Discuss Ephesians 2 Page 5

  • Giannis - In Reply on Ephesians 2 - 2 years ago
    Dear Michael

    All people are sinners, our righteousness is like filthy rags compared to God's. That is why we have been given the Blood of Jesus. And since our sins are erased by God (when we repent when we fail) we now look in His eyes as righteous. We are considered as righteous by Him now. So we don't please God with our own righteousness but with that which is given to us by Him (the Blood of Jesus Christ). One has to have this clear in their mind otherwise we will all end up with a guilty conscience, which is wrong So keep your way towards Heaven with joy, Jesus paid the penalty for our dins on the cross so that we have joy here and eternally in Heaven.

    Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice"

    GBU.
  • Michael Pfeiffer on Ephesians 2 - 2 years ago
    If all my best is of filthy rags to God and because I'm, all of us are carnal and fall short of the glory of God. How can I feel I ever please him? Seems like every sermonI hear I'm never good when looking at scriptures. Aren't we created for good works? Thessalonians 2, 10 makes this point. I don't want to raise myself above people but I'm trying my best and always hear I'm not good enough.
  • S Spencer - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Hi David.

    1 Peter 4:6 is a verse that you have to put it in context with the previous verses.

    Dead mentioned here in this verse isn't physical death it is spiritually dead. ( Dead in trespasses and sins).

    Notice the context.

    1 Peter 4:3-6. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

    Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:

    Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.

    For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

    John 5:24. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; BUT IS PASSED FROM DEATH UNTO LIFE.

    Here's more parallel references.

    John 11:25-26. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

    And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

    Ephesians 2:1-3, 5. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

    Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

    Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

    Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

    I hope this helps.

    God bless.
  • David T. on Deuteronomy 30:19 - 2 years ago
    Praise the LORD for all the comforting words of wisdom declared and shared on this forum. It is good to know that brethren exist and are active in every avenue of worship and praise unto the LORD JESUS CHRIST. It is like traveling- no matter where I go I can be assured there will be body of believers singing the praises of the LORD; preaching the Word of GOD; and I will comforted and allowed to be amongst them.

    Let us extend our faith and knowledge of the LORD by praying and calling on GOD for HIS hand upon our current leadership in Washington. Our trust in Scripture and obedience to the same will bring about change as GOD, the LORD JESUS CHRIST see best for our times. May we lay aside every weight, especially the sin before us, and "let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto JESUS the author and finisher of our faith;..." Hebrews 12: 1b, 2a

    So much before us to pray for and be active in; there is much we can do in HIS name. Let us start from the beginning: Romans 10: 9, 10; Ephesians 2: 8-10; Matthew 28: 18-20; 2 Chronicles 7:14, 15; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2: 1-5; 2 Peter 1: 1-8. Many more passages, I'm sure you can add to the list, Amen!

    GOD bless everyone on this forum, and may the LORD GOD meet all your needs. "Who shall separate us from the love of CHRIST? ... Nay, in all things we are more than conquerors through HIM that loved us." Romans 8: 35, 37, 38, 39

    The LORD bless you, and keep you! The LORD to make HIS face to shine on you, and be gracious to you. The LORD to lift HIS countenance upon you, and give you peace. Numbers 6: 24-26

    Don't forget to vote on November!

    October 11, 2022
  • Edwin Muir - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Love your testimony Sandhiya so encouraging. Ive put you on my prayer list and will agree in prayer Matt 18:19 for your seed sown, Titus 3:18. We may ask *FATHER* for any of the seven Spirits before the Throne WISDOM, UNDERSTANDING, COUNSEL, KNOWLEDGE, MIGHT, FEAR OF THE *LORD*, SPIRIT OF THE *LORD*.and experience great grace, even if already Holy *GHOST* filled Jude 20 Saint, tho feeling are not so important, like in Ephesians 2:6 decreed, just believing, hearing and doers, as you would know. SHALOM in *JESUS* precious Name Amen. See you in GLORY with our seed to welcome us or we welcome them. Isaiah 49:24,25. Malachi 4:3 I have experience the catching away by gifted 3x Visions and treasure them for sure as you can imagine, they were given me after a disciplining time.

    5 Children and many Grandies so greatly treasure > Isaiah 49:24-25 24 Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, Or the captives of the righteous be delivered? 25 But thus says the Lord: "Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, And the prey of the terrible be delivered; For I will contend with him who contends with you, And I will save your children. Hallelu *YAH* indeed so gloriously FAITHFUL. Psalm 19:12 been a shield too when a little unsure at all of anything said or omitted.Shalom again Saint.
  • S Spencer - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Hi Su-z.

    We often look at salvation as we having to "GET" saved which sometimes can be looked at as something you done or played a roll in. So that may not be a great way to look at it. Because some believe you can reverse that and somehow get unsaved.

    But if we truly put our trust in the life giver (Jesus) who is the author and "FINISHER" of our faith we should understand salvation is by grace and you can't work to get it and you can't work to keep it.

    Ephesians 2:8-10.. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

    Not of works, lest any man should boast.

    FOR WE ARE HIS WORKMANSHIP, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS UNTO GOOD WORKS, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

    We've been given Christ spirit which seals and sanctifies us.

    Are we perfect? No. So how can you loose something by being imperfect and gain it back by being imperfect.

    It boils down to who are we trusting? Our imperfect walk with no redeeming qualities? Or him who says I will NEVER leave or forsake you?

    SANCTIFICATION;

    Salvation is secured once you "truly" receive Christ by trusting in him. That trust/faith in Christ will reflect in a believers life.

    Saving faith exhibits works.

    God bless
  • Fredrick odiwuor abuor on Ephesians 2 - 2 years ago
    If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you ward Amen
  • Fredrick odiwuor abuor on Ephesians 2 - 2 years ago
    How that by.revelation he made know unto me the mystery as I wrote a for in few words Amen
  • Ronnette Part 2 Galatians 1 Only God can explain this well.Glory to God! on Galatians 1:16 - 2 years ago
    Galatians 1:19 Paul did not see any other apostles but James the brother of Jesus. Now read on and absorbed what God revealed to us. There is a reason why this verse is important. Other Scholars said that the Book of James was written by James the brother of Jesus. How could that be? The message in James was that faith without works is dead James 2:20 & James 2:26. How can you explained the opposition on Pauls messages Ephesians 2:8-9? It is because the author of James is James the brother of John the sons of Zebedee. That James was killed by King Herod Acts 12:2 about 44 AD or CE. He was not seen by Paul after Paul went to Arabia. That James had written the book of James before James died to tell the 12 tribes what is about to happened in the tribulation ( my opinion after the church age will be raptured) James 1:1. If this was written by James the brother of Jesus, he would have not contradicted what he heard from Paul because he saw Paul right after Paul went to Arabia Galatians 1:17-19. The second part of 2 Timothy 2:15 we are not ashamed to tell all that we must rightly divide the word of truth. Know the physical and spiritual messages of God. It is only revealed when you trust Jesus and not yourself. If you do not rightly divide you will be confuse of your salvation. We are saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. Amazing God we have. I glorify God by telling you this revelation. I please only God and not men. My life is a true testament of God's glory. Who has the mind of God Romans 11:33-36, 1 Corinthians 2:15-16. My brothers and sisters in Christ, if you are a leader in church, let the Spirit of God speaks to you..Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it. Genesis 33:11. But he said, As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.

    Galatians 1:4-5 Amen. Galatians 1:3.
  • Vince Willard - 2 years ago
    One In Christ

    Ephesians 2:11-17

    11. Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

    12. That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenant of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

    13. But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

    14. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

    15. Having abolished his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinance; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

    16. And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

    17. And came and preached peace to you which were a far off, and to them that were nigh.

    18. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
  • Vince Willard - 2 years ago
    Alive With Christ

    Ephesians 2:1-10

    1. Any you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sin,

    2. Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

    3. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lust of our flesh; fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

    4. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love where with he loved us,

    5. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ (by grace ye are saved;)

    6. And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

    7. That in the ages to come he might shew exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

    8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is gift of God:

    9. Not of works, lest any man should boast.

    10. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
  • Ronnette Part 1 Galatians 1 on Galatians 1:16 - 2 years ago
    Very nicely explained by Henry in 1710. This chapter speaks so loud to me that there is a need to share. First, the fact that we all know in Acts what happened in Damascus when Paul was converted. Here Paul uses the words to tell the readers in Spiritual way that He is in fact chosen by Jesus Christ 1:1 and became a servant of Christ 1:10. Paul even certified that he received the gospel 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 not from man, but it is indeed by the revelation of Jesus Christ 1 :10-11. To certify something is indeed really deep in any professions. You investigate, you observe, you speak the truth, you have proven without a shadow of a doubt, you interviews people involved, you have all strong evidence, you even travel to a place to find that true evidence, you rely only on facts and the person that has integrity to tell truth. I guess you get the gist. The fact that he went to Arabia (Mt. Sinai) 1:17 God must have told Paul something that only Paul knows. Remember 2 Corinthians 12:1-4? How can you not think Paul is the 12th Apostle with this evidence? That is why 1 Timothy 2:15 tells us to study. Go figure and look at other Bible other than KJV. They removed the word "study". Folks I am not kidding you. There is something real God is telling us today. I would not lie either about this because I sense the urgency to tell this forum for whatever reason God only knows. Anyway, Paul then saw Peter for 15 days 1:18 and imagined the conversations then between Peter and Paul. In Acts Peter is telling everybody WHO they crucified was God. Then Paul revelation was that blood of Jesus Christ will saved the whole world if you believe and trust and have faith on that alone Romans 3:25. Not of works just by faith Ephesians 2:8-9. What a profound revelation. You do not want to be accursed 1:9 outside 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. We will be judged according to Paul's gospel Romans 2:16, Romans 16:25, 2 Timothy 2:8. I have not even say thekickeronthischapterandIranoutofspace
  • S Spencer - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Hi Gigi.

    Thanks for your perspective but I am not clear on what you are saying.

    We all know Christ sacrifice is the way Adam and Eve and all of humanity is to be saved. My position on that has been clear and emphasized often. However there was no emphasis put on that in my post.

    We understand they gathered in the wilderness in a religious congregation and that's called a church.

    "ekklsia" a calling out that is (concretely) A POPULAR MEETING ESPECIALLY A RELIGIOUS CONGREGATION (JEWISH SYNAGOGUE OR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY of members on earth or saints in heaven or both): - assembly church.

    Concerning the birth of Christ Church, Here in Matthew 16:18 Jesus is specific, he says he's going to build "HIS CHURCH"

    "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I WILL BUILD "MY" CHURCH; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

    And he says "HE WILL" build.

    Meaning it hasn't been built yet.

    When Israel gathered in the wilderness it wasn't the ministry of "RE"-conciliation as mentioned here in 2 Corinthians 5:18.

    And they wasn't to go out to all the world teaching the cross.

    Look what Paul says about the two ministries in 2 Corinthians 3:3-18. (The Apostles was part of the ministry which excelleth in glory.)

    We know Jesus was the rock in the wilderness but different emphasis here in Ephesians 2:20. "He's building a Church to carry the Gospel out to the world."

    A chief Cornerstone is the first and most important part of the foundation when a building is being erected.

    Look what Peter says about it here in 1 Peter 2:4-10.

    It was a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence to the Church in the wilderness but precious to us.

    Yes the Apostles was Apostles in Gos eyes before the foundation of the world, But they didn't function as Apostles until they were commanded to wait on the Holyspirit and then sent out to all the world.

    God bless.
  • S Spencer - 2 years ago
    The birth of the Apostles.

    UPON THIS ROCK I SHALL BUILD MY CHURCH.

    He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

    And Simon Peter answered and said, THOU ART THE CHRIST, THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD. Matthew 16:15-16

    Ephesians 2:19-20 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

    And are built upon the FOUNDATION OF THE APOSTLES AND PROPHETS, Jesus Christ himself being the chief CORNER STONE;

    In Luke 6:13 we see that Jesus chose who he would name Apostles.

    "And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;

    The question is when did the disciples start operating in the office of Apostles?

    When was the foundation laid?

    1 Corinthians 3:12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

    Are we capable of building with gold, silver and precious stone without the dwelling of the Holyspirit?

    We do know in Matthew 28:16-17 even after Jesus resurrected the disciples still doubted.

    "Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

    And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted."

    In Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus commissioned them to go out to all the world but not to depart from Jerusalem until they were filled with the Holyspirit.

    Acts 1:4-5. Luke 24:49.

    I believe not until they were filled with the Spirit that rock the church was built on begun. The disciples began to function in the office as Apostles.

    Ephesians 4:10-12. He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

    AND HE GAVE SOME, APOSTLES; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

    For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

    He didn't do this until he ascended.

    God bless.
  • Adam - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Hi Mark,

    My comment is that salvation is conditional whether people believe it or not, because its what the Bible says. It's full of calls to action and challenging us to change our behavior. Most people will not be saved Matthew 7:13. Salvation is with grace but is only for believers/followers- a choice that each person must make. One way to summarize this action appears to be genuine belief and faith in Jesus Christ. John 3:16. That is an action and choice.

    So, if someone does not believe, one can presume the unbeliever will not be saved. This already "offends" a lot of people, because some want to justify themselves in their own mind while doing the bare minimum they assume God wants. Some have been deceived into believing obeying God is "bad." But believing is only one of many action verbs the Bible challenges us to do. Other actions fall under this category of genuine active belief and following Jesus too. All these verses in the Bible are true and are equally important. Some like to cherry pick one, but ignore others and assume they don't apply, but they all apply and are true and are God's word.

    believe:

    John 3:16

    follow Jesus:

    John 8:12

    deny himself:

    Luke 9:23

    confess:

    Romans 10:9

    faith:

    Ephesians 2:8

    hearing:

    Romans 10:17

    repent and be baptized:

    Acts 2:38

    keep commandments:

    John 15:10

    love:

    Matthew 22:37-40

    There are many more. Some falsely assume by obeying God they are doing 'works' and that is 'bad', therefore, obeying God is 'bad'. No, that's not what the Bible says, and obeying doesn't mean you're saved by works or that people who obey believe that.

    My last comment is that James and Paul are consistent. Some assume Paul was anti-works, but only if you cherry pick a few verses and ignore large parts of his book can that conclusion be drawn. Paul was very much pro-obedience as the following verses demonstrate:

    Romans 2:9-10

    1 Peter 1:5

    1 Cor 9:24-27

    Hebrews 6:4-6

    Galatians 5:1-4

    2 Timothy 2:10

    Hebrews 10:26

    2 Corinthians 5:10
  • Cindy - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Dear Derek, we are all sinners, even the born-again are sinners saved by grace. Romans 3:23,24 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"

    There's nothing we can do to EARN righteousness. Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." The only righteousness God sees in you is the blood of Jesus.

    However, when we are born again, Jesus calls us to do the works of His will. James 2:17

    "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone."

    What are those works? Jesus said in John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Do what he did on earth such as is possible for a person to do. That is, minister unto others when God points out someone's need. Pray for yourself, and for others. Read and study your Bible, and heed whatever the Holy Spirit tells you to do.

    God Bless!
  • S Spencer - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Thanks Denise.

    Let's use Ephesians 2:11-12 to get the context.

    Wherefore remember, that YE BEING IN TIME PAST ""GENTILES"" in the flesh, who are called ""UNCIRCUMCISION"" by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

    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 the world:

    Here's a definition in the Greek and how it's used.

    Greek:

    Transliteration: apallotrio

    Pronunciation: ap-al-lot-ree-o'-o

    Definition: From G575 and a derivative of G245; to estrange away that is (passively and figuratively) to be non participant: - alienate be alien.

    KJV Usage: be alienated with.

    Hebrews 11:34 references Israel battles with those alienated from Israel. The Gentiles/Heathen.

    "Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, TURNED TO FLIGHT THE ARMIES OF THE ALIENS."

    Lamentation 5:2-6.

    Here's the aliens in Lamentation.

    "Vs 6 We have given the hand to the EGYPTIANS, and to the ASSYRIAN, to be satisfied with bread". They're alienated from Israel.

    I hope this helps.

    God bless.
  • Adam - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Hi Paul,

    I agree that some perceive these as conflicting verses, but just because some assume something is contradictory does not make it so.

    Why can't both verses be true?

    Ephesians 2:8-9 is true that we are saved by grace alone through faith and James 2:17 is also true that faith without works is dead. Why exactly can't these both be true? The entire chapter of James 2 already explains this. For instance James 2:18 "...shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." Isn't it possible that faith and belief is like an overall umbrella and the fruit are good deeds and works that can flow through as a result of genuine faith? And if no works, then it would be like the parable of the sower in Luke 8. The scriptures do not contradict each other.

    Romans 2 also explains this. Romans 2:13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

    People seem to like to cherry pick and pluck out only Ephesians 2:8-9 and ignore James 2:17. Or, some may pluck out only James 2:17 and ignore Ephesians 2:8-9. But the reality is it is both. Both are God's word and both are true. All of the scriptures must be taken cohesively in context.

    I believe this can happen with other topics too. For instance, yes, someone can just read John 3:16, and conclude that only "believing" is all someone needs. While true, it's assumed it's genuine belief is active and would also include Acts 2:38, which introduces more actions such as repenting, and being baptized. These are not contradictions as some may assume. They instead compliment each other and are both true. People can get a simple understanding with light reading of broad statements and a deeper understanding by deeper study. I think this is by design. Some believe the Bible is a living Word of God and that the more we read that God can supernaturally reveal more and more insights that we didn't notice the first time.
  • Paul - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Hi Adam

    Do you believe the Bible is 100% true and is God's word?

    Yes, I do Adam.

    If so, do you believe Jesus is the Word as it says in John 1:14 and that He is God and created everything as it says in John 1:1-3?

    Yes, I do Adam.

    And do you believe Ephesians 2:8-9 is true that we're saved by grace and not by works?

    I believe both writings of James and Paul, meaning, we are saved by both grace and works because the two apostles contradict each other.

    Going back to your first question,

    Do you believe the Bible is 100% true and is God's word?

    Yes, meaning, I don't believe Paul over James nor James over Paul but I believe both are teaching true doctrines making the entire Bible 100% true.

    Paul says,

    We are saved by grace through faith and not by works for if it is by works it is no more grace. (Ephesians and Romans)

    Grace comes through faith...

    And James says,

    For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. ( James 2:26)

    Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. ( James 2:17)

    The only conclusion to these doctrines and believing the Bible 100% and not just parts of it would be to say we are saved both by works and grace.

    Making what the Book of Mormon prophet Nephi says,

    We are saved by grace, after all we can doa true doctrine.

    And solidifying Isaiah's doctrine which says,

    They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine. ( Isaiah 29:24)

    Which, I believe, is speaking about the Book of Mormon.

    Adam, do you believe Paul is correct? and do you believe James is also correct?
  • Adam - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Hi Paul, welcome and I'm sure you'll find an interesting dialog in these forums.

    I'm a truth seeker too and believe the Bible. I am interested in what you believe about these 3 questions...

    Do you believe the Bible is 100% true and is God's word?

    If so, do you believe Jesus is the Word as it says in John 1:14 and that He is God and created everything as it says in John 1:1-3?

    And do you believe Ephesians 2:8-9 is true that we're saved by grace and not by works?

    God bless
  • GiGi - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Hello Mike, My first thought to your question is that Jesus is our Peace ( Ephesians 2:14)

    And Jesus saying at the Last Supper, "Peace I leave with you , my peace I give to you." ( John 14:27)

    That Jesus is the Prince of Peace. ( Isaiah 9:6)''

    There are so many good Scripture on the peace that comes from God. You can google a concordance to check out for yourself.

    But, to me, it all comes down to the love of God, who loved us first, and made the way for us to be at peace with God through the Son, Jesus Christ.
  • GiGi again on Exodus 31 - 2 years ago
    Exodus ch. 31

    Continued..

    This whole study on the tabernacle reminds me of Ephesians 2:19-22

    "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself, being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows, into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit." (NIV)

    All of the specifications God gave for the tabernacle are shadows of what God does in the us, as well as after the pattern of the tabernacle in heaven. Can't wait to get there!
  • Jesse - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Jessie,

    To get the full understanding of Ephesians 2:2, it needs to be taken with Verses 1 through 10 which gives us the process of salvation. But taking Verse 2 by itself, it says, "Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, and secondly: according to the prince of the power of the air, (which is Satan), the spirit that is now working, or energizing in the children of "the" disobedience: There's a definite article with the word disobedience. It is the specific disobedience, the disobedience to God. So, the prince and power of the air is energizing the children of disobedience, the same way it did us prior to our salvation.
  • Jessie - 2 years ago
    Hello and blessings from Georgia! Can you give me an example of Ephesians 2:2? I would like to read your responses to my grandchildren. I have given them my own perspective and would like to have other examples.
  • S Spencer - In Reply on Psalms 91 - 2 years ago
    Continued from previous.

    What should be asked and a great concern is what should salvation look like in a believer because many shall be deceived.

    First of all shall you continue in sin?

    Paul answers that here in

    Romans 6:1-4.

    We have been REGENERATED, REBORN, Given a new heart and ready to present Christ work through us. Titus 3:4-6.

    We have eternal life now that can bare fruit such as faith ect...

    This is what James is saying in James 2:17-18.

    What James is saying is he's going to show that this gift is in him by his works. You see a Christian is saved UNTO good works. Ephesians 2:10.

    When you are saved, you are baptized into Christ. It is he that works in you. Philippians 2:13.

    Also;

    Philippians 1:6. Being confident of this very thing, THAT HE WHICH HATH BEGUN A GOOD WORK IN YOU WILL PERFORM IT UNTIL THE DAY OF JESUS CHRIST:

    If you can loose your salvation all these scriptures means nothing.

    Here's another scripture often used.

    John 14:15. "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

    Well look at the next verse.

    Vs 16. "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, THAT HE MAY ABIDE WITH YOU FOR EVER; This Love is a fruit, so who is causing you to Love Christ? CHRIST SPIRIT, The HG.

    Most people say you can loose your salvation also believes you can earn salvation which you can't do. And if they hold to that it's sad to say but the scripture says they have fallen from Grace. Galatians 5:4.

    I believe this means comes up short.

    Now if you come up short you will hear this. "And then will I profess unto them, I NEVER KNEW YOU: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matthew 7:23.

    I never knew you can never be told to a believer because of this verse. "My sheep hear my voice,.... AND I KNOW THEM,.... and they follow me: John 10:27.

    Now if a person have habitual sin in their life, Chances are you're not saved. And you can't loose what you don't have.

    I hope this helps.

    God bless.
  • Richard H Priday - 2 years ago
    Soul sleep; the big lie.

    1 Thessalonians 4:14 to the end of the chapter and 1 Thessalonians 5:10 make it clear; along with other verses that when the body sleeps; the spirit lives on. The question is; of course if His Spirit "testifies with our spirit ( Romans 8:16) that we are God's children." If not; then truly we are spiritually "dead" as it were; which means absent from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and hence forever trapped in our sinful nature. He has put "eternity in the hearts of men" ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). Hebrews 9:27 also makes it pretty clear that we face judgment after death. That will determine where we spend the interim period through the Millennial reign and make the "first resurrection" ( Rev. 20:6) or remains until the Great White Throne judgment. There are; apparently phases to the firstfruits which Christ Himself initiated; then some who came out of their graves AFTER the Resurrection; then those alive at His coming when the saints are Resurrected and finally the Resurrection of those who were martyred in the Tribulation. I will leave this detailed eschatology to other posts.

    I already stated elsewhere where the word "qeber" is referring to the bodily state of "sleep" or death in the grave; and when "sheol" the land of the souls of all in the O.T. (now only just for the wicked) exists. Now; to be "absent from the body is present with the Lord ( 2 Cor. 5:6). The bigger question is WHY people want to hold to this "soul sleep" or nonexistence mentality. Part of it can be not dividing the Word properly ( 1 Tim. 2:15); or 2 Peter 3:16 where unstable people twist scripture to their own destruction. If someone knows they are in sin; and remains unrepentant in their hearts it is easy to follow this mindset so that there can be space before judgment. ( Ecclesiastes 8:11; Psalm 73:17). He is not the God of the dead but the living ( Mark 12:27). Hence; we are already "seated in heavenly places" ( Ephesians 2:6).
  • Richard H Priday on John 11 - 2 years ago
    John 11 and predestination

    This chapter emphasizes more in the area of the sovereignty of God and the course Christ was ordained or predestined to follow on His way to the crucifixion in Jerusalem shortly to come to pass after the event with Lazarus. Therefore, there is the theme here of the final leg of the journey when Christ would finally voluntarily sacrifice His life and how He must be preserved until that hour; as well as the confusion as to the true state of Lazarus and when He would come back to life.

    The time of His journey had to at least have two days further after the two where He remained where He was residing; once He finally got to where Lazarus was in verse 17.

    The contrast between verses 4 and 11 seem to be an issue; but the issue seems to indicate that the final; permanent death or bodily decay wasn't going to happen yet. There could also be an indication here that only the body; not the soul sleeps in this situation. In any event; after confusion as to the timing of the restoration of Lazarus by Mary and others lack of faith while Christ remained on earth; once the miracle did occur it cemented the final plans to kill Him. Caiaphas made the prophetic statement about one man dying for the people in verse 50; not realizing the application for the Jews AND Gentiles through the death and Resurrection to come.

    Jesus knew the exact time when He was to head to Jerusalem to die; as He followed the Father's lead in all things. See John 10:18 about Christ's understanding of His power and control on laying down His life AND raising it up again. When we understand the works He has set forth in Ephesians 2:10 prepared for us we also have God lead us through the Spirit.

    We are to be conformed to the image of His Son ( Romans 8:29) after a process going from salvation to sanctification to glorification in the next verse (8:30).
  • PROPHECY - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Brother Jesse:

    I agree with your comments.

    We have to surrender (die) our life to Christ.

    Do we have life, in and of ourselves, NO? Most don't understand this.

    1 Corinthians 4:11 For we which LIVE are always delivered unto death for Jesus sake, that the LIFE OF JESUS might be made manifest in our mortal bodies (as well as in our IMMORTAL bodies in the AGE TO COME).

    To repent means to change our way of UNDERSTANDING.

    To repent would be to agree with God's word.

    John 14:6 I AM the way, the Truth, and the LIFE.

    Colossians 1:27 ....this mystery ....Christ in you .....

    Philippians 2:13 For it is GOD (in you) that worketh both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.

    Christ (the first man) UNDERSTOOD this ....THOU in ME....the Father did EVERYTHING through Christ.

    Man has to come to TRUTH (Christ in you): Man does EVERYTHING ....I in THEM .....through Christ.

    This is the great DECEPTION: No KNOWLEDGE of the WORKS of God.

    Hebrews 2:8 .....For now we see NOT YET all things put under him.

    Man's time table IS NOT God's timetable.

    Ephesians 2:7 That in the AGES TO COME .....

    Isaiah 11:9 ....for the earth shall be full of the KNOWLEDGE of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

    Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I PLEASE, and it shall prosper in the things whereto I SENT IT.

    1 Corinthians 15:28 And when all things (in the ages to come) have been subdued to him, then shall the Son also be subject unto him who put all things under him, that GOD may be ALL in ALL.

    God Bless ALL on our pilgrimage to TRUTH.
  • Our Father in Heaven and some Blood of Jesus scriptures - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Jesus always spoke of his Father in Heaven.

    Matthew 16:17

    And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in HEAVEN.

    [not in Rome]

    Matthew 23:9

    And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in HEAVEN.

    Mark 13:32

    But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

    Matthew 5:16

    Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father

    WHICH IS IN HEAVEN.

    Some Blood of Jesus scripture references:

    Hebrews 10:19 and 13:12; Ephesians 2:13

    1 John 1:7 and 1 John 5:6

    Matthew 16:17

    I do not want to offend. The Pope, nor any priest of the Catholic Church should be called Father.

    God is a consuming fire.

    As long as we keep those facts straight, we are ok. The council of Nicea, adopted the King James Bible for all faiths to use.

    The way things are going, in the World, now: is a good time to be following Jesus.

    Recently, the Pope went to Israel and counseled them to give the West Bank to the Palestinians.

    In the Book of Genesis, God made a Covenant through Abraham concerning the Lands of Israel; which includes Jerusalem. The Final wars of mankind will be over Who Owns Israel.

    If you don't have a Bible, there is a full Bible on this Website, plus Commentarie.
  • Ronnette - In Reply - 2 years ago
    You are welcome. Please allow me to make myself be clear. Please read the entire chapter of John 1. John1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. When you see capital letter "W" Word in the Bible it means Jesus Christ. John 1:14. The lower case "w" word means the Bible. You cannot come to God the Father but by Jesus Christ John 14:6-7; For through him (Jesus Christ) we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Ephesians 2:18; it is a mystery Colossians 2:2-3; God gave to Jesus everything we need to know Revelation 1:1. In conclusion, There is one God the Father, one God the Son the Lord Jesus Christ, and one God The Holy Spirit. Three persons if you will, manifested from ONE GOD. Thank you so much for your question, I know how hard it is to many people understanding this concept, for I now have to be careful explaining it to you as well. Very happy for the opportunity. Glory to God.

    More verses to prove Jesus is God. I will pray that you will be guided by the Holy Spirit in your journey to God. Agape.

    1 Corinthians 1:10

    Romans 16:25

    1 Corinthians 1:9

    2 Corinthians 8:6

    2 Corinthians 1:19

    2 Corinthians 4:6

    2 Corinthians 5:18

    2 Corinthians 13:14

    Ephesians 1:17

    Ephesians 3:9

    Philippians 2:11

    Revelation 1:5

    Revelation 1:9


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