When did Jesus Save the World?

"God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24)

Jesus said this to a Samaritan women at Jacob's well. From that conversation she came to believe that Jesus was the Messiah and went into town to tell her friends. Some of those friends came to the well to visit with Jesus over a two day period and concluded:

"...we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world.” (John 4:42)

What did they mean by "Savior of the world"?

It has been almost 2,000 years and the world is not saved any more than it was at that time. Therefore it must be saved in the future or Jesus is not the Savior of the world.

What does all humanity have in common?  They all die.

The wages of sin is still "death" no matter how many religious organizations you join or how many times you tell people to "repent or perish".

"For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God...The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 3:23; 6:23) 

No one has ever prevented their death by "repenting of their sins" or "confessing with their mouth that Jesus as Lord" or "believing in their heart that Jesus is Lord". These acts, if you really know who Jesus is, are simply expressions of one's faith that Jesus is in fact "the Savior of the World". 

So when will Jesus "save" the world?

The bible teaches that it is when humanity has been resurrected from the dead. And it is in that "truth" that we "MUST" worship. All other worship is just the vain babbling of religious men.

Humanity can worship in this truth now, but it cannot "worship in spirit" until after all the dead have been resurrected into a immortal spiritual body.

"For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.... 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....so that God may be ALL in ALL....But someone will say How are the dead raised? and with what kind of body do they come?....It is sown a natural body, it is raised a SPIRITUAL body....Just as we have borne the image of the earthly, we will also bear the image of the heavenly." (1 Corinthians 15:16-49)

Only after ALL have died and ALL have been resurrected from death to immortality will humanity be able to worship God both "in spirit and truth".

Then every knee will have bowed and every tongue will have confessed that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.

“For it is written, as I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God….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. " (Romans 14:11; Philippians 2:10-11)

Then humanity will all know that "this One is indeed the Savior of the world".

DearGod

Dear God:

It’s me again. I finally retired from my job and have had more time to study the Bible. Read it through several times and wrote down what I think you’re telling me for my family and the few friends I have left. It is really good news for humanity! Thanks for letting me know about it. That something in me I asked you to strengthen seems to be working out. The Bible calls it your Spirit and just wanted you to know how much it helps me.

But it seems a lot of folks don’t like it. Especially the Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and most Christians. But I wanted you to know I believe you anyway. Here is a copy of what your Spirit says to me. Again, thanks.

Jrwlbook.blogspot.com

P.S. Let me know if I missed something.

I love you a lot,

Robert

First Class Ticket - What's it Worth?

Of what value was a first-class ticket on the Titanic?

Such is how I feel about life on this planet in general. It really doesn’t matter whether you go economy or first class. It is good to work to go first class if you can but remember that the trip through this world ends in tragedy for all – and a new life for all in Christ Jesus.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

Eternal life beyond the Titanic is what we can be assured of because God loves humanity – even liberal, Trump hating Democrats – and all of us will be changed at the mysterious last "trump" (pun intended).

“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So, when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:50-58)

The “work of the Lord” was His giving Himself as a ransom for all. His death on the cross will save humanity – all of them.

“This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all mankind to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all…” (1 Timothy 2:3-6)

”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 mankind, especially of believers. Prescribe and teach these things.” (1 Timothy 4:9-11)

We will abound in HIS work as we foolishly labor to go first class on the Titanic.

April 25th - We're Going To Be Like Him

”...God is love.” (1 John 4:8)

Love is His essence. His attributes are justice, power and wisdom. His essence is absolute, his attributes are relative. 

God was just to make the penalty for sin death.  God was also just when he "justified" the unjust through Christ "by his blood"; and, promised the "resurrection" of the dead. His essence would not be love if He did not use His attribute of omniscient power to save and change all of His erring children.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!” (Romans 5:8-9)

“For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive…Listen, I tell you a mystery: we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: Death has been swallowed up in victory.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-54)

I have chosen to believe the Bible which states that GOD IS LOVE! We are all children of God and will have to wait for the resurrection to be like Him, but humanity is assured that it will happen…

“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2)

Alexander the Coppersmith

"Alexander the coppersmith displayed to me much evil: the Lord will be paying him in accord with his acts --whom you also guard against, for very much has he withstood words of ours. At my first defense no one came along with me, but all forsook me. May it not be reckoned against them!. Yet the Lord stood beside me, and He invigorates me, that through me the heralding may be fully discharged, and all the nations should hear; and I am rescued out of the mouth of the lion. The Lord will be rescuing me from every wicked work and will be saving me for His celestial kingdom: to Whom be glory for the eons of the eons. Amen!" (2 Timothy 4:14-18)

Alexander the Coppersmith was most likely a witness for the prosecutor, and in his testimony brought "evil" accusations against Paul before the Roman tribunal.

Paul had to testify for himself and had no friends there to testify on his behalf. Alexander was being used as a witness to impeach the character of Paul, and was lying about him to do so.

But the Lord was on Paul's side, and Paul used it as an opportunity to share the evangel, which is really good news even for the Roman judge. Paul most likely told the judge what he told everybody about God...

"Faithful is the saying and worthy of all welcome (for for this are we toiling and being reproached), that we rely on the living God, Who is the Saviour of all mankind, especially of believers. These things be charging and teaching." (1 Timothy 4:9-11)

Paul was "being reproached" by Alexander, and warned Timothy to guard himself against such men. Nevertheless, the Lord would stand with them and their message of grace - so, whether convicted and thrown into to lion's den, or found not guilty and released, the Lord will be saving them for the "celestial kingdom" and will be with them for the "eons of the eons". 

As for Alexander, well, he misses out on the kingdom, and has to wait for his salvation until the end of those eons.

High Five!😇

Fear or Love

”He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.” (Isaiah 33:6)

I found the phrase “fear of the Lord” 22 times in the New International Version of the Bible. Humanity is admonished to fear the Lord as a conscious CHOICE. That choice to fear the Lord is the key to the treasure of finding a sure foundation for loving God and our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus.

But God does not GIVE us a "spirit of fear".

“God hath not given us the spirit of fear...” (II Timothy 1:7).

The choice to fear the Lord is the BEGINNING, not the end, of wisdom. It starts us on our journey to find that sin has been atoned for as the result of God's love and faithfulness.

”Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.” (Proverbs 16:6)

Unfortunately, the fear of God is where most Jews and Christians remain. But we are not to continue to fear God. We are to move on to the understanding that "God is love" - perfect love that sets us free from the bondage of fear.

 “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love." (1 John 4:16)

The perfect love of God "keeps no record of wrongs", and the love of God "never fails".

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

That is the GRACE of God in action! In His grace, God gives us a "spirit of power, and of love, and a sound mind".

“God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (II Timothy 1:7).

"This is how we know that we live in him and He in us: He has given us of his spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world..." (I John 4:14).

When we gain the wisdom that God is not just the Savior of some, but is the Savior of the whole world through Jesus, the love of God lives in us - driving out fear.

"If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment.  There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because HE FIRST loved us." (1 John 4:13-19)

Love and fear are not intended to occupy the same ground. There may be some of one and some of the other; but the more we fear "punishment", the less we know about the love of God. But when we grasp the love of God in saving the world, that "perfect love drives out fear".

It may be a fearful thing to fall into the hands of an angry God, but it is glorious thing to realize His anger lasts "only a moment" - while His love lasts forever.

"For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." (Proverbs 30:5)

Fuel For The Fire

“…be filled with the knowledge of His will…” (Colossians 1:10)

19 years ago I began to pray the above prayer for myself. Soon thereafter I began to examine my doctrinal positions.  In doing so I had to face squarely a question I had avoided for the most part - Is it really God’s WILL to separate Himself from unbelievers, keeping them alive eternally to punish and torment them? 

I was determined to be "filled with the knowledge of His will" even if it meant to embrace this doctrine which seemed to me to contradict the love of God. And for 5 years I studied Scripture, and the more I studied, the more it became obvious that this doctrine was not in the original language of His Word.

When the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar wanted to punish the people of God who had refused to worship him, he had them thrown into a furnace of fire...

“But whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire.” (Daniel 3:6)

Is our God like Nebuchadnezzar?

When Jesus’s Jewish disciples wanted to reign down fire from heaven and destroy the Samaritans Jesus told them…

"You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them." (Luke 9:56)

Of what spirit is the doctrine of eternal conscience torment? 

Paul had told Timothy...

"...instruct certain men not to teach false doctrines or devote themselves to myths..." (1 Timothy 1:3-4)

So how did it become a doctrine of the church?

It came by mixing the gospel of Jesus, the Savior of the world with Greek mythology, Greek philosophy and Greek theology - which has brought the institutional churches to a sorry state. Listen to one of the Saints of the Catholic church from the middle ages...

"The blessed in the kingdom of heaven will see the punishments of the damned, in order that their bliss be more delightful for them." - Saint Thomas Aquinas

And hear part of two sermons by Jonathan Edwards, a Protestant preacher whose sermons are still quoted by misguided evangelists in our modern era.

“The view of the misery of the damned will double the ardour of the love and gratitude of the saints of heaven...The sight of hell's torments will exalt the happiness of the saints forever. . .Can the believing father in Heaven be happy with his unbelieving children in Hell. . . I tell you, yea! Such will be his sense of justice that it will increase rather than diminish his bliss."

These men are insane and their words some of the most heretical blasphemy against God and Christ Jesus ever uttered. We were warned by Paul to avoid these servants of "Satan"...

"For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness." (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)

And what will be the end of Saint Thomas and Jonathan Edwards?

"Anathema Maranatha!" (1 Corinthians 16:22; Galatians 1:9)

Meaning - such men are devoted to destruction at the coming of the Lord. They will be judged and cast into the lake of fire for their unbelief (the second death is the lake of fire, not eternal conscious torment although it would be poetic justice).

Paul specifically told Timothy what to "prescribe and teach"…

“As in Adam all die, even so, in Christ, shall all be made alive...this 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 Corinthians 15:22; 1 Timothy 1:15; 2:3-6; 4:10)

You are not one of the "believers" if you do not teach the above, nor can people be a "believer" who teach the opposite - the myth of eternal conscious torment. 

When I finally became a "believer", it freed me from these "doctrines of demons". 

"But the Spirit explicitly says that in subsequent eras some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons." (1 Timothy 4:1)

Rejecting the "doctrines of demons" is the only way to believe the clear statements in the Bible that it is the WILL of God that all be saved and the whole world reconciled to God. Read the Bible with the goal of harmonizing all of it with that WILL.  The truth is that God will be ALL in ALL His creation…according to His grace and mercy!

“...through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross" ... "that God may be All in All.” (Colossians 1:20; 1 Corinthians 15:28)

My faith has not been received well by the institutional church and I have found it is wasting time to argue. However, I will from time to time share my thoughts on the truth they ignore, and I will pray that those who read my thoughts will "ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will"...

“…ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may have a walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him.” (Colossians 1:10)

You cannot please God by believing He will allow eternal torment. Trying to build on Jesus, our "foundation", with such teaching composed of "wood, hay and straw" will fuel the fire that will consume those false teachings when we all stand before Jesus to give an account of what we chose to believe about God.

"Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God...For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on the foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the day will bring it to light.  It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved - even though only as one escaping through the flames." (Romans 14:12; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15)

My advice is to stop fueling the fire!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE!

“But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for ALL OF THE PEOPLE; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)

The birth of Jesus is good news of great joy for “all the people”. Both Jew and Gentile are included in this salvation. And the savior would later tell how he would save us...

"And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself." (John 12:32)

We should not celebrate the birth of our Savior without celebrating his love for “all the people”, which amazingly includes the "ungodly" for Paul tell us in his letter to Rome...

“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.” (Romans 5:6-9)

The wrath of God upon sinners is finished in death for we are told in Scripture...

“For all have sinned” and “...the wages of sin is death” and "it is appointed until men once to die” (Romans 3:23a; 6:23a; Hebrews 9:27)

But this little baby, born in Bethlehem of Judea over 2000 years ago, grew up and saved the world in His death, burial and resurrection. That is the true joy of Christmas, the gospel for "all the people", including his enemies.

“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...For it is by Grace you have been saved and not of yourselves, it is the GIFT of God...the FREE gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Ephesians 2:8; Romans 5:10; 6:23b)

ALL YOU PEOPLE - HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

And Happy New Year! In it may you come to "a knowledge of the Truth"!

"This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension." (1 Timothy 4:3-8)

The Deal Maker

"That ruler will have a firm agreement with many people for seven years, and when half this time is past, he will put an end to sacrifices and offerings. The awful horror will be placed on the highest point of the Temple and will remain there until the one who put it there meets the end which God has prepared for him." (Daniel 9:27 Good News Translation)

Daniel is an interesting book of the Bible. It is the only Scripture which gives a time line for God dealing with Israel. Daniel was a captive of and was living in Babylonia. He was studying Scripture and reading from Jeremiah. He began confessing the sins of Israel that had brought about their captivity and the destruction of the City of Jerusalem and Solomon's Temple by the Babylonians...

"O God, hear my prayer and pleading. Restore your Temple, which has been destroyed; restore it so that everyone will know that you are God." ( Daniel 9:20 GNT)

While praying something amazing happened. The Angel Gabriel was sent to tell him when the final "holy Temple" would be built and rededicated.  It would involve 490 years divided into one period of 483 years and one period of 7 years beginning with a "command" given to rebuild Jerusalem.

"Seven times seventy years is the length of time God has set for freeing your people and your holy city from sin and evil. Sin will be forgiven and eternal justice established, so that the vision and the prophecy will come true, and the holy Temple will be rededicated. Note this and understand it: From the time the command is given to rebuild Jerusalem until God's chosen leader comes, seven times seven years will pass. Jerusalem will be rebuilt with streets and strong defenses, and will stand for seven times sixty-two years..." (Daniel 9:24-25 GNT)

History records that Artaxerxes I of Persia gave the "command" to rebuild Jerusalem around 457 BC.  A second Temple and the City of Jerusalem was rebuilt during the next 483 years.  The Scripture written by Ezra and Nehemiah record the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the second Temple under Zerubbabel. We know from the New Testament Scripture that this second Temple was enlarged by Herod in the years just before the birth of Jesus.
  
"And at the end of that time God's chosen leader will be killed unjustly. The city and the Temple will be destroyed by the invading army..." (Daniel 9:26)

Jesus is the "chosen leader" that came to "rededicate" the Temple, but as foretold by Daniel, was "killed unjustly". Since Jesus did not "rededicate the Temple" at that time it remains to be done upon His return.  

Jerusalem and the second Temple were "destroyed" by the Roman Empire in 70 AD, and the Jews were scattered among the nations where they have remained for almost 1900 years. Around 1917 a remnant of Jews began returning to the land of Israel and declared its independence on May 14, 1948. They have fought with the surrounding Arab nations since that time. During the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel gained control of the Temple mount for the first time since it was destroyed by the Roman Empire. Orthodox Jews have been trying to get the Israeli Knesset to allow them to build a third Temple ever since.  However, there are two holy shrines of Islam also on the Temple mount so the Israeli government has not allowed them to build the Temple in order to prevent a holy war with Islam.

There are 7 years left of Daniels 490 year vision to free Israel's "holy city from sin and evil", establish "eternal justice" and have the "holy Temple rededicated" by their Messiah Jesus.

Another Temple will be rebuilt soon. The plans are already complete and if you google the "Temple Mount and Eretz Yisrael Faithful Movement" you will find that Orthodox Jews are now prepared to start building on a moments notice.  

Daniel says a "ruler" will reach a "firm agreement with many people" which most likely will be the beginning of the final 7 years of Daniel's prophecy. That agreement will bring temporary peace to the region and allow the third Temple to be built along side the shrines of Islam.  However, in the middle of that 7 year deal, the agreement is broken and an "awful horror" will be placed on the "highest point" of the Temple.

"That ruler will have a firm agreement with many people for seven years, and when half this time is past, he will put an end to sacrifices and offerings." (Daniel 9:27)

If you want all of the details of what happens during the final 7 years read the book of Revelation.  Those of us who are "watching" for the return of Jesus should be looking for that deal to be made soon between Israel and the Arab nations.  All US Presidents beginning with President Carter, as well as the United Nations, have tried to get a peace deal between Israel and its Arab neighbors, but have failed so far.

Revelation Chapter 13 calls this "ruler" who negotiates the agreement a "beast". Nevertheless, He gets that deal made and will be praised by the whole world at first - even Republicans and Democrats will follow his advice and require all buying and selling under his "mark"...

"The beast forced all the people, small and great, rich and poor, slave and free, to have a mark placed on their right hands or on their foreheads. No one could buy or sell without this mark, that is, the beast's name or the number that stands for the name. This calls for wisdom. Whoever is intelligent can figure out the meaning of the number of the beast, because the number stands for the name of someone. Its number is 666." (Revelation 13:18)

This Deal Maker, the ruling "beast" of Revelation, will meet "the end which God has prepared for him" at the return of the Lord Jesus Christ! By the way, I wouldn't advice adopting his "mark" if you happen to be around when it is required - plant a garden!

The Gift That Keeps On Giving

“…God, being rich in mercy, because of His vast love with which He loves us (we also being dead to the offenses and the lusts), vivifies us together in Christ (in grace are you saved!) and rouses us together and seats us together among the celestials, in Christ Jesus, that, in the oncoming eons, He should be displaying the transcendent riches of His grace in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For by grace are you saved…it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:4-10)

Many refuse to believe the gift is free, yet Scripture is clear...

“The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life...” (Romans 6:23)

Most of humanity will have never heard the good news until it is a reality - after their resurrection when the “mortal has put on immortality”.

“...in Christ all shall be made alive…when this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying, death is swallowed up in Victory.” (1 Corinthians 15:22,54-55)

This is the season to celebrate the love of God.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son...the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. " (John 3:16; 1 Timothy 2:5)

Jesus is the Gift that keeps on Giving!

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)

Merry Christmas!

Prolepsis

Prolepsis is a figure of speech in which a future act or promise is represented as if presently existing or accomplished. It is used often in Scripture.

"For the love of Christ is constraining us, judging this, that, if One died for the sake of all, consequently all died. And He died for the sake of all that those who are living should by no means still be living to themselves, but to the One dying and being roused for their sakes." (2 Corinthians 5:14-15)

That Christ Jesus died for the sake of all is a historical fact, however, the phrase "consequently all died" is prolepsis, a figure of speech in which all mankind is considered to have died when Jesus "died for the sake of all".  The result is that the "life" of all mankind is now "hid together with Christ in God".

"For you died, and your life is hid together with Christ in God. Whenever Christ, our Life, should be manifested, then you also shall be manifested together with Him in glory." (Colossians 3:3-4)

The "our Life" refers to "all" mankind. That we will once again have "life" is a guaranteed future event which is so certain that the "new creation" is spoken of as if this primitive world has already passed by and "there has come new" - prolepsis.

"So that, if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: the primitive passed by. Lo! there has come new! Yet all is of God, Who conciliates us to Himself through Christ, and is giving us the dispensation of the conciliation, how that God was in Christ, conciliating the world to Himself, not reckoning their offenses to them, and placing in us the word of the conciliation." (2 Corinthians 5:17-19)

When we grasp this wonderful truth and are at peace with God, we want to share the "word of conciliation" with the world as the "ambassadors" of Christ. Not from some pulpit, but everyday life - treating people the way Christ treated us. 

"For even as, in Adam, all are dying, thus also, in Christ, shall all be vivified...For Christ, then, are we ambassadors, as of God entreating through us. We are beseeching for Christ's sake, "Be conciliated to God!" For the One not knowing sin, He makes to be a sin offering for our sakes that we may be becoming God's righteousness in Him." (1 Corinthians 15:222 Corinthians 5:20-21)

God is at peace with mankind and we are to do our best to tell people about it so they can have peace toward God - not terrified about what He might do to them. Reconciliation is peace between two parties - mankind and God.  God has already made His peace with mankind at the cross - he is "conciliated" but it is a one sided peace until individuals make their peace with God - then there is "reconciliation" - a peace between all parties.  People experience the joy of reconciliation when in our mind we make peace with God.  And I am not talking about some free will choice to be saved from hell, that's religious myth.  I am referring to coming to a place where one realizes that God loves me with all my sin and is "not reckoning our offenses to us" - is NOT angry with us and has graciously saved us through the blood of Christ shed "for our sakes".

God is commending this love of His to us, seeing that, while we are still sinners, Christ died for our sakes." ..."and through Him to reconcile all to Him (making peace through the blood of His cross), through Him, whether those on the earth or those in the heavins." (Romans 5:8; Colossians 1:20)

I am saved, justified and reconciled to God - and so are you - but like Paul, I know it is a future manifestation.

"Not that I already obtained, or am already perfected. Yet I am pursuing, if I may be grasping also that for which I was grasped also by Christ Jesus. Brethren, not as yet am I reckoning myself to have grasped, yet one thing -- forgetting, indeed, those things which are behind, yet stretching out to those in front -- toward the goal am I pursuing for the prize of God's calling above in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14)

I can speak of my salvation as if it has already occured, prolepsis - because the very Word of God is behind the promise.  That is good enough for me.

Freeing Fools

"It is difficult to free fools from the chains they revere" - Voltaire

Paul knew this first hand. He would say to the Galatians...

"O foolish Galatians! Who bewitches you?...for freedom Christ frees us!" (Galatians 3:1; 5:1)

Freed them from what?

Christ freed them from the impossible task of saving themselves by doing good works. Christ Jesus covered our sin with his blood and gives us righteousness before God "IN HIM".

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all mankind... Christ Jesus who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed" ... "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...He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God IN HIM." (Titus 2:11,14; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21)

We do not become righteous by our good works or by OUR faith in Christ..but by "the faith OF Christ" Jesus...it is a gift from God "IN HIM".

"There is none righteous, not even one...being justified in His blood, we shall be saved from indignation, through Him." (Romans 3:10; 5:9)
Attention all political and religious "do-gooders", keep it up because it is a good thing - BUT - all the good works in the world will not make one person righteous before God.

"...a man is not being justified by works of law, except alone through the faith OF Christ Jesus, we also believe in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by the faith OF Christ, and not by works of law, seeing that by works of law shall no flesh at all be justified." (Galatians 2:16 CLNT)
I know, some translations have "IN" where the KJV and CLNT has "OF", i've read many of them - but the oldest and best Greek manuscripts read "faith OF Christ".

Our faith in him simply allows us to rejoice in what He has done on our behalf. So rejoice in the truth that you and those you care about have been Reconciled by the "BLOOD" OF CHRIST, Justified by the "FAITH" OF CHRIST, and will be Saved from death at the "RETURN" OF CHRIST to free us from death.

"For freedom Christ frees us".

And oh by the way - treat others like you appreciate it!

If Jesus Didn't Do It - It Won't Get Done

“And we have gazed upon Him, and are testifying that the Father has dispatched His Son, the Savior of the world...In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.” (1 John 4:14; Ephesians 1:7)

The removal of the sin of both believers and unbelievers is done wholly and solely by the "blood" Christ Jesus shed on the cross to become the "Savior of the world". Works of righteousness will not remove sin. Obedience to God will not remove sin. Baptism will not remove sin. Confession, repentance, and asking God for forgiveness will not remove sin. Even our faith will not remove sin.

"Yet now, apart from law, a righteousness of God is manifest (being attested by the law and the prophets), yet a righteousness of God through Jesus Christ's faith, for all, and on all who are believing, for there is no distinction, for all sinned and are wanting of the glory of God. Being justified gratuitously in His grace, through the deliverance which is in Christ Jesus (Whom God purposed for a Propitiatory shelter, through faith in His blood, for a display of His righteousness because of the passing over of the penalties of sins which occurred before in the forbearance of God), toward the display of His righteousness in the current era, for Him to be just and a Justifier of the one who is of the faith of Jesus. Where, then, is boasting? It is debarred!" (Romans 3:21-27).

It is our "faith in His blood" that shelters us from sin. But it is Jesus Christ's faith, righteousness and shed blood that removes sin, and justifies the sinner "gratuitously in His grace, through the deliverance which is in Christ Jesus".

Salvation of the sinner: If Jesus didn't do it, it won't get done.

The Third Heaven

"In a beginning Elohim created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1)

The word "heavens" is plural and we can identify three in Scripture. The atmosphere above the land where the birds fly is the first one. Outer space where the stars and planets are seen is the second. But there is a "third heaven" which lies above outer space, the heaven that not even the Hubble or the James Webb space telescopes will ever penetrate.

"I am acquainted with a man in Christ, fourteen years before this, (whether in a body I am not aware, or outside of the body, I am not aware -- God is aware) such a one was snatched away to the third heaven. And I am acquainted with such a man (whether in a body or outside of the body I am not aware -- God is aware) that he was snatched away into paradise and hears ineffable declarations, which it is not allowed a man to speak." (2 Corinthians 12:1-4)

That "man" was the Apostle Paul. The "third heaven" is where the throne of God dwells, and where Christ Jesus resides at present. It is this heaven that members of the Body of Christ will go upon our resurrection. There we will display "among the celestials" "the transcendent riches of His grace".

"God, being rich in mercy, because of His vast love with which He loves us (we also being dead to the offenses and the lusts), vivifies us together in Christ (in grace are you saved!) and rouses us together and seats us together among the celestials, in Christ Jesus, that, in the oncoming eons, He should be displaying the transcendent riches of His grace in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For in grace, through faith, are you saved, and this is not out of you; it is God's approach present, not of works, lest anyone should be boasting." (Ephesians 2:4-9)

When Paul was allowed to see this "paradise" where celestial beings dwell, he was forbidden to speak about the "ineffable declarations" he heard.

The third heaven is where the New Jerusalem is being constructed. A city that is 1500 miles long, 1500 miles wide and 1500 miles high.  The Apostle John saw it descending onto the New Earth and recorded his vision in Revelation 21. There we read about the beauty and glory of that City. 

"And I perceived the holy city, new Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband" 

One day we will see the third heaven. What else will we find? We can only imagine using the Spirit which indwells us.

"...according as it is written, that which the eye did not perceive, and the ear did not hear, and to which the heart of man did not ascend -- whatever God makes ready for those who are loving Him...to us God reveals them through His spirit, for the spirit is searching all, even the depths of God." ... "The Lord Himself will be descending from heaven with a shout of command, with the voice of the Chief Messenger, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ shall be rising first. Thereupon we, the living who are surviving, shall at the same time be snatched away together with them in clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. And thus shall we always be together with the Lord. So that, console one another with these words." (1 Corinthians 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)

I am like a kid on Christmas morning when I think about it - what is under the  tree? Like the lyrics of the song by MercyMe - I can only imagine!

Surrounded by Your glory

What will my heart feel?

Will I dance for you Jesus?

Or in awe of You be still?  

Will I stand in Your presence?

Or to my knees will I fall?

Will I sing Hallelujah?

Will I be able to speak at all?

I can only imagine

Judgment of the Wicked

The word JUDGMENT is a scary word in the world of religious thought. So I decided to do some studying and thinking about what the Bible says about it. Here is what I found…

The Greek word is “krisis” from which we get our English word crisis. And crisis simply means a critical time where something very important happens or is happening. In other words it is a turning point in time. It seems to me that the equivalent Hebrew word is “mishpat” and is used in the following OT verses…

“…to keep the way of Yahweh to do what is right and duly just (mishpat)." (Genesis 18:19)

“...the Judge of the entire earth, would He not execute right judgment (mishpat)?” (Genesis 18:25)

Scripture views judgment as a turning point where the judge is suppose to do what is right. Judgment made by a human is not always right. But God has given the final Judgment to His Son, Christ Jesus who will do what is right.

“For neither is the Father judging anyone, but has given all judging to the Son.” (John 5:22)

“He assigns a day in which He is about to be judging the inhabited earth in righteousness by the Man Whom He specifies, tendering faith to all, raising Him from among the dead." (Acts 17:31)

He will judge and do what is right, exposing the motives of the heart and then, almost unbelievably, each will receive praise from God.

“Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.” (1 Corinthians 4:5)

How can that be? How can both good and bad people receive praise from God? I think the answer lies in the following verses…meditate on them for a while….

“…it is I who have created the destroyer to destroy.” (Isaiah 54:16)

“I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.” (Isaiah 45:7)

“The LORD has made everything for its own purpose, even the wicked for the day of evil.” (Proverbs 16:4)

The LORD takes responsibility for creating evil, the destroyer, and the wicked. Don't you think he will do the right thing by them in the end - and save them. Are they not lost and are they not included in the prayer of Jesus while hanging on the cross…

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost…Father forgive them, they know not what they do” (Luke 19:10; 23:34)

Yes God will eventually save all, not because I say so, but because the Scripture could not be more clear...

"Faithful is the saying and worthy of all welcome (for for this are we toiling and being reproached), that we rely on the living God, Who is the Savior of all mankind, especially of believers.These things be charging and teaching." (1 Timothy 4:9-11)

I think it is time for Christians to stop thinking too highly of themselves.

“Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don't think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.” (Romans 12:3)

When the final judgment is made it will be based on love, for God is love.

“God is love" … "Love is patient, love is kind...and it keeps no record of wrongs...Love never fails….” (1 John 4:8, 18; 1 Corinthians 13:5-13)

Dead Men Walking

The phrase “dead man walking” refers to an inmate sentenced to death on his way to be capitally punished. The Scripture speaks of mankind in the same way...

“...even as through one man sin entered into the world, and through sin death, and thus death passed through into all mankind.” (Romans 5:12)

Mankind has been sentenced to death and so we are all “dead men walking”…but there is good news!

“For since, in fact, through a man came death, through a man also, comes the resurrection of the dead...you died, and your life is hid together with Christ in God.” (1 Corinthians 15:21; Colossians 3:3)

Senator John James Ingalls of Kansas once said...

“In the democracy of the dead all men at last are equal. There is neither rank nor station nor prerogative in the republic of the grave".

I am convinced by the study of Scripture that all dead men walking will again walk in newness of life – all equal in the eternal Republic of God.

“...we rely on the living God,Who is the Savior of all mankind...for even as, in Adam, all are dying, thus also, in Christ, shall all be vivified...that God may be All in all.” (1 Timothy 4:10; 1 Corinthians 15:22-28)

So, in light of that, stop worrying about how unrighteous you are...your life is "hid together with Christ in God" - your are safe in Christ Jesus!

"Do not worry about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, that is superior to every frame of mind, shall be garrisoning your hearts and your apprehensions in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

The Simple Truth - Saved by Grace

"....yet now, apart from law, a righteousness of God is manifest (being attested by the law and the prophets), yet a righteousness of God through Jesus Christ’s faith, for all and on all who are believing, for there is no distinction, for all sinned and are wanting of the glory of God. Being justified gratuitously in His GRACE, through the deliverance which is in Christ Jesus.” ... "For Christ, while we were still infirm, still in accord with the era, for the sake of the irreverent, died...God is commending this love of His to us, seeing that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for our sakes. Much rather, then, being now justified in His blood, we SHALL BE SAVED from indignation, through Him." (Romans 3:22-25; 5:6-9)

The GOSPEL OF GRACE can be summarized as follows:

Sin condemned mankind to the wrath of God which is DEATH. However, the LOVE and GRACE of God overcomes His wrath so He sent his Son to save sinners. "Jesus Christ’s faith", death and resurrection saved us. God will resurrect sinners from death with a powerful, spiritual body which cannot sin or die.

The Gospel of GRACE is not rocket science. It is meant to be so simple a child can understand, and so profound that a genius stands in awe of its simplicity and beauty.

Those enslaved by the various Religions of the world have caused all kinds of wars, pain, suffering and guilt. Paul says we should "shun" them because they are "ever learning but never coming to a knowledge of the truth" (2 Timothy 3:7). 

"These, also, shun. For of these are those who are slipping into homes and are leading into captivity little women, heaped with sins, being led by various lusts and gratifications, always learning and yet not at any time able to come into a realization of the truth. Now, by the method by which Jannes and Jambres withstand Moses, thus these also are withstanding the truth, men of a depraved mind, disqualified as to the faith." (2 Timothy 3:6-8)

All In Asia Turned Away

The Apostle Paul wrote in his last letter to Timothy…

“Of this you are aware, that all those in the province of Asia were turned from me…now you fully follow me in my teaching…for the era will be when they will not tolerate sound teaching…they will be turning their hearing away from the truth, yet will be turned aside to myths.” (2 Timothy 1:15; 3:10; 4:3-4 CLNT)

That “era” began in Paul's lifetime when “all” those in Asia had been "turned from" his teaching. This “era” has now lasted over 1900 years and not only has the vast majority turned "their hearing away from the truth", most have never even heard the truth that Paul was teaching.  It is indeed miraculous that anyone is left today who has not been “turned aside to myths”.

Paul told Timothy that "all Scripture" is beneficial to teach.  But the teacher should be “correctly cutting the word of truth” into what belongs to Israel and what belongs to the Body of Christ.  Recognizing the difference is the only way to "have a pattern of sound words" that will make the teacher “an unashamed worker”.

“Have a pattern of sound words which you hear from me...endeavor to present yourself to God qualified, an unashamed worker, correctly cutting the word of truth…all Scripture is inspired by God, and is beneficial...” (2 Timothy 1:13; 2:15 ;3:16 CLNT)

About 15 years ago, I noticed that almost all preaching in the church I attended revolved around the four gospels, especially the book of John. Very few sermons from the books written by the Apostle Paul. I began to wonder if there was a significant difference between what the Apostles Peter, James and John preached to Israel and what the Apostle Paul preached to the gentile nations. So I began to study closely Paul’s writings and found the difference. There were “Circumcision” writings “for the Circumcision” (Israel) committed to Peter and “Uncircumcision" writings “for the Uncircumcision” (the Body of Christ) committed to Paul. 

“…perceiving that I have been entrusted with the evangel of the Uncircumcision, according as Peter of the Circumcision…James and Peter and John, who were suppose to be pillars, give to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we, indeed, are to be for the nations, yet they for the Circumcision.” (Galatians 2:7-10)

I had never been taught the difference in church and I bet you have not either, most likely because the teachers are not "correctly cutting the word of truth". Knowing the difference is so important that it is impossible to avoid "being turned aside to myths" without knowing the difference between the teaching of Peter for the Circumcision and Paul for the Uncircumcision. Following is a link to more details in case your interested.

https://jrwlakey.blogspot.com/2018/11/doctor-of-deception.html

Master of Deception

Satan is the "Adversary" of truth.  God created him to fill that role, and he is really good at his job, having earned a Masters Degree in Deception. Jesus and Paul both warned people about his deception...

"You are of your father, the Adversary, and the desires of your father you are wanting to do. He was a man-killer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, for truth is not in him. Whenever he may be speaking a lie, he is speaking of his own, for he is a liar, and the father of it. Yet I -- seeing that I am speaking the truth, you are not believing Me..."..."Satan himself is being transfigured into a messenger of light."  John 8:44-45; 2 Corinthians 11:18 CLNT)

The "Adversary", or Satan, has disguised himself as a "messenger of light", not among the wicked, but among the religious folks.  One of his favorite tools is the mistranslation of Scripture.  For example:

Mistranslation of Greek words into English:

"Aion" and its cognitive adjective "aionios": The Greek words mean "a space of time, an age and age lasting".

Satan, however, influenced theologians to define the words as "eternal" or "everlasting" or "forever and ever" in various places!

"Gehenna': This was a place in the valley of Hinnon, near Jerusalem, where propitiatory sacrifices were made to the god Moloch. It is derived from the Hebrew ge ben Hinnom, the valley of the son of Hinnom.  It was being used as a garbage dump when Jesus was on earth.

Satan, however, influenced theologians to translate the Greek word as "hell", the Greek mythological underworld ruled over by Hades, son of Zeus. 

But his most deceptive victory was getting believers to to mix the good news of the Kingdom promised Israel with the good news of Grace which applies to all mankind. 

Mixing the gospel of the Kingdom with the Gospel of Grace: Paul writes...

"...perceiving that I have been entrusted with the EVANGEL OF THE UNCIRCUMCISION, according as Peter OF THE CIRCUMCISION (For he who operates in Peter for the apostleship of the Circumcision operates in me also for the nations), and, knowing the grace which is being given to me, James and Cephas and John, who are supposed to be pillars, give to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we, indeed, are to be for the nations, yet they for the Circumcision." (Galatians 2:7 CLNT) 

This was not just a matter of to whom Peter and Paul went, but it is a matter of what they taught  - the content of the gospel they were to share.  Both evangels (gospels) are rooted in Jesus but are two different ministries to two separate groups of believers with two separate destinies in this age and the two following ages:

1. Gospel of the Kingdom "for the Circumcision": It is good news for God's covenant nation, Israel. They were to obey the Law of Moses in order to prosper.  They failed but God had promised to send another Prophet like Moses who would restore to earth the Kingdom that God had promised ISRAEL. That Prophet was Jesus, the Messiah.  But they rejected and killed him. And the irony is that his blood that they shed is the very blood that has atoned for their sin.  It is all a part of God's plan, and Jesus promised Israel that he would come again to establish the Kingdom, and bring in the "times of refreshing".

The promises and curses in the Law of Moses, the Levitical Priesthood, the word of the Prophets, and the Pentecostal gifts and miracles are for them and applies directly ONLY to them. As the covenant nation, they are to confess their sin, call upon the name of the Lord, turn from their evil ways, be baptized for the pardon of their sins, and continue to do works of righteousness found in the Law of Moses.  And most importantly, to believe that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah). His resurrection was the proof to them that he was the Messiah.

"And Jehovah testifies against Israel, and against Judah, by the hand of every prophet, and every seer, saying, ‘Turn back from your evil ways, and keep My commands, My statutes, according to all the law that I commanded your fathers, and that I sent unto you by the hand of My servants the prophets."... "Simon Peter said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. Now, answering, Jesus said to him, Happy are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood does not reveal it to you, but My Father Who is in the heavens."..."Peter is averring to them, Repent and be baptized each of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the pardon of your sins...so that the times of refreshing should be coming from the face of the Lord." (2 Kings 17:13 YLT; Matthew 16:16-17 CLNT; Acts 2:38, 3:19 CLNT) 

It is Israel's destiny to rule and reign with Jesus Christ in His Kingdom to be established on this earth during the two ages following this present Age.  The details of the Gospel of the Kingdom for Israel is found in the Books of the Old Testament and the New Testament Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Hebrews, James, 1st and 2nd Peter, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John, Jude and Revelation.

2. Gospel of Grace "for the Uncircumcision": It is the good news for all mankind that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, was buried and rose again, and the result will be the salvation and reconciliation of all creation . Those of all nations who believe this good news are "placed" in the Body of Christ by God as He "wills". Members of the Body are to share this good news on earth during this present Age and their destiny is in the heavens in the following Ages. Jesus is the Head of the Body and His death on the cross for all sinners, flowing from the love, grace and mercy of God, is the focus of this gospel. Jesus gave the details of this good news first to the Apostle Paul which had been hidden in past Ages. Paul was the worst sinner, and the FIRST member of the Body of Christ..

"To Him who has it in His power to make you strong, as declared in the Good News which I am spreading, and the proclamation concerning Jesus Christ, in harmony with the unveiling of the Truth which in the periods of past Ages remained unuttered." ... "Christ died for our sins according to the scripture, and was entombed, and he has been roused the third day..."... "Faithful is the saying, and deserving of universal acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; among whom I stand foremost. But mercy was shown me in order that in me as the foremost of sinners Christ Jesus might display the fullness of His long-suffering patience as an example to encourage those who would afterwards be resting their faith on Him with a view to the Life of the Ages. Now to the immortal and invisible King of the Ages, who alone is God, be honor and glory to the Ages of the Ages! Amen." (Romans 16:25 WEH; Timothy 1:15-17 WEH)

All of the details and destiny of the Body of Christ are found in the New Testament Books of Acts, Romans, 1st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, 1st and 2nd Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.

Summary of the Deception:

Satan and his "servants" have succeeded in mixing these two gospels to such an extent that the gospels have become "a different gospel, which is really not another". 

"I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the GRACE of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ...For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ." (Galatians 1:6-12)

Satan's deception is temporary, for "the truth" of the "redemption" of all mankind will be obvious to all at the end of the ages when all are saved, and all creation reconciled to God.

"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...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. And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach." ..."This 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." (Colossians 1:13-22;1 Timothy 4:9-11

Pass on what Paul told us to "teach" so that others might come "to a knowledge of the truth".

"This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth." (1 Timothy 2:1-8)