“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:36)
Years ago I watched I news documentary which showed adults and children in Africa who pretty much lived from day to day without hope…fleeing from evil men…starving with no place to go…sick and dying along the way to nowhere.
And a few hours later a television evangelist came on the TV and said that “all people who do not repent and accept Jesus as personal Savior will die and be eternally separated from God and suffer in the eternal flames of hell”. My thoughts immediately went to those starving people in the documentary.
I broke…my whole being and all that I am revolted from such a thing…and I just could not help but be angry. At first I thought I was angry at God, assuming the evangelist was correct and that these starving people would not only suffer in this life but for ever and ever thereafter…in my mind I was shouting at God -- how could you do such a thing!?
And then I realized…I was not mad at God at all. I did not believe that about God and never had, I had just accepted the dogma that my church taught. I was mad at that evangelist and all like him, and those that invite them to speak…I still am.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)
If hell is in the doctrine where you meet…get the heck OUT and INTO the Bible. God wins…people are changed…evil will be past…good does triumph...the blessings in the next life will drown out all the suffering in this life.
Sooo practice being good to your families and share the good news of the birth of Jesus, the Son of God who grew up and saved the world!
“But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)
For my wife, children and grandchildren..and anyone else who may be interested!
“I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you." (Isaiah 44:22)
If God truly is “no respecter of persons” then it seems to me that the above includes not only Israel but all mankind. But I only know of a few who would entertain this thought. I am reminded of what the philosopher Aristotle once said…
If God truly is “no respecter of persons” then it seems to me that the above includes not only Israel but all mankind. But I only know of a few who would entertain this thought. I am reminded of what the philosopher Aristotle once said…
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
I am not a great fan of Aristotle, or any secular philosopher, but sometimes they say stuff that I like, meditate on, and can appreciate. My experience is that religious folks will not entertain new thoughts for fear that we might accept them…so they refuse to entertain any thought opposed to those that were put into their minds from childhood.
But if we Christians trust God then we should not fear entertaining views which are opposed to our own…heck we might just get educated and learn that Jesus will actually do FOR ALL that which we are certain he has promised to do for us!
“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:1-3)
I am not a great fan of Aristotle, or any secular philosopher, but sometimes they say stuff that I like, meditate on, and can appreciate. My experience is that religious folks will not entertain new thoughts for fear that we might accept them…so they refuse to entertain any thought opposed to those that were put into their minds from childhood.
But if we Christians trust God then we should not fear entertaining views which are opposed to our own…heck we might just get educated and learn that Jesus will actually do FOR ALL that which we are certain he has promised to do for us!
“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:1-3)
"Fear is not in the habit of speaking truth.” Tacitus
It appears to me that fearing God is not bad...it has its place in the quest for the truth about God. In fact it is the beginning of this wisdom...
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10)
However, when fear enslaves us, we never move on to seek the truth and find the liberty that comes when we find the truth. Thomas Paine once said...
"The slavery of fear had made men afraid to think. But such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks, and all it wants, is the liberty of appearing.” Rights of Man, 1791
When men think and reason about God....and discover the truth...their fear of God 's wrath becomes love for God's Grace....but few seem to find it...that is sad to me.
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. (1 John 4:18)
"..the truth will make you free." – Jesus
It appears to me that fearing God is not bad...it has its place in the quest for the truth about God. In fact it is the beginning of this wisdom...
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10)
However, when fear enslaves us, we never move on to seek the truth and find the liberty that comes when we find the truth. Thomas Paine once said...
"The slavery of fear had made men afraid to think. But such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks, and all it wants, is the liberty of appearing.” Rights of Man, 1791
When men think and reason about God....and discover the truth...their fear of God 's wrath becomes love for God's Grace....but few seem to find it...that is sad to me.
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. (1 John 4:18)
"..the truth will make you free." – Jesus
To most secular Philosophers, faith in God is opposed to reason. He or she apparently knows nothing of biblical faith. Biblical faith rests on the sure foundation of perfect reason...reasoning with the Creator of all things.
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)
When I observe the wonder of creation and learn some of the science of how it all works together I cannot help but see the beauty, wisdom and reason of the one behind the creation...like King David says
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” (Psalm 1:1-4)
The Creator says it is reasonable to believe that when the God who created all is finished with sinners they shall be white as snow and wool.
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)
When I observe the wonder of creation and learn some of the science of how it all works together I cannot help but see the beauty, wisdom and reason of the one behind the creation...like King David says
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” (Psalm 1:1-4)
The Creator says it is reasonable to believe that when the God who created all is finished with sinners they shall be white as snow and wool.
William Blake once said… “When I tell the truth, it is not for the sake of convincing those who do not know it, but for the sake of defending those that do.”
That pretty well sums up why I post what I believe to be the truth of the Reconciliation and Salvation of all…and repudiate any doctrine that limits that truth. There are many who reason it must be true of a loving God, yet do not feel equipped to challenge the yoke of tradition. Yet the truth is far more glorious than traditions of men…
“Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)
God sent His Son Jesus into the world to save it…the journey grieved him and he prayed for another way if possible, yet yielded to the will of his Father…
"My Father, if it be possible, remove this cup from me…if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done." (Matthew 26:36-46)
The best and greatest man who ever lived was found on his knees in prayer only this one time and sweated greet drops of blood…then stood up, submitted himself to the cross, and saved the world!
For Religions of men to limit this salvation to just a few who join their assemblies is to me heretical. I agree with the Samaritans who heard about Jesus from a women with many husbands, and when they met him they said…
"It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world." (John 4:42)
AND HE IS!
That pretty well sums up why I post what I believe to be the truth of the Reconciliation and Salvation of all…and repudiate any doctrine that limits that truth. There are many who reason it must be true of a loving God, yet do not feel equipped to challenge the yoke of tradition. Yet the truth is far more glorious than traditions of men…
“Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)
God sent His Son Jesus into the world to save it…the journey grieved him and he prayed for another way if possible, yet yielded to the will of his Father…
"My Father, if it be possible, remove this cup from me…if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done." (Matthew 26:36-46)
The best and greatest man who ever lived was found on his knees in prayer only this one time and sweated greet drops of blood…then stood up, submitted himself to the cross, and saved the world!
For Religions of men to limit this salvation to just a few who join their assemblies is to me heretical. I agree with the Samaritans who heard about Jesus from a women with many husbands, and when they met him they said…
"It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world." (John 4:42)
AND HE IS!
The Bible tells us of some specific things that God may GIVE us…
GRACE: “…the grace of God given to you by Christ Jesus…” (1 Corinthians 1:4)
SALVATION: “For by grace you have been saved…it is a gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
PEACE: “My peace I give to you…” (John 14:27)
ETERNAL LIFE: “…and I give them eternal life…the free gift of God is Eternal Life…” (John 10:28: Romans 6:23b)
HELPER: “…and He will give you another helper…” (John 14:16)
KNOWLEDGE OF GOD: “…may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in knowledge of Him…” (Ephesians 1:17)
KINGDOM OF GOD: “…it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom…” (Luke 12:32)
Everything good thing we receive from God is a GIFT. In other words it is not a reward for good behavior…He does not owe us anything.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17)
And He gives out of a Father’s LOVE, which of course is His very nature for…
“…God is love” (1 John 4:8)
And of course a Father’s love requires disciplining his children on occasion. This IS a result of our behavior. But it is always remedial and balanced and is a Blessing…
"Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.” (Job 5:17)
GRACE: “…the grace of God given to you by Christ Jesus…” (1 Corinthians 1:4)
SALVATION: “For by grace you have been saved…it is a gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
PEACE: “My peace I give to you…” (John 14:27)
ETERNAL LIFE: “…and I give them eternal life…the free gift of God is Eternal Life…” (John 10:28: Romans 6:23b)
HELPER: “…and He will give you another helper…” (John 14:16)
KNOWLEDGE OF GOD: “…may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in knowledge of Him…” (Ephesians 1:17)
KINGDOM OF GOD: “…it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom…” (Luke 12:32)
Everything good thing we receive from God is a GIFT. In other words it is not a reward for good behavior…He does not owe us anything.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17)
And He gives out of a Father’s LOVE, which of course is His very nature for…
“…God is love” (1 John 4:8)
And of course a Father’s love requires disciplining his children on occasion. This IS a result of our behavior. But it is always remedial and balanced and is a Blessing…
"Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.” (Job 5:17)
"And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” (Acts 20:32)
This “word of His GRACE” is not the same Word as the Word concerning the Kingdom. The word of His Grace is for all mankind and sets forth the Salvation of mankind by God’s grace. The word concerning the Kingdom has to do with Israel and God’s promises to them alone. Both are good news (gospels) but are completely separate. Following is how I understand and distinguish the two gospels…
THE GOSPEL (Word) OF THE KINGDOM: "Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand". It was first preached to ISRAEL only by John the Baptist, then Jesus Himself and his 12 chosen Jewish disciples. It will also be preached again during the Great Tribulation (Day of the Lord) just before Jesus returns. It was directed ONLY to the Nation of Israel (God's CHOSEN nation) and to Gentile proselytes (like Cornelius). It focused on Jesus being the Jewish Messiah. It was preached by Peter, James, John and Paul to the Circumcision/Israel until blindness came to the nation of Israel at the close of the book of Acts. When the 70th week of Daniel begins, the blindness will be lifted God and God will again focus His attention on Israel's national repentance, and "ALL Israel will be saved"(Romans 3:25-32). The book of Revelation gives the conclusion to the Word of the Kingdom promised to Israel and details the Tribulation period otherwise known as the 70th week of Daniel, the time of Jacob’s trouble, and the Day of the Lord.
THE GOSPEL (Word) OF GRACE: "Christ died for the sins of all mankind, he was buried, and rose again according to Scripture." And “as in Adam all time, even so in Christ shall all be made alive...that God may be ALL in ALL” (1 Corinthians 15). To ENJOY the benefits of that good news one simply needs to "believe/have faith in” that good news. It was entrusted to Paul by our Lord who also gave him an "abundance of revelations" (2 Corinthians 12:1, 7) which were revealed only to Paul by Jesus after his ascension. Paul was chosen to preach it among individuals of ALL Nations. There was no call to repent, be baptized, or accept Jesus as Messiah but simply to believe the Salvation God is providing for mankind through Christ Jesus who was the first fruit of that salvation. It included the following revelations…that "God was in Christ reconciling to World to Himself, not counting their transgressions against them". Salvation is for those "chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world" and would become the “Body of Christ” with the heavenly destiny of displaying the marvelous grace of God among the heavens (Ephesians 2:4-10). It taught that "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God"; and that "the wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord". It says that Jesus "came into the world to save sinners", and that God "wills ALL men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the Truth"; and that there is only "one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for ALL".
It is my opinion that failing to keep these two gospels separate is the source of all error within Christianity today…and not many Christians seem to understand that or care.
This “word of His GRACE” is not the same Word as the Word concerning the Kingdom. The word of His Grace is for all mankind and sets forth the Salvation of mankind by God’s grace. The word concerning the Kingdom has to do with Israel and God’s promises to them alone. Both are good news (gospels) but are completely separate. Following is how I understand and distinguish the two gospels…
THE GOSPEL (Word) OF THE KINGDOM: "Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand". It was first preached to ISRAEL only by John the Baptist, then Jesus Himself and his 12 chosen Jewish disciples. It will also be preached again during the Great Tribulation (Day of the Lord) just before Jesus returns. It was directed ONLY to the Nation of Israel (God's CHOSEN nation) and to Gentile proselytes (like Cornelius). It focused on Jesus being the Jewish Messiah. It was preached by Peter, James, John and Paul to the Circumcision/Israel until blindness came to the nation of Israel at the close of the book of Acts. When the 70th week of Daniel begins, the blindness will be lifted God and God will again focus His attention on Israel's national repentance, and "ALL Israel will be saved"(Romans 3:25-32). The book of Revelation gives the conclusion to the Word of the Kingdom promised to Israel and details the Tribulation period otherwise known as the 70th week of Daniel, the time of Jacob’s trouble, and the Day of the Lord.
THE GOSPEL (Word) OF GRACE: "Christ died for the sins of all mankind, he was buried, and rose again according to Scripture." And “as in Adam all time, even so in Christ shall all be made alive...that God may be ALL in ALL” (1 Corinthians 15). To ENJOY the benefits of that good news one simply needs to "believe/have faith in” that good news. It was entrusted to Paul by our Lord who also gave him an "abundance of revelations" (2 Corinthians 12:1, 7) which were revealed only to Paul by Jesus after his ascension. Paul was chosen to preach it among individuals of ALL Nations. There was no call to repent, be baptized, or accept Jesus as Messiah but simply to believe the Salvation God is providing for mankind through Christ Jesus who was the first fruit of that salvation. It included the following revelations…that "God was in Christ reconciling to World to Himself, not counting their transgressions against them". Salvation is for those "chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world" and would become the “Body of Christ” with the heavenly destiny of displaying the marvelous grace of God among the heavens (Ephesians 2:4-10). It taught that "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God"; and that "the wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord". It says that Jesus "came into the world to save sinners", and that God "wills ALL men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the Truth"; and that there is only "one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for ALL".
It is my opinion that failing to keep these two gospels separate is the source of all error within Christianity today…and not many Christians seem to understand that or care.
“For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” (Romans 11:36)
It seems to me that the various religions of the world, including Christianity, have missed this simple truth. Maybe because it is so simple and profound – “from Him and through Him and for Him are ALL THINGS”. However, if the Bible is the inerrant word of God, and I have chosen to believe it is, then the above is TRUE.
So what does God think about our enemies…meaning those who oppose God’s Word? When the Jewish religious leaders opposed Christians Paul tells us…
“From the standpoint of the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but from the standpoint of God’s choice they are beloved for the sake of the fathers; for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For just as you once were disobedient to God, but now have been shown mercy because of their disobedience, so these also now have been disobedient, that because of the mercy shown to you they also may now be shown mercy. For God has shut up all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to all..” (Romans 11:28-33)
Israel, Gods chosen nation, became His enemies – for the sake of all other ethnic peoples (Gentiles) – but they are still His because He chose them and the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable. ALL people, including those chosen by God in this life, become disobedient so that God, who is LOVE, can show MERCY to ALL…and He wants us to pray for our enemies because it is God’s WILL to save them …
“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men…This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who WILLS all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for ALL…I am telling the truth, I am not lying as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.” (1 Timothy 2:1-8)
Good luck with that Paul! Nevertheless, God loves His enemies and Jesus forgave his from the cross!
“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the LORD, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen” (Romans 11:34-36)
It seems to me that the various religions of the world, including Christianity, have missed this simple truth. Maybe because it is so simple and profound – “from Him and through Him and for Him are ALL THINGS”. However, if the Bible is the inerrant word of God, and I have chosen to believe it is, then the above is TRUE.
So what does God think about our enemies…meaning those who oppose God’s Word? When the Jewish religious leaders opposed Christians Paul tells us…
“From the standpoint of the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but from the standpoint of God’s choice they are beloved for the sake of the fathers; for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For just as you once were disobedient to God, but now have been shown mercy because of their disobedience, so these also now have been disobedient, that because of the mercy shown to you they also may now be shown mercy. For God has shut up all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to all..” (Romans 11:28-33)
Israel, Gods chosen nation, became His enemies – for the sake of all other ethnic peoples (Gentiles) – but they are still His because He chose them and the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable. ALL people, including those chosen by God in this life, become disobedient so that God, who is LOVE, can show MERCY to ALL…and He wants us to pray for our enemies because it is God’s WILL to save them …
“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men…This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who WILLS all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for ALL…I am telling the truth, I am not lying as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.” (1 Timothy 2:1-8)
Good luck with that Paul! Nevertheless, God loves His enemies and Jesus forgave his from the cross!
“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the LORD, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen” (Romans 11:34-36)
The World Is A Theater
"The world is a theater, the earth a stage which God and nature do with Actors fill" – John Heywood
"In a beginning Elohim created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1)
“Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me…Lord, who is it? Jesus answered, It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish. Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, What you are about to do, do quickly.” (John 13:21-28)
Really Jesus! Shouldn’t you have talked to him and warned him of the consequences for his action? And who were you talking to anyway…Judas or Satan…or both? Really “do quickly”. Sounds like you are approving and encouraging them to betray you.
“The LORD has made everything for its own purpose, even the wicked for the day of evil….” (Proverbs 16:4)
“Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me…Lord, who is it? Jesus answered, It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish. Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, What you are about to do, do quickly.” (John 13:21-28)
Really Jesus! Shouldn’t you have talked to him and warned him of the consequences for his action? And who were you talking to anyway…Judas or Satan…or both? Really “do quickly”. Sounds like you are approving and encouraging them to betray you.
“The LORD has made everything for its own purpose, even the wicked for the day of evil….” (Proverbs 16:4)
“Then Jesus replied, Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil! Now He meant Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray Him." (John 6:70-71)
The Bible tells me that God wrote the script for this great drama of life, and we are simply playing the part he has written for us. And when this great play concludes, all of the actors will be gathered before him, and receive praise for the role written for them to play.
“Let all creation rejoice before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his faithfulness.” (Psalm 96:13)
The Bible tells me that God wrote the script for this great drama of life, and we are simply playing the part he has written for us. And when this great play concludes, all of the actors will be gathered before him, and receive praise for the role written for them to play.
“Let all creation rejoice before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his faithfulness.” (Psalm 96:13)
"He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.” (1 Corinthians 4:5)
The villians, Satan, Adam, and Judas may receive an academy award for their perfect performance…all to the glory of God, the writer of the script. Our Hero, the Lord Jesus Christ, is playing the leading role as the Savior of the world!
“As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive…death will be abolished…so that God may be ALL in ALL…We have seen and do testify that the Father has sent the Son as the Savior of the world...He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-28; 1 John 4:14; Revelation 22:20)
The villians, Satan, Adam, and Judas may receive an academy award for their perfect performance…all to the glory of God, the writer of the script. Our Hero, the Lord Jesus Christ, is playing the leading role as the Savior of the world!
“As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive…death will be abolished…so that God may be ALL in ALL…We have seen and do testify that the Father has sent the Son as the Savior of the world...He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-28; 1 John 4:14; Revelation 22:20)
"And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” (Acts 20:32)
What does “the word of His grace” mean and what is this word? The Greek for “word” is “logo” and simply means that which is communicated to mankind by God. And what is that? His GRACE…unmerited favor among those who are sanctified.
Mankind is sanctified (deemed Holy by God) through the truth of His Word (what He has communicated to us)…
“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.” (John 17:17-18)
Christ Jesus came to save the world. He consecrated himself for that purpose and through his shed blood he succeeded.
“…all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness… But he has appeared once FOR ALL at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.” (Hebrews 9:22-26)
So for me, the “WORD OF HIS GRACE” is as follows:
Mankind is SAVED by His GRACE, not of works…
“For by grace you have been saved…not as a result of works” (Ephesians 2:8-10)
Mankind is JUSTIFIED (declared righteous) by His GRACE…
“…so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:7)
Mankind is RECONCILED to God through Christ Jesus by His Grace…
“…God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them” (2 Corinthians 5:19)
So where does FAITH fit in?
The Greek word for FAITH is also translated BELIEVE. So FAITH is simply believing what God says. Mankind can only find true JOY and PEACE in this present evil age by having FAITH in the “Word of His Grace”….in other words by believing it.
NEVERTHELESS, there will come a day when everyone will come forth from the grave (“hades”) as Jesus said…
“…for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment. I can do nothing on my own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and MY JUDGMENT IS JUST (right), because I do not seek my own will, but THE WILL OF HIM WHO SENT ME.” (John 5:28-30)
It is my view of Scripture that at the resurrection those of us who have BELIEVED the “word of his Grace” in this age will rise to enter immediately into immortal life. Those who, for whatever reason, have NOT believed the “word of his Grace” in this life will rise to be judged JUSTLY, according to the WILL of God who sent Jesus to SAVE the world, not condemn it…
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him...it is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. Prescribe and teach these things.…” (John 3:17; 1 Timothy 4:8-10)
“The LORD God commanded the man, saying, From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it YOU WILL SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17)
I am told that the Hebrew word translated “die” is more accurately rendered “to die shall you be dying”...in other words the dying process began and all of us inherit the dying process as a result of the original sin of Adam.
“…as through one man (Adam) the sin did enter into the world, and through the sin the death; and thus to all men the death did pass through, for that all did sin…” (Romans 5:120
I was asked by a Christian friend if I thought his Daddy had lied to him when he told him that the penalty for unconfessed sin is everlasting punishment in hell?
It was a loaded question and I was not about to call his Daddy a liar… so I said no he did not lie to you, he sincerely told you what he believed. He was concerned as any parent believing in hell would be….he was just MYTHTAKEN.
And this attitude I find to be the strongest hindrance to people repudiating the false teaching of eternal conscious torment in hell. They trust their spiritual leaders and I learned early that you cannot argue with that “logic”. So all I can do is post my different opinion, citing the Scripture upon which I base my view, hoping some people will pick up the bible and check it out….if so, I am confident they will find as I do that the wages of sin is DEATH, just as "the free gift of God is eternal LIFE". Our existence began with God creating us in our mother’s womb….and the new creation will start at our resurrection when God creates us brand new as a free gift into the immortal, sinless image of God, of which Christ Jesus is the firstfruit.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord….as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord… Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly…this mortal must put on immortality…then will come about the saying that is written, “DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory.” (Romans 6:23; Romans 5:21; 1 Corinthians 15:49-54)
God wins…and so do we!
Jesus told those who believed in him how not to pray as well as how to pray…
"When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.” (Matthew 6:5-7)
So, those who love to pray in church and on street corners are going to get the attention of those around them….but that is all. However, those who pray privately to the Father will be rewarded. NOTE: rewarded does not mean we always get what we ask for, but rewarded for going to God privately with our prayers…
Here are some simple prayers that are recorded in the Bible…
"I thank You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth…” Jesus (Luke 10:21)
“Father forgive them…” Jesus (Luke 23:34)
“Father, glorify your name.” Jesus (John 12:28)
“God, be merciful to me, the sinner.” Tax collector (Luke 18:13)
“I bow my knees before the Father…that He would grant you…to be strengthened…that you…may be able to comprehend…and to know the love of Christ…” Paul (Ephesians 3:14-19)
“Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.” John (Revelation 22:21-22)
And Jesus prayed for all who would believe in him that they would be one with he and the Father…
"I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.” (John 17:20-21)
"When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.” (Matthew 6:5-7)
So, those who love to pray in church and on street corners are going to get the attention of those around them….but that is all. However, those who pray privately to the Father will be rewarded. NOTE: rewarded does not mean we always get what we ask for, but rewarded for going to God privately with our prayers…
Here are some simple prayers that are recorded in the Bible…
"I thank You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth…” Jesus (Luke 10:21)
“Father forgive them…” Jesus (Luke 23:34)
“Father, glorify your name.” Jesus (John 12:28)
“God, be merciful to me, the sinner.” Tax collector (Luke 18:13)
“I bow my knees before the Father…that He would grant you…to be strengthened…that you…may be able to comprehend…and to know the love of Christ…” Paul (Ephesians 3:14-19)
“Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.” John (Revelation 22:21-22)
And Jesus prayed for all who would believe in him that they would be one with he and the Father…
"I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.” (John 17:20-21)
“…one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift…And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers…” (Ephesians 4:6-11)
The bible says that God is the Father of all and in us all. And that he has gifted some among mankind to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers. Why the gift of these persons?
”…for the equipping of the saints, for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:12-13)
Equip and edify (build up) saints with the TRUTH of what God has done through Christ Jesus until we "ALL" come to unity of faith in and knowledge of God. And minister the good news message of reconciliation?
“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us (apostles, etc) the MINISTRY of RECONCILIATION.” (1 Corinthians 5:18)
And what is RECONCILIATION? It is to be at PEACE with God because He is at peace with the world...
“…that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:19)
It is interesting to me that the Greek word translated “reconciliation” and “reconciled” is “katallasso” in the above verses. It has reference to God changing the way he looks at mankind as a result of the blood of Jesus. God is now AT PEACE with the world “not imputing their trespasses to them” as a result of the cross. BUT it is a one-sided peace (God toward mankind) UNTIL creatures change the way they look at God…and ALL mankind will do so eventually.
In Colossians the Greek word for “reconciled” is “apokatallassó”. Notice the “apo” before “katalllasso”. I think it means a two-sided peace because this word is only used in Colossians where it is written that all on the earth and all in the heavens will be reconciled to God…
“And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile (apokatallasso) all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” (Colossians 1:20)
TWO SIDED PEACE! When created beings change their view of God as an angry God who in His wrath will torture them for their sins to the correct view of a loving Father who has saved them from sin, they have peace toward God. They trust Him and love Him and rest in that peace.
One day the whole creation will be at peace with God and apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are to minister THIS TRUTH to others. Paul was the first to receive and minister this truth to the world…
“Now then, WE (apostles, etc.) are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore YOU (mankind) on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might BECOME the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:19-21)
The Apostles, etc are no longer to plead with mankind to be saved…that is a done deal and is a free gift from God Paul tells us in Romans 6:23. They are to plead with mankind to be at peace with God because He has “made him who knew no sin to be sin for us” so that the world might become the righteousness of God in CHRIST JESUS.
The bible says that God is the Father of all and in us all. And that he has gifted some among mankind to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers. Why the gift of these persons?
”…for the equipping of the saints, for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:12-13)
Equip and edify (build up) saints with the TRUTH of what God has done through Christ Jesus until we "ALL" come to unity of faith in and knowledge of God. And minister the good news message of reconciliation?
“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us (apostles, etc) the MINISTRY of RECONCILIATION.” (1 Corinthians 5:18)
And what is RECONCILIATION? It is to be at PEACE with God because He is at peace with the world...
“…that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:19)
It is interesting to me that the Greek word translated “reconciliation” and “reconciled” is “katallasso” in the above verses. It has reference to God changing the way he looks at mankind as a result of the blood of Jesus. God is now AT PEACE with the world “not imputing their trespasses to them” as a result of the cross. BUT it is a one-sided peace (God toward mankind) UNTIL creatures change the way they look at God…and ALL mankind will do so eventually.
In Colossians the Greek word for “reconciled” is “apokatallassó”. Notice the “apo” before “katalllasso”. I think it means a two-sided peace because this word is only used in Colossians where it is written that all on the earth and all in the heavens will be reconciled to God…
“And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile (apokatallasso) all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” (Colossians 1:20)
TWO SIDED PEACE! When created beings change their view of God as an angry God who in His wrath will torture them for their sins to the correct view of a loving Father who has saved them from sin, they have peace toward God. They trust Him and love Him and rest in that peace.
One day the whole creation will be at peace with God and apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are to minister THIS TRUTH to others. Paul was the first to receive and minister this truth to the world…
“Now then, WE (apostles, etc.) are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore YOU (mankind) on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might BECOME the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:19-21)
The Apostles, etc are no longer to plead with mankind to be saved…that is a done deal and is a free gift from God Paul tells us in Romans 6:23. They are to plead with mankind to be at peace with God because He has “made him who knew no sin to be sin for us” so that the world might become the righteousness of God in CHRIST JESUS.
"Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory…” (1 Corinthians 2:6-8)
Paul tells us that it was the wise rulers (religious and political) of this age that crucified their Lord, but we learn from Peter in his sermons in Acts chapters 2 and 3 that it was God’s Will. And they are forgiven for Jesus asked the Father while on the cross… "Father forgive them, they do not understand what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34).
The wise men of today…Philosophers, Theologians and Politicians… still do not know what they are doing but are many times just “the blind leading the blind” (Matthew 15:14). They refuse to see…but God reveals His Plan to those who learn to love Him…
“…but just as it is written, THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM. For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God…” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10)
Only by believing the Word of God will the Spirit reveal the Glory that will be manifested when the whole creation is reconciled to God, and mankind is complete in the very image of God…
“…the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words." (1 Corinthians 2:11-13)
Be patient and THANKFUL mankind, we win…because God, in His wisdom, has predestined his creation to Glory!
Paul tells us that it was the wise rulers (religious and political) of this age that crucified their Lord, but we learn from Peter in his sermons in Acts chapters 2 and 3 that it was God’s Will. And they are forgiven for Jesus asked the Father while on the cross… "Father forgive them, they do not understand what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34).
The wise men of today…Philosophers, Theologians and Politicians… still do not know what they are doing but are many times just “the blind leading the blind” (Matthew 15:14). They refuse to see…but God reveals His Plan to those who learn to love Him…
“…but just as it is written, THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM. For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God…” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10)
Only by believing the Word of God will the Spirit reveal the Glory that will be manifested when the whole creation is reconciled to God, and mankind is complete in the very image of God…
“…the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words." (1 Corinthians 2:11-13)
Be patient and THANKFUL mankind, we win…because God, in His wisdom, has predestined his creation to Glory!
“For those whom he foreknew (mankind) he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?” (Romans 8:29-31)
I think Christians have erred in limiting “those He foreknew” to only those who “get saved” as the different church groups define what is necessary to be saved. God Himself has called all mankind into existence and has promised, in spite of evil and our sin, to save, justify, reconcile and glorify all mankind when His work in finished….God is FOR US, not against us!
“For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope (assurance) that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now." (Romans 8:20-22)
For 2000 years theologians and philosophers have reasoned from its bondage to corruption, rather than from trusting the promises of God. There personal views have robbed most of mankind of the "blessed hope (assurance)" of the return of Christ to finish what God started. God subjected the whole creation to evil, suffering and futility, but it was necessary, and temporary, and all creation is to be "set free" into the "freedom of the Sons of God". Those Christians who do not believe this see no hope for those they consider unbelievers...because they do not believe that the GLORY promised by God is for ALL and will far exceed the "sufferings of this present time".
Many spend their entire lives trying nobly to end as much suffering as possible…thy are to be commended and we should do our part…but there is no less suffering and evil today than when they started those valiant efforts. Others do nothing but threaten sinners that they will not only suffer in this life but will suffer a million times more in hell if they do not repent, get saved and join their church...sending missionaries all over the world with such a message. It does not seem to me that God gets any glory from this, just disdain from those who cannot fathom a loving Father doing such to his suffering, even evil, children.
Nevertheless to the humble and mature person who will believe God, Paul speaks...
"Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory…” (1 Corinthians 2:6-8)
The wise, highly educated religious and political men, crucified Jesus, but they were ignorant. For had they believed God they would not have crucified Jesus. But if they had not…we all would be lost…how ironic. And they did so, in spite of their wisdom, because it was God’s will for Jesus to be crucified…
"Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know--this Man, delivered over BY THE PREDETERMINE PLAN AND FOREKNOWLEDGE OF GOD, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death…And now, brethren, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your rulers did also. But the things which God announced beforehand by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, HE HAS THUS FULFILLED.” (Acts 2:22-24; 3:18-19)
I think Christians have erred in limiting “those He foreknew” to only those who “get saved” as the different church groups define what is necessary to be saved. God Himself has called all mankind into existence and has promised, in spite of evil and our sin, to save, justify, reconcile and glorify all mankind when His work in finished….God is FOR US, not against us!
“For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope (assurance) that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now." (Romans 8:20-22)
For 2000 years theologians and philosophers have reasoned from its bondage to corruption, rather than from trusting the promises of God. There personal views have robbed most of mankind of the "blessed hope (assurance)" of the return of Christ to finish what God started. God subjected the whole creation to evil, suffering and futility, but it was necessary, and temporary, and all creation is to be "set free" into the "freedom of the Sons of God". Those Christians who do not believe this see no hope for those they consider unbelievers...because they do not believe that the GLORY promised by God is for ALL and will far exceed the "sufferings of this present time".
Many spend their entire lives trying nobly to end as much suffering as possible…thy are to be commended and we should do our part…but there is no less suffering and evil today than when they started those valiant efforts. Others do nothing but threaten sinners that they will not only suffer in this life but will suffer a million times more in hell if they do not repent, get saved and join their church...sending missionaries all over the world with such a message. It does not seem to me that God gets any glory from this, just disdain from those who cannot fathom a loving Father doing such to his suffering, even evil, children.
Nevertheless to the humble and mature person who will believe God, Paul speaks...
"Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory…” (1 Corinthians 2:6-8)
The wise, highly educated religious and political men, crucified Jesus, but they were ignorant. For had they believed God they would not have crucified Jesus. But if they had not…we all would be lost…how ironic. And they did so, in spite of their wisdom, because it was God’s will for Jesus to be crucified…
"Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know--this Man, delivered over BY THE PREDETERMINE PLAN AND FOREKNOWLEDGE OF GOD, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death…And now, brethren, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your rulers did also. But the things which God announced beforehand by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, HE HAS THUS FULFILLED.” (Acts 2:22-24; 3:18-19)
"And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." (Romans 8:23-25)
The problem I see with most people, even Christians, or especially Christians, is that we are more concerned with the journey than with the final destination. When our eyes are fixed on the evils along the way, we forget what awaits when we arrive. If we just learn to believe God and accept that evil is necessary, but temporary, we begin to see people differently along the way, and start to see the destination…the place where mankind arrives safely in the arms of a loving Father, changed in part by the journey, but finished to perfection by the Master craftsman before the Great White Throne.
So how can we love the God who subjected His creation to suffering and futility on the journey? Because we have been told in the Scripture about the sequel, the destination, and yes the deliverance of all creation and the redemption of all, and the immortality of a perfect new body….Yes, I believe the Bible… all things are working for good!
"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints (mankind) according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God - all things work together for good for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:26-28)
Theologians have told us that God only works things out for good for those who love God. THAT IS NOT WHAT PAUL IS SAYING. He is saying that ONLY those who love God SEE that even though God subjects His creation to "futility" and suffering, he is working it out for the good of ALL....and eventually the whole creation will be "set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God." (8:20-21)
The problem I see with most people, even Christians, or especially Christians, is that we are more concerned with the journey than with the final destination. When our eyes are fixed on the evils along the way, we forget what awaits when we arrive. If we just learn to believe God and accept that evil is necessary, but temporary, we begin to see people differently along the way, and start to see the destination…the place where mankind arrives safely in the arms of a loving Father, changed in part by the journey, but finished to perfection by the Master craftsman before the Great White Throne.
So how can we love the God who subjected His creation to suffering and futility on the journey? Because we have been told in the Scripture about the sequel, the destination, and yes the deliverance of all creation and the redemption of all, and the immortality of a perfect new body….Yes, I believe the Bible… all things are working for good!
"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints (mankind) according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God - all things work together for good for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:26-28)
Theologians have told us that God only works things out for good for those who love God. THAT IS NOT WHAT PAUL IS SAYING. He is saying that ONLY those who love God SEE that even though God subjects His creation to "futility" and suffering, he is working it out for the good of ALL....and eventually the whole creation will be "set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God." (8:20-21)
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God." (Romans 8:18-19)
There is much suffering in this world. From the homeless in our country to the poor and starving in other parts of the world. Tender hearts are broken and their tears fall when they see such suffering. It all seems so futile and pointless. Why are those suffering...suffering?
“For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now." (Romans 8:20-22)
The Greek word translated “hope” above is “helpidi” and does NOT mean hope as we understand the word 2000 years later. We say we hope our team wins, knowing that it might not. But the word “helpidi” has the idea of an assured outcome, therefore a confident expectation or the assurance that what is hoped for will come to pass.
In the above verses we are told that it is God who subjected His creation to futility and bondage to corruption....but in the "hope" (assurance) that our bondage to corruption is temporary, and that all creation is to be freed. It is upon this ASSURANCE that my salvation resides and allows me to love this God who “created evil”.
“I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.” (Isaiah 45:7)
Some of our translations refuse to translate the Hebrew word above as “evil” and instead insert calamity, disaster. Etc. But the Hebrew word is “ra” and is the same word translated evil in Genesis 2:17…
“But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eat thereof thou shalt surely die.” (Genesis 2:17)
Why do theologians try to hide this fact from people by changing the meaning of the word evil when translating Isaiah 45:7?
To me it is because these same men also believed that hell was a real place God created to punish and torture evil men for all eternity. And if God created this evil knowing that most of humanity would suffer endlessly because of it, then what does that say about their GOD? But God is GOOD, and has a purpose for everything, and all will eventuate in good for all his creation. Paul tells us plainly that God “subjected it, in hope (assurance) that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God."
There is much suffering in this world. From the homeless in our country to the poor and starving in other parts of the world. Tender hearts are broken and their tears fall when they see such suffering. It all seems so futile and pointless. Why are those suffering...suffering?
“For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now." (Romans 8:20-22)
The Greek word translated “hope” above is “helpidi” and does NOT mean hope as we understand the word 2000 years later. We say we hope our team wins, knowing that it might not. But the word “helpidi” has the idea of an assured outcome, therefore a confident expectation or the assurance that what is hoped for will come to pass.
In the above verses we are told that it is God who subjected His creation to futility and bondage to corruption....but in the "hope" (assurance) that our bondage to corruption is temporary, and that all creation is to be freed. It is upon this ASSURANCE that my salvation resides and allows me to love this God who “created evil”.
“I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.” (Isaiah 45:7)
Some of our translations refuse to translate the Hebrew word above as “evil” and instead insert calamity, disaster. Etc. But the Hebrew word is “ra” and is the same word translated evil in Genesis 2:17…
“But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eat thereof thou shalt surely die.” (Genesis 2:17)
Why do theologians try to hide this fact from people by changing the meaning of the word evil when translating Isaiah 45:7?
To me it is because these same men also believed that hell was a real place God created to punish and torture evil men for all eternity. And if God created this evil knowing that most of humanity would suffer endlessly because of it, then what does that say about their GOD? But God is GOOD, and has a purpose for everything, and all will eventuate in good for all his creation. Paul tells us plainly that God “subjected it, in hope (assurance) that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God."
“But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed! For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? (Galatians 1:8-10)
Pretty harsh wouldn’t you say? Paul says anyone who preaches a gospel contrary to what he had preached to them was accursed – meaning “devoted to destruction” (death-not tortured in hell).
So don’t you think it important to know what Paul preached, and receive it?
So what did Paul preach?….you will have to read Romans through Philemon to get it all but 1 Corinthians 15 will give you a good summary.
But it is what he did NOT PREACH about that is very interesting to me….he did not speak of eternal conscious torment in hell even one time…even to deny it. Why? Because it never crossed his mind that anyone would believe such a thing. So how did the doctrine get introduced into the church?
Well, as I read history, it was not introduced into the church until around 187 AD when Christian teachers like Tertullian of Carthage began to blend Greek philosophy — human speculative reasoning - with the teachings of God’s Word. And Plato (427-347 BC) had talked about hell as a place of torment for immortal souls almost 400 years before the birth of Jesus. It was not based on the Bible but on Greek myth and philosophy. Bible verses were later sought to uphold the ancient philosophies of the Greeks, and were added to the teaching of the Church as best I can tell.
Eventually under the influence of Augustine, in about AD 430, the concept of endless conscious torment was brought into general acceptance by the Catholic Church in the Western world, and has remained a “destructive heresy” of both the Catholic and Protestant Church to this time. That is why I am wary of the opinions of “wise men”, even those of well respected theologians and philosophers…I prefer to read the Bible for myself.
I like what A. W. Tozer says about men who are constantly seeking the approval of wise men…
“I cannot believe in the spirituality of any man who keeps an eye open for the approval of others, whoever they may be. The man after God's own heart must be dead to the opinion of his friends as well as his enemies. He must be as willing to cross important persons as obscure ones. When we are wholly lost in Him the frantic effort to please men will come to an end. The circle of persons we struggle to please will be narrowed to One. Then we will know true freedom, but not a moment before.” (A. W. Tozer - The Price of Neglect, Page141)
If I am lost…at least it is in His Word, not in wise men and their philosophies!
Pretty harsh wouldn’t you say? Paul says anyone who preaches a gospel contrary to what he had preached to them was accursed – meaning “devoted to destruction” (death-not tortured in hell).
So don’t you think it important to know what Paul preached, and receive it?
So what did Paul preach?….you will have to read Romans through Philemon to get it all but 1 Corinthians 15 will give you a good summary.
But it is what he did NOT PREACH about that is very interesting to me….he did not speak of eternal conscious torment in hell even one time…even to deny it. Why? Because it never crossed his mind that anyone would believe such a thing. So how did the doctrine get introduced into the church?
Well, as I read history, it was not introduced into the church until around 187 AD when Christian teachers like Tertullian of Carthage began to blend Greek philosophy — human speculative reasoning - with the teachings of God’s Word. And Plato (427-347 BC) had talked about hell as a place of torment for immortal souls almost 400 years before the birth of Jesus. It was not based on the Bible but on Greek myth and philosophy. Bible verses were later sought to uphold the ancient philosophies of the Greeks, and were added to the teaching of the Church as best I can tell.
Eventually under the influence of Augustine, in about AD 430, the concept of endless conscious torment was brought into general acceptance by the Catholic Church in the Western world, and has remained a “destructive heresy” of both the Catholic and Protestant Church to this time. That is why I am wary of the opinions of “wise men”, even those of well respected theologians and philosophers…I prefer to read the Bible for myself.
I like what A. W. Tozer says about men who are constantly seeking the approval of wise men…
“I cannot believe in the spirituality of any man who keeps an eye open for the approval of others, whoever they may be. The man after God's own heart must be dead to the opinion of his friends as well as his enemies. He must be as willing to cross important persons as obscure ones. When we are wholly lost in Him the frantic effort to please men will come to an end. The circle of persons we struggle to please will be narrowed to One. Then we will know true freedom, but not a moment before.” (A. W. Tozer - The Price of Neglect, Page141)
If I am lost…at least it is in His Word, not in wise men and their philosophies!
I want to pause in my assault on false teachers and teaching for one day at least…..in order to assault the rest of us Christians...just kidding...I think.
My oldest brother recently posted this comment on his Facebook page:
What does "following Christ" really mean? Just an idea. Jesus was certainly not religious in any sense of the word.
It started me thinking, as usual, so blame him for what follows ...although I thank him for making me think and “reason” about my view of Scripture.
My mind went immediately to the words of Jesus quoted by Luke...
“Now large crowds were going along with Him; and He turned and said to them, If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple (follower). Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it…So then, none of you can be my disciple who does not give up all his own possessions?” (Luke 14:25-28)
Pretty harsh words, who was he talking to? The large crowds FOLLOWING him hoping to get something from him (food, healing,etc). The same crowd who not long after would be screaming “crucify him”. But he loved them and had compassion for them, and would in fact die for them and all other sinners. But for now he told them what it takes to really follow him.
First: hate your father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters and your own life.
Second: take up your cross (and die on it)
Third: consider the cost
OK, forget the commentaries and alterations to the above made over the past 2000 years by the pious super duper high IQ holy men. Their opinions don't count. Believe Jesus...think about what he said above...and then form the logical conclusion with respect to what he was saying in light of all else we know in the Bible about Jesus and what he has done for mankind. I have thought about it and here is my conclusion...Jesus is saying...
“You sinners are not me, I am a unique, one of a kind, never to be cloned man WHO HAS NEVER SINNED. So where I am going you are not qualified to come. And what I am going to do you are not qualified to do. I am going to abandon Mom and everybody else I love together with all my possessions and die on a cross...for you sinners. And in doing so I am going to save your miserable selfish asses...why? Because our Father God is gracious and merciful. Believe it or not my heavenly Father and I created you and we love you, and so saving you is the right thing to do. As for you and those who come after you...well count the cost of what I alone can and will do...and just bow your head and simply say...THANK YOU JESUS!” (The Bible - Robert's paraphrased version)
We Christians, especially the elite do gooder types, need to stop putting ourselves on a pedestal, self-righteously claiming to be “followers of Christ” with a 20 year perfect attendance pin to prove it....for even if we “surrender our life to Christ” or join a monastery and eventually attain the official designation of “Saint so and so” or even if we would die on behalf of all mankind...all of them would stay dead anyway.
So I choose to place my faith and hope in what the Bible says God and Christ Jesus have done for sinners...
“God demonstrated his love for us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us....for the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 5:8-10; 6:23)
My oldest brother recently posted this comment on his Facebook page:
What does "following Christ" really mean? Just an idea. Jesus was certainly not religious in any sense of the word.
It started me thinking, as usual, so blame him for what follows ...although I thank him for making me think and “reason” about my view of Scripture.
My mind went immediately to the words of Jesus quoted by Luke...
“Now large crowds were going along with Him; and He turned and said to them, If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple (follower). Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it…So then, none of you can be my disciple who does not give up all his own possessions?” (Luke 14:25-28)
Pretty harsh words, who was he talking to? The large crowds FOLLOWING him hoping to get something from him (food, healing,etc). The same crowd who not long after would be screaming “crucify him”. But he loved them and had compassion for them, and would in fact die for them and all other sinners. But for now he told them what it takes to really follow him.
First: hate your father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters and your own life.
Second: take up your cross (and die on it)
Third: consider the cost
OK, forget the commentaries and alterations to the above made over the past 2000 years by the pious super duper high IQ holy men. Their opinions don't count. Believe Jesus...think about what he said above...and then form the logical conclusion with respect to what he was saying in light of all else we know in the Bible about Jesus and what he has done for mankind. I have thought about it and here is my conclusion...Jesus is saying...
“You sinners are not me, I am a unique, one of a kind, never to be cloned man WHO HAS NEVER SINNED. So where I am going you are not qualified to come. And what I am going to do you are not qualified to do. I am going to abandon Mom and everybody else I love together with all my possessions and die on a cross...for you sinners. And in doing so I am going to save your miserable selfish asses...why? Because our Father God is gracious and merciful. Believe it or not my heavenly Father and I created you and we love you, and so saving you is the right thing to do. As for you and those who come after you...well count the cost of what I alone can and will do...and just bow your head and simply say...THANK YOU JESUS!” (The Bible - Robert's paraphrased version)
We Christians, especially the elite do gooder types, need to stop putting ourselves on a pedestal, self-righteously claiming to be “followers of Christ” with a 20 year perfect attendance pin to prove it....for even if we “surrender our life to Christ” or join a monastery and eventually attain the official designation of “Saint so and so” or even if we would die on behalf of all mankind...all of them would stay dead anyway.
So I choose to place my faith and hope in what the Bible says God and Christ Jesus have done for sinners...
“God demonstrated his love for us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us....for the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 5:8-10; 6:23)
“The LORD God commanded the man, saying, From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it YOU WIL SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17)
Here is a quote from an article by a Christian fundamental author and bible teacher I read this morning…
“Part of the awful impact of sin is the death it produces in lives: "sin reigned in death.” (Romans 5:20). "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). Sin brings "spiritual" death.
Such is a good example of an otherwise good teacher subtly passing on what is false, probably unaware of the problem. He boldly and correctly identifies the awful impact of sin and even quotes the Scripture correctly. So what is the problem? Do you see it?
OK, after correctly quoting the Scripture he makes the statement “Sin brings SPIRITUAL death”. Which of course is false. There is absolutely nothing in the Scripture he quoted about “SPIRITUAL” death. Nor is there any Scripture I can find in the Bible about sin causing “SPIRITUAL” death. Christian teachers use the term all the time but they are simply passing on the Greek Philosopher’s ideas about the immortality of the soul, another one of those…
“Secretly introduced destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them”. (2 Peter 2:1).
The bible says the consequences for Adam’s sin and every other sin ever committed is “death”, and even a child knows what death is...only Greek Philosophers and Theologians do not know. When we die, we are dead! Genesis 3:17 and Ecclesiastes 12:7 tells us when a person dies the “spirit” returns to God who gave it, not the “soul”. The body returns to the earth from which it was formed . The Bible says the "soul" is the result of God joining body and spirit…the "soul" it simply ceases to exist when the spirit departs the body…
“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” (Genesis 2:7)
A good example would be what we do every day when we turn on a light. The electrical power (spirit) is joined to the light bulb (body) and light appears (soul). When the switch is turned off the power flows out of the bulb and the light goes out and is no longer seen UNTIL the power (spirit) returns.
Our ONLY HOPE is in Jesus who has promised to return and RAISE THE DEAD by putting the “spirit” that returned to God at death into a “new body” that God will provide, and our “soul” will once again spring forth into life! The bible is really clear about all of this…if we could only keep the ideas of the Philosophers and Theologians out of it!
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord…For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” (Romans 6:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
Here is a quote from an article by a Christian fundamental author and bible teacher I read this morning…
“Part of the awful impact of sin is the death it produces in lives: "sin reigned in death.” (Romans 5:20). "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). Sin brings "spiritual" death.
Such is a good example of an otherwise good teacher subtly passing on what is false, probably unaware of the problem. He boldly and correctly identifies the awful impact of sin and even quotes the Scripture correctly. So what is the problem? Do you see it?
OK, after correctly quoting the Scripture he makes the statement “Sin brings SPIRITUAL death”. Which of course is false. There is absolutely nothing in the Scripture he quoted about “SPIRITUAL” death. Nor is there any Scripture I can find in the Bible about sin causing “SPIRITUAL” death. Christian teachers use the term all the time but they are simply passing on the Greek Philosopher’s ideas about the immortality of the soul, another one of those…
“Secretly introduced destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them”. (2 Peter 2:1).
The bible says the consequences for Adam’s sin and every other sin ever committed is “death”, and even a child knows what death is...only Greek Philosophers and Theologians do not know. When we die, we are dead! Genesis 3:17 and Ecclesiastes 12:7 tells us when a person dies the “spirit” returns to God who gave it, not the “soul”. The body returns to the earth from which it was formed . The Bible says the "soul" is the result of God joining body and spirit…the "soul" it simply ceases to exist when the spirit departs the body…
“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” (Genesis 2:7)
A good example would be what we do every day when we turn on a light. The electrical power (spirit) is joined to the light bulb (body) and light appears (soul). When the switch is turned off the power flows out of the bulb and the light goes out and is no longer seen UNTIL the power (spirit) returns.
Our ONLY HOPE is in Jesus who has promised to return and RAISE THE DEAD by putting the “spirit” that returned to God at death into a “new body” that God will provide, and our “soul” will once again spring forth into life! The bible is really clear about all of this…if we could only keep the ideas of the Philosophers and Theologians out of it!
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord…For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” (Romans 6:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
”For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him. However not all men have this knowledge…” (1 Corinthians 8:5-7)
I suppose that there are as many gods and lords as there have been cultures and religious men over the years. And of course Paul is talking about those men or idols made up by men that people worship. He does not condemn such people to hell, but simply says that all men do not have the knowledge of the “one God, the Father, from whom are all things…and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things”. But they will one day, if not predestined to do so in this life, then after the resurrection of both the just and the wicked. Jesus told his listeners...
“Verily, verily, I say to you — He who is hearing my word, and is believing Him who sent me, hath life age-during, and to judgment he doth not come, but hath passed out of the death to the life…. Wonder not at this, because there doth come an hour in which all those in the tombs shall hear his voice, and they shall come forth; those who did the good things to a rising again of life, and those who practiced the evil things to a rising again of judgment." (John 5:24-29 YLT)
Jesus was speaking to Israel concerning the Kingdom AGE to be established on earth and Revelation 20 tells us this AGE will last 1000 years. At the BEGINNING of that Kingdom those who did the “good things” will be raised from the dead to LIFE and LIVE in that AGE (Daniel 12 tells me that resurrection will occur exactly 1335 days after the Messiah Jesus returns to earth) and these will rule and reign with Christ during that AGE. Revelation also tells us it is at the END of that AGE that the wicked who have practiced “evil things” will be raised from the dead and judged. So what happens to them at the "judgment"?
“And when the thousand years may be finished, the Adversary (Devil) shall be loosed out of his prison, and he shall go forth to lead the nations astray…and there came down fire from God out of the heaven, and devoured them; and the Devil, who is leading them astray, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where are the beast and the false prophet, and they shall be tormented day and night — to the ages of the ages. And I saw a great white throne, and Him who is sitting upon it, from whose face the earth and the heaven did flee away, and place was not found for them; and I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God… and they were judged, each one according to their works…if anyone was not found written in the scroll of the life, he was cast to the lake of the fire…— this is the second death…” (Revelation 20:7-15)
The Bible is true, men not so much. Christianity has made the “lake of fire” equivalent to their fictitious hell, but GOD says the “lake of fire” is the "SECOND DEATH". I choose to believe God, you can believe who you want.
But you say, they are still dead. Yes but not forever. I won’t quote the Scripture now but Revelation tells us about an AGE that will follow the 1000 year AGE. It is the AGE of the New Heaven and New Earth. Those of the first rising will continue to rule and reign with Christ while the rest will be dead the SECOND time. Paul was given the mystery of what happens at the close of that age and it is summarized as follows…
“And now, Christ hath risen out of the dead — the first-fruits of those sleeping he became…for even as in Adam all die, so also in the Christ all shall be made alive, and each in his proper order, a first-fruit Christ, afterwards those who are the Christ’s, in his presence, then — the end, when he may deliver up the reign to God, even the Father, when he may have made useless all rule, and all authority and power — for it behoveth him to reign till he may have put all the enemies under his feet — THE LAST ENEMY IS DONE AWAY – DEATH...for all things He did put under his feet…and when the all things may be subjected to him, then the Son also himself shall be subject to Him, who did subject to him the all things, THAT GOD MAY BE ALL IN ALL….The Death was swallowed up — to victory...” (1 Corinthians 15:20-54 YLT)
I am confident that my family and I, along with most of you, will be among those in the “first rising” and we will be happy about it and we do not have to more about the second death (the lake of fire).
“Happy and holy is he who is having part in the first rising again; over these the second death hath not authority, but they shall be priests of God and of the Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:6)
But I am equally certain that the bible teaches that death, even the second death, will be abolished and all of God’s creation will have then been reconciled to God by Christ Jesus.
“And himself is the head of the body…a first-born out of the dead, that he might become in all things…first…and through him to reconcile all things to himself — having made peace through the blood of his cross — through him, whether the things upon the earth, whether the things in the heavens. And you — once being alienated, and enemies in the mind, in the evil works, yet now did he reconcile, in the body of his flesh through the death, to present you holy, and unblemished, and unblameable before himself…" (Colossians 1:18-22)
I suppose that there are as many gods and lords as there have been cultures and religious men over the years. And of course Paul is talking about those men or idols made up by men that people worship. He does not condemn such people to hell, but simply says that all men do not have the knowledge of the “one God, the Father, from whom are all things…and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things”. But they will one day, if not predestined to do so in this life, then after the resurrection of both the just and the wicked. Jesus told his listeners...
“Verily, verily, I say to you — He who is hearing my word, and is believing Him who sent me, hath life age-during, and to judgment he doth not come, but hath passed out of the death to the life…. Wonder not at this, because there doth come an hour in which all those in the tombs shall hear his voice, and they shall come forth; those who did the good things to a rising again of life, and those who practiced the evil things to a rising again of judgment." (John 5:24-29 YLT)
Jesus was speaking to Israel concerning the Kingdom AGE to be established on earth and Revelation 20 tells us this AGE will last 1000 years. At the BEGINNING of that Kingdom those who did the “good things” will be raised from the dead to LIFE and LIVE in that AGE (Daniel 12 tells me that resurrection will occur exactly 1335 days after the Messiah Jesus returns to earth) and these will rule and reign with Christ during that AGE. Revelation also tells us it is at the END of that AGE that the wicked who have practiced “evil things” will be raised from the dead and judged. So what happens to them at the "judgment"?
“And when the thousand years may be finished, the Adversary (Devil) shall be loosed out of his prison, and he shall go forth to lead the nations astray…and there came down fire from God out of the heaven, and devoured them; and the Devil, who is leading them astray, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where are the beast and the false prophet, and they shall be tormented day and night — to the ages of the ages. And I saw a great white throne, and Him who is sitting upon it, from whose face the earth and the heaven did flee away, and place was not found for them; and I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God… and they were judged, each one according to their works…if anyone was not found written in the scroll of the life, he was cast to the lake of the fire…— this is the second death…” (Revelation 20:7-15)
The Bible is true, men not so much. Christianity has made the “lake of fire” equivalent to their fictitious hell, but GOD says the “lake of fire” is the "SECOND DEATH". I choose to believe God, you can believe who you want.
But you say, they are still dead. Yes but not forever. I won’t quote the Scripture now but Revelation tells us about an AGE that will follow the 1000 year AGE. It is the AGE of the New Heaven and New Earth. Those of the first rising will continue to rule and reign with Christ while the rest will be dead the SECOND time. Paul was given the mystery of what happens at the close of that age and it is summarized as follows…
“And now, Christ hath risen out of the dead — the first-fruits of those sleeping he became…for even as in Adam all die, so also in the Christ all shall be made alive, and each in his proper order, a first-fruit Christ, afterwards those who are the Christ’s, in his presence, then — the end, when he may deliver up the reign to God, even the Father, when he may have made useless all rule, and all authority and power — for it behoveth him to reign till he may have put all the enemies under his feet — THE LAST ENEMY IS DONE AWAY – DEATH...for all things He did put under his feet…and when the all things may be subjected to him, then the Son also himself shall be subject to Him, who did subject to him the all things, THAT GOD MAY BE ALL IN ALL….The Death was swallowed up — to victory...” (1 Corinthians 15:20-54 YLT)
I am confident that my family and I, along with most of you, will be among those in the “first rising” and we will be happy about it and we do not have to more about the second death (the lake of fire).
“Happy and holy is he who is having part in the first rising again; over these the second death hath not authority, but they shall be priests of God and of the Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:6)
But I am equally certain that the bible teaches that death, even the second death, will be abolished and all of God’s creation will have then been reconciled to God by Christ Jesus.
“And himself is the head of the body…a first-born out of the dead, that he might become in all things…first…and through him to reconcile all things to himself — having made peace through the blood of his cross — through him, whether the things upon the earth, whether the things in the heavens. And you — once being alienated, and enemies in the mind, in the evil works, yet now did he reconcile, in the body of his flesh through the death, to present you holy, and unblemished, and unblameable before himself…" (Colossians 1:18-22)
Grab yourself your favorite beverage, for this may take a little longer than usual. As promised yesterday, I want to tell you what I consider to be the most egregious of the “secretly introduced destructive heresies” which was introduced and remains in Church doctrine. I will use two different translations of Matthew 25:46 to help reveal this “heresy”...
“These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:45-46 NASB)
“And these shall go away to punishment age-during, but the righteous to life age-during” (Matthew 25:46 YLT)
So which is it - “eternal” punishment and life as the NASB has it, or “age-during” punishment and life as the YLT has it?
Once again I went to the concordance and the oldest original Greek manuscripts. I found that the Greek word translated “eternal” and “age-during” is “aionion” with the Strong’s Concordance number 166. So I used a research tool and called up all 71 verses in Scripture where “aionion” is used to find its meaning by it use. And I found that almost every time either “eternal” or “age-during” would fit and make sense, except for three times, one of which I will quote in this post…
“In hope of eternal (G166) life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world (G166) began” (Titus 1:2 KJV)
G166 refers to the Strong’s number and is the Greek word “aionian”. Notice that the same Greek word is translated IN THAT SAME VERSE both “eternal” and “world” in that English translation. But if the word really meant eternal why not translate it “eternal” in both places? Pretty obvious, because it would not make sense!
When God used the word it must have meant the same thing in both places because he is not a God of confusion. So I concluded that “aionion” must mean “age-during” as the YLT (and other translations) indicate, because it makes sense in all 166 places it is used. So the YLT is correct in my opinion and the verse correctly reads…
“Upon hope of life age-during, which God, who doth not lie, did promise before times of ages” (Titus 1:2 YLT)
Then I realized the word “aionion” is an adjective. An adjective describes its noun. And an adjective can never be greater than the noun it describes. (My High School English teacher Mary Jo Gurley would be so proud of me). So I looked up the noun and found it to be the Greek word “aion”, Strong Concordance number of 165. It is used 128 times in the NT. Again looking at all of those verses the only English translation that fits in all places is...drum roll...AGE.
So despite the fact that most English versions of the Bible translate“aion” and “aionion” use eternal or everlasting, they are wrong, and Young's Literal Translation – YLT is correct. It means AGE…IT HAS A BEGINNING AND AN END!
In my opinion, mistranslating the noun “aion” and its adjective “aionion” is the most egregious example of false teachers “secretly introducing destructive heresies”, which has the effect of “denying the Master who bought them”, or at least what he came to do...save sinners, not eternally condemn and punish them. Those mistranslated verses are used (out of context) to back up the horrible heretical doctrine of eternal conscious torment in hell...THE MOST EGREGIOUS “secretly introduced heresy” of all, that of course is only my opinion.
God indeed chastens both believers and unbelievers during this AGE in which we live. Good Fathers do that. And He will chasten (punish) unbelievers during the next two ages spoken about in the Scripture. But not forever, just for the AGE it refers to. And even then NOT in the torture chamber of Greek Mythology and Christian false doctrine. What Father would do that?
So back to Matthew 25 above. What age is Jesus referring to and to whom is Jesus speaking? Well this post is too long as it is so just read Revelation 20 in Young's Literal Translation...Jesus is speaking to Israel, and the age lasts 1000 years...followed by the age of the New Heaven and New Earth. And then read 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 where Paul “completes” the Word of God by assuring mankind that “as in Adam all die, even so in Christ ALL shall be made alive…and God will be ALL in ALL”.
So now, as Paul Harvey used to say, you have the REST of the Story!
“These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:45-46 NASB)
“And these shall go away to punishment age-during, but the righteous to life age-during” (Matthew 25:46 YLT)
So which is it - “eternal” punishment and life as the NASB has it, or “age-during” punishment and life as the YLT has it?
Once again I went to the concordance and the oldest original Greek manuscripts. I found that the Greek word translated “eternal” and “age-during” is “aionion” with the Strong’s Concordance number 166. So I used a research tool and called up all 71 verses in Scripture where “aionion” is used to find its meaning by it use. And I found that almost every time either “eternal” or “age-during” would fit and make sense, except for three times, one of which I will quote in this post…
“In hope of eternal (G166) life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world (G166) began” (Titus 1:2 KJV)
G166 refers to the Strong’s number and is the Greek word “aionian”. Notice that the same Greek word is translated IN THAT SAME VERSE both “eternal” and “world” in that English translation. But if the word really meant eternal why not translate it “eternal” in both places? Pretty obvious, because it would not make sense!
When God used the word it must have meant the same thing in both places because he is not a God of confusion. So I concluded that “aionion” must mean “age-during” as the YLT (and other translations) indicate, because it makes sense in all 166 places it is used. So the YLT is correct in my opinion and the verse correctly reads…
“Upon hope of life age-during, which God, who doth not lie, did promise before times of ages” (Titus 1:2 YLT)
Then I realized the word “aionion” is an adjective. An adjective describes its noun. And an adjective can never be greater than the noun it describes. (My High School English teacher Mary Jo Gurley would be so proud of me). So I looked up the noun and found it to be the Greek word “aion”, Strong Concordance number of 165. It is used 128 times in the NT. Again looking at all of those verses the only English translation that fits in all places is...drum roll...AGE.
So despite the fact that most English versions of the Bible translate“aion” and “aionion” use eternal or everlasting, they are wrong, and Young's Literal Translation – YLT is correct. It means AGE…IT HAS A BEGINNING AND AN END!
In my opinion, mistranslating the noun “aion” and its adjective “aionion” is the most egregious example of false teachers “secretly introducing destructive heresies”, which has the effect of “denying the Master who bought them”, or at least what he came to do...save sinners, not eternally condemn and punish them. Those mistranslated verses are used (out of context) to back up the horrible heretical doctrine of eternal conscious torment in hell...THE MOST EGREGIOUS “secretly introduced heresy” of all, that of course is only my opinion.
God indeed chastens both believers and unbelievers during this AGE in which we live. Good Fathers do that. And He will chasten (punish) unbelievers during the next two ages spoken about in the Scripture. But not forever, just for the AGE it refers to. And even then NOT in the torture chamber of Greek Mythology and Christian false doctrine. What Father would do that?
So back to Matthew 25 above. What age is Jesus referring to and to whom is Jesus speaking? Well this post is too long as it is so just read Revelation 20 in Young's Literal Translation...Jesus is speaking to Israel, and the age lasts 1000 years...followed by the age of the New Heaven and New Earth. And then read 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 where Paul “completes” the Word of God by assuring mankind that “as in Adam all die, even so in Christ ALL shall be made alive…and God will be ALL in ALL”.
So now, as Paul Harvey used to say, you have the REST of the Story!
“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be FALSE TEACHERS among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them….” (2 Peter 2:1)
The last couple of days I have given some examples of what I consider to be false teaching introduced by false teachers through bad translations of the Bible, but today I want to look at how Peter told us to identify false teachers and apply it to myself. So let’s see what he says about these false teachers…
First, Peter says that “false teachers” are those who “secretly introduce destructive heresies”:
Applying this to myself I can honestly conclude that I do not fit in this category. I post my views on Facebook or my Blog for everyone to see….quoting the Scripture from which I have arrived at my views. No secrets.
Second, Peter says that “false teachers” are those who are “denying the Master”:
Well if you read my posts I not only do not deny that Jesus is the Master but base all of my views on my belief that he is the Word of God, the only begotten Son of God, and the express image of God. I believe the Bible when it says that JESUS alone is the way, the truth and the life and NO ONE gets to the Father except through him. I believe that his death on the cross, burial in a tomb, and resurrection to life is the basis for the salvation and reconciliation of all. And I also believe the Bible when it says that Jesus is Lord of ALL, not just a few Christians. It clearly says…
“For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all…” (Romans 10:36)
The Bible says he is really, really Lord of ALL, whether organized Christianity believes it or realizes it or not. All will eventually confess it because the Bible says so, regardless of what men say…
“…every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father… and no one can say, Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit.” (Philippians 2:11; 1 Corinthians 12:3)
God willing, tomorrow I will address the most egregious “destructive heresy” which was “secretly introduced” into the Church over 1500 years ago by the very false teachers Peter warned us about, and which even today causes most Christians to deny their Master the glorious VICTORY of what the Bible clearly says he will do….save and reconcile mankind to God…I know because I used to be one of those Christians who denied it.
The last couple of days I have given some examples of what I consider to be false teaching introduced by false teachers through bad translations of the Bible, but today I want to look at how Peter told us to identify false teachers and apply it to myself. So let’s see what he says about these false teachers…
First, Peter says that “false teachers” are those who “secretly introduce destructive heresies”:
Applying this to myself I can honestly conclude that I do not fit in this category. I post my views on Facebook or my Blog for everyone to see….quoting the Scripture from which I have arrived at my views. No secrets.
Second, Peter says that “false teachers” are those who are “denying the Master”:
Well if you read my posts I not only do not deny that Jesus is the Master but base all of my views on my belief that he is the Word of God, the only begotten Son of God, and the express image of God. I believe the Bible when it says that JESUS alone is the way, the truth and the life and NO ONE gets to the Father except through him. I believe that his death on the cross, burial in a tomb, and resurrection to life is the basis for the salvation and reconciliation of all. And I also believe the Bible when it says that Jesus is Lord of ALL, not just a few Christians. It clearly says…
“For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all…” (Romans 10:36)
The Bible says he is really, really Lord of ALL, whether organized Christianity believes it or realizes it or not. All will eventually confess it because the Bible says so, regardless of what men say…
“…every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father… and no one can say, Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit.” (Philippians 2:11; 1 Corinthians 12:3)
God willing, tomorrow I will address the most egregious “destructive heresy” which was “secretly introduced” into the Church over 1500 years ago by the very false teachers Peter warned us about, and which even today causes most Christians to deny their Master the glorious VICTORY of what the Bible clearly says he will do….save and reconcile mankind to God…I know because I used to be one of those Christians who denied it.
Yesterday I mentioned 1 Timothy 4:10 and that it is a good example of how different translations into English can “secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them”. (2 Peter 2:1). Here are two different translations...
“…we work hard and do our best because our hope is in the living God, the One Who would save all men. He saves those who believe in Him.” (1 Timothy 4:10 New Life Bible)
“…we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.” (1 Timothy 4:10 NASB and most other translations - over 15 that I looked at)
So which is correct? Is God the “savior of all men, especially believers” like almost all translation have it, or is it that he “would” save all men but will only save “those who believe” as set forth in the NLB?
Again, I went to the resources I mentioned yesterday to find out. I found that the majority of English translations are correct and that "God is the Savior of all men, especially believers” is the best translation. So the creators of the NLB are false teachers…at least in these verses.
And I am concerned because I know that most Christians believe like the bad translation reads...!
One does not "deny the Master" just by denying that Jesus is the Master, but also by denying what he has done...saved sinners as Paul tells us...
"...Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners..." (1 Timothy 1:15)
He does not say "offer" to save, but to "save". To deny this is to deny the Master in my opinion so I have chosen to believe God.
This is another example of what I consider to be a “destructive heresy” that is “secretly introduced” by mistranslating the Original language of the bible into English by adding words that are not in the text.
God loves and Jesus died for all people, even false teachers…and although those who “secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them” will be saved, in my opinion, they may miss out on the reign of Christ during the next two ages.
“…we work hard and do our best because our hope is in the living God, the One Who would save all men. He saves those who believe in Him.” (1 Timothy 4:10 New Life Bible)
“…we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.” (1 Timothy 4:10 NASB and most other translations - over 15 that I looked at)
So which is correct? Is God the “savior of all men, especially believers” like almost all translation have it, or is it that he “would” save all men but will only save “those who believe” as set forth in the NLB?
Again, I went to the resources I mentioned yesterday to find out. I found that the majority of English translations are correct and that "God is the Savior of all men, especially believers” is the best translation. So the creators of the NLB are false teachers…at least in these verses.
And I am concerned because I know that most Christians believe like the bad translation reads...!
One does not "deny the Master" just by denying that Jesus is the Master, but also by denying what he has done...saved sinners as Paul tells us...
"...Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners..." (1 Timothy 1:15)
He does not say "offer" to save, but to "save". To deny this is to deny the Master in my opinion so I have chosen to believe God.
This is another example of what I consider to be a “destructive heresy” that is “secretly introduced” by mistranslating the Original language of the bible into English by adding words that are not in the text.
God loves and Jesus died for all people, even false teachers…and although those who “secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them” will be saved, in my opinion, they may miss out on the reign of Christ during the next two ages.
“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be FALSE TEACHERS among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them….” (2 Peter 2:1)
I think of a “prophet” as one to whom God originally spoke the Words (the Scripture) found in the Bible and were told by God to tell others what God said. As best I can tell, these ORIGINAL Words of God given to the prophets were codified into what we now call the Bible around 325 AD.
I think a “teacher” is anyone who explains those Words to others. The Apostle Paul seems to be the last Prophet to receive any ORIGINAL Words of God because he says that his ministry was to reveal the mystery previously hidden and therefore COMPLETE the Word of God...
“...I became a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given me towards you to COMPLETE the word of God, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but has NOW been made manifest to his saints...” (Colossians 1:24-28 Darby)
In figuring out false teaching I start with the assumption that anyone, including myself, could teach what is false, even without knowing it. So I test what I hear and what I am taught and my own views by referring to the best English translation of the Bible I can find. And even when I find a good translation…I REMEMBER that it is a translation done by men and the translation itself is NOT INSPIRED even though the ORIGINAL Words were. So the translation could sometimes be in error. As an example let me quote another translation of part of the above verses in Colossians...
“...I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to FULFILL the word of God...” (King James Bible)
So was Paul to “fulfill” the word of God or “complete” it? A teacher who does NOT want to teach falsely needs to know if there is a difference and if so, figure out which is correct. How?
The only way I know to check is by going to the oldest original language manuscripts and check the meaning of the translated Greek, Hebrew or Aramaic word for themselves. Good Concordances and Interlinear Bibles are available online for free these days so I just Google it. In the above verses I came to the conclusion that COMPLETE was the most accurate English word. And the mystery that Paul was given to teach had up until then “been hidden” from past generations.
Another example of mistranslation is found in Titus 2:1...
“For the grace of God has appeared that OFFERS salvation to all people.” (NIV)
“For the grace of God has appeared, BRINGING salvation to all men”. (NASB)
So is salvation “offered” to mankind as the NIV has it, or “brought” to mankind as the NASB (and most others) have it?
Back to the above mentioned online resources to check it out for myself. I found that the idea of “offers” is not found in the original Greek text but the idea of “bringing ” was there and therefore the best English translation. So at least in that verse, the translators of the NIV are in error and “false teachers”, so in my opinion they “secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them”...at least deny the magnitude of what our Lord (Master) accomplished for mankind.
Tomorrow I will look at – 1 Timothy 4:10 which again may provoke some of you to wrath… so you may want to read it in as many translations as you can before you read my post.
I think of a “prophet” as one to whom God originally spoke the Words (the Scripture) found in the Bible and were told by God to tell others what God said. As best I can tell, these ORIGINAL Words of God given to the prophets were codified into what we now call the Bible around 325 AD.
I think a “teacher” is anyone who explains those Words to others. The Apostle Paul seems to be the last Prophet to receive any ORIGINAL Words of God because he says that his ministry was to reveal the mystery previously hidden and therefore COMPLETE the Word of God...
“...I became a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given me towards you to COMPLETE the word of God, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but has NOW been made manifest to his saints...” (Colossians 1:24-28 Darby)
In figuring out false teaching I start with the assumption that anyone, including myself, could teach what is false, even without knowing it. So I test what I hear and what I am taught and my own views by referring to the best English translation of the Bible I can find. And even when I find a good translation…I REMEMBER that it is a translation done by men and the translation itself is NOT INSPIRED even though the ORIGINAL Words were. So the translation could sometimes be in error. As an example let me quote another translation of part of the above verses in Colossians...
“...I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to FULFILL the word of God...” (King James Bible)
So was Paul to “fulfill” the word of God or “complete” it? A teacher who does NOT want to teach falsely needs to know if there is a difference and if so, figure out which is correct. How?
The only way I know to check is by going to the oldest original language manuscripts and check the meaning of the translated Greek, Hebrew or Aramaic word for themselves. Good Concordances and Interlinear Bibles are available online for free these days so I just Google it. In the above verses I came to the conclusion that COMPLETE was the most accurate English word. And the mystery that Paul was given to teach had up until then “been hidden” from past generations.
Another example of mistranslation is found in Titus 2:1...
“For the grace of God has appeared that OFFERS salvation to all people.” (NIV)
“For the grace of God has appeared, BRINGING salvation to all men”. (NASB)
So is salvation “offered” to mankind as the NIV has it, or “brought” to mankind as the NASB (and most others) have it?
Back to the above mentioned online resources to check it out for myself. I found that the idea of “offers” is not found in the original Greek text but the idea of “bringing ” was there and therefore the best English translation. So at least in that verse, the translators of the NIV are in error and “false teachers”, so in my opinion they “secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them”...at least deny the magnitude of what our Lord (Master) accomplished for mankind.
Tomorrow I will look at – 1 Timothy 4:10 which again may provoke some of you to wrath… so you may want to read it in as many translations as you can before you read my post.
“But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, or no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” (2 Peter 1:2-3)
And so Peter begins by saying that all Scripture is from God. Then he warns his listeners of false prophets who would arise and be among them…
“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.” (2 Peter 2:1)
I believe this is true because I believe the Bible. And that was 2000 years ago, no telling where these “secret heresies” will be embedded among churches after 2000 year sooooo….the difficult thing is to figure out the "false prophets" are and especially what they "secretly introduced" into the church since they have been mingling with the church for 2000 years.
It has been my experience that most Christians today suspect anyone who disagrees with them...I am kind of like that too I suppose. The only difference is in my way of thinking even the false prophets get saved eventually just like everyone else. But to them, a least some of them, they are concerned that I am going to hell because of my views…I love them for that concern…
We should remember it is MEN who are the false prophets, and MEN translate the original language of Scripture into English, and MEN interpret the Scripture, sometimes in error. I suspect false prophets think that they are not…if I am one, I sure don’t think so.
So how can we know?
OK here it is….READ AND STUDY THE BIBLE FOR YOURSELF unless you are afraid to find out!
And we will do that tomorrow…just a warning so you can avoid my post tomorrow if you want. I’ll never know….which is the beauty of Facebook and Blogs.
And so Peter begins by saying that all Scripture is from God. Then he warns his listeners of false prophets who would arise and be among them…
“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.” (2 Peter 2:1)
I believe this is true because I believe the Bible. And that was 2000 years ago, no telling where these “secret heresies” will be embedded among churches after 2000 year sooooo….the difficult thing is to figure out the "false prophets" are and especially what they "secretly introduced" into the church since they have been mingling with the church for 2000 years.
It has been my experience that most Christians today suspect anyone who disagrees with them...I am kind of like that too I suppose. The only difference is in my way of thinking even the false prophets get saved eventually just like everyone else. But to them, a least some of them, they are concerned that I am going to hell because of my views…I love them for that concern…
We should remember it is MEN who are the false prophets, and MEN translate the original language of Scripture into English, and MEN interpret the Scripture, sometimes in error. I suspect false prophets think that they are not…if I am one, I sure don’t think so.
So how can we know?
OK here it is….READ AND STUDY THE BIBLE FOR YOURSELF unless you are afraid to find out!
And we will do that tomorrow…just a warning so you can avoid my post tomorrow if you want. I’ll never know….which is the beauty of Facebook and Blogs.
“…we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. Prescribe and teach these things.” (1 Timothy 4:10)
I can imagine being asked by a defensive church leader. Robert, assuming that the above verse is true (as if the Bible might not be true) and God is actually the Savior of all men and does so, what exactly are we to do, close all the churches, seminaries and missionary organizations?
I would bow my head in prayer and ask the Father for permission to say YES – but before I did he would go on to ask:
Doesn’t obeying the 10 commandments, repenting when we sin, joining a church, sacrificially giving, getting baptized, reading the bible, winning people to Jesus, getting involved in AWANA, fighting abortion, bashing Obama for his love of Islam and attending and supporting the local church please God?
So I would swallow my pride and humbly say. I don’t know but it will sure please 20% of the Christians I know who need some help in doing those things.
Let’s be honest, none of those things are specifically said in Scripture to please God. But the Bible does specifically tell us what DOES please Him.
The Old Testament prophet Micah, speaking for God to Israel, tells them as simply as can be said what God required of them (simply is the way God says things that are important to Him like He is “the Savior of all men”)…
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)
And just as clearly Paul reminds Titus his friend of what everyone is to do since the grace of God has brought salvation to all men…
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.” (Titus 2:11-14)
Pretty clear to me. To sum it up from the Bible…rather than the creeds of religious institutions.
Be just, kind, and humble….and love people!
I know, it is not as easy as it sounds….but it is SIMPLE.
I can imagine being asked by a defensive church leader. Robert, assuming that the above verse is true (as if the Bible might not be true) and God is actually the Savior of all men and does so, what exactly are we to do, close all the churches, seminaries and missionary organizations?
I would bow my head in prayer and ask the Father for permission to say YES – but before I did he would go on to ask:
Doesn’t obeying the 10 commandments, repenting when we sin, joining a church, sacrificially giving, getting baptized, reading the bible, winning people to Jesus, getting involved in AWANA, fighting abortion, bashing Obama for his love of Islam and attending and supporting the local church please God?
So I would swallow my pride and humbly say. I don’t know but it will sure please 20% of the Christians I know who need some help in doing those things.
Let’s be honest, none of those things are specifically said in Scripture to please God. But the Bible does specifically tell us what DOES please Him.
The Old Testament prophet Micah, speaking for God to Israel, tells them as simply as can be said what God required of them (simply is the way God says things that are important to Him like He is “the Savior of all men”)…
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)
And just as clearly Paul reminds Titus his friend of what everyone is to do since the grace of God has brought salvation to all men…
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.” (Titus 2:11-14)
Pretty clear to me. To sum it up from the Bible…rather than the creeds of religious institutions.
Be just, kind, and humble….and love people!
I know, it is not as easy as it sounds….but it is SIMPLE.
To lighten things up a bit:
I was around 16 years old and was sitting in my pew next to a friend minding my own business. It was the close of a service and the Pastor was extremely happy because he was in the baptistery to baptize those who had walked the aisle during the revival. All was quiet and reverent when the Pastor announced “buried with Christ in Baptism, raised to walk in newness of life”. I was not as intent on what was going on as some because I had already been baptized myself 3 times. As I recall I was irreverently trying to make bubbles with my saliva with my mind in lala land. THEN IT HAPPENED…down he went into the water and up he came, at which time my friend leaned over to me and said…
“WEEEE, another sinner bites the dust”
It was his fault not mine!…those bubbles spewed out over the balcony onto the unsuspecting people below and we just could not stop laughing. THEN, just as suddenly as we laughed, FEAR seized my body as a saw the Pastor and congregation looking up to where we were sitting. “Oh crap Wayne…we’re going to hell for sure.” Next service I was the first down the aisle and all was well until…well you get it, there is always the next thing that makes you happy, then turns to guilt and fear…and repentance is there to save the day! Thank you Jesus.
Now let me ask you. Reading that story, did you laugh? If you did then you are fine…keep attending the church you attend. If you reacted in self-righteous horror…you may have a problem…get out!
Just thinking.
I was around 16 years old and was sitting in my pew next to a friend minding my own business. It was the close of a service and the Pastor was extremely happy because he was in the baptistery to baptize those who had walked the aisle during the revival. All was quiet and reverent when the Pastor announced “buried with Christ in Baptism, raised to walk in newness of life”. I was not as intent on what was going on as some because I had already been baptized myself 3 times. As I recall I was irreverently trying to make bubbles with my saliva with my mind in lala land. THEN IT HAPPENED…down he went into the water and up he came, at which time my friend leaned over to me and said…
“WEEEE, another sinner bites the dust”
It was his fault not mine!…those bubbles spewed out over the balcony onto the unsuspecting people below and we just could not stop laughing. THEN, just as suddenly as we laughed, FEAR seized my body as a saw the Pastor and congregation looking up to where we were sitting. “Oh crap Wayne…we’re going to hell for sure.” Next service I was the first down the aisle and all was well until…well you get it, there is always the next thing that makes you happy, then turns to guilt and fear…and repentance is there to save the day! Thank you Jesus.
Now let me ask you. Reading that story, did you laugh? If you did then you are fine…keep attending the church you attend. If you reacted in self-righteous horror…you may have a problem…get out!
Just thinking.
Why Did God Create Evil?
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.” (Ephesians 1:2-7)
The last two days I have been thinking about God’s plan for mankind, and I concluded in studying the word saint in the Scripture that all people are saints in God’s eye. Paul says above that it is God’s intention and choice to bless us, not curse us. In fact God decided and PREDESTINED this before He created any of us…and He knew that ALL would sin and fall short of the glory of God in this present evil age which must have been why he created evil…
“I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.” (Isaiah 45:7)
And the Bible seems to indicate that the reason He created evil and allows mankind to sin is so that he can reveal his MERCY and GRACE and demonstrate His LOVE by redeeming sinners through the blood of Christ Jesus…
“God demonstrates His love towards us in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us…God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have MERCY on all...In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His GRACE which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him” (Romans 5:8; Romans 11:32; Ephesians 1:8-9)
One day God will finish what He has begun in an age yet to come and says that we should view the evil we are experiencing in this age as follows…
”...with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been PREDESTINED according to HIS PURPOSE who works ALL THINGS after the counsel of HIS WILL." (Ephesians 1:10-11)
The last two days I have been thinking about God’s plan for mankind, and I concluded in studying the word saint in the Scripture that all people are saints in God’s eye. Paul says above that it is God’s intention and choice to bless us, not curse us. In fact God decided and PREDESTINED this before He created any of us…and He knew that ALL would sin and fall short of the glory of God in this present evil age which must have been why he created evil…
“I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.” (Isaiah 45:7)
And the Bible seems to indicate that the reason He created evil and allows mankind to sin is so that he can reveal his MERCY and GRACE and demonstrate His LOVE by redeeming sinners through the blood of Christ Jesus…
“God demonstrates His love towards us in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us…God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have MERCY on all...In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His GRACE which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him” (Romans 5:8; Romans 11:32; Ephesians 1:8-9)
One day God will finish what He has begun in an age yet to come and says that we should view the evil we are experiencing in this age as follows…
”...with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been PREDESTINED according to HIS PURPOSE who works ALL THINGS after the counsel of HIS WILL." (Ephesians 1:10-11)
Saints - Part Two
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus who are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 1:1-2)
Yesterday I was thinking about who the saints are and want to continue my thoughts. Religious dogma has altered the meaning of “saint” to restrict it to a few people whom their particular sect considers to be more righteous than other folks…even praying to them on occasion. It appears to me, however, that to God all mankind are holy to Him and set apart…therefore Saints….despite the fact that He also clearly says, “there is none righteous, no not one”, and “all have sinned”. God created mankind to be made into His image. At least that is how I read the Scripture. But only a few of these saints have been “faithful” since their creation.
Paul was chosen to reveal the glorious future of all mankind to those who God has predetermined to hear and believe in this present evil age…and it has been my experience that those who hear and believe the good news of the eventual reconciliation and salvation of all rejoice. They are at peace with God, giving Him praise and thanksgiving for this promise. Some of them are driven to tell others about it...like Paul who said…
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He PREDESTINED us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of HIS WILL, to the praise of the glory of His GRACE, which He FREELY bestowed on us in the Beloved.” (Ephesians 1:2-7)
But whether the faithful saints are destined to tell anyone or not, one future day, after the final resurrection of both the just and unjust, and after death has been abolished, ALL people will be completed by God into His righteous spiritual image…and ALL will believe and rejoice in their Salvation…God’s plan will be complete and He will be "ALL in ALL".
“For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive….The last enemy that will be abolished is death….so that God may be ALL in ALL.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-28)
I get the impression sometimes that we Christians do not think it fair that God would save everyone. But we should have the same kind of attitude about it as Christ Jesus had…
“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus… He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:5-7)
And why did he have this attitude? Paul again tells us it was to demonstrate the LOVE of God for mankind (Saints) and that He would deliver mankind from His wrath (death)….
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him…for the wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 5:8-9; 6:23)
Sorry Christians, but we do not have the franchise of God’s love as a result of any wise decision we make in this life…God loves everyone the same and Jesus died for ALL and as a result of his faithfulness God has highly exalted HIM and every knee will eventually bow and confess him as the Lord of their Salvation…
For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that EVERY TONGUE WILL CONFESS that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5-11)
This makes a “faithful” saint happy.
Yesterday I was thinking about who the saints are and want to continue my thoughts. Religious dogma has altered the meaning of “saint” to restrict it to a few people whom their particular sect considers to be more righteous than other folks…even praying to them on occasion. It appears to me, however, that to God all mankind are holy to Him and set apart…therefore Saints….despite the fact that He also clearly says, “there is none righteous, no not one”, and “all have sinned”. God created mankind to be made into His image. At least that is how I read the Scripture. But only a few of these saints have been “faithful” since their creation.
Paul was chosen to reveal the glorious future of all mankind to those who God has predetermined to hear and believe in this present evil age…and it has been my experience that those who hear and believe the good news of the eventual reconciliation and salvation of all rejoice. They are at peace with God, giving Him praise and thanksgiving for this promise. Some of them are driven to tell others about it...like Paul who said…
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He PREDESTINED us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of HIS WILL, to the praise of the glory of His GRACE, which He FREELY bestowed on us in the Beloved.” (Ephesians 1:2-7)
But whether the faithful saints are destined to tell anyone or not, one future day, after the final resurrection of both the just and unjust, and after death has been abolished, ALL people will be completed by God into His righteous spiritual image…and ALL will believe and rejoice in their Salvation…God’s plan will be complete and He will be "ALL in ALL".
“For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive….The last enemy that will be abolished is death….so that God may be ALL in ALL.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-28)
I get the impression sometimes that we Christians do not think it fair that God would save everyone. But we should have the same kind of attitude about it as Christ Jesus had…
“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus… He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:5-7)
And why did he have this attitude? Paul again tells us it was to demonstrate the LOVE of God for mankind (Saints) and that He would deliver mankind from His wrath (death)….
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him…for the wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 5:8-9; 6:23)
Sorry Christians, but we do not have the franchise of God’s love as a result of any wise decision we make in this life…God loves everyone the same and Jesus died for ALL and as a result of his faithfulness God has highly exalted HIM and every knee will eventually bow and confess him as the Lord of their Salvation…
For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that EVERY TONGUE WILL CONFESS that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5-11)
This makes a “faithful” saint happy.
Saints - Part One
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God. To the SAINTS who are at Ephesus who are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 1:1-2)
Paul had no choice in the matter of becoming an apostle, it was the WILL of God for him. And he wrote this letter to saints “who are FAITHFUL”. Not to all Saints, but to the faithful saints…meaning of course that there are also saints who are unfaithful…which made me start to think about the term “saints” in the Scripture.
The Hebrew word for Saint is “qodesh” and the Greek word for Saint is “hagios” and both are translated not only “saint” but “holy” in the English versions of the Bible. The short definition is “set apart” or “holy” or “sacred”. But it has nothing to do with a person’s goodness or righteousness as Christian dogma implies but simply refers to any person or thing God sets apart, and is therefore “unique” or “special” just because God says so. The Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple was simply the most special place of the special places in those structures. It was where God met with the High Priest once per year and where the Arc of the Covenant with Israel was kept.
The Bible says that when God created mankind He set them apart as a unique or special class of “living souls” to be made into God’s own image…
“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a LIVING SOUL…Then God said, Let Us make man in Our IMAGE, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them…” (Genesis 2:7, 26-27)
ALL those descended from Adam and Eve are set apart…or “SAINTS”, special animals who are to receive salvation as a gift of God’s GRACE…not according to their Godly works.
Listen to both Peter, the apostle to Israel and Paul the apostle to both Jew and Gentile as they talk of this Salvation….
Peter: “As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the GRACE that would come to you…fix your hope completely on the GRACE to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ...you shall be holy...” (1 Peter 1:10-15)
Paul: “For the wages of sin is death but the free GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord…It is by GRACE you have been saved through faith, and this not of yourselves, it is a GIFT of God, not of works…” (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-10)
Mankind is a special creation of God (saints) because He says so…we all become sinners and miss the mark in this life...but He is mighty to save!
The Joy of Your Salvation
King David lamented to God…“Restore to me the joy of your salvation.” (Psalm 51:12)
I think many Christians have lost the “joy” of their salvation. David lost it due to the guilt associated with his sin and I suppose that still happens. But many who have lost this joy are not sure why? They are faithful members of a local church.
I sympathize with them because I lost my joy while actively involved in a local Church as a deacon, lay preacher, and bible teacher, and serving on an international mission board. But the more I served the less joy I had. After 25 years of working in the local church trying to please God, all I had was “guilt” that I just did not do enough, which guilt was regularly reinforced by well-meaning pastors and guest evangelists who would imply that most people would end up in hell because the church was not doing a good enough job to save them.
AND THEN IT HAPPENED…GOD OPENED MY EYES TO THE TRUTH. I had labored all those years to DO what God in Christ had already DONE for the lost.
Opening my eyes was pretty simple really. First He showed me that the doctrine of eternal conscious torment in hell was a lie and showed me the truth about those mistranslated passages used to teach such a horrible fable. Then it was simply a matter of believing the Bible, especially the message Jesus gave the Apostle Paul to preach to the nations…
“To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things…It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance…for it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of ALL MEN, especially of believers. Prescribe and teach these things” (1 Timothy 4:1, 7, 9-11)
In this same letter to Timothy written 2000 years ago, Paul warned that the days would come when people would fall away from this faith and pay attention to doctrines of demons…
“But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons…have nothing to do with worldly fables…” (1 Timothy 4:1, 7)
This falling away began to happen toward the end of Paul’s ministry as shown in Paul’s 2nd and final letter to Timothy where he encouraged him to….
“Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you. You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me.” (2 Timothy 1:15)
This turning from the gospel of the salvation of all given to Paul to a gospel of a mere “offer” of Salvation was well established in the Church by the fourth century AD along with some myths of deceitful spirits which are still taught as doctrines in Churches today…myths which have robbed mankind of the JOY OF THEIR SALVATION.
The JOY of my Salvation is my most precious possession!
I think many Christians have lost the “joy” of their salvation. David lost it due to the guilt associated with his sin and I suppose that still happens. But many who have lost this joy are not sure why? They are faithful members of a local church.
I sympathize with them because I lost my joy while actively involved in a local Church as a deacon, lay preacher, and bible teacher, and serving on an international mission board. But the more I served the less joy I had. After 25 years of working in the local church trying to please God, all I had was “guilt” that I just did not do enough, which guilt was regularly reinforced by well-meaning pastors and guest evangelists who would imply that most people would end up in hell because the church was not doing a good enough job to save them.
AND THEN IT HAPPENED…GOD OPENED MY EYES TO THE TRUTH. I had labored all those years to DO what God in Christ had already DONE for the lost.
Opening my eyes was pretty simple really. First He showed me that the doctrine of eternal conscious torment in hell was a lie and showed me the truth about those mistranslated passages used to teach such a horrible fable. Then it was simply a matter of believing the Bible, especially the message Jesus gave the Apostle Paul to preach to the nations…
“To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things…It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance…for it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of ALL MEN, especially of believers. Prescribe and teach these things” (1 Timothy 4:1, 7, 9-11)
In this same letter to Timothy written 2000 years ago, Paul warned that the days would come when people would fall away from this faith and pay attention to doctrines of demons…
“But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons…have nothing to do with worldly fables…” (1 Timothy 4:1, 7)
This falling away began to happen toward the end of Paul’s ministry as shown in Paul’s 2nd and final letter to Timothy where he encouraged him to….
“Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you. You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me.” (2 Timothy 1:15)
This turning from the gospel of the salvation of all given to Paul to a gospel of a mere “offer” of Salvation was well established in the Church by the fourth century AD along with some myths of deceitful spirits which are still taught as doctrines in Churches today…myths which have robbed mankind of the JOY OF THEIR SALVATION.
The JOY of my Salvation is my most precious possession!
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