"Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life." (Romans 5:18)
"For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23)
Organized Christianity quit believing and teaching this a couple of hundred years after Paul died, but it remains the truth from the Word of God none the less. Just as Adam's sin brought condemnation and death to all, Christ Jesus brought the free gift of righteousness and eternal life to all. Not just a few Christians....ALL mankind.
"Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, if ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32)
Only by believing Jesus and continuing in his word can you be his disciple. Paul delivered the final words of Jesus - the gospel of grace. Believe it, and it will "make you free" from religious bondage. Here once again is what we must believe to be set free.
"God commends His love for us in that while we were sinners Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
“When we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His son.” (Romans 5:10)
“For the wages of sin is death,but the free gift of God is eonian life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
“For even as in Adam ALL are dying, thus also, in Christ shall ALL be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:22)
“God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself not counting their sins against them.” (2 Corinthians 5:19)
“And having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile ALL unto Himself.” (Colossians 1:20)
“God our Savior…will have ALL men to be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Tim. 2:4)
"...there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who have himself as a ransom for all." (1 Tim. 2:5-6)
“Trust in the living God, who is the Savior of ALL men.” (1 Tim. 4:10)
So, I recommend getting set free, and as you enjoy that freedom...
"...teach these things." (1 Tim. 4:11)
For my wife, children and grandchildren..and anyone else who may be interested!
Calvin vs Arminius - An Unfruitful Topic of Debate
March 20th - John Calvin vs Jacob Arminius
Years ago I looked into the views of John Calvin and Jacob Arminius. I came away feeling like the author of the following Scripture.
“Yet furthermore, my son, beyond these, be warned; of the making of many scrolls there is no end; and much study is a weariness to the flesh.” (Ecclesiastes 12:12)
I found that both John Calvin and Jacob Arminius taught that it was the GRACE of God that saves. Calvin taught that God predestines some but not all to receive grace and salvation. Arminius taught that it was up to the free will of each person to choose to be saved by the grace of God.
"According to the grace of God which is being granted to me, as a wise foreman I lay a foundation, yet another is building on it. Yet let each one beware how he is building on it. For other foundation can no one lay beside that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone is building on this foundation gold and silver, precious stones, wood, grass, straw, each one's work will become apparent, for the day will make it evident, for it is being revealed by fire. And the fire, it will be testing each one's work -- what kind it is. If anyone's work will be remaining which he builds on it, he will get wages. If anyone's work shall be burned up, he will forfeit it, yet he shall be saved, yet thus, as through fire." (1 Corinthians 3:12-
“Yet furthermore, my son, beyond these, be warned; of the making of many scrolls there is no end; and much study is a weariness to the flesh.” (Ecclesiastes 12:12)
I found that both John Calvin and Jacob Arminius taught that it was the GRACE of God that saves. Calvin taught that God predestines some but not all to receive grace and salvation. Arminius taught that it was up to the free will of each person to choose to be saved by the grace of God.
The truth is they were both wrong. They should have brought unity to the Body of Christ by saying at a joint press conference...
"God, in his GRACE, has predestined the salvation of humanity, and all will eventually choose to place their trust in Jesus by the overwhelming evidence presented to them after their resurrection."
Humanity has been predestined to salvation - all of us.
"Wherefore, also, God highly exalts Him, and graces Him with the name that is above every name, that in the name of Jesus every knee should be bowing, celestial and terrestrial and subterranean, and every tongue should be acclaiming that Jesus Christ is Lord, for the glory of God, the Father." (Philippians 2:10-11)
"Wherefore, also, God highly exalts Him, and graces Him with the name that is above every name, that in the name of Jesus every knee should be bowing, celestial and terrestrial and subterranean, and every tongue should be acclaiming that Jesus Christ is Lord, for the glory of God, the Father." (Philippians 2:10-11)
“It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…God our Savior wills ALL men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who have Himself a ransom for ALL...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 1:15; 2:3-6; 4:10)
John Calvin and Jacob Arminius used wood, grass, and straw to buildt upon the foundation of Christ Jesus. These building materials will be become apparent after their resurrection, and their false doctrines burnt up - yet they will be saved.
John Calvin and Jacob Arminius used wood, grass, and straw to buildt upon the foundation of Christ Jesus. These building materials will be become apparent after their resurrection, and their false doctrines burnt up - yet they will be saved.
"...but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory....Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who LOVE Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:6-9)
I think God loved ALL His creatures unconditionally at first sight - angels, animals and mankind. He could not have done otherwise because He IS love. Because God is also omnipotent, He had a plan before He created which assures that every object of His love will eventually respond to that love joyfully and unconditionally. They will love Him back - forever. He will be "All in All" - everything to everyone. If not in this age, then in the next. He has the ages to work out His plan, and He has all the patience of a perfect loving Creator and Father.
I have known a few people (mostly women) who seem to love unconditionally. Almost at first sight they realized it and felt it. They literally fell in love. I am not one of those people. It is not that I have not, or do not, love at first sight. It is just that I do not recognize it immediately like some do. My wife Sue Ann has told me that she loved me almost at first sight. Loving someone that way makes you vulnerable to getting hurt by those like me. I am so thankful that she continued to love me until I started paying attention - long enough for me to finally realize my capacity to love was there inside me. Her faithful love for me finally resulted in the response such love deserves. My love for her is now felt by me and directed at her joyfully and unconditionally, and that makes me vulnerable. I am not sure what I would do without her. She could really get even for those years I wasn't paying attention, ha!
"...and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross." (Colossians 1:20)
"For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet... When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to Him who put everything under him, so that God may be All in All. (1 Corinthians 15:22-29)
I think God loved ALL His creatures unconditionally at first sight - angels, animals and mankind. He could not have done otherwise because He IS love. Because God is also omnipotent, He had a plan before He created which assures that every object of His love will eventually respond to that love joyfully and unconditionally. They will love Him back - forever. He will be "All in All" - everything to everyone. If not in this age, then in the next. He has the ages to work out His plan, and He has all the patience of a perfect loving Creator and Father.
I have known a few people (mostly women) who seem to love unconditionally. Almost at first sight they realized it and felt it. They literally fell in love. I am not one of those people. It is not that I have not, or do not, love at first sight. It is just that I do not recognize it immediately like some do. My wife Sue Ann has told me that she loved me almost at first sight. Loving someone that way makes you vulnerable to getting hurt by those like me. I am so thankful that she continued to love me until I started paying attention - long enough for me to finally realize my capacity to love was there inside me. Her faithful love for me finally resulted in the response such love deserves. My love for her is now felt by me and directed at her joyfully and unconditionally, and that makes me vulnerable. I am not sure what I would do without her. She could really get even for those years I wasn't paying attention, ha!
"...and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross." (Colossians 1:20)
"For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet... When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to Him who put everything under him, so that God may be All in All. (1 Corinthians 15:22-29)
Dividing The Word Of Truth
"You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God" (Matthew 22:29).
From time to time we all "are mistaken" because we do not know "the Scripture nor the power of God."
Don't just believe someone because you think he is a "man of God." The Jews thought the priests, Pharisees and Sadducees were "men of God." How did that work out for them?
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15)
From time to time we all "are mistaken" because we do not know "the Scripture nor the power of God."
Don't just believe someone because you think he is a "man of God." The Jews thought the priests, Pharisees and Sadducees were "men of God." How did that work out for them?
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15)
More Than We Can Bear
"For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life..." (2 Corinthians 1:8)
Occasionally God puts more on us than we can bear. It is popular among Christians to say the opposite and I suppose Christians think so because of the following verse.
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." (1 Corinthians 10:13)
There is a big difference between temptation to sin and suffering persecution. Paul says he and those with him were burdened "beyond measure". They were not being tempted to sin, but were having "trouble" so intense that they "despaired even of life."
Sometimes we suffer for doing good. If we survive those times, there is much joy when it is over. And even if we don't survive, God still "raises the dead".
"Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us." (2 Corinthians 1:8-10)
Occasionally God puts more on us than we can bear. It is popular among Christians to say the opposite and I suppose Christians think so because of the following verse.
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." (1 Corinthians 10:13)
There is a big difference between temptation to sin and suffering persecution. Paul says he and those with him were burdened "beyond measure". They were not being tempted to sin, but were having "trouble" so intense that they "despaired even of life."
Sometimes we suffer for doing good. If we survive those times, there is much joy when it is over. And even if we don't survive, God still "raises the dead".
"Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us." (2 Corinthians 1:8-10)
Who Goes To Heaven?
"And the multitude of those sleeping in the dust of the ground do awake, some to life age-during, and some to reproaches -- to abhorrence age-during." (Daniel 12:2 Young's Literal Translation)
In the above passage, God is speaking to Daniel about Israel at the close of this present age. It will be a time of great distress for Israel. The book of Revelation gives details about that period of time which is called in various places in the Bible "the time of Jacob's trouble", "the day of the Lord", "the 70th week of Daniel" and "the great tribulation". At the close of that period all believers among the Israelites who have died will be raised to life by Jesus. These resurrected saints, together with the living Israelites who have endured to the end of that period, will reign with Jesus and teach the nations during the 1000 years which follows, which is generally referred to as the Kingdom Age or Millennium.
At the end of the 1000 years, God creates a new heaven and a new earth, the final age spoken about in the Bible. All unbelievers are then raised to appear before The Great White Throne and judged by the works.
As for the destiny of the Gentile BELIEVERS composing the Body of Christ, WELL...we have to read the letters of Paul to find out the "MYSTERY" of our destiny which until revealed to Paul was "hidden". It is going to be exciting to be a part of the Body of Christ! We will proclaim the GRACE of God and the unsearchable riches of Christ to all those beings in the heavens.
"... the mystery... which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now...the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Ephesians 3)
In the above passage, God is speaking to Daniel about Israel at the close of this present age. It will be a time of great distress for Israel. The book of Revelation gives details about that period of time which is called in various places in the Bible "the time of Jacob's trouble", "the day of the Lord", "the 70th week of Daniel" and "the great tribulation". At the close of that period all believers among the Israelites who have died will be raised to life by Jesus. These resurrected saints, together with the living Israelites who have endured to the end of that period, will reign with Jesus and teach the nations during the 1000 years which follows, which is generally referred to as the Kingdom Age or Millennium.
At the end of the 1000 years, God creates a new heaven and a new earth, the final age spoken about in the Bible. All unbelievers are then raised to appear before The Great White Throne and judged by the works.
As for the destiny of the Gentile BELIEVERS composing the Body of Christ, WELL...we have to read the letters of Paul to find out the "MYSTERY" of our destiny which until revealed to Paul was "hidden". It is going to be exciting to be a part of the Body of Christ! We will proclaim the GRACE of God and the unsearchable riches of Christ to all those beings in the heavens.
"... the mystery... which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now...the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Ephesians 3)
We Don't Believe You Paul!
"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10)
That is a good thing Paul, because you sure are not pleasing us, your Jewish family and friends with your teaching. For instance Paul, how can you say:
"For from Him and through Him and for Him are ALL things." (Romans 11:36)
Surely you do not mean "ALL things" are from God, do you Paul? What you really mean is all "good things", don't you? We just can't believe you, so we will add "good" to fit what we believe.
And you cannot possibly mean it when you say God...
"...is the Savior of ALL PEOPLE, and especially of those who believe." (1 Timothy 4:10)
Paul, what you really mean is that God is "offering" to save all people who believe, aren't you? We'll add the word "offering" to help you out.
And one last thing Paul, you do not expect us to believe you when you tell us that God...
"...wills all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and humanity, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all people." (1 Timothy 2:1-6)
Give us a massive break Paul! You actually want us to believe that Jesus ransomed "all people". We'll correct you and teach he ransomed "all people who believe".
That is a good thing Paul, because you sure are not pleasing us, your Jewish family and friends with your teaching. For instance Paul, how can you say:
"For from Him and through Him and for Him are ALL things." (Romans 11:36)
Surely you do not mean "ALL things" are from God, do you Paul? What you really mean is all "good things", don't you? We just can't believe you, so we will add "good" to fit what we believe.
And you cannot possibly mean it when you say God...
"...is the Savior of ALL PEOPLE, and especially of those who believe." (1 Timothy 4:10)
Paul, what you really mean is that God is "offering" to save all people who believe, aren't you? We'll add the word "offering" to help you out.
And one last thing Paul, you do not expect us to believe you when you tell us that God...
"...wills all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and humanity, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all people." (1 Timothy 2:1-6)
Give us a massive break Paul! You actually want us to believe that Jesus ransomed "all people". We'll correct you and teach he ransomed "all people who believe".
Finally Paul, you really think that God was in Christ...
"...reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the message of reconciliation..." (2 Corinthians 5:19)
We just don't believe you and will not teach that all people are reconciled to God. We prefer another gospel that we made up.
Paul would tell them "Believe what you want, but what I tell you is the truth - I do not need your approval of the truth I received from Jesus."
Righteous and the Wicked
“Christ is the head of the church: and He is the Savior of the Body.” (Ephesians 5:23).
The Greek word for church is "ecclesia" and literally means "the out called ones." It is a reference to those who, like Jesus, will be "out called" from death and resurrected to immortal life.
All the dead will be resurrected, the righteous and the wicked.
"...there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked." (Acts 24:15).
Paul assures us that Jesus "died for ALL".
"...we are convinced that one died for ALL, and therefore ALL die. And He died for ALL, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again...God was RECONCILING the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation..." (2 Corinthians 5:14-21)
Paul was chosen to share this "secret" of universal salvation through the "blood of his cross", and will return to reconcile all those who were "once alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds".
"He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead...in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile ALL to Himself, ALL, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, He has now reconciled in His body of flesh by HIS DEATH...THE SECRET hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to His saints. To them God chose to make known how great AMONG THE nations are the riches of the glory of this SECRET, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory..." (Colossians 1:15-29)
The Greek word for church is "ecclesia" and literally means "the out called ones." It is a reference to those who, like Jesus, will be "out called" from death and resurrected to immortal life.
All the dead will be resurrected, the righteous and the wicked.
"...there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked." (Acts 24:15).
Paul assures us that Jesus "died for ALL".
"...we are convinced that one died for ALL, and therefore ALL die. And He died for ALL, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again...God was RECONCILING the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation..." (2 Corinthians 5:14-21)
Paul was chosen to share this "secret" of universal salvation through the "blood of his cross", and will return to reconcile all those who were "once alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds".
"He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead...in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile ALL to Himself, ALL, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, He has now reconciled in His body of flesh by HIS DEATH...THE SECRET hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to His saints. To them God chose to make known how great AMONG THE nations are the riches of the glory of this SECRET, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory..." (Colossians 1:15-29)
What Is The New Covenant?
"After taking the cup, He gave thanks and said, Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes. And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, this is My body given for you; do this in remembrance of Me. In the same way, after the supper He took the cup, saying, this cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you." (Luke 22:17-20)
It is important to remember that this event occurred at a Jewish Passover meal. The Passover is one of seven feasts which the Jewish people are to observe. These feasts have absolutely nothing to do with Gentiles like me and most of you reading this.
So what is Jesus saying to his Jewish followers?
It is important to remember that this event occurred at a Jewish Passover meal. The Passover is one of seven feasts which the Jewish people are to observe. These feasts have absolutely nothing to do with Gentiles like me and most of you reading this.
So what is Jesus saying to his Jewish followers?
Jesus is simply informing them that He would not be around for any more Passovers until the coming of the kingdom of God. That kingdom has NOT come yet. The Bible clearly says that when it comes, it will include a New Covenant to replace the Old Covenant. Jeremiah makes it clear that Israel will be a part of that new covenant.
“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the PEOPLE OF ISRAEL and with the PEOPLE OF JUDAH. It will not be like the covenant I made with THEIR ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them” declares the Lord. “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put My law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be My people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (Jeremiah 31:31-34)
So what about the other nations of he world? Good news!
So what about the other nations of he world? Good news!
"Therefore remember that formerly you—the nations in the flesh, the ones being called the uncircumcision by that being called the circumcision, made by hands in the flesh— that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, not having hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you, the ones once being far off, have become near by the blood of Christ...So then, you are no longer strangers and aliens, but are fellow citizens of the saints and of the household of God, having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is increasing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:11-13, 19-22)
The new covenant will include ALL humanity!
Our Motives Examined
"Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that 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. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:18-21)
Sometimes in my random thoughts I may appear to be judging those who hold different views. My intent is just to share my thoughts on Scripture.
We are told in Scripture that we are the work of God (Ephesians 2:10). He has the ages in which to complete His work of making humanity in his image - even those who seem too evil to change, or too stubborn. In time He will successfully complete His plan of becoming All in All. (1 Corinthians 15:29; Philippians 1:6).
God has entrusted judgment to His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ (John 5:22; Acts 10:42; 17:31; II Corinthians 5:10; II Timothy 4:1; Romans 2:16). Jesus is the one who died at the hand of both secular and religious men, was buried, and was resurrected to life. While dying on the cross Jesus prayed, "Father forgive them, they do not understand what they are doing."
SINNERS ARE FORGIVEN, so the judgement of our Lord Jesus Christ will not be on the basis of our sin.
Sometimes in my random thoughts I may appear to be judging those who hold different views. My intent is just to share my thoughts on Scripture.
We are told in Scripture that we are the work of God (Ephesians 2:10). He has the ages in which to complete His work of making humanity in his image - even those who seem too evil to change, or too stubborn. In time He will successfully complete His plan of becoming All in All. (1 Corinthians 15:29; Philippians 1:6).
God has entrusted judgment to His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ (John 5:22; Acts 10:42; 17:31; II Corinthians 5:10; II Timothy 4:1; Romans 2:16). Jesus is the one who died at the hand of both secular and religious men, was buried, and was resurrected to life. While dying on the cross Jesus prayed, "Father forgive them, they do not understand what they are doing."
SINNERS ARE FORGIVEN, so the judgement of our Lord Jesus Christ will not be on the basis of our sin.
In studying the Scripture I interpret difficult passages with that in mind knowing it is our "motives", not our sin, that will be examined and judged by the Lord.
"...the one who examines me is the Lord. Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God." (I Corinthians 4:4-5).
"...the one who examines me is the Lord. Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God." (I Corinthians 4:4-5).
Things God Has Revealed
“…What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived — the things God has prepared for those who love Him — these are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 2:9-11)
It is rare to hear about God's plan for his creation in a traditional Christian church. I have met only a few in the ministry who have even an opinion about the grand and detailed plan found in the Bible. Following is a summary of what I heard growing up:
“The Trinity (God, the Son and the Holy Spirit) created everything, and Adam and Eve were the first humans created. They were deceived by Satan, disobeyed God and sin and death came into the creation along with all the evil that follows sin. After a few thousand years God decided to send his Son Jesus to pay the price for sin by dying on a cross which makes salvation possible. God brought Jesus back to life and he is now in Heaven and through the gospel preached by those who believe in him, people are now offered salvation if they repent of their sin and accept Jesus as personal Savior before they die. When they do so, they join a local Church, are baptized, and partake of the Lord's supper from time time. Obedient church members will attend regularly and support each other with their prayers and finances. They will also cooperatively join with other churches to fulfill the great commission of winning the world to Christ. The members are to love the sinners but hate their sin, and try to avoid evil themselves. When church members die they go immediately to Heaven to live in bliss. Everyone else goes to hell where they are forever separated from God and punished in a lake of fire created for the Devil and his angels. And finally, most churches teach that Jesus is coming again to judge the world. At that time He will raise all the dead bodies of saved people, join their new body with their souls, hand out rewards and take them back to heaven. The bodies of the unsaved will also be raised, that raised body joined with their souls and then returned to hell to be punished forever."
That is pretty much all that is taught from the thousand or so pages of Scripture. But for "those who love" God, He reveals the wonder of "what no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived" - things revealed only "by his Spirit" as the "unsearchable riches of Christ". As Paul says...
It is rare to hear about God's plan for his creation in a traditional Christian church. I have met only a few in the ministry who have even an opinion about the grand and detailed plan found in the Bible. Following is a summary of what I heard growing up:
“The Trinity (God, the Son and the Holy Spirit) created everything, and Adam and Eve were the first humans created. They were deceived by Satan, disobeyed God and sin and death came into the creation along with all the evil that follows sin. After a few thousand years God decided to send his Son Jesus to pay the price for sin by dying on a cross which makes salvation possible. God brought Jesus back to life and he is now in Heaven and through the gospel preached by those who believe in him, people are now offered salvation if they repent of their sin and accept Jesus as personal Savior before they die. When they do so, they join a local Church, are baptized, and partake of the Lord's supper from time time. Obedient church members will attend regularly and support each other with their prayers and finances. They will also cooperatively join with other churches to fulfill the great commission of winning the world to Christ. The members are to love the sinners but hate their sin, and try to avoid evil themselves. When church members die they go immediately to Heaven to live in bliss. Everyone else goes to hell where they are forever separated from God and punished in a lake of fire created for the Devil and his angels. And finally, most churches teach that Jesus is coming again to judge the world. At that time He will raise all the dead bodies of saved people, join their new body with their souls, hand out rewards and take them back to heaven. The bodies of the unsaved will also be raised, that raised body joined with their souls and then returned to hell to be punished forever."
That is pretty much all that is taught from the thousand or so pages of Scripture. But for "those who love" God, He reveals the wonder of "what no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived" - things revealed only "by his Spirit" as the "unsearchable riches of Christ". As Paul says...
"Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ." (Ephesians 3:8)
I was amazed at what I found by reading through the Bible without consulting those who tell people what the Bible says - the amazing grace of God will save everyone when God's plan reaches its conclusion!
I was amazed at what I found by reading through the Bible without consulting those who tell people what the Bible says - the amazing grace of God will save everyone when God's plan reaches its conclusion!
"To this end we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of everyone, and especially of those who believe." (1 Timothy 4:10)
Woe To You
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you are going about the sea and the dry land to make one proselyte, and whenever he may be becoming one, you are making him more than double a son of Gehenna than you are." (Matthew 23:15)
I think I will refrain today from commenting on the application of this verse to our day and time. I don't have many friends in high places as it is. Don't want to lose the few I still have left.
Whose Faith Saves?
Speaking to Israel God promised...
“‘For I will take you out of the nations; I WILL gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. I WILL sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I WILL cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I WILL give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you...I WILL save you from all your uncleanness...THEN you will remember your evil ways and wicked deeds, and you will loathe yourselves for your sins and detestable practices...
Note that it is AFTER HE changes their hearts and puts His Spirit within them that He says they will "loathe yourselves for your sins". In other words, true repentance occurs AFTER they realize God has saved them, not before.
"...I want you to know that I am NOT doing this for your sake, declares the Sovereign LORD. Be ashamed and disgraced for your conduct, people of Israel!.. I the LORD have spoken, and I WILL DO IT." (Ezekiel 36:24-32)
Salvation and righteousness before God came o humanity by the faith of Jesus Christ and the GRACE of God.
"...the righteousness of God is through the faith of Jesus Christ to all, and upon all those believing, for there is no difference, for all did sin, and are come short of the glory of God, being declared righteous freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:22-24 YLT)
Thank you Lord!
“‘For I will take you out of the nations; I WILL gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. I WILL sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I WILL cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I WILL give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you...I WILL save you from all your uncleanness...THEN you will remember your evil ways and wicked deeds, and you will loathe yourselves for your sins and detestable practices...
Note that it is AFTER HE changes their hearts and puts His Spirit within them that He says they will "loathe yourselves for your sins". In other words, true repentance occurs AFTER they realize God has saved them, not before.
"...I want you to know that I am NOT doing this for your sake, declares the Sovereign LORD. Be ashamed and disgraced for your conduct, people of Israel!.. I the LORD have spoken, and I WILL DO IT." (Ezekiel 36:24-32)
Salvation and righteousness before God came o humanity by the faith of Jesus Christ and the GRACE of God.
"...the righteousness of God is through the faith of Jesus Christ to all, and upon all those believing, for there is no difference, for all did sin, and are come short of the glory of God, being declared righteous freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:22-24 YLT)
Thank you Lord!
It's None Of Our Business
“They asked Him, 'Why do you speak in parables'? Jesus answered them 'Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. . . .Therefore speak I to them in parables'...” (Matthew 13:10-15)
Many teach that a parable is a simple story with a heavenly meaning inferring that it helps common people understand the truth. Obviously that is not true. Even Jesus's disciples didn't understand what he meant at first.
Many teach that a parable is a simple story with a heavenly meaning inferring that it helps common people understand the truth. Obviously that is not true. Even Jesus's disciples didn't understand what he meant at first.
I do not understand them all after over 40 years of study. Jesus clearly taught that the parables were given to hide the "mysteries of the kingdom of heaven" from those who did not need to understand. That is not to say they will never know, just not necessarily in this age.
Do not beat yourself up when you do not understand everything you read in the Bible. The vast majority of people who have lived in this world have never even seen a Bible, and will not hear about their salvation until AFTER their resurrection. At that time all will know.
Do not beat yourself up when you do not understand everything you read in the Bible. The vast majority of people who have lived in this world have never even seen a Bible, and will not hear about their salvation until AFTER their resurrection. At that time all will know.
"For all will know Me, from the least to the greatest of them. For I will be merciful to their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more...now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." (Hebrews 8:11-12; 1 Corinthians 13:12)
When will we understand the parables? My take is that when and if it becomes our business, God will let us know. So, if we do not know the meaning now, it is none of our business.
When will we understand the parables? My take is that when and if it becomes our business, God will let us know. So, if we do not know the meaning now, it is none of our business.
Gently Instruct
"A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth." (2 Timothy 2:24-25).
All who teach should embrace what A. E. Knoch said of this passage of Scripture:
"The servant of the Lord must not strive. Under the severest provocation he must be gentle; under the most provoking and insistent ignorance he must teach; under the most exasperating and long-continued opposition he must be patient. His business is not to strive, but to correct; and to do this with all the meekness which God’s grace alone can impart. The rest he must leave to God, for He alone can give the change of mind which will acknowledge the truth."
A. E. Knoch (1874-1965)
The True Basis of Fellowship
Hard hearts hardened by centuries of opposition to "the truth" can only be changed by God.
Enemies and Friends of the Cross
“For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things." (Philippians 3:18-19)
Today the “enemies of the cross” are those who insist salvation is limited to a few who wisely accept God’s offer to save. That it takes the cross PLUS something else, whatever their particular denomination adds. This doctrine of limited salvation is destined to be destroyed when the cross is shown to have accomplished the “finished” work of salvation for ALL.
"Jesus said, it is finished. With that He bowed His head and gave up His spirit...our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await the Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to bring EVERYTHING under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body.” (John 19:30; Philippians 3:20-21)
"Enemies of the cross" has nothing to do with condemnation, but refers to those who oppose the truth. The truth is that Christ Jesus is the Savior of the world, and that this salvation is by the grace of God, not by the works of the law. All who believe this are friends of the cross.
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to ALL humans, 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." (Titus 2:11-15)
So who are these “enemies of the cross” Paul was referring to?
Paul was talking to the Jewish leaders who did not believe that their Messiah would or could die on a cross. The “enemies of the cross” among the Jews are those who refuse to believe that the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, and not obedience to the law of Moses, would save them from their sins.
Today the “enemies of the cross” are those who insist salvation is limited to a few who wisely accept God’s offer to save. That it takes the cross PLUS something else, whatever their particular denomination adds. This doctrine of limited salvation is destined to be destroyed when the cross is shown to have accomplished the “finished” work of salvation for ALL.
"Jesus said, it is finished. With that He bowed His head and gave up His spirit...our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await the Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to bring EVERYTHING under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body.” (John 19:30; Philippians 3:20-21)
"Enemies of the cross" has nothing to do with condemnation, but refers to those who oppose the truth. The truth is that Christ Jesus is the Savior of the world, and that this salvation is by the grace of God, not by the works of the law. All who believe this are friends of the cross.
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to ALL humans, 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." (Titus 2:11-15)
Become Perfect - Or Else
“Unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of
the Scribes and Pharisees you cannot enter the Kingdom of heaven…anyone who
says, you fool! will be in danger of the fire of gehenna…If your right
hand offend you, cut it off, it is better for you to lose one part of your body
than for your whole body to go into gehenna…love your enemies…be ye
perfect even as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:20, 22, 30, 44, 48)
There you have it. If you want to stay out of gehenna, all you have to do to stay out of it is to love your enemies, not call anyone a fool, cut off any limb that is offensive, and then be perfectly righteous like God.
If that is your gospel, I got some bad news - you and everyone else is going to "the fire of gehenna".
"There is none righteous, no not one...all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:10, 23)
So what is Jesus teaching?
The Jewish leaders had asked about the works necessary to enter the Kingdom of God. Jesus told them that in order to enter by doing good works they needed to be way better than their religious leaders, in fact they would have to be perfect like God.
When Jesus used the word translated "gehenna" he was referring to the valley of Hinnom outside of Jerusalem where the garbage was burned up and where the bodies of those who could not afford a tomb were burned up. Part of that valley was a graveyard at the time, some historians believe. Some Jewish Rabbis taught the myth that the gate of the underworld was in that valley and led to a place of torment. Christianity adopted a similar teaching about hell in about the 3rd or 4th Century AD and it is the majority view today. Jesus, however, was simply referring to death and where the body ends up thereafter…the grave.
After his death and resurrection Jesus taught Paul that "all have sinned" and "the wages of sin” was simply “death”, NOT some mythological underworld of eternal punishment whose gate was in the valley of Hinnom (Gehenna). He further taught Paul that the only way anyone will come out of the grave is by the GRACE of a loving God in raising the dead. Jesus revealed to Paul that...
“...as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive...Listen, I tell you a mystery…the dead will be raised imperishable…Death...swallowed up in victory… thanks be to God! He GIVES US the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:22,51-57)
The wisdom of the salvation of all by the Grace of a just, omnipotent God is the Truth, and the truth condemns the foolishness of salvation through the good works of self-righteous men.
There you have it. If you want to stay out of gehenna, all you have to do to stay out of it is to love your enemies, not call anyone a fool, cut off any limb that is offensive, and then be perfectly righteous like God.
If that is your gospel, I got some bad news - you and everyone else is going to "the fire of gehenna".
"There is none righteous, no not one...all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:10, 23)
So what is Jesus teaching?
The Jewish leaders had asked about the works necessary to enter the Kingdom of God. Jesus told them that in order to enter by doing good works they needed to be way better than their religious leaders, in fact they would have to be perfect like God.
When Jesus used the word translated "gehenna" he was referring to the valley of Hinnom outside of Jerusalem where the garbage was burned up and where the bodies of those who could not afford a tomb were burned up. Part of that valley was a graveyard at the time, some historians believe. Some Jewish Rabbis taught the myth that the gate of the underworld was in that valley and led to a place of torment. Christianity adopted a similar teaching about hell in about the 3rd or 4th Century AD and it is the majority view today. Jesus, however, was simply referring to death and where the body ends up thereafter…the grave.
After his death and resurrection Jesus taught Paul that "all have sinned" and "the wages of sin” was simply “death”, NOT some mythological underworld of eternal punishment whose gate was in the valley of Hinnom (Gehenna). He further taught Paul that the only way anyone will come out of the grave is by the GRACE of a loving God in raising the dead. Jesus revealed to Paul that...
“...as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive...Listen, I tell you a mystery…the dead will be raised imperishable…Death...swallowed up in victory… thanks be to God! He GIVES US the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:22,51-57)
The wisdom of the salvation of all by the Grace of a just, omnipotent God is the Truth, and the truth condemns the foolishness of salvation through the good works of self-righteous men.
Atheist - Deist - Unitarian
Many would agree that the three most important founding fathers of the United States were Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. It is interesting how they are perceived by some Christian leaders, both Catholic and Protestant. Paine is accused of being an Atheist, Jefferson a Deist, and Adams both Deist and Unitarian.
What Christians actually mean in their criticism is that these Founders did not agree with the doctrines of the institutional Christian church. To these Christians, those beliefs made them something less than Christian.
Nothing has changed, those who think outside the box of traditional creeds and statements of faith are labeled by some as something less than godly or "Christian." Fundamentalist Jews thought the same thing of Jesus and the Apostle Paul.
Basically, a study of these men shows that they all acknowledged a Divine creator but to them He was unknowable by mere men. To them He was bigger than the box that religion confines him to. And from their perspective, any attempt to explain what the Divine is like would inevitably cause division and result in God being portrayed as less than who He is. He would become a fabrication of men's minds with all sorts of false teaching surrounding those fabrications.
Therefore, they concluded that it is best to keep religious doctrine separate from government. The government should be of the people, by the people, and for the people. Not of, by, and for some religious institution.
They agreed with most Christians that men should pursue integrity and virtue in their lives. But they refused to limit the Divine to any religion's perception.
As men go, they were great men and I am proud to call them our Founders and recommend we imitate their love for America and its pursuit of integrity and virtue. There is part of me that wishes I could just leave it at that and move on.
But I disagree with their conclusion that the Divine cannot be known by mere men. I still believe the Bible is the word of God, and that it reveals His plan for creation, and that His purpose in creation can be understood by studying the Bible.
But I disagree with their conclusion that the Divine cannot be known by mere men. I still believe the Bible is the word of God, and that it reveals His plan for creation, and that His purpose in creation can be understood by studying the Bible.
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16)
Those Founders learned that man-made religious creeds and doctrines do more to hide God from humanity than reveal Him, so they just ignore them - and so were labeled Atheist, Deist, or Unitarian.
Those Founders learned that man-made religious creeds and doctrines do more to hide God from humanity than reveal Him, so they just ignore them - and so were labeled Atheist, Deist, or Unitarian.
Subjected to Frustration
Have you ever heard someone say "He is so heavenly minded he is of no earthly good?" I have known people who think this came from the Bible. Of course it didn't. In fact, the Bible says something entirely different.
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:2,3)
So what does it mean to "set your affection on things above"?
What it means for me is that this earthly life is pretty short so I do not put all my effort in amassing material stuff that I will leave behind. I want to focus more on the place my family and I will be AFTER death - the place where Jesus has gone to prepare for us.
"I go to prepare a place for you, and I will return for you so you can be where I am." (John 14:2-3)
The best thing we can leave behind when we exit this world is fond memories for those we leave behind, and a testimony of our hope in what comes next. Jesus, our Savior, has promised to return and raise us from death and change us into his image, so that together we can do good works in the ages to come.
For now we are both living and dying. Enjoy your time with friends and family while you can - make some good memories. But the "abundant life" to come with our loved ones will be even better - so we should set our minds more on that, especially as the "frustration" of getting older sets in.
"For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." (Romans 8:20-25)
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:2,3)
So what does it mean to "set your affection on things above"?
What it means for me is that this earthly life is pretty short so I do not put all my effort in amassing material stuff that I will leave behind. I want to focus more on the place my family and I will be AFTER death - the place where Jesus has gone to prepare for us.
"I go to prepare a place for you, and I will return for you so you can be where I am." (John 14:2-3)
The best thing we can leave behind when we exit this world is fond memories for those we leave behind, and a testimony of our hope in what comes next. Jesus, our Savior, has promised to return and raise us from death and change us into his image, so that together we can do good works in the ages to come.
"But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ, even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved! And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works..." (Ephesians 2:4-10)
For now we are both living and dying. Enjoy your time with friends and family while you can - make some good memories. But the "abundant life" to come with our loved ones will be even better - so we should set our minds more on that, especially as the "frustration" of getting older sets in.
"For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." (Romans 8:20-25)
What About the Unfaithful?
“What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written: So that you may be proved right when you speak, and prevail when you judge.” (Romans 3:3-4)
Human unbelief does not prevent God from being faithful to humans. That would make God a human. He uses human unbelief as a CONTRAST to His faithfulness.
He also uses human evil as a contrast to his goodness. He uses the mortality of fleshly human death to contrast with His gift of spiritual immortal life. He uses our failure (sin) to contrast his success. He uses our hate to contrast with His love. He uses our sickness to contrast His health. I could go on and on.
THE REASON FOR EVIL IN THIS LIFE IS TO ALLOW HUMANITY TO APPRECIATE ITS ABSENCE IN THE NEXT!
But instead of seeing the contrast and glorifying God, many Christians just do not get it. Why? Because they have believed the lie and decided that it is their “free will” that decides their destiny, rather than “God’s will”.
But God is the faithful Savior of all His creation. In His GRACE, all will eventually believe (have faith).
“...they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more...For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God…” (Jeremiah 31:34; Ephesians 2:8)
The contrast between the good and the evil that we all experience will ultimately allow us to love, praise, and glorify God for who He is. The mortal are to become immortal. Sin, death, hate, sickness, tears, sorrow, and failure will have been swallowed up in the victory of a successful immortal life.
“…and 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 first things have passed away." (Revelation 21:4)
We will be a new creation and God will be All in all.
"...it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast, created in Christ Jesus for good works" (Ephesians 2:8-10).
Human unbelief does not prevent God from being faithful to humans. That would make God a human. He uses human unbelief as a CONTRAST to His faithfulness.
He also uses human evil as a contrast to his goodness. He uses the mortality of fleshly human death to contrast with His gift of spiritual immortal life. He uses our failure (sin) to contrast his success. He uses our hate to contrast with His love. He uses our sickness to contrast His health. I could go on and on.
THE REASON FOR EVIL IN THIS LIFE IS TO ALLOW HUMANITY TO APPRECIATE ITS ABSENCE IN THE NEXT!
But instead of seeing the contrast and glorifying God, many Christians just do not get it. Why? Because they have believed the lie and decided that it is their “free will” that decides their destiny, rather than “God’s will”.
But God is the faithful Savior of all His creation. In His GRACE, all will eventually believe (have faith).
“...they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more...For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God…” (Jeremiah 31:34; Ephesians 2:8)
The contrast between the good and the evil that we all experience will ultimately allow us to love, praise, and glorify God for who He is. The mortal are to become immortal. Sin, death, hate, sickness, tears, sorrow, and failure will have been swallowed up in the victory of a successful immortal life.
“…and 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 first things have passed away." (Revelation 21:4)
We will be a new creation and God will be All in all.
"...it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast, created in Christ Jesus for good works" (Ephesians 2:8-10).
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