Ephesians
King James Version (KJV)
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In the beginning, i.e. in JESUS - GOD created the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd heavens, and the heaven of the heavens- Genesis 1:1, and the earth(not the planet), but the CLAY, the dry land- Genesis 1:9. Great mystery. By the way, in what heaven you spiritually are acccording to the Ephesians 1:3? Our conversation is in heaven according to the Philippians 3:20, from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, understand? By the way, "By whom He made the worlds".
The 1st world made by GOD through JESUS was/and is the 1st heavenly place established by GOD- The Old Testament.
The 2nd world made by GOD through JESUS was/and is the 2nd heavenly place established by GOD- The New Testament.
And the 3rd world? What does JESUS said of the 3rd world or 3rd heavenly place in Him to be established by Him? JESUS said: Luke 20:35-36KJV:
35 But they which shall be accounted WORTHY to obtain that WORLD(the Kingdom of GOD- Revelation 11:15 to 18), and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
36 Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of GOD, being the children of the resurrection.
And the heaven of the heavens? The heaven of the heavens will be established after the END of the millennial Kingdom of GOD- Revelation 11:15-18 combined with Revelation 20:7-15.Then the Eternity will begin.
Don't forget:The heavens(The 1st and 2nd heavens) and the earth(Israel),which ARE NOW, by the same Word-the Word is GOD-are kept in store,reserved unto fire against this Day of Judgment(the Judgment Seat of Christ)and perdition of ungodly men -2Peter3:7 & 11-12:
11Seeing then that all these things shall be DISSOLVED,what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
12Looking for and hasting unto the coming of this Day of GOD(the Lord's Day),wherein the heavens(the 1st & 2nd heavens) being on fire shall be DISSOLVED,and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
Is Jesus Michael the archangel? I have heard this from the Jehovah's Witnesses. Some say the angel of the LORD were manifestations of Jesus before His incarnation, but Jesus is not an angel.
Michael is the only angel specifically called an archangel, Jude 1:9. Michael is the chief prince who stands up for Israel, Daniel 10:13,21 Daniel 12:1. We see that Michael and his angels battle the dragon/Satan and his angels and cast them down to earth out of heaven with no place found for them anymore in heaven for them, Revelation 12:7-8.
We see in 1 Thessalonians 4:15 that when Jesus returns it will be announced by a shout, by the voice of the archangel, I understand that as Michael.
Jesus is the Son of God, our Lord who gave his life and shed His blood for us. Jesus's name is above all, Ephesians 1:21 including Michael. At the burning bush, it was the angel of the LORD, it does not say what angel it was.
Heb. 1:5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?
My understanding Jesus is not any kind of angel, Michael was probably the angel of the LORD we see in the OT because Michael is the chief prince of Israel and Michael will announce Jesus's second coming.
God bless,
RLW
This loss and trauma are terrible even if it has been decades since your brother's passing. I cannot read God's mind on this one as to why He allowed your brother to die so young. He knew that you and your mom would endure much pain and sorrow of this. may He continue to comfort you in the best way.
But I will have to say that I do not know God's reasons and don't wish to speculate on it. I can only encourage you to lean on Jesus. He will comfort you and lead you. You can be assured that God does not do evil. He is wholly good. But in His great surpassing wisdom, He allows sin, evil, sickness, and accidents, and traumas to occur for purposes we may not ever know in this life.
As to the other question concerning our guilt in the death of Jesus. Yes, all have sinned, therefore all humans have a part in His death because, though He chose to die for us out of love, it was our sin that He took to the cross to bear the wrath of the offense of sin for God once and for all. We can accept our part and confess that we our own sinful choices are the reason for the Holy Son of God's death. And then we can also agree with God that Jesus' death accomplished completely the purpose for His coming=to save us from our sins and give us eternal life. Therefore, we can be thankful to God for this immeasurable sacrifice and gift of salvation AND continue in belief in our Lord and in the Father and in the Spirit as the God we worship and no other. We can commit to growing in our knowledge of who God is and how He has worked in the world, history and in our lives. This knowledge will deepen our faith and commitment to serving only Him and no other made-up god that our minds create.
One eighty. Thank you for these questions. I don't think I gave very good answers, but I hope that others will chime in.
I'll leave you this verse:
Ephesians 1:15-17
These characteristics all are involved with the Trinity to some respect; but we will not attempt to "parse out" specific attributes related to any member of the Godhead in this posting but get into general characteristics here unique to the Lord. Divine has a sort of untouchable royalty associated with the sentiment behind the meaning; which of course sort of fits in with the "essense" generally of His precence. Father and God also are pretty well interchangeable as to our designation of the almighty Lord.
Divinity: God is high and exalted but not remote. Isaiah 57:15 states: "For this is what the high and exalted one says, the one who rules forever, whose name is holy: 'I dwell in an exalted and holy place, but also with the discouraged and humiliated, in order to cheer up the humiliated and to encourage the discouraged.' Philippians 2:7 shows how Christ emptied Himself from divine form and became a servant. Divinity is used in a handful of other verses as well; but we understand the condescension Christ did for our behalf as part of the "Divine counsel" ( Psalm 82:1).
Essence: To sum God up would bring unique characteristics (the three "O"s-omnipresence; omnipotence and omniscience which will be discussed later in the O section). God is to be worshipped in "Spirit and truth" ( John 4:24). He also came bodily and we must believe He came in the flesh ( 1 John 4:2) to have saving faith; thus we don't adhere to a "gnostic" gospel. His Godhead is important and apparently evident from creation (King James version Romans 1:20) which also BTW mentions His Divine nature.
He who denies the Son doesn't know the Father ( 1 John 2:23). Therefore we must hold to the Christian faith where there is the Messiah in Christ promised in the O.T.; as well as God the Father and the Spirit which lives within His elect ( Ephesians 1:13-14).
Father and God: God was Christ's Father and our heavenly father.
Your use of Matthew 7:14 is misinterpreted because TRUE, few will find The Way but what does finding the way have to do with Election? For Election is NOT about works (finding The Way), but Election is ALL about God Choosing! Look at Rom. Ch.11, the whole chapter. It's all about God "cutting off" His Chosen for the sake of those NOT chosen. There are two types of elect; there are those Chosen before the foundation of the world, Ephesians 1:4. And those chosen, only because His Chosen were "cut off"! Romans 11:11-12. The Jews (Hebrew) for the Gentile, the vessels of wrath for the vessels of mercy, Romans 9:21-23 and Christ for the world, Matthew 27:46. This is a Pattern, a plummet line, a way for us to "measure" the things of God.
Revelation 19:14 states: "and the armies in heaven, clothed in [b]fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses".
Revelation 2:26-27 says 26 "And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father."
Perhaps a reminder of the exhortation of 1 John 2:10 is needed at this point. "He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him." The next verse states the opposite state of a soul who hates his brother; that is being in darkness. We are adopted sons and daughters ( Ephesians 1:5 and many other verses) and part of something vastly bigger than ourselves. If we are saved we are no longer our own ( 1 Cor. 6:19) and bought with a price. Therefore our commission and omission of transgressions affects not only us but others in our midst as well; particularly true in regard to the body of Christ. Salvation itself; therefore in order to be genuine begins to give the true convert a sense of being "seated in heavenly places" ( Eph. 2:6). That verse shows how we are in that state together as well in the Body of Christ not just as individuals.
What matters to those who the Godhead dwells ( John 14:23) is the Lord's concerns. Note that keeping God's Word is a part of the verse indicating those who are truly possessed by the Holy Ghost. God gets all the glory and does all the work; but we are responsible to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Phillipians 2:12) demonstrating our inner heart through our outer actions and works. The persevering is part of God's work of sanctification; but of course we need to be demonstrating good works predestined for us to do from the foundation of the world ( Ephesians 2:10).
Agape
8 Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the Branch.
9 For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the Lord of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.
10 In that day, saith the Lord of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig tree.
These passages are deep with prophetic meanings. Christ (or the Branch) will bring the atonement; and allow fulfillment for Joshua and his fellowservants (part of the assembly inclusive of all saints) through the sevenfold spirit of God ( Revelation 1:4).
The stone that is engraved perhaps is signifying a new covenant like the one in Exodus 32:16; or is like the seal of the Spirit
in Ephesians 1:13; or 2 Corinthians 1:22.
Verse 10 is cross referenced by Micah 4:4 and other passages; indicating the Millennial promises for Israel which likely extends to the whole world at that time.
Here we see the reference to the two olive trees with the golden lampstand and the explanation. This parallels Revelation 11:4 as seen at the end of the chapter in verse 14. This chapter seems to imply Zerubbabel and Joshua as being the individuals in question here; while Revelation stronly suggests Elijah will return in the Tribulation ( Malachi 3:1). The second individual in my opinion based on Hebrews 9:27 could be Enoch; others have suggested other possibilities.
IN FACT, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 is a revealing letter from Paul the Apostle.
By the way, all GOD's people must remember Acts 1:11 - Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same JESUS, which is taken up from you into HEAVEN(into the 3rd heaven. HEAVEN? Ephesians 1:3 combined with Philippians 3:20-21 among other biblical references. Take a look.), shall so COME IN LIKE MANNER as ye have seen Him go into heaven(3rd heaven, that is the next world- Luke 20:35-36. Take a look). JESUS was on Mount called Olivet in the day when He was taken up, right? and shall COME in like manner( 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18), and the SAME CLOUD will be there in His return, understand? For better understand, compare with Matt.17:5 and Isaiah 4:5.
What does the Word of GOD say? The Word is GOD, self-executing, understand? The Word says: Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. Dan.12:v.12 - Yeah, day 1335, the Ineffable, Wonderful, Indescribable, Unspeakable day, the day 1.335. Hallelujaaah!!! It means: 45 days after the period of 1290 days. Get ready you all, as JESUS WARNED: Matthew 25: 6-13.
I'm with you, I believe the Bible is the inspired word of God given to us. A reason we differ, preconceived ideas are obstacles to the truth. We all grow up in cultures where we inherit certain biased beliefs, values, and attitudes from our parents, teachers, religious affiliation, peer groups, and friends. When we study the Bible unless we can clear these obstacles, and beliefs when we read our sub-conscience mind will block the true meaning with the ones we have stored in our mind.
We must empty our minds as we know nothing, take out the garbage, pray, and let the Spirit of Truth show us the true meaning of what we are studying. We must keep in mind we get milk first and then meat and it can be years between.
I also believe in one God and Father of all, who is the God and Father of Jesus, the Son of God, the Messiah/Christ.
John 20:17 Romans 15:6 2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 11:31 Ephesians 1:3 Ephesians 1:17 Ephesians 5:20 Colossians 1:3 1 Peter 1:3 1 Corinthians 8:6.
God bless,
RLW
Greetings in Christ JESUS
It's impressive, but it has been two thousand years since JESUS came here, think well about it, passing two thousand years is a gigantic space of time, in fact a huge gap or interval in space and time, but it passed, but will continue to pass. The time is infinite, like the space is infinite too.
And now JESUS WILL RETURN AGAIN HERE IN THE SAME PLACE from where He ascended to the third heavenly environment and a cloud RECEIVED Him ( Acts 1:11) , yes, He will again return now to the same place from where He ascended, and He will reign and lead us in new celestial environment ( Ephesians 1:3) by His power, for a period of 1.000 years(the cloud also will appear again, understand?) , as it is revealed in Philippians 3:20-21: -->20 For our conversation is in heaven (heaven? Ephesians 1:3. Take a look.)-; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto himself. By the way, He made it very clear when He said: All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth- Matthew 28:18.
Get ready, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him- Matthew 25:6 - .
Lets pray
Unfortunately , there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Thank you, God, who cannot be tempted of evil, James 1:13 or lie, Titus 1:2. God could not fulfill the law, flesh had to fulfill it because the curse of sin was on flesh. How could you fulfill a law if you were not capable of breaking it? We are told Jesus the Son of God was tempted as we are, Hebrews 4:15. He was made flesh for the suffering of death, Hebrews 2:9.
2 Cor. 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Jesus had a will of his own but was obedient to the Father, Luke 22:42. Jesus did the works of the Father, John 5:36. Jesus was sent by the Father, John 4:34 John 7:16. Jesus did all the miracles by the Spirit of God that was given to Him without measure, Matt. 12:28 John 3:34, when He was anointed at the Jordan, Mark 1:10 Luke 4:18.
I hope this is correct forgive me if I am wrong. The Father is God but is not the Son and is not the Holy Spirit. The Son is God but is not the Father and is not the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God but is not the Father and is not the Son. One God is three coexistent, co-eternal, and co-equal Persons.
If I may ask. If they are three persons, who is the Father of Jesus the Son of God? Matt. 1:18 Luke 1:35. Jesus many times said He has a God and a Father, Matt. 7:21 Matt. 12:50 John 20:17 2 Cor. 11:31 Ephesians 1:3 1 Peter 1:3. Jesus came in His Father's name, John 5:43.
My understanding, this is not a mystery that cannot be understood. God is a Spirit, John 4:24 It is His Spirit that dwelleth in us, 1 Cor. 3:16 1 Corinthians 2:10-12. God is Spirit, God is Holy. It is the Spirit of God that is the Holy Spirit.
Paul never used the Holy Spirit in his salutations. Jesus was begotten by His Father, Heb. 1:5. Jesus said His Father was greater than He John 14:28. Rev. 21:22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
God bless,
RLW
The blood of Jesus Christ the son of the living God gives life to a dead man and provides atonement for one sins
As it is written
( Ephesians 1:7, ESV)
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,
And it's by grace and faith alone that we are saved and none of of our works
Amen
Repent of your sins.
acts 20;21
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
" Hebrews 1:6 "And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him."
Psalms 97:1 "O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth."
Psalms 97:13 "Before the LORD: for he commeth, for he commeth to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth."
Ephesians 1:20 "Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,"
Philippians 2:10 "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;"
Philippians 2:11 "And that every tounge should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Hebrews 2:17 "Wherefore in all things it beloved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people."
Deuteronomy 18:5 "For the LORD thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of the LORD, him and his sons for ever."
Hebrews 5:2 "Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity."
2 Corinthians 5:21 "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who know no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
1 Peter 2:22 "Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth."
John 3:31- 32 "He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthy, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all." And what he has seen and heard, that he testifiieth; and no man receiveth his testimony."
John 3:33 "He that hath received his testimony hath set o his seal that God is true."
P5 with a couple more scriptures to follow
I. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
The author is Paul. His inscription is on all thirteen of his letters.
II. TO WHOM IT WAS WRITTEN
It was written to the church in Ephesus. Ephesians is believed to be a circulation letter distributed throughout Asia. The reason: Because many older manuscripts do not contain the words "in Ephesus" as in Verse 1. And so, in Ephesians 1:1, Paul writes and says to the believers who are in Ephesus. And the older manuscripts don't have the words "in Ephesus."
And that causes us to believe that once the church in Ephesus received this letter, they wrote their name in the copy of it, and then sent it to the other churches where other churches could copy it and put their name on it. It's not addressed to specific individuals, nor is it to correct a specific problem in a certain church. The whole presentation of the letter was as if it was distributed to the whole body of Christ, which indeed it is.
III. THE HISTORY OF EPHESUS:
Ephesus was the Roman capital of Asia. Paul, during his third missionary journey came all the way over to Ephesus and he ministered there for about three years. He went up the coast over into Philippi, and down the coast through Macedonia and Achaia, and then came back over to Miletus, and then went back to Jerusalem.
He actually started his missionary journey out of Antioch of Assyria, where all of the believers had gone after the persecutions began in Jerusalem.
Ephesus is the hub of Asia as far as the missionary work goes. The apostle John himself pastored here right before he died. He came back either before or after his time on the island of Patmos.
Part 5.
Who is God? - His Nature
We know certain things to be true of God for one reason: in His mercy He has condescended to reveal some of His qualities to us. God is spirit, by nature intangible ( John 4:24). God is One, but He exists as three Persons-God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit ( Matthew 3:16-17). God is infinite ( 1 Timothy 1:17), incomparable ( 2 Samuel 7:22), and unchanging ( Malachi 3:6). God exists everywhere ( Psalm 139:7-12), knows everything ( Psalm 147:5; Isaiah 40:28), and has all power and authority ( Ephesians 1; Revelation 19:6).
Who is God? - His Work
We cannot understand God apart from His works, because what God does flows from who He is. Here is an abbreviated list of God's works, past, present, and future: God created the world ( Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 42:5); He actively sustains the world ( Colossians 1:17); He is executing His eternal plan ( Ephesians 1:11) which involves the redemption of man from the curse of sin and death ( Galatians 3:13-14); He draws people to Christ ( John 6:44); He disciplines His children ( Hebrews 12:6); and He will judge the world ( Revelation 20:11-15).
Who is God? - A Relationship with Him
In the Person of the Son, God became incarnate ( John 1:14). The Son of God became the Son of Man and is therefore the "bridge" between God and man ( John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5). It is only through the Son that we can have forgiveness of sins ( Ephesians 1:7), reconciliation with God ( John 15:15; Romans 5:10), and eternal salvation ( 2 Timothy 2:10). In Jesus Christ "all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" ( Colossians 2:9). So, to really know who God is, all we have to do is look at Jesus.
Jerry that is much of what we know about God and that probably don't scratch the surface on GOD!
I HOPE THIS HELPS.
GOD BLESS.
Greetings in Christ JESUS
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth - Matthew 5:5KJV combined with Revelation 5:10
It's impressive, but it has been two thousand years since JESUS came here, think well about it, passing two thousand years is a gigantic space of time, in fact a huge gap or interval in space and time, but it passed, but will continue to pass. The time is infinite, like the space is infinite too.
And now JESUS WILL RETURN AGAIN HERE IN THE SAME PLACE from where He ascended to the third heavenly environment and a cloud RECEIVED Him ( Acts 1:11) , yes, He will again return now to the same place from where He ascended, and He will reign and lead us in new celestial environment ( Ephesians 1:3) by His power, for a period of 1.000 years(the cloud also will appear again, understand?) , as it is revealed in Philippians 3:20-21: -->20 For our conversation is in heaven (heaven: Ephesians 1:3. Take a look.)-; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto himself. By the way, He made it very clear when He said: All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth- Matthew 28:18KJV.
Get ready, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him- Matthew 25:6KJV - .
Lets pray
Unfortunately , there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
24But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,
25And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
Further insight. As Ephesians 1:6 states we are to be made acceptable in the beloved. As far as us "accepting" Christ; that is not Biblical as James 2:19 warns about God. Christ is more than Savior; He is Lord and Master; whether we acknowledge it or not there are only two alternatives ( Matthew 21:44). His Sheep hear His voice; the goats do not. ( John 10:27).
This "committing" of men it would seem would involve the Godhead living within someone and being sealed with the Spirit. It would involve chastising which Hebrews 12:8 in King James brings out pretty strongly in regard to those not in Christ who are "bastards."
Therefore Jesus had to do constant "weeding" out; and this would involve challenging statements; parables; and other means.
Jesus in Luke 16:15 warned that what was esteemed or honorable among men was an abomination to God. That is different than what Jesus Himself did when He was praised in Luke 2:52 for His growth in wisdom and stature in terms of how He "gained favor" at that time. That shows His humility in the 30 or so years; taking up the majority of His earthly life being submissive to His parents (unlike the Pharisees who found ways through their religious piety to disrespect parents for the sake of their own material gain).
Jesus loved His own so much that He made sure that He was the atoning sacrifice on the cross through His own volition; and death could not hold Him. (see John 10:18). It was a miracle in itself that He survived all the attempts on His life (including Gethsemene) through supernatural assistance so that He could make it to the cross to die at the set time and place. No one in scripture is said to be amazed at these acts
I used to know a GiGi in fort Polk Louisiana & Vincent! Back in 1982
Ephesians 2:13
But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
Thanks again for your blessing
AMEN
23Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
24But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,
25And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
This verse is a sobering reminder that "many are called; few are chosen". ( Matt. 22:14). We are reminded of the verse in Matthew 7:22 when people would claim they did many miracles in His name; but that He never knew them. Verse 24 needs further consideration. For the Father and Son to dwell within us ( John 14:23) we need a heart change; as it were. Without good soil; as it were there can't be fruit production ( Luke 8:15).
For Jesus to "commit himself" to someone means that He deems us acceptable "in the Beloved" ( Ephesians 1:6). Let that sink in; all of our "declarations" of faith; blessings; etc. are meaningless unless He has initiated that covenant; or bond with our souls. Therefore we see many examples of Jesus "weeding out" the crowds and individuals who claimed that they wished to follow Him as a Disciple. Counting the cost is a painful exercise; following Christ means an all or nothing proposition; something not palatable for many; in fact most who would claim to believe. As I have stated in previous posts; Jesus seemed to a large extent to provide food and healings to any who would request it. Yet He would challenge them for the reasons which He could see in their hearts for following Him (such as getting their fill of bread). Except for the few that would clearly come to worship Him and/or give God the glory we cannot be certain who is healed and actually came to true faith ( John 5:14 is a good example of this). Even His own brothers for a time didn't believe in Him ( John 7:5). Further exploration indicates that God must reveal Jesus to a person ( Matt. 16:17). May He enlighten our minds today as we ponder His Word.
Now He sits at the Right Hand of Power until Psalms 110:1-4 far above all Ephesians 1:20-22. As He works out the redemption that He purchase by His Blood/Life to everyone that would believe in His appearance in Spirit within the conscience, 2 Cor 4:6 He promise the disciples that He would not leave them comfortless, I will come back to you, that your joy maybe full. He pointed to this in the coming of Holy Spirit. John 16:7 the still small Voice in our heart that accuses us when we're wrong, & commends us when we obey Him, Rom 2:15 This is the Treasure we 2 Cor 4:7 that excellency of the power to understand & receive the things of God, is not of ourselves, but of God, for they are only spiritually discerned, 1 Cor 2:11-13
Deuteronomy 7:7-10 show how God did not choose israel due to its size; but in His love they were called out. They are reminded of being loved and protected coming out of Egypt; but verse 9 shows how the Covenant brings lovingkindness to those who love Him; and judgment is shown in verse 10 to those who hate Him.
The original promises; of course were set forth as far back as Abraham in Genesis 15 and 17 which would continue with his descendants until they finally entered the Promised Land. In actuality; many in Reformed circles think that an informal covenant was involved with God's creation of Adam and Eve (at least in the creation of Eve to be his wife and the consummation of the marriage relationship even without formal ceremony involved). The rainbow was God's original covenant which God promised not to once again flood the entire earth. Interestingly animals are implied as well ( Gen. 9:13
In reality; these were all things instigated by God. Adam was asleep when the rib was taken out of him; and likewise was the situation with Abraham when he was in a deep sleep in Genesis 15:12. God was to use men such as Moses to rescue His people; but He was only using the power of God through the rod; for instance to perform miracles; and God of course drew Pharoah's army to a watery grave in the Red Sea.
The same concept involves many of Israel's conquests; angels would often fight supporting men; or fight alone such as the example of Exodus 14:14 and 2 Kings 19:35 against the Assyrians when 185,000 were destroyed by a single angel in a night.
God also draws all those who will come to Him as the Gospel of John and many other scriptures indicate. God has given the Spirit nowadays to permanently reside in a Christian ( Ephesians 1:13). God's eternal plans in the Godhead allowed for Christ's atonement to be efficacious for all who would believe and be "granted repentance" ( Acts 11:18).
Romans 3:10,12 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:there is non that seeketh after God.
Psalms 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
Matthew 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
Mark 13:20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
1 Corinthians 1:27,28 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Love u al in Christ
The great work of regeneration & renewing, picking up the Cross, the Power of God unto salvation, the dying daily, Gal 2:20; Paul knew John 8:32;. You quoted Philippians 3:12 read further :15 the word for mature is also translated "perfect" in the NKJV. (& by the way, I DON'T advocate anyone to the studying of the letter by natural arts of Hebrew/Greek etc; the different language begin at Babel, meaning confusion, & that's just what has happen, there' over 45,000 different sect's of Christianity worldwide, each proclaiming "here is Christ," When Christianity was first birth & brought forth by His Spirit, Act 4:32; Ephesians 4:5; is that the case today? Its more like Judges 21:25; God's words are Spirit & is only understood & possess by the Spirit which gave them forth. 2Cor 2:11,12; Gal 3:2 the Spirit is received by faith, which comes by hearing the Word of God in our heart, not the letter, for the letter kills, the Spirit alone gives us the very life of God, to be manifested in our mortal bodies, to the destroying ALL, ALL, ALL the works of the devil & conform us to Christ, Rom 8:39; Luke 6:40; The letter cannot do this, Scripture plainly points & instructs us in this, "he that hath ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit has to say.) Sanctification "making holy" is on this side of the grave, the work of Titus 2:11,12 & its includes the whole man, spirit, soul & body. Titus 2:14 cleansing us from ALL iniquity, that we may Col 1:22. The faith y'all are promoting is 2 Timothy 3:5; Gal 5:8,9
The angel proclaimed Matt 1:21; His Name declares His works "He shall saved them from their sins, not in their sins"
There's much more that could be brought forth here; Rom 6 -8
The Spirit prayer in Ephesians 1:17-21 "not only in this world, but that which is to come" Thy Kingdom come, here on earth as it is in heaven.
hope all will seriously consider & weigh these words. 2 Cor 3:5,6
In Love & Truth
Frankie J
If you think you already have the answers, I don't see it as appropriate to test folks. It can spread doubt. What you need is some good dispensational teaching. The belief originated from the understanding of the New Testament Pauline soteriological doctrine as a whole.
"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory" ( Ephesians 1:13-14). Being sealed is the same as being saved.
Judgment and salvation are the opposite. There are three judgments in the New Testament: sheep and goats ( Matthew 25), the judgment seat of Christ ( 1st Corinthians 3), and the great white throne judgment ( Revelation 20). Only one of those will a Christian experience-the judgment seat of Christ. The other two are for the unsaved. We are not immediately judged after we die. The judgment seat of Christ occurs after the rapture so that the works of the flesh are able to be viewed. Some people do believe that we are judged immediately after we die (e.g. amillennialists).
We must also understand that there are those predestined to be in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world ( Ephesians 1:3-6). The opposite is true for the unregenerate as seen in Revelation 17:8. Christ's death was therefore part of a plan from before Creation where all those would hear His voice who were His sheep ( John 10:27). We must remember that His death was effective from what happened in time and space 2000 years ago. It also is retroactive; as it were in order to allow those who were of old to eventually in time and space have access to heaven (see Romans 6:9). Therefore; at the Rapture ( 1 Thess. 4:15) shall involve the Resurrection of all souls of deceased saints; followed by bodily ascension of those alive and remaining. There are some verses which seem to indicate O.T. saints may arise later on in say the Midpoint of the Tribulation or near the end; there is some debate on that question. Some already apparently were resurrected ( Matt. 27:52-56). This would have been a gleaning of the firstfruits; so to speak.
My point here is predestination and the fact that God initiates repentance ( Acts 11:18); etc. There is such a thing as godly repentance and worldly ( 2 Cor. 7:10); illustrated by that of Peter and Judas Iscariot. Genuine repentance brings life and brings sorrow at offending a Holy God; worldly sorrow only is interested in consequences of our actions; and in Judas' case he only recognized Christ as having "innocent blood"; not as God's Son to be worshipped.
Ephesians 1:4,5 (God's choosing & predestining; His elect)
Ephesians 1:13,14 (Gift of the Holy Spirit; His Sealing & Guarantee till final redemption/reception of His child)
1 John 5:13 (we know that Eternal Life is our possession, not hoped for)
Romans 8:9,15,29,30,38,39 (nothing will separate us from God's Love - not from outside, nor from within, for we are His & will be led by His Spirit continually)
AMEN Brother David 921:
As God shines light into darkness we are always repenting of the beliefs of the flesh and growing in the grace of God.
I believe as you keep studying and God keeps teaching you, you will keep growing in truth.
I believe you will realize that death of unbelievers is not ETERNAL; but for a specified time, he presently is gathering the priest ONLY; into the kingdom of God, then he will resurrect ALL flesh that has died in unbelief back to their flesh and blood bodies, they will be judged by Christ and his priest and brought to TRUTH, that is the second death describe in Revelation.
Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature WAITETH for the MANIFESTATION of the Sons of God.
They died in unbelief and are wanting in the grave, for the Sons of God to be gather to judge the world.
Romans 8:21 For the creature itself ALSO (second resurrection) shall be DELIVERED from the bondage of corruption (death and the grave) into the GLORIOUS liberty of the children of God (through judgement).
1 Corinthians 3:15 If any man's WORK shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be save, YET as by FIRE (judgement).
Isaiah 26:9 ...when thy JUDGEMENTS are in the earth, the inhabitants SHALL LEARN righteousness.
1 Corinthians 15:28 When God has put all thing under Christ, GOD will be ALL in ALL.
Ephesians 1:23 Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth ALL in ALL.
God bless you.
In my last post; I talked about Peter. He was revealed who Christ was which could only have come from the Father ( Matt. 16:17).
The HOLINESS of God is talked about frequently; perhaps easiest remembered in Revelation 4:8-11 (also found in Isaiah 6:3).
When the Bible describes judgment; and hell viewed on earth such as in Isaiah 66 there is no appreciation of the wicked for His Holiness or any other attributes. Our life as believers is hidden in Christ ( Colossians 3:3) and the verse also talks about how we must be "crucified with Christ". Those who believe have truly "passed from death to life" ( John 5:24 with further insights in 1 John as well). So that is the difference; we have either the eternal state of our spiritual condition to be in our fallen sin which is totally blind to His glory and only focused on self; or we are new creations which are now able to glorify God in heaven (and we start now by being seated in heavenly places ( Eph. 2:6). Therefore we begin now; to rule and reign with Him in a sense-it is a done deal as Romans 8:30; and Ephesians 1:13 states.
Isaiah 53:11 states that He will see the travail of His soul and be satisfied; quoting a verse from an entire CHAPTER on Christ which is the famous chapter Jews like to ignore because of clear Messianic descriptions matching that of Christ. His satisfaction therefore will be in ruling and reigning WITH us; with the sons of glory (sort of combining Hebrews 2:10 with the concept of Romans 8:17.) He did it to please the Father first and foremost; but also of course has been given all authority on heaven and earth. ( Matt. 28:18). It is strange to conceive ourselves in a similar way; but nonetheless being part of the firstfruits we also suffer for a time then are glorified and rewarded ( 1 Peter 5:10).
Obviously; as we look to the concept of varying amounts of rewards for either the wicked (punishment) we have the same idea in regard to the saved. ( 1 Cor. 3:15). more in part3