't guarantee the outcome as being correct as flawed humans are involved with that process but we should avoid any leader that will not accept this for their own teaching; that can particularlly be an issue with a "stand alone" type church where there aren't elders or deacons balancing things out.
On the other side of the coin is accountability we each have as laypersons to obey the things which those in authority who enforce scripture teach and require. On the line is whether we really want Christ to rule and reign in our hearts or fall for the "rugged individualism" our nation tends to proudly stand on. Without it; we are a group who meet Sunday all flying solo.
As we dive into this topic further, I want to remind the audience that as we approach the end or consummation of this present age we will see the proclamations of truly Holy Spirit filled believers and false prophets line up more and more because the facts are clear; Revelation and its judgments are about to commence and whether it will be under God's protection ( Psalm 91:4) or under His wrath depends on our spiritual state at the time. It is how we interpret events that reveals where our heart is; and sadly many concepts such as Dominionism and full Preterism can be toxic doctrines that inevitably will make many of these individuals believe that Antichrist is actually Christ. Success is defined as power and influence in society according to these mindsets something no doubt Satan desires along with worship of himself. What part of Christ's proclamation my Kingdom is not of this world lest my servants fight ( John 18:36). What part of His self sacrificial life and death that occured immediately after this statement during one of His trials before crucifixion don't some people undestsand? Therefore it is safe to say that those trying to conform this world in this way ignore the verse where it says we should be transformed by the renewing of our minds. ( Romans 12:2). As I have said in other postings before; there is a valid point bought out by some of this mindset; that as long as His church remains the gates of hell cannot prevail against it; and even with most lukewarm or doctrinally compromised His remnant has a duty and responsibility to continue to work the harvest to fulfill the task of making Disciples and being in His service until He comes. We need to soberly assess the time we are in when many are predicted to fall away (See 1 Timothy 4:1); and eventually the admonition of Matthew 24:10 will be fulfilled on a global scale as the Tribulation saints will be martyred wherever they are.
1 Timothy 4:13 - Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
He says until I come, give attendance, and that is what is called a Present Imperative, meaning continue to do this. Give attendance to three things:
Number one: to reading. This is to public reading of the scriptures. There are two different Greek words for reading. This is the one for public reading of the scriptures. It's the same word found in Revelation 1:3, the blessing upon the person who reads and those who listen to the reading of this prophecy, meaning the book of Revelation.
To exhortation, that is encouragement from the scriptures. And thirdly: to doctrine, or teaching. So do the public reading of scripture, encourage people to respond, and teach them the scriptures continuously.
1 Timothy 4:15 - Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
Meditate upon these things; again, a Present Imperative, meaning continue to meditate on all these things that you're being nourished by.
Interesting about the profiting. This is the purpose for which we stay in the word. Other people should see spiritual progress in our life. What he's saying is that here is the purpose. Continue, stay in the word, that your progress in the Lord will be evident to everyone.
1 Timothy 4:16 - Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
The word save in this text has many different meanings. It's the word for salvation, which means delivered from one thing to another. It's also used for physical healing in the bible. It's also used for preservation, and that's the way Paul uses it here in this verse.
By continuing in the doctrine, you will both preserve yourself as a believer, and those that hear you.
1 Timothy 4:8 - For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
He says for bodily exercise profits little: The term little denotes time. That is, the only time physical exercise can ever help anybody, is during their time here on the earth. But godliness is profitable unto all things, having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
Spiritual exercise is not only good for later, but for here right now, and then forever. So why would I not exercise myself, getting ready for now, and throughout eternity? Why would I spend my time focusing only on physical exercise? He's not saying it's bad. He's just saying it's limited. And yet we spend a lot of time on it.
1 Timothy 4:9 - This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
I shared this earlier but thought I would mention it again. Paul uses the phrase "this is a faithful saying." In the early church, this phrase meant that what I'm about to tell you is not in the Old Testament, but it is the word of God. Remember, there was no New Testament at this time.
He's saying this is the word of God, though you're not going to find it in the Old Testament. And of course, we find it in the NT because it is there. This is a saying that they would say all the time. They said you can trust this.
1 Timothy 4:12 - Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
The word charity is the word AGAPE. He's talking about sacrificial love for others.
1 Timothy 4:7 - But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
The term "wives' fables" in Greek was a phrase to represent something that is uneducated and unintelligent. And what they would do, because the older women would sit around, and they didn't have an education, they didn't have access to philosophy where a lot of people in their society did, so in order to be equal with everybody else, they made up stories. The word fables is MUTHOS, where we get our word myth. He calls them myths. That's all they are. They are stories.
And exercise yourself rather unto godliness. The word Greek word exercise, GUMNASIA, is where we get our word gymnasium from. And it is used by Paul and some writers in the New Testament, and it is a word that describes growth as a Christian. Growth as Christian is being exercised by the Spirit of God through the word of God.
Hebrews Chapter 5 where the writer of Hebrews says if you stop being exercised by the Spirit of God through His word, you become dull of hearing. Just like physically, if you stop exercising, your muscles become dull. They become out of shape.
So, he says exercise yourself rather unto godliness. Don't sit around listening to these stories but rather be exercised unto godliness. The word godliness means to reverence the Lord. Let things influence your life that's going to cause you to reverence Him in your life.
1 Timothy 4:2 - Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
Again, the word hypocrisy means an actor, one who answers according to the script. False teachers, they learn the language, you know, "Praise the Lord, how you doing today?" They know all the language of the doctrines, and they know biblical scriptures, and they quote scriptures. They know the script. But they speak the lie in hypocrisy. They act like they are one of the chosen or saved, but they are not.
The second condition is having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
That whole phrase, seared with a hot iron (KEKAUTERIASMENON) is the word cauterized. It's a medical term. It's where a part of the human body is burned where it cannot feel pain and loses its sensitivity.
He says their conscience has become seared with a hot iron. Their conscience can no longer sense the Spirit of God or the truth of God, and they reject it when they hear it. So that was the condition of false teachers.
1 Timothy 4:6 - If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
In the Greek text, the word remembrance literally means to spread out in front of someone. He says if you take the brethren and just lay all this out in front of them. It's like the saying that you can take a horse to water but you can't make him drink. Well, give them the truth. Just lay it all out in front of them. They've got to make a response to it.
Paul says if you do this, you shall be a good minister (or servant) of Jesus Christ, while being nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine. He says not only do you have to lay this out in front of the brethren, but you have to continue to be nourished in the doctrine yourself. There must be a continuation. You must continue to feed on the truth of God's word.
1 Timothy 3:10 - And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
And let these also first be proved, or tested; then let them serve in the office of deacon, after they are found to be blameless. Again, unimpeachable.
1 Timothy 3:11 - Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
It says wives, or women likewise, again working off the verb (to be) in Verse 2. Now there are four things:
The wives must be grave, that is, serious in their approach to the things and handling of the things of God. Secondly, not slanderers. Thirdly, vigilant, or sober in their thinking, watchfulness, attentiveness. And lastly, faithful to Christ in all things.
1 Timothy 4:1 - Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
Now the Spirit speaks clearly. There wasn't any doubt about what God's Spirit was saying in these days about the warning in the church. Notice that it says that in the latter times. Literally, in later times. And notice that times is plural. What he's saying is that beginning at his era, his time, and this will progressively go for several epics, or eras. And as time in history goes on, apostasy from the faith is going to grow worse.
Depart is the word APOSTASIA. It's the Greek word for apostasy. Apostasy means moving away from a fixed position. They had a fixed position in Christ doctrinally, but they have been moved. The term falling away is APOSTASIA.
Theologians have labeled latter times from the ascension of Christ, to His second coming. Those are all the latter days. He is indicating for us that things are going to get worse as far as getting away from the faith. Please notice it doesn't say church. It says the faith. All true doctrine will encourage and teach people to put their trust in Christ for everything.
When we were lost , being not saved by believing the gospel of grace, we were part of the world system and was the devil's child.
Ephesians 2:12
That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in theworld:
Satan has advantages on the unsaved.
Ephesians 2:2
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of thisworld, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
We that are unsaved , are in bondage to the cares of the world.
Galatians 4:3
Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of theworld:
Even as a saved Christian, it's easy to let Satan in our spirit.
Ephesians 4:27
Neither give place to thedevil.
Today, the worldly spirit of Satan is very strong because of cellphone, television and being very busy doing worldly things instead of godly things
1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines ofdevils;
One day we will leave the evil world and be with Jesus Christ.
Galatians 1:4
Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evilworld, according to the will of God and our Father:
Satan is good at hiding the gospel of grace.
2 Corinthians 4:4
In whom the god of thisworldhath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
God gave us a spirit to worship Him. The spirit of the world is of Satan.
1 Corinthians 2:12
Now we have received, not the spirit of theworld, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
Ray , in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
1 Corinthians 14:5
I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that yeprophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
Romans 12:6
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whetherprophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
1 Corinthians 13:2
And though I have the gift ofprophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
1 Timothy 4:14
Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee byprophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
The more I read Apostle Paul's epistle, the more the doctrine will make me see false preachers and teachers today.
Romans 16:17
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to thedoctrinewhich ye have learned; and avoid them.
At one time I would listen to every preacher out there and think it was good doctrine, but I was not the doctrine of today , it only made things more confusing.
Ephesians 4:14
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind ofdoctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
I thank God Almighty for Grace Believers not being in the Tribulation. It's only going to get worse with doctrines of devils.
1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, anddoctrines of devils;
There is hope for doctrine today and that is Apostle Paul's epistle.
Titus 2:1
But speak thou the things which become sounddoctrine:
Apostle Paul told the Corinthians to follow him, Apostle Paul has the doctrine of grace.
1 Corinthians 11:1
Be yefollowers ofme, even as I also am of Christ.
Apostle Paul did not walk with Jesus like the 12 Disiples in the flesh, Paul is separated from that with his doctrine.
Romans 1:1
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
Apostle Paul has a doctrine.
2 Timothy 3:10
But thou hast fully known mydoctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
The whole Bible has doctrine, but which doctrine do we follow today for living in the gospel of grace. " Apostle Paul "
2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable fordoctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
I hope you don't mind brother.
Your posts are helpful, I understand how long it would be on this site with 2000 characters to go verse by verse, but what you do should inspire us to study all the verses around what you post. The conscience: I understand what you are saying but I understand it a little differently. I understand our conscience which is sometimes called our heart, Proverbs 4:23, is a gift God gave us to help us overcome the curse that we received when Adam and Eve ate that fruit of the knowledge of good and evil.
The law and sacrifices could not cleanse our conscience, and we have been told to guard our conscience. When we repent and are born again our conscience is cleaned Hebrews 9:13-14, Hebrews 10:22 and when we slip, we are given confidence if we repent it is cleaned by the blood of Christ, 1 John 1:9. Our conscience and our mind are separate, Titus 1:15.
Our subconscious mind learns from experiences without us being aware of it. It processes information and makes connections effortlessly. We operate 80 to 90 percent with this part of our mind. This kind of learning affects our actions and choices without us consciously realizing it. My thoughts, this is the part of us that is attracted by the world, the part of our flesh that is tempted.
Our conscience can be weak and defiled 1 Corinthians 8:7 and seared like in 1 Timothy 4:1-2 and our minds can become so corrupt 2 Timothy 3:8, that God can turn us over to a reprobate mind Romans 1:28. I feel people can get to a point where their conscience is dead, and they live on the instinct of their subconscious mind for just survival in this earthly world. But there is always hope, I have seen where people have been restored and their conscience cleansed and made alive again, Jesus's blood can wash away all sins.
This is just me, but I believe our conscience is the spirit of man, Zechariah 12:1 1 Corinthians 2:11.
Keep up the good work and God bless,
RLW
I am sure we all have thought about that, but it is hard to answer. We have a loving and just God wanting all to come to Him and be saved because He gave His only Son for the redemption of sins. Some may say no since the only way to the Father is through the Son but what about those who never had the opportunity to hear the gospel of Jesus?
All of us have a conscience and the knowledge of good and evil, some get to a point of no return and God gives them over to a reprobate mind, Romans 1:28. Some go so far into evil that their conscience is seared with a hot iron, 1 Timothy 4:2, they do not know good from evil. I do not know if you have ever met someone like that, but you can see cold darkness in their eyes.
If we read Romans 1-16 it is not the hearers of the law but the doers of the law for they, have it written in their heart and their conscience bears witness. Our conscience records all we have ever done or thought. I believe this is about those who have heard the gospel and those who did not have a chance to hear it.
Many take the great white throne judgment as for the lost only, but I believe this is for those who are not in the first resurrection, Revelation 20:4-6. My understanding is the great white throne judgment goes with Daniel 12:2 John 5:28-29 Matthew 25:31-46 and Revelation 20:11-15.
As it says in Revelation 20:15 all that was not found in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. So, to me, this is all the rest of the dead Revelation 20:5 if some were not found, some are found in the Book of Life. Some who lived before Jesus first came and some after Jesus came who never heard the gospel, their conscience bearing witness, will be found in the Book of Life. As we see in John 8:9 Acts 24:16 Romans 9:1 2 Corinthians 1:12 1 Timothy 3:9 Hebrews 13:18.
This is my understanding.
God bless,
RLW
The first Adam, his disobedience brought sin and death into the world, Romans 5:12-19. The last Adam by obedience to God brought forgiveness and life, the resurrection from the dead, 1 Corinthians 15:21-22.
Adam and Eve were naked and were not ashamed, their hearts were uncorrupted and free from sin. After they ate the forbidden fruit their eyes were opened, their consciences were opened to the knowledge of good and evil, and sin replaced the purity they had. They had a sense of fear and disgrace due to their disobedience.
The shame they now felt was due to the sinful nature that entered them and now they no longer perfectly perceived things, their view of their nakedness should be covered. Nakedness was not a sin, but a fallen perception of nakedness brought shame and sorrow they now felt.
As God covered Adam and Eve with coats of skins to cover their shame/nakedness. Our nakedness of shame can be covered with the garment Isaiah 61:10 given by Jesus. We in Jesus shall not be found naked, but clothed, with the garment of Christ's righteousness, our sins covered and cleansed by the blood of Jesus that makes it spotless and white as long as we continue in faith and overcome.
Concerning those that do not die in the Lord, that do not watch, and keep their garments will walk naked, their sins will be open to being seen, Revelation 16:15 1 Timothy 4:1-2 Revelation 20:15.
Every human being, whether they're saved or unsaved, and regardless of their culture, ethnicity, or background, has a conscience, Romans 2:14-15. Inside this conscience is the battle between the flesh and the Spirit Romans 9:1 we can repent and be covered, if not we will be naked and found guilty. We cannot hide what is in our conscience, it records every good and evil we have ever done or thought. I feel this is where we are naked or clothed. Romans 4:6-8 2 Corinthians 1:12 1 Timothy 1:19 Hebrews 9:9 Hebrews 13:18 1 Peter 3:21.
God bless,
RLW
(Sorry I missed deleting some of my later commentary in the last posting).
In the song "Leaving Eden" at least Brandon Heath's version gives a sobering reminder of man's decay and plight. God has as Ecclesiastes states put eternity in their hearts ( Ecclesiastes 3:11); one aspect of which is always looking back to Eden or finding something that pleases the five senses to give the illusion that we can once again retreat to our own utopia.
One look at our bodies in the mirror after a few decades reminds us of reality. The destruction of the outer shell made from the dust of the earth is the fate of all of us due to what is known as the 2nd law of thermodynamics where all things in the universe at present are in a state of decay. The soul of unregenerate man has nothing to hold onto but memories; which become more and more corrupted and delusional as our mind deteriorates and sin hardens men's hearts. The conscience becomes more and more seared and eventually sin has its full result leading to death; which is spiritual death once the body dies. In reality one is dead spiritually even when living on this earth without Christ. (read Romans 6).
The good news is that before we know the law we are innocent ( Romans 7:9). This would appear to be another verse showing how those before a certain age of accountability have a sin nature but don't understand enough to deliberately sin against God.
We shudder to think of events such as a 5 year old getting hold of a gun and killing a parent or sibling although it does happen. Surely they wouldn't be convicted for murder. I have said this before; that it isn't one's fault that they are born this way; but it is if they are old enough to decide to live it out and remain that way as man has a conscience at least before totally seared ( Romans 2:15). See also 1 Timothy 4:2. In my next posting I am going to discuss man's vs. God's understanding of good and evil.
As S Spencer said we may not know for sure.
We all have inside us, a sinful nature from the first Adam, we also have a conscience, the knowledge of good and evil, and the knowledge of God. We first see this when Adam and Eve hid themselves because they were naked. We see some go so far into the darkness that their conscience can be seared, the conscience no longer tells them good from evil, 1 Timothy 4:2. There is a point where God turns them over to a reprobate mind, Romans 1:28-32.
I believe there will be those who enter eternity who have never heard the gospel, and those who lived before Jesus first came because we have a loving and just God.
Romans 2:11-16 For there is no respect of persons with God. 12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; 13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. 14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
My understanding is this will happen at the great white throne judgment, Revelation 20:11-15, in this it says, "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire". If some were not found in the Book of Life means some were found in it. I know many may not agree but if we consider verses like Daniel 12:2 Matthew 25:31-46 John 5:28-29 to me these also point to this white throne judgment.
I am sure our loving and just God communicates with those who have not had a chance to read or hear Scripture, I believe the blood of Christ will cover them as well.
God bless,
RLW
All truth is in God's WORD destroying the WORKS of SATAN.
2 Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into and ANGEL OF LIGHT
Matthew 12:28 If I (TRUTH) cast out devils by the Spirit of God, theis the KINGDOM of GOD has come unto you.
God does his work in AGES, there has been AGES before the AGE we are currently in, and there are AGES to come.
IN the AGE we are a presently in God is calling out a priesthood to be judges of those those billions who never heard the gospel of the kingdom of God, and the ones that did hear, but died in ignorance of the TRUTH.
Those who are CAUSED to BELIEVE his words will be set over those raised at the second resurrection to JUDGE them by the TRUTH of God's word, as we have been judged by the truth of God's word.
Psalms 22:27 ALL the ends of the earth shall REMEMBER and turn unto the Lord: ALL the kindreds of the earth shall WORSHIP before thee.
Psalms 22:29 And they that be fat upon the earth (the called out) shall eat and WORSHIP (in TRUTH and SPIRIT), and they that go down to the dust (death and the grave) shall BOW BEFORE HIM: and NONE can keep alive his own soul.
1 Timothy 4:10 For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the SAVIOR OF ALL MEN (most in the AGES to come), especially of those that BELIEVE (in this AGE).
Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is GIVEN (gifted) on the behalf of CHRIST to not only BELIEVE on him, but also to suffer for his sake,
Obadiah 1:21 And SAVIORS (those that have become the image of Christ) shall come upon mount Zion to JUDGE the house of ESAU, and the kingdom shall be the LORDS
God Bless You
The indwelling Holy Spirit clearly gave the Apostles newfound courage after not only Peter but all the rest of them scattered; fulfilling the prophecy "smite the Shephard and the sheep will be scattered." ( Matt. 26:31). The 11 remaining Disciples apparently fell asleep multiple times and didn't know what to say; and they didn't heed the warning to pray against temptation.
This frustration on Jesus' part on seeing them short of giving Him strength of consolation in His greatest agony in the Garden ends up being against all of them; something we don't see earlier in His ministry. I could go on with a lengthy description of just how blind they were to Christ's earlier prophecies predicting His death; or their inabililty to realize what Judas was up to; or why He was headed toward Jerusalem. Frankly it is too depressing for me to get into at length. I pray that when other believers are going through life and death issues; at least that we won't shrink back but be a support even risking our lives if necessary.
This should also serve a warning as to how fast crowds will turn from God; especially in the Tribulation. I have gone at length on how today's presentation of the Gospel tends to be lacking repentance as a requisite for salvation; how sin in general is softened; and how counting the cost of being a true disciple is often ignored. Nonetheless even when a true Gospel is offered; there can be some acceptance in times of prosperity; but we should be alert to things changing fast and prepared for many to fall away in these last days as Timothy warned ( 1 Timothy 4:1). Deceiving spirits will come more often I would say to those already"religious" nominal Christians who aren't discerning.
Verses 10-12 state: And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? 11Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff. 12Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.
This passage illustrates the reaction of Joshua after they were routed in battle. Joshua lamely states that it would have been better to not have entered where they were than to be routed by the Amorites. He ignores promises 400 years prior about the fullness of the iniquity of the Amorites; but is totally blind to the REASON for the event; which boiled down to one person coveting gold and other things which were cursed objects somehow tied into the demonic realm that were; as the rest of the populus to be devoted unto destruction. Joshua 6:18 warns about such behavior; and Achan was the individual responsible and was summarily stoned afterwards; followed by victory on the battlefield. They should have learned from what happened with Korah's rebellion in Numbers 16:32 when they were swallowed up by the earth after trying to usurp the role of Priesthood that Moses had. We see in both these passages that unless the sin was dealt with the entire people would be destroyed.
In today's New Testament church we see Ananias and Sapphira in the same sort of swift judgment in Acts 5. Normally; of course our first priority has to be our own sin but we have to guard not only our own hearts but watch out for the "enemy in the camp" which today often involves "damnable heresies" ( 2 Peter 2:1); also see 1 Timothy 4:1 on last days false teaching.
See Romans 12:19 on God's vengeance.
1 Timothy 4:1
"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;"
1 Corinthians 1:23-24
23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
Going from the last discussion on Cathechisms; doctrine is at the core and essense of that topic. All commitments which we adhere to especially related to church membership in regard to doctrine in the Cathechism should be based on scriptural truth.
Clearly in today's churches we see many variations of interpretation and many are spurious. I am not here primarily to bash any particular denomination; but asking us to be Bereans in studying the Word to be approved before men and God ( Acts 17:11). It is noteable that the Bereans were said to be more noble than the Thessalonians especially since they came to quick understanding of deep prophetic texts. I am not aware that they were even an organized church; per se; maybe someone can shed light on that. In any event NO church hierarchy should dissuade careful study of scripture before any commitment is made; or any statement is said to be factual at least in terms of things that aren't core doctrines such as the life; burial and resurrection and bodily return of Christ. This stems back to my last post as well; because as I see it having kids memorize and study chatechisms before showing evidence of saving faith in Protestant circles is no different than those of Catholic churches which have ritual readings such as the "Hail Mary".
In any event; these verses quoted attempt to keep central teachings always in mind; as well as being careful for new interpretations and errant versions of the Bible. In brief if it appeals to the flesh it is to be avoided in worship.
"For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:" 1 Timothy 4:4 KJV. Also Genesis 1:31, Romans 14:14, Acts 11:7-9
At what point do we believe something is no longer God's creation, but a man-made creation, like a drug made in a lab? And how do we balance that with harming the body? "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?" 1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV
Thank you.
If we look at events unfolding today; it is no surprise when we see verses such as 1 Peter 4:17 on God judging the church before the world; and the scripture on many falling away in the last days ( 1 Timothy 4:1 and other passages). The events of Revelation MUST take place; and will come to pass after the "restrainer" is removed ( 2 Thess. 2:7).
Therefore; there is to be expected increasing efforts from the forces of evil under Satan's dominion to attempt to jump start this process. There are many times in recent decades when an apocalyptic scenario unfolded which the Lord stopped from going any further (such as the area of Babylon under Saddam Hussein in the 1990s with the Gulf War looking like an early fulfillment of the final destruction of Babylon). We could go back centuries to see all the Antichrist candidates since Nero (Napolean; Hitler; Mussolini and many other dictators). Of course the main focus of prophecy is Israel who has miraculously been able to hold that tiny strip of land in the Middle East despite many wars (1948 at it's inception; 1967; 1973 and other skirmishes with Lebanon and the current one on many fronts). I personally believe Psalm 83 is beginning to reach it's fulfillment and may end with the Isaiah 17:1 prophecy on the destruction of Damascus (with many weapons said to be underground there and terrorist cells). I believe after success over the surronding nations Israel will at some point sign the Daniel 9:27 covenant with many to avoid futher regional strife with Turkey; Iran and other enemies who will be consolidated under Russia.
We are; of course to continue to occupy until He comes (for some reason I can't find the verse I want here); and we are to remain as "salt and light" ( Matt. 5:13-14). God uses us to hold back evil but we need to focus on the Great Commission not bringing down a world system. We live as an example to the world ( 1 Peter 3:2 is a good example).
v3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
Paul wrote that meats offered to idols are nothing in 1 Corinthians 8 ...
1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
...9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
We must be careful in our liberties as saints. Be joyful Brethren, for the joy of the LORD is our strength.
Merry Christmas and have a prosperous New Year; enjoy the food provided and blessed by our SAVIOR KING.
May our LORD GOD, continue to shine HIS glorious face on all on this forum.
December 22, 2023
I know a lot of people believe their loved ones are watching them from heaven, even Christians. I have always wondered if they have ever thought that through to a conclusion. Why God would allow such a thing when heaven is a place of peace and joy, why let people look down on this cursed world after they have gone to be with Him and are in His wonderful Prescence. I suppose they think their loved ones would want to do that but that doesn't make any sense either. Do they think Jesus isn't enough for the ones they've left behind to be there for them? Do they think the loved one is actually able to touch them with a sense of comfort somehow and to desire that instead looking to Jesus for their comfort? To look to someone else, a dead person instead of Jesus, for help from above is idolatry. Even worldly people believe this, like their deceased loved ones automatically went to heaven and since religious people accept it they do too. I hope this has been a little bit of help to you and, again I will be in prayer for you and her. :) God Bless
1 Timothy 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the SAVIOUR OF ALL MEN, specially those that BELIEVE.
Hebrews 2:8 .... we see not yet ALL THINGS put under him .....
1 Corinthians 15:28 And when ALL THINGS shall be subdued unto him ....God will be ALL in ALL....
Revelation 13:8 And all they that dwell upon the earth SHALL WORSHIP HIM, whose names are NOT WRITTEN in the book of life of the Lamb, slain from the foundation of the world.
Psalms 86:9 All nations whom thou has made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name.
Psalms 22:27 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall come and worship before thee.
Revelation 15:4 Who shall not fear thee, Oh Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee, for thy judgements are made manifest.
God bless you