"For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:13)
I know most people do not agree with me that ALL will be saved and reconciled to God. It just is not what they have been taught. And few are willing to study the Bible with even that possibility in mind. I had read through the Bible more than 20 times before it dawned on me so firm was Baptist tradition engrained in my mind. However, I wish that for just one time, all would read Colossians Chapter 1 under the assumption that God intends to save and reconcile ALL mankind and all other beings He has created. Try it...
"For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile ALL things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven." (Colossians 1:19-20)
When you become willing to consider the possibility, then Scripture will come alive for you again, and when you become a believer....you will understand and make Paul's doxology of praise your own...
"For God has shut up ALL in disobedience so that He may show mercy to ALL. 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 11:32-36)
For my wife, children and grandchildren..and anyone else who may be interested!
"For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly...God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us...having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation." (Romans 5:6-11)
The Bible teaches that the wrath of God is death and that finishes it. And from death we will be saved by Christ Jesus. It is men who extend death to some morbid place of eternal torment.
One of the strangest things to me are Christians who reason that God does not send people to hell but people choose to go to hell. Assuming there was a "hell" in the traditional sense of eternal conscious torment (which there is not) would anyone choose to go there if they really understood what they were choosing? And even if it were true, it would condemn the god who created such a place. Give me a break and do yourself a favor...read Romans Chapter 5 until you get it....then embrace the God of creation, embrace God our Father, embrace the loving and gracious Father God of the Bible.
The Bible teaches that the wrath of God is death and that finishes it. And from death we will be saved by Christ Jesus. It is men who extend death to some morbid place of eternal torment.
One of the strangest things to me are Christians who reason that God does not send people to hell but people choose to go to hell. Assuming there was a "hell" in the traditional sense of eternal conscious torment (which there is not) would anyone choose to go there if they really understood what they were choosing? And even if it were true, it would condemn the god who created such a place. Give me a break and do yourself a favor...read Romans Chapter 5 until you get it....then embrace the God of creation, embrace God our Father, embrace the loving and gracious Father God of the Bible.
Eternal Redemption
“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself…I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by Me.…consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him” (John 12:32; John 14:6; Hebrews 7:25)
When Jesus was lifted up on the cross he brought ALL people to God, mankind does not bring himself to God. And Jesus saves to the uttermost those people because they have been drawn near to God by the sacrifice of Jesus.
“But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place ONCE FOR ALL, having obtained ETERNAL REDEMPTION.” (Hebrews 9:11-12)
Most Christians do not believe this however the bible clearly says that Jesus was the propitiation for and the Savior of THE WHOLE WORLD. Someday the whole world will know it, not because of what someone told them, but because they heard it from Jesus himself.
"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… He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.” (John 4:42; 1 John 2:2)
When Jesus was lifted up on the cross he brought ALL people to God, mankind does not bring himself to God. And Jesus saves to the uttermost those people because they have been drawn near to God by the sacrifice of Jesus.
“But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place ONCE FOR ALL, having obtained ETERNAL REDEMPTION.” (Hebrews 9:11-12)
Most Christians do not believe this however the bible clearly says that Jesus was the propitiation for and the Savior of THE WHOLE WORLD. Someday the whole world will know it, not because of what someone told them, but because they heard it from Jesus himself.
"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… He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.” (John 4:42; 1 John 2:2)
Our Salvation is Secure
“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God that is the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” (Hebrews 13:15-16)
We are told what the acceptable sacrifices are now that Jesus, our High Priest, has once and for ALL sacrificed himself for mankind. Note that these ACCEPTABLE sacrifices are NOT animal sacrifice, tithes and offerings, attendance at ritual meetings, baptisms, communion, bible study, or other things usually suggested as pleasing in a traditional worship service.
Acceptable sacrifices are: PRAISE, THANKSGIVING, DOING GOOD AND SHARING….that’s it!
And we are to do it "CONTINUALLY". It is a mature lifestyle of the ideal adult, although rarely observed in the people of this present evil age. Newborn infants are all cuddly and content if feed regularly. Then comes the “Terrible Twos” parents go through with children! It is always what they want and the bad stuff is always someone else’s fault. Sounds like most of the broadcast news telecasts I see. However, mature believers understand that we are to …
“...put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation…you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house…to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 2:4-5)
Our Salvation is secure…we just need to start growing up in it!
We are told what the acceptable sacrifices are now that Jesus, our High Priest, has once and for ALL sacrificed himself for mankind. Note that these ACCEPTABLE sacrifices are NOT animal sacrifice, tithes and offerings, attendance at ritual meetings, baptisms, communion, bible study, or other things usually suggested as pleasing in a traditional worship service.
Acceptable sacrifices are: PRAISE, THANKSGIVING, DOING GOOD AND SHARING….that’s it!
And we are to do it "CONTINUALLY". It is a mature lifestyle of the ideal adult, although rarely observed in the people of this present evil age. Newborn infants are all cuddly and content if feed regularly. Then comes the “Terrible Twos” parents go through with children! It is always what they want and the bad stuff is always someone else’s fault. Sounds like most of the broadcast news telecasts I see. However, mature believers understand that we are to …
“...put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation…you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house…to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 2:4-5)
Our Salvation is secure…we just need to start growing up in it!
“…and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things…” (Ephesians 3:9)
The “mystery” was NOT hidden in the Scriptures, but was hidden “in GOD”. This mystery could not have been discovered by studying the Old Testament.
“I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has NOW been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit…” (Ephesians 3:1-5)
And what was the Mystery?
“This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” (Ephesians 3:6)
The job of preaching to EVERYONE this HIDDEN mystery of God’s Grace for all mankind was given to Paul...
The “mystery” was NOT hidden in the Scriptures, but was hidden “in GOD”. This mystery could not have been discovered by studying the Old Testament.
“I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has NOW been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit…” (Ephesians 3:1-5)
And what was the Mystery?
“This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” (Ephesians 3:6)
The job of preaching to EVERYONE this HIDDEN mystery of God’s Grace for all mankind was given to Paul...
“To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for EVERYONE what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ephesians 3:7-11)
The mystery of the Salvation of both Israel and Gentiles (together referred to as the church) would make known to the “rulers and authorities in heavenly places” the wisdom of God. So what exactly would happen that would make known to the angels and other spirit beings in “heavenly places” this wisdom of God?
Well the context clearly indicates it is the “promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel” which is the good news promise that Christ would return to resurrect the dead.
“Behold, I tell you a mystery… in the twinkling of an eye…the dead will be raised imperishable…I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope…For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Corinthians 15: 51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
The mystery of the Salvation of both Israel and Gentiles (together referred to as the church) would make known to the “rulers and authorities in heavenly places” the wisdom of God. So what exactly would happen that would make known to the angels and other spirit beings in “heavenly places” this wisdom of God?
Well the context clearly indicates it is the “promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel” which is the good news promise that Christ would return to resurrect the dead.
“Behold, I tell you a mystery… in the twinkling of an eye…the dead will be raised imperishable…I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope…For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Corinthians 15: 51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
When you look outside of the box of institutional Judaism and Christianity you will find those who have always questioned the Rabbis and Theologians of their day. They are in good company, Jesus did so himself…
“You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matthew 15:7-9)
Jesus was referring to the prophet Isaiah 700 years earlier…
“And the Lord said: Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men therefore, behold, I will again do wonderful things with this people, with wonder upon wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the discernment of their discerning men shall be hidden…” (Isaiah 29:13)
One modern Christian who questioned the wisdom of religious men was George MacDonald. If you have never heard of him just make a mental note of what C. S. Lewis said about him…
“I know hardly any other writer who seems to be closer, or more continually close, to the Spirit of Christ Himself. Hence his Christ-like union of tenderness and severity. I have never concealed the fact that I regarded him as my master; indeed I fancy I have never written a book in which I did not quote from him. But it has not seemed to me that those who have received my books kindly take even now sufficient notice of the affiliation. Honesty drives me to emphasize it."
George MacDonald believed as I do that the Bible clearly teaches that all sinful and alienated human beings will ultimately be reconciled to God even though this view had been rejected by institutional Christianity who teach the salvation of some and the damnation of all others. I particularly relate to the following statement from him about their doctrine…
“For my part, I would believe in no God rather than in such a God as is generally offered for believing in.”
George MacDonald (1824-1905)
Unspoken Sermons: Third Series (1889)
Amen!
“You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matthew 15:7-9)
Jesus was referring to the prophet Isaiah 700 years earlier…
“And the Lord said: Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men therefore, behold, I will again do wonderful things with this people, with wonder upon wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the discernment of their discerning men shall be hidden…” (Isaiah 29:13)
One modern Christian who questioned the wisdom of religious men was George MacDonald. If you have never heard of him just make a mental note of what C. S. Lewis said about him…
“I know hardly any other writer who seems to be closer, or more continually close, to the Spirit of Christ Himself. Hence his Christ-like union of tenderness and severity. I have never concealed the fact that I regarded him as my master; indeed I fancy I have never written a book in which I did not quote from him. But it has not seemed to me that those who have received my books kindly take even now sufficient notice of the affiliation. Honesty drives me to emphasize it."
George MacDonald believed as I do that the Bible clearly teaches that all sinful and alienated human beings will ultimately be reconciled to God even though this view had been rejected by institutional Christianity who teach the salvation of some and the damnation of all others. I particularly relate to the following statement from him about their doctrine…
“For my part, I would believe in no God rather than in such a God as is generally offered for believing in.”
George MacDonald (1824-1905)
Unspoken Sermons: Third Series (1889)
Amen!
“Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE, HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY. BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH; AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM. But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.” (Hebrews 10:35-39)
Confidence and Faith in what? The return of Jesus the Messiah of course.
What was the will of God for them? To endure in the faith of the return of Jesus to save them.
“Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven…and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” (Acts 1:11; Hebrews 9:28)
Some were shrinking back from believing Jesus would return and deliver them from the Roman Empire and restore the Kingdom to Israel. That displeased God because they did not believe his promise. Thay needed to keep the faith that God would….
“…send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time..” (Acts 3:20-21)
And Jesus through Paul has told all nations that Jesus will return for we Gentiles as well…
“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.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)
Confidence and Faith in what? The return of Jesus the Messiah of course.
What was the will of God for them? To endure in the faith of the return of Jesus to save them.
“Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven…and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” (Acts 1:11; Hebrews 9:28)
Some were shrinking back from believing Jesus would return and deliver them from the Roman Empire and restore the Kingdom to Israel. That displeased God because they did not believe his promise. Thay needed to keep the faith that God would….
“…send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time..” (Acts 3:20-21)
And Jesus through Paul has told all nations that Jesus will return for we Gentiles as well…
“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.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)
“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God…on this Rock I will build my church (ecclesia) and the gates of hades (the grave) shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:16-18)
The word translated church is “ecclesia”. Ecclesia is a Greek word meaning “called out” for a purpose. The Church (ecclesia) is NOT a building where we go to worship or a tax exempt entity formed and joined by men. It is the “new creation”. It is mankind called out of a sinful life of the flesh and into a holy spiritual life. It exists today in the form of a promise revealed by God to Paul and believed only by a few in this age. It will not be manifested until the resurrection of the dead and the conclusion of the present evil age. There are two more ages revealed in Scripture it seems to me. And at the conclusion of these ages, ALL will have been “made alive” by being “born again” of the Spirit into the manifested New Creation of the “called out”…the Ecclesia (Church).
“But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive…The last enemy that will be abolished is death…that God may be all in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:21-28)
Paul did not go places to “start” a church, or “grow” a church, or to “attend” the church. He went everywhere to tell ABOUT the church founded upon God’s promise in Christ Jesus. He used the term “called-out” to express the reality that anywhere he went there were those to be part of the Ecclesia. All mankind will be a part of it and all will eventually be born again into a new creation in Christ. Christ is the Rock, the Cornerstone and the Firstfruits of that collective body of mankind. All people are to die and be buried just like Christ, and then raised to walk in newness of eternal life. Water Baptism in the lake, river or bathtub, if it has any value at all today, is just to picture that good news.
“For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens… if anyone is in Christ (died and resurrected), he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come….God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5)
Human beings have been promised to be collectively “called out” of the sinful life in the flesh which ends in death, and into a “new creation” – an eternal spiritual life to begin upon their resurrection by Christ Jesus, the “life-giving Spirit”.
“But someone will say, How are the dead raised?...It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So also it is written, the first man Adam became a living soul. The last Adam became a LIFE-GIVING SPIRIT…Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly…flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold, I tell you a mystery…when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “Death is swallowed up IN VICTORY” (1 Corinthians 15:35-54).
Mankind will be created in the very “image of God” only when they are all Out-Called and made a part of the Ecclesia (Church).
The word translated church is “ecclesia”. Ecclesia is a Greek word meaning “called out” for a purpose. The Church (ecclesia) is NOT a building where we go to worship or a tax exempt entity formed and joined by men. It is the “new creation”. It is mankind called out of a sinful life of the flesh and into a holy spiritual life. It exists today in the form of a promise revealed by God to Paul and believed only by a few in this age. It will not be manifested until the resurrection of the dead and the conclusion of the present evil age. There are two more ages revealed in Scripture it seems to me. And at the conclusion of these ages, ALL will have been “made alive” by being “born again” of the Spirit into the manifested New Creation of the “called out”…the Ecclesia (Church).
“But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive…The last enemy that will be abolished is death…that God may be all in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:21-28)
Paul did not go places to “start” a church, or “grow” a church, or to “attend” the church. He went everywhere to tell ABOUT the church founded upon God’s promise in Christ Jesus. He used the term “called-out” to express the reality that anywhere he went there were those to be part of the Ecclesia. All mankind will be a part of it and all will eventually be born again into a new creation in Christ. Christ is the Rock, the Cornerstone and the Firstfruits of that collective body of mankind. All people are to die and be buried just like Christ, and then raised to walk in newness of eternal life. Water Baptism in the lake, river or bathtub, if it has any value at all today, is just to picture that good news.
“For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens… if anyone is in Christ (died and resurrected), he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come….God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5)
Human beings have been promised to be collectively “called out” of the sinful life in the flesh which ends in death, and into a “new creation” – an eternal spiritual life to begin upon their resurrection by Christ Jesus, the “life-giving Spirit”.
“But someone will say, How are the dead raised?...It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So also it is written, the first man Adam became a living soul. The last Adam became a LIFE-GIVING SPIRIT…Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly…flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold, I tell you a mystery…when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “Death is swallowed up IN VICTORY” (1 Corinthians 15:35-54).
Mankind will be created in the very “image of God” only when they are all Out-Called and made a part of the Ecclesia (Church).
The World Series starts today and this came to my mind.
"...upon this rock I will build MY church and the gates of Hell will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18)
From the cross Jesus prayed "Father forgive them” and uttered his final words “it is finished” and then Jesus dismissed his spirit, died and was laid in the tomb.
It was the bottom of the ninth with two outs in the game of life. The destiny of ALL mankind was at stake. Day one passed, strike one. Day two passed, strike two. The final pitch was made at sundown on Day three and then it happened….Jesus hit it out of the park, a walk off homer that sealed the Victory for mankind.
“Behold, I tell you a mystery…when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory. “O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:51-57)
The Greek word for church is “ecclesia” and means “out-called”. Contrary to popular opinion it is not the Holy Roman Catholic Church or the Protestant Church, or any other organized entity created by the will of men. It is the Body of Christ, composed of all who, like Jesus, will be “called-out” of death, changed from flesh to spirit, and into abundant immortal life, just as Jesus who was the "first fruits."
“But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive…The first MAN, Adam, became a living soul. The last Adam became a LIFE-GIVING SPIRIT. However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual. The first man is from the earth, earthy; the second man is from heaven. As is the earthy, so also are those who are earthy; and as is the heavenly, so also are those who are heavenly. Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly." (1 Corinthians 15:20-49)
The World Series or the National Championship just doesn’t seem that important to me anymore…all of us win in the end!
"...upon this rock I will build MY church and the gates of Hell will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18)
From the cross Jesus prayed "Father forgive them” and uttered his final words “it is finished” and then Jesus dismissed his spirit, died and was laid in the tomb.
It was the bottom of the ninth with two outs in the game of life. The destiny of ALL mankind was at stake. Day one passed, strike one. Day two passed, strike two. The final pitch was made at sundown on Day three and then it happened….Jesus hit it out of the park, a walk off homer that sealed the Victory for mankind.
“Behold, I tell you a mystery…when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory. “O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:51-57)
The Greek word for church is “ecclesia” and means “out-called”. Contrary to popular opinion it is not the Holy Roman Catholic Church or the Protestant Church, or any other organized entity created by the will of men. It is the Body of Christ, composed of all who, like Jesus, will be “called-out” of death, changed from flesh to spirit, and into abundant immortal life, just as Jesus who was the "first fruits."
“But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive…The first MAN, Adam, became a living soul. The last Adam became a LIFE-GIVING SPIRIT. However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual. The first man is from the earth, earthy; the second man is from heaven. As is the earthy, so also are those who are earthy; and as is the heavenly, so also are those who are heavenly. Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly." (1 Corinthians 15:20-49)
The World Series or the National Championship just doesn’t seem that important to me anymore…all of us win in the end!
Pray For All People
I am confident that what God has instructed people to pray for in the Bible will come to pass. Paul tells us what to pray as follows….
“I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions…” (1 Timothy 1:1-2)
Paul even tells us why we are to pray for ALL people…
“…so that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way…and this is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior…” (1 Timothy 1:2-3)
And why does it please God to pray for ALL PEOPLE, even our enemies and Politicians?
Because it is the will of God…
“…God our Savior, who wills all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 1:2-4)
And what is the truth he is referring to?
“…there is one God, and there is one mediator 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…” (1 Timothy 2:5-7)
Later in that same letter Paul further reminds Timothy that the salvation of ALL is the hope for mankind rather than who will become our next political leaders…
“…we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” (4:10)
So when I pray for the Salvation of All people I can be confident it will come to pass for God has instructed us to pray for all people….regardless of the current theology that condemns most people to hell because they disagree with their particular religious group's doctrine.
“I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions…” (1 Timothy 1:1-2)
Paul even tells us why we are to pray for ALL people…
“…so that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way…and this is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior…” (1 Timothy 1:2-3)
And why does it please God to pray for ALL PEOPLE, even our enemies and Politicians?
Because it is the will of God…
“…God our Savior, who wills all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 1:2-4)
And what is the truth he is referring to?
“…there is one God, and there is one mediator 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…” (1 Timothy 2:5-7)
Later in that same letter Paul further reminds Timothy that the salvation of ALL is the hope for mankind rather than who will become our next political leaders…
“…we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” (4:10)
So when I pray for the Salvation of All people I can be confident it will come to pass for God has instructed us to pray for all people….regardless of the current theology that condemns most people to hell because they disagree with their particular religious group's doctrine.
The Salvation of all Israel is guaranteed by God.
“Peter remembered and said to Jesus, Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered! Have faith in God, Jesus answered. Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, Go, throw yourself into the sea, and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:21-24)
In the above passage the fig tree represents Israel as the context suggests. Peter was concerned about why Jesus had cursed Israel (represented by the fig tree) and it had withered. Jesus simply told Peter to have faith in God. Peter was aware of God's promises of the Deliverance and Salvation of Israel but he had yet to learn that that Salvation would involve the death and resurrection of the Messiah as well as the death and resurrection of all those who were alive at that time. Jesus had instructed Peter and the other Jewish disciples to pray as follows:
“...thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven...” (Matthew 6:9-13)
So Jesus cursing the fig tree was simply telling Peter that what they had been instructed to pray for (the Kingdom to come on this earth) will not come until Israel had first withered. Nevertheless, they could "believe" that what God promises "will be done", even if it is for a mountain to throw itself into the sea.
After his resurrection Jesus spent 40 days instructing his Jewish followers about the Kingdom to be established upon his return to earth and it was this earthly Kingdom which was on the minds of the Jewish disciples right up until Jesus ascended into the heavens....
“He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the Kingdom of God...So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, Lord, is it at this time you are RESTORING THE KINGDOM TO ISRAEL? He said to them, it is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority...And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. They also said, Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:6-11)
They went back to Jerusalem, 10 days later were filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to tell all their Jews that Jesus was the Messiah, had been raised from the dead, and he had promised to return again to establish the Kingdom. Many years later they became concerned about why Jesus had not yet returned and many had been scattered all over the Roman Empire. Paul wrote to encourage them...
”For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery-that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; and so ALL Israel will be saved; just as it is written, the Deliverer will come from Zion, he will remove ungodliness from Jacob. This is my covenant with them, when I take away their sins..." (Roman 11:25-32)
Israel's salvation will occur when Jesus returns, raises the dead, and establishes the Jewish Kingdom on earth which Revelation tells us will last 1000 years. The fig tree that Jesus temporarily cursed...will blossom again!
“Now learn the parable from the FIG TREE: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place...Though the fig tree should not blossom...yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation..." (Matthew 24:33-34; Habakkuk 3:17-18)
This is NOT rocket science, it is the clear teaching of the Bible. If you have not been taught about this in the church you attend, you can read it for yourself.
“Peter remembered and said to Jesus, Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered! Have faith in God, Jesus answered. Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, Go, throw yourself into the sea, and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:21-24)
In the above passage the fig tree represents Israel as the context suggests. Peter was concerned about why Jesus had cursed Israel (represented by the fig tree) and it had withered. Jesus simply told Peter to have faith in God. Peter was aware of God's promises of the Deliverance and Salvation of Israel but he had yet to learn that that Salvation would involve the death and resurrection of the Messiah as well as the death and resurrection of all those who were alive at that time. Jesus had instructed Peter and the other Jewish disciples to pray as follows:
“...thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven...” (Matthew 6:9-13)
So Jesus cursing the fig tree was simply telling Peter that what they had been instructed to pray for (the Kingdom to come on this earth) will not come until Israel had first withered. Nevertheless, they could "believe" that what God promises "will be done", even if it is for a mountain to throw itself into the sea.
After his resurrection Jesus spent 40 days instructing his Jewish followers about the Kingdom to be established upon his return to earth and it was this earthly Kingdom which was on the minds of the Jewish disciples right up until Jesus ascended into the heavens....
“He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the Kingdom of God...So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, Lord, is it at this time you are RESTORING THE KINGDOM TO ISRAEL? He said to them, it is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority...And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. They also said, Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:6-11)
They went back to Jerusalem, 10 days later were filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to tell all their Jews that Jesus was the Messiah, had been raised from the dead, and he had promised to return again to establish the Kingdom. Many years later they became concerned about why Jesus had not yet returned and many had been scattered all over the Roman Empire. Paul wrote to encourage them...
”For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery-that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; and so ALL Israel will be saved; just as it is written, the Deliverer will come from Zion, he will remove ungodliness from Jacob. This is my covenant with them, when I take away their sins..." (Roman 11:25-32)
Israel's salvation will occur when Jesus returns, raises the dead, and establishes the Jewish Kingdom on earth which Revelation tells us will last 1000 years. The fig tree that Jesus temporarily cursed...will blossom again!
“Now learn the parable from the FIG TREE: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place...Though the fig tree should not blossom...yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation..." (Matthew 24:33-34; Habakkuk 3:17-18)
This is NOT rocket science, it is the clear teaching of the Bible. If you have not been taught about this in the church you attend, you can read it for yourself.
“Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.” (1 John 2:22-23)
Those who DENY that Jesus is he Messiah are of the "antichrist". It says that ALL who deny that Jesus is the Christ are "liars" and not only do NOT have the Son, but do NOT have the Father either…at least in this present evil age.
This includes the NATION OF ISRAEL which at this time does not believe Jesus is the Christ, so be careful who you line up with in this world in the name of Christ. This also includes all other gentile nations of the world.
No problem being patriotic or lining up with other Nations for political or national security reasons, but defending ISRAEL or the USA because they are God’s people has only one test…EITHER they all BELIEVE Jesus is the Christ or they do not. So for me, I do not assume that failure to support modern day Israel (which I do politically and for national security reasons) will bring the curse of God on the USA.
Eventually, ALL, both Jew and Gentile, will know and confess Jesus is the Christ. God has “highly exalted HIM”, not ISRAEL, whose unbelieving citizens must wait like all other unbelievers to be delivered by Christ Jesus because God has….
“…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 2:9-11)
Those who DENY that Jesus is he Messiah are of the "antichrist". It says that ALL who deny that Jesus is the Christ are "liars" and not only do NOT have the Son, but do NOT have the Father either…at least in this present evil age.
This includes the NATION OF ISRAEL which at this time does not believe Jesus is the Christ, so be careful who you line up with in this world in the name of Christ. This also includes all other gentile nations of the world.
No problem being patriotic or lining up with other Nations for political or national security reasons, but defending ISRAEL or the USA because they are God’s people has only one test…EITHER they all BELIEVE Jesus is the Christ or they do not. So for me, I do not assume that failure to support modern day Israel (which I do politically and for national security reasons) will bring the curse of God on the USA.
Eventually, ALL, both Jew and Gentile, will know and confess Jesus is the Christ. God has “highly exalted HIM”, not ISRAEL, whose unbelieving citizens must wait like all other unbelievers to be delivered by Christ Jesus because God has….
“…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 2:9-11)
“Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions...For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God...each one of us will give an account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:1-2)
I have actually heard Christians say that if we are saved we will go directly to heaven and we will not have to give an account for our opinions or anything else. Most Christians apparently believe this. Of course in saying that they have denied the above clear teaching in the Word of God, and they will, nonetheless, "give an account" to God for that opinion, among other things…assuming the Bible is true.
But as hard as it is for me, I am not to pass judgment on their opinions for it is at the judgment seat of God that opinions will be judged. I am OK and care deeply about being judged BY GOD for those opinions that I have as a result of my personal study of the Bible. And I am in the process of ridding myself of any opinions which I borrowed from others. But I also realize that most people form their opinions by listening to others so in posting my views I pray that what I have determined to be Truth is, in fact, the Truth and will not fuel the fire in that day I account to God...
“For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; BUT HE HIMSELF WILL BE SAVED, yet so as through fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:11-15)
I have actually heard Christians say that if we are saved we will go directly to heaven and we will not have to give an account for our opinions or anything else. Most Christians apparently believe this. Of course in saying that they have denied the above clear teaching in the Word of God, and they will, nonetheless, "give an account" to God for that opinion, among other things…assuming the Bible is true.
But as hard as it is for me, I am not to pass judgment on their opinions for it is at the judgment seat of God that opinions will be judged. I am OK and care deeply about being judged BY GOD for those opinions that I have as a result of my personal study of the Bible. And I am in the process of ridding myself of any opinions which I borrowed from others. But I also realize that most people form their opinions by listening to others so in posting my views I pray that what I have determined to be Truth is, in fact, the Truth and will not fuel the fire in that day I account to God...
“For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; BUT HE HIMSELF WILL BE SAVED, yet so as through fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:11-15)
“In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—walk! And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened. With a leap he stood upright and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.” (Acts 3:6-8)
What exactly caused this man to be healed? Modern day faith healers would say it was the FAITH of Peter, John and the lame man – and/or the collective prayer of the Saints…as if prayer and faith are currency given to God in exchange for the lame man’s healing. However, it clear to me that the lame man was healed BECAUSE IT WAS GOD’S PLAN TO HEAL HIM. It had nothing to do with the purchasing power of PRAYER or FAITH. You cannot can buy stuff from God.
So why did God miraculously heal him? Well the context of Miracles in the Bible is always to confirm the word of God. So in this case it would have been to demonstrate to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. These miracles to confirm the Word of God ceased, it seems to me, when the Word of God was completed and canonized into what we now call the Bible. I do not see men with the gift of miraculous healing today. What I do see is men claiming to have that gift, failing to heal, and blaming it on the lack of Faith of those who need it.
To the extent God reveals something he is going to do, we can be certain it will happen because when it does, it will CONFIRM the Word of God. It does NOT happen because of PRAYER or FAITH that it will happen, but because God has said it is His will to do so.
Men often lie, or are deceived into believing God has spoken a promise to them when it is simply a desire of their heart…or for money in the case of modern day faith healers.
Sooo for me, I do not assume, expect or am I convicted that what men say is a Word from God…I have been disappointed too often by such men, even those with the best intentions. HOWEVER, in my personal study of the Bible I cannot recall anything I have read therein that God promised which has not already happened as promised, OR could happen in the future – like the restoration of Israel the resurrection of the dead and the salvation of all mankind.
“…the God of peace Himself sanctifies you entirely; and your spirit and soul and body are preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)
Just believe the Bible’s own definition of Faith…
“Now faith is an assumption of what is being expected, a conviction concerning matters which are not being observed.” (Hebrews 11:1 CLNT)
What exactly caused this man to be healed? Modern day faith healers would say it was the FAITH of Peter, John and the lame man – and/or the collective prayer of the Saints…as if prayer and faith are currency given to God in exchange for the lame man’s healing. However, it clear to me that the lame man was healed BECAUSE IT WAS GOD’S PLAN TO HEAL HIM. It had nothing to do with the purchasing power of PRAYER or FAITH. You cannot can buy stuff from God.
So why did God miraculously heal him? Well the context of Miracles in the Bible is always to confirm the word of God. So in this case it would have been to demonstrate to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. These miracles to confirm the Word of God ceased, it seems to me, when the Word of God was completed and canonized into what we now call the Bible. I do not see men with the gift of miraculous healing today. What I do see is men claiming to have that gift, failing to heal, and blaming it on the lack of Faith of those who need it.
To the extent God reveals something he is going to do, we can be certain it will happen because when it does, it will CONFIRM the Word of God. It does NOT happen because of PRAYER or FAITH that it will happen, but because God has said it is His will to do so.
Men often lie, or are deceived into believing God has spoken a promise to them when it is simply a desire of their heart…or for money in the case of modern day faith healers.
Sooo for me, I do not assume, expect or am I convicted that what men say is a Word from God…I have been disappointed too often by such men, even those with the best intentions. HOWEVER, in my personal study of the Bible I cannot recall anything I have read therein that God promised which has not already happened as promised, OR could happen in the future – like the restoration of Israel the resurrection of the dead and the salvation of all mankind.
“…the God of peace Himself sanctifies you entirely; and your spirit and soul and body are preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)
Just believe the Bible’s own definition of Faith…
“Now faith is an assumption of what is being expected, a conviction concerning matters which are not being observed.” (Hebrews 11:1 CLNT)
I have said this before but it is on my mind again this morning. Biblical FAITH is not a commodity that is manufactured and traded for stuff we ask for in prayer, including our personal Salvation.
Biblical Faith is a lifestyle of confident dependence on the promises of God as directly expressed in his Word. The writer of Hebrews defined it as follows, taken from what I consider to be the most accurate English translation of the Bible which you can access through this blog…
“Now faith is an assumption of what is being expected, a conviction concerning matters which are not being observed.” (Hebrews 11:1 CLNT)
When we have a promise from God we “assume”, “expect” and have a “conviction” that the promise will manifest itself even if at present it is not being observed. Whether the beneficiary of that promise has PRAYED about it does not change the fact that God will do what he promised. And, FAITH in a promise God has NOT MADE will not get us anything whatsoever…no matter how much prayer is offered up – even if made fervently by a righteous man (assuming there is such a man living today other than Jesus himself).
Our effort should be to determine what God has clearly promised in His completed Word, and have FAITH in those promises. Some are negative such as…
"It is necessary to pass through many troubles on our way into the kingdom of God." (Acts 14:22)
But beyond those troubles rests the promise of Jesus himself…
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 14:22)
My prayers and faith are of utmost importance to me, but not to get stuff FROM God, but to give stuff TO God that I just can no longer handle on my own. I just need peace and I get it when I do what the Scripture tells me to do when I need it…
“Don't worry about anything Robert; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you think you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your heart and mind and just keep trying to live in Christ Jesus the best you can.” (Robert’s Own Paraphrased Version of Philippians 4:6-7)
Biblical Faith is a lifestyle of confident dependence on the promises of God as directly expressed in his Word. The writer of Hebrews defined it as follows, taken from what I consider to be the most accurate English translation of the Bible which you can access through this blog…
“Now faith is an assumption of what is being expected, a conviction concerning matters which are not being observed.” (Hebrews 11:1 CLNT)
When we have a promise from God we “assume”, “expect” and have a “conviction” that the promise will manifest itself even if at present it is not being observed. Whether the beneficiary of that promise has PRAYED about it does not change the fact that God will do what he promised. And, FAITH in a promise God has NOT MADE will not get us anything whatsoever…no matter how much prayer is offered up – even if made fervently by a righteous man (assuming there is such a man living today other than Jesus himself).
Our effort should be to determine what God has clearly promised in His completed Word, and have FAITH in those promises. Some are negative such as…
"It is necessary to pass through many troubles on our way into the kingdom of God." (Acts 14:22)
But beyond those troubles rests the promise of Jesus himself…
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 14:22)
My prayers and faith are of utmost importance to me, but not to get stuff FROM God, but to give stuff TO God that I just can no longer handle on my own. I just need peace and I get it when I do what the Scripture tells me to do when I need it…
“Don't worry about anything Robert; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you think you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your heart and mind and just keep trying to live in Christ Jesus the best you can.” (Robert’s Own Paraphrased Version of Philippians 4:6-7)
The gospel (good news) is for every person and it is really simple. Intellectual religious types stumble over its simplicity and twist it to try to control behavior by bringing guilt and shame. Take the following verses in Hebrews…
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
SIMPLE EXPLANATION: The book of Hebrews presents Jesus as the Savior of the world and the Great High Priest of Israel. He is the AUTHOR of our faith that God will save mankind and that God will FINISH what He promised. We have a great cloud of witnesses that died without having experienced what they had been promised. All those promises will be fulfilled when Jesus returns to resurrect the dead.
RELIGIOUS EXPLANATION: We have a great cloud of witnesses who are looking over the balcony of heaven and watching our every move and cheering us on when we do good and shaking their head in horror when we sin. So we better go to church, quit drinking, smoking, chewing, cursing and having too much fun in the world because Grandma is watching our every move. We are in a race for our eternal destiny and how we live and the choices we make will determine whether we are saved to sit with Jesus at the right hand of God in heaven or burn in hell for all eternity.
One explanation gives peace and hope and is the promise of God - the other is an attempt to scare the hell out of us. Paul, however, opted for peace and hope…
“For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 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 if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us” (Romans 5:6-11; Romans 8:30-21)
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
SIMPLE EXPLANATION: The book of Hebrews presents Jesus as the Savior of the world and the Great High Priest of Israel. He is the AUTHOR of our faith that God will save mankind and that God will FINISH what He promised. We have a great cloud of witnesses that died without having experienced what they had been promised. All those promises will be fulfilled when Jesus returns to resurrect the dead.
RELIGIOUS EXPLANATION: We have a great cloud of witnesses who are looking over the balcony of heaven and watching our every move and cheering us on when we do good and shaking their head in horror when we sin. So we better go to church, quit drinking, smoking, chewing, cursing and having too much fun in the world because Grandma is watching our every move. We are in a race for our eternal destiny and how we live and the choices we make will determine whether we are saved to sit with Jesus at the right hand of God in heaven or burn in hell for all eternity.
One explanation gives peace and hope and is the promise of God - the other is an attempt to scare the hell out of us. Paul, however, opted for peace and hope…
“For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 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 if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us” (Romans 5:6-11; Romans 8:30-21)
“Thou shalt not steal…” (Exodus 20:15)
When I was very little I would go to the grocery store with Mom and when I saw the candy I would take some of it. Mom would tell me “no” and would explain why it was not a good thing to do. I would grab some more and she would get “irritated” and sternly try to shame me into being sorry for not obeying her. Of course I did it again, and then, in her “wrath”, she would spank me. The result is that I would no longer steal candy - in her presence.
Mankind are all the children of God according to the bible….
“He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God… and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist…for we also are His children. Being then the children of God …” (Acts 17:26-29)
We children do all sorts of bad stuff which God says we should not do in the course of a lifetime. Some worse than others. The Bible calls it sin and our Father God deals with us as follows it seems to me:
First He lovingly advises us of what is bad and tells us in the Bible what not to do. Unfortunately, what we want is more attractive than doing what He wants, so we do it anyway, usually making all kinds of excuses why it is OK, sometimes even forming religious institutions to join to help us feel better about ourselves.
This makes God irritated – because we do not trust that His advice is for our own good. It is apparent to me that God has arranged this life experience in such a way that all bad behavior eventually brings a negative consequence. These consequences help control our bad behavior until we die – for it is written that the “wages of sin is death” (Romans 3:23).
When we are honest with God and ourselves we realize with Paul that we have a problem that only the GRACE of God can fix…
“What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Grace! Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:24 CLNT)
The wrath of God toward his sinful children is finished when death comes. There is no eternal conscience torment for anyone. And God is NOT finished with us in death. He will fix us after our repetitive disobedience has served its purpose, because of His GRACE…
“The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, GRACE abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, even so GRACE would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 5:20-21)
The plan of God to make mankind in His image WILL be completed. God WILL be ALL in ALL.
"Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule… as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive… The last enemy to be destroyed is death…so that God may be all in all.” (Genesis 1:26; 1 Corinthians 15:22-28)
When I was very little I would go to the grocery store with Mom and when I saw the candy I would take some of it. Mom would tell me “no” and would explain why it was not a good thing to do. I would grab some more and she would get “irritated” and sternly try to shame me into being sorry for not obeying her. Of course I did it again, and then, in her “wrath”, she would spank me. The result is that I would no longer steal candy - in her presence.
Mankind are all the children of God according to the bible….
“He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God… and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist…for we also are His children. Being then the children of God …” (Acts 17:26-29)
We children do all sorts of bad stuff which God says we should not do in the course of a lifetime. Some worse than others. The Bible calls it sin and our Father God deals with us as follows it seems to me:
First He lovingly advises us of what is bad and tells us in the Bible what not to do. Unfortunately, what we want is more attractive than doing what He wants, so we do it anyway, usually making all kinds of excuses why it is OK, sometimes even forming religious institutions to join to help us feel better about ourselves.
This makes God irritated – because we do not trust that His advice is for our own good. It is apparent to me that God has arranged this life experience in such a way that all bad behavior eventually brings a negative consequence. These consequences help control our bad behavior until we die – for it is written that the “wages of sin is death” (Romans 3:23).
When we are honest with God and ourselves we realize with Paul that we have a problem that only the GRACE of God can fix…
“What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Grace! Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:24 CLNT)
The wrath of God toward his sinful children is finished when death comes. There is no eternal conscience torment for anyone. And God is NOT finished with us in death. He will fix us after our repetitive disobedience has served its purpose, because of His GRACE…
“The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, GRACE abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, even so GRACE would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 5:20-21)
The plan of God to make mankind in His image WILL be completed. God WILL be ALL in ALL.
"Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule… as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive… The last enemy to be destroyed is death…so that God may be all in all.” (Genesis 1:26; 1 Corinthians 15:22-28)
I may be wrong. I just have my opinion on things based on personal experience. The same is true for everyone it seems to me. And when we admit we could be wrong it opens the door to learning.
When I decided that I wanted to know what the Bible teaches me I first had to accept the fact that what I had been taught growing up might be wrong. That meant, however, that I had to read the Bible from the best translations I could find, all of it, over and over. And I had to trust my own ability to figure it out without relying on what I had heard in sermons or read in other books and commentaries.
Having done so does not make my opinions correct but it does make them MINE. And I am only interested in other people’s opinions formed in the same way.
Sometimes I wish that all of the information heard in sermons or read in books about the bible could be deleted from our minds. Then we could all start over with...
"In the beginning God created..." (Genesis 1:1)
and end our study with...
"The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints! Amen!" (Revelation 22:21)
When I decided that I wanted to know what the Bible teaches me I first had to accept the fact that what I had been taught growing up might be wrong. That meant, however, that I had to read the Bible from the best translations I could find, all of it, over and over. And I had to trust my own ability to figure it out without relying on what I had heard in sermons or read in other books and commentaries.
Having done so does not make my opinions correct but it does make them MINE. And I am only interested in other people’s opinions formed in the same way.
Sometimes I wish that all of the information heard in sermons or read in books about the bible could be deleted from our minds. Then we could all start over with...
"In the beginning God created..." (Genesis 1:1)
and end our study with...
"The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints! Amen!" (Revelation 22:21)
"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:20-21)
"Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner." (John 5:19)
Before his incarnation, Jesus the Son was in a position to see and know what our Father God wills and does, and what he saw his Father God do Jesus does in like manner. And what was that?
“He will SAVE his people from their sins”.
Christian and Muslim apologists would contend that only those who join their particular group are “his people”, thus creating a separation among mankind which history shows to result in war. However, God intends to "save His people from their sins"…and all people are "His people" as Paul tells the Athenians….
“He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, For we also are His children. Being then the children of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and though of man. Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent…” (Acts 17:26-29)
So what is God calling every man to "repent" from in the above context? We need to repent from thinking that God is the one "FORMED BY THE ART AND THOUGHT OF MAN"!
Most religions have one thing in common. They teach that if you don’t join them you will be rejected by God and punished for all eternity. "REPENT" of that characterization of God Paul would say. GOD IS NOT LIKE THAT. Mankind made that up with their own evil "THOUGHT". God is the FATHER of mankind and does what any good Father does…
“…have you forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM; FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES…God deals with you as with sons and what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” (Hebrews 12:5-7)
And when will this discipline be applied resulting in mankind being finally saved from their sins?
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10)
I am certain in my own mind that God will NOT reward anyone for believing and teaching in the name of any god of any religion "FORMED BY THE ART AND THOUGHT OF MAN".
"Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner." (John 5:19)
Before his incarnation, Jesus the Son was in a position to see and know what our Father God wills and does, and what he saw his Father God do Jesus does in like manner. And what was that?
“He will SAVE his people from their sins”.
Christian and Muslim apologists would contend that only those who join their particular group are “his people”, thus creating a separation among mankind which history shows to result in war. However, God intends to "save His people from their sins"…and all people are "His people" as Paul tells the Athenians….
“He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, For we also are His children. Being then the children of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and though of man. Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent…” (Acts 17:26-29)
So what is God calling every man to "repent" from in the above context? We need to repent from thinking that God is the one "FORMED BY THE ART AND THOUGHT OF MAN"!
Most religions have one thing in common. They teach that if you don’t join them you will be rejected by God and punished for all eternity. "REPENT" of that characterization of God Paul would say. GOD IS NOT LIKE THAT. Mankind made that up with their own evil "THOUGHT". God is the FATHER of mankind and does what any good Father does…
“…have you forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM; FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES…God deals with you as with sons and what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” (Hebrews 12:5-7)
And when will this discipline be applied resulting in mankind being finally saved from their sins?
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10)
I am certain in my own mind that God will NOT reward anyone for believing and teaching in the name of any god of any religion "FORMED BY THE ART AND THOUGHT OF MAN".
“Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham’s descendants? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? ...I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again...” (2 Corinthians 11:22-27)
Who are the “they” Paul is talking about? It was the Jewish “servants of Christ” who kept insisting that Gentiles cannot be saved without joining their group by becoming Proselytes to the Law of Moses.
“…woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from people; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.” (Matthew 23:12-13)
Nothing much has changed it seems to me over the past 2000 years. We are still told by our leaders that people must join the church or they will be eternally excluded from the Kingdom of God. But the message from God through Paul says….
“…as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive...” (1 Corinthians 15:22)
Again, the salvation of sinners is not an offer to be accepted or an organization to be joined….but good news to be believed. Some are chosen by God and gifted with faith to believe in this life, ALL will believe after the resurrection when…
“EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and EVERY TONGUE WILL CONFESS that Jesus Christ is Lord, TO THE GLORY OF GOD the Father.” (Philippians 2:8-11)
Who are the “they” Paul is talking about? It was the Jewish “servants of Christ” who kept insisting that Gentiles cannot be saved without joining their group by becoming Proselytes to the Law of Moses.
“…woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from people; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.” (Matthew 23:12-13)
Nothing much has changed it seems to me over the past 2000 years. We are still told by our leaders that people must join the church or they will be eternally excluded from the Kingdom of God. But the message from God through Paul says….
“…as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive...” (1 Corinthians 15:22)
Again, the salvation of sinners is not an offer to be accepted or an organization to be joined….but good news to be believed. Some are chosen by God and gifted with faith to believe in this life, ALL will believe after the resurrection when…
“EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and EVERY TONGUE WILL CONFESS that Jesus Christ is Lord, TO THE GLORY OF GOD the Father.” (Philippians 2:8-11)
In a nutshell - concerning God and His Son Jesus:
"Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end…to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever." (Isaiah 9:7)
“He who knew no sin was made sin on our behalf that in him we might become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.” (1 Corinthians 5:21)
"He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 1:20)
“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called faithful and true, and in righteousness He judges and makes war." (Revelation 9:11)
“And the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who…deceived…these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire and the rest were killed..." (Revelation 19:20-21)
“Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it…And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne…the sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and the graves gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done.” (Revelation 20:11-13)
“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 2:8-11)
“…that God may be All in All" (1 Corinthians 15:28)
There you have it in a nutshell. God promises to establish justice forever. He appoints His Son Jesus to “get r done”… which gets him killed. God raises him from the dead, Jesus ascends to sit at the right hand of God on high. Jesus returns to earth again to make war on the deceivers and establish righteousness on the earth…which involves putting the antichrist and his religious partner in the lake of fire, and killing all those who were following them. Later he raises all of them and all other dead people and judges them according to what they have done. They all bow and confess Jesus is Lord. They will most likely say something like the Samaritans confessed…
“…we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world." (John 4:42)
"Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end…to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever." (Isaiah 9:7)
“He who knew no sin was made sin on our behalf that in him we might become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.” (1 Corinthians 5:21)
"He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 1:20)
“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called faithful and true, and in righteousness He judges and makes war." (Revelation 9:11)
“And the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who…deceived…these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire and the rest were killed..." (Revelation 19:20-21)
“Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it…And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne…the sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and the graves gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done.” (Revelation 20:11-13)
“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 2:8-11)
“…that God may be All in All" (1 Corinthians 15:28)
There you have it in a nutshell. God promises to establish justice forever. He appoints His Son Jesus to “get r done”… which gets him killed. God raises him from the dead, Jesus ascends to sit at the right hand of God on high. Jesus returns to earth again to make war on the deceivers and establish righteousness on the earth…which involves putting the antichrist and his religious partner in the lake of fire, and killing all those who were following them. Later he raises all of them and all other dead people and judges them according to what they have done. They all bow and confess Jesus is Lord. They will most likely say something like the Samaritans confessed…
“…we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world." (John 4:42)
“Now the Pharisees…were listening to all these things and were scoffing at Him…and he said to them…that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God.” (Luke 16:14-15)
“So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach.” (Hebrews 13:13)
I was raised by my parents to see the Bible as the inerrant truth from God. I thank them for this and still see it that way today. Unfortunately, however, I was also brought up mainly on the theology of men. Much of what I learned was from pastors and Sunday school teachers who had gained much of what they believed from seminaries or books and hymns written by other men. Therefore when I finally decided to study the Bible in detail on my own at the age of 24 I came to the Bible with my mind made up, filled with and confident in the “Baptist Faith and Message” upon which I was raised. It was the conclusions of men I thought wiser than myself. And for the next 30 I saw nothing but these traditions apparently being confirmed as I read, taught and preached from the Bible year after year.
Gradually I began to see some individual passages of the Bible whose context did not line up with traditional theology in the light of the whole Word of God. I finally came to the conclusion that SOME of what I had learned and taught was simply NOT TRUE. It was merely TRADITION, which, like the doctrine of the Pharisees, was “highly esteemed among men", but was “detestable in the sight of God”.
I finally got the courage to point these false traditions out to those with whom I had worshiped alongside for 40 years and suggested to them what I now believe to be the truth actually taught in the Bible. The traditional view, however, was set in stone for them, and I was politely asked to go “outside the camp” if I insisted on teaching views different from Southern Baptist tradition. So here I am, outside the camp for the most part, but happy and content for this forum to post my thoughts, understanding with Paul that…
“…whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…and the power of His resurrection…forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:7-14)
“So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach.” (Hebrews 13:13)
I was raised by my parents to see the Bible as the inerrant truth from God. I thank them for this and still see it that way today. Unfortunately, however, I was also brought up mainly on the theology of men. Much of what I learned was from pastors and Sunday school teachers who had gained much of what they believed from seminaries or books and hymns written by other men. Therefore when I finally decided to study the Bible in detail on my own at the age of 24 I came to the Bible with my mind made up, filled with and confident in the “Baptist Faith and Message” upon which I was raised. It was the conclusions of men I thought wiser than myself. And for the next 30 I saw nothing but these traditions apparently being confirmed as I read, taught and preached from the Bible year after year.
Gradually I began to see some individual passages of the Bible whose context did not line up with traditional theology in the light of the whole Word of God. I finally came to the conclusion that SOME of what I had learned and taught was simply NOT TRUE. It was merely TRADITION, which, like the doctrine of the Pharisees, was “highly esteemed among men", but was “detestable in the sight of God”.
I finally got the courage to point these false traditions out to those with whom I had worshiped alongside for 40 years and suggested to them what I now believe to be the truth actually taught in the Bible. The traditional view, however, was set in stone for them, and I was politely asked to go “outside the camp” if I insisted on teaching views different from Southern Baptist tradition. So here I am, outside the camp for the most part, but happy and content for this forum to post my thoughts, understanding with Paul that…
“…whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…and the power of His resurrection…forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:7-14)
“So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach.” (Hebrews 13:13)
Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) said this about the above verse...
“To go forth unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach, does not mean going outside the worldly crowd; it means being put outside the religious crowd you belong to. One of the most poignant bits of suffering comes along that line. If you remain true to Jesus Christ there are times when you will have to go through your convictions and out the other side, and most of us shrink from such a step because it means going alone. The "camp" means the religious set you belong to.”
Amen to that. I just thank God for my family who He sent out the other side with me… and those few still in the camp who will come outside to visit every now and then…I appreciate it more than you know.
Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) said this about the above verse...
“To go forth unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach, does not mean going outside the worldly crowd; it means being put outside the religious crowd you belong to. One of the most poignant bits of suffering comes along that line. If you remain true to Jesus Christ there are times when you will have to go through your convictions and out the other side, and most of us shrink from such a step because it means going alone. The "camp" means the religious set you belong to.”
Amen to that. I just thank God for my family who He sent out the other side with me… and those few still in the camp who will come outside to visit every now and then…I appreciate it more than you know.
“When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were APPOINTED for eternal life believed.” (Acts 13:48)
Heard what?
"For so the Lord has commanded us, I have placed you as a light for the Gentiles, THAT YOU MAY BRING SALVATION TO THE END OF THE EARTH” (Acts 13:47)
Not OFFER salvation, but "BRING" salvation. What we see today, 2000 years later, among Christianity is not even close to this “light”. What we see today is various Religious groups asking for you to join them in order to receive this salvation - by a free will choice of your own. And if you refuse you are said to be condemning yourself to eternal separation from God and unending punishment in the lake of fire.
Yet here is what God says about Salvation…
“For the grace of God has appeared, BRINGING salvation to all men…He made known to us the mystery of HIS WILL, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him 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,… but God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, MADE US ALIVE together with Christ - by GRACE you have been saved…” (Titus 2:1; Ephesians 1:9-11; 2:4-5)
It is not that there was not a choice made in the matter of Salvation, but it was God who "chose" - not you or me! Here is exactly how the Bible states this…
“You did not choose me, but I CHOSE YOU…” (John 15:16)
“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 BEFORE THE FOUDATION OF THE WORLD...In love HE PREDESTINED US to adoption as sons THROUGH Jesus Christ to Himself, ACCORDING TO THE KIND INTENTION OF HIS WILL” (John 15:16; Ephesians 1:3-5)
Back to the first verse quoted above. Who are those “appointed”? Traditional Christian theology says those who CHOOSE to accept Christ and honor God. Traditional Muslim theology says those who CHOOSE to accept Mohammad and honor Allah. The bible, however, says that ALL MANKIND has been chosen BY THE DEITY HIMSELF and appointed and predestined to eternal Salvation…not eternal condemnation.
“It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance…we have fixed our hope on the living GOD, who is the Savior of ALL MANKIND, especially of believers. Prescribe and teach these things.…” (1 Timothy 4:9-11)
Heard what?
"For so the Lord has commanded us, I have placed you as a light for the Gentiles, THAT YOU MAY BRING SALVATION TO THE END OF THE EARTH” (Acts 13:47)
Not OFFER salvation, but "BRING" salvation. What we see today, 2000 years later, among Christianity is not even close to this “light”. What we see today is various Religious groups asking for you to join them in order to receive this salvation - by a free will choice of your own. And if you refuse you are said to be condemning yourself to eternal separation from God and unending punishment in the lake of fire.
Yet here is what God says about Salvation…
“For the grace of God has appeared, BRINGING salvation to all men…He made known to us the mystery of HIS WILL, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him 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,… but God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, MADE US ALIVE together with Christ - by GRACE you have been saved…” (Titus 2:1; Ephesians 1:9-11; 2:4-5)
It is not that there was not a choice made in the matter of Salvation, but it was God who "chose" - not you or me! Here is exactly how the Bible states this…
“You did not choose me, but I CHOSE YOU…” (John 15:16)
“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 BEFORE THE FOUDATION OF THE WORLD...In love HE PREDESTINED US to adoption as sons THROUGH Jesus Christ to Himself, ACCORDING TO THE KIND INTENTION OF HIS WILL” (John 15:16; Ephesians 1:3-5)
Back to the first verse quoted above. Who are those “appointed”? Traditional Christian theology says those who CHOOSE to accept Christ and honor God. Traditional Muslim theology says those who CHOOSE to accept Mohammad and honor Allah. The bible, however, says that ALL MANKIND has been chosen BY THE DEITY HIMSELF and appointed and predestined to eternal Salvation…not eternal condemnation.
“It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance…we have fixed our hope on the living GOD, who is the Savior of ALL MANKIND, especially of believers. Prescribe and teach these things.…” (1 Timothy 4:9-11)
"I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other" (Luke 18:14).
Jesus is referring to two Jewish men who were in the Temple. One a religious Pharisee and the other a tax collector for the Roman government. One reminded God how faithful he was and one knew he needed Mercy. There will come a time when all men will recognize all depend on the mercy of God because there are none righteous, not even those after God's own heart like David and Paul...
"Do not enter into judgment with Your servant, for in Your sight no one living is righteous...As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" (Psalm 143:2; Romans 3:10).
Mankind is totally dependent on God's Mercy, both now and after their resurrection...and they will experience it because...
“It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
Both Christians and Muslims think of themselves as righteous because of their perceived faithfulness to God and to the doctrine of their particular Religion...they are NOT. They are “accounted” righteous only if they believe God "justifies the ungodly”.
“To him who...believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness" (Romans 4:5).
Jesus is referring to two Jewish men who were in the Temple. One a religious Pharisee and the other a tax collector for the Roman government. One reminded God how faithful he was and one knew he needed Mercy. There will come a time when all men will recognize all depend on the mercy of God because there are none righteous, not even those after God's own heart like David and Paul...
"Do not enter into judgment with Your servant, for in Your sight no one living is righteous...As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" (Psalm 143:2; Romans 3:10).
Mankind is totally dependent on God's Mercy, both now and after their resurrection...and they will experience it because...
“It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
Both Christians and Muslims think of themselves as righteous because of their perceived faithfulness to God and to the doctrine of their particular Religion...they are NOT. They are “accounted” righteous only if they believe God "justifies the ungodly”.
“To him who...believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness" (Romans 4:5).
"God, I thank you that I am not like other men…” (Luke 18:11)
This pretty much is the attitude that professional Athletes, Politicians, Philosophers, and Religious people should strive NOT to have, at least in a public forum like news interviews, books they write, or church services.
When we truly come to understand who we are it HUMBLES us. Why? Because we learn to admit our flaws and imperfections.
It is most important for Christians, in my opinion, to understand that a person’s salvation is not the result of deciding to accept an OFFER from God, but a decision BY GOD HIMSELF to save UNRIGHTEOUS sinners. A salvation (from staying dead) based solely on a Father’s Love and Grace…to be done for all mankind. In the moment I came to understand and believe this, any pride left was gone as I realized I was not loved more than any other sinner…we will all be saved by the GRACE of our SAVIOR GOD. Paul expressed this best when he said under inspiration from God….
“The GRACE of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, ALONG with the FAITH and LOVE that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to SAVE SINNERS (not offer to save them)—of whom I AM THE WORST. But for that very reason I was shown MERCY so that in me, the WORST of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an EXAMPLE for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, THE ONLY GOD, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:14-17)
So what about the phrase “who would believe in him and receive eternal life”? Remember, Paul had already said God saved the WORST sinner as an example to all sinners that Christ Jesus came to SAVE them. So it is obvious to me that what he meant by the phrase “who would believe in him and receive eternal life” was that only those who believe that they have been saved as SINNERS can embrace the JOY and KNOWLEDGE that they will have eternal life. It is NOT because they BELIEVE, as if salvation is their choice, but because GOD SAVES SINNERS…His choice. Paul expressed this when he said in his first letter to Timothy….
“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 4:9-11)
Being proud we are not like other sinners because of our wise choice, or our faith, or our concern and love for others, etc. is the problem I see with popular Christian apologists like Joel and Victoria Osteen. Their enthusiasm and positive message and appearance is infectious. However, it is boasting and subtle way of saying “we are not like other men”. That said, however, I do prefer their positive attitude toward life than the opposite extreme…the “turn or burn” negative attitude of some notable Christian fundamentalists.
This pretty much is the attitude that professional Athletes, Politicians, Philosophers, and Religious people should strive NOT to have, at least in a public forum like news interviews, books they write, or church services.
When we truly come to understand who we are it HUMBLES us. Why? Because we learn to admit our flaws and imperfections.
It is most important for Christians, in my opinion, to understand that a person’s salvation is not the result of deciding to accept an OFFER from God, but a decision BY GOD HIMSELF to save UNRIGHTEOUS sinners. A salvation (from staying dead) based solely on a Father’s Love and Grace…to be done for all mankind. In the moment I came to understand and believe this, any pride left was gone as I realized I was not loved more than any other sinner…we will all be saved by the GRACE of our SAVIOR GOD. Paul expressed this best when he said under inspiration from God….
“The GRACE of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, ALONG with the FAITH and LOVE that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to SAVE SINNERS (not offer to save them)—of whom I AM THE WORST. But for that very reason I was shown MERCY so that in me, the WORST of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an EXAMPLE for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, THE ONLY GOD, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:14-17)
So what about the phrase “who would believe in him and receive eternal life”? Remember, Paul had already said God saved the WORST sinner as an example to all sinners that Christ Jesus came to SAVE them. So it is obvious to me that what he meant by the phrase “who would believe in him and receive eternal life” was that only those who believe that they have been saved as SINNERS can embrace the JOY and KNOWLEDGE that they will have eternal life. It is NOT because they BELIEVE, as if salvation is their choice, but because GOD SAVES SINNERS…His choice. Paul expressed this when he said in his first letter to Timothy….
“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 4:9-11)
Being proud we are not like other sinners because of our wise choice, or our faith, or our concern and love for others, etc. is the problem I see with popular Christian apologists like Joel and Victoria Osteen. Their enthusiasm and positive message and appearance is infectious. However, it is boasting and subtle way of saying “we are not like other men”. That said, however, I do prefer their positive attitude toward life than the opposite extreme…the “turn or burn” negative attitude of some notable Christian fundamentalists.
“…everyone who exalts
himself will be abased, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. (Luke 18:14)
Treasured Possession
“Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now IF YOU OBEY ME FULLY and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my TREASURED POSSESSION. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” (Exodus 19:3-6)
There was a CONDITION to Israel becoming a “treasured possession” out of all the other Nations. They had to obey Him fully and keep His covenant. Obviously this did NOT happen. Even before Moses got off the mountain where he received the Commandments Israel had broken them. And the first thing God told Moses to do was to set up the Tabernacle and build the ARK with a MERCY SEAT covering. The Ark contained the broken commandments.
Thus began the requirement for all the animal sacrifices to ATONE for breaking the commandments...UNTIL the final Lamb of God, and sin bearer, came to take away the sin of the world…and he came about 1500 years later.
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)
Israel is still his chosen Nation, but are NOT yet his “treasured possession”. To become God's "TREASURED POSSESSION" requires a sinless existence. Good luck with that in this present evil age...for anyone. However, in the ages to come AFTER the resurrection to immortality the Israelites and all others will become God's treasured possession. God tells Israel….
“This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people… so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but NOW you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.” (Hebrews 8:10; 1 Peter 2:9-10)
And for the rest of us Gentiles...
“…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. These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” (Titus 2:11-15)
There was a CONDITION to Israel becoming a “treasured possession” out of all the other Nations. They had to obey Him fully and keep His covenant. Obviously this did NOT happen. Even before Moses got off the mountain where he received the Commandments Israel had broken them. And the first thing God told Moses to do was to set up the Tabernacle and build the ARK with a MERCY SEAT covering. The Ark contained the broken commandments.
Thus began the requirement for all the animal sacrifices to ATONE for breaking the commandments...UNTIL the final Lamb of God, and sin bearer, came to take away the sin of the world…and he came about 1500 years later.
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)
Israel is still his chosen Nation, but are NOT yet his “treasured possession”. To become God's "TREASURED POSSESSION" requires a sinless existence. Good luck with that in this present evil age...for anyone. However, in the ages to come AFTER the resurrection to immortality the Israelites and all others will become God's treasured possession. God tells Israel….
“This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people… so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but NOW you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.” (Hebrews 8:10; 1 Peter 2:9-10)
And for the rest of us Gentiles...
“…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. These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” (Titus 2:11-15)
King Solomon said of God…
”Surely He scorns the scorners: but He gives grace to the humble.” (Proverbs 3:34)
The Apostle Peter said it this way…
The Apostle Peter said it this way…
"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." (1 Peter 5:5)
Proud people scorn humble people…they think of them as weak. However, I am not concerned about what proud men think anymore. I prefer to rely on the grace of God rather than the proud accomplishments of men. In his wisdom writer of Ecclesiastes figured this out and said in his old age…
“I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. And I set my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven; this burdensome task God has given to the sons of man, by which they may be exercised. I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, ALL IS VANITY AND A GRASPING FOR THE WIND. What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be numbered. I communed with my heart, saying, Look, I have attained greatness, and have gained more wisdom than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My heart has understood great wisdom and knowledge. And I set my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that THIS ALSO is grasping for the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 1:12-17)
Humble people are familiar with the GRACE of God in this life. Proud men will have to wait until the Great White Throne where before God...
“…EVERY KNEE WILL BOW; by Me every tongue will swear. They will say of Me, In the Lord alone are deliverance and strength…” (Isaiah 45:23-24)
Proud people scorn humble people…they think of them as weak. However, I am not concerned about what proud men think anymore. I prefer to rely on the grace of God rather than the proud accomplishments of men. In his wisdom writer of Ecclesiastes figured this out and said in his old age…
“I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. And I set my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven; this burdensome task God has given to the sons of man, by which they may be exercised. I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, ALL IS VANITY AND A GRASPING FOR THE WIND. What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be numbered. I communed with my heart, saying, Look, I have attained greatness, and have gained more wisdom than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My heart has understood great wisdom and knowledge. And I set my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that THIS ALSO is grasping for the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 1:12-17)
Humble people are familiar with the GRACE of God in this life. Proud men will have to wait until the Great White Throne where before God...
“…EVERY KNEE WILL BOW; by Me every tongue will swear. They will say of Me, In the Lord alone are deliverance and strength…” (Isaiah 45:23-24)
“Thus says the LORD God of Israel—because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself before Me, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you, says the LORD…your eyes shall not see all the calamity which I will bring on this place and its inhabitants." (2 Chronicles 34:26-27)
Seventeen years ago on October 4 I and several other men from Sayre stood together with over one million other men in Washington DC on the National Mall in an event sponsored by the Promise Keepers organization. It was termed a sacred assembly and labeled “Stand in the Gap”. An aerial picture of that assembly hangs on the wall of my office today. The purpose was for Christians and Messianic Jews to collectively confess the sin of our Nation to God and ask for His Mercy. I was convinced that God would hear our prayer and defer judgment on the USA like He had done for Israel. Whether it made a difference for the USA I do not honestly know…but it had a lasting impact on me.
I have since learned, however, that it is in the loving, righteous JUDGMENT of our heavenly Father that will finally rescue MANKIND from this present evil age to become what God intends for mankind to be. Paul writes….
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might RESCUE us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen” (Galatians 1:3-5)
I still pray for my family and friends, but I no longer pray for God to withhold his judgment on the world. I trust Him to do whatever is necessary, IN HIS TIME, to bring to a conclusion this present “evil age”, so that in the ages to come God can receive from His creation the sincere and unforced Love that is due.
The JUDGMENT of God on the whole world is coming. Revelation and other portions of Scripture tell us about it in great detail. But His judgment will CLENSE mankind, not eternally condemn them. It will RESCUE mankind from itself, not enslave them to God for all eternity. It will PREPARE mankind for its eternal destiny to be made into the very IMAGE of God…full of love, grace and mercy. Then there will be no more evil or sin for God will make all things new…
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the former things have passed away. And He who sits on the throne said, Behold, I am making all things new. And He said, Write, for these words are faithful and true. Then He said to me, it is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life WITHOUT COST…” (Revelation 21:4-6)
The Bible closes with the following words which remains the hope of mankind…
“Yes, I am coming swiftly…Come, Lord Jesus. The GRACE of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen” (Revelation 22:20-21)
Seventeen years ago on October 4 I and several other men from Sayre stood together with over one million other men in Washington DC on the National Mall in an event sponsored by the Promise Keepers organization. It was termed a sacred assembly and labeled “Stand in the Gap”. An aerial picture of that assembly hangs on the wall of my office today. The purpose was for Christians and Messianic Jews to collectively confess the sin of our Nation to God and ask for His Mercy. I was convinced that God would hear our prayer and defer judgment on the USA like He had done for Israel. Whether it made a difference for the USA I do not honestly know…but it had a lasting impact on me.
I have since learned, however, that it is in the loving, righteous JUDGMENT of our heavenly Father that will finally rescue MANKIND from this present evil age to become what God intends for mankind to be. Paul writes….
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might RESCUE us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen” (Galatians 1:3-5)
I still pray for my family and friends, but I no longer pray for God to withhold his judgment on the world. I trust Him to do whatever is necessary, IN HIS TIME, to bring to a conclusion this present “evil age”, so that in the ages to come God can receive from His creation the sincere and unforced Love that is due.
The JUDGMENT of God on the whole world is coming. Revelation and other portions of Scripture tell us about it in great detail. But His judgment will CLENSE mankind, not eternally condemn them. It will RESCUE mankind from itself, not enslave them to God for all eternity. It will PREPARE mankind for its eternal destiny to be made into the very IMAGE of God…full of love, grace and mercy. Then there will be no more evil or sin for God will make all things new…
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the former things have passed away. And He who sits on the throne said, Behold, I am making all things new. And He said, Write, for these words are faithful and true. Then He said to me, it is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life WITHOUT COST…” (Revelation 21:4-6)
The Bible closes with the following words which remains the hope of mankind…
“Yes, I am coming swiftly…Come, Lord Jesus. The GRACE of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen” (Revelation 22:20-21)
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