The Sabbath Day was given specifically as a day of rest. There was no core requirement that it should also be a worship day, though the Jewish priests conducted their business continually throughout the week. So even now, if any desire to still abide by the fourth Commandment, then to give that seventh day entirely to rest, recuperation, & spiritual activities would be in order. But to insist that those who are In Christ must worship only on that day, goes against NT teaching; even as you quoted Mark 2:27, where Jesus was reprimanded for 'working' (i.e. picking ears of corn to satisfy hunger) on the Sabbath. Yes, by Law, Jesus broke that Commandment, but Jesus was showing to those Pharisees that the Sabbath observance must not interfere with a necessity of life (in this case, hunger). Why? The Sabbath was given for man's benefit (for rest & rejuvenation) and not the other way around (i.e. for man to have to suffer in hunger, thereby negating the complete rest that the Sabbath Day was meant to give him). And of course, through His Sacrifice, Jesus altogether removed the commandments that kept man bound in his sin, nailing them to the Cross ( Colossians 2:9-17). And if we still adhere to the Law, the apostle states that "we have fallen from grace" ( Galatians 5:4), for we simply cannot be justified through the Law and Grace - it is one or the other and to expect justification by the Law will not work before God.
I realize that I have written much but I really hope you might read these verses given and wait on God's Spirit to help you understand and appropriate these Truths in your heart. It won't be easy because of past recollections, but I pray that the Holy Spirit would help you understand the great significance of Christ's death for us, justifying by faith and not by to the Law, and even changing those apostles who once strongly held onto Jewish Laws and traditions, to wholly embrace Christ & obedience to His Law through the Spirit. Blessings.
In my last reply, which you made a reply to all, I mentioned one verse that Paul taught about the kingdom of God. We also see in Acts 19:8, Acts 20:25, Acts 28:23, Romans 14:17, 1 Corinthians 4:20, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Galatians 5:21, and Ephesians 5:5. I could list more.
As I mentioned earlier, I am not familiar with dispensationalism, a concept that didn't emerge until the 19th century. I also believe that the idea of the rapture of the Church isn't supported by Scripture. If you don't mind, what is the dispensationalist understanding of the kingdom of God? Is there no need for repentance and baptism? Will the Church be in heaven during the 1000 years?
Therefore, James 2:24, "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only", is not referencing anything to do with the Law, but that justification by faith would be spurious unless that faith produced resulting works. And James gives examples of such works: as in the treatment of impoverished believers, and of Abraham & Rahab, where in all cases the Law was absent but their works arose out of faith alone.
As James then summarizes, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also" ( James 2:26): that faith alone saves, but if works is absent from that faith, then that faith is dead. And this very thing Paul also writes about (in Galatians 5:6; Ephesians 2:8-10; Philippians 2:12); though I agree that both apostles were addressing different groups that needed to hear the message according to their understanding. Blessings.
But Paul goes on immediately in the next verse: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." ( Ephesians 2:10).
Works are not the root of salvation, but they are the fruit of salvation.
The Spirit of God produces love, service, and obedience in the believer's life ( Galatians 5:22-23; Titus 3:8).
Works are a demonstration of faith, not the basis of it.
The Right Perspective
Works should follow after salvation. But they do not secure salvation, nor do they keep it. They simply manifest the new life we already have in Christ ( 2 Corinthians 5:17).
We are not saved by good works, but we are saved unto good works.
"saved unto good works" is a short phrase with a lot of depth.
1. The Source of Salvation
When Paul says in Ephesians 2:8-9 that salvation is by grace through faith and not of works, he's setting the foundation:
We contribute nothing to earn salvation.
It's God's gift, given freely because of Christ's finished work on the cross.
2. The Purpose of Salvation
Right after that, Paul explains in Ephesians 2:10:
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
This means that once God saves us, He also equips us for a new kind of life - a life that reflects His grace, truth, and righteousness.
"Unto good works" means we are saved for the purpose of living out the good things God intended.
3. The Role of Good Works
Not the cause, but the result: Works don't save us, but they are the evidence that we are saved ( Romans 6:4; Titus 3:8).
Spirit-enabled, not self-made: The works are produced as the Spirit lives through us ( Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:13).
Witness to others: Good works demonstrate Christ's life in us to a watching world ( Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:15).
The last question, are we saved by grace alone or Grace plus works?
I haven't been able to read through your and Lbooth1955 postings thoroughly, maybe I will this weekend.
I'm not sure I have the context!
I believe you, myself, and Lbooth1955 agree that salvation is by Christ alone throughout all ages! That should have been clear.
As for Galatians 6:15-16 I'm pretty sure you have that wrong!
The context to the Galatians is Paul's defense against the Judaizers
Galatians 6:12-13.
It is not about Jesus being the promised Seed that we find in other passages of scripture.
He's following up on what he told them in the previous chapter.
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing..ect ect..
Galatians 5:1-7
Then he continues on in chapter 6:15-16.
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a NEW CREATURE.
And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy,
These are those IN CHRIST!
And then he says
and upon the Israel of God.
"AND UPON" the Israel of God.
This is a separate group.
Israel is never called a new creature!
Gigi even if this did refer to the Church it still doesn't annul the future Abrahamic/Davidic Kingdom promises given which is the context of this topic.
Christ being the promised Seed benefits all ages but it's not the context or topic at hand.
Also, Christ being the promised Seed is not the same thing in meaning as the covenant promises given to Abraham and David and later confirmed to Mary by Gabriel.
"He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Luke 1:32-33"
More perhaps later after I read through the thread.
Day 20 January 20,2025 Living in Freedom John 8:36 KJV West Angeles Church Los Angeles California Consecration Calendar
I Pray for deliverance from anything hinders walk with Christ.
John 8:36 KJV
My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY:
" Jesus Christ is Father and the Son same language you can understand is God for us to be heirs to all the world. To believe you can do and follow Jesus and become what your expected to be the truth of God Romans 8:2 KJV, 1 Corinthians 7:22 KJV. This is the life to live also exhibited. It is used in
discipleship- to show the Holy bible is life
saints/ citizens- free from sin Galatians 5:1 KJV, liability, set free from thraldom, ransom Mark 10:45 KJV, evil ,captivity of Satan.
Freedom from the laws, rules, thraldom that are not of God moral and obedience to it. You are titled to freedom to the house of God and his supper. A example of analogy used family of God Himself.
Ways you can be free from sin are to listen to God's voice and word to obey and follow " do it" (speaking, actions, attention of communications)
Examples of people in the holy bible that made themselves free in God you can read and follow are Romans 1:1, 2 Peter 1:1, Revelation 1:1 .
I appreciate what you've written here. It is very insightful, and I agree that the Apostle Paul never endorsed living a lifestyle of sin. Even though he preached grace, living a lifestyle of sin is not an option.
Paul's teachings consistently hold that grace is not a license for sin but the foundation for a transformed life in Christ. He declares that believers are justified by faith apart from works of the law ( Romans 3:28), yet he also emphasizes that those saved by grace are called to "walk worthy of the vocation" ( Ephesians 4:1). In Romans 6, he confronts the idea that grace allows sin, saying, "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid." Instead, he teaches that believers, having been identified with Christ's death and resurrection, should reckon themselves "dead to sin" and "alive unto God." Paul urges a life led by the Spirit rather than the flesh ( Galatians 5:16-25), contrasting works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. To the Corinthians, he stresses that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, not to be defiled by immorality. In Colossians and Ephesians, he calls for putting off the old man and putting on the new, shaped by love, holiness, and forgiveness. Paul never sets aside grace; instead, he frames it as the power that both saves and enables holy living. His letters reveal a consistent pattern: salvation is God's gift, but it should manifest in sanctification, where believers display Christ's character in daily conduct. Thus, Paul harmonizes justification by faith with the call to a Spirit-led, disciplined, and godly lifestyle.
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
The concept of Predestination places the initial work of salvation as a time when repentance is granted ( 2 Tim. 2:25 and several other passages); which is followed by sanctification. Some have said (in rather bad language form) that our "wanter" is changed.
The idea is that our desires IF saved become His desires; thus the struggle begins between the Spirit and the flesh.
Galatians 5:17-25
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
We also read in Ephesians 4:30
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Again; I know this is a repeated theme on my part but we can't be grieving something we don't have; so that if there isn't a continuing process and desire to repent and change then sanctification is at question and we need to test ourselves to see if we are in the faith ( 2 Cor. 13:5).
It seems as though Paul was being a little sarcastic. That's what I like about Paul. He doesn't hold back!
In Galatians 5:1-12, Paul is giving instruction concerning the legalists. The legalists were teaching that faith alone in Christ was not enough for salvation, that you also had to be circumcised.
In Acts Chapter 15, when the Jerusalem council got together, they were debating whether the Gentiles should have to live under the law. But Paul says in Galatians 2:19, for I through the law died to the law, that I might live unto God.
But these legalists were saying that a person must keep the law in order to be saved, and that they must be circumcised. This was their way of proving your spirituality. In the first 12 verses of Galatians Chapter 5, Paul is talking to the Galatians about these legalists.
In Galatians 5:2-4, he says, "Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace."
What's interesting is in Verse 11, Paul is calling them brethren. He says if I yet preach circumcision (because there were some that said Paul preaches circumcision), why do I suffer persecution? Why are the people who preach circumcision, why are they persecuting me? Then is the offence of the cross ceased. If Paul preached circumcision and not Christ, then there would be no offence of the cross. But now he's being persecuted.
Verse 12 which you mentioned, he says I would they were even cut off which trouble you. Paul says if circumcision carries any spiritual weight (which was the legalist way of thinking), maybe they ought to be castrated, a very sarcastic "dig" by Paul about the mutilation of the flesh!
If they want to be spiritual, let them be castrated. I wish they were cut off. And that's exactly what it means.
A funny moment in the Bible, I was trying not to think about the conflicts that were happening at the time and that were being discussed and what we could do, and I ask God to help us in all matters, that we continue to study new and old technologies (Pray for those who long for the rapture). May we continue to study the stars as well to recognize patterns and may we follow Jesus Christ steadfastly, because it seems to me that there is much to be said and to happen. Then, when I came across ( Galatians 5:12) "I wish those who are troubling you would mutilate themselves." Was Paul clearly out of patience that day? I interpreted that phrase as ironic. I don't know if I'm slow.
Paul never teaches that believers in the Body of Christ can lose salvation, though some verses are misread that way. For example, 1 Corinthians 9:27 warns of being a "castaway," but Paul is referring to disqualification from reward or service, not loss of eternal life. In Galatians 5:4, "fallen from grace" means leaving the principle of grace for law-keeping, not forfeiting salvation. 2 Corinthians 13:5 calls for self-examination of genuine faith, not teaching that salvation can be undone. Likewise, Colossians 1:23 emphasizes perseverance as evidence of true faith.
In contrast, Paul repeatedly assures believers of eternal security. Romans 8:38-39 declares that nothing can separate us from Christ's love. Ephesians 1:13-14 teaches that believers are sealed with the Spirit until redemption. Philippians 1:6 promises that God will complete His saving work. 2 Timothy 1:12 affirms Christ's power to keep what is entrusted to Him. Romans 11:29 states that God's gifts and calling are without repentance.
Thus, the "warning" passages deal with reward, service, and testimony, while Paul's consistent teaching is that salvation itself is secure in Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:18-19 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
You might think I'm crazy but Bennymkje defines a great subject matter.
A person can't help but be true to who they are and they wax worse and worse.
He has hatred towards the Brotherhood.
Bennymkje exemplifies what we see in Galatians 5:19-21.
What you believe in your heart shapes you!
We're Identified by that.
You shall know them by their fruits!
I remember the first conversation he and I ever had. He wanted to correct me on something I said and I didn't reply to his rebuttal but instead I asked him what is his take on the doctrine of salvation, he proudly said look at some of his writings and I would see the fruit of his labor.
I told him I've tried reading some of his material but he doesn't stick to a subject matter and I'm not interested.
He replied "He does what the Spirit tells him to do and that's my lost.
Then came the little digs!
I told him I don't believe in his way of interpreting scripture spiritualizing all the text.
I haven't read anything else he has written and not a bit curious.
He's hated me ever since!
But he can be useful in manifesting his brother's and sisters.
You mention that you should have included that if you continue to abide in Christ as in John 15:6-7, then you are secure. Well, if I may share with you some good news, you and I will continue to abide in Christ and Christ will continue to abide in us.
I'm not sure if you recall me mentioning quite some time ago that John Chapter 15 is my favorite chapter in the entire bible. I have been blessed by studying Jesus' teaching of the genuine vine and the branches. There's a special Greek word in this chapter that is also found throughout the NT.
The word is MENO which means to abide, dwell, remain, or stay. This word denotes permanency. It is a word that is used to describe our relationship with Christ. We abide/MENO in Christ, and Christ abides/MENO in us, continuously and permanently.
I believe the same as you that one who continues to abide in Christ is a true believer because a true believer continuously abides in Christ. As far as walking in the Spirit, Galatians 5:25 says, "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."
If we live in the Spirit, we should also be walking in the Spirit. What this is saying is that if we're saved, if we have Christ's Spirit in us, then we should also be walking in the Spirit. This is not encouraging those of us who are saved to do it. What this is saying is that if we live in the Spirit, then we should be walking in the Spirit.
The person you've described fits the description of someone who is more than likely unsaved. A person who has been born of God's Spirit no longer lives a continuous lifestyle of sin. They may still commit single acts of sin, but they no longer habitually sin because they are now being energized by God's Spirit.
1 John 3:4 tells us that "Everyone who is practicing the sin, also is practicing the lawlessness." This is the literal translation from the Greek text. "Practicing" is the translation of the present participle which denotes a lifestyle or continuous, ongoing condition. In the second clause, the present indicative verb is translated "is practicing" which also represents a present, ongoing condition.
Both the word for sin and for lawlessness have the definite article "the" representing the principle of sin which is explained in 1 John 3:8 which says, "The devil is sinning from the beginning." The devil is the sinner who energizes people to sin, and we find this in Ephesians 2:1-3.
A person who does not know Christ habitually lives a life of sin because he/she is being energized by the spirit of the devil to fulfill the desires of the flesh and of the mind.
When the Spirit of Christ comes into a person's spirit, the spirit of the devil can no longer cause that person to continuously sin against God. The Seed (Life of God), living inside of the believer prevents the believer from continually and habitually sinning against God.
Paul says in Galatians 5:17 that "The flesh fights against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh so that you cannot do the things that you wish." That is a powerful verse, and it tells us that the Holy Spirit dwelling within prevents a true born-again believer from doing the things that they desire to do - habitually.
Again, it is doubtful that this person is saved. If they were saved, they would not be living the lifestyle you have described.
So Jesus' death at Calvary would have both a retrospective application (looking back to those awaiting Him), and a prospective application (to those at Jesus' death & resurrection & beyond) - and we stand only by FAITH & not by the Law or of any works we do. I realize that I've repeated some things here (from my previous post), but I hope that I've shown that any disobedience to the Laws given to Israel would have meant punishment or death, but the Law itself could not be used to send men to hell, for then none could ever be saved from it. That the need to cleave to the LORD God & His Word/Promises demonstrated that man's hope did not rest in the Law but by faith alone, trusting in Who God is & in obeying Him. "God having provided some better thing for us (Christians), that they (Israel who waited for this hope from God) without us should not be made perfect (saved/redeemed)" ( Hebrews 11:40). And we who now live & walk in the Holy Spirit are not under the demands (i.e. certain eternal death) that the Law guarantees ( Galatians 5:18).
1. (Earthly Punishment vs Divine Punishment). I think the best way to undergird my response to this is to say, that the punishment meted out by earthly judges pertains only to evident sins (crimes against humanity); that they cannot deal with the condition and intents of the human heart (whether harboring evil thoughts or planning for future evil acts). Whereas, the punishment given by the LORD God, the Righteous Judge, is based purely on our heart's condition & our responses to Him & to His Salvation. Of course, to the truly penitent sinner who has committed a crime, he needs to make restitution if possible (which shows his real heart condition for what he has done) as well as to serve his time (incarceration/other penalty). He might have done all this & be released from his penalty, but still remains under sin's penalty before God, simply because he is a sinner in need of a true, eternal salvation. Cont'd in Page 3.
"Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."
Proverbs 16:9 A man's heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
There is someone who I know professionally who I cannot go beyond the bounds of that who I have in mind writing this post. As I have prayed for her she has split up with her boyfriend where she was likely compromising which is an answered prayer. I am hoping she decides to attend church once again as the enemy would see fit for that not to happen. I will keep her name anonymous but I see great potential as she is a very loving person and since her desire is to see family members saved as I do I believe she is a true Christian. Due to death she has lost much of her immediate family.
Keeping in mind Jeremiah 17:9 we understand that our hearts are desperately wicked apart from His saving grace. Now; our affections are caught between the flesh and the Spirit. "For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh." ( Galatians 5:17; but another version).
This verse shows that we can't just live in a vacuum shutting down the flesh but the Spirit must be in control of all things in our hearts. Fellowship of the saints is a healthy thing for a believer IF it is truly that and not something abandoning scriptural protocols and doctrines. One of the pinnacles of this is suffering as a Body of believers. Being insulated from such in our nation we have a few examples of those suffering being a witness for Christ but to find the majority of a local fellowship engaged with the struggle of the Great Commission is also rare. Usually with today's demographics the biggest issue is elderly individuals with physical ailments and it is certainly commendable for those that step up to assist. True religion is helping the orphans and widows ( James 1:27); which I can say our church is doing to some extent.
But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. ( James 1:14-15).
If ye love me, keep my commandments. ( John 14:15).
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. ( Galatians 5:22-23).
Sin is sin and it's end is basically the same. There are different reasons for our actions; and the intent of the heart is always factored in to any actions man does; whether outwardly good or bad. Trusting the Lord is a key issue as well; whether say a man falls into sin through sexual sin for physical gratification primarily and a woman for emotional security; both are trying to bring an end through a means that is displeasing to God.
The world; of course sends us constant signals that immediate gratification is of paramount importance. The fruits of that are obvious; broken families; poor health; greed; covetousness and all the other sins indicated as warnings to us of those who will NOT enter the Kingdom of heaven if they make that their lifestyle. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. ( 1 Corinthians 6:10-11).
One thing which needs to be admonished is that the very real joy in the Spirit that is produced by those pleasing God is not to be sought out in order to enhance an emotional experience as it regards the opposite sex. The only means to that is a legitimate marriage covenant; and that by default negates facilitating anything outside of God's boundaries including another man's wife. We are not to jump the gun either by pursuing actions ahead of legitimate marriage also
Both in this list, and the one in 1 John Chapter 4, it tells us that love is the most spiritually mature stage and process a person can be in. AGAPE is not something a human being can produce. Galatians 5:22 tells us that AGAPE love is produced by the Holy Spirit. It's the same love that God loved us with.
In fact, 1 John Chapter 4 tells us that God is love. Love is His nature, His quality. And He is concerned about our spiritual welfare, so He sent His Son to die for us. When you reach AGAPE love as a mature point in your walk with the Lord, it means by now you've lost everything. Now it's whatever the Lord wants, and whatever I can do for my brothers and sisters in Christ. But what about what I want? Eventually I have to come to the point to where I have no agenda, I'm not going anywhere, I don't have to be anywhere, so that God's AGAPE love can influence my life!
Now in Verses 8 through 11, we have the participation in the entrance to heaven. There are some who might not know what the bible teaches about entrance into heaven for the believer. Both Peter and Paul taught this. Paul taught it more extensively as we'll see here in a moment. But there will be a difference in heaven among Christians. Spiritually, we will all have a spiritual body, and we will all be the same, but we will be different in development.
Over the years we have had several people come on the site with various techniques and beliefs in spiritualizing all the scripture so Bennymkje way of deception is not anything new.
I've also encountered people off site.
This is not your mere misinterpretation of the word of God or lack of understanding.
This is demonic!
Anyone who does this and attacks the body of Christ is not a sheep.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A CHRISTIAN TEACHER.
AGAPE, patience, humility, and a passion for helping students learn and grow, both academically and spiritually.
IT'S CALLED FRUIT.
You can't generate this on your own.
You have to be led by the Spirit.
You may come across false teachers that will try to mimic these traits to try to deceive the simple.
Here's why that's coveted by them.
Galatians 5:22-25
Here is what's in them. Galatians 5:19-21.
Sometimes we as Christians feed others egos with encouragement even though we don't mean it, even if we're not being honest.
I don't agree with that. A lie doesn't help anyone
I believe we should encourage one another in keeping the truth.
That often leads to disagreement and contention, hopefully it leads to repentance.
Back to fruit barring.
Matthew 7:15-18 reads.
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Have you notice this doesn't say you tell a false teacher by what or how he is teaching?
You tell by what's inside them! Works of the flesh not "THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT!
It's not their material! It's what possesses them!
God can use a donkey to deliver his word but you won't follow him if he kicks you.
More on the issues of not taking the Scripture seriously later.
8 Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.
9Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.
This verse gives us two interesting insights; the first in verse 8 which we also see mentioned in the New Testament in Revelation as well as other places such as Isaiah in the Old Testament. We are also reminded of Ephesians 5:27 on unspotted and unwrinkled garments of purity.
Verse 9 is interesting in light of Solomon's vast array of wives and concubines. There is some uncertainty apparently in different articles regarding who Solomon's first wife was. At this stage in life perhaps he realized it would have been better not to stray from the covenant that God had intended originally in regard to that subject.
Moving along we see the general sentiment in verse 13 regarding death coming suddenly without warning to everyone. Verses 14-17 talk about the virtue of wisdom in securing a city but how such is forgotten in time; and verse 18 concludes that
"Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good." This shows how; in terms similar to Galatians 5:9 a "little leaven leaveneth the whole lump."
Ecclesiastes 10
The somber tone of the book isn't seen this chapter; and many adages about not being foolish in particular and several other subject matters are covered. Proper etiquette toward kings and rulers is shown in verse 4; which reminds us of Esther with the King and David appealing to the King for more time when Nebuchadnezzar was ready to kill him along with all of his magicians when some couldn't interpret his dream. ( Daniel 2:16). The last verse reads Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice-wisely put.
Picking up where I left on faith, in Galatians 5:22, when talking about the fruit (not fruits), there's a singular fruit of God's Spirit that is made up of many parts. In other words, none of these can be separated from the others. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, and notice, faith. Faith is the production of the Spirit of God, not of man.
1 Corinthians Chapter 12:9, in the explanation of the gifts of the Spirit, Paul says that faith is given by the same Spirit, and to another, gifts of healing by the same Spirit. He's presenting the fact that God's Spirit gives faith to people.
In Romans Chapter 12, Paul says to go according to the measure of faith that God gives to you. In the early church, the problem was going beyond what God wanted to do. It wasn't a lack of faith. It was going beyond faith. God gives us the faith, the persuasion, His presence, His leading, His provision, when God wants us to do something.
Also, in Revelation 2:13, this is the Lord speaking to Pergamos, He says I know your works, and where you dwell, even where Satan's seat is: and you hast not denied my faith. That's Jesus speaking. He says you have not denied (my) faith. It's the Lord's faith. He says even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells.
And so, they did not reject the faith of Christ. When Christ's Spirit came to them, and was persuading them to trust the Lord, even in the midst of some of them even dying, they didn't reject the persuasion of God's Spirit to trust the Lord. And they received God's provision to trust Him.
now that i "know" christ's love Ephesians 2:19 Corinthians 3:4-7 and the whole book of Colossians
Shall we analyse?
Remember the song
Christ is the portrait of God - Colossians 1:15
Before he was born
He did justice and in himself he died
Supremacy and thrones are
They are yours - Colossians 1: 16-17
And that thread that broke
From my soul to God - Colossians 1:21
The holy blood sewed
Christ and his lines of love - Colossians 1: 20
And now a man made I
Can in man see God
Have peace, live, walk and be
Made me a friend in his pouring out - John 15:15
When we were targets of God's wrath now we have Peace with God - Romans 5:1
I have a doubt that you probably theologians (formal or deep self-taught), show me if there is something I missed.
to go to church or not to go to church?
1 Thessalonians 5:11, 1 Peter 4:9, Psalms 133:1-3, Galatians 5:13. all these chapters do not speak of the church that is of my generation, Hebrews 10:24-25 this verse speaks of the mutual congregation.
continuing Romans 12:10, Ephesians 4:32, Acts 2:41-47, 1 John 1:6-7, 2 Corinthians 13:11, 1 Peter 1:22, Colossians 3:16, Philippians 2:1-2, John 13:34, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Psalm 55:14. I keep reading and re-reading Romans 12 and I wonder if it's in everyday life or gathered with the church.
In the King James Bible, the word love is mentioned over 300 times. There are two types of love, human love (PHILEO) and Godly love (AGAPE). Human love is a type of love that is expressed by both believers and non-believers. Godly love can only be expressed by believers. This type of love in the bible is called AGAPE love, and it is a fruit of God's Spirit, meaning it is produced by God ( Galatians 5:22).
A person who has been born of God's Spirit expresses Godly love (AGAPE) because His Spirit in them produces this type of love. A human being cannot produce this type of love.
We also know from 1 John 4:8 that love is a person, and that person is God. AGAPE is a noun that is strictly associated with God Himself. He is love!
We see in the bible ( Matthew 22:37) where is says love the Lord thy God., and love thy neighbor, and this is the word AGAPE, not PHILEO, meaning it is not human love. The only way we are able to love the Lord thy God, and love our neighbor is if we have God's Spirit in us. He gives us the ability and capacity to do so. This type of love also causes us to have a deep concern for the spiritual wellbeing of others.
Titus 3:1 - Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
He starts out with a command. He says put them in mind. This is what is called a Present Imperative. And it's the word remembrance. What that means is he's telling and commanding Titus to continually put them in remembrance of these things.
So, this is not a one-time thing just to say we got this letter from Paul, and then they go file it. He says you Titus, you continually put them in remembrance of these things, the seven things or characteristics of the new life.
First, it says to be subject, and the word is submission, to be subject to rulers and authorities. That's the literal translation. That parallels Romans Chapter 13 Verses 1 through 7, where Paul talked about be submissive to your government, to the officials. Submission means to line up with the Lord with other people, to be in submission, or to be in an orderly arrangement.
And then to be ready to every good work, and he's mentioning the word AGATHOS which is a spiritual good. The word for human good is KALOS. Spiritual good is AGATHOS. In fact, this word AGATHOS, its root word is found in Galatians 5:22 as a fruit of God's Spirit.
So, we have to know that when it says be ready to do good works, what kind are we talking about, KALOS or AGATHOS? That's very important. The good here is AGATHOS, the good work of God. Be ready to function with the Lord and be used of the Lord for His work and be in submission to the authorities here on the earth so that you can carry out your life.
Titus 1:8 - But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
So, we just had five negatives in Verse 7, and in Verse 8, we have some positives.
But a lover of hospitality, meaning hospitable. The Greek word is literally a lover of strangers. Christians, as they pass through town would seek other believers to stay in their homes. And that's what it means to be hospitable to strangers.
A lover of good men, and the word good here is AGATHOS, which is spiritual good.
To be sober, no influence, and in fact, the Greek word is sober minded. Your mind can be influenced by various thoughts and issues of life and can cloud your thinking and your judgment and your decision making, just like alcohol can take over your system. The influence of thoughts are not to be part of the thinking process of the leader.
He must be just, or righteous. That means to be right with God.
He must be holy. This means pure.
He must be temperate; which means self-controlled. Only this Greek word has to do with being controlled from the inside by an outside force. Galatians 5:22 says that the Holy Spirit controls the believer. He is to be controlled on the inside by an outside force. And of course that's a reference to God's Spirit.
Titus 1:9 - Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. Gainsayers is to speak against the word.
Titus 1:10 - For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:
For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, meaning the Jews: There were even Hebrew Jewish people coming in and telling the believers that they must live by the law, even in the island of Crete.
The only way to be safe by the evil spirits, we need to read and pray continually everyday for God to speak to us . The devil will tempt our spirit and then we could sin in our flesh.
Galatians 5:18-21
18But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
It is easy for the devil to use man to deceive us with all the worldly things .
Colossians 2:8
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of theworld, and not after Christ.
A rich Christian can fall very easily.
1 Timothy 6:17
Charge them that are rich in thisworld, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
Apostle Paul said that Demas loved this world and departed , but still saved .
2 Timothy 4:10
For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this presentworld, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
Drinking alcohol can put us in a bad spirit of this world.
Titus 2:12
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness andworldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this presentworld;
The Christians get the benefit from the Abraham's God, Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:17
And if children, thenheirs;heirsof God, and joint-heirswith Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
If it wasn't for the gospel of grace in Christ Jesus, the woman would not have the freedom liberty that they have now.
Galatians 5:1
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
We are Adopted into the family of God because of Abraham's faith and we are bless to receive what comes out of it. America is the strongest nation in the world for it.
Galatians 3:29
And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, andheirsaccording to the promise.
Now we have the gospel of grace that is simple to receive with no works, it's a gift from God in Heaven.
Romans 6:23
For thewagesofsinis death; but the giftofGod is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Apostle Paul is telling us that the Ten Commandments does not save us, It condemns us .
2 Corinthians 3:7
But if theministrationof death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
The law brings us to death.
Romans 7:5
For when we were intheflesh,themotionsofsins, which were bythelaw, did work in our members to bring forthfruitunto death.
We are not saved by following the Ten Commandments, we are saved by believing the gospel of grace.
Galatians 2:16
Knowing that a man is not justified bytheworksofthelaw, but bythefaithofJesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified bythefaithofChrist, and not bytheworksofthelaw: for bytheworksofthelaw shall nofleshbe justified.
Apostle Paul is telling us not to sin in the flesh and is call out the sin in the flesh.
Galatians 5:19-23
19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
No man on earth can follow all of the Ten Commandments, that's why Jesus Christ nail it on the cross.
Colossians 2:14
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way,nailing it to his cross
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the Holy Spirit keeps us from sinning and the Word of God cleanses us from sin.
Christ in you. Our character.
It should represent Galatians 5:22-23.
(Without acting!)
If Christ is in you he's producing this fruit!
He's drawing people to himself.
If it's an action of a Hypocrite it's a lusty attempt to draw people to you!
However if it is Christ inspired you and people is drawn to you and a door opens for you to sow seeds you hope it falls on good ground!
You may not be there to see it increase and initially you may be spoken of as evil from a non-believer.
Often that is what being "Christ like" looks like.
Persecution!
I have a great relationship throughout the community, My Job, My Church I attend!
Everyone that knows me Know that I am a Christian and they respect me and many seems to want to hear me preach.
I have more issues with the proud or false Christian than I do with the sinners.
I believe I am blessed with a good judgment of character.
Often a person live out there beliefs.
You see it in the prosperity gospel. (A fleshly, lusty person)
You can see it in a prideful Christian or a Hypocrite.
They can not present humility!
They blend in well but If you let them speak on the word of God you will see what's in their belly!
This sounds harsh but it's true!
Stand strong in the Lord.
Blessings.
The Sabbath Day was given specifically as a day of rest. There was no core requirement that it should also be a worship day, though the Jewish priests conducted their business continually throughout the week. So even now, if any desire to still abide by the fourth Commandment, then to give that seventh day entirely to rest, recuperation, & spiritual activities would be in order. But to insist that those who are In Christ must worship only on that day, goes against NT teaching; even as you quoted Mark 2:27, where Jesus was reprimanded for 'working' (i.e. picking ears of corn to satisfy hunger) on the Sabbath. Yes, by Law, Jesus broke that Commandment, but Jesus was showing to those Pharisees that the Sabbath observance must not interfere with a necessity of life (in this case, hunger). Why? The Sabbath was given for man's benefit (for rest & rejuvenation) and not the other way around (i.e. for man to have to suffer in hunger, thereby negating the complete rest that the Sabbath Day was meant to give him). And of course, through His Sacrifice, Jesus altogether removed the commandments that kept man bound in his sin, nailing them to the Cross ( Colossians 2:9-17). And if we still adhere to the Law, the apostle states that "we have fallen from grace" ( Galatians 5:4), for we simply cannot be justified through the Law and Grace - it is one or the other and to expect justification by the Law will not work before God.
I realize that I have written much but I really hope you might read these verses given and wait on God's Spirit to help you understand and appropriate these Truths in your heart. It won't be easy because of past recollections, but I pray that the Holy Spirit would help you understand the great significance of Christ's death for us, justifying by faith and not by to the Law, and even changing those apostles who once strongly held onto Jewish Laws and traditions, to wholly embrace Christ & obedience to His Law through the Spirit. Blessings.
In my last reply, which you made a reply to all, I mentioned one verse that Paul taught about the kingdom of God. We also see in Acts 19:8, Acts 20:25, Acts 28:23, Romans 14:17, 1 Corinthians 4:20, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Galatians 5:21, and Ephesians 5:5. I could list more.
As I mentioned earlier, I am not familiar with dispensationalism, a concept that didn't emerge until the 19th century. I also believe that the idea of the rapture of the Church isn't supported by Scripture. If you don't mind, what is the dispensationalist understanding of the kingdom of God? Is there no need for repentance and baptism? Will the Church be in heaven during the 1000 years?
I am only trying to understand.
God bless,
RLW
Therefore, James 2:24, "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only", is not referencing anything to do with the Law, but that justification by faith would be spurious unless that faith produced resulting works. And James gives examples of such works: as in the treatment of impoverished believers, and of Abraham & Rahab, where in all cases the Law was absent but their works arose out of faith alone.
As James then summarizes, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also" ( James 2:26): that faith alone saves, but if works is absent from that faith, then that faith is dead. And this very thing Paul also writes about (in Galatians 5:6; Ephesians 2:8-10; Philippians 2:12); though I agree that both apostles were addressing different groups that needed to hear the message according to their understanding. Blessings.
Works Come After Salvation
But Paul goes on immediately in the next verse: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." ( Ephesians 2:10).
Works are not the root of salvation, but they are the fruit of salvation.
The Spirit of God produces love, service, and obedience in the believer's life ( Galatians 5:22-23; Titus 3:8).
Works are a demonstration of faith, not the basis of it.
The Right Perspective
Works should follow after salvation. But they do not secure salvation, nor do they keep it. They simply manifest the new life we already have in Christ ( 2 Corinthians 5:17).
We are not saved by good works, but we are saved unto good works.
"saved unto good works" is a short phrase with a lot of depth.
1. The Source of Salvation
When Paul says in Ephesians 2:8-9 that salvation is by grace through faith and not of works, he's setting the foundation:
We contribute nothing to earn salvation.
It's God's gift, given freely because of Christ's finished work on the cross.
2. The Purpose of Salvation
Right after that, Paul explains in Ephesians 2:10:
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
This means that once God saves us, He also equips us for a new kind of life - a life that reflects His grace, truth, and righteousness.
"Unto good works" means we are saved for the purpose of living out the good things God intended.
3. The Role of Good Works
Not the cause, but the result: Works don't save us, but they are the evidence that we are saved ( Romans 6:4; Titus 3:8).
Spirit-enabled, not self-made: The works are produced as the Spirit lives through us ( Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:13).
Witness to others: Good works demonstrate Christ's life in us to a watching world ( Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:15).
The last question, are we saved by grace alone or Grace plus works?
G&P
Thanks for responding.
I haven't been able to read through your and Lbooth1955 postings thoroughly, maybe I will this weekend.
I'm not sure I have the context!
I believe you, myself, and Lbooth1955 agree that salvation is by Christ alone throughout all ages! That should have been clear.
As for Galatians 6:15-16 I'm pretty sure you have that wrong!
The context to the Galatians is Paul's defense against the Judaizers
Galatians 6:12-13.
It is not about Jesus being the promised Seed that we find in other passages of scripture.
He's following up on what he told them in the previous chapter.
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing..ect ect..
Galatians 5:1-7
Then he continues on in chapter 6:15-16.
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a NEW CREATURE.
And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy,
These are those IN CHRIST!
And then he says
and upon the Israel of God.
"AND UPON" the Israel of God.
This is a separate group.
Israel is never called a new creature!
Gigi even if this did refer to the Church it still doesn't annul the future Abrahamic/Davidic Kingdom promises given which is the context of this topic.
Christ being the promised Seed benefits all ages but it's not the context or topic at hand.
Also, Christ being the promised Seed is not the same thing in meaning as the covenant promises given to Abraham and David and later confirmed to Mary by Gabriel.
"He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Luke 1:32-33"
More perhaps later after I read through the thread.
Blessings.
I Pray for deliverance from anything hinders walk with Christ.
John 8:36 KJV
My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY:
" Jesus Christ is Father and the Son same language you can understand is God for us to be heirs to all the world. To believe you can do and follow Jesus and become what your expected to be the truth of God Romans 8:2 KJV, 1 Corinthians 7:22 KJV. This is the life to live also exhibited. It is used in
discipleship- to show the Holy bible is life
saints/ citizens- free from sin Galatians 5:1 KJV, liability, set free from thraldom, ransom Mark 10:45 KJV, evil ,captivity of Satan.
Freedom from the laws, rules, thraldom that are not of God moral and obedience to it. You are titled to freedom to the house of God and his supper. A example of analogy used family of God Himself.
Ways you can be free from sin are to listen to God's voice and word to obey and follow " do it" (speaking, actions, attention of communications)
Examples of people in the holy bible that made themselves free in God you can read and follow are Romans 1:1, 2 Peter 1:1, Revelation 1:1 .
Word Spoken and Written by
REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
I appreciate what you've written here. It is very insightful, and I agree that the Apostle Paul never endorsed living a lifestyle of sin. Even though he preached grace, living a lifestyle of sin is not an option.
Paul's teachings consistently hold that grace is not a license for sin but the foundation for a transformed life in Christ. He declares that believers are justified by faith apart from works of the law ( Romans 3:28), yet he also emphasizes that those saved by grace are called to "walk worthy of the vocation" ( Ephesians 4:1). In Romans 6, he confronts the idea that grace allows sin, saying, "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid." Instead, he teaches that believers, having been identified with Christ's death and resurrection, should reckon themselves "dead to sin" and "alive unto God." Paul urges a life led by the Spirit rather than the flesh ( Galatians 5:16-25), contrasting works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. To the Corinthians, he stresses that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, not to be defiled by immorality. In Colossians and Ephesians, he calls for putting off the old man and putting on the new, shaped by love, holiness, and forgiveness. Paul never sets aside grace; instead, he frames it as the power that both saves and enables holy living. His letters reveal a consistent pattern: salvation is God's gift, but it should manifest in sanctification, where believers display Christ's character in daily conduct. Thus, Paul harmonizes justification by faith with the call to a Spirit-led, disciplined, and godly lifestyle.
Grace and Peace.
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
The concept of Predestination places the initial work of salvation as a time when repentance is granted ( 2 Tim. 2:25 and several other passages); which is followed by sanctification. Some have said (in rather bad language form) that our "wanter" is changed.
The idea is that our desires IF saved become His desires; thus the struggle begins between the Spirit and the flesh.
Galatians 5:17-25
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
We also read in Ephesians 4:30
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Again; I know this is a repeated theme on my part but we can't be grieving something we don't have; so that if there isn't a continuing process and desire to repent and change then sanctification is at question and we need to test ourselves to see if we are in the faith ( 2 Cor. 13:5).
It's off to work I go.
Agape; RIch p
It seems as though Paul was being a little sarcastic. That's what I like about Paul. He doesn't hold back!
In Galatians 5:1-12, Paul is giving instruction concerning the legalists. The legalists were teaching that faith alone in Christ was not enough for salvation, that you also had to be circumcised.
In Acts Chapter 15, when the Jerusalem council got together, they were debating whether the Gentiles should have to live under the law. But Paul says in Galatians 2:19, for I through the law died to the law, that I might live unto God.
But these legalists were saying that a person must keep the law in order to be saved, and that they must be circumcised. This was their way of proving your spirituality. In the first 12 verses of Galatians Chapter 5, Paul is talking to the Galatians about these legalists.
In Galatians 5:2-4, he says, "Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace."
What's interesting is in Verse 11, Paul is calling them brethren. He says if I yet preach circumcision (because there were some that said Paul preaches circumcision), why do I suffer persecution? Why are the people who preach circumcision, why are they persecuting me? Then is the offence of the cross ceased. If Paul preached circumcision and not Christ, then there would be no offence of the cross. But now he's being persecuted.
Verse 12 which you mentioned, he says I would they were even cut off which trouble you. Paul says if circumcision carries any spiritual weight (which was the legalist way of thinking), maybe they ought to be castrated, a very sarcastic "dig" by Paul about the mutilation of the flesh!
If they want to be spiritual, let them be castrated. I wish they were cut off. And that's exactly what it means.
God Bless!!!
Beautifully written, thanks.
I think we're pretty close with this one...
Here's my take!
Paul never teaches that believers in the Body of Christ can lose salvation, though some verses are misread that way. For example, 1 Corinthians 9:27 warns of being a "castaway," but Paul is referring to disqualification from reward or service, not loss of eternal life. In Galatians 5:4, "fallen from grace" means leaving the principle of grace for law-keeping, not forfeiting salvation. 2 Corinthians 13:5 calls for self-examination of genuine faith, not teaching that salvation can be undone. Likewise, Colossians 1:23 emphasizes perseverance as evidence of true faith.
In contrast, Paul repeatedly assures believers of eternal security. Romans 8:38-39 declares that nothing can separate us from Christ's love. Ephesians 1:13-14 teaches that believers are sealed with the Spirit until redemption. Philippians 1:6 promises that God will complete His saving work. 2 Timothy 1:12 affirms Christ's power to keep what is entrusted to Him. Romans 11:29 states that God's gifts and calling are without repentance.
Thus, the "warning" passages deal with reward, service, and testimony, while Paul's consistent teaching is that salvation itself is secure in Christ.
God Bless.
I remember you taught from this scripture.
1 Corinthians 11:18-19 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
You might think I'm crazy but Bennymkje defines a great subject matter.
A person can't help but be true to who they are and they wax worse and worse.
He has hatred towards the Brotherhood.
Bennymkje exemplifies what we see in Galatians 5:19-21.
What you believe in your heart shapes you!
We're Identified by that.
You shall know them by their fruits!
I remember the first conversation he and I ever had. He wanted to correct me on something I said and I didn't reply to his rebuttal but instead I asked him what is his take on the doctrine of salvation, he proudly said look at some of his writings and I would see the fruit of his labor.
I told him I've tried reading some of his material but he doesn't stick to a subject matter and I'm not interested.
He replied "He does what the Spirit tells him to do and that's my lost.
Then came the little digs!
I told him I don't believe in his way of interpreting scripture spiritualizing all the text.
I haven't read anything else he has written and not a bit curious.
He's hated me ever since!
But he can be useful in manifesting his brother's and sisters.
Blessings.
(Part 1):
You mention that you should have included that if you continue to abide in Christ as in John 15:6-7, then you are secure. Well, if I may share with you some good news, you and I will continue to abide in Christ and Christ will continue to abide in us.
I'm not sure if you recall me mentioning quite some time ago that John Chapter 15 is my favorite chapter in the entire bible. I have been blessed by studying Jesus' teaching of the genuine vine and the branches. There's a special Greek word in this chapter that is also found throughout the NT.
The word is MENO which means to abide, dwell, remain, or stay. This word denotes permanency. It is a word that is used to describe our relationship with Christ. We abide/MENO in Christ, and Christ abides/MENO in us, continuously and permanently.
I believe the same as you that one who continues to abide in Christ is a true believer because a true believer continuously abides in Christ. As far as walking in the Spirit, Galatians 5:25 says, "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."
If we live in the Spirit, we should also be walking in the Spirit. What this is saying is that if we're saved, if we have Christ's Spirit in us, then we should also be walking in the Spirit. This is not encouraging those of us who are saved to do it. What this is saying is that if we live in the Spirit, then we should be walking in the Spirit.
The person you've described fits the description of someone who is more than likely unsaved. A person who has been born of God's Spirit no longer lives a continuous lifestyle of sin. They may still commit single acts of sin, but they no longer habitually sin because they are now being energized by God's Spirit.
1 John 3:4 tells us that "Everyone who is practicing the sin, also is practicing the lawlessness." This is the literal translation from the Greek text. "Practicing" is the translation of the present participle which denotes a lifestyle or continuous, ongoing condition. In the second clause, the present indicative verb is translated "is practicing" which also represents a present, ongoing condition.
Both the word for sin and for lawlessness have the definite article "the" representing the principle of sin which is explained in 1 John 3:8 which says, "The devil is sinning from the beginning." The devil is the sinner who energizes people to sin, and we find this in Ephesians 2:1-3.
A person who does not know Christ habitually lives a life of sin because he/she is being energized by the spirit of the devil to fulfill the desires of the flesh and of the mind.
When the Spirit of Christ comes into a person's spirit, the spirit of the devil can no longer cause that person to continuously sin against God. The Seed (Life of God), living inside of the believer prevents the believer from continually and habitually sinning against God.
Paul says in Galatians 5:17 that "The flesh fights against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh so that you cannot do the things that you wish." That is a powerful verse, and it tells us that the Holy Spirit dwelling within prevents a true born-again believer from doing the things that they desire to do - habitually.
Again, it is doubtful that this person is saved. If they were saved, they would not be living the lifestyle you have described.
I hope this answers your question.
Blessings to you in Christ!
So Jesus' death at Calvary would have both a retrospective application (looking back to those awaiting Him), and a prospective application (to those at Jesus' death & resurrection & beyond) - and we stand only by FAITH & not by the Law or of any works we do. I realize that I've repeated some things here (from my previous post), but I hope that I've shown that any disobedience to the Laws given to Israel would have meant punishment or death, but the Law itself could not be used to send men to hell, for then none could ever be saved from it. That the need to cleave to the LORD God & His Word/Promises demonstrated that man's hope did not rest in the Law but by faith alone, trusting in Who God is & in obeying Him. "God having provided some better thing for us (Christians), that they (Israel who waited for this hope from God) without us should not be made perfect (saved/redeemed)" ( Hebrews 11:40). And we who now live & walk in the Holy Spirit are not under the demands (i.e. certain eternal death) that the Law guarantees ( Galatians 5:18).
1. (Earthly Punishment vs Divine Punishment). I think the best way to undergird my response to this is to say, that the punishment meted out by earthly judges pertains only to evident sins (crimes against humanity); that they cannot deal with the condition and intents of the human heart (whether harboring evil thoughts or planning for future evil acts). Whereas, the punishment given by the LORD God, the Righteous Judge, is based purely on our heart's condition & our responses to Him & to His Salvation. Of course, to the truly penitent sinner who has committed a crime, he needs to make restitution if possible (which shows his real heart condition for what he has done) as well as to serve his time (incarceration/other penalty). He might have done all this & be released from his penalty, but still remains under sin's penalty before God, simply because he is a sinner in need of a true, eternal salvation. Cont'd in Page 3.
"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,"
Galatians 5:20
"Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,"
Galatians 5:21
"Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."
Blessings
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
There is someone who I know professionally who I cannot go beyond the bounds of that who I have in mind writing this post. As I have prayed for her she has split up with her boyfriend where she was likely compromising which is an answered prayer. I am hoping she decides to attend church once again as the enemy would see fit for that not to happen. I will keep her name anonymous but I see great potential as she is a very loving person and since her desire is to see family members saved as I do I believe she is a true Christian. Due to death she has lost much of her immediate family.
Keeping in mind Jeremiah 17:9 we understand that our hearts are desperately wicked apart from His saving grace. Now; our affections are caught between the flesh and the Spirit. "For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh." ( Galatians 5:17; but another version).
This verse shows that we can't just live in a vacuum shutting down the flesh but the Spirit must be in control of all things in our hearts. Fellowship of the saints is a healthy thing for a believer IF it is truly that and not something abandoning scriptural protocols and doctrines. One of the pinnacles of this is suffering as a Body of believers. Being insulated from such in our nation we have a few examples of those suffering being a witness for Christ but to find the majority of a local fellowship engaged with the struggle of the Great Commission is also rare. Usually with today's demographics the biggest issue is elderly individuals with physical ailments and it is certainly commendable for those that step up to assist. True religion is helping the orphans and widows ( James 1:27); which I can say our church is doing to some extent.
Let us build one another up in Him.
If ye love me, keep my commandments. ( John 14:15).
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. ( Galatians 5:22-23).
Sin is sin and it's end is basically the same. There are different reasons for our actions; and the intent of the heart is always factored in to any actions man does; whether outwardly good or bad. Trusting the Lord is a key issue as well; whether say a man falls into sin through sexual sin for physical gratification primarily and a woman for emotional security; both are trying to bring an end through a means that is displeasing to God.
The world; of course sends us constant signals that immediate gratification is of paramount importance. The fruits of that are obvious; broken families; poor health; greed; covetousness and all the other sins indicated as warnings to us of those who will NOT enter the Kingdom of heaven if they make that their lifestyle. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. ( 1 Corinthians 6:10-11).
One thing which needs to be admonished is that the very real joy in the Spirit that is produced by those pleasing God is not to be sought out in order to enhance an emotional experience as it regards the opposite sex. The only means to that is a legitimate marriage covenant; and that by default negates facilitating anything outside of God's boundaries including another man's wife. We are not to jump the gun either by pursuing actions ahead of legitimate marriage also
2 Peter 1:7 Continued
Both in this list, and the one in 1 John Chapter 4, it tells us that love is the most spiritually mature stage and process a person can be in. AGAPE is not something a human being can produce. Galatians 5:22 tells us that AGAPE love is produced by the Holy Spirit. It's the same love that God loved us with.
In fact, 1 John Chapter 4 tells us that God is love. Love is His nature, His quality. And He is concerned about our spiritual welfare, so He sent His Son to die for us. When you reach AGAPE love as a mature point in your walk with the Lord, it means by now you've lost everything. Now it's whatever the Lord wants, and whatever I can do for my brothers and sisters in Christ. But what about what I want? Eventually I have to come to the point to where I have no agenda, I'm not going anywhere, I don't have to be anywhere, so that God's AGAPE love can influence my life!
Now in Verses 8 through 11, we have the participation in the entrance to heaven. There are some who might not know what the bible teaches about entrance into heaven for the believer. Both Peter and Paul taught this. Paul taught it more extensively as we'll see here in a moment. But there will be a difference in heaven among Christians. Spiritually, we will all have a spiritual body, and we will all be the same, but we will be different in development.
I've also encountered people off site.
This is not your mere misinterpretation of the word of God or lack of understanding.
This is demonic!
Anyone who does this and attacks the body of Christ is not a sheep.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A CHRISTIAN TEACHER.
AGAPE, patience, humility, and a passion for helping students learn and grow, both academically and spiritually.
IT'S CALLED FRUIT.
You can't generate this on your own.
You have to be led by the Spirit.
You may come across false teachers that will try to mimic these traits to try to deceive the simple.
Here's why that's coveted by them.
Galatians 5:22-25
Here is what's in them. Galatians 5:19-21.
Sometimes we as Christians feed others egos with encouragement even though we don't mean it, even if we're not being honest.
I don't agree with that. A lie doesn't help anyone
I believe we should encourage one another in keeping the truth.
That often leads to disagreement and contention, hopefully it leads to repentance.
Back to fruit barring.
Matthew 7:15-18 reads.
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Have you notice this doesn't say you tell a false teacher by what or how he is teaching?
You tell by what's inside them! Works of the flesh not "THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT!
It's not their material! It's what possesses them!
God can use a donkey to deliver his word but you won't follow him if he kicks you.
More on the issues of not taking the Scripture seriously later.
God bless.
8 Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.
9Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.
This verse gives us two interesting insights; the first in verse 8 which we also see mentioned in the New Testament in Revelation as well as other places such as Isaiah in the Old Testament. We are also reminded of Ephesians 5:27 on unspotted and unwrinkled garments of purity.
Verse 9 is interesting in light of Solomon's vast array of wives and concubines. There is some uncertainty apparently in different articles regarding who Solomon's first wife was. At this stage in life perhaps he realized it would have been better not to stray from the covenant that God had intended originally in regard to that subject.
Moving along we see the general sentiment in verse 13 regarding death coming suddenly without warning to everyone. Verses 14-17 talk about the virtue of wisdom in securing a city but how such is forgotten in time; and verse 18 concludes that
"Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good." This shows how; in terms similar to Galatians 5:9 a "little leaven leaveneth the whole lump."
Ecclesiastes 10
The somber tone of the book isn't seen this chapter; and many adages about not being foolish in particular and several other subject matters are covered. Proper etiquette toward kings and rulers is shown in verse 4; which reminds us of Esther with the King and David appealing to the King for more time when Nebuchadnezzar was ready to kill him along with all of his magicians when some couldn't interpret his dream. ( Daniel 2:16). The last verse reads Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice-wisely put.
James 2:1 Continued
Picking up where I left on faith, in Galatians 5:22, when talking about the fruit (not fruits), there's a singular fruit of God's Spirit that is made up of many parts. In other words, none of these can be separated from the others. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, and notice, faith. Faith is the production of the Spirit of God, not of man.
1 Corinthians Chapter 12:9, in the explanation of the gifts of the Spirit, Paul says that faith is given by the same Spirit, and to another, gifts of healing by the same Spirit. He's presenting the fact that God's Spirit gives faith to people.
In Romans Chapter 12, Paul says to go according to the measure of faith that God gives to you. In the early church, the problem was going beyond what God wanted to do. It wasn't a lack of faith. It was going beyond faith. God gives us the faith, the persuasion, His presence, His leading, His provision, when God wants us to do something.
Also, in Revelation 2:13, this is the Lord speaking to Pergamos, He says I know your works, and where you dwell, even where Satan's seat is: and you hast not denied my faith. That's Jesus speaking. He says you have not denied (my) faith. It's the Lord's faith. He says even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells.
And so, they did not reject the faith of Christ. When Christ's Spirit came to them, and was persuading them to trust the Lord, even in the midst of some of them even dying, they didn't reject the persuasion of God's Spirit to trust the Lord. And they received God's provision to trust Him.
Shall we analyse?
Remember the song
Christ is the portrait of God - Colossians 1:15
Before he was born
He did justice and in himself he died
Supremacy and thrones are
They are yours - Colossians 1: 16-17
And that thread that broke
From my soul to God - Colossians 1:21
The holy blood sewed
Christ and his lines of love - Colossians 1: 20
And now a man made I
Can in man see God
Have peace, live, walk and be
Made me a friend in his pouring out - John 15:15
When we were targets of God's wrath now we have Peace with God - Romans 5:1
I have a doubt that you probably theologians (formal or deep self-taught), show me if there is something I missed.
to go to church or not to go to church?
1 Thessalonians 5:11, 1 Peter 4:9, Psalms 133:1-3, Galatians 5:13. all these chapters do not speak of the church that is of my generation, Hebrews 10:24-25 this verse speaks of the mutual congregation.
continuing Romans 12:10, Ephesians 4:32, Acts 2:41-47, 1 John 1:6-7, 2 Corinthians 13:11, 1 Peter 1:22, Colossians 3:16, Philippians 2:1-2, John 13:34, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Psalm 55:14. I keep reading and re-reading Romans 12 and I wonder if it's in everyday life or gathered with the church.
Thank you very much!
In the King James Bible, the word love is mentioned over 300 times. There are two types of love, human love (PHILEO) and Godly love (AGAPE). Human love is a type of love that is expressed by both believers and non-believers. Godly love can only be expressed by believers. This type of love in the bible is called AGAPE love, and it is a fruit of God's Spirit, meaning it is produced by God ( Galatians 5:22).
A person who has been born of God's Spirit expresses Godly love (AGAPE) because His Spirit in them produces this type of love. A human being cannot produce this type of love.
We also know from 1 John 4:8 that love is a person, and that person is God. AGAPE is a noun that is strictly associated with God Himself. He is love!
We see in the bible ( Matthew 22:37) where is says love the Lord thy God., and love thy neighbor, and this is the word AGAPE, not PHILEO, meaning it is not human love. The only way we are able to love the Lord thy God, and love our neighbor is if we have God's Spirit in us. He gives us the ability and capacity to do so. This type of love also causes us to have a deep concern for the spiritual wellbeing of others.
I hope this helps!
Titus 3:1 - Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
He starts out with a command. He says put them in mind. This is what is called a Present Imperative. And it's the word remembrance. What that means is he's telling and commanding Titus to continually put them in remembrance of these things.
So, this is not a one-time thing just to say we got this letter from Paul, and then they go file it. He says you Titus, you continually put them in remembrance of these things, the seven things or characteristics of the new life.
First, it says to be subject, and the word is submission, to be subject to rulers and authorities. That's the literal translation. That parallels Romans Chapter 13 Verses 1 through 7, where Paul talked about be submissive to your government, to the officials. Submission means to line up with the Lord with other people, to be in submission, or to be in an orderly arrangement.
And then to be ready to every good work, and he's mentioning the word AGATHOS which is a spiritual good. The word for human good is KALOS. Spiritual good is AGATHOS. In fact, this word AGATHOS, its root word is found in Galatians 5:22 as a fruit of God's Spirit.
So, we have to know that when it says be ready to do good works, what kind are we talking about, KALOS or AGATHOS? That's very important. The good here is AGATHOS, the good work of God. Be ready to function with the Lord and be used of the Lord for His work and be in submission to the authorities here on the earth so that you can carry out your life.
Titus 1:8 - But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
So, we just had five negatives in Verse 7, and in Verse 8, we have some positives.
But a lover of hospitality, meaning hospitable. The Greek word is literally a lover of strangers. Christians, as they pass through town would seek other believers to stay in their homes. And that's what it means to be hospitable to strangers.
A lover of good men, and the word good here is AGATHOS, which is spiritual good.
To be sober, no influence, and in fact, the Greek word is sober minded. Your mind can be influenced by various thoughts and issues of life and can cloud your thinking and your judgment and your decision making, just like alcohol can take over your system. The influence of thoughts are not to be part of the thinking process of the leader.
He must be just, or righteous. That means to be right with God.
He must be holy. This means pure.
He must be temperate; which means self-controlled. Only this Greek word has to do with being controlled from the inside by an outside force. Galatians 5:22 says that the Holy Spirit controls the believer. He is to be controlled on the inside by an outside force. And of course that's a reference to God's Spirit.
Titus 1:9 - Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. Gainsayers is to speak against the word.
Titus 1:10 - For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:
For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, meaning the Jews: There were even Hebrew Jewish people coming in and telling the believers that they must live by the law, even in the island of Crete.
The only way to be safe by the evil spirits, we need to read and pray continually everyday for God to speak to us . The devil will tempt our spirit and then we could sin in our flesh.
Galatians 5:18-21
18But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
It is easy for the devil to use man to deceive us with all the worldly things .
Colossians 2:8
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of theworld, and not after Christ.
A rich Christian can fall very easily.
1 Timothy 6:17
Charge them that are rich in thisworld, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
Apostle Paul said that Demas loved this world and departed , but still saved .
2 Timothy 4:10
For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this presentworld, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
Drinking alcohol can put us in a bad spirit of this world.
Titus 2:12
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness andworldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this presentworld;
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
The Christians get the benefit from the Abraham's God, Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:17
And if children, thenheirs;heirsof God, and joint-heirswith Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
If it wasn't for the gospel of grace in Christ Jesus, the woman would not have the freedom liberty that they have now.
Galatians 5:1
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
We are Adopted into the family of God because of Abraham's faith and we are bless to receive what comes out of it. America is the strongest nation in the world for it.
Galatians 3:29
And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, andheirsaccording to the promise.
Now we have the gospel of grace that is simple to receive with no works, it's a gift from God in Heaven.
Romans 6:23
For thewagesofsinis death; but the giftofGod is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
The free gift of the gospel of grace.
Apostle Paul is telling us that the Ten Commandments does not save us, It condemns us .
2 Corinthians 3:7
But if theministrationof death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
The law brings us to death.
Romans 7:5
For when we were intheflesh,themotionsofsins, which were bythelaw, did work in our members to bring forthfruitunto death.
We are not saved by following the Ten Commandments, we are saved by believing the gospel of grace.
Galatians 2:16
Knowing that a man is not justified bytheworksofthelaw, but bythefaithofJesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified bythefaithofChrist, and not bytheworksofthelaw: for bytheworksofthelaw shall nofleshbe justified.
Apostle Paul is telling us not to sin in the flesh and is call out the sin in the flesh.
Galatians 5:19-23
19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
No man on earth can follow all of the Ten Commandments, that's why Jesus Christ nail it on the cross.
Colossians 2:14
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way,nailing it to his cross
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the Holy Spirit keeps us from sinning and the Word of God cleanses us from sin.