Discuss Matthew 12 Page 9

My commeit is if we are borne again Christians Jesus is not talking to us. About the sabith or healing or not abideing the law. we are sinners saved by grace in Mat 28 he will give us a chance to prove ourselves on the third day

Sister Dianne, food for thought:

You commented, God is perfect he cannot produce something not perfect that's where I think in between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2 the rebellion in heaven could have happened and lucifer came down and screwed things with the other angels that rebelled.

I thought God, through Jesus, created ALL THINGS. Since he created lucifer and lucifer sinned, then lucifer wasn't created perfect. This is what other verses say:

Romans 8:20 Because the creature (creation) ITSELF was made subject to VANITY, NOT WILLINGLY ..

Romans 9:21 Hath the potter not power over the clay, or the SAME LUMP to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour.

God' word says he did not make everything perfect in the beginning, BUT he through the REBIRTH of everyone by SPIRIT will make ALL THINGS PERFECT. IN HIS appointed time; eternity has a lot of time.

Maybe Revelations account of Satan falling from heaven represents something different and at another time.

Revelation 1:3 ...for the TIME IS AT HAND

Doesn't seen those words would apply to something that occurred back in Genesis.

Revelation 1:1 ....An SIGNIFIED it ...

Sounds like Revelation represents; through WORD SYMBOLS, things that mean something other than

what a dictionary would define them as.

Matthew 12:38 But if I CAST OUT devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God (Christ in you) is come unto you.

Revelation 12:7 And there was war in heaven... (maybe heaven SIGNIFIES something)

Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was CAST OUT (of heaven)..

Jesus said he cast Satan out of YOU

Revelation said out of heaven. Could heaven SIGNIFY YOU.

Revelation 21:1 And I saw a NEW HEAVEN (where CHRIST IN YOU, dwells). SIGNIFIED.

Food for thought, the Spirit reveals.

Hi Sister Dianne.

There may be minor error in the text some is because of translation, I can give you an often used verse that's not in the original, But the verse is correct and doesn't change the narrative. The truth is not compromised!! You can discard John 3:16. out the bible and the remaining scripture will cover for it. God message is spread a little hear a little there, line upon line. The Holyspirit have his way of bringing out truth if he had only one word remaining!!! The rocks will cry out. Balaams donkey spoke!! God is not depending Mans faithfulness to do anything!!

Besides we say he Loves us, We say he's all knowing, We're saved by grace through faith and faith comes by hearing the word.

Why would loving God stand by and watch little feeble man derail his Whole program!!

If so Satan wins.

Every thing I mentioned is being attacked.

We know we wrestle not against flesh and blood but what's behind it. She need to Know that too. We are to take a stand!

Jesus says in Matthew 12:30. He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

You can't be with the Lord and attack hi word by which we gather.

She must turn from such attacks and ask God for forgiveness.

God bless.

Regarding the subject of what day Jesus died.

Jesus said: we must be like children if we are to enter heaven.

Matthew 18:3

"And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."

If we must become like a child - when we read the bible (like a child would) we are to believe and have faith that it is the truth.

Jesus says in scripture: that he will be in the earth for three days and three nights.

Matthew 12:40

"For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."

Believing this (as a child would) then Jesus remained in the earth for 3 days and 3 nights. So Jesus died on a Wednesday and was not present on Sunday morning, per scripture, this would fulfill Jesus words!

God Bless

Delores,

It would be difficult in such a short space to summarize the entire chapter. I can share with you a few things and break down the outlines of the chapter for you if that helps. I can also share some key verses and some memorization verses. If there are any specific verses that you would like help on, I or someone else here might be happy to help you.

Chapter 12 can be broken down into five outlines: Verses 1-8, Eating Grain on the Sabbath, Verses 9-21, Healing on the Sabbath, Verses 22-37, Committing the Unpardonable Sin, Verses 38-45, Seeking of a Sign, and Verses 46-50, the Understanding of True Family.

Each of these five sections can be broken down separately as to the meaning of that particular section. Do you have any specific questions on any of these sections?

There are also some key verses in chapter 12. They are Matthew 12:3, which is recorded for us in 1 Samuel 21:1-6. Other key verses are Matthew 12:5, Matthew 12:7 which comes from Hosea 6:6, Matthew 12:17-21 which is the fulfillment of Isaiah 42:1-4 and Isaiah 49:3.

If you are into verse memorization, some verses to memorize in this chapter would be Matthew 12:8, Matthew 12:30-32, and Matthew 12:50.

I would love to go over the entire chapter with you but it would take more than one post. Again, if there are any particular sections or verses you would like to go over from chapter 12, please feel free to ask. I would be more than happy to share with you my understanding.

Delores Mathew 12:1-14 Going up against religious leaders at that time using scripture out of context and to there benefit and always accusing and condemning the common man. Also you better do things at the right time and the right place with there blessing. Also the chapter deals with controlling your thoughts with Gods word and what you speak. Thats some stuff, there's more there. This is not complete by any means.

Give me a summary of chapter 12, the meaning of the whole chapter.

Sister Dianne, may CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS knowledge.

There are TWO SINS:

The SIN of the flesh, that will continue in us as long as we reside in this body of flesh.

The blood of Christ covers these sins; God no longer sees these sins.

The SIN of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. The word of God was written BY THE HOLY SPIRIT.

2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of men: but holy men OF GOD spake as they were MOVED BY THE HOLY GHOST.

To blaspheme the Holy Spirit means NOT BELIEVING what he says or was written by him. To NOT BELIEVE is the only unpardonable sin in THIS AGE AND THE AGE TO COME

Matthew 12:32 ......speakeh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

When you; by the works of the Spirit, BELIEVE the words of God, you are Born Again By The Words Of God. You no longer SIN AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRIT or blaspheme the Holy Spirit.

1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit (the unpardonable) sin.

This is the only way scripture lines up and does not contradict itself, because the flesh never quits sinning,

THE KINGDOM OF GOD

May CHRIST IS US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.

Luke 17:21 ....Behold, the kingdom of God is WITHIN YOU.

Matthew 12:28 But if I (Christ) cast out DEVILS by the SPIRIT OF GOD, then the kingdom of God has come unto you.

Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was CAST OUT ....

Revelation 11:15 ...The kingdoms of this world (Satan in us) are become the kingdoms of God (CHRIST IN US), and his Christ; and he shall reign (IN US) for ever and ever.

Colossians 1:27 ...This mystery...CHRIST IN YOU...

GARDEN OF GOD

Song of Solomon 5:1 I (Christ) am come unto my GARDEN...

Isaiah 58:11 ...and thou shall be like a watered GARDEN....

Isaiah 61:11 ...and as the GARDEN causeth the things that are sown it to spring forth; so the Lord WILL CAUSE righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.

Ezekiel 36:35 And they shall say, This land (kingdom of God) that was DESOLATE is become like the GARDEN OF EDEN ...

Genesis 2:9 ...And the TREE OF LIFE also in the midst of the GARDEN, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

Isaiah 51:3 For the Lord shall comfort Zion (His chosen): he will comfort all her waste places: and he WILL MAKE her wilderness like EDEN, and her deserts like the GARDEN OF THE LORD: joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.

Genesis 3:8 ..the Lord God walking in the GARDEN..

Ezekiel 31:8 The cedars in the GARDEN OF GOD could not hide him: the fir trees were not like his boughs, and the chestnut trees were not like his branches: nor any tree in the GARDEN OF GOD were like unto him (Christ) in his beauty.

WE ARE THE GARDEN OF GOD....CHRIST IN US...

Hi Lauren.

Here's a few verses might spark your interest as well.

Matthew 12:46-50. While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.

Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.

But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?

And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!

For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

God bless you.

It's hard to deny what the Bible so clearly says. Here are more verses saying the same thing about salvation. Jesus warned his followers many times through parables that most will go to hell. Judas was a follower until he turned his back on Jesus and sold Him out. He faced a horrible death and likely will go to hell. Christians unfortunately turn their backs on Jesus today- sometimes even prominent ones, including pastors, worship leaders, ministers. The common response I hear is either denial or 'they were never Christian'- then I ask them their definition of a Christian and then usually don't get a response. The Bible says all those things about security of salvation, but you can't stop reading there, this assumes you're following Jesus and many do for a period of time, but then start following the world or satan directly, without even realizing how far they have drifted. The Bible says to fear God. He will judge you and where you will go. Most won't take it seriously, will goof off, live for pleasure and will go to hell. People need to be warned of this so they will actually follow Jesus, and avoid the disaster that awaits. Jesus's parables were quite clear and He pounded that message into people. People who don't follow Jesus's commandments don't love Jesus. They might say they do, believe they do, but they don't if continue in sin.

Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"

James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."

James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."

1 Peter 1:13 "...hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"

Romans 11

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

Matthew 12:31-32

Romans 14:12

1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

1 Cor 9:24-27 "run the race", not the 'race was already won.'

Brother Adam, may CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.

I BELIEVE, Christ is the BOOK OF LIFE just as he is the tree of life, the lamb of God, etc. If you are IN CHRIST and CHRIST IN YOU, then at that point you are in the Book of Life and being made ONE IN CHRIST you become a book of life, ALSO.

Luke 8:11 Now the parable is this: the SEED is the WORD of GOD.

If you take a SEED and plant it; the part that emerges looks nothing like the SEED that was planted.

But at MATURITY when it is HARVESTED and put in the grain bin; it is EXACTLY like the SEED that was planted. We have the SEED; Christ himself, the WORD planted in us. Now we look nothing like the SEED; but at HARVEST (death of this body) we will be put in the grain bin (Christ body, immortality) and we will be like him; we become SEED to be planted, ALSO.

Matthew 12:37 For by my WORDS (CHRIST) thou shall be justified, and by my WORDS (CHRIST) thou shall be condemned.

If you are IN CHRIST and CHRIST IN YOU; you are being judged NOW.

John 12:48 .... the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him ...

1 Corinthians 11:31 If we would judge ourselves (by the word), we should not be judged.

1 Corinthians 11:31 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

1 Peter 4:17 For the TIME IS COME that judgement must begin at the house of God ...

Hebrews 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we...

Hi Norman,

I think all Christians struggle with the temptations of sin. Paul wrote about his struggle: Romans 7:19

In my opinion there's a difference in a Christian genuinely trying to follow Jesus and occasionally messing up and getting a little off track...

VS.

A Christian who assumes he's saved, because grace, and now feel entitled to sin as much as he wants, because grace. He used to follow Jesus, but doesn't really think about it much anymore. He calls himself a 'good person' by his own standards. He enjoys the world, enjoys indulgences (sin) and rationalizes it as being OK. Then puts the world first pursuing fun, money, status, and following Jesus becomes a lower priority. He assumes he's going to heaven, because grace and his actions don't matter anymore and he's a 'good person'.

In my understanding, the Christian who knows he's a flawed sinner and desperately needs Jesus's grace and follows Jesus and tries to emulate Him and apply His teachings is on solid ground. The fact that someone cares and is thinking about it is a heathy sign: Luke 12:5. Sounds like you fit in this category. Remember Paul killed Christians and was forgiven, so no sin other than blasphemy is too great to be forgiven, if genuine repentance.

But the Christian who already assumes he's all good, and uses grace as a license to justify committing unlimited sin and following the world instead of Jesus, I believe is in danger.

Jesus warned His followers (Christians) over and over about heaven and hell through His parables, etc. That few people will go to heaven and most will go to hell.

Matthew 7:21

Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"

James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."

James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."

1 Peter 1:13

Romans 11

John 14:15

Matthew 12:31-32

Romans 14:12

1 Peter 1:5

Hi Cheryl,

The Bible says we will all first be judged. Not just non-Christians, not just "sinners."

Ecclesiastes 12:14

2 Corinthians 5:10

Matthew 12:36

We also know that some will be confident and assume they'll go to heaven, but won't get in.

Matthew 7:21

To me that means that no one is going to either of those places until after judgment day:

Revelation 20:11-15

Hebrews 9:27

1 Corinthians 4:5

And finally, if people don't go to heaven or hell when they die, where else do they go? Here's what the Bible says:

Job 14:12

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

1 Thessalonians 4:17

I believe just as 8 hours can pass in the snap of a finger will it seem like a snap of the finger for those "sleeping" will awake and rise to meet Jesus in the air then face judgment. This took time to put together and paste all these verses here for you, so I hope you likewise take a moment to hover over them and read them. I care.

Hi Norman,

I would just read what God says and ignore what man says. If you click on these or hover over them you'll see what each Bible verse says. It's clear to me what it says and means and is interesting how some others word hard to try to make it mean something else. 1 Peter 5:8

Matthew 7:14

Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"

James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."

James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."

1 Peter 1:13 "...hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"

Romans 11

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

Matthew 12:31-32

Romans 14:12

1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

People have freewill to choose good or evil:

Psalms 25:12

Joshua 24:15 "choose you this day whom ye will serve"

Psalm 119:30

Luke 16:13

Proverbs 3:31

Fear God:

Joshua 24:14

Psalms 25:12

Proverbs 1:29

Seek God:

Psalms 63:1

"I'm not a bad person". Everyone thinks they're good, including the wicked.

Romans 3:23

Mark 10:18

Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"

James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."

James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."

1 Peter 1:13 "...hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"

Romans 11

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

Matthew 12:31-32

Romans 14:12

1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

Sister Nancy, may CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and His understanding.

2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this FIRST, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

This says you can't take one verse and come to truth, you have to combine verses from other parts of scripture to know the message.

I suppose you are making reference to Revelation 12 where Satan was cast from heaven. Let's put other verses with this and see if truth appears.

Matthew 12:28 But if I CAST OUT DEVILS by the Spirit of GOD, then the kingdom of God is COME UNTO YOU.

Christ is casting out Satan so he can dwell IN YOU (THE NEW HEAVEN).

Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven... Colossians 1:27 ...this MYSTERY, Christ in you....

Revelation 12:7 And there was WAR IN HEAVEN (Spirit vs. flesh) (in you) Michael (Spirit) and his angels fought against the dragon (flesh); and the dragon fought and his angels.

Revelation 12:8 And (flesh, dragon and his angels) prevailed not; neither was their (dragon and his angels) place found ANY MORE IN HEAVEN (in you where Christ dwells).

Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was CAST OUT (if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God), that old serpent (that deceived Eve), called the devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the WHOLE WORLD; he was CAST OUT....

Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice (truth) saying in heaven (in you), Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of HIS CHRIST....

Luke 10:17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

Luke 10:18 And he said to them, I beheld SATAN as lightning falling from heaven (those that Satan was CAST OUT OF).

God bless!

I don't have an issue with Jesus being born as a Man & being called the Son of God. I think that Who He was prior to His birth is the issue. You say that Jesus' Spirit of God was with God/of God. So are you saying that God has two Holy Spirits? One from Jesus & one from God?

Whereas the Bible in John chapter 1 declares that it was His Word that He sent forth and this Word was clothed with flesh. God's Spirit was still in operation whilst Jesus walked on the Earth. One instance was when Jesus chastised the Pharisees who accused Him of using Beelzebub the prince of devils to cast out devils ( Matthew 12:24-32). Jesus told them this was blasphemy when one speaks against the Holy Ghost (i.e. the Spirit's working). So here we have the Son of God & the Spirit of God at work simultaneously.

And yes, Jesus never said that He was God, but said that He was the Son of God - for that was Who He was on the Earth. But before He was sent to the Earth by God, He was God's spoken Word. If you believe that sending out the Word to become a Man is unbelievable, then how about sending out His Spirit to indwell a man, indeed, innumerable men? Paul even said in 1 Corinthians 15:47, "The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven." This second Man, the last Adam, is the Lord, the One sent by the Father from out of the Father.

And Mary was a holy person, but still a sinner. You can be holy too & still be a sinner, simply because you were born with Adam's sin nature. Jesus wasn't born in that manner - He didn't have a sin nature, though Satan greatly desired Him to have one. If Mary was a special creation, then maybe she may be in the same state as the Lord, but she was a fallen human as we are.

S Spencer,

We read about blasphemy of the Holy Spirit in Matthew 12:31-32. In Verse 31, Jesus introduces the unpardonable sin and I want to point something out to you. See the word "wherefore?" The Greek literally reads "On account of this."

And what it means is that the foundation or premise for the teaching of the unpardonable sin is found in Matthew 12:30 where He says the one who is not with me is against me, and the one who is not continually gathering with me is being scattered.

Blasphemy is a word that is used to express rejection. This would be a person who refuses to gather with Christ in the whole process of the testimony of God's Spirit. If they reject God's Spirit, and His persuasion and His conviction over their life, they cannot be forgiven for that.

To answer your question, when God's Spirit enlightens a person to the truth, that person will either be drawn to the light, or they will try and get away from it. But there will always be a response to God's Spirit testifying to that person. A person who is receptive to the truth, God's Spirit will continue to draw that person to Christ, and eventually, that person will surrender their life to Him.

Now the person who is not receptive to the persuasion of God's Spirit showing them their condition and need for Christ, I don't believe God will give up on that person immediately. I believe it is a continuous rejection and if a person dies in that state of rejection, their sins will never be forgiven.

When God gives someone over to a reprobate mind, that is not a good thing for that person. It is basically God giving up on them because God knows who those are that will never surrender their life to Him.

Earl,

The Greek word KOSMOS is used in several places for our English word world. In Matthew 12:32, KOSMOS is not used. Instead, we see the words AIONI, and then we see the word MELLONTI. The KJV says neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

Reading it from the Greek text and replacing KOSMOS with the two Greek words I just mentioned, it reads, "Neither in this age (AIONI), nor in the coming one (MELLONTI).

So the Greek text has more than one word for our English word world. If you are needing every place these words are used and the application in each instance, this will take quite a bit of time for me to do. Hopefully, just the two in Matthew 12:32 will suffice.

Brother Jesse, may CHRIST IN us grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.

Matthew 12:32 ...... it shall not be forgive him, neither in this WORLD, or the WORLD to come.

Could you please tell us the Greek word for WORLD; and how it is applied in the other places it occurs.

Thank you.

Hi Andrew, that's not what that verse means. Having the holy spirit sealed to you doesn't mean you're stripped of freewill to commit sin and doesn't mean you don't have choices still of who you will follow: Jesus or satan. We're not saved until after we're judged and this doesn't happen until after this life. 1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Matthew 7:21

Also blasphemy was mentioned as a warning for a reason. If someone claims Christians are without sin they are not being honest, Ecclesiastes 7:20. And someone claiming they can do whatever they want (sin) and face no consequences are gravely mistaken. John 14:15.

Link

Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"

James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."

James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."

1 Peter 1:13 "...hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"

Romans 11

Matthew 12:31-32

Romans 14:12

Please agree with me in prayer that the LORD Jesus Christ's Father--Almighty GOD--will please tell me the address of where I may go and rent to, to escape from Satan's children and their lifelong abuse of me. My parents--with all due respect to them--are into evil (Satanic/witchcraft/magic/etc)--and therefore have the power of GOD (remember how GOD gave Satan some of his power to hurt Job in Job 1:1-12)? Remember, too how GOD is all-powerful and He ONLY gave all-power to His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ ( Matthew 28:18 "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.")? Therefore, ALL POWER that is, is Christ's Father's (GOD's), others just have some of it either directly from GOD the Father, or the Son, or the Holy Ghost, or they get it indirectly via evil--i.e. the Devil or devils/unclean spirits/familiar spirits who got it from Satan via GOD & GOD's permission only). Remember, too, that GOD's will be done in earth as IT IS in heaven ( Matthew 6:9-10). This means, since Hell is in the belly of the earth ( Matthew 12:40) or the center of the earth, or the hottest place on earth (the earth's core--where scientists have taught is molten lava). GOD's will is done therefore in Heaven, on earth, and in the earth (aka in Hell). I beg you to ask GOD to please tell me where I may go to escape Satan's children's abuse. I've been abused all of my life and I have NEVER been allowed to escape it. I am tired. Please help by praying for me. Thanks.

There's many verses that show once-saved-always-saved is an unbiblical idea often used by Christians to feel better about them enjoying committing sin. But all someone needs is one verse to see that the belief contradicts itself- that is the unforgivable sin of blasphemy of the holy spirit Matthew 12:31-32. Someone who believes OSAS probably has a hard time with this verse, because it clearly says it's unforgiveable. Unforgiveable means no grace, which means not saved. So, to believe in OSAS someone must believe that Christians either don't have freewill, which isn't possible, because it would contradict other scripture, or that Christians could commit the unforgiveable sin, but somehow don't. They often say, if they do, then they're not 'true Christians'. But then you ask who is a 'true Christian' then- is giving your life to jesus enough? Do you have to go forward on an altar call at church? If you don't ever know who is a 'true Christian' then how can you know if anyone is ever saved? So, quite quickly the OSAS contradicts itself.

The Bible doesn't support OSAS. If someone commits their life to Christ, sins no more as Jesus said, and genuinely follows Jesus, then they are saved by grace and can even have assurance of salvation. But confidence in salvation doesn't mean someone is instantly saved and have a license to sin and have fun in the world, commit mass murder and do whatever and still be saved, as some assume. That behavior is contradictory to the Christian lifestyle. You must give up your life of sin- obey God. Many Christians do turn their back on Jesus and denounce the faith, unfortunately.

Some Christians assume they have a get out of hell pass and can sit back and do whatever feels good. That's from the devil. We are not of this world and are called to be different- a light. Also salvation isn't granted until after judgment day, not during this life as some assume. And no one goes to heaven until they're judged first. Keep the armor of God on and run the race well to the end as Paul said. Remember Jesus's many parables about few making it.

Lee, may CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.

John did not go to heaven. He saw a VISION. Heavens doors were opened. The TRADITIONS OF MAN has done great harm to the truth of the scriptures.

John 3:13 NO man has ASCENDED up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man WHICH IS IN HEAVEN.

Colossians 1:27 .....MYSTERY among the Gentiles; which is CHRIST IN YOU....

John 3:13 ....says even the Son of man WHICH IS IN HEAVEN; Colossians 1:27 says CHRIST IN YOU. Traditions of man says heaven is a PLACE; scripture says HEAVEN IS A PERSON.

You are where GOD DWELLS; you are HEAVEN where GOD'S temple and throne is, you are the DOORS and/or GATES to heaven. The 24 (not necessarily literally 24;but, representing) those that have gone before you in truth; now at Christ's feet. This is how GOD DWELLS ON EARTH; IN YOU, EACH ONE OF US. Christ is our HIGH PRIEST; we are a kingdom of priest; a ROYAL PRIESTHOOD.

1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a CHOSEN GENERATION, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people...

WORSHIP AND GIVE THANKS TO HIM.

The scriptures will make more sense to you when you start seeing heaven as people. MOST don't know Christ dwells in them (they think they are going to a place), that's why there is so much confusion and sin in this world. If you haven't come to the truth that CHRIST IS IN YOU then Satan still has his dwelling place in you.

Matthew 12:28 If I cast out devils by the SPIRIT OF GOD, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.

It's more than just believe and go to a PLACE CALLED HEAVEN.

Brother Richard, may CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.

The lake of fire is the same thing; that, in the Old Testament was called the Fire of the Lord. Natural eyes see this as literal fire; but is it?

Judges 6:20 And the angel of the Lord said unto him, take the flesh and unleavened cakes (represents us) and lay them upon this rock (represents Christ), and pour out the broth And he did so.

Judges 6:21 Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and unleavened cakes (US), and there rose up fire from OUT OF THE ROCK (OUR GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE), and consumed the flesh and unleavened cakes (US).

Zachariah 14:12 ......Their flesh shall consume away while they stand on their feet....

Revelation 19:21 And the remnant were slain with the sword (is the word of GOD, God is FIRE) of him upon the horse, which sword (WORD) proceeded out of his mouth; and all the fowls were filled with their (own) flesh.

To understand who the fowls are; we have to go to the parable of the sower of the seed.

Luke 8:5 A sower went out to so his seed; and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the FOWLS OF THE AIR devoured it.

Luke 8:11 Now the parable is this: THE SEED IS THE WORD OF GOD.

Luke 8:12 Those by the way side are those that hear, then cometh the devil (fowls or the air)....

Luke 13:19 It (kingdom of heaven; Christ in you) is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air (devil) lodged therein.

John 15:5 I am the vine; ye are the branches (where the fowls lodge)...

Psalms 104:12 By them shall the fowls of the air have their habitation, which sing among the branches.

Matthew 12:28 But if I cast out DEVILS by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God (CHRIST IN YOU) is come unto you.

Hi Ron ,yes it does seem as if the veil was ripped not by the earth quake as it was ripped from above ,thats a big clue i think ,also some one must have witnessed the ripping or it wouldnt be there for us to read about it ,may God bless you and all yours .

Hi Sacha, I hope you and your family are well, you may be right about the Ark, I don't know if anyone knows for sure if the Ark of the Covenant was in the Holy of Holies at that time or where it is today, but you know those guys would not have let the people know if it were missing. The veil was so large and thick, it is said it was as thick as the palm of a man's hand and at least 30 feet wide. It is also said it took 100's of priests to manipulate it. I don't think the earthquake did it I believe it was an angel or the finger of God, just my thoughts. Have a wonderful afternoon, Ron

Romans 5:7-9 came to mind for me. It doesn't answer your question directly, but indirectly....

that a "good" man will not know the Lord's salvation if his goodness is his own. It is knowledge of our

sins and our sinful nature that opens us to call out for Jesus Christ and his salvation. Otherwise we remain dead in our "good" works, though to the world we may appear important, powerful or saintly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Dan, I wonder whether you're thinking of 1 Peter 4:18. And there is also 1 Corinthians 3:15 but this speaks about a believer's (dead) works are burned up though he himself is saved.