This post has been moved to http://goodnewspoems.blogspot.com/2011/07/time-despised-rejecting-saviours-cries.html
Showing posts with label Saviour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Saviour. Show all posts
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Christ In Hell Three Days?
Here we consider the idea and doctrine of Christ’s descent into Hell for those three days, while his body was in the tomb between his crucifixion and resurrection. This is an historical Christian teaching, noted by the Apostles Creed and taught by many other creeds and individuals. Is it Biblical and if so, what does it mean? The scriptures will tell us what we need to know.
First we look at the scriptures below. These are the scriptures many use to make or break this historical teaching. Some of these verses may have nothing to do with it whatsoever, I only include them so they are here to be considered weather they support, refute or have nothing to do with the subject at hand.
“Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” - Acts 2:23-39 (also see Psalm 16:10)
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:” - Peter 3:18-21 (Also 1 Peter 4:5-6, and Ephesians 4:8-10.)
“For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” - Hebrews 9:26-27
These portions of scripture have been interpreted so many different ways. I am not going to even mention most of them. Some have said that Christ preached the gospel to those in Hell. They say he gave them another chance to repent. This is a dangerous unscriptural Lie. We know this is false for two reasons. First, we know from Hebrews 9:27 above (and from many other scriptures) that judgment comes after our time in this life in the flesh. When we die the time is past for repentance and accepting Jesus Christ. This “second chance” teaching is akin to the false teaching of Universalism (that all men will eventually be saved), which undermines the entire Gospel message and denies scripture.
Now here someone might argue “but those who lived and died before Christ never knew the Gospel, so they could not be saved until Christ preached it to them.”
The argument in the Paragraph above is not true for many reasons. Christ is the author of Salvation (Hebrews 5:9, 12:2). Christ was from the beginning (John 1:1-14, Hebrews 1:1-3, Genesis 1:26) Jesus said in John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Jesus Christ did not “become” the way, the truth, and the life, he Always Was, Is, and Forever Will Be the way, the truth, and the life. Notice Romans 3:21-31 especially verse 25. The prophets knew long before Christ’s Death and Resurrection that they would come to pass, and that through Christ our Saviour Salvation would be manifested. They looked forward by faith to the future coming of the messiah and trusted him to be their Saviour. See Acts 3:18-24, Deuteronomy 18:15-19, John 1:45, Genesis 49:10. Notice in Revelation 13:8 that “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” It was in the plan of God from the very beginning that Christ was to die for the elects sake; that through Christ’s death the wrath of God upon all men who accept Christ as Lord and Saviour might be assuaged. Seeing that all men have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, John 3:18, Ephesians 1:4, 1 Peter 1:18-20, also see Luke 24:25-27). Also see these related posts Gospel, Repentance, They Should Have Known and Works? Faith? Repentance? Old testament Salvation?
Based on the verses in Acts 2:21-31, I believe it is clear that Christ did go to Hell before he was resurrected. Perhaps he went there to better taste death for us (Hebrews 2:9), and as part of the requirement of appeasing God’s wrath, that we may be forgiven. Perhaps Christ had to experience the Hell that was for us to fully take the punishment that would have been for us, in order that we may be free from it as we place our faith in him. More specifically, as Christ became sin for us on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 John 2:2) he was forsaken by God (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34, Psalm 22:1), since God is too holy to look upon such great sin (Habakkuk 1:13). So then the reason for his going to Hell was the result of being momentarily forsaken of God (Isaiah 53:10). But one thing is clear, the shedding of his blood is what has made the remission of our sins possible (Matthew 26:28, Hebrews 9:22-28).
Whether or not Christ preached the Gospel there is another question. If he did it was not done in any sense which would allow those dead to be converted. Rather it was done (as a testimony against them) in the sense of Christ merely allowing them to be witnesses of the salvation available through him, which they no longer had any hope of receiving because of their past rejection of God and righteousness.
Now there is someone who may point out Luke 23:43 and claim that Christ could not have gone to Hell because he said to that one malefactor “To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” This is really no problem at all seeing that Christ is God and capable of being in more than one place at one time. Also, time itself is not really a factor. Time in the sight of God is much different than the way we view time (Psalm 90:4, 2 Peter 3:8). We cannot really understand this or many other things, but there are things we are not to know and this should not trouble us. For we walk by faith not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
So, yes Christ did descend to Hell, what exactly this means, and what exactly he did there is (in my mind) not possible to fully understand. But we are ensured of many things, three of which are mentioned below.
1. After we die it is too late to repent and accept Christ.
2. If we are saved and endure to the finish we can be sure that we shall immediately be present with the Lord upon the death of our earthly body.
3. The shedding of the blood of Christ is what has made the remission of our sins possible.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? - 2 Corinthians 13:5
Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. - 1 Timothy 4:16
Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. - 2 Corinthians 5:6-10
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. - 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12:1-2
For more information on Christ’s descent into Hell I would refer the reader to Calvin’s Institutes Book 2 chapter 16, sections 8-12, and also to Matthew Poole’s Commentary.
Perhaps the video below explains this well, it also relates to
1 Corinthians 5:7
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzzq4WXTLRU
First we look at the scriptures below. These are the scriptures many use to make or break this historical teaching. Some of these verses may have nothing to do with it whatsoever, I only include them so they are here to be considered weather they support, refute or have nothing to do with the subject at hand.
“Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” - Acts 2:23-39 (also see Psalm 16:10)
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:” - Peter 3:18-21 (Also 1 Peter 4:5-6, and Ephesians 4:8-10.)
“For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” - Hebrews 9:26-27
These portions of scripture have been interpreted so many different ways. I am not going to even mention most of them. Some have said that Christ preached the gospel to those in Hell. They say he gave them another chance to repent. This is a dangerous unscriptural Lie. We know this is false for two reasons. First, we know from Hebrews 9:27 above (and from many other scriptures) that judgment comes after our time in this life in the flesh. When we die the time is past for repentance and accepting Jesus Christ. This “second chance” teaching is akin to the false teaching of Universalism (that all men will eventually be saved), which undermines the entire Gospel message and denies scripture.
Now here someone might argue “but those who lived and died before Christ never knew the Gospel, so they could not be saved until Christ preached it to them.”
The argument in the Paragraph above is not true for many reasons. Christ is the author of Salvation (Hebrews 5:9, 12:2). Christ was from the beginning (John 1:1-14, Hebrews 1:1-3, Genesis 1:26) Jesus said in John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Jesus Christ did not “become” the way, the truth, and the life, he Always Was, Is, and Forever Will Be the way, the truth, and the life. Notice Romans 3:21-31 especially verse 25. The prophets knew long before Christ’s Death and Resurrection that they would come to pass, and that through Christ our Saviour Salvation would be manifested. They looked forward by faith to the future coming of the messiah and trusted him to be their Saviour. See Acts 3:18-24, Deuteronomy 18:15-19, John 1:45, Genesis 49:10. Notice in Revelation 13:8 that “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” It was in the plan of God from the very beginning that Christ was to die for the elects sake; that through Christ’s death the wrath of God upon all men who accept Christ as Lord and Saviour might be assuaged. Seeing that all men have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, John 3:18, Ephesians 1:4, 1 Peter 1:18-20, also see Luke 24:25-27). Also see these related posts Gospel, Repentance, They Should Have Known and Works? Faith? Repentance? Old testament Salvation?
Based on the verses in Acts 2:21-31, I believe it is clear that Christ did go to Hell before he was resurrected. Perhaps he went there to better taste death for us (Hebrews 2:9), and as part of the requirement of appeasing God’s wrath, that we may be forgiven. Perhaps Christ had to experience the Hell that was for us to fully take the punishment that would have been for us, in order that we may be free from it as we place our faith in him. More specifically, as Christ became sin for us on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 John 2:2) he was forsaken by God (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34, Psalm 22:1), since God is too holy to look upon such great sin (Habakkuk 1:13). So then the reason for his going to Hell was the result of being momentarily forsaken of God (Isaiah 53:10). But one thing is clear, the shedding of his blood is what has made the remission of our sins possible (Matthew 26:28, Hebrews 9:22-28).
Whether or not Christ preached the Gospel there is another question. If he did it was not done in any sense which would allow those dead to be converted. Rather it was done (as a testimony against them) in the sense of Christ merely allowing them to be witnesses of the salvation available through him, which they no longer had any hope of receiving because of their past rejection of God and righteousness.
Now there is someone who may point out Luke 23:43 and claim that Christ could not have gone to Hell because he said to that one malefactor “To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” This is really no problem at all seeing that Christ is God and capable of being in more than one place at one time. Also, time itself is not really a factor. Time in the sight of God is much different than the way we view time (Psalm 90:4, 2 Peter 3:8). We cannot really understand this or many other things, but there are things we are not to know and this should not trouble us. For we walk by faith not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
So, yes Christ did descend to Hell, what exactly this means, and what exactly he did there is (in my mind) not possible to fully understand. But we are ensured of many things, three of which are mentioned below.
1. After we die it is too late to repent and accept Christ.
2. If we are saved and endure to the finish we can be sure that we shall immediately be present with the Lord upon the death of our earthly body.
3. The shedding of the blood of Christ is what has made the remission of our sins possible.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? - 2 Corinthians 13:5
Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. - 1 Timothy 4:16
Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. - 2 Corinthians 5:6-10
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. - 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12:1-2
For more information on Christ’s descent into Hell I would refer the reader to Calvin’s Institutes Book 2 chapter 16, sections 8-12, and also to Matthew Poole’s Commentary.
Perhaps the video below explains this well, it also relates to
1 Corinthians 5:7
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzzq4WXTLRU
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
The Forbidden E-word: The Abominable Association
Well here it is... that time of year when ignorant and stubborn men disobey Almighty God by calling the Good News by the name of a pagan goddess.
It is against Biblical teaching to call the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection Easter. Easter is the name of a pagan goddess.
Associating pagan gods with the Most Holy Name of Jesus Christ is an abomination in the sight of God.
It is to the devils delight that men label the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection as Easter.
And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth. - Exodus 23:13
Those who celebrate Easter and its pagan aspects such as eggs and bunnies should consider the verse below, and how they are guilty of following the way of the heathen.
And ye shall know that I am the LORD: for ye have not walked in my statutes, neither executed my judgments, but have done after the manners of the heathen that are round about you. - Ezekiel 11:12
Deuteronomy 12:1-32 also has much say on this matter.
If my attack on the man made tradition of Easter offends you, consider the following words of Christ.
For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men - See Mark 7:8
Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? - See Matthew 15:3
When men keep a holiday named Easter they transgress God’s commandments. This includes the transgressing of the first of the Ten Commandments. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. - Exodus 20:3
It is a blatant blaspheme “Christian” churches partake in when they put the “Easter” label on and over everything as they commonly do in this season.
Those who claim that praising God is always right even when associating him with false gods are blind. You cannot Glorify God while you disobey Him. Below we see an example of the condemnation upon those who first tried to do this under the Old Covenant.
Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations. I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not. Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed. A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the LORD that rendereth recompence to his enemies. - Isaiah 66:1-6 (Also see Isaiah chapter 1, the rest of Isaiah chapter 66, and Amos chapter 5).
I will plainly say what these words of the prophets have to do with the celebration named Easter. These scriptures in Isaiah and Amos are about false worship. Worship which obviously did not please God, and worship which brought His wrath. Such is all worship done in disobedience.
Will we do the same thing being now under a better covenant? (Hebrews 8:6, Hebrews 12:24) Has the law of God not been written on our heart?
We are to remember Christ's Resurrection always, and rejoice in what God through his Son has done for us.
There is scripture condemning the utterance of the names of false gods. There is scripture condemning the way of the heathen. There is scripture condemning the mixing of paganism with Christianity. If you cannot see these things than Woe unto you who know not the scriptures, who know not the word of God!
For more information see the links below.
What Does the Scripture Say ?
The Pagan Origin Of Easter
Easter: It's Totally Pagan too!
The nonexistent, evil chick called Easter
Is Easter in the Bible?
It is against Biblical teaching to call the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection Easter. Easter is the name of a pagan goddess.
Associating pagan gods with the Most Holy Name of Jesus Christ is an abomination in the sight of God.
It is to the devils delight that men label the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection as Easter.
And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth. - Exodus 23:13
Those who celebrate Easter and its pagan aspects such as eggs and bunnies should consider the verse below, and how they are guilty of following the way of the heathen.
And ye shall know that I am the LORD: for ye have not walked in my statutes, neither executed my judgments, but have done after the manners of the heathen that are round about you. - Ezekiel 11:12
Deuteronomy 12:1-32 also has much say on this matter.
If my attack on the man made tradition of Easter offends you, consider the following words of Christ.
For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men - See Mark 7:8
Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? - See Matthew 15:3
When men keep a holiday named Easter they transgress God’s commandments. This includes the transgressing of the first of the Ten Commandments. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. - Exodus 20:3
It is a blatant blaspheme “Christian” churches partake in when they put the “Easter” label on and over everything as they commonly do in this season.
Those who claim that praising God is always right even when associating him with false gods are blind. You cannot Glorify God while you disobey Him. Below we see an example of the condemnation upon those who first tried to do this under the Old Covenant.
Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations. I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not. Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed. A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the LORD that rendereth recompence to his enemies. - Isaiah 66:1-6 (Also see Isaiah chapter 1, the rest of Isaiah chapter 66, and Amos chapter 5).
I will plainly say what these words of the prophets have to do with the celebration named Easter. These scriptures in Isaiah and Amos are about false worship. Worship which obviously did not please God, and worship which brought His wrath. Such is all worship done in disobedience.
Will we do the same thing being now under a better covenant? (Hebrews 8:6, Hebrews 12:24) Has the law of God not been written on our heart?
We are to remember Christ's Resurrection always, and rejoice in what God through his Son has done for us.
There is scripture condemning the utterance of the names of false gods. There is scripture condemning the way of the heathen. There is scripture condemning the mixing of paganism with Christianity. If you cannot see these things than Woe unto you who know not the scriptures, who know not the word of God!
For more information see the links below.
What Does the Scripture Say ?
The Pagan Origin Of Easter
Easter: It's Totally Pagan too!
The nonexistent, evil chick called Easter
Is Easter in the Bible?
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
In The Book Of Life: Of The Bride Of Christ
“He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” - Revelation 3:5
What is the Book of Life?
In Revelation 13:8 we see that those whose names are not written in the Book of Life shall worship the beast. We also see the fuller name or a description of the Book of Life; “…the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”
In Revelation 17:8 we see that those whose names are not written in the Book of Life shall wonder when they behold the beast. We also see the Book of Life described as “the book of life from the foundation of the world”
In Revelation 20:15 we see that “…whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
In Revelation 21:27 we see that “…they which are written in the Lamb's book of life” shall enter the Holy and New Jerusalem (which is the Lamb’s wife and bride, the true Church, the true Israel). (See Revelation 21:1-2, Revelation 21:9-10, Colossians 1:24, Ephesians 5:23-32, 2 Corinthians 11:2, Revelation 19:7-9, Matthew 9:15, Romans 2:28-29, Romans 9:3-33)
We see in Revelation 22:19 that “…if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city…”
Now this Book of Life is not just mentioned in the New Testament.
In Exodus 32:31-33 we see Moses pleading to God to forgive the people of their great sin. Moses says unto God “Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.”
In Daniel 12:1 we read that “there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” The Book of Life may also be alluded to in Psalm 139:16.
Let us rejoice that we have life through Christ!
“Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” - Romans 5:9-11
“The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” - Zephaniah 3:17
See the Hymn "Christ comes quickly for His Bride"
What is the Book of Life?
In Revelation 13:8 we see that those whose names are not written in the Book of Life shall worship the beast. We also see the fuller name or a description of the Book of Life; “…the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”
In Revelation 17:8 we see that those whose names are not written in the Book of Life shall wonder when they behold the beast. We also see the Book of Life described as “the book of life from the foundation of the world”
In Revelation 20:15 we see that “…whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
In Revelation 21:27 we see that “…they which are written in the Lamb's book of life” shall enter the Holy and New Jerusalem (which is the Lamb’s wife and bride, the true Church, the true Israel). (See Revelation 21:1-2, Revelation 21:9-10, Colossians 1:24, Ephesians 5:23-32, 2 Corinthians 11:2, Revelation 19:7-9, Matthew 9:15, Romans 2:28-29, Romans 9:3-33)
We see in Revelation 22:19 that “…if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city…”
Now this Book of Life is not just mentioned in the New Testament.
In Exodus 32:31-33 we see Moses pleading to God to forgive the people of their great sin. Moses says unto God “Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.”
In Daniel 12:1 we read that “there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” The Book of Life may also be alluded to in Psalm 139:16.
Let us rejoice that we have life through Christ!
“Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” - Romans 5:9-11
“The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” - Zephaniah 3:17
See the Hymn "Christ comes quickly for His Bride"
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
He That Overcometh: He In Whom The Word Of God Abideth
Overcoming? These days many “Christians” do not want to think about overcoming Sin, Satan and the World. Many even point to John 16:33 and claim that Jesus overcame the world for us. True it is that Jesus overcame the world, but to claim that we do not also need to overcome it is to deny scripture. To claim that men need not overcome is to deny belief and faith, it is to deny being born again, it is to deny regeneration. We can see that we, apart from God in us, cannot overcome anything. But “whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world.” (1 John 5:4) The victory that overcometh the world is our Faith. “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:5)
Because of God in us we overcome the spirits of antichrist which are in the world. God is greater than those antichrists for “greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (See 1 John 4:3-4)
The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 12:21 “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” In Revelation 12:9-11 “…they overcame him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb…and they loved not their lives unto death.”
We are to be willing and even to expect to suffer for Christ, to bear our cross, not to live for self, but to consider ourselves dead. We are to deny ourselves, to reckon ourselves, (our old man of flesh) to be dead with Christ that we may live with Christ. (Luke 9:23, Colossians 3:3, Mark 8:34, Matthew 16:24, 1 Peter 2:21, 1 Peter 2:24, 2 Timothy 2:11)
“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” - Romans 6:3-11
In 2 Peter 2:19-20 we read of those who are overcome, because they have been entangled and are in bondage to the pollutions of the world. When we overcome through the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ then we escape corruption and are not overcome by the world.
In 1 John 2:13-14 John, when writing to the young men says that they have overcome the wicked one. How did they overcome the wicked one according to John? They overcame because the word of God abideth in them!
Does evil ever overcome good? The two witnesses of Revelation chapter 11 are overcome and killed by the beast, but only after they had finished giving their testimony before the world. (Those two witnesses prophesied a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. They had power over heaven that it rained not, they had power to breath fire out upon their enemies, and they had power to smite the earth with all plagues whenever they wanted to.) After they were killed they which dwelt on the earth made merry and rejoiced. But Look! After three and a half days “the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.” (See Revelation 11:11-12)
Evil may for a time appear to overcome good, but it Never will. Satan and his demons, those fallen angles, and those men who do not come to love and believe that Christ Jesus is who he says he is have much to Fear.
What is the reward for overcoming?
Jesus said “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” (Rev. 2:7)
Jesus said “He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” (Rev. 2:11)
Jesus said “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” (Rev. 2:17)
Jesus said “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:” (Rev. 2:26, also see 2 Timothy 2:12, Rev. 20:6)
Jesus said “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” (Rev. 3:5, also see Rev. 4:4, Matthew 17:2, Matthew 28:3, Luke 9:29, Daniel 7:9, John 20:12, Acts 1:9-10, Isaiah 1:18, Matthew 10:32-33, Luke 12:8-9)
Jesus said “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.” (Rev. 3:12)
Jesus said “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” (Rev. 3:21)
Jesus said “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” (Rev. 21:7)
“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 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. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.” - 2 Timothy 2:3-14
The ten kingdoms of the beast shall “make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” (See Revelation 17:10-14)
See the Hymn "IS YOUR ALL ON THE ALTAR?"
Because of God in us we overcome the spirits of antichrist which are in the world. God is greater than those antichrists for “greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (See 1 John 4:3-4)
The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 12:21 “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” In Revelation 12:9-11 “…they overcame him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb…and they loved not their lives unto death.”
We are to be willing and even to expect to suffer for Christ, to bear our cross, not to live for self, but to consider ourselves dead. We are to deny ourselves, to reckon ourselves, (our old man of flesh) to be dead with Christ that we may live with Christ. (Luke 9:23, Colossians 3:3, Mark 8:34, Matthew 16:24, 1 Peter 2:21, 1 Peter 2:24, 2 Timothy 2:11)
“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” - Romans 6:3-11
In 2 Peter 2:19-20 we read of those who are overcome, because they have been entangled and are in bondage to the pollutions of the world. When we overcome through the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ then we escape corruption and are not overcome by the world.
In 1 John 2:13-14 John, when writing to the young men says that they have overcome the wicked one. How did they overcome the wicked one according to John? They overcame because the word of God abideth in them!
Does evil ever overcome good? The two witnesses of Revelation chapter 11 are overcome and killed by the beast, but only after they had finished giving their testimony before the world. (Those two witnesses prophesied a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. They had power over heaven that it rained not, they had power to breath fire out upon their enemies, and they had power to smite the earth with all plagues whenever they wanted to.) After they were killed they which dwelt on the earth made merry and rejoiced. But Look! After three and a half days “the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.” (See Revelation 11:11-12)
Evil may for a time appear to overcome good, but it Never will. Satan and his demons, those fallen angles, and those men who do not come to love and believe that Christ Jesus is who he says he is have much to Fear.
What is the reward for overcoming?
Jesus said “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” (Rev. 2:7)
Jesus said “He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” (Rev. 2:11)
Jesus said “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” (Rev. 2:17)
Jesus said “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:” (Rev. 2:26, also see 2 Timothy 2:12, Rev. 20:6)
Jesus said “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” (Rev. 3:5, also see Rev. 4:4, Matthew 17:2, Matthew 28:3, Luke 9:29, Daniel 7:9, John 20:12, Acts 1:9-10, Isaiah 1:18, Matthew 10:32-33, Luke 12:8-9)
Jesus said “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.” (Rev. 3:12)
Jesus said “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” (Rev. 3:21)
Jesus said “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” (Rev. 21:7)
“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 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. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.” - 2 Timothy 2:3-14
The ten kingdoms of the beast shall “make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” (See Revelation 17:10-14)
See the Hymn "IS YOUR ALL ON THE ALTAR?"
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
What is Sin ?
What is Sin?
There are a few different definitions of sin given in the Holy scriptures.
In 1 John 5:17 we read that “All unrighteousness is sin.”
In 1 John 3:4 we read that "sin is the transgression of the law."
In Romans 14:23 we read that “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”
In James 4:17 we read that whosoever does not do the good he knows he should do sins.
In 1 John 1:7 -10 we read;
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”
In Proverbs 24:9 we read that “the thought of foolishness is sin”
By these scriptures we can see that the Blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from sin and that he is faithful to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, if we confess our sins. We also see that we can sin either by doing something or by not doing what we should.
“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” - Romans 8:6
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. - Romans 6:23
“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: - 1 John 2:1
Other Recommended verses that might be good to read with this are John 8:34, John 16:7-13, 1 John 2:1-2, Romans 6:2-23, Romans 8:1-17.
There are a few different definitions of sin given in the Holy scriptures.
In 1 John 5:17 we read that “All unrighteousness is sin.”
In 1 John 3:4 we read that "sin is the transgression of the law."
In Romans 14:23 we read that “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”
In James 4:17 we read that whosoever does not do the good he knows he should do sins.
In 1 John 1:7 -10 we read;
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”
In Proverbs 24:9 we read that “the thought of foolishness is sin”
By these scriptures we can see that the Blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from sin and that he is faithful to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, if we confess our sins. We also see that we can sin either by doing something or by not doing what we should.
“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” - Romans 8:6
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. - Romans 6:23
“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: - 1 John 2:1
Other Recommended verses that might be good to read with this are John 8:34, John 16:7-13, 1 John 2:1-2, Romans 6:2-23, Romans 8:1-17.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Works? Faith? Repentance? Old testament Salvation?
Part of a letter below;
Now I will respond to some of the answers you gave to my questions. First the wrath from which Jesus has delivered us and the tribulation are not the same thing. In the book of Revelation the tribulation comes first and the wrath comes later (it also appears that the tribulation is caused by the ungodly and is against the believer, and that the wrath is from God and is poured out on the ungodly). Now I will come to a point we both agree on and go from there.
We cannot save ourselves. I believe that both faith and grace are gifts from God alone (neither are anything we do or can boast in). Further, repentance is merely a result of faith in God. It is God who brings us to repentance when we have faith, repentance is not something we do. If only a shallow belief was required than even the devils would be saved for “they believe and tremble” (James 2:19). Anything we do that pleases God is not an act of ours. Inotherwords we can take no credit for any good works for “no flesh can please God”(Romans 8:8) and “whatever is not of faith is sin” (Romans 14:23). I believe, as the Bible and the apostle Paul himself clearly teaches that when the Father saves us through faith in Christ by Grace that we have no choice but to do good works (we just end up doing them, as a result of faith, if we do have faith). Good works are a result of being saved and we cannot even take credit for doing good works BECAUSE it is NOT we that do them but CHRIST in us. I believe that the Bible clearly teaches that all men in all time have been, are, and will be required to repent and also that all men have been, are and will do good works if they have been saved. Faith/Belief and repentance have always been the way to come unto God this is shown throughout the scriptures. Now I think that perhaps when you said that repentance was not required that you misunderstood what repentance is. Please be patient by brother and consider the following scriptures. In Romans 2: 4-10 we see that “the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.” In Psalm 51 we see faith/belief in God and repentance (vs. 17) we also see that sacrifice (not done in faith) is not what God delights in, nor is it what he desires (vs.16). In 2 Corinthians 7: 9-11 we see that “godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation,” and that this godly sorrow is sorrow which need not be repented of. In Acts 2:38 we read “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” In Romans chapter 3:21-26; in verse 21 when it says being witnesses by the prophets and the law I believe this is speaking of how Christ and the salvation which would come through him was made known in the law and the prophets - so it was no new thing. And in verse 25 I believe that it means that the sacrifice of Christ and faith in his blood was set forth by God to take the wrath of God which would otherwise be on men for their sins, and that this righteousness through faith in his blood is for the sins of the past, even the old testament believer since God had forbearance (was patient) until Christ should be made an atonement for all sin. In Habakkuk 2:4 we see that “the just shall live by faith.” In Isaiah 53 we see Christ and his sacrifice for the sins of the people clearly prophesied. Two (of the many) examples are John 12:38 which quotes Isaiah 53:1 and Acts 8:32-35 which quotes Isaiah 53:7-8. In Hebrews 10:4 we read that it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. In Psalm 106:23-24 we see that the Lord wanted to destroy them because they did not believe. In Psalm 78:22 we see that God was angry with Israel because they believed not in God and trusted not in his salvation. In Psalm 73:24 we read that HE guides me and receives me unto HIS Glory. In Zechariah 9:9 we see a prophecy of Christ and the salvation he will bring. In Job 19:25-26 we see Job declaring that he shall see his redeemer in the latter days upon the earth. In John 8:56 we read that Abraham saw Jesus’ Day. In Genesis 22 we read of Abraham’s faith and his seed (compare Genesis 22:17 to Galatians 3:16) Abraham is the father of those who have faith as Abraham did. In Psalm 14:3 and Psalm 16 we see how no man doeth good and that the Lord will save those who trust in him. We see how faith saved the old testament people in Hebrews ch.11. Again in Psalm 53:2-3 we see that there is none that doeth good (meaning again that no one is saved by works). In Numbers 14:11 we see that the Lord is upset because of their disbelief in him. In 2 Kings 17:14 we read that Israel did not believe in the Lord and that because of their unbelief the Lord testified against them. In Romans 4 we read of Abrahams faith and that it was counted unto him for righteousness (also see Genesis 15:6). The sole requirement for salvation is that man exercise faith by the method which God has taught him to do. Man has been taught to exercise faith somewhat differently in different times. In Galatians 3 especially verses 11, and 19 we see that no man is justified by the law, and that the law was only temporary until “the seed should come to whom the promise was made” That seed being Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:16, Genesis 22:17) (Also see Acts 26:15-20, Romans 4: 13-25)
“Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.” - Galatians 3:19
Now again it is important to realize that faith alone saves us, but that if we are saved by faith we will do good works. In Ephesians 5:5 Paul says that No unclean person can inherit the kingdom Christ and of God. Now if you read this verse in context you will see that Paul is talking to those who have already professed Christ as there Saviour. So merely professing to serve Christ is not enough, not because it is not enough, but because if it brings about no action toward good works then it was not a true profession, it was not sincere. For in verse 9 we read that the fruit of the spirit is all goodness, righteousness and truth. If we have saving faith we will have good fruit. Jesus himself taught this same thing in the gospels.
In Titus 1:16 we also see that; they profess to know him, but in works they deny him and they are abominable, and disobedient because their works deny him. In Hebrews 5:9 we read that Christ became the author of salvation unto who? Unto them that obey him. In Romans 6:16-17 we read that we are the servant of whom we obey (either sin unto death or of obedience unto righteousness). In verse 6:22 we see that we will have fruit unto holiness if we are servants of God. In Acts 10: 34-35 we see that God does not respect persons but that “he that feareth him and worketh righteousness is accepted.” In 1 Peter 1:22 we read that Christ did no sin and that he is our example. In Isaiah 26:3 we read that he who trusts in the Lord will be kept in perfect peace.
I believe the above verses clearly show that repentance and good works are a necessary part of the faith which is of salvation (studying the above verses should allow this to be understood properly). Further these verses show that Salvation has always come through Faith (belief and trust). Salvation is a gift of God only, at the same time we cannot disregard Philippians 2:12 or 1 Timothy 4:16. But knowing it is only Christ in us through whom we are saved and we ourselves can do no good thing. The reason some of this sounds confusing is that on the surface it may appear contradictory. Because it cannot be received by nor stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God (see 1 Corinthians 2:5). But as we study the scriptures it should become clear to us, not by viewing it through some vain philosophy of man, but by the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Now I will respond to some of the answers you gave to my questions. First the wrath from which Jesus has delivered us and the tribulation are not the same thing. In the book of Revelation the tribulation comes first and the wrath comes later (it also appears that the tribulation is caused by the ungodly and is against the believer, and that the wrath is from God and is poured out on the ungodly). Now I will come to a point we both agree on and go from there.
We cannot save ourselves. I believe that both faith and grace are gifts from God alone (neither are anything we do or can boast in). Further, repentance is merely a result of faith in God. It is God who brings us to repentance when we have faith, repentance is not something we do. If only a shallow belief was required than even the devils would be saved for “they believe and tremble” (James 2:19). Anything we do that pleases God is not an act of ours. Inotherwords we can take no credit for any good works for “no flesh can please God”(Romans 8:8) and “whatever is not of faith is sin” (Romans 14:23). I believe, as the Bible and the apostle Paul himself clearly teaches that when the Father saves us through faith in Christ by Grace that we have no choice but to do good works (we just end up doing them, as a result of faith, if we do have faith). Good works are a result of being saved and we cannot even take credit for doing good works BECAUSE it is NOT we that do them but CHRIST in us. I believe that the Bible clearly teaches that all men in all time have been, are, and will be required to repent and also that all men have been, are and will do good works if they have been saved. Faith/Belief and repentance have always been the way to come unto God this is shown throughout the scriptures. Now I think that perhaps when you said that repentance was not required that you misunderstood what repentance is. Please be patient by brother and consider the following scriptures. In Romans 2: 4-10 we see that “the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.” In Psalm 51 we see faith/belief in God and repentance (vs. 17) we also see that sacrifice (not done in faith) is not what God delights in, nor is it what he desires (vs.16). In 2 Corinthians 7: 9-11 we see that “godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation,” and that this godly sorrow is sorrow which need not be repented of. In Acts 2:38 we read “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” In Romans chapter 3:21-26; in verse 21 when it says being witnesses by the prophets and the law I believe this is speaking of how Christ and the salvation which would come through him was made known in the law and the prophets - so it was no new thing. And in verse 25 I believe that it means that the sacrifice of Christ and faith in his blood was set forth by God to take the wrath of God which would otherwise be on men for their sins, and that this righteousness through faith in his blood is for the sins of the past, even the old testament believer since God had forbearance (was patient) until Christ should be made an atonement for all sin. In Habakkuk 2:4 we see that “the just shall live by faith.” In Isaiah 53 we see Christ and his sacrifice for the sins of the people clearly prophesied. Two (of the many) examples are John 12:38 which quotes Isaiah 53:1 and Acts 8:32-35 which quotes Isaiah 53:7-8. In Hebrews 10:4 we read that it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. In Psalm 106:23-24 we see that the Lord wanted to destroy them because they did not believe. In Psalm 78:22 we see that God was angry with Israel because they believed not in God and trusted not in his salvation. In Psalm 73:24 we read that HE guides me and receives me unto HIS Glory. In Zechariah 9:9 we see a prophecy of Christ and the salvation he will bring. In Job 19:25-26 we see Job declaring that he shall see his redeemer in the latter days upon the earth. In John 8:56 we read that Abraham saw Jesus’ Day. In Genesis 22 we read of Abraham’s faith and his seed (compare Genesis 22:17 to Galatians 3:16) Abraham is the father of those who have faith as Abraham did. In Psalm 14:3 and Psalm 16 we see how no man doeth good and that the Lord will save those who trust in him. We see how faith saved the old testament people in Hebrews ch.11. Again in Psalm 53:2-3 we see that there is none that doeth good (meaning again that no one is saved by works). In Numbers 14:11 we see that the Lord is upset because of their disbelief in him. In 2 Kings 17:14 we read that Israel did not believe in the Lord and that because of their unbelief the Lord testified against them. In Romans 4 we read of Abrahams faith and that it was counted unto him for righteousness (also see Genesis 15:6). The sole requirement for salvation is that man exercise faith by the method which God has taught him to do. Man has been taught to exercise faith somewhat differently in different times. In Galatians 3 especially verses 11, and 19 we see that no man is justified by the law, and that the law was only temporary until “the seed should come to whom the promise was made” That seed being Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:16, Genesis 22:17) (Also see Acts 26:15-20, Romans 4: 13-25)
“Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.” - Galatians 3:19
Now again it is important to realize that faith alone saves us, but that if we are saved by faith we will do good works. In Ephesians 5:5 Paul says that No unclean person can inherit the kingdom Christ and of God. Now if you read this verse in context you will see that Paul is talking to those who have already professed Christ as there Saviour. So merely professing to serve Christ is not enough, not because it is not enough, but because if it brings about no action toward good works then it was not a true profession, it was not sincere. For in verse 9 we read that the fruit of the spirit is all goodness, righteousness and truth. If we have saving faith we will have good fruit. Jesus himself taught this same thing in the gospels.
In Titus 1:16 we also see that; they profess to know him, but in works they deny him and they are abominable, and disobedient because their works deny him. In Hebrews 5:9 we read that Christ became the author of salvation unto who? Unto them that obey him. In Romans 6:16-17 we read that we are the servant of whom we obey (either sin unto death or of obedience unto righteousness). In verse 6:22 we see that we will have fruit unto holiness if we are servants of God. In Acts 10: 34-35 we see that God does not respect persons but that “he that feareth him and worketh righteousness is accepted.” In 1 Peter 1:22 we read that Christ did no sin and that he is our example. In Isaiah 26:3 we read that he who trusts in the Lord will be kept in perfect peace.
I believe the above verses clearly show that repentance and good works are a necessary part of the faith which is of salvation (studying the above verses should allow this to be understood properly). Further these verses show that Salvation has always come through Faith (belief and trust). Salvation is a gift of God only, at the same time we cannot disregard Philippians 2:12 or 1 Timothy 4:16. But knowing it is only Christ in us through whom we are saved and we ourselves can do no good thing. The reason some of this sounds confusing is that on the surface it may appear contradictory. Because it cannot be received by nor stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God (see 1 Corinthians 2:5). But as we study the scriptures it should become clear to us, not by viewing it through some vain philosophy of man, but by the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
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