"And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made."
Genesis 2:3
"And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made."
Leviticus 23:3
"Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings."
I never payed attention to the edge of the page during my reading on this link, strange enough this morning was reading Proverbs 31 and at end I saw "Discussion for Proverbs 31 View Comments" then pressed on comment just by curiosity, I saw your message.
I understand why you feel worried. Wanting marriage is natural, and it's okay to feel discouraged sometimes when this is taking time. Please allow me to remind you of the character of GOD: GOD is faithful, intentional, with a perfect timing; GOD doesn't withhold good things from His children ( Psalm 84:11).
Psalm 37:4-5 - "Delight yourself in the Lord He will give you the desires of your heart."
Isaiah 41:10 - "Fear not, for I am with you"
Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart"
You might feel behind; allow me to remind you that waiting is not wasted time. GOD often uses preparation before promotion.
Many strong Christian marriages happen later rather than earlier. This season may be shaping you into the husband you are meant to be. Sometimes GOD develops us privately before blessing us publicly. This period might be strengthening qualities you'll later be grateful for. Isaiah 34:16; Genesis 2:18 are your portions.
Please have in mind you are valuable, purposeful, and complete in GOD; Marriage is a blessing, but it's not what makes you worthy or whole. Your identity doesn't depend on your marital status.
I'll hand you my little help by prayer as you requested.
LORD, give our brother Jonathan Grove peace in his heart. Remind him that You hold his future, and Your timing is perfect. Prepare the right relationship for him and prepare him for it. Remove fear and replace it with confidence in Your love. Amen
Brother Jonathan Grove I'm here for you. You don't have to walk through this by yourself.
Hi Tdianne. Thank you for your question: one that can be quite perplexing and comes up often. These words, spirit and soul, can seem to be often used interchangeably, which of course is not helpful to us, but as a general rule, if some teaching or even word usage (as here) is not clear in the Bible, then it's likely not critical for our perfect understanding.
The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:23, "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ". Here, the clear distinction is made of our tripartite being, that each part which comprises the whole is special and accountable to the LORD, so we must carefully look to their state.
There are too many references to the spirit and soul that God has given us (you can do a search for those words on this Site, and see how they are used). However, in my understanding, which I don't admit is perfect on this matter, is that the "Soul" represents the person (the living being) and the personal attributes of that life (of the mind, will, and emotions) and these together reflect one's personality.
The "Spirit", as the God-given "breath of life" ( Genesis 2:7) caused this new creation made from the dust of the Earth, to begin to live. So, I understand the spirit given us, as one's real immortal life that operates on a higher plane than the soul, where our spiritual perception & understanding, our communication with God & His Spirit within us, and where the root of faith, hope, and Divine connection rests. Another way of looking at it: when we communicate, have feelings or react to others, then our soul is at work; when being ministered to by God & our responses to Him, then our spirit (if newly re-born) is engaged.
As mentioned, one cannot be hard and fast on this subject, as clear concise definitions are not given us; so each person may have their own understanding as they receive from God's Word.
Hello Babatunde J. I noticed from your previous comment that you have restarted your Bible studies. And this is a very good thing as we continue to feed and meditate on God's Holy Word, allowing the Spirit of God to teach us and help us apply what we learn.
As we read through portions of the Bible (and of course, we can't read and properly digest all of its contents in a single sitting), we need to always bear in mind that to properly understand the Scriptures, we need to take all of it into account - not just in single isolated parts. Remembering too, that the Bible is both an historical account of peoples, nations, and God's dealing with them, as well as deep and profound Truths that we need to store in our hearts and apply in our lives. Therefore, to learn it correctly, we need to always keep in mind certain questions: such as, about the writer of the particular Bible Book; to whom was God's Message given; why was it given; was God's Message under the Old or New Covenants; does it now apply to Christ's Church; and to know that if an answer to our query isn't forthcoming from our reading, then we must be patient as revelation will be given as we continue in study, waiting on the Holy Spirit.
You're probably aware of all I've suggested, but to apply it to a couple of your points here: "the Sabbath day is special; we must respect that". That is correct, but the understanding we get from it will be quite different when we ask those questions given earlier. You also mentioned, "It is not good for a man or a woman to be alone; we all need to get a partner." You quoted from Genesis 2:18. But when we get to the New Testament where Jesus spoke on this, as the Apostle Paul also, we find that singleness is sometimes voluntary or required in the life. I'm not sharing much detail here, allowing you to look for the answers yourself, but simply to give direction as to how we should correctly read and understand the Word given to us. Every blessing in your studies.
Just something to consider about your post on what Paul was teaching, "deceased believers were already in Heaven and that at His Coming, Jesus would bring them with Him and their bodies buried in the earth would join with their spirits. So, the believers should be assured that God had not forgotten those who were in their graves at His Coming, since they were very much alive with Him & together would join with those living believers on Earth".
I would ask, are we mortal beings or immortal beings? Saying that believers are in heaven and very much alive is saying we are eternal beings, or that our spirit or soul is immortal. If we look at Ecclesiastes 12:7, this applies to all of mankind, whether they are believers or the evilest person who has ever lived. All spirits return to God.
James 2:26 says, "the body without the spirit is dead". Adam was not a living soul/being until God breathed into him the breath of life, Genesis 2:7. This is the spirit of life that God gives to all living, and the part of us that God communicates with us, Proverbs 20:27, 2 Corinthians 2:13, and when we die, there is no more communication; we wait for resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:53-54, Paul clearly says we are mortal; it is we who are resurrected, not our bodies, our bodies return to dust.
Some use 2 Corinthians 5:6-9 as saying it means when we die, we are absent from the body and present with the Lord. The question we should ask is when we will be absent from this body. If we are open, the Scriptures tell us that it is when we are resurrected, that happens when Jesus returns, we will be gathered unto Jesus here on earth, and we shall ever be with our Lord. We meet Him in the air, welcoming Him back. The Greek word translated meet is apantesis, meaning a going-out to greet an arriving, emphasizing their importance, stressing welcome, honor, and accompaniment.
Hi "Gerald" It is a shame that you have not seen it and neither has Paul whom you refer to. But it was Adam who was commissioned to look after the Garden of Eden. Genesis 2:16-18 Try and see that Eve was born under this command is highly heretical!
I will say no more, you can judge for yourself. love u. Joh 4
Gerald, please provide bible tests to backup your comments. Lots of what you said is not supported by the Bible. Here is my response in readers digest format. Give me your email; my study is longer.
Point One - Romans 14:5,6
You referred to comments from Romans 14:5,6 where it seems to say that it makes no difference to God which days we keep holy. Actually, these verses do not concern any days that must be kept holy. This is proved by the context of the entire chapter.
The Bible elsewhere teaches very plainly which days God made Holy and commands us to keep holy. They are found inGenesis 2:2,3, Exodus 20:8-11 and Leviticus 23.
Point 2 - "Sabbath" in Strongs Concordance
There were 116 verses containing the "Sabbath". I found one in Col 2:16 that mentioned "sabbath days" which is talking about feast days from the Mosiac law written by Moses.
Point 3 - You said the "Lord is my Sabbath".
I didn't find any reference in the whole Bible that says we can just ignore the 7th day Sabbath of the Lord and call it "the Lord is my Sabbath". This seems to be a way out when you can't find Bible texts to false doctrine.
Point 4 - Sabbath in different time zones - come at different times.
That is a weak argument. The point I would make is that when the 7th day Sabbath arrives in whatever time zone, then it should be observed. This would be the fulfillment of God's requirements. Ex 20:12, John 14:15,16
Point 5 - Using parts of scripture instead of all to make a point.
I myself use the texts in context ( 2 Tim 3:16,17)). If you indeed have an open mind about what to actually know that God has for you in His word the Bible, He will send the Holy Spirit to interpret it for you, so you will understand what He expects from you.
Conclusion:
Most friends keep all 9 , call themselves Christians. I keep all 10, they call me legalistic! The Bible say I love the Lord. LOVE GOD + GRACE + FAITH = ETERNAL LIFE
Dear all of you chosen children of men, we all are and I do not want to torment you all with too many words. Adam and Eve was the first made ppl in the Garden. The Lord God was there with them. The Garden of Eden had a task for God. That Adam should take care of it. When you read the Bible, there are words and phrases that allow you to expand your horizons in a way. And I truly regret this and apologize for the fact that my writing gave the impression that I wanted to change Biblical world history. Please forgive me, i was not my intension to lead all off u in a wrong way. And we should all be ashamed of the heated discussion over Genesis. Then we haven't come very far, this human race anyway. UnfortunatI am corious and this leads to a thirst for knowledge in me. So when I read I see that Cain was thrown out by his mother and father after he killed Abel. Genesis 2:24Gen 3:20Gen 3:24 So God drove man out of Eden, this is the lineage of Jesus, right? Genesis 4:14-15Gen 4:16-17 So a little logical thinking in this makes us wonder why Cain was afraid of being cast out of the human race because of his murder of Abel? The Lord God put a mark on him so that he would not be killed. Then it is natural side of me to think that there were already families on earth. Outside the Garden of Eden. Unfortunately, such thinking leads us astray from the family we think and belong to. According to the Christian faith.If we think of idolatry and resistance to the God of Israel. Then we will see that if everyone had been in Adam and Jesus' family tree. There would never have been any rebellion or idols in this world. Not then and not now, we would all have had the same thought. But we are still different, we still think differently. And not least we rejoice in some of the differences while we hold on to the Heavenly at Eden.These are my last words on this,and I will neveragain interferein conversations that deal with this.Once againThese are my last words on this.Salme 91 1 Joh 2:3-11
Revelation 2:7 - He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches, notice plural, churches;
So not only were they to listen to the message of their particular church, but also to all of the churches.
The exhortation for the church: To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
We read this about the one who overcometh, and I am very happy to share this information with you. This is not a challenge in the Greek text. It sounds like it. It says to him that overcomes, and people see that and say "I've got to overcome and then I'll receive this reward!"
In every instance that it's found, at the end of every message in Chapters 2 and 3, this word overcome is what is called a Present Participle. It describes the person who is already overcoming. It's not a challenge for people to do it.
You can go back to 1 John Chapter 5, the first four verses, and it describes for you, along with Chapter 4 Verse 4, that we have overcome the world, we have overcome the antichrist, because greater is He that lives in us, than he that's in the world. We already have overcome them. It's not a challenge!
So, to the one who is overcoming, I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. It started back in Genesis 2:9, all the way through Genesis Chapter 3. The tree of life is removed from the scene until we get into Revelation Chapter 22, and we will see that as part of the promise, provision, and reward of God's people.
God is a Spirit and God sets the worlds framed by the word so God sets the world of the Spirit where faith is one language and one speech. We have our being and our daily lives among the ungodly. But Giod made us living souls. Truth is part of His gift. So we are to understand what the Spirit describes existing suprareal so whether you believe it or not it has its own existence. If Jonah could communicate with God from the belly of a great fish what is strange about Genesis 2:15-19? If truth cannot connect you with this world what religion are we talking about?
With regards to the 12 tribes of Israel and the number of 144,000 in Rev. ch.7 Israel is a hold all to explain the left behind church The Vision of the woman clothed with the sun gives us two parallel accounts of the woman running to the wilderness of her her place and the other to which God helps find refuge. The tag of time, times and half a time is the key to connect with the book of Daniel and it refers to the Jews. On the other hand the number of days given connects with the church. The church redeems themselves by stepping in place of the nation during the great tribulation, in the manner of Seth and intercession of Jesus Christ for the sinful world. How do we arrive at 144?
The everlasting Covenant in 7 days Gen.ch.1- 2.1-3 : the first four days refer to the heaven and the remaining on the earth. The believer in the Son has access to the blessings from both worlds. In the Father and in his Son. 4x3=12 gospel of God and in his Son makes up the number 12x12=144. God's promise to bless Abraham and ' thy seed' consequently uses this tag referring to Ishamal as well Jacob who is the heir of promise. 144,000 in Ch.7 does not refer to the nation of Israel but those from the left behind church having the DNA of faith. What does Israel truly mean? Those who prevailed over boith God and man. Is it not?
Thank you for your response Bennymkje. If I might refer to it now.
From what I gather concerning Adam & Eve & the garden, you do believe these people existed, but the garden "is a spiritual place" and "is a snapshot illustrating the fellowship of God with Man". I could understand the garden being that common ground where God & man fellowshipped, though I would probably use Genesis 1:28,29 and Genesis 2:15-19 where God speaks to Adam as a more realistic account & example of their fellowship together. And so this would make Eden not some sort of spiritual place but a literal place where these people walked & fellowshipped. But if the real meaning of it is a spiritual place (as you infer), then I ask myself, 'how has this knowledge helped me understand what I'm reading and is it beneficial in some way?'
To Revelation chap 7: 144,000. "Which is more nonsensical than believing 144,000 as a specific number than allowing the 144 as a symbol to explain the believer who is blessed with all spiritual blessings in heaven and on earth?" Does the fact that verses 5 to 8 clearly specify the composition of this great number have any bearing on what you believe as the believer being blessed with all spiritual blessings? This is probably a prime example of how we read the Scriptures. So when reading this from you, the questions that arise are: why is 144 a symbol to explain the believer's spiritual blessings? Where in the Scriptures can we find support in such a manner for this number? How then do you interpret verses 5 to 8 describing the 12,000 numbered & sealed from the 12 tribes of Israel? Knowing that you have disconnected the physical Israel from any future fulfilment of prophecy, the 12,000 from the 12 tribes would then represent whom? Sorry to make this long, but wanted to find out how you arrive at such interpretations when the Bible is so specific in its narrative and any departure from it could very well lead us into error.
The Word of God is perfect, and there is no way to escape it.
His protection is as near as the very breath of life Genesis 2:7.I'm grateful for being able to share Bible studies, I also have a blog-it's not about Bible reflections, it's more of a personal hobby, but there is a verse inspira in my profession, that directly relates to it and always comes to my mind: "There is no speech nor language where His voice is not heard."I enjoy learning new words and texts, but as you mentioned (systematically), I must not get lost in philosophies.Yesterday, for example, I learned the word metaresiophobia.
It comes from Greek roots: Meta = change; Aresio from the verb "aresk" = to please, to adjust; Phobos = fear.In the Bible, we see that God does not change Malachi 3:6, but we must be continually transformed to be shaped into the image of Christ Romans 12:2.
Sometimes, I need to admonish myself and ask: am I really talking to an AI?Now, in my native language, I make a personal analogy with the word "admoestao" admonition, dividing it phonetically as: "admo" like "admonition" + "estacao" which means "season" or "station" in English.
This division is not technical, but phonetic and symbolic.To me, it's as if an "admoestacao" is a warning that comes in the right season - in other words, at the right time 2 Timothy 4:2.
I know, deep down, sometimes my fear isn't about change itself, but about accepting what is new - like learning a new language or facing situations that take me out of my comfort zone.But God is sovereign, and Daniel already warned us about the days when knowledge would increase rapidly Daniel 12:4.
God bless for your sharpness - that's exactly what your writings have conveyed to me!
I've been studying your teachings by writing them down on paper and also noting my own insights in my Bible as I read. That's why I wanted to ask: would it be alright if I "keep" your texts for my personal study? They've been truly valuable to me.
I was actually in Judges 14, reflecting on Samson's seven-day wedding feast, and your words made so much sense. As you said, "for this purpose, the Word or the Law establishes seven days" - from Genesis 1:3 to Genesis 2:1-3.
In Christianity, the belief in the immortality of the soul has been influenced by ancient Greek philosophy, especially the teachings of two notable philosophers, Socrates and Plato. This philosophy views death as the separation of the soul from the body. Plato described the body as a prison for the soul and saw death as a means of freeing the soul.
This philosophy of death started blending in the church in the second-third century, some saying the good souls go to heaven, but the bad souls go to hell. Augustine of Hippo, a theologian and philosopher who was made a saint, held this philosophy, strongly influencing the doctrines in the church in the fourth and early fifth centuries, and later John Calvin taught it.
Some interpret 2 Corinthians 5:6-9 to mean that when we die, we go to be present with the Lord. This interpretation is also linked to Ecclesiastes 12:6-7, this is not dependent on salvation, all human spirits, regardless if the person is saved or not, return to God because the spirit in man comes from God, Job 32:8, Zachariah 12:1.
The soul: The Bible does not teach that the soul is immortal, but in Ezekiel 18:20, all souls are God's, and the soul that sinneth shall die, in Matthew 10:28, hell is the Word Gehenna which refers to the Lake of Fire. As written in the Bible, in Genesis 2:7, when God formed Adam out of the dust of the ground and with the breath of life from God, Adam became a living soul, that is all of Adam, the complete identity of Adam, including consciousness, desires, and emotions.
When God breathed into Adam the breath of life, and he became a living soul/being. The Hebrew word for soul is nephesh, which means a breathing creature, not a spiritual entity. It can describe a person's soul, life, mind, will, and even our body, not one thing, but the whole of the person, the true self. 1 Peter 3:20, eight souls were saved. Acts 2:43, Romans 13:1
What day should we worship God in the church ? ? Is it Saturday or Sunday ? ? Some people will be shocked to find out that we were wrong all theses years.
God rested on Saturday, it's that our worship day ? ?
Genesis 2:2
And on the seventh dayGodended his work which he had made; and herestedon the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
Did Apostle Paul collected a offering on the first day of the week. Does that mean we should go to church of Sunday ? ?
1 Corinthians 16:2
Uponthefirstdayoftheweeklet every oneofyou lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, thatthere be no gatherings when I come.
We know that Jesus Christ died for all our sins and rose the third day, but do we really know it was Sunday ? ?
1 Corinthians 15:4
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Today, there's is not a date or time to worship Jesus Christ. Everyone should worship Jesus Christ every second, every minute, everyday and every year in the Godhead.
John 4:24
Godis a Spirit: and they thatworshiphim mustworshiphim in spirit and in truth.
May we remember that the church is the body of Christ in us.
Colossians 1:24
Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behindofthe afflictionsofChrist in my flesh for hisbody's sake, which is thechurch:
God's ways are the only way . We tend to forget that God is our priority.
Proverbs 14:12
There isaway which seemethrightuntoaman, but the end thereofare the ways of death.
Adam was Eve story was the start of worldwide death for all of us. Adam's way got him into trouble with God. Adam knew if he eats of the forbidden tree, he would die spiritually.
Genesis 2:16-17
16And theLordGod commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
17But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
We can not use our ways to get to Heaven, it will fail. We have to know we are lost and born a sinner.
Romans 3:12
They are all gone out of theway, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
God will only direct His way for us.
1 Thessalonians 3:11
Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct ourwayunto you.
God will always point our hearts to Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:5
And the Lorddirectyour hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
The only way to Salvation is to believe God's word.
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God untosalvationto every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Trust God for Salvation today.
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of yoursalvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
The gospel is located 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 just believe it and that's it.
No, the Bible does not teach that the soul sleeps after death.Instead, the Bible describes death as a sleep-like state for the body, while the soul is immediately present with God.
The Bible uses the word "sleep" metaphorically to describe death, which is temporary.For example, in Acts 7:60, Luke describes Stephen's death as "falling asleep".
The Christians soul and spirit will be with Christ in Heaven and it will be awake and alive when they die.
2 Corinthians 5:8
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to beabsentfromthebody, and to be present withtheLord.
Apostle John saw in a revelation the 144,000 saints singing. The souls are not sleeping but awake and alive.
Revelation 14:3
And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
We know that God rested on the 7th day, but did not go to sleep.
Genesis 2:2
AndontheseventhdayGod ended his work which he had made; and herestedontheseventhdayfrom all his work which he had made.
The fiscal body of this world sleeps both ways, life and death , but not soul sleeping in the spirit.
May we all sleep good tonight in the Lord Jesus Christ without having any bad dreams.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the gospel of grace that never sleeps
Today we may call the " gospel ", the good news. It's news from God to believe and follow .
1. The first good news.
Genesis 2:16-17
16And theLordGod commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
17But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
2. The second good news.
Genesis 7:1
And theLordsaid untoNoah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.
3. The third good news. The promises and covenants.
Genesis 17:5
Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall beAbraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.
4. The fourth good news. Moses and the law.
Exodus 3:6
Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. AndMoseshid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.
5. The fifth good news is John the Baptist.
Matthew 3:1-2
1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
2And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
6. The sixth good news . Jesus Christ the Messiah, the King, and the Savior.
John 1:17
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came byJesusChrist.
7. The seventh good news . Apostle Paul with the gospel of grace in the resurrection of Christ Jesus.
Romans 1:16
ForIamnotashamedof the gospel of Christ:foritis the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek
Galatians 1:1
Paul, anapostle, (not omen, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;
Now we are here today with the writing of Apostle Paul. We all have a choice to receive the good news from Apostle Paul's epistle.
May God Almighty in the third Heaven bless the gospel of grace to all .
Ephesians 5:31 - For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
The word joined is the word glue, glued to the wife. Once you become one, leave mother and father, period! And they two shall be one flesh. That's a quote from Genesis 2:24.
Ephesians 6:10 - Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
The word finally means summary. The armor of God represents the whole book of Ephesians in summary form. Paul is under house arrest. He is chained to a soldier. Some people think that Paul got this description from the soldier that he is chained to. This is something that is a Jewish concept that might have been inspired by the soldier that was there, but the items as elements of the armor is not anything that is new.
So, he says, finally, my brethren, and here's the first command: be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Be empowered. And this is the only verb in this whole section that is a Present Tense that means be continually empowered in the Lord, literally, in the grip of his strength.
He pictures the believer as being in God's grip. And God's grip is so strong that we are to draw off of the strength of that grip. But instead, we try to wiggle and squirm. And sometimes we are struggling, where most of the time we're struggling against God. Be still and know that I'm God he says.
Thanks again for the reply, Woe. I have already shared why I believe the first day of the week was Jesus' resurrection day - and from the Scriptures given. And yes, I have received the evidence you have shared, & found it faulty in light of the Scriptures. Even 'God establishing the Sabbath Day at the close of Creation', is incorrect, as we only read that 'God rested (ceased) from His Work, blessed the seventh day and sanctified it (set it apart)' ( Genesis 2:1-3). But the Sabbath was only given at Mt Sinai to His people. If we say that Genesis 26:5 proves without doubt that the Laws & Sabbath remembrance was given to & observed by Abraham, then this belief must only be an assumption, since there is no Scripture to tell us what was given to Abraham. Even if I had to guess what Laws, commands & statutes were given to him, mine too would just be a guess - and that is the sort of thing I avoid most vehemently, as it only breeds error & simply adds fuel to those desperately searching for verses to support their position.
The only clear Scripture relating to Christ's resurrection on the first day of the week is found in Mark 16:9 (to which we have found disagreement previously). Maybe a Greek scholar can confirm how they understand that verse, (taken from my Lexicon), whether
'Anastas de proi prote sabbatou, ephane proton Maria te Magdalene..' is read better,
or Anastas de, proi prote sabbatou ephane proton Maria te Magdalene..' is better read? Maybe, that might help us further.
The RCC may have changed the day of worship, according to them I presume, but Church history informs us that the early Church fathers in general, believed that the First Day of the Week was the occasion to worship & commune together. The Didache (Teachings of the Apostles), Ignatius of Antioch (AD 110), Justin Martyr (AD 155), & John Chrysostom (AD 395), are a few who held that view. Cont'd on Page 2.
Hi Fuji. There is some division in the Christian camp about the ultimate end of those who die rejecting Christ's Gospel, i.e. whether they simply go to the grave & are no more, or, that there will be a resurrection from the dead & under judgement to face God's Wrath. And like all doctrines & teachings we find throughout the Bible, we need to consider all references to the subject matter & not focus on a single verse or two to form a judgement.
Therefore, if we had only John 3:16 to understand the afterlife (whether it exists or not), then we could well believe that 'perish' clearly means a complete cessation of life, as in someone (the body) who perishes in a house fire or perishes by drowning. But in relation to the Scriptures, we know that God has given us a spirit & that spirit is identifies who we are, given life by God, with an outer covering (a body) to house it, yet the spirit can never perish (die). Genesis 2:7; Zechariah 12:1; Job 32:8; 1 Corinthians 2:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Ecclesiastes 3:21; Ecclesiastes 12:7.
And then we have the Judgement of God upon all, where those who belong in God's family, living a life consecrated to Him, are eternally secure from damnation, whereas all unbelievers (and their spirits can never be destroyed), suffer under God's condemnation. If only death was our final punishment for rejecting Christ, then we all still have to die as those in sinful, corrupt bodies; none can escape. This is a defective Gospel as most would prefer to cease to exist without any punishment & live life to the full, not answerable to God. But Christ's Sacrifice was to redeem lost sinful souls, not from death, but from God's eternal Punishment. Revelation 20:15; Revelation 21:8; Matthew 10:28; Matthew 13:49,50; Matthew 25:41,46; Mark 9:43; Luke 16:19-31; 2 Thessalonians 1:8,9.
Just a few Scriptures to show the Truth of an Eternal suffering in Hell & not simply disappearing forever in the grave. Every spirit (of man) is accountable to God.
Hello Cheryl1655. I think you are asking about the connection between those two Genesis chapters & particularly those verses you gave. If so, the way I read these chapters, is that Genesis chapter 1 simply gives a brief overview of the six days of creation & the seventh day being the day when God ceased from His creative Work. So in Genesis 1:26,27, on the sixth day of Creation, God created man & woman & blessed them to be fruitful, to have dominion over creatures, & to eat what He has provided them.
Then in Genesis 2:4, after the 'generations of the heavens and of the earth were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens', God had seen fit to expand on certain aspects of those six days of creation in Genesis 1 (and specifically about how His Work of creating these perfect human beings came to be). Man was first formed from Earth's dust (v7) & then Woman was then formed from man's body; that they are not just two separate creations, but really two separate humans who are vitally & intrinsically connected to each other, causing them to have an abiding, loving & meaningful relationship, as they could have with no other creature.
So, I believe that these two chapters (on the creation of man & woman) are not two separate acts of creation by God, but only One. That the second chapter amplifies what God created on the sixth day, which then leads us into the following chapters of Genesis & the rest of the Bible on the lives of men & women and God's dealing with them, even until the end of time as we know it.
The Bible teaches that in the beginning man was created in the image and likeness of God. God immediately placed man in a beautiful garden and told him that he was free to eat the fruit of every tree in the garden saving for the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God warned him that in the day he ate of the fruit of that tree, he would surely die. ( Genesis 2:15-17)
Man failed the test and became spiritually dead, and was driven from the presence of God. ( Genesis 3:24) That condition continues right to the present day. Mankind is by nature in rebellion against his creator and unless God himself intervenes to save him, he will die in his sins. Sin is the trangression of the law, and the wages of sin is death. The Bible is God's lawbook.
The only antidote, the only remedy, is if God himself provides a substitute, a stand-in, someone who is without sin and qualified to bear the penalty for sin in place of man and fully satisfy the demands of God's law. That someone is the Lord Jesus Christ, God Himself, who gave his life in order that God's elect might have the gift of eternal life.
There is absolutely nothing that natural man can do to contribute to or guarantee his salvation. Salvation is 100% the work of God according to God's foreordained elective program and according to God's own timetable. The churches regardless of denomination have set up a Do-It-Yourself salvation plan by which they teach that man can make some contribution to his salvation. The Bible insists that salvation is 100% the work of God and that God sovereignly chose those whom he would save before the foundation of the world. Man can not contribute one iota to or effect his salvation in any way. He is entirely at the mercy of God. Only God can save him. No church, no pastor, no evangelist, no priest, can guarantee anyone's salvation.
John 3:16-18 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son." Apart from the work of Jesus Christ, every human is condemned to an eternity in hell ( Revelation 20:15). But God has freely offered the gift of heaven. What determines if a person goes to heaven or hell for eternity is whether that person has been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ ( Romans 4; Galatians 3:23-29; Hebrews 11).
Going to hell is the default position of humanity. Going to heaven is the free gift of God's grace, received by faith, offered to all people ( Ephesians 2:1-10). God wants people to be reconciled with Him, so He provided the way ( John 14:6). Every person is invited to go to heaven.
Going to heaven or hell has everything to do with God's act of rescue. When God created the world, everything was very good ( Genesis 1:31). He created humanity in His image. He provided food for them but told them there was one tree from which they were not allowed to eat. They were to trust His provision, follow His commands, remain in close relationship with Him, and experience fullness of life. But they were also free to disobey Him, which would result in death ( Genesis 2:15-17; Romans 6:23).God, I know that I have gone against your ways, that I rightly deserve condemnation. I know that you are loving, merciful, gracious, and just. I believe that you have made reconciliation possible. I believe that Jesus is the only Savior, and I submit to Him as Lord. I believe He is fully God, fully human, lived a perfect life, died on the cross for my sins, and rose from the dead bodily. I believe His sacrifice is sufficient for my sins.
Thank you, brother, I know many have your understanding of this, and defining the difference between the soul and the spirit is difficult, in Scripture they seem to be interchangeable, at least it is for me. Salvation is not dependent on this, we know we are sealed and secure in Jesus regardless of what happens when we die.
In Genesis 2:7 Adam became a living being/soul the Hebrew word nephesh, in the New Testament it is the word psyche. My understanding this is who we are, our senses, desires, affections, appetites, intellect, and memories. The soul, who we are can be killed, Matthew 10:28. My understanding when we die is the soul/who we are, is asleep with our body in the grave, and is resurrected either to eternity with Jesus or is killed in the lake of fire.
Man cannot kill our soul all souls belong to God Ezekiel 18:4. God has offered a way of salvation for souls that are doomed to die, Hebrews 9:27. And we are told we can walk in the world or walk in the Spirit and Jesus told us the consequences, Matthew 16:26.
Spirit both the Hebrew word ruach and the Greek word pneuma translated as spirit have the concept of breath or wind at their roots. This part of us can be alive or dead Ephesians 2:4-5. The most enter part of us that connects or refuses to connect to God, like a radio receiver and it gives life to the body, Psalm 104:29James 2:26.
This is what returns to God when we die, there is no more communication our fate is set after we die our soul is asleep in death until we are resurrected, Daniel 12:2. I know you said you do not know Plato, Greek philosophy, many in those days were influenced, the spirit or soul is immortal and the descriptions of an underworld. I believe Jesus took parts of these fables and used them as subject matter in this parable.
My understanding the spirit does not have a body it gives life to the body, and we are resurrected and given an eternal spirit.
I'm finally settled in for the night and thanks again for responding!
I viewed your thoughts and I have a few things I would like you to consider.
I portioned them out and would like to address them separately.
1) You stated; We know they were made very good as part of everything made in the sixth day. I would believe that having been made very good they had a covering at least by the hand of God himself by His image.
Having been placed in the garden to dress and keep it was also good and they had all that they needed.
My thoughts;
"When God says that it was good he's not talking about Adam's spiritual condition! God mentioned the same thing about the light, the seas, the grass and the herb, the cattle, the creeping things, the two great lights to rule over the day and night, and on and on until he finished his creation.
As for setting him in the garden of Eden. Well that didn't work out.
2) Continuing your quote;
"And yet nakedness began by listening to a fellow creature rather than being obedient to the Word of the Father himself.
My thoughts;
You said nakedness began by listening to a fellow creature.
However, In Genesis 2:25
Adam was naked BEFORE he listened to the voice of his wife.
Also Adam wasn't deceived by Satan according to 1 Timothy 2:14.
Adam made the decision to disobey God!
The decision process comes before the act.
He wasn't created perfect and the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil opened his eyes to that.
There's only one perfect being to walk here on earth and that's God himself manifested in the flesh!
First let's deal with the second half of your reply listed in sections A and B below.
You stated;
A) the eating of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil opened their consciences, and the shame of their disobedience was their nakedness, their sin was exposed.
My reply; how could it be that the shame of "their disobedience" was their nakedness if they were naked before they disobeyed? Genesis 2:25.
So if we continue with that logic, If nakedness means their sin was exposed, then sin was in them to do BEFORE they ate of the fruit.
B) and with the knowledge of good and evil, the thoughts that come from being nude.
My reply; I believe that being naked has a much broader meaning than being nude as we mentioned previously.
When they sewed fig leaves on they were still naked in God's eyes.
Here's my thoughts on the rest of your reply.
My Emphasis is on them being naked before they were disobedient and what that meant.
Were they complete or perfect as Christ was in the flesh?
For one there was a sacrifice made for them that foreshadowed Christ who was ordained as the Lamb of God before the foundation of the world.
Also,
We have no scripture on whether if God only gave Adam that one command or not.
I believe this is recorded to put emphasis on the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, Adam's nakedness, and the tree of life and the results following the transgression.
However, even if there were only one command he gave Adam, Good and Evil still existed and that is something Adam had no knowledge of!
He responded in a way that flesh does in its rebellious nature.
Adam was flesh, we inherited that.
Adam was naked, we inherited that.
Adam done what a uncovered man does, 'SIN" we inherited that.
All was foreordained in the plan of God before the world was, God, knowing the end from the beginning. In Scripture when God put Adam in the garden, He planted for Adam to take care of, God only gave Adam one command, Genesis 2:16, do not eat from that one tree. This was before God made Eve because God said it was not good that man should be alone Genesis 2:18.
I know we disagree, but the first Adam and the last Adam came into this world without a sinful nature, one was disobedient one was obedient Romans 5:19.
Adam had free will, but the sinful nature did not enter him until Adam chose to be disobedient and ate from that tree that God commanded Adam to not eat from. Romans 5:12 "sin came into the world through one man and death through sin".
Yes, the eating of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil opened their consciences, and the shame of their disobedience was their nakedness, their sin was exposed, and with the knowledge of good and evil, the thoughts that come from being nude.
Jesus's blood covers our sins and makes our garments white as snow, sorry I was not clear.
A difference between Adam and Christ in his humanity.
Adam was born Naked "metaphorically Vulnerable "
Jesus was clothed with light even while here on earth.
Some people view the two as both sons of God and one failed and the other endured and succeeded with both being capable of sin.
One of many differences between the two may be seen in the usage of the word "naked" in Genesis with the focus being on Adam.
As mentioned in my previous post, In Revelation it mentions nakedness along with being shame.
Revelation 3:17-18 "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, AND THAT THE SHAME OF THY NAKEDNESS DO NOT APPEAR; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Revelation 16:15 "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, LEST HE WALK NAKED, AND THEY SEE HIS SHAME.
(Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments.)
Nakedness is unclothed and meaning vulnerable. Perhaps to be ashamed one would have to have knowledge of good and evil.
In Genesis it mentions Adam and Eve being naked along with NOT being ashamed.
Genesis 2:25 it reads "And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were NOT ASHAMED.
After they ate of the fruit they covered themselves!
This emphasizes they now were ashamed.
Keep in mind they were already naked, uncovered and vulnerable.
So the question is what caused their shame? Was it the Knowledge of Good and Evil?
Genesis 2:2
"And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made."
Genesis 2:3
"And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made."
Leviticus 23:3
"Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings."
Blessings
Glory be to GOD.
I tap amen to your prayers.
I never payed attention to the edge of the page during my reading on this link, strange enough this morning was reading Proverbs 31 and at end I saw "Discussion for Proverbs 31 View Comments" then pressed on comment just by curiosity, I saw your message.
I understand why you feel worried. Wanting marriage is natural, and it's okay to feel discouraged sometimes when this is taking time. Please allow me to remind you of the character of GOD: GOD is faithful, intentional, with a perfect timing; GOD doesn't withhold good things from His children ( Psalm 84:11).
Psalm 37:4-5 - "Delight yourself in the Lord He will give you the desires of your heart."
Isaiah 41:10 - "Fear not, for I am with you"
Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart"
You might feel behind; allow me to remind you that waiting is not wasted time. GOD often uses preparation before promotion.
Many strong Christian marriages happen later rather than earlier. This season may be shaping you into the husband you are meant to be. Sometimes GOD develops us privately before blessing us publicly. This period might be strengthening qualities you'll later be grateful for. Isaiah 34:16; Genesis 2:18 are your portions.
Please have in mind you are valuable, purposeful, and complete in GOD; Marriage is a blessing, but it's not what makes you worthy or whole. Your identity doesn't depend on your marital status.
I'll hand you my little help by prayer as you requested.
LORD, give our brother Jonathan Grove peace in his heart. Remind him that You hold his future, and Your timing is perfect. Prepare the right relationship for him and prepare him for it. Remove fear and replace it with confidence in Your love. Amen
Brother Jonathan Grove I'm here for you. You don't have to walk through this by yourself.
FIND COMFORT IN GOD.
YOU ARE BLESSED.
AMEN
The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:23, "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ". Here, the clear distinction is made of our tripartite being, that each part which comprises the whole is special and accountable to the LORD, so we must carefully look to their state.
There are too many references to the spirit and soul that God has given us (you can do a search for those words on this Site, and see how they are used). However, in my understanding, which I don't admit is perfect on this matter, is that the "Soul" represents the person (the living being) and the personal attributes of that life (of the mind, will, and emotions) and these together reflect one's personality.
The "Spirit", as the God-given "breath of life" ( Genesis 2:7) caused this new creation made from the dust of the Earth, to begin to live. So, I understand the spirit given us, as one's real immortal life that operates on a higher plane than the soul, where our spiritual perception & understanding, our communication with God & His Spirit within us, and where the root of faith, hope, and Divine connection rests. Another way of looking at it: when we communicate, have feelings or react to others, then our soul is at work; when being ministered to by God & our responses to Him, then our spirit (if newly re-born) is engaged.
As mentioned, one cannot be hard and fast on this subject, as clear concise definitions are not given us; so each person may have their own understanding as they receive from God's Word.
As we read through portions of the Bible (and of course, we can't read and properly digest all of its contents in a single sitting), we need to always bear in mind that to properly understand the Scriptures, we need to take all of it into account - not just in single isolated parts. Remembering too, that the Bible is both an historical account of peoples, nations, and God's dealing with them, as well as deep and profound Truths that we need to store in our hearts and apply in our lives. Therefore, to learn it correctly, we need to always keep in mind certain questions: such as, about the writer of the particular Bible Book; to whom was God's Message given; why was it given; was God's Message under the Old or New Covenants; does it now apply to Christ's Church; and to know that if an answer to our query isn't forthcoming from our reading, then we must be patient as revelation will be given as we continue in study, waiting on the Holy Spirit.
You're probably aware of all I've suggested, but to apply it to a couple of your points here: "the Sabbath day is special; we must respect that". That is correct, but the understanding we get from it will be quite different when we ask those questions given earlier. You also mentioned, "It is not good for a man or a woman to be alone; we all need to get a partner." You quoted from Genesis 2:18. But when we get to the New Testament where Jesus spoke on this, as the Apostle Paul also, we find that singleness is sometimes voluntary or required in the life. I'm not sharing much detail here, allowing you to look for the answers yourself, but simply to give direction as to how we should correctly read and understand the Word given to us. Every blessing in your studies.
Just something to consider about your post on what Paul was teaching, "deceased believers were already in Heaven and that at His Coming, Jesus would bring them with Him and their bodies buried in the earth would join with their spirits. So, the believers should be assured that God had not forgotten those who were in their graves at His Coming, since they were very much alive with Him & together would join with those living believers on Earth".
I would ask, are we mortal beings or immortal beings? Saying that believers are in heaven and very much alive is saying we are eternal beings, or that our spirit or soul is immortal. If we look at Ecclesiastes 12:7, this applies to all of mankind, whether they are believers or the evilest person who has ever lived. All spirits return to God.
James 2:26 says, "the body without the spirit is dead". Adam was not a living soul/being until God breathed into him the breath of life, Genesis 2:7. This is the spirit of life that God gives to all living, and the part of us that God communicates with us, Proverbs 20:27, 2 Corinthians 2:13, and when we die, there is no more communication; we wait for resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:53-54, Paul clearly says we are mortal; it is we who are resurrected, not our bodies, our bodies return to dust.
Some use 2 Corinthians 5:6-9 as saying it means when we die, we are absent from the body and present with the Lord. The question we should ask is when we will be absent from this body. If we are open, the Scriptures tell us that it is when we are resurrected, that happens when Jesus returns, we will be gathered unto Jesus here on earth, and we shall ever be with our Lord. We meet Him in the air, welcoming Him back. The Greek word translated meet is apantesis, meaning a going-out to greet an arriving, emphasizing their importance, stressing welcome, honor, and accompaniment.
Thanks, brother,
God bless,
RLW
I will say no more, you can judge for yourself. love u. Joh 4
Point One - Romans 14:5,6
You referred to comments from Romans 14:5,6 where it seems to say that it makes no difference to God which days we keep holy. Actually, these verses do not concern any days that must be kept holy. This is proved by the context of the entire chapter.
The Bible elsewhere teaches very plainly which days God made Holy and commands us to keep holy. They are found inGenesis 2:2,3, Exodus 20:8-11 and Leviticus 23.
Point 2 - "Sabbath" in Strongs Concordance
There were 116 verses containing the "Sabbath". I found one in Col 2:16 that mentioned "sabbath days" which is talking about feast days from the Mosiac law written by Moses.
Point 3 - You said the "Lord is my Sabbath".
I didn't find any reference in the whole Bible that says we can just ignore the 7th day Sabbath of the Lord and call it "the Lord is my Sabbath". This seems to be a way out when you can't find Bible texts to false doctrine.
Point 4 - Sabbath in different time zones - come at different times.
That is a weak argument. The point I would make is that when the 7th day Sabbath arrives in whatever time zone, then it should be observed. This would be the fulfillment of God's requirements. Ex 20:12, John 14:15,16
Point 5 - Using parts of scripture instead of all to make a point.
I myself use the texts in context ( 2 Tim 3:16,17)). If you indeed have an open mind about what to actually know that God has for you in His word the Bible, He will send the Holy Spirit to interpret it for you, so you will understand what He expects from you.
Conclusion:
Most friends keep all 9 , call themselves Christians. I keep all 10, they call me legalistic! The Bible say I love the Lord. LOVE GOD + GRACE + FAITH = ETERNAL LIFE
Revelation 2:7 - He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches, notice plural, churches;
So not only were they to listen to the message of their particular church, but also to all of the churches.
The exhortation for the church: To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
We read this about the one who overcometh, and I am very happy to share this information with you. This is not a challenge in the Greek text. It sounds like it. It says to him that overcomes, and people see that and say "I've got to overcome and then I'll receive this reward!"
In every instance that it's found, at the end of every message in Chapters 2 and 3, this word overcome is what is called a Present Participle. It describes the person who is already overcoming. It's not a challenge for people to do it.
You can go back to 1 John Chapter 5, the first four verses, and it describes for you, along with Chapter 4 Verse 4, that we have overcome the world, we have overcome the antichrist, because greater is He that lives in us, than he that's in the world. We already have overcome them. It's not a challenge!
So, to the one who is overcoming, I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. It started back in Genesis 2:9, all the way through Genesis Chapter 3. The tree of life is removed from the scene until we get into Revelation Chapter 22, and we will see that as part of the promise, provision, and reward of God's people.
God is a Spirit and God sets the worlds framed by the word so God sets the world of the Spirit where faith is one language and one speech. We have our being and our daily lives among the ungodly. But Giod made us living souls. Truth is part of His gift. So we are to understand what the Spirit describes existing suprareal so whether you believe it or not it has its own existence. If Jonah could communicate with God from the belly of a great fish what is strange about Genesis 2:15-19? If truth cannot connect you with this world what religion are we talking about?
With regards to the 12 tribes of Israel and the number of 144,000 in Rev. ch.7 Israel is a hold all to explain the left behind church The Vision of the woman clothed with the sun gives us two parallel accounts of the woman running to the wilderness of her her place and the other to which God helps find refuge. The tag of time, times and half a time is the key to connect with the book of Daniel and it refers to the Jews. On the other hand the number of days given connects with the church. The church redeems themselves by stepping in place of the nation during the great tribulation, in the manner of Seth and intercession of Jesus Christ for the sinful world. How do we arrive at 144?
The everlasting Covenant in 7 days Gen.ch.1- 2.1-3 : the first four days refer to the heaven and the remaining on the earth. The believer in the Son has access to the blessings from both worlds. In the Father and in his Son. 4x3=12 gospel of God and in his Son makes up the number 12x12=144. God's promise to bless Abraham and ' thy seed' consequently uses this tag referring to Ishamal as well Jacob who is the heir of promise. 144,000 in Ch.7 does not refer to the nation of Israel but those from the left behind church having the DNA of faith. What does Israel truly mean? Those who prevailed over boith God and man. Is it not?
From what I gather concerning Adam & Eve & the garden, you do believe these people existed, but the garden "is a spiritual place" and "is a snapshot illustrating the fellowship of God with Man". I could understand the garden being that common ground where God & man fellowshipped, though I would probably use Genesis 1:28,29 and Genesis 2:15-19 where God speaks to Adam as a more realistic account & example of their fellowship together. And so this would make Eden not some sort of spiritual place but a literal place where these people walked & fellowshipped. But if the real meaning of it is a spiritual place (as you infer), then I ask myself, 'how has this knowledge helped me understand what I'm reading and is it beneficial in some way?'
To Revelation chap 7: 144,000. "Which is more nonsensical than believing 144,000 as a specific number than allowing the 144 as a symbol to explain the believer who is blessed with all spiritual blessings in heaven and on earth?" Does the fact that verses 5 to 8 clearly specify the composition of this great number have any bearing on what you believe as the believer being blessed with all spiritual blessings? This is probably a prime example of how we read the Scriptures. So when reading this from you, the questions that arise are: why is 144 a symbol to explain the believer's spiritual blessings? Where in the Scriptures can we find support in such a manner for this number? How then do you interpret verses 5 to 8 describing the 12,000 numbered & sealed from the 12 tribes of Israel? Knowing that you have disconnected the physical Israel from any future fulfilment of prophecy, the 12,000 from the 12 tribes would then represent whom? Sorry to make this long, but wanted to find out how you arrive at such interpretations when the Bible is so specific in its narrative and any departure from it could very well lead us into error.
The Word of God is perfect, and there is no way to escape it.
His protection is as near as the very breath of life Genesis 2:7.I'm grateful for being able to share Bible studies, I also have a blog-it's not about Bible reflections, it's more of a personal hobby, but there is a verse inspira in my profession, that directly relates to it and always comes to my mind: "There is no speech nor language where His voice is not heard."I enjoy learning new words and texts, but as you mentioned (systematically), I must not get lost in philosophies.Yesterday, for example, I learned the word metaresiophobia.
It comes from Greek roots: Meta = change; Aresio from the verb "aresk" = to please, to adjust; Phobos = fear.In the Bible, we see that God does not change Malachi 3:6, but we must be continually transformed to be shaped into the image of Christ Romans 12:2.
Sometimes, I need to admonish myself and ask: am I really talking to an AI?Now, in my native language, I make a personal analogy with the word "admoestao" admonition, dividing it phonetically as: "admo" like "admonition" + "estacao" which means "season" or "station" in English.
This division is not technical, but phonetic and symbolic.To me, it's as if an "admoestacao" is a warning that comes in the right season - in other words, at the right time 2 Timothy 4:2.
I know, deep down, sometimes my fear isn't about change itself, but about accepting what is new - like learning a new language or facing situations that take me out of my comfort zone.But God is sovereign, and Daniel already warned us about the days when knowledge would increase rapidly Daniel 12:4.
I've been studying your teachings by writing them down on paper and also noting my own insights in my Bible as I read. That's why I wanted to ask: would it be alright if I "keep" your texts for my personal study? They've been truly valuable to me.
I was actually in Judges 14, reflecting on Samson's seven-day wedding feast, and your words made so much sense. As you said, "for this purpose, the Word or the Law establishes seven days" - from Genesis 1:3 to Genesis 2:1-3.
Part 1
In Christianity, the belief in the immortality of the soul has been influenced by ancient Greek philosophy, especially the teachings of two notable philosophers, Socrates and Plato. This philosophy views death as the separation of the soul from the body. Plato described the body as a prison for the soul and saw death as a means of freeing the soul.
This philosophy of death started blending in the church in the second-third century, some saying the good souls go to heaven, but the bad souls go to hell. Augustine of Hippo, a theologian and philosopher who was made a saint, held this philosophy, strongly influencing the doctrines in the church in the fourth and early fifth centuries, and later John Calvin taught it.
Some interpret 2 Corinthians 5:6-9 to mean that when we die, we go to be present with the Lord. This interpretation is also linked to Ecclesiastes 12:6-7, this is not dependent on salvation, all human spirits, regardless if the person is saved or not, return to God because the spirit in man comes from God, Job 32:8, Zachariah 12:1.
The soul: The Bible does not teach that the soul is immortal, but in Ezekiel 18:20, all souls are God's, and the soul that sinneth shall die, in Matthew 10:28, hell is the Word Gehenna which refers to the Lake of Fire. As written in the Bible, in Genesis 2:7, when God formed Adam out of the dust of the ground and with the breath of life from God, Adam became a living soul, that is all of Adam, the complete identity of Adam, including consciousness, desires, and emotions.
When God breathed into Adam the breath of life, and he became a living soul/being. The Hebrew word for soul is nephesh, which means a breathing creature, not a spiritual entity. It can describe a person's soul, life, mind, will, and even our body, not one thing, but the whole of the person, the true self. 1 Peter 3:20, eight souls were saved. Acts 2:43, Romans 13:1
See part 2
What day should we worship God in the church ? ? Is it Saturday or Sunday ? ? Some people will be shocked to find out that we were wrong all theses years.
God rested on Saturday, it's that our worship day ? ?
Genesis 2:2
And on the seventh dayGodended his work which he had made; and herestedon the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
Did Apostle Paul collected a offering on the first day of the week. Does that mean we should go to church of Sunday ? ?
1 Corinthians 16:2
Uponthefirstdayoftheweeklet every oneofyou lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, thatthere be no gatherings when I come.
We know that Jesus Christ died for all our sins and rose the third day, but do we really know it was Sunday ? ?
1 Corinthians 15:4
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Today, there's is not a date or time to worship Jesus Christ. Everyone should worship Jesus Christ every second, every minute, everyday and every year in the Godhead.
John 4:24
Godis a Spirit: and they thatworshiphim mustworshiphim in spirit and in truth.
May we remember that the church is the body of Christ in us.
Colossians 1:24
Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behindofthe afflictionsofChrist in my flesh for hisbody's sake, which is thechurch:
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
The body of Christ is the church
Proverbs 14:12
There isaway which seemethrightuntoaman, but the end thereofare the ways of death.
Adam was Eve story was the start of worldwide death for all of us. Adam's way got him into trouble with God. Adam knew if he eats of the forbidden tree, he would die spiritually.
Genesis 2:16-17
16And theLordGod commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
17But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
We can not use our ways to get to Heaven, it will fail. We have to know we are lost and born a sinner.
Romans 3:12
They are all gone out of theway, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
God will only direct His way for us.
1 Thessalonians 3:11
Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct ourwayunto you.
God will always point our hearts to Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:5
And the Lorddirectyour hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
The only way to Salvation is to believe God's word.
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God untosalvationto every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Trust God for Salvation today.
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of yoursalvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
The gospel is located 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 just believe it and that's it.
Ray in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
I am saved by believing the gospel.
No, the Bible does not teach that the soul sleeps after death.Instead, the Bible describes death as a sleep-like state for the body, while the soul is immediately present with God.
The Bible uses the word "sleep" metaphorically to describe death, which is temporary.For example, in Acts 7:60, Luke describes Stephen's death as "falling asleep".
The Christians soul and spirit will be with Christ in Heaven and it will be awake and alive when they die.
2 Corinthians 5:8
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to beabsentfromthebody, and to be present withtheLord.
Apostle John saw in a revelation the 144,000 saints singing. The souls are not sleeping but awake and alive.
Revelation 14:3
And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
We know that God rested on the 7th day, but did not go to sleep.
Genesis 2:2
AndontheseventhdayGod ended his work which he had made; and herestedontheseventhdayfrom all his work which he had made.
The fiscal body of this world sleeps both ways, life and death , but not soul sleeping in the spirit.
May we all sleep good tonight in the Lord Jesus Christ without having any bad dreams.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the gospel of grace that never sleeps
1. The first good news.
Genesis 2:16-17
16And theLordGod commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
17But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
2. The second good news.
Genesis 7:1
And theLordsaid untoNoah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.
3. The third good news. The promises and covenants.
Genesis 17:5
Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall beAbraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.
4. The fourth good news. Moses and the law.
Exodus 3:6
Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. AndMoseshid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.
5. The fifth good news is John the Baptist.
Matthew 3:1-2
1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
2And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
6. The sixth good news . Jesus Christ the Messiah, the King, and the Savior.
John 1:17
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came byJesusChrist.
7. The seventh good news . Apostle Paul with the gospel of grace in the resurrection of Christ Jesus.
Romans 1:16
ForIamnotashamedof the gospel of Christ:foritis the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek
Galatians 1:1
Paul, anapostle, (not omen, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;
Now we are here today with the writing of Apostle Paul. We all have a choice to receive the good news from Apostle Paul's epistle.
May God Almighty in the third Heaven bless the gospel of grace to all .
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Ephesians 5:31 - For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
The word joined is the word glue, glued to the wife. Once you become one, leave mother and father, period! And they two shall be one flesh. That's a quote from Genesis 2:24.
Ephesians 6:10 - Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
The word finally means summary. The armor of God represents the whole book of Ephesians in summary form. Paul is under house arrest. He is chained to a soldier. Some people think that Paul got this description from the soldier that he is chained to. This is something that is a Jewish concept that might have been inspired by the soldier that was there, but the items as elements of the armor is not anything that is new.
So, he says, finally, my brethren, and here's the first command: be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Be empowered. And this is the only verb in this whole section that is a Present Tense that means be continually empowered in the Lord, literally, in the grip of his strength.
He pictures the believer as being in God's grip. And God's grip is so strong that we are to draw off of the strength of that grip. But instead, we try to wiggle and squirm. And sometimes we are struggling, where most of the time we're struggling against God. Be still and know that I'm God he says.
Thanks again for the reply, Woe. I have already shared why I believe the first day of the week was Jesus' resurrection day - and from the Scriptures given. And yes, I have received the evidence you have shared, & found it faulty in light of the Scriptures. Even 'God establishing the Sabbath Day at the close of Creation', is incorrect, as we only read that 'God rested (ceased) from His Work, blessed the seventh day and sanctified it (set it apart)' ( Genesis 2:1-3). But the Sabbath was only given at Mt Sinai to His people. If we say that Genesis 26:5 proves without doubt that the Laws & Sabbath remembrance was given to & observed by Abraham, then this belief must only be an assumption, since there is no Scripture to tell us what was given to Abraham. Even if I had to guess what Laws, commands & statutes were given to him, mine too would just be a guess - and that is the sort of thing I avoid most vehemently, as it only breeds error & simply adds fuel to those desperately searching for verses to support their position.
The only clear Scripture relating to Christ's resurrection on the first day of the week is found in Mark 16:9 (to which we have found disagreement previously). Maybe a Greek scholar can confirm how they understand that verse, (taken from my Lexicon), whether
'Anastas de proi prote sabbatou, ephane proton Maria te Magdalene..' is read better,
or Anastas de, proi prote sabbatou ephane proton Maria te Magdalene..' is better read? Maybe, that might help us further.
The RCC may have changed the day of worship, according to them I presume, but Church history informs us that the early Church fathers in general, believed that the First Day of the Week was the occasion to worship & commune together. The Didache (Teachings of the Apostles), Ignatius of Antioch (AD 110), Justin Martyr (AD 155), & John Chrysostom (AD 395), are a few who held that view. Cont'd on Page 2.
Therefore, if we had only John 3:16 to understand the afterlife (whether it exists or not), then we could well believe that 'perish' clearly means a complete cessation of life, as in someone (the body) who perishes in a house fire or perishes by drowning. But in relation to the Scriptures, we know that God has given us a spirit & that spirit is identifies who we are, given life by God, with an outer covering (a body) to house it, yet the spirit can never perish (die). Genesis 2:7; Zechariah 12:1; Job 32:8; 1 Corinthians 2:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Ecclesiastes 3:21; Ecclesiastes 12:7.
And then we have the Judgement of God upon all, where those who belong in God's family, living a life consecrated to Him, are eternally secure from damnation, whereas all unbelievers (and their spirits can never be destroyed), suffer under God's condemnation. If only death was our final punishment for rejecting Christ, then we all still have to die as those in sinful, corrupt bodies; none can escape. This is a defective Gospel as most would prefer to cease to exist without any punishment & live life to the full, not answerable to God. But Christ's Sacrifice was to redeem lost sinful souls, not from death, but from God's eternal Punishment. Revelation 20:15; Revelation 21:8; Matthew 10:28; Matthew 13:49,50; Matthew 25:41,46; Mark 9:43; Luke 16:19-31; 2 Thessalonians 1:8,9.
Just a few Scriptures to show the Truth of an Eternal suffering in Hell & not simply disappearing forever in the grave. Every spirit (of man) is accountable to God.
Then in Genesis 2:4, after the 'generations of the heavens and of the earth were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens', God had seen fit to expand on certain aspects of those six days of creation in Genesis 1 (and specifically about how His Work of creating these perfect human beings came to be). Man was first formed from Earth's dust (v7) & then Woman was then formed from man's body; that they are not just two separate creations, but really two separate humans who are vitally & intrinsically connected to each other, causing them to have an abiding, loving & meaningful relationship, as they could have with no other creature.
So, I believe that these two chapters (on the creation of man & woman) are not two separate acts of creation by God, but only One. That the second chapter amplifies what God created on the sixth day, which then leads us into the following chapters of Genesis & the rest of the Bible on the lives of men & women and God's dealing with them, even until the end of time as we know it.
The Bible teaches that in the beginning man was created in the image and likeness of God. God immediately placed man in a beautiful garden and told him that he was free to eat the fruit of every tree in the garden saving for the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God warned him that in the day he ate of the fruit of that tree, he would surely die. ( Genesis 2:15-17)
Man failed the test and became spiritually dead, and was driven from the presence of God. ( Genesis 3:24) That condition continues right to the present day. Mankind is by nature in rebellion against his creator and unless God himself intervenes to save him, he will die in his sins. Sin is the trangression of the law, and the wages of sin is death. The Bible is God's lawbook.
The only antidote, the only remedy, is if God himself provides a substitute, a stand-in, someone who is without sin and qualified to bear the penalty for sin in place of man and fully satisfy the demands of God's law. That someone is the Lord Jesus Christ, God Himself, who gave his life in order that God's elect might have the gift of eternal life.
There is absolutely nothing that natural man can do to contribute to or guarantee his salvation. Salvation is 100% the work of God according to God's foreordained elective program and according to God's own timetable. The churches regardless of denomination have set up a Do-It-Yourself salvation plan by which they teach that man can make some contribution to his salvation. The Bible insists that salvation is 100% the work of God and that God sovereignly chose those whom he would save before the foundation of the world. Man can not contribute one iota to or effect his salvation in any way. He is entirely at the mercy of God. Only God can save him. No church, no pastor, no evangelist, no priest, can guarantee anyone's salvation.
Ephesians 1:1-5
More in part 4
John 3:16-18 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son." Apart from the work of Jesus Christ, every human is condemned to an eternity in hell ( Revelation 20:15). But God has freely offered the gift of heaven. What determines if a person goes to heaven or hell for eternity is whether that person has been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ ( Romans 4; Galatians 3:23-29; Hebrews 11).
Going to hell is the default position of humanity. Going to heaven is the free gift of God's grace, received by faith, offered to all people ( Ephesians 2:1-10). God wants people to be reconciled with Him, so He provided the way ( John 14:6). Every person is invited to go to heaven.
Going to heaven or hell has everything to do with God's act of rescue. When God created the world, everything was very good ( Genesis 1:31). He created humanity in His image. He provided food for them but told them there was one tree from which they were not allowed to eat. They were to trust His provision, follow His commands, remain in close relationship with Him, and experience fullness of life. But they were also free to disobey Him, which would result in death ( Genesis 2:15-17; Romans 6:23).God, I know that I have gone against your ways, that I rightly deserve condemnation. I know that you are loving, merciful, gracious, and just. I believe that you have made reconciliation possible. I believe that Jesus is the only Savior, and I submit to Him as Lord. I believe He is fully God, fully human, lived a perfect life, died on the cross for my sins, and rose from the dead bodily. I believe His sacrifice is sufficient for my sins.
Thank you, brother, I know many have your understanding of this, and defining the difference between the soul and the spirit is difficult, in Scripture they seem to be interchangeable, at least it is for me. Salvation is not dependent on this, we know we are sealed and secure in Jesus regardless of what happens when we die.
In Genesis 2:7 Adam became a living being/soul the Hebrew word nephesh, in the New Testament it is the word psyche. My understanding this is who we are, our senses, desires, affections, appetites, intellect, and memories. The soul, who we are can be killed, Matthew 10:28. My understanding when we die is the soul/who we are, is asleep with our body in the grave, and is resurrected either to eternity with Jesus or is killed in the lake of fire.
Man cannot kill our soul all souls belong to God Ezekiel 18:4. God has offered a way of salvation for souls that are doomed to die, Hebrews 9:27. And we are told we can walk in the world or walk in the Spirit and Jesus told us the consequences, Matthew 16:26.
Spirit both the Hebrew word ruach and the Greek word pneuma translated as spirit have the concept of breath or wind at their roots. This part of us can be alive or dead Ephesians 2:4-5. The most enter part of us that connects or refuses to connect to God, like a radio receiver and it gives life to the body, Psalm 104:29 James 2:26.
This is what returns to God when we die, there is no more communication our fate is set after we die our soul is asleep in death until we are resurrected, Daniel 12:2. I know you said you do not know Plato, Greek philosophy, many in those days were influenced, the spirit or soul is immortal and the descriptions of an underworld. I believe Jesus took parts of these fables and used them as subject matter in this parable.
My understanding the spirit does not have a body it gives life to the body, and we are resurrected and given an eternal spirit.
Thanks again, God bless,
RLW
I'm finally settled in for the night and thanks again for responding!
I viewed your thoughts and I have a few things I would like you to consider.
I portioned them out and would like to address them separately.
1) You stated; We know they were made very good as part of everything made in the sixth day. I would believe that having been made very good they had a covering at least by the hand of God himself by His image.
Having been placed in the garden to dress and keep it was also good and they had all that they needed.
My thoughts;
"When God says that it was good he's not talking about Adam's spiritual condition! God mentioned the same thing about the light, the seas, the grass and the herb, the cattle, the creeping things, the two great lights to rule over the day and night, and on and on until he finished his creation.
As for setting him in the garden of Eden. Well that didn't work out.
2) Continuing your quote;
"And yet nakedness began by listening to a fellow creature rather than being obedient to the Word of the Father himself.
My thoughts;
You said nakedness began by listening to a fellow creature.
However, In Genesis 2:25
Adam was naked BEFORE he listened to the voice of his wife.
Also Adam wasn't deceived by Satan according to 1 Timothy 2:14.
Adam made the decision to disobey God!
The decision process comes before the act.
He wasn't created perfect and the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil opened his eyes to that.
There's only one perfect being to walk here on earth and that's God himself manifested in the flesh!
God bless.
Thanks again for responding.
First let's deal with the second half of your reply listed in sections A and B below.
You stated;
A) the eating of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil opened their consciences, and the shame of their disobedience was their nakedness, their sin was exposed.
My reply; how could it be that the shame of "their disobedience" was their nakedness if they were naked before they disobeyed? Genesis 2:25.
So if we continue with that logic, If nakedness means their sin was exposed, then sin was in them to do BEFORE they ate of the fruit.
B) and with the knowledge of good and evil, the thoughts that come from being nude.
My reply; I believe that being naked has a much broader meaning than being nude as we mentioned previously.
When they sewed fig leaves on they were still naked in God's eyes.
Here's my thoughts on the rest of your reply.
My Emphasis is on them being naked before they were disobedient and what that meant.
Were they complete or perfect as Christ was in the flesh?
For one there was a sacrifice made for them that foreshadowed Christ who was ordained as the Lamb of God before the foundation of the world.
Also,
We have no scripture on whether if God only gave Adam that one command or not.
I believe this is recorded to put emphasis on the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, Adam's nakedness, and the tree of life and the results following the transgression.
However, even if there were only one command he gave Adam, Good and Evil still existed and that is something Adam had no knowledge of!
He responded in a way that flesh does in its rebellious nature.
Adam was flesh, we inherited that.
Adam was naked, we inherited that.
Adam done what a uncovered man does, 'SIN" we inherited that.
See part 2.
All was foreordained in the plan of God before the world was, God, knowing the end from the beginning. In Scripture when God put Adam in the garden, He planted for Adam to take care of, God only gave Adam one command, Genesis 2:16, do not eat from that one tree. This was before God made Eve because God said it was not good that man should be alone Genesis 2:18.
I know we disagree, but the first Adam and the last Adam came into this world without a sinful nature, one was disobedient one was obedient Romans 5:19.
Adam had free will, but the sinful nature did not enter him until Adam chose to be disobedient and ate from that tree that God commanded Adam to not eat from. Romans 5:12 "sin came into the world through one man and death through sin".
Yes, the eating of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil opened their consciences, and the shame of their disobedience was their nakedness, their sin was exposed, and with the knowledge of good and evil, the thoughts that come from being nude.
Jesus's blood covers our sins and makes our garments white as snow, sorry I was not clear.
God bless,
RLW
A difference between Adam and Christ in his humanity.
Adam was born Naked "metaphorically Vulnerable "
Jesus was clothed with light even while here on earth.
Some people view the two as both sons of God and one failed and the other endured and succeeded with both being capable of sin.
One of many differences between the two may be seen in the usage of the word "naked" in Genesis with the focus being on Adam.
As mentioned in my previous post, In Revelation it mentions nakedness along with being shame.
Revelation 3:17-18 "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, AND THAT THE SHAME OF THY NAKEDNESS DO NOT APPEAR; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Revelation 16:15 "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, LEST HE WALK NAKED, AND THEY SEE HIS SHAME.
(Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments.)
Nakedness is unclothed and meaning vulnerable. Perhaps to be ashamed one would have to have knowledge of good and evil.
In Genesis it mentions Adam and Eve being naked along with NOT being ashamed.
Genesis 2:25 it reads "And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were NOT ASHAMED.
After they ate of the fruit they covered themselves!
This emphasizes they now were ashamed.
Keep in mind they were already naked, uncovered and vulnerable.
So the question is what caused their shame? Was it the Knowledge of Good and Evil?