Discuss Hebrews 10 Page 12

Lou, Yes, what they do is certainly sin & contrary to God's Word. The reliance on the material: what is seen, touched, partaken of, is very important to the Catholic. We can see it in the statues, stained glass windows, the incense, the robes, the crucifix, the elements, etc. Can one worship the Lord without the need for any of this paraphernalia that resembles Old Testament instructions to Israel rather than to those under the New Covenant in Christ's Blood?

So, I understand that you & your family still attend that Church but troubled by what you are seeing & maybe from your reading of the Bible. "Who is errorless?" We can all fall into error, some more than others. Both RC Priest & Protestant Pastor are never inerrant - none can ever say that all of God's Word, His Mind, His Plans are known fully. We can have a good understanding & preach accordingly after much study, but each one has to be convinced in his own heart about the matter & each hearer of the message has to weigh up what is shared. For many years, RCs were prevented from reading the Bible as its interpretation remained in the domain of the clergy. Fortunately now, this is not the case, so questions are being asked, some even coming out of the Church when seeing errors there.

In years past, a couple of my RC acquaintances said that they believed the Truth as given in the Bible but still could not break ties with the Church - maybe for fear, ignorance or being unprepared of the 'unknown'. Christians ought not to be silent listeners digesting everything fed to them from the pulpit. We have to reason what we hear in our hearts & allow God's Spirit to help us discern. You can see much of it here on this Site with various opinions presented. But it's how the Word of God is used in defence of a teaching that's important. If you go now to a RC Priest & debate with him on Purgatory, he will probably want you to go for further teaching & counselling rather than spend time in searching the Scriptures with you.

Chris: Then is what they do sinning? I am troubled for decades now in even seeing idols around the altar, (though I worship these not) and selective verses of Gospel that seeks to 'not offend'; is the RC Church condemning themselves? It's far more than myself. My wife and I raised our children in this faith, all of my family is in this faith. Many of my friends as well. And I think the issue I have in wrestling with this is, who is errorless? And if who as in individuals, then what church? Even, True Believers under a Gospel following pastor that are called to assembly to exhort one another, now follow a man who believes he has license & authority to write his interpretation of God's Word and in doing so transform Christ The Living Word into potentially something else. I am sure that a Repentant Believer in Jesus Christ with Christ's Righteousness over them still will err in the flesh. Aside from Jesus Christ our Lord, who can be perfect in the flesh. And if who as in individuals, then what church? Thanks for listening.

To us, who understand the Word differently to the Roman Catholics, their belief & performance of Transubstantiation is one of the most important & revered aspects of remembering & partaking of the Lord. We generally think that they are re-sacrificing Christ by this act - they see that it's not a re-sacrificing, but that the Presence of Christ is evident in the bread & wine, without these being materially changed or even by smell or taste.

When they consider John 6:48-58, they believe that Jesus spoke to the people of having to actually partake of His Body & Blood so that their sins may be forgiven & His Life & Blessing may be transmitted through them. That these elements mystically change during the Mass & re-convert afterwards, continue to give their adherents this belief that they are truly partaking of Christ Himself. Apart from being a false understanding of what the Lord was saying (e.g. when He spoke of the Living Water), this belief, along with many others, holds RCs solidly to the Church, lest by leaving her, they should fall from the Grace of God. And that is why for any leaving that Church, would be an extremely difficult decision to make, both in their mental & spiritual areas. But once free, they are free indeed.

And RCs will readily admit to Christ's physical presence in Heaven, yet for the purpose of the Mass, the elements can be changed & received as such. Even while sitting with His disciples at the Last Supper, Jesus spoke about this matter with them ( Matthew 26:26-28): He was physically present, when they partook of the bread & wine, none of Jesus' Body & Blood were missing, but yet the RC remains convinced that even at the Table, those elements changed mystically.

So, I wonder whether we can make an accusation against them of sacrificing Christ at every occasion of the Mass. It really is their misunderstanding of what Jesus spoke & intended for His disciples to comprehend & practise & their compelling others to be deceived by such a belief.

Why do Roman Catholics continue to offer a sacrifice at the hands of a priest when this is trampling the Lords work of Salvation through His own sacrifice that He once and for all gave for us. This can't be looked on favorably by The Lord. My whole life I spent in RC Church and now see what Paul is saying in this chapter.

To understand spirit, soul, body

And the problems we encounter as a 3 part being. Do a little reading in here.

resourceministries.org/Mended spirit

I hope this blesses you too.

May the Lord bless you & strengthen your mind & spirit in this very important matter, Alec. So many Christians lead defeated lives, not just in the matter of sin consuming them, but being insecure in their salvation, fearing that their prayer hasn't been heard or God refuses to forgive them.

It's all of God's Grace: He initiated His Plan for you, He put it in place for you through Jesus His Only Begotten Son, Jesus laid down His Life for you - can it possibly be that He would now refuse you access into His Love & Forgiveness? NEVER. Or else God has failed in His Love & Promises. And yes, we are 'brutal', for we wield the Sword of the Lord (His Word), with joy & confidence in His Truth - His Truth has set us free & the same Truth will set you free of any doubts & concerns you have now or in the future. Hold on tightly to Him - our sailing on the waters of life is never promised to be smooth & trouble-free, but our Captain will always be at the helm to ensure our safety. And He certainly can be trusted. See you on the other side my friend.

wow, you guys are brutal, lol but correct I have been feeling like Jesus didn't hear me so I have been wearing myself out trying to please the Lord. I guess i had to see it in writing to understand and I really do understand now.

Thank you

Alec

Romans 1:18-26. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; HERE'S WHERE THEY IGNORED GODS GLORY IN HIS CREATION AND WORSHIPED IDOLS, AND "GOD" GAVE THEM OVER TO HOMO SEXUALITY.

(((so that they are without excuse:

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things))).

Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: WE SIN BECAUSE WE INHERITED ADAMS FLESHLY NATURE.

Romans 5:19. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

Sherl,

"however you can fall from grace."

In the conditions you describe,"the fall from grace", is a situation of broken fellowship with God, not a total loss of salvation. Gross sin, or presumptuous sins may plague a believer, and thereby strain their relationship to God, and the way to correct that status is as you said, repent and ask forgiveness. For example, your children, can either be pleasant and agreeable or ornery and difficult, in either case, they never stop being your children. Christians of all depths/ages/maturity, work out their own experience of being saved, some do better than others. The father of the prodigal son, had two sons. The one who remained with his father also had issues that the father had to deal with. God does not throw out the baby with the bath water, and keeping them clean, is given his full attention. Hebrews 10:30&31"For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

Alec Ford,

Two very destructive sins are, feeling saved by our works, and, feeling unsaved by our works. Believers are saved by the grace of God and faith.

Phillipians 4:7 speaks of your heart. lest you be fearful, and your mind, lest you are doubtful. The Lord is working to keep Christians from those two crippling afflictions, which Christians bear while connected to the flesh and the old nature.

Hebrews 10:2 doesn't speak of feelings, as Chris has graciously tried to help you with, but instead, knowledge of sin, through the God given conscience. Christians often battle with presumptuous sins, Psalms 19:13 "Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me". Were it not for salvation, your conscience wouldn't trouble you so much. Therefore, take heed to the wretchedness we share with Paul in Romans 7:25 and Romans 7:14. The flesh/old nature, constantly gnaws at our faith/trust, whereby God has saved us. Chris is correct in asking, was your trust in the Lord to have died for you real? Then, should, you say yes indeed, take "the shield of faith, Ephesians 6:16, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked" and press onward to the day God takes away your flesh, and till then, the shield of faith, will guard your heart and mind. Because God is able 2 Timothy 1:12, and the believers hope/expectation is Psalm 17:15. Day by day, here a little, there a little, God changes believers to a likeness of his son, and will complete that transition only after we leave this lost world.

Two very destructive sins are, feeling saved/worthy by our works/choices, and, feeling unsaved/unworthy by our works/choices. Believers are saved by the grace of God and faith in the work He has done through His Son dying for sinners.

Alec, neither of those Scriptures you've given apply to your situation. Hebrews 10:2, speaks about the Jews who had to yearly offer sacrifices to obey God's Commands & to avert His Anger upon them. The sacrifices could never remove sin or their guilty consciences & that is why they had to be offered each year. Philippians 4:7, is an encouragement for those given to worry & anxiousness. Paul suggests that they commit their problems to the Lord in prayer with praise to the One Who will deal with their matters.

You've indicated that you're feeling guilty over past sins. And for some reason, unlike the first time, you now can't rid yourself of this dilemma you're in. Usually, in such situations, folk have truly called upon the Lord for salvation or restoration, but haven't let go of their sins, their past life, or the pain they have inflicted upon others. When we come to the Lord for spiritual healing, we do so entirely based on faith in His Word, in His Power to be able to do this, & Promise that it will be "thy faith hath made thee whole". If we're dwelling on past sins, & lets face it, the memory will always be there but should not burden us anymore or bring on guilt, then we really haven't put those sins upon Jesus to bear them & forgive us - rather, inwardly we believe that Jesus has failed to hear our cry, we are not forgiven & we have to continue to live with the mental & spiritual uncertainty & torment.

Take stock of what took place when you came to the Lord. Did you earnestly seek His forgiveness for your many sins? Did you sense in your heart that He had done so according to His Word ( John 3:14-18)? That He will no longer resurrect those forgiven sins & accuse you of them ( Hebrews 10:14-17). Why should we then allow those past sins come back to haunt us? Leave it at the Cross - tell Satan who is taunting you with this, that you're a child of God, covered in Christ's Blood ( James 4:7), that you ARE forgiven. Spend much time in God's Word & pray for healing.

If i am reading Hebrews 10 vs 2 and Philippians 4 vs 7 correctly, why do I feel so guilty for past sins? Yes I have backslidden and have come back to the Lord. when i first came and was saved I knew I was forgiven without a doubt and never dwelt on past sins, but this time i do. Now I know I am saved no doubt but to often the peace of God escapes replaced by guilt and shame of ever leaving in the first place.

I can heartily agree with your first paragraph that the Triune God is very Truth. But then you say that the Holy Spirit is not a person. And it's at this point that we have to dwell.

Before I give you some Scriptures, let me ask, "what if God chose to embody His "Truth" (the Holy Spirit), with flesh, as He did to His "Word"? Would that alter your belief that the Spirit is more than the Truth (a Word) of God, but very God Himself by His Spirit?

Some Scriptures for you to consider that the Holy Spirit is not only the 'Truth of God' but sent from God as God: 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 (He is Intelligent, He searches, He knows, He has a Will); Ephesians 4:30 (He has feelings - can be grieved & He seals the believer); John 14:26 (He teaches; notice the pronoun); John 16:13, Romans 8:14; Acts 8:29 (He guides, leads, speaks, hears, glorifies God); Acts 13:4 (He commissions or despatches); Romans 8:26,27 (He intercedes); Matthew 12:31 (He can be blasphemed); Acts 5:3 (He can be lied to); Acts 7:51 (He can be resisted); Hebrews 10:29 (He can be outraged). And these are just a few to consider.

Then if we leave off the word 'Spirit' & replace it with 'Truth' in those Scriptures (as you asked me to try out), in some cases, it could work as the Spirit is Truth, as God & the Son are Truth. But in other cases, that just wouldn't work (e.g. how does the Truth (as a spoken Word) grieve, search, has a Will, feelings, hears, glorifies, commissions, intercedes, blasphemed against, etc.?). And then again, why did God not just use the word 'Truth' (as in 'the Truth shall set you free') but rather shows us that His Spirit (of Truth) was sent to accomplish these tasks? I can see if someone has difficulty with the Doctrine of the Trinity, then understanding the Spirit's part in the Godhead would be a problem.

Hi Betty, many people have different opinions on this subject, but really, no one's opinion matters. You should just read God's word directly and pray to God for understanding. He wants you to seek Him and He will reward you through that effort. Ask for wisdom and He will grant it.

I will offer my opinion. Even in the days when Paul wrote the letters there was confusion, which is why Paul wrote so much about the subject of salvation, works, and grace. People often take one portion then draw assumptions, while forgetting the rest. It all needs to be taken as a whole for a proper perspective, in my opinion. Either extreme side can be abused- someone who claims he's saved may intentionally sin and claim it's ok, which is contrary to what Jesus said. Jesus, however, also got upset at the pharisees who were extremely law abiding, while missing the whole point about loving God and loving others, so they were wrong too.

I might also challenge the assumption of someone being 'saved'. Are Christians truly saved now before judgment day? I think people are judged on judgment day THEN saved. What is a Christian? A Christ-follower. What does that mean? It's an action- a verb- to actively follow Christ. That involves movement, growth, change. The Bible is filled with challenges for ourselves to constantly improve our Christian walk. So, I look it as someone driving down a freeway heading in a certain direction- toward Jesus. We may hit bumps in the road, we may swerve, we may even get a flat tire and stop temporarily, but if we still continue toward Jesus then we are a real Christian with our sins covered by grace. However, if we as a Christian get deceived and exit off, turn around and start heading the opposite direction to the world of sin and evil, and intentionally denounces the faith, then I no longer believe a Christian is covered by grace or saved.

Hebrews 10:26

God bless you!

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Fred, I think you may be referring to my earlier comments to the enquirer about why Paul wrote to the Galatians. If not, & your comments here are of a general nature & not directed to me, I apologize.

But if could write a few things to what you've written. It's probably good to stay with Galatians, since Paul is quite thorough in his teaching of the Law vs Grace. And this was so, as you noted, that the Church(es) there were being infiltrated by these proponents of the necessity of keeping the Law in all its forms coupled with embracing the freedom that the believer has in Christ.

Firstly, the Law can never complement the Gospel of Grace - they are opposed to each other in both meaning & application. If searching hard for a connection, it would have to be that both are from the same Author: given at different times & for different outcomes. The Law by its very nature & objective was given because "of transgressions till the Seed should come" (3:19). The Law was given to Israel so that they might know God's requirements for them, to be made aware of the nature & effects of sin ( Romans 7:9) & the compulsion to deal with it with sacrifices which diverted God's Anger & Judgement upon them. This was a continual offering because sin was a continual burden to the soul. The sacrifices & odours were acceptable to God in view of the One great & perfect Offering made & given by God that would be offered once & for all people ( Hebrews 10:10,12,14).

Secondly, Paul's dealing with the Judaizers was very stern, because any fusing of the old Jewish Law with the New Covenant through Jesus would never work. Paul even appealed to Abraham ( Galatians 3:6-18) to show that God accepted him for his faith, & the blessings to the (gentile) nations could only come based on that faith alone. If what we inherit came by obedience to the Law, then it would no longer be "by promise", as what was assured to Abraham.

If I could add to the other very pertinent accurate comments given you. You would have read further & your heart should have been comforted to know the circumstances to which this letter was referring to. In a nutshell, the answer is in verse 29.

The writer was agonizing over some Jewish converts (to whom this letter was primarily directed to), who wouldn't let go of Judaism entirely & were in danger of abandoning the faith & reverting back to Judaism. Therefore, the writer took great pains to again explain to them the superiority of Jesus Christ Who gives life & the superiority of Christianity, over the 'old religion' which under Moses' Law only brought death (v 28). One can see the writer's desperate plea to them in verses 19-25. Then, even with all this, the warning went out: "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins...Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?"

The writer says that if they "sin wilfully after receiving the Truth, there's no more hope". What is this sin being written about, as we know that God is merciful & will always forgive us because of His Son's Sacrifice? The sin that is referred to is of APOSTASY: these converts were on the cusp of rejecting Christ & reverting back to Judaism - if they did, there was no other Sacrifice on offer (nor could be) that they could grab onto for salvation. If Judaism was their goal, then they would perish under the Law's penalty. See Hebrews 6:4-6, where a similar warning went out, of the impossibility to find salvation in any other or of returning back to Christ. If they so despised Christ (10:29) & turned their backs to Him, their end would be fearful.

Alec, these verses are not for you - you can rejoice in being forgiven.

Hi Alec, Sometimes the hardest people to forgive is ourselves, we know all too well our weakness and short comings, I haven't lived a life on drugs but can attest to a lot of short comings that I'm ashamed of and deserve the punishment of hell, but for as great a sinner that I am, I have a greater Savior that suffered on the cross for me, and all I need to do is repent and believe. When you look at the apostles, they spent three years with Jesus witnessing His preaching's and miracles, and yet when Judas betrayed Jesus, they were scattered, and Peter denied him three times. Just because we say that we're Christian and believe doesn't mean that we're not going to ever sin again, but when we do sin, we need to pray for forgiveness. I also believe that in times of doubt or weakness, that the Holy Spirit is there to comfort us and also to convict us through our conscience to keep us on the narrow road to the Cross. When you say you have the feeling of fear coming over you, maybe it's the Holy Spirit, telling you to come back to the Cross, count this as a blessing, because it sound like you're on the narrow road, and He wants to keep you there.

May God bless you on your journey.

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

Matthew 18:21 "Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?" Matthew 18:22 "Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven."

First of all, if you feel the Lord calling you back, why would you be afraid to return? As it say's, we will all be judged and I have the same story behind me. It would be more fearful to never feel that call and stay in the world of sin than to return as did the prodigal son. This passage has tormented me too many times but the rest of scripture assures me that God is always ready to accept repentance.

Hello

Can someone explain what is meant in vs 27 that fearful looking for judgement is? I can't seem to shake that feeling of not being forgiven or going to far. the writer was talking to Hebrews and is that the context we should take? If so how do I apply these lessons to my life. I have asked for forgiveness and know that i am forgiven but a feeling of fear comes over me at times and it is a scary one. Can someone who has backslidden and lived a life of a drug addict like myself come back and really find forgiveness I knew better so I am without excuse and deserve to be sent to hell, but I really feel the Lord calling me back, there are times I am bold like proverbs 28 says to be, but other times I am almost over come with a paralyzing fear.

"you won't see God with his son standing next to him".

Luke 22:69; Hebrews 1:13; Hebrews 8:1; Hebrews 10:12; Hebrews 12:2; Acts 7:56; Romans 8:34; 1 Peter 3:22; etc.

Thanks Robert for your detailed explanation. I can only deal with one aspect of what you have said & that is on the verses that show the Christ Jesus is now risen & is seated at God's right Hand. I've checked the Greek in each of the cited verses, & they show a physical position of 'sitting' (kathemenos), at the 'right hand' (dexion), & of 'God' (Theos).

You have written: "Explanation = "right hand of God" is an idiomatic expression that means "Power" or "Authority", not location". How have you arrived at this 'explanation', given that the original language specifically states that Jesus' position is 'seated', 'at God's right Hand', & beside 'God', which you state He's no longer there, because Jesus is now God?

An idiom is something quite different: such as "hang one's head (in shame)", or to "kick the bucket", where clearly it is an expression to attract a response, an action. That Christ rose in victory over death & for our justification before God is seen in Romans 4:24,25: "But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification." By transliteration: 'To us also, that our faith shall be imputed for righteousness (v 22), if we believe on God Who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, being delivered for our sins & raised that we might be justified by God'.

And then in Hebrews 10:12: "But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God". The same thought is expressed that Christ rose from the dead by God's Power & took up his rightful place at the Father's right Hand. This can't be an idiomatic expression, as the existence of the Person of God is present, who raised Jesus from the dead, God had to be fully satisfied (Christ was our propitiation for sins) & God could only then justify us - no other event could secure us. God is present & Jesus at His right Hand receiving worship.

Hi Cris, here is my reply

Answer to your questions, back up with biblical proofs:

Colossians 1:16 - 17 16For by him (JESUS) were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him (JESUS), and for him (JESUS): 17And he (JESUS) is before all things, and by him (JESUS) all things consist.

1 John 1:3 Context 1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life (JESUS); 2(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

Mark 16:19 19So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

Luke 22:69 68And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go. 69Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.

Acts 7:56 56And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

Romans 8:34 34Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Hebrews 10:12 12But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

1 Peter 3:22 22Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

Perspective Helps Us Understand God

Old Testament = God is a Spirit, invisible to the naked eye. Attributes are: Omnipotent - all powerful, can do anything nothing is impossible; omnipresent - is everywhere;

So I think I understand you: that God was alone in Heaven in eternity & it was Him & the cherubim that were involved in the creative work. And then when it came time for Jesus' appearance, you said "God manifested as a man name Jesus in New Testament; God as the Holy Spirit in Resurrection - all of these titles only belongs to Jesus."

So to the first point & to my first response to you on this matter: how do you understand Colossians 1:16,17 & John 1:1-3 & following verses?

To your second point: if God is now manifested as Jesus, & I assume you say that there is presently no God in Heaven except Jesus Who now God, then what do you make of Mark 16:19, Luke 22:69, Acts 7:56, Romans 8:34, Hebrews 10:12, 1 Peter 3:22, & others. I'm confused.

I suppose the Trinity issue doesn't come up until these points are dealt with first. Thank you.

JOHN 15:1 Jesus says I am the "true" vine. When we think of a vine here's what we must consider; The vine sharing a common life source with the branches, The dependency of the branches on that vine, and the fact that the branches bare fruit, that's why they're there. Here is a few other verses using the idiom the vine. Psalms 80:8-9. "Israel called a vine brought out of Egypt". Isaiah 5:1-7. Jeremiah 2:21, "Israel called a degenerate vine". Hosea 10:1, "an empty vine". I believe this meant to contrast Israel mission as the vine, "HOWEVER there mission is not over" but i want to put our focus on the True vine and the difference between the two. Here is what's important and should'nt be overlooked, Israel was able to show the world then and now the Law which was holy even when executed could never change the heart of man. That's what the study of Hebrews is about. Especially Hebrews 10:16, the Lord says; I WILL PUT MY LAWS INTO THEIR HEARTS. This is where the ministry of Holy spirit comes in. without him we can do nothing, you are the branches, examine your fruit. it should be wrapped in Love, not outwardly first but inwardly then expressed outwardly. That's how the Lord is forming his church to shine light on a dark world, including our nation. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 2 Tim.2:4. and this is the spirit that should reside in you now. it want be born in you later as some say. THANK YOU

Hebrews 1:3

Hebrews 8:1

Hebrews 10:11-13

Hebrews 12:2

Luke 16:19

Mark 14:62

Romans 8:34

Ephesians 1:21

1 Peter 3:22

Acts 7:55

Colossians 3:1

These verses should be sufficient to show that the risen Jesus Christ is now at the Father's right Hand.

How does one get a clear conscience, I have repented and turned away from my past way of living study Gods word daily and try whenever I get the chance to talk to others about Jesus I know i cannot earn or work my way to heaven, but i do volunteer work to help others and when I have to make decisions I make them based on what I have read in the bible I was a backsliden christian who fell far from the Lord probably farther than most "drugs/alcohol and all that goes with it,am i looking at it the wrong way? Is it like when a man goes to jail guilty as charged but someone else paid for it so the judge says i am free to go, now even though the judge let me go and am not charged, I am still guilty. Is that how I should look at my life that even though i am saved I have to carry this weight on my back until i get to heaven? I was looking at things like when I was first saved when the guilt of past sins came upon me I knew i was forgiven and the weight of the past didn't have any effect on me, not so this time.

JOHN 16

The Work of the Holy Spirit

"I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. 5But now I am going to him (Father) who sent me, and none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' 6But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper (HOLY SPIRIT) will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8And when HE comes, HE will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9concerning sin, because they do not believe in ME; 10concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world (Satan) is judged.

12"I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13When the Spirit of truth comes, HE will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he HEARS, he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

Other passages that will help you to get back in step with the Holy Spirit:

2 Titus

1 John 1, particularly the prayer in verse 9

Isaiah 1:16-19

If we stubbornly persist in satisfying fleshly over-indulgence, sex sins, copying worldly ways of living, etc. we KNOW when we are falling away.

The Holy Spirit comes to convict you; to do His Work again. That "knowing" that you sense in your spirit, is HIM. So listen and do respond to His urging.

Another thing we are to do: is to move from "baby Christian" to growing up in Christ. Not reading in the New Testament of the Bible, leaves us vulnerable. Decide who you are following: the world, or the Lord, Jesus? The Holy Spirit is your TEACHER. Ask him your questions. Listen

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When these apostates left, they would have not had any convictions about their actions - they were cast off to join the throng of Christ-rejecters, & more so, having also once been partakers of the Spirit's offerings (6:4-6, shows the same warning there also). For the believer, all sin is forgivable, except for blasphemy & here, in rejecting Christ after having received the Gospel of Truth, & their fate is certain. Therefore, Christ's death did deal with all manner of sins & God looks only on that Perfect Sacrifice that was able to accomplish it. What we do with that salvation subsequent to hearing & receiving it, it's up to us & remains before God. If we should slip up & sin, Christ's Blood continues to clean. If we choose to live in sin & say we are Christians, then we have to re-examine our lives & see what has gone wrong with our belief system & repent quickly & be born again by the Holy Spirit.

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Oftentimes, we Christians look at a Scripture & form a judgement. It's always a good practise to learn as much as you can about a Bible book in regards to the authorship, readership, reasons for writing, etc. Hebrews was written primarily to Jews who had converted to Christ or likely, appeared to do so. So, unlike Gentile converts, these Jews had a lot of the OT already in their minds & so the writer had to deal with much of that. We can't go into that here; as you read this epistle with that in mind, you will see some of these hurdles they had to overcome.

Hebrews 10:26,27, is one of those warnings given. It was directed to some who had or were planning to leave the faith (apostatize); in other words, they wanted to reject Christ & His salvation preferring to return to Judaism. Hence the 'sin' spoken of in v26, is the sin of Christ rejection by turning back to Judaism. So the writer goes on in v28,29, that if those who wilfully disobeyed the Law in times past were executed for their crime, how much more worthy will be the punishment for any who now consider the Sacrifice of Christ as a useless vain offering, showing hatred to God's gracious Work.

I have heard many sermons the Christ died for all our sins past, present and future doesn't that contradict what we read in this chapter of Hebrews? Does it say anywhere in the bible that a sin commuted knowingly and willingly can be forgiven? I read here in starting in verse 26 that you cannot not that only but the punishment that will go with it, so is the punishment damnation or loss or rewards. Can one truly be forgiven and be restored to the Lord or is there a line here on earth that once crossed all is lost. This is the last time I will ask a question about this subject at times it can bring me and others to despair i know others that say they can't find the holy spirit and yet prayers have been answered. There are many people who think they have lost their salvation, many.