Abraham's justification must be understood in its two contexts. Paul states in Romans 4:2-3, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." That faith-alone moment in Genesis 15:6 shows Abraham's justification before God-apart from works.
For the Body of Christ today, Paul is clear: justification is a gift of grace through faith in Christ's finished work ( Rom. 3:28; Eph. 2:8-9). Works cannot be added, for salvation is secured by faith alone in this present dispensation. Is this true or not?
James, however, writes "to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" ( James 1:1). He does not say he is writing to the Body of Christ, the Church revealed to Paul ( Eph. 3:3-6). There is no mention anywhere in James that these twelve tribes are part of the Church, the Body of Christ, it's just not there.
Instead, James presents justification as faith plus works, to whom? According to scripture it's not the body of Christ.
"Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only" ( James 2:21-24).
In Israel's prophetic program, justification included works as part of salvation. Faith that did not produce obedience was dead and could not save under covenant law (cf. Acts 2:38; Matt. 24:13).
Thus, Abraham illustrates both truths. Paul shows his faith justified him before God-pointing to our salvation today in Christ by grace alone.
James shows his works justified him before men, and in Israel's program, that was required for salvation. To conflate these is to erase the God-given distinction between the prophetic kingdom program and the mystery Body of Christ.
The Greek word for justification is (dikaisis), meaning the act of declaring righteous, a legal acquittal before God. Rooted in , "to justify, declare just."
James 2:18 declares: "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." James addresses "the twelve tribes scattered abroad" ( James 1:1), pointing directly to Israel in dispersion. His message continues Israel's covenant program, where faith must be evidenced by works as proof of loyalty to God's promises. This aligns with the prophetic requirement that obedience secured covenant blessing ( Deut. 28).
James stresses that a faith without works is "dead" ( James 2:17). His examples are Abraham, who demonstrated faith by offering Isaac ( James 2:21-23), and Rahab, who showed faith by sheltering the spies ( James 2:25). Both lived under Israel's program, where covenant faith was confirmed through outward deeds. This context differs from Paul's later revelation to the Body of Christ. Paul writes: "To him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness" ( Rom. 4:5). He too cites Abraham, but from Genesis 15:6-when he simply believed God before Isaac was offered.
Dispensationally, there is no contradiction. James applies Genesis 22, highlighting faith proven by action, consistent with Israel's prophetic expectation and even Christ's own teaching: "Let your light so shine before men" ( Matt. 5:16). Paul, however, reveals the "mystery" of justification apart from works ( Rom. 3:28; Eph. 2:8-9), given uniquely to the Body of Christ.
Thus James 2:18 fits Israel's covenant framework, while Paul's writings explain salvation under grace today. Both are true, but for different dispensational purposes.
Having studied; briefly the city of Jericho we can look in Revelation with God's direct judgment on His enemies and realize the same principles apply. First let's gain a few object lessons here; some are things I have stated before.
1) The Lord knows when men's hearts are hardened; or sin is at the full. Genesis 15:16 says And they shall come back here in the fourth generation, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete." This verse is several verses after the prophecy of Abraham's descendants being in Egypt for 400 years; another time marker where at the end therof their attitude would change and God Himself would harden Pharaoh's heart so that judgments come upon him. I say all this because it wasn't for lack of evidence any of these conquests occured; people if it were possible could repent; and again Rahab is one example.
2). Idolotry. The above verse about the Amorites shows a progression of evil; and one of the greatest sins of idolotry was child sacrifices that occured. Psalm 136:35-38 warns:
But they mingled with the nations
And learned their practices,
And served their idols,
Which became a snare to them.
They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons,
An AI search indicates 90 verses on this subject. It is throughout many passages in the Old Testament and it seems unbelievable enough that these nations did these detestible practices but on a whole other level when Israel imitated these abhorrent actions. It is odd that we don't seem to hear much preaching on this subject because it makes the destruction of the wicked make so much more sense.
At any rate; we can see destruction of those who were afraid of God because they knew of His power and wanted to escape the consequences of their actions but not truly repent to salvation. In this Age of Grace we see God's patience but can't be presumptive that it will last forever and judgment lingering still is coming. Ward of warning.
One big aspect about covenants is that we are expected to trust God enough to allow His way to direct us not the way which seems right to a man but leads to death. ( Prov. 14:12). This is a serious matter as it has screwed up many even of the Hebrews 11 "hall of fame" saints due to fear and unbelief. I just mentioned Jonah in the last post and that is pretty mind bending considering the implications of God at work despite the Prophet's lack of will and cooperation. Again; the context of that scripture is relating to those who had done horrible things to Israel and eventually would be judged as the Egyptians and others when their wickedness was full (see Genesis 15:16) on the Amorites as one example. God has longsuffering and we are expected to demonstrate the same; not something humanly possible without His Spirit at work.
Pride; of course is a major sin and dependence on God is looked on as a weakness; nonetheless the foolishness of God is superior to man's wisdom ( 1 Cor. 1:25). Everybody wants to rule the world it seems or create their own imaginary kingdom that caters to them. We are certainly expected to mature in our faith but that starts from being babes in Christ not from self righteous piety through how many verses we have memorized; how many church activities we attend; or how many good deeds we do for others. On the other hand we are to represent Christ and are expected to perform good works He has prepared for us ( Eph. 2:10) since before the foundation of the world. A marriage covenant for instance involves deeds and action; along with any other human agreement. We can't agree to serve an employer if we never want to work; and we can't do very well if we work all the time but complain constantly and treat people like dirt. We are representing Christ and truly are to "put Him on display" as a Deacon I know so aptly states. That means we need to get ourselves out of the way; not always an easy task
The prophecy of Genesis 15:13 of 400 years of Egyptian captivity given to Abraham during God's cutting of the animals in his promise to Abraham way back then finally let to the beginning stages of the Jews entering the promised land. As it was with Abraham Moses wasn't exactly a quick study. Exacting justice in Exodus 2:11-15 at 40 years old led to ANOTHER 40 years before he could BEGIN to lead his people to the Promised Land with the initial phase of the release from Egyptian captivity and destruction of the Egyptian army and yet ANOTHER 40 years before finally getting out of the wilderness; only to be denied access to the Holy Land due to one particular transgression of splitting the rock in anger. So he died after seeing the land afar ( Deut 32:52). It would be Joshua and Caleb the ONLY survivors of the original generation and the children of those who came out of Egypt who would finally BEGIN to enter PART of the Promised Land; and centuries later until much of it was conqured although it would never totally be achieved and won't be until the Millennium.
Acts 17:30-31 states
30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
The above verses demonstrate Paul's discourse with the men of Athens who worshipped an "unknown" god. It shows how all the world is still under His control and eventual judgment. When we see Israel reverting to pagan practices when they should know better such as Joshua 7 with the "accursed thing" stoning was the response. Worse; the rebellion of Korah in Numbers 16 brought a sudden punishment of hell with the earth opening up. This should serve as a sober warning to those giving allegiance to being a "Christian" today.
"That's why God waited for Abraham and Sarah. He gave them the promise and waited for them to become elderly and unable to produce children themselves naturally, so that when God moved, it would be all of God, not of man. That's how God works!" end quote. Well stated!
When God performed a covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15:2-6, he didn't allow Abraham to participate. He put Abraham to sleep.
We see the promise of Issac and blessings in various verses throughout the OT.
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Here's a couple.
1) Genesis 17:19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.
2) Genesis 22:16-18.
And that goes for us also!
"For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.
For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise." Galatians 4:22-28.
ALSO.
Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. Galatians 3:16-17.
Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed ofAbraham? so am I.
Because of Abraham, we received the blessings through Jesus Christ of the Spirit through faith.
Galatians 3:14
That the blessing ofAbrahammight come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
We are bless to receive blessings of being Abraham's seed .
Galatians 3:29
And if ye be Christ's, then are yeAbraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Now Jesus Christ is made of the seed of David in the flesh.
Romans 1:3
Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of theseedof David according to the flesh;
Galatians 3:16
Now toAbrahamand his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
I truly believe that Jesus Christ is the first true Jew.
2 Timothy 2:8
Remember that JesusChristoftheseedofDavid was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
Romans 9:27
Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:
The first covenant that will run through Israel.
Genesis 15:18
In the same day theLordmade acovenantwith Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:
Some would say, " here it is, we are Spirit Jews and inherit all of Israel's covenants
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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.
Galatians 3:29
And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, andheirsaccording to the promise.
Galatians 3:6 - Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
Even as Abraham believed God, making reference back to Genesis 15:6, even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. The word accounted is an accounting term and it means to calculate. It was put on his account. And to be made righteous, or considered righteous, all he did was believe. That's it!
Justification, which is being declared right with God, is something that is imputed to you. It is something that is put on your account. You're still the same and you're not any more righteous or unrighteous than you were before. But it's put on your account.
What is imparted to us is the Holy Spirit for sanctification. Righteousness is not imparted to us. It's put to our account. But what is given to us is the Holy Spirit of God. When that happens, I am sanctified. And those are the two doctrines that we are dealing with. So, Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. He believed!
Galatians 3:24 - Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster. That's the Greek word pedagogue. It's equivalent to our nanny type person. The pedagogue was in charge of educating the children, or taking the children to school, dressing them, preparing them, making sure they made it to dinner on time.
Thank you Woe for your detailed response. If I might begin at the start of your comment. You referred to Galatians chapter 3 & Exodus 34:28. The Covenant that God made with Abraham (otherwise called the Abrahamic Covenant) had nothing to do with the Ten Commandments ( Ex 34:28 doesn't indicate that at all). The Abrahamic Covenant is found in various portions in Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 15:18-21; Genesis 17:1-22; Genesis 22:16-18. The Ten Commandments were never given to Abraham; Abraham was commended for his faith & obedience, outside of any Law. He only received the Promise.
Galatians 3:17-19 which you quoted. Verse 17 particularly: "And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect". The comparison here is made to the promise of God to Abraham (the Covenant), that the Ten Commandments were given 430 years after God's Promises to Abraham. So, there aren't two Laws, just one given at Mt. Sinai - what was given to Abraham wasn't the Law but the inheritance by Promise. (cont'd on Page 2)
God chose Israel to be a light to the nations, a kingdom of priests, and to showcase his redeeming grace and righteous judgment. Isaiah 42:6-7
God chose a man (Abraham) to enter an unconditional covenant with and to perform an oath with whom he would make a father of many nations by faith.
Galatians 3:17-29.
Genesis 15:1-12
Genesis 22:15-18
"And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time,
And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:
That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;
And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
Every time Israel angered the Lord; he remembered his oath to Abraham.
Here is Deuteronomy 7:8 reads (A verse you referenced)
But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
That oath and covenant to Abraham still stands today, however look at the repetitive condition of throughout the years.
Deuteronomy 8:19-20.
Only thing here is elected is THE WAY AND MEANS through a promise to salvation by faith.
In the end; as my last post alluded to whether it is all predestined or man's future actions are taken into account at least in part or even if we think it is totally up to man where we end up we know that God is good and fair and eventually a certain number will be in heaven as well as hell. I have brought up the concept of life as a play on a stage where eternal realities in our time and place through our lives is acted out and various individuals and spiritual entities are all part of the overall theme which centers on God's script as it were. This obviously reduces life to a simplistic level but I think it merits somewhat how things are orchestrated so that in fullness of time all things come to pass ( Gal. 4:4). As this verse shows in Galatians Christ came at the "fullness" or correct time; just as His judgments come when sin is at the fullest. We see that concept with Genesis 15:16 and the Amorites; and surely when the Tribulation takes effect. ( Rev. 14:15).
As to the individual; there is a set time for everything from birth to death and judgment to follow ( Heb. 9:27).
Looking to this subject I think we all would agree that no one in hell will be able to have a genuine beef with God that He didn't provide a way to come to Him as not being one of the "elect". The hard truth is that without Christ God Himself is our enemy (we are at "enmity" with God: Romans 8:7; etal). There is; in fact no praise of God in hell ( Isaiah 38:18). Without the Lord we are all sadly "cowards" and that is a major and first indictment in Revelation 21:8). As much as the suffering of the lost they have no desire to die to self. Everything of this world is passing as a vapor but the unsaved do not wish to die to themselves. What is bigger than this; however is that they don't want to accept God's only remedy for the situation; the bad news of their own state isn't believed and they think their good works can save them.
In light of my previous attempt to cover some areas in regard to Baptism and other important factors that should aid in raising Godly children; I started discussing how the Spirit works in a household as a specific example from scriptures on the subject.
Joshua 24:15 says: And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
In light of Genesis 15:16 and the sin of the Amorites coming to the fullness about 400 years later and then being devoted to destruction; we certainly can look to the approximately 400 years we have been a nation since Plymouth Rock and how far we have strayed; no doubt worshipping some of the entities which our ancestors found with the American Indians who were considered "pagans" at the time and in general wantonly destroyed. We also could go further and see how the Indian nations themselves were in a sense being judged for some of their wicked practices; although my cousin an expert on the subject gave me a book about 20 years ago which shows the incredible complexity; diversity and number of Indian nations.
Anyway; looking at Proverbs 14:34
"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."
Since John 16:8 mentions sin; righteousness and judgment to come as the working of the Holy Spirit I thought I would reiterate what I have said on numerous occasions with a particular angle. When we are believers we can discern others who are full of the Spirit because we sense conviction of unworthiness as well as the love of Christ at the same time. That truly is a paradox; but shows us a healthy fear of God but exposes us to His mercy as well; and it is and should be truly unnerving at times. That is what I would like to live out; but admit I am sadly short.
Scripture tells us Jesus returns only one time, Zachariah 14:4 Matthew 24:30Acts 1:111 Thessalonians 4:16-17Hebrews 9:28Rev. 1:7Rev. 6:15-16. When Jesus returns those who are chosen and faithful are resurrected to reign on earth with Jesus, Rev. 17:14Daniel 2:44Daniel 7:26-272 Timothy 2:12Rev. 5:10Rev. 11:15.
This reign on earth begins after the tribulation and the armies of Satan, the beast, the false prophet, and the ten kings/countries of the beast who destroy mystery Babylon come to battle Jesus in the battle of Armageddon, Zachariah 14:1-3 Ezekiel 39:17-22Rev. 19:17-19Rev. 16:13-16. In Rev. 20 we see Satan bound and sealed in the bottomless pit for 1000 years. Jesus then sets up the Kingdom on earth and we see the judgment of those in the first resurrection who will be reigning with Jesus on earth for 1000 years Rev. 20:4-6.
The 1000-year Kingdom will be on the earth, but it will be very different from the world today without the temptation of Satan, Isaiah 65:25Zechariah 14:16 It will be a time when Lord Jesus and those chosen to rule the nations with an iron rod so that all the promises of God be fulfilled, all the boundaries of land God promised Abraham have never been, Genesis 15:18-20 Numbers 34:1-12 but they will in the future.
We know from Rev. 20:7-10, that there will be nations after the 1000 years that Satan will go out to deceive and bring them together to battle. After this battle, a fire burns up the earth and Satan is cast into the lake of fire, "the earth and the heaven fled away" The final Judgment of the white throne is not just for the lost, and all in this judgment who is not found in the Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire, Rev. 20:11-15, Daniel 12:2Matthew 25:32-46John 5:28-29.
It appears that there were at least 14 prayers of Moses; which I think I can safely say shows his prayers were more frequent and a more intimate relationship with the Lord than anyone besides David and of course Christ Himself; except perhaps John the Baptist. Exodus 33:11 speaks of the uniqueness of Moses who spoke face to face with the Lord and even got to view him from afar (his back quarters) in Exodus 33:20-23. We do well to "camp out" on these prayers to learn something about humility as we see was part of Moses' character; as well as his two faults listed in scripture.
Going back into history a bit; we can see through the prayers for offspring of Abraham and Sarah; and that of a wife for Isaac that the entire Biblical lineage as well as the foundation of the patriarchs who constituted the beginnings of the nation of Israel to come much later were established. We go further to Joseph who oddly enough from what I can see doesn't have any prayers listed although certainly lived a faithful existence. With Abraham we have promises of freedom of captivity after 400 years ( Genesis 15:13) which was finally coming to fruition with Moses being God's chosen vessel for this undertaking. Now we had an entire nation of Jews along with a multitude of others along with untold women and children exiting Egypt and basically wandering in the desert; punished by God so that only Joshua and Caleb remained of the original generation to be accompanied by the next generation. It is noteable that Moses' prayer or plea to God to enter the Promised Land was rejected; although He was allowed to view it from afar. ( Deut. 32:52). This was due to his sin at Meribeh ( Numbers 20:13-15). Moses only had one other sin listed; that of killing the Egyptian back before his own 40 years of exile and hiding in Exodus 2:12.
Themes of prayer for a corporate body in Exodus remind us of prayers needed for the church at large. We also need leaders today like this
Romans 5:12 says Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
The fact is that we are all born with Adam's sin and hence at enmity with God. Our hearts are as Jeremiah 17:9 says "desperately wicked." No one does good ( Romans 3:10-12 and in Psalms); and we are estranged from the womb ( Psalm 58:3). So the first issue is the thought that anyone is "good" which inevitably comes from comparing ourselves to another "worse" person like Hitler (unless we are that bad ourselves and we can't appeal to anyone worse; in that case we probably wouldn't want to concern ourselves with doing good deeds. Our deeds also; BTW are evil; even our best deeds as "filthy rags". ( Isaiah 64:6). This "grace Gospel" as it is known is obviously taken from Romans as a primary source but reflects many scripture verses. Or as someone once said "a hundred percent sinner needs a hundred percent savior" (can't seem to find this entire phrase quoted by anyone).
Now death; of course in the law comes in two ways; MURDER or justifiable killing whether to exact a punishment "a life for a life" (part of Deuteronomy 19:21). It also is involved with the wars and conquests of Israel with the admittedly hard verses about exterminating entire peoples including women and children in certain circumstances. The understandable aspect of this is when the descendents of the Nephilim (or angels with women producing giant hybrid offspring) were exterminated; being an aberrant being without and eternal soul perhaps the proper interpretation of Isaiah 26:14. That is a deep study; but no doubt this is easier than explaining extermination of human beings. Those nations which were conquered had common practices of child sacrifice with idol worship; therefore it could have saved the children from a worse death. Genesis 15:16 shows how God waits until iniquity is full before utter destruction.
Most commentaries online take the 4th generation mentioned in Genesis 15:16 as just another way of describing the same span of 400 years (or 430 years) that the nation of Israel spent in Egypt which is covered in Genesis 15:12-14. This cannot be the case.
Genesis 15:16 answers Abraham's question in Genesis 15:8 about how he would know God would cause his seed to inherit the land God had brought him out of Ur to see that Abram was standing on in Hebron. The thought of asking God about when his seed would leave Egypt had nothing to do with Abrams question in Genesis 15:8, since he knew nothing about his seed going to Egypt until God revealed His plan in Genesis 15:12-14.
Numbers 14:13-25 shows that God made the Israelites wander in the wilderness according to Moses word, which specifically acknowledged God's right to visit the iniquity of the fathers upon the 3rd and 4th generations. The 1st generation that left Egypt punished as the fathers was 20 years old at the census in Numbers 1:1-54. The 2nd generation was their children who were born in Egypt and seen God's wonders, but who could not enter God's promised land until 40 years of wandering with their fathers had passed. That generation spent a maximum of 40 years of their years in military service wandering in the wilderness.
The 3rd generation would be born over the first 20 years in the wilderness and would spend a maximum of 20 years of their military service wandering in the wilderness. The 4th generation was born in the last 20 years in the wilderness and first served in the army after entering the promised land. The 5th generation spent no time in the wilderness and began entering the army 20 years into Joshua's campaign.
Caleb was promised Hebron when he was 85 years old, which was 5 years after Israel left the wilderness. Caleb was from the tribe of Judah, the first tribe to gain its inheritance, and he obtained Hebron before he turned 100, the age he would be 20 years into Joshua's campaign.
RED APPLE TREATY 4 ME ONLY on Proverbs 10 - 2 years ago
Genesis 15:18
King James Version
18In the same day theLordmade a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:
GOD said let there be light. I can see these things on earth as it is in heaven
(According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness,) through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
(Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.)
Paul lists what's added in 2 Peter 1:5-7. "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge.
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness.
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
Verse 8!
"FOR IF THESE THINGS BE IN YOU", and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The contrary to "these things being in you" is seen in is verse 9.
BUT HE THAT LACKETH THESE THINGS IS BLIND, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
In verse 10 Paul is telling us to "give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
He is saying if according to Christ divine power hath he given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, and whereby we are given exceeding great and precious promises and by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. " Make your calling and election sure: for "IF YOU ARE DOING THESE THINGS", ye shall never fall.
Hebrews 6:13-16.
When God performed this covenant with Abraham, he put Abraham to sleep. IT WAS UNCONDITIONAL!
Genesis 15:1-12.
Matthew 24:13.
This is to take place during the great tribulation period.
However, I'm not going to get into that on this thread.
This is how I interpret those verses, perhaps some can help and improve on this.
In my previous section I showed some evidences of God working even early on with nations other than Israel; and how he established their boundaries. I completed the story of the Nephilim and the children among men which ended the earth's population of all the nations as they were before the flood; and how the final giant Goliath (at least from that part of the world) was defeated by David.
As we go forward in time; we see how God worked in great kingdoms; starting with Egypt which I alluded to in the last post as to what was shown to Abraham as to what would transpire 400 years later (see Genesis 15:13). Egypt no doubt had some control over what is now surrounding areas of North Africa; although I am not an expert on that subject. We see time and again how God's people were placed in these foreign lands of significant kingdoms; starting with Moses. We see the suffering that increased after the Joseph was eventually given an exalted position alongside the Pharoah in a sort of coregent arrangement. This eventually led to enslavement of the Israelites and a hatred for them because of their healthy progeny outnumbering the native population. Moses came to deliver His people in the Exodus; a forerunner of Christ delivering His people (which won't be completed until the end of the Tribulation for Israel as a nation once they recognize their true Messiah). After this we have the Assyrians who basically dominated in the 2nd Millennium B.C. God once again reigned supreme in Isaiah 37:36 where a single angel of God killed 185,000 Assyrians and led to the eventual ending of them as a significant enemy. Then came Babylon; which God promised would be used to discipline Israel. Daniel eventually became captive and with his 3 companions was once again exalted and basically also had a coregency with Nebuchadnezzar. God overthew them eventually; and the prophesied Persians; Greeks and Romans came ( Daniel 2:39).
God's plan for the nations: Belief in the true God; Israel as focus of God's plan
Genesis 14:18-20 state: 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God 19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
The details of the aftermath of a battle with a foreign king where Lot was rescued from captivity aren't the focus in this post; but Melchizedek apparently blessed Abraham; but Abraham gave HIM a tithe (one thenth) of what he had. Hebrews mentions Melchizedek as a type of Christ; he was Gentile of unknown ancestry but apparently a great man of God for Abraham to offer him tithes. It shows that true worship of God was indeed with other nations at least with this individual BEFORE the sacrificial system began in Israel.
God Himself says that He chose Israel (see Deut. 7:6-8). These verses explain the covenant promises and that Israel was not some great nation that would be expected to have God's blessings. His purposes are in all things. God called Abraham from the land of Ur of the Chaldees to travel to the area which would eventually be for his descendants as an inheritance in the Promised Land. ( Genesis 12). Genesis 15:10 shows the actual covenant; which occured when Abram (to be called Abraham afterwards) was in a deep sleep; reminding of us of Adam in a deep sleep. God would be patient with the nations until their iniquity was to the full; then those surrounding nations to Israel's inheritance would be conquered ( Gen. 15:16).
We see how nations would be judged once sin was to the full such as Sodom and Gomorrah; then later Nineveh. The final giant offspring of the Nephilim would be destroyed when Goliath was killed by David ( 1 Samuel 17:50). The flood would destroy many of these offspring; the rest later on ( Gen. 6:4
When asked that question in Scripture it seems God answers back with one of his many names. like he does when Paul asks in Acts 9:5.
Paul asked Who art thou, Lord? "kurios" (supreme in authority that is (as noun) controller; by implication Mr . (as a respectful title): - God Lord master Sir.)
The Lord answered him simply, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
There are several names for the one and only true God.
Each of the many names of God describes a different aspect of His many-faceted character. Here are some of the better-known names of God in the Bible:
I've looked up some of those names; Here they are.
Part 1.
EL, ELOAH [el, el-oh-ah]: God "mighty, strong, prominent" ( Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 139:19) - etymologically, El appears to mean "power" and "might" ( Genesis 31:29). El is associated with other qualities, such as integrity ( Numbers 23:19), jealousy ( Deuteronomy 5:9), and compassion ( Nehemiah 9:31), but the root idea of "might" remains.
ELOHIM [el-oh-heem]: God "Creator, Mighty and Strong" ( Genesis 17:7; Jeremiah 31:33) - the plural form of Eloah, which accommodates the doctrine of the Trinity. From the Bible's first sentence, the superlative nature of God's power is evident as God (Elohim) speaks the world into existence ( Genesis 1:1).
EL SHADDAI [el-shah-dahy]: "God Almighty," "The Mighty One of Jacob" ( Genesis 49:24; Psalm 132:2,5) - speaks to God's ultimate power over all.
ADONAI [dna; ah-daw-nahy]: "Lord" ( Genesis 15:2; Judges 6:15) - used in place of YHWH, which was thought by the Jews to be too sacred to be uttered by sinful men. In the Old Testament, YHWH is more often used in God's dealings with His people, while Adonai is used more when He deals with the Gentiles.
"And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;"
This verse; in a nutshell explains how; following man's expulsion from Eden that Adam's descendants-more or less willingly walked away from what they knew intellectually about God through the testimony of Adam and others who lived many hundreds of years into idol worship. This would result in the end of the antidiluvian world when Noah entered the ark; and would also signify the reason why God would use Israel to wipe out pagan nations once their "iniquity was at the full" (See Genesis 15:16 for earlier example). Israel was warned repeatedly not to follow the customs of the surrounding nations which often came through intermarriage or by obtaining cursed items. Sadly they hardened their hearts ( Jeremiah 32:35) to do the horrible act in Hinnom of sacrificing their children to Molech in the fire. God also judged Sodom; Gomorrah and the surrounding cities for the behaviors of men there of sodomy. Proverbs 14:34 states that righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people.
This verse shows that there is a process involved when people drift off into sin; we all can see evidence of God in the Creation; even the Godhead as Romans 1:20 indicates (see also Psalm 19). Acts 8:23 shows someone in the gall of bitterness and bond of iniquity. This was Simon the Sorcerer; whose story began in verse 9. AFTER being baptized and claiming to be a believer he somehow thought he could buy the powers that the Apostles had of laying hands on people and having them receive the Holy Ghost. He was warned that he had no part in their ministry by Peter; and at the end of the story he asked them to pray for him.
It is hard to say exactly what Peter warned would happen to him or if he truly repented. We see; however a warning that it more than power in the gifts but the giver of gifts we worship.
Covenants of God: Introduction: God's patterns in initiation
1. End of Dispensation: Judgment of men
2. Signs and Wonders
3. Element of fire
4, Blessings and cursings
5. Separation of God's people
6. Be fruitful and multiply
EDEN. God sent out man after what is known as the "Age of Innocence"; possibly that involved an implied covenant with Adam
to care for the earth; and the first marriage. Man would be mortal and suffer on earth; and driven out from the Garden
and the Tree of Life. The Serpent was cursed; and by implication Satan. The death blow was promised in Genesis 3:15 along
with God's final victory. Judgment came on Cain and would affect his descendants in Genesis 4:15.
NOAH. God made a covenant symbolized by the rainbow after destroying all but Noah and his family (8 people). He promised never to destroy the earth by water again. The animals were part of the plan for preservation and interestingly part of the
covenant promises ( Gen. 9:12). He also was told to be fruitful and multiply anong with his sons( Gen. 9:1); compare with Genesis 1:28). Genesis 10:15-18 had Ham's one son cursed (no time to elaborate here).
ABRAHAM: Sent from Ur of the Chaldees; and given promises through fire in Genesis 15:17-20 when asleep (note Adam's
deep sleep in Genesis 2:21). He was promised miraculously to have innumerable offspring in Genesis 22:17. Judgment
came on Sodom in Genesis 18; Abraham's relative and family.
EXODUS/DEUTERONOMY: God at Horeb appears in fire and smoke; and great sounds to produce fear of His Name; then promises to bring them fully out of the promised land. Ten Commandments "seal the deal" as it was being a peculiar people.
God eventually purged out the rebels; only Caleb and Joseph made it to the promised land of that generation along with children.
BOOK OF ACTS: Pentecost brings about Church Age and New Covenant with fire; signs and wonders. God judges Israel AD 70; final judgment promised later.
Covenants: Comparing Old and New Testaments; blessings and curses.
Deuteronomy 7:7-10 show how God did not choose israel due to its size; but in His love they were called out. They are reminded of being loved and protected coming out of Egypt; but verse 9 shows how the Covenant brings lovingkindness to those who love Him; and judgment is shown in verse 10 to those who hate Him.
The original promises; of course were set forth as far back as Abraham in Genesis 15 and 17 which would continue with his descendants until they finally entered the Promised Land. In actuality; many in Reformed circles think that an informal covenant was involved with God's creation of Adam and Eve (at least in the creation of Eve to be his wife and the consummation of the marriage relationship even without formal ceremony involved). The rainbow was God's original covenant which God promised not to once again flood the entire earth. Interestingly animals are implied as well ( Gen. 9:13
In reality; these were all things instigated by God. Adam was asleep when the rib was taken out of him; and likewise was the situation with Abraham when he was in a deep sleep in Genesis 15:12. God was to use men such as Moses to rescue His people; but He was only using the power of God through the rod; for instance to perform miracles; and God of course drew Pharoah's army to a watery grave in the Red Sea.
The same concept involves many of Israel's conquests; angels would often fight supporting men; or fight alone such as the example of Exodus 14:14 and 2 Kings 19:35 against the Assyrians when 185,000 were destroyed by a single angel in a night.
God also draws all those who will come to Him as the Gospel of John and many other scriptures indicate. God has given the Spirit nowadays to permanently reside in a Christian ( Ephesians 1:13). God's eternal plans in the Godhead allowed for Christ's atonement to be efficacious for all who would believe and be "granted repentance" ( Acts 11:18).
Difficult passages in scripture: ordered extermination of children
One of the most challenging things in the Bible is where God ordered the extermination of every man woman and child in conquest of the Promised Land. There is one fairly satisfactory reason why some were killed in this way; they were children of the union of fallen angels and women as first mentioned in Genesis 6; Nephilim which were NOT human and therefore were never to rise again; such as are indicated in Isaiah 26:14 (Rephaim in original translation). They would go to a certain part of the underworld at death.
All other examples seem to involve human children and thus is beyond our scope of full understanding. In fact; such verses make us cringe. Only putting God's Holiness at the forefront of our trust can allow us to deal with such a difficult; painful and weighty matter. Such verses which indicate the death penalty for things which we as a "civilized society" would consider cruel (such as adultery or the example brought up in another recent post in Numbers 15:32-36 on a man being stoned for picking up sticks on the Sabbath) are also examples of things which in the "Age of Grace" aren't enforced today. We could say the same for National Israel when it was a Theocracy; there may be some return in the Millennium or end of the Tribulation when God conquers enemies through His people once again; but I digress.
I would state at this juncture that there is enough scripture to indicate that the soul of a human child will NOT be sent to hell upon death- Matthew 18:10 is probably the most convincing along with the story of David's unborn child in 2 Samuel 12:23.
There is a principle that judgment comes only when a nation is fully ripe for it; such as the case of the Amorites in Genesis 15:16; Nineveh after a respite following repentance; and in Sodom where it is entirely possible there were few if any children.
You said your faith is in Christ's sacrifice for your sin's. and that's where it should be.
Abram believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; Romans 4:20.
In Genesis 15:6-18 God made an unconditional promise to Abraham and performed it alone.
The ritual that constitutes the covenant where they cut these animals in half and walk between them together and if one renege on the covenant what happened to the animals would happen to that person.
God cannot lie so he was protecting Abraham when he entered the covenant alone.
Issac was Abraham's heir and Abraham knew that God keeps his promises and he knew that God would have to raise him from the dead to keep his promises.
God is Love but he is also a righteous judge. There is no where in scripture it says God saves us by his love. It says God so loved the world He provided us a savior and that savior was his Son. John 3:16.
The bible teaches us the wages of sin is death and the gift of God through Christ is eternal life. Romans 6:20-23.
The lost sinner's heart is energized by the ( Everlasting evil Spirit of this unrepentant world that is being held back by restraint of the Holyspirit.
I believe in hell and those who go there will be tormented.
Weeping and gnashing of teeth. Unquenchable fire.
There would have to be an awareness of pain and agony to Weep and Nash teeth.
And "Unquenchable fire" is unnecessary if it's unquenchable for no one.
1 Kings 9:16 gives the answer; as to how they obtained the land; the king of Egypt conquered it and gave it as a present to his daughter; Solomon's wife. Verses 20 and 21 show how they were bondservants instead. In the case of the Gibeonites; Israel had to protect them because they didn't seek God first and made a covenant with them.
There may be other scriptures indicating specifics here; my point is that there were exceptions; even in the lineage of David leading to Christ (such as Ruth; Rahab and other descendants from Gentile origin.) There were rules as to how many generations had to pass before Temple worship; etc. but there was always a contingency of those who would follow the God of Israel (such as the multitude in the Exodus).
I would also say that God devoted destruction to the descendants of Nephilim (which were wiped out in the time of David with the last remaining one: Goliath and earlier his 4 brothers). This was a big reason for what seems like wholesale cruel destruction of everyone; namely they were not fully human. The nations which would cause their own children to be sacrificed to idols were also the recipients of God's wrath; such as the Amorites in Genesis 15:16. There was a set time for destruction when iniquity is at the full; and such was the case with Nineveh; but was granted a reprieve after repentance for a couple hundred years or so; eventually fulfilled as the book of Nahum explained.
In some ways as well; the Caananites served as an object lesson to Israel. ( 1 Samuel 4:3-5 and later verses show how the fear of the Lord came on the Caananites and they made sacrifice.) Whether they repented after being plagued by God; or healed of the ailments is unclear; but they at least knew what they had to do and that they were under God's wrath and displeasure.
The Caananites were under a curse in general since Genesis 9 (the details have been debated). Judges 2:21-23 gives a further clue; disobedience of Israel stopped it.
Thanks for the provided summary on Israels failure to entering into the promise land.
I would like to share something based on your last statement.
( It is a very sad time for the people God had delivered from bondage. Though they were chosen as a people to receive great promises and benefits from being God's covenant people. They blew it royally at the time they were closest to entering in.)
When we look at Genesis 15:7-18 we learn that God covenant was unconditional, In fact Verse 18 shows us that God has already gave them the land.
vs 18) "In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, UNTO THY SEED HAVE I GIVEN THIS LAND, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:
They had to possess it by faith!
That's the lesson and example for all the world to see!
Also what's important to note is God's word is at stake. Moses makes mention of that later in scripture.
Israel couldn't enter in because of unbelief.
Hebrews ch's 3 and 4 hammers away at this.
But notice Hebrews 4:7-9. Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
Genesis 15:1 is the only scripture I have found that shows that God Himself is our reward. Certainly it is enough; and will be enough for those saved even without receiving rewards to know that He fulfilled what was needed on their behalf despite only getting to heaven as though "through the fire." ( 1 Cor. 3:15). Hebrews 11:6 states that we MUST believe that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. That is part of the nature of God; and should help us desire to see our brothers and sisters exalted and rejoice in the small ways God can use our service to help build them up in the faith. The admonition of Revelation 3:11 should also keep us pursuing the Lord until the end as we can lose our rewards to another if not careful.
I have probably discussed before several pasages on the type of rewards due to particular service which we do based (hopefully) on our gifts and calling. The reader can look up passages related to faithful preaching of the Word (and the more stringent judgments attached to that responsibility); those who patiently await His coming as Malachi 3 discusses with the book of remembrance and other verses talking about patient endurance until the end; and of course rewards for the martyrs for Christ.
These would no doubt represent levels of authority in some respect in heaven; and I have also brought up the verses in regard to ruling few or many cities; also we could look at 1 Cor. 5:41 for that. We should also note the reward of the evangelist those who lead many to righteousness shining as the stars in Daniel 12:3. That could also refer to end time events as with that of the great multitude martyred seen in heaven in association with the 144,000 taken from the Great Tribulation ( Rev. 7:9).
Abraham's justification must be understood in its two contexts. Paul states in Romans 4:2-3, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." That faith-alone moment in Genesis 15:6 shows Abraham's justification before God-apart from works.
For the Body of Christ today, Paul is clear: justification is a gift of grace through faith in Christ's finished work ( Rom. 3:28; Eph. 2:8-9). Works cannot be added, for salvation is secured by faith alone in this present dispensation. Is this true or not?
James, however, writes "to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" ( James 1:1). He does not say he is writing to the Body of Christ, the Church revealed to Paul ( Eph. 3:3-6). There is no mention anywhere in James that these twelve tribes are part of the Church, the Body of Christ, it's just not there.
Instead, James presents justification as faith plus works, to whom? According to scripture it's not the body of Christ.
"Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only" ( James 2:21-24).
In Israel's prophetic program, justification included works as part of salvation. Faith that did not produce obedience was dead and could not save under covenant law (cf. Acts 2:38; Matt. 24:13).
Thus, Abraham illustrates both truths. Paul shows his faith justified him before God-pointing to our salvation today in Christ by grace alone.
James shows his works justified him before men, and in Israel's program, that was required for salvation. To conflate these is to erase the God-given distinction between the prophetic kingdom program and the mystery Body of Christ.
The Greek word for justification is (dikaisis), meaning the act of declaring righteous, a legal acquittal before God. Rooted in , "to justify, declare just."
G&P
James 2:18 declares: "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." James addresses "the twelve tribes scattered abroad" ( James 1:1), pointing directly to Israel in dispersion. His message continues Israel's covenant program, where faith must be evidenced by works as proof of loyalty to God's promises. This aligns with the prophetic requirement that obedience secured covenant blessing ( Deut. 28).
James stresses that a faith without works is "dead" ( James 2:17). His examples are Abraham, who demonstrated faith by offering Isaac ( James 2:21-23), and Rahab, who showed faith by sheltering the spies ( James 2:25). Both lived under Israel's program, where covenant faith was confirmed through outward deeds. This context differs from Paul's later revelation to the Body of Christ. Paul writes: "To him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness" ( Rom. 4:5). He too cites Abraham, but from Genesis 15:6-when he simply believed God before Isaac was offered.
Dispensationally, there is no contradiction. James applies Genesis 22, highlighting faith proven by action, consistent with Israel's prophetic expectation and even Christ's own teaching: "Let your light so shine before men" ( Matt. 5:16). Paul, however, reveals the "mystery" of justification apart from works ( Rom. 3:28; Eph. 2:8-9), given uniquely to the Body of Christ.
Thus James 2:18 fits Israel's covenant framework, while Paul's writings explain salvation under grace today. Both are true, but for different dispensational purposes.
we agree on much, but not all and that's ok.
Grace and Peace
Having studied; briefly the city of Jericho we can look in Revelation with God's direct judgment on His enemies and realize the same principles apply. First let's gain a few object lessons here; some are things I have stated before.
1) The Lord knows when men's hearts are hardened; or sin is at the full. Genesis 15:16 says And they shall come back here in the fourth generation, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete." This verse is several verses after the prophecy of Abraham's descendants being in Egypt for 400 years; another time marker where at the end therof their attitude would change and God Himself would harden Pharaoh's heart so that judgments come upon him. I say all this because it wasn't for lack of evidence any of these conquests occured; people if it were possible could repent; and again Rahab is one example.
2). Idolotry. The above verse about the Amorites shows a progression of evil; and one of the greatest sins of idolotry was child sacrifices that occured. Psalm 136:35-38 warns:
But they mingled with the nations
And learned their practices,
And served their idols,
Which became a snare to them.
They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons,
An AI search indicates 90 verses on this subject. It is throughout many passages in the Old Testament and it seems unbelievable enough that these nations did these detestible practices but on a whole other level when Israel imitated these abhorrent actions. It is odd that we don't seem to hear much preaching on this subject because it makes the destruction of the wicked make so much more sense.
At any rate; we can see destruction of those who were afraid of God because they knew of His power and wanted to escape the consequences of their actions but not truly repent to salvation. In this Age of Grace we see God's patience but can't be presumptive that it will last forever and judgment lingering still is coming. Ward of warning.
One big aspect about covenants is that we are expected to trust God enough to allow His way to direct us not the way which seems right to a man but leads to death. ( Prov. 14:12). This is a serious matter as it has screwed up many even of the Hebrews 11 "hall of fame" saints due to fear and unbelief. I just mentioned Jonah in the last post and that is pretty mind bending considering the implications of God at work despite the Prophet's lack of will and cooperation. Again; the context of that scripture is relating to those who had done horrible things to Israel and eventually would be judged as the Egyptians and others when their wickedness was full (see Genesis 15:16) on the Amorites as one example. God has longsuffering and we are expected to demonstrate the same; not something humanly possible without His Spirit at work.
Pride; of course is a major sin and dependence on God is looked on as a weakness; nonetheless the foolishness of God is superior to man's wisdom ( 1 Cor. 1:25). Everybody wants to rule the world it seems or create their own imaginary kingdom that caters to them. We are certainly expected to mature in our faith but that starts from being babes in Christ not from self righteous piety through how many verses we have memorized; how many church activities we attend; or how many good deeds we do for others. On the other hand we are to represent Christ and are expected to perform good works He has prepared for us ( Eph. 2:10) since before the foundation of the world. A marriage covenant for instance involves deeds and action; along with any other human agreement. We can't agree to serve an employer if we never want to work; and we can't do very well if we work all the time but complain constantly and treat people like dirt. We are representing Christ and truly are to "put Him on display" as a Deacon I know so aptly states. That means we need to get ourselves out of the way; not always an easy task
The prophecy of Genesis 15:13 of 400 years of Egyptian captivity given to Abraham during God's cutting of the animals in his promise to Abraham way back then finally let to the beginning stages of the Jews entering the promised land. As it was with Abraham Moses wasn't exactly a quick study. Exacting justice in Exodus 2:11-15 at 40 years old led to ANOTHER 40 years before he could BEGIN to lead his people to the Promised Land with the initial phase of the release from Egyptian captivity and destruction of the Egyptian army and yet ANOTHER 40 years before finally getting out of the wilderness; only to be denied access to the Holy Land due to one particular transgression of splitting the rock in anger. So he died after seeing the land afar ( Deut 32:52). It would be Joshua and Caleb the ONLY survivors of the original generation and the children of those who came out of Egypt who would finally BEGIN to enter PART of the Promised Land; and centuries later until much of it was conqured although it would never totally be achieved and won't be until the Millennium.
Acts 17:30-31 states
30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
The above verses demonstrate Paul's discourse with the men of Athens who worshipped an "unknown" god. It shows how all the world is still under His control and eventual judgment. When we see Israel reverting to pagan practices when they should know better such as Joshua 7 with the "accursed thing" stoning was the response. Worse; the rebellion of Korah in Numbers 16 brought a sudden punishment of hell with the earth opening up. This should serve as a sober warning to those giving allegiance to being a "Christian" today.
Your quote;
"That's why God waited for Abraham and Sarah. He gave them the promise and waited for them to become elderly and unable to produce children themselves naturally, so that when God moved, it would be all of God, not of man. That's how God works!" end quote. Well stated!
When God performed a covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15:2-6, he didn't allow Abraham to participate. He put Abraham to sleep.
We see the promise of Issac and blessings in various verses throughout the OT.
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Here's a couple.
1) Genesis 17:19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.
2) Genesis 22:16-18.
And that goes for us also!
"For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.
For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise." Galatians 4:22-28.
ALSO.
Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. Galatians 3:16-17.
Blessings.
Apostle Paul is a Jew in the flesh.
2 Corinthians 11:22
Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed ofAbraham? so am I.
Because of Abraham, we received the blessings through Jesus Christ of the Spirit through faith.
Galatians 3:14
That the blessing ofAbrahammight come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
We are bless to receive blessings of being Abraham's seed .
Galatians 3:29
And if ye be Christ's, then are yeAbraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Now Jesus Christ is made of the seed of David in the flesh.
Romans 1:3
Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of theseedof David according to the flesh;
Galatians 3:16
Now toAbrahamand his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
I truly believe that Jesus Christ is the first true Jew.
2 Timothy 2:8
Remember that JesusChristoftheseedofDavid was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
Romans 9:27
Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:
The first covenant that will run through Israel.
Genesis 15:18
In the same day theLordmade acovenantwith Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:
Some would say, " here it is, we are Spirit Jews and inherit all of Israel's covenants
.
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.
Galatians 3:29
And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, andheirsaccording to the promise.
Ray in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Galatians 3:6 - Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
Even as Abraham believed God, making reference back to Genesis 15:6, even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. The word accounted is an accounting term and it means to calculate. It was put on his account. And to be made righteous, or considered righteous, all he did was believe. That's it!
Justification, which is being declared right with God, is something that is imputed to you. It is something that is put on your account. You're still the same and you're not any more righteous or unrighteous than you were before. But it's put on your account.
What is imparted to us is the Holy Spirit for sanctification. Righteousness is not imparted to us. It's put to our account. But what is given to us is the Holy Spirit of God. When that happens, I am sanctified. And those are the two doctrines that we are dealing with. So, Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. He believed!
Galatians 3:24 - Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster. That's the Greek word pedagogue. It's equivalent to our nanny type person. The pedagogue was in charge of educating the children, or taking the children to school, dressing them, preparing them, making sure they made it to dinner on time.
Thank you Woe for your detailed response. If I might begin at the start of your comment. You referred to Galatians chapter 3 & Exodus 34:28. The Covenant that God made with Abraham (otherwise called the Abrahamic Covenant) had nothing to do with the Ten Commandments ( Ex 34:28 doesn't indicate that at all). The Abrahamic Covenant is found in various portions in Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 15:18-21; Genesis 17:1-22; Genesis 22:16-18. The Ten Commandments were never given to Abraham; Abraham was commended for his faith & obedience, outside of any Law. He only received the Promise.
Galatians 3:17-19 which you quoted. Verse 17 particularly: "And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect". The comparison here is made to the promise of God to Abraham (the Covenant), that the Ten Commandments were given 430 years after God's Promises to Abraham. So, there aren't two Laws, just one given at Mt. Sinai - what was given to Abraham wasn't the Law but the inheritance by Promise. (cont'd on Page 2)
Part 8.
God chose Israel to be a light to the nations, a kingdom of priests, and to showcase his redeeming grace and righteous judgment. Isaiah 42:6-7
God chose a man (Abraham) to enter an unconditional covenant with and to perform an oath with whom he would make a father of many nations by faith.
Galatians 3:17-29.
Genesis 15:1-12
Genesis 22:15-18
"And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time,
And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:
That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;
And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
Every time Israel angered the Lord; he remembered his oath to Abraham.
Here is Deuteronomy 7:8 reads (A verse you referenced)
But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
That oath and covenant to Abraham still stands today, however look at the repetitive condition of throughout the years.
Deuteronomy 8:19-20.
Only thing here is elected is THE WAY AND MEANS through a promise to salvation by faith.
This is what Roman 9 is talking about.
See Part 9
Romans 9:4-11.
In the end; as my last post alluded to whether it is all predestined or man's future actions are taken into account at least in part or even if we think it is totally up to man where we end up we know that God is good and fair and eventually a certain number will be in heaven as well as hell. I have brought up the concept of life as a play on a stage where eternal realities in our time and place through our lives is acted out and various individuals and spiritual entities are all part of the overall theme which centers on God's script as it were. This obviously reduces life to a simplistic level but I think it merits somewhat how things are orchestrated so that in fullness of time all things come to pass ( Gal. 4:4). As this verse shows in Galatians Christ came at the "fullness" or correct time; just as His judgments come when sin is at the fullest. We see that concept with Genesis 15:16 and the Amorites; and surely when the Tribulation takes effect. ( Rev. 14:15).
As to the individual; there is a set time for everything from birth to death and judgment to follow ( Heb. 9:27).
Looking to this subject I think we all would agree that no one in hell will be able to have a genuine beef with God that He didn't provide a way to come to Him as not being one of the "elect". The hard truth is that without Christ God Himself is our enemy (we are at "enmity" with God: Romans 8:7; etal). There is; in fact no praise of God in hell ( Isaiah 38:18). Without the Lord we are all sadly "cowards" and that is a major and first indictment in Revelation 21:8). As much as the suffering of the lost they have no desire to die to self. Everything of this world is passing as a vapor but the unsaved do not wish to die to themselves. What is bigger than this; however is that they don't want to accept God's only remedy for the situation; the bad news of their own state isn't believed and they think their good works can save them.
In light of my previous attempt to cover some areas in regard to Baptism and other important factors that should aid in raising Godly children; I started discussing how the Spirit works in a household as a specific example from scriptures on the subject.
Joshua 24:15 says: And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
In light of Genesis 15:16 and the sin of the Amorites coming to the fullness about 400 years later and then being devoted to destruction; we certainly can look to the approximately 400 years we have been a nation since Plymouth Rock and how far we have strayed; no doubt worshipping some of the entities which our ancestors found with the American Indians who were considered "pagans" at the time and in general wantonly destroyed. We also could go further and see how the Indian nations themselves were in a sense being judged for some of their wicked practices; although my cousin an expert on the subject gave me a book about 20 years ago which shows the incredible complexity; diversity and number of Indian nations.
Anyway; looking at Proverbs 14:34
"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."
Since John 16:8 mentions sin; righteousness and judgment to come as the working of the Holy Spirit I thought I would reiterate what I have said on numerous occasions with a particular angle. When we are believers we can discern others who are full of the Spirit because we sense conviction of unworthiness as well as the love of Christ at the same time. That truly is a paradox; but shows us a healthy fear of God but exposes us to His mercy as well; and it is and should be truly unnerving at times. That is what I would like to live out; but admit I am sadly short.
Scripture tells us Jesus returns only one time, Zachariah 14:4 Matthew 24:30 Acts 1:11 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 Hebrews 9:28 Rev. 1:7 Rev. 6:15-16. When Jesus returns those who are chosen and faithful are resurrected to reign on earth with Jesus, Rev. 17:14 Daniel 2:44 Daniel 7:26-27 2 Timothy 2:12 Rev. 5:10 Rev. 11:15.
This reign on earth begins after the tribulation and the armies of Satan, the beast, the false prophet, and the ten kings/countries of the beast who destroy mystery Babylon come to battle Jesus in the battle of Armageddon, Zachariah 14:1-3 Ezekiel 39:17-22 Rev. 19:17-19 Rev. 16:13-16. In Rev. 20 we see Satan bound and sealed in the bottomless pit for 1000 years. Jesus then sets up the Kingdom on earth and we see the judgment of those in the first resurrection who will be reigning with Jesus on earth for 1000 years Rev. 20:4-6.
The 1000-year Kingdom will be on the earth, but it will be very different from the world today without the temptation of Satan, Isaiah 65:25 Zechariah 14:16 It will be a time when Lord Jesus and those chosen to rule the nations with an iron rod so that all the promises of God be fulfilled, all the boundaries of land God promised Abraham have never been, Genesis 15:18-20 Numbers 34:1-12 but they will in the future.
We know from Rev. 20:7-10, that there will be nations after the 1000 years that Satan will go out to deceive and bring them together to battle. After this battle, a fire burns up the earth and Satan is cast into the lake of fire, "the earth and the heaven fled away" The final Judgment of the white throne is not just for the lost, and all in this judgment who is not found in the Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire, Rev. 20:11-15, Daniel 12:2 Matthew 25:32-46 John 5:28-29.
God bless,
RLW
It appears that there were at least 14 prayers of Moses; which I think I can safely say shows his prayers were more frequent and a more intimate relationship with the Lord than anyone besides David and of course Christ Himself; except perhaps John the Baptist. Exodus 33:11 speaks of the uniqueness of Moses who spoke face to face with the Lord and even got to view him from afar (his back quarters) in Exodus 33:20-23. We do well to "camp out" on these prayers to learn something about humility as we see was part of Moses' character; as well as his two faults listed in scripture.
Going back into history a bit; we can see through the prayers for offspring of Abraham and Sarah; and that of a wife for Isaac that the entire Biblical lineage as well as the foundation of the patriarchs who constituted the beginnings of the nation of Israel to come much later were established. We go further to Joseph who oddly enough from what I can see doesn't have any prayers listed although certainly lived a faithful existence. With Abraham we have promises of freedom of captivity after 400 years ( Genesis 15:13) which was finally coming to fruition with Moses being God's chosen vessel for this undertaking. Now we had an entire nation of Jews along with a multitude of others along with untold women and children exiting Egypt and basically wandering in the desert; punished by God so that only Joshua and Caleb remained of the original generation to be accompanied by the next generation. It is noteable that Moses' prayer or plea to God to enter the Promised Land was rejected; although He was allowed to view it from afar. ( Deut. 32:52). This was due to his sin at Meribeh ( Numbers 20:13-15). Moses only had one other sin listed; that of killing the Egyptian back before his own 40 years of exile and hiding in Exodus 2:12.
Themes of prayer for a corporate body in Exodus remind us of prayers needed for the church at large. We also need leaders today like this
Romans 5:12 says Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
The fact is that we are all born with Adam's sin and hence at enmity with God. Our hearts are as Jeremiah 17:9 says "desperately wicked." No one does good ( Romans 3:10-12 and in Psalms); and we are estranged from the womb ( Psalm 58:3). So the first issue is the thought that anyone is "good" which inevitably comes from comparing ourselves to another "worse" person like Hitler (unless we are that bad ourselves and we can't appeal to anyone worse; in that case we probably wouldn't want to concern ourselves with doing good deeds. Our deeds also; BTW are evil; even our best deeds as "filthy rags". ( Isaiah 64:6). This "grace Gospel" as it is known is obviously taken from Romans as a primary source but reflects many scripture verses. Or as someone once said "a hundred percent sinner needs a hundred percent savior" (can't seem to find this entire phrase quoted by anyone).
Now death; of course in the law comes in two ways; MURDER or justifiable killing whether to exact a punishment "a life for a life" (part of Deuteronomy 19:21). It also is involved with the wars and conquests of Israel with the admittedly hard verses about exterminating entire peoples including women and children in certain circumstances. The understandable aspect of this is when the descendents of the Nephilim (or angels with women producing giant hybrid offspring) were exterminated; being an aberrant being without and eternal soul perhaps the proper interpretation of Isaiah 26:14. That is a deep study; but no doubt this is easier than explaining extermination of human beings. Those nations which were conquered had common practices of child sacrifice with idol worship; therefore it could have saved the children from a worse death. Genesis 15:16 shows how God waits until iniquity is full before utter destruction.
Genesis 15:16 answers Abraham's question in Genesis 15:8 about how he would know God would cause his seed to inherit the land God had brought him out of Ur to see that Abram was standing on in Hebron. The thought of asking God about when his seed would leave Egypt had nothing to do with Abrams question in Genesis 15:8, since he knew nothing about his seed going to Egypt until God revealed His plan in Genesis 15:12-14.
Numbers 14:13-25 shows that God made the Israelites wander in the wilderness according to Moses word, which specifically acknowledged God's right to visit the iniquity of the fathers upon the 3rd and 4th generations. The 1st generation that left Egypt punished as the fathers was 20 years old at the census in Numbers 1:1-54. The 2nd generation was their children who were born in Egypt and seen God's wonders, but who could not enter God's promised land until 40 years of wandering with their fathers had passed. That generation spent a maximum of 40 years of their years in military service wandering in the wilderness.
The 3rd generation would be born over the first 20 years in the wilderness and would spend a maximum of 20 years of their military service wandering in the wilderness. The 4th generation was born in the last 20 years in the wilderness and first served in the army after entering the promised land. The 5th generation spent no time in the wilderness and began entering the army 20 years into Joshua's campaign.
Caleb was promised Hebron when he was 85 years old, which was 5 years after Israel left the wilderness. Caleb was from the tribe of Judah, the first tribe to gain its inheritance, and he obtained Hebron before he turned 100, the age he would be 20 years into Joshua's campaign.
King James Version
18In the same day theLordmade a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:
GOD said let there be light. I can see these things on earth as it is in heaven
There are no such people as Palestinians.
Its early inhabitants is shown here in Genesis 15:18-21.
For some reason, the site won't let me post the names.
Dave Hunt.
God bless
Part 7.
2 Peter 1:10.
Let's take this from verses 3-4.
(According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness,) through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
(Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.)
Paul lists what's added in 2 Peter 1:5-7. "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge.
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness.
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
Verse 8!
"FOR IF THESE THINGS BE IN YOU", and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The contrary to "these things being in you" is seen in is verse 9.
BUT HE THAT LACKETH THESE THINGS IS BLIND, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
In verse 10 Paul is telling us to "give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
He is saying if according to Christ divine power hath he given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, and whereby we are given exceeding great and precious promises and by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. " Make your calling and election sure: for "IF YOU ARE DOING THESE THINGS", ye shall never fall.
Hebrews 6:13-16.
When God performed this covenant with Abraham, he put Abraham to sleep. IT WAS UNCONDITIONAL!
Genesis 15:1-12.
Matthew 24:13.
This is to take place during the great tribulation period.
However, I'm not going to get into that on this thread.
This is how I interpret those verses, perhaps some can help and improve on this.
God bless you brother.
In my previous section I showed some evidences of God working even early on with nations other than Israel; and how he established their boundaries. I completed the story of the Nephilim and the children among men which ended the earth's population of all the nations as they were before the flood; and how the final giant Goliath (at least from that part of the world) was defeated by David.
As we go forward in time; we see how God worked in great kingdoms; starting with Egypt which I alluded to in the last post as to what was shown to Abraham as to what would transpire 400 years later (see Genesis 15:13). Egypt no doubt had some control over what is now surrounding areas of North Africa; although I am not an expert on that subject. We see time and again how God's people were placed in these foreign lands of significant kingdoms; starting with Moses. We see the suffering that increased after the Joseph was eventually given an exalted position alongside the Pharoah in a sort of coregent arrangement. This eventually led to enslavement of the Israelites and a hatred for them because of their healthy progeny outnumbering the native population. Moses came to deliver His people in the Exodus; a forerunner of Christ delivering His people (which won't be completed until the end of the Tribulation for Israel as a nation once they recognize their true Messiah). After this we have the Assyrians who basically dominated in the 2nd Millennium B.C. God once again reigned supreme in Isaiah 37:36 where a single angel of God killed 185,000 Assyrians and led to the eventual ending of them as a significant enemy. Then came Babylon; which God promised would be used to discipline Israel. Daniel eventually became captive and with his 3 companions was once again exalted and basically also had a coregency with Nebuchadnezzar. God overthew them eventually; and the prophesied Persians; Greeks and Romans came ( Daniel 2:39).
Genesis 14:18-20 state: 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God 19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
The details of the aftermath of a battle with a foreign king where Lot was rescued from captivity aren't the focus in this post; but Melchizedek apparently blessed Abraham; but Abraham gave HIM a tithe (one thenth) of what he had. Hebrews mentions Melchizedek as a type of Christ; he was Gentile of unknown ancestry but apparently a great man of God for Abraham to offer him tithes. It shows that true worship of God was indeed with other nations at least with this individual BEFORE the sacrificial system began in Israel.
God Himself says that He chose Israel (see Deut. 7:6-8). These verses explain the covenant promises and that Israel was not some great nation that would be expected to have God's blessings. His purposes are in all things. God called Abraham from the land of Ur of the Chaldees to travel to the area which would eventually be for his descendants as an inheritance in the Promised Land. ( Genesis 12). Genesis 15:10 shows the actual covenant; which occured when Abram (to be called Abraham afterwards) was in a deep sleep; reminding of us of Adam in a deep sleep. God would be patient with the nations until their iniquity was to the full; then those surrounding nations to Israel's inheritance would be conquered ( Gen. 15:16).
We see how nations would be judged once sin was to the full such as Sodom and Gomorrah; then later Nineveh. The final giant offspring of the Nephilim would be destroyed when Goliath was killed by David ( 1 Samuel 17:50). The flood would destroy many of these offspring; the rest later on ( Gen. 6:4
When asked that question in Scripture it seems God answers back with one of his many names. like he does when Paul asks in Acts 9:5.
Paul asked Who art thou, Lord? "kurios" (supreme in authority that is (as noun) controller; by implication Mr . (as a respectful title): - God Lord master Sir.)
The Lord answered him simply, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
There are several names for the one and only true God.
Each of the many names of God describes a different aspect of His many-faceted character. Here are some of the better-known names of God in the Bible:
I've looked up some of those names; Here they are.
Part 1.
EL, ELOAH [el, el-oh-ah]: God "mighty, strong, prominent" ( Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 139:19) - etymologically, El appears to mean "power" and "might" ( Genesis 31:29). El is associated with other qualities, such as integrity ( Numbers 23:19), jealousy ( Deuteronomy 5:9), and compassion ( Nehemiah 9:31), but the root idea of "might" remains.
ELOHIM [el-oh-heem]: God "Creator, Mighty and Strong" ( Genesis 17:7; Jeremiah 31:33) - the plural form of Eloah, which accommodates the doctrine of the Trinity. From the Bible's first sentence, the superlative nature of God's power is evident as God (Elohim) speaks the world into existence ( Genesis 1:1).
EL SHADDAI [el-shah-dahy]: "God Almighty," "The Mighty One of Jacob" ( Genesis 49:24; Psalm 132:2,5) - speaks to God's ultimate power over all.
ADONAI [dna; ah-daw-nahy]: "Lord" ( Genesis 15:2; Judges 6:15) - used in place of YHWH, which was thought by the Jews to be too sacred to be uttered by sinful men. In the Old Testament, YHWH is more often used in God's dealings with His people, while Adonai is used more when He deals with the Gentiles.
See Part 2.
"And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;"
This verse; in a nutshell explains how; following man's expulsion from Eden that Adam's descendants-more or less willingly walked away from what they knew intellectually about God through the testimony of Adam and others who lived many hundreds of years into idol worship. This would result in the end of the antidiluvian world when Noah entered the ark; and would also signify the reason why God would use Israel to wipe out pagan nations once their "iniquity was at the full" (See Genesis 15:16 for earlier example). Israel was warned repeatedly not to follow the customs of the surrounding nations which often came through intermarriage or by obtaining cursed items. Sadly they hardened their hearts ( Jeremiah 32:35) to do the horrible act in Hinnom of sacrificing their children to Molech in the fire. God also judged Sodom; Gomorrah and the surrounding cities for the behaviors of men there of sodomy. Proverbs 14:34 states that righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people.
This verse shows that there is a process involved when people drift off into sin; we all can see evidence of God in the Creation; even the Godhead as Romans 1:20 indicates (see also Psalm 19). Acts 8:23 shows someone in the gall of bitterness and bond of iniquity. This was Simon the Sorcerer; whose story began in verse 9. AFTER being baptized and claiming to be a believer he somehow thought he could buy the powers that the Apostles had of laying hands on people and having them receive the Holy Ghost. He was warned that he had no part in their ministry by Peter; and at the end of the story he asked them to pray for him.
It is hard to say exactly what Peter warned would happen to him or if he truly repented. We see; however a warning that it more than power in the gifts but the giver of gifts we worship.
1. End of Dispensation: Judgment of men
2. Signs and Wonders
3. Element of fire
4, Blessings and cursings
5. Separation of God's people
6. Be fruitful and multiply
EDEN. God sent out man after what is known as the "Age of Innocence"; possibly that involved an implied covenant with Adam
to care for the earth; and the first marriage. Man would be mortal and suffer on earth; and driven out from the Garden
and the Tree of Life. The Serpent was cursed; and by implication Satan. The death blow was promised in Genesis 3:15 along
with God's final victory. Judgment came on Cain and would affect his descendants in Genesis 4:15.
NOAH. God made a covenant symbolized by the rainbow after destroying all but Noah and his family (8 people). He promised never to destroy the earth by water again. The animals were part of the plan for preservation and interestingly part of the
covenant promises ( Gen. 9:12). He also was told to be fruitful and multiply anong with his sons( Gen. 9:1); compare with Genesis 1:28). Genesis 10:15-18 had Ham's one son cursed (no time to elaborate here).
ABRAHAM: Sent from Ur of the Chaldees; and given promises through fire in Genesis 15:17-20 when asleep (note Adam's
deep sleep in Genesis 2:21). He was promised miraculously to have innumerable offspring in Genesis 22:17. Judgment
came on Sodom in Genesis 18; Abraham's relative and family.
EXODUS/DEUTERONOMY: God at Horeb appears in fire and smoke; and great sounds to produce fear of His Name; then promises to bring them fully out of the promised land. Ten Commandments "seal the deal" as it was being a peculiar people.
God eventually purged out the rebels; only Caleb and Joseph made it to the promised land of that generation along with children.
BOOK OF ACTS: Pentecost brings about Church Age and New Covenant with fire; signs and wonders. God judges Israel AD 70; final judgment promised later.
Deuteronomy 7:7-10 show how God did not choose israel due to its size; but in His love they were called out. They are reminded of being loved and protected coming out of Egypt; but verse 9 shows how the Covenant brings lovingkindness to those who love Him; and judgment is shown in verse 10 to those who hate Him.
The original promises; of course were set forth as far back as Abraham in Genesis 15 and 17 which would continue with his descendants until they finally entered the Promised Land. In actuality; many in Reformed circles think that an informal covenant was involved with God's creation of Adam and Eve (at least in the creation of Eve to be his wife and the consummation of the marriage relationship even without formal ceremony involved). The rainbow was God's original covenant which God promised not to once again flood the entire earth. Interestingly animals are implied as well ( Gen. 9:13
In reality; these were all things instigated by God. Adam was asleep when the rib was taken out of him; and likewise was the situation with Abraham when he was in a deep sleep in Genesis 15:12. God was to use men such as Moses to rescue His people; but He was only using the power of God through the rod; for instance to perform miracles; and God of course drew Pharoah's army to a watery grave in the Red Sea.
The same concept involves many of Israel's conquests; angels would often fight supporting men; or fight alone such as the example of Exodus 14:14 and 2 Kings 19:35 against the Assyrians when 185,000 were destroyed by a single angel in a night.
God also draws all those who will come to Him as the Gospel of John and many other scriptures indicate. God has given the Spirit nowadays to permanently reside in a Christian ( Ephesians 1:13). God's eternal plans in the Godhead allowed for Christ's atonement to be efficacious for all who would believe and be "granted repentance" ( Acts 11:18).
One of the most challenging things in the Bible is where God ordered the extermination of every man woman and child in conquest of the Promised Land. There is one fairly satisfactory reason why some were killed in this way; they were children of the union of fallen angels and women as first mentioned in Genesis 6; Nephilim which were NOT human and therefore were never to rise again; such as are indicated in Isaiah 26:14 (Rephaim in original translation). They would go to a certain part of the underworld at death.
All other examples seem to involve human children and thus is beyond our scope of full understanding. In fact; such verses make us cringe. Only putting God's Holiness at the forefront of our trust can allow us to deal with such a difficult; painful and weighty matter. Such verses which indicate the death penalty for things which we as a "civilized society" would consider cruel (such as adultery or the example brought up in another recent post in Numbers 15:32-36 on a man being stoned for picking up sticks on the Sabbath) are also examples of things which in the "Age of Grace" aren't enforced today. We could say the same for National Israel when it was a Theocracy; there may be some return in the Millennium or end of the Tribulation when God conquers enemies through His people once again; but I digress.
I would state at this juncture that there is enough scripture to indicate that the soul of a human child will NOT be sent to hell upon death- Matthew 18:10 is probably the most convincing along with the story of David's unborn child in 2 Samuel 12:23.
There is a principle that judgment comes only when a nation is fully ripe for it; such as the case of the Amorites in Genesis 15:16; Nineveh after a respite following repentance; and in Sodom where it is entirely possible there were few if any children.
I will continue this discussion in further posts.
Thanks for replying.
You said your faith is in Christ's sacrifice for your sin's. and that's where it should be.
Abram believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; Romans 4:20.
In Genesis 15:6-18 God made an unconditional promise to Abraham and performed it alone.
The ritual that constitutes the covenant where they cut these animals in half and walk between them together and if one renege on the covenant what happened to the animals would happen to that person.
God cannot lie so he was protecting Abraham when he entered the covenant alone.
Issac was Abraham's heir and Abraham knew that God keeps his promises and he knew that God would have to raise him from the dead to keep his promises.
God is Love but he is also a righteous judge. There is no where in scripture it says God saves us by his love. It says God so loved the world He provided us a savior and that savior was his Son. John 3:16.
The bible teaches us the wages of sin is death and the gift of God through Christ is eternal life. Romans 6:20-23.
The lost sinner's heart is energized by the ( Everlasting evil Spirit of this unrepentant world that is being held back by restraint of the Holyspirit.
I believe in hell and those who go there will be tormented.
Weeping and gnashing of teeth. Unquenchable fire.
There would have to be an awareness of pain and agony to Weep and Nash teeth.
And "Unquenchable fire" is unnecessary if it's unquenchable for no one.
Matthew 22:13
Psalm 112:10.
The bible describes hell as a place of torment.
You have to be awake to be tormented.
God bless.
There may be other scriptures indicating specifics here; my point is that there were exceptions; even in the lineage of David leading to Christ (such as Ruth; Rahab and other descendants from Gentile origin.) There were rules as to how many generations had to pass before Temple worship; etc. but there was always a contingency of those who would follow the God of Israel (such as the multitude in the Exodus).
I would also say that God devoted destruction to the descendants of Nephilim (which were wiped out in the time of David with the last remaining one: Goliath and earlier his 4 brothers). This was a big reason for what seems like wholesale cruel destruction of everyone; namely they were not fully human. The nations which would cause their own children to be sacrificed to idols were also the recipients of God's wrath; such as the Amorites in Genesis 15:16. There was a set time for destruction when iniquity is at the full; and such was the case with Nineveh; but was granted a reprieve after repentance for a couple hundred years or so; eventually fulfilled as the book of Nahum explained.
In some ways as well; the Caananites served as an object lesson to Israel. ( 1 Samuel 4:3-5 and later verses show how the fear of the Lord came on the Caananites and they made sacrifice.) Whether they repented after being plagued by God; or healed of the ailments is unclear; but they at least knew what they had to do and that they were under God's wrath and displeasure.
The Caananites were under a curse in general since Genesis 9 (the details have been debated). Judges 2:21-23 gives a further clue; disobedience of Israel stopped it.
Thanks for the provided summary on Israels failure to entering into the promise land.
I would like to share something based on your last statement.
( It is a very sad time for the people God had delivered from bondage. Though they were chosen as a people to receive great promises and benefits from being God's covenant people. They blew it royally at the time they were closest to entering in.)
When we look at Genesis 15:7-18 we learn that God covenant was unconditional, In fact Verse 18 shows us that God has already gave them the land.
vs 18) "In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, UNTO THY SEED HAVE I GIVEN THIS LAND, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:
They had to possess it by faith!
That's the lesson and example for all the world to see!
Also what's important to note is God's word is at stake. Moses makes mention of that later in scripture.
Israel couldn't enter in because of unbelief.
Hebrews ch's 3 and 4 hammers away at this.
But notice Hebrews 4:7-9. Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
God bless
Rewards in heaven
Genesis 15:1 is the only scripture I have found that shows that God Himself is our reward. Certainly it is enough; and will be enough for those saved even without receiving rewards to know that He fulfilled what was needed on their behalf despite only getting to heaven as though "through the fire." ( 1 Cor. 3:15). Hebrews 11:6 states that we MUST believe that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. That is part of the nature of God; and should help us desire to see our brothers and sisters exalted and rejoice in the small ways God can use our service to help build them up in the faith. The admonition of Revelation 3:11 should also keep us pursuing the Lord until the end as we can lose our rewards to another if not careful.
I have probably discussed before several pasages on the type of rewards due to particular service which we do based (hopefully) on our gifts and calling. The reader can look up passages related to faithful preaching of the Word (and the more stringent judgments attached to that responsibility); those who patiently await His coming as Malachi 3 discusses with the book of remembrance and other verses talking about patient endurance until the end; and of course rewards for the martyrs for Christ.
These would no doubt represent levels of authority in some respect in heaven; and I have also brought up the verses in regard to ruling few or many cities; also we could look at 1 Cor. 5:41 for that. We should also note the reward of the evangelist those who lead many to righteousness shining as the stars in Daniel 12:3. That could also refer to end time events as with that of the great multitude martyred seen in heaven in association with the 144,000 taken from the Great Tribulation ( Rev. 7:9).
To be continued.