1 Corinthians 15:17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
Who was he speaking to?
1 Corinthians 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
Saved people who eventually so happened to believe there was no resurrection of the dead…
Initially not believing in the resurrection of Christ from the dead as part of the gospel of grace (that saves one’s never-dying soul), will leave one with no hope of salvation, meaning, one will still be in one’s sins…. thus one’s faith will be in vain….
Believing Christ rose from the dead is what justifies a person (in the eyes of God).
Romans 4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
Context is everything.
1 Corinthians 15:12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among youthat there is no resurrection of the dead?
~ In these few words alone (bolded and italicized) is the reason why Paul preached the gospel to saved people again.
1 Corinthians 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
Moreover: “as a further matter”, meaning in this particular scenario, it was a further matter of concern which also needed to be corrected in the church of Corinth.
When the devil serves up his New World Order upon the world, it will be in the manner of restricting religious freedom. Christianity in all its forms will be banned, and so will the Bible, not to mention religious Christian paraphernalia like crucifixes. It will be illegal to gather in or enter a church building or a house for the express purpose of worshipping the Lord Jesus Christ.
When one looks at the devil’s agenda, its sole purpose is to restrict people from being saved by way of the preaching of the gospel, and also not to allow Saints to mature spiritually and grow in their walk. His intention is to have both victims in hell as well as victims whose faith has been shipwrecked, (so they do not preach the gospel to others).
So what is to be implemented in this world soon is taking away the right to worship God freely and openly. Since the USA is the backbone of the gospel of grace being spread throughout the world, it is my guess the devil won’t think twice to hunker down on what is considered to be religious extremism or fanaticism. The seed has already been sown as far as I can see: some have already been arrested for preaching the gospel or a form of the gospel in public.
2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
Besides, the Bible is politically incorrect, and is considered to be patriarchal too. It also confirms there are only two genders, that men are protectors and leaders, and there sure is a lot mentioned about war in it. It also speaks of hell, says all men are liars, that all have sinned and confirms God will send those that do not believe the truth, strong delusion.
These are just some of the reasons it will be considered to be hate speech and be banned.
A Christian’s number one priority when voting is to consider their candidate of choice’s stand on religious freedom, as this ties in with the Christian’s calling to be free to preach the gospel of God’s grace to all men.
Not sure if I mentioned this before, but here goes ~
Yes, I believe the virus is real and is causing economic, emotional, physical and mental chaos and anguish around the world, particularly amongst the aged and those with underlying illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma and weakened immune systems, to name but a few.
Since it is a novel virus, not much is known about it from the aspect of whether it will die out like the Spanish Flu did, or whether it will stick around like HIV has, nor is there currently a proven treatment for it.
Coronaviruses in different strains have been with us since “oupa fell off the bus” namely the common cold which, if I can recall correctly, was transmitted to humans by camels, HIV which was most likely transmitted from apes to humans, and flu from another animal which I can’t recall offhand…
All of the abovementioned illnesses, as I said, are caused by coronaviruses, which means, the virus(es) in their natural format are uniquely animal viruses, and when they’re transmitted to human hosts they are inclined to initially cause havoc as we well know, until they mutate and transform into human viruses as HIV has done over the years.
“What we gonna do tonight, ‘Rona?”
“Take over the world, Pinky, what else is there to do?”
As is well known in Grace circles, I’m at odds with conspiracy theorists who promote the idea that “Rona” is a hoax in order to take over the world, for the simple reason that if governments or evil men wanted to take over the world they could easily do so or could have done so without the help of “Rona”, after all, they have powerful armies at their disposal and loyal men, not to mention they also have the police, and then there’s parliament where they can pass laws to this effect, relegating us all to “oxygen thief” and “useless eater” status at the stroke of a pen and so banish us to the grave as Hitler once did with 6 million Jews, not forgetting the Gypsies and disabled people he murdered too…. I mean, why wait for better days to accomplish it? What with modern technology and modern weaponry, there’s no way, José, that any civilian forces or militias will win a war against first world governments or the UN today. C’mon be realistic…
Strange thing concerning conspiracy theorists is that they do all their research and garner all their info from the internet, and do not confirm whether their sources are credible or not, but when “normal Jack” does the same, he’s labelled a sheep and a non-thinker. So much for free thinking. Just sayin’.
To wear a mask, or to not wear one, that is the question…
Personally I have a tendency to take the thing off when walking or when not around others for the simple reason that I cannot breath. I was born prematurely, so my lungs are weak to this day and I have a tendency to breath through my mouth. I also suffer from claustrophobia. Yet one isn’t permitted to enter a store here without wearing a mask and sanitising one’s hands first.
The other day in the supermarket I ripped the thing off after entry, and lo and behold, a security guard with a mask just covering her mouth came up and told me to mask up, so I left.
The way I see it, this “mask-world domination-control” thing is part and parcel of mainline Churchianity’s belief that God will supernaturally protect believers from the virus (hence there is no need for them to wear a mask).
In the meantime, the devil is actually standing behind the pulpits of their assemblies, feeding them all sorts of nonsensical doctrine and in this manner is succeeding in sending their souls to hell.
Ever noticed how conspiracy theories and Qanon went mainstream after Trump entered the White House? It’s mind numbing stuff – circular reasoning.
When “Rona” is eventually defeated by way of either disappearing or by way of long-term treatment, as is currently being done with HIV – what are the conspiracy theorists going to do then? Forget it all? Or bury it in File 13?
It’s a known fact that pandemics of the past have changed world economies – it’s a given as there are major consequences after a pandemic.
Concerning a vaccine for Covid-19, I don’t believe in taking it, just as I don’t believe in taking flu shots. To my mind there are no cures for respiratory diseases caused by coronaviruses as can be proven with the common cold and flu. One has to take a flu shot annually and not on a once off basis. It goes without saying that if one denies Covid 19 is real, one also has to deny colds and flu are real.
My main problem with conspiracy theories is that they leave one wanting. Nothing is definite, everything is left hanging in the air and this in turn leaves one with a thousand questions as it’s reasoning isn’t logical.
When Lenin took over Russia, he didn’t pussyfoot around and play games, he went in for the kill with a full blown revolution – that, to my mind is how evil men take over the world.
Currently UN laws are being passed in one’s country without one even realising it – and the world as we know it hasn’t come to an end, so who needs “Rona” anyway?
It is unfortunate that we as humans don’t seem to understand nor care until something affects us personally or someone in our vicinity, it doesn’t become real until we face it in real life.
I believe lost men and women are sincerely trying to make themselves, as well as this sin cursed world a better place… they are oblivious to the fact that God already has the end planned out and that their plans will come to nought.
These people are sincere, but wrong, just as conspiracy theorists are sincere, but wrong.
Ignorance is obviously not only having a lack of knowledge about the Bible in general, but more importantly, it is also a lack ofbiblical-dispensational knowledge.
Willful ignorance amounts to coming to the realisation of Biblical-dispensational truth, yet still rejecting it because of pride, one’s social status, not wanting to give up one’s way of earning a livelihood, the fear of rejection, the influence of others (denominational pastors, elders, family, friends), a fear of being humiliated or ridiculed due to one’s beliefs that are contrary to the current status quo of mainstream Churchianity, andalso afear of being persecuted, etc.
Israel largely suffered from ignorance during times past and will also be in the same situation in future:
Hosea 4:6 My people aredestroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
Romans 10:2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
The end result of such ignorance will result in death (in the spiritual sense) for eternity.
Zechariah 13:8 And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein.
Ignorance continues to be a problem today even though Man has not been living in a time for almost 2000 years already whereby his ignorance can be construed to not having the appropriate biblical-dispensational knowledge/doctrine made available to him.
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The vast majority of people today reject God and the Bible, and if not that, then they reject the mystery doctrine applicable for today as revealed to the Apostle Paul by the ascended Christ.
Their ignorance of the differences between the doctrine preached by the earthly Christ in Matthew, Mark, Luke & John in relation to the doctrine revealed to Paul by the ascended Christ confirms that the mystery revealed between Romans and Philemon still remains largely a secreteven after 2000 years of having been revealed… which leads one to believe, that if one wants to keep a secret, all one has to do is write about it on the pages between Romans and Philemon… and sadly, the vast majority of men and women will be none the wiser… But truthfully speaking, those who are in unbelief, have had their minds blinded by the devil.
2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
One’s understanding (whether right or wrong) comes by way of the mind. One’s eye of understanding is one’s mind.
People today are, or have been bewitched by mainstream Christianity which takes it upon itself to keep the law, and the same applies to those who fall away from the Pauline faith, who in turn swop grace through faith alone for grace plus keeping the law.
Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
Thus the vast majority of people need to have their eyes of understanding enlightened in order to make them see the fellowship of the mystery:
Ephesians 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
Ignorance amounts to spiritually having a heart that is waxed gross, ears that are dull of hearing and eyes that are closed, which is not only the vast majority of Jews in the flesh today, but also the vast majority ofGentiles.
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Acts 28:27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
They see no truth, hear no truth and obviously speak no truth. Their minds are closed. When the devil deceives, he does so through the mind, with words ~ doctrine.
2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 🔹🔹🔹
Romans 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
It’s true, Satan does stand behind the pulpits of the vast majority of assemblies today, (preaching self-effort for salvation) and isn’t to be found in clubs, pubs and other places of ill repute, trying to lead everyone astray by way of booze, partying, revelry, drunkenness and all that goes with it. These are purely man-made vices and have nothing to do with the devil whatsoever…. so in all truth, the devil really does not make you do such things….
2 Corinthians 11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Currently manifested: That which may be known of God:
Romans 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
Evidence of God’s existence: things clearly seen: creation: ecosystems, microbiology, weather systems, seasons, eclipses, planets, heavenly bodies, etc. The way things that are made: babies in the womb, the human body and how it functions; the vastness of the earth and also through His word where one can read about the existence ofGod.
Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Currently manifested: The righteousness of God without the law:
Romans 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
To be manifested in future: The body of Christ as the sons of God in celestial bodies:
Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
1 Corinthians 15:52 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.
Currently manifested: The mystery which was hid in God:
Romans 16:26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
Colossians 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
Will be manifested in future: Every Saint’s work at the Judgment Seat of Christ:
1 Corinthians 3:13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
Acts 26:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
God will make manifest in future: The counsels of the hearts:
1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
Romans 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
Currently manifested among members of the Body of Christ: They which are approved
1 Corinthians 11:19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
Philippians 3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
Colossians 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Currently an outward manifestation of those Saints who allow the word rightly divided to work effectually in their inner men: The life of Jesus is reflected in their flesh:
2 Corinthians 4:11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
Romans 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these ; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
1 Timothy 5:24 Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
1 Timothy 5:25 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
Currently manifest: The folly of men and women who resist the Truth of Mid-Acts Pauline Dispensational Right Division:
2 Timothy 3:8-9 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
[9] But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
Currently manifested: His word committed to the Apostle Paul in Romans to Philemon:
Titus 1:2-3 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
[3] But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
And for those who believe the gospel, this word manifested currently results in their redemption (salvation) through his blood, the forgiveness of sins:
Ephesians 1:6-7 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
[7] In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Anyone who believes 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 for their salvation would be aware of the fact that they are sinners in need of a Saviour, otherwise they would not really believe “Christ died for their SINS”. They would believe Christ died. Period….. that’s if they even believe He existed…
No sin, thus no need for a Saviour.
Some of the most hard hearted people out there who reject the gospel of Christ, are the same people who deem themselves to be good people, believing all men are inherently good, and it (the good in them) needs to be brought out and nurtured, and can thus be done by attending some or other course, or even by reading a book on self-improvement.
These people are self-reliant and are lovers of their own selves. When one loves oneself, one sees no wrong in oneself, so one cannot acknowledge one’s own sin nature…
2 Timothy 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
I shake my head at the pop culture method of assessing men and women nowadays which is a very basic method and consists of two categories, namely, “Nice People” and “Bad People”. It is basically an assessment of personality: that is, what personality traits one is prepared to either accept or reject concerning others.
But when pop psychology turns religious, it has a tendency to see only the good in itself and only the bad in others. It is outward looking.
Romans 2:1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
Yet, regardless of anyone’s personality and religious beliefs, God says ~
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Thus, all men and women in their natural state are in Adam:
Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
But if and when they acknowledge they are sinners and choose to believe the gospel of Christ according to the revelation of the mystery, they change from being spiritually in Adam to spiritually being in Christ, in other words, their judicial status changes.
Romans 5:17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
~ Keywords: “in Christ Jesus”
The “good” in some people only amounts to them having more self-control than others, but as the world continues to hurtle towards full blown Tribulation, less and less people will exercise self-control in the various aspects of their lives. The Holy Spirit through Paul refers to it as being “incontinent”:
2 Timothy 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
The Cult of Personality is what religion looks at and upholds, unable to see sinful men and women in need of a Saviour….. and so its emphasis is unfortunately on trying to improve the outer man (which eventually dies) in order to please God, which in turn leads it to it’s failure to recognise the salvation of the inward man which never dies.
And this is one of the reasons why the world is so horribly screwed up: there are too many self-righteous religious folk trying to make things right in their flesh, when God says it is impossible to do so:
Romans 7:18-19 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
[19] For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
If the Apostle Paul could not perfect himself in the FLESH, what makes any religious person think they are able to do so?
Unlike Saints, religious folk do not have the option of walking in the Spirit because they are still in Adam. Saints on the other hand are in the Spirit (in Christ) and the Spirit of God dwells in them:
Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his..
“… he is none of his”
Sad, but true, so if you aren’t saved – believe the gospel of Christ according to the revelation of the mystery: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 plus nothing, because ~
Romans 8:8 … they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Overall, the early church fathers blurred the distinction between Israel and the church, the body of Christ, allegorized scripture and were amillennial in their view, but some also held to crude dispensationalist views, as follows:
Justin Martyr
“Though the canon of scripture had not yet been compiled, the Old Testament was. Justin noticed “several different economies in the Old Testament. In biblical terms, an “economy” is a divine order in which history is revealed. Though there are subtle difference, it is very similar to the meaning of dispensation.”
Tertullian
“Tertullian saw God working in a dispensation with Adam, Abraham, Moses, and the millennial reign of Christ.”
Irenaeus
“In regards to Irenaeus and dispensationalism Peter Enns writes, “Irenaeus refers in his writings to four principle covenants given to the human race, particularly drawing a distinction between three covenants of the Old Testament and the gospel. This distinction is typical of dispensationalism.”
“He taught what would become known as the rule of faith. The rule of faith taught the following three truths: 1) Jesus would come bodily to Earth. 2) The rule of faith affirms the bodily resurrection of believers, and 3) the rule of faith affirms a future judgment.”
“To be more specific the four ages, or dispensations that Irenaeus saw in Scripture were the Adamic covenant, the covenant with Noah, the Mosaic covenant, and the new covenant.”
Papias
“In the writings of Papias we see the dispensational teaching of the literal millennial reign of Christ on Earth. One of the hallmarks of dispensationalism is the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. This was also the view of this great church father, but with a twist. Papias saw the rebuilding of Jerusalem as an essential element for the faithful to receive physical and spiritual blessings. Papias also interpreted Scripture to say that there would be peace on Earth once Christ returned.”
Augustine
“Overall Augustine is amillennialistic towards his views of the end times. He does distinguish between different dispensations, such as when sacrifices were offered in the temple and that is no longer something that is done.”
“Pierre Poiret lived from 1646-1719, and published a massive six-volume systematic theology. In his work titled L’Economie Divine, he details seven dispensations which range from infancy to the renovation of all things.”
“John Edwards was a pastor who published a work titled A Compleat History, or Survey of All the Dispensations. In this work, he seeks to show how God deals providentially with His creation in different stages of the world.”
“Before John Darby, Isaac Watts wrote hymns and was a theologian that made great headway in defining dispensationalism. He noticed that in various stages God would have different expectations and made promises that were different than that of previous generations.”
“John Darby is the person most people think about when they hear about dispensationalism. He was a prolific scholar, and did a masterful job in systematizing dispensational thought.”
(John Darby was an Acts 2 dispensationalist). Other well known, early Acts 2 dispensationalists are: C I Scofield and Clarence Larkin.
“Darby’s systemization was popularized by C.I. Scofield and his very popular reference Bible.”
“There were other fathers not mentioned that held to primitive dispensational concepts such as Cyprian, Hippolytus, Commodian, Methodius, Melito, and Appolinaris. They all held views that would later develop into dispensationalism.”
Above excerpts taken from William B. Hemsworth ~ “Dispensationalism and the Early Church Fathers”
Today, we’ve come a long way with respect to discerning the mysteries revealed to Paul by the ascended Christ ~
The four basic truths of Mid-Acts (Acts 9 & Acts 13) Dispensationalism:
*Encompasses the distinctive message and ministry of the Apostle Paul.
*Holds to a pre-tribulation rapture of the Church, the Body of Christ.
*Distinguishes between Israel and the Church, the Body of Christ.
*Believes justifictation is purely by faith alone, in Christ alone.
And of course, there’s also Bullingerism, otherwise known as Acts 28 dispensationalism aka “hyperdispensationalism”. Proponents for this class of dispensationalism are Bullinger (of course), Charles F. Baker, Sir Robert Anderson and J C O’Hair – all of who believe Paul’s prison epistles to be the only doctrine “not written to the Jews”.
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1 Corinthians 12:5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
1 Corinthians 12:6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to EVERY CREATURE.
Which means they are to go to men and women of all persuasions, religions and beliefs (every creature), and obviously not to fish, fowl and beasts…
Mark 13:10 And the gospel must first be published among ALL NATIONS.
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“All the world” means all the known world at that time under the rule of the Roman Empire which had to be taxed (times past):
Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that ALL THE WORLD should be taxed.
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All nations except Israel:
Acts 14:16 Who in times past suffered ALL NATIONS to walk in their own ways.
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Which means all the goat nations (times to come):
Matthew 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of ALL NATIONS for my name’s sake.
Matthew 25:32-33,41 [32] And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
[33] And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
[41] Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
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And now, during this present time:
Provision was made: Jesus is the Saviour of all men, but to have him as one’s personal Saviour is conditional upon believing the gospel. He hasn’t saved every person by default:
1 Timothy 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the SAVIOUR OF ALL MEN, specially of those that believe.
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The free gift has been provided (by God) to all men, which doesn’t mean all men are justified by default. Being in possession of justification is conditional upon believing the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4 + nothing):
Romans 5:18 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.
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Christ gave his life as a ransom for all men, which also doesn’t mean all men are forgiven of their sins by default. On the contrary, it means He made provision for all their sins, in other words, he delivered the solution almost 2000 years ago (for all men to be free of their sins, both Jew and Gentile), so forgiveness of sins is also conditional upon believing the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4 + nothing):
1 Timothy 2:6 Who gave himself a ransom FOR ALL, to be testified in due time.
Ephesians 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the PURCHASED possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Ransom: A sum of money demanded or paid for the release of a captive or captives…. Christ paid for the release of the captives with his blood…
That is, captives to sin….
For the wages of sin is DEATH; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. ~ Romans 6:23
If one does not believe the gospel that saves one’s never-dying soul, one will pay for one’s sin with one’s life and no person on this earth will be able to help one out in this respect, as at the “end of the day” one is solely accountable to God…
Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Neither pastors, priests, churches, nor one’s good works will be able to save one from the wages of sin….which is the second death.
Revelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
When Christ paid for our sin debt, he purchased eternal life (for those who believe the gospel).
2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Ever heard of the conspiracy theory and Acts 2 Baptist “thumb suck” which states that the Ashkenazi Jews of current day Israel are not really Jews because of their questionable bloodline/genes?
Romans 2:25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law,thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
Yet these people (in future) ~
Revelation 3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of , which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
Are of the same ilk as these people ~
Romans 2:26-29 [26] Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
[27] And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
[28] For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
A person is a Jew because of what he believes not because he was born one in the flesh ~
[29] But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
But now…
Colossians 3:10-11 [10] And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
[11] Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
Labour in the Lord is a labour of love, not only for the love of God, but also for the love of lost men and women:
1 Thessalonians 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
Romans 16:12 Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.
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Christian labour is classified as[1] the preaching of the gospel, [2] edifying Saints, [3] praying for others, and [4] being a workman in doctrine, rightly dividing the word of truth (all of which will be judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ):
Edification (the perfecting of the Saints):
Ephesians 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
The preaching of the gospel:
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
Philippians 4:3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
Praying:
Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
Right division; sound doctrine:
1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Corinthians 5:9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, wemay be accepted of him.
1 Corinthians 3:8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own rewardaccording to his own labour.
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Saints do not labour alone, they labour together with God:
1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.
1 Corinthians 3:7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
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One’s labour, however, can be in vain due to no fault of one’s own:
1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.
One’s spirit is renewed inknowledge after the image of God.
Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
The knowledge whereby the new man is renewed is with scripture written to the Body of Christ ~ Romans to Philemon, rightly divided.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
The inward man is also renewed by one making a decision not to conform to this world, because the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
Renewal of the mind is a daily process, it doesn’t happen overnight or instantaneously.
2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
Ephesians 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
The mind is renewed by allowing scripture rightly divided to work effectually in one’s inner man and not by trying to perfect one’s flesh according to obedience to the mosaic and levitical law.
Galatians 3:3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
2 Timothy 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
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1 Corinthians 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Acts 14:3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
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1 Corinthians 1:5-6 [5] That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
[6] Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:
1 Corinthians 2:1-2 [1] And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
[2] For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
2 Timothy 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
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1 Corinthians 15:1-4 [1] Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
[2] By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
[3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
[4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
People are under the impression I do not read in general, the truth is, I am known to be the bookworm of my family. An English high school teacher instilled in me the love for reading…
Just because I tell babes and newborns in Christ not to be too anxious to read just any old religious book (just yet), does not mean I do not like reading…. It’s just that babies cannot discern between meat, bones and gristle…. Even I, after 12 years of being saved struggle with the likes of Bullinger’s writings in that I find some of his beliefs utterly tasteless and/or offensive…. which leads me to closing the book(s) forever. (Perhaps one day I’ll be able to open them once again?).
(Bullinger’s book concerning prophecy in the stars was the biggest load of codswallop I’ve read in a long time…)
Since I have stated not to know anything (amongst you) other than Christ crucified, does not mean I do not listen to the news or take note of what’s going on in the world… I do…. take note of the mayhem, injustices, chaos, mistakes, rebellion and the fact that history is repeating itself.
I however believe in punting the cure for all of this: faith in the gospel of Christ, rather than the disease itself (sin).
The world is a crazy place: on the one end we have its churches calling for the repentance of sin, prophesying good times ahead by bringing about a kingdom on earth, and on the other hand total immorality. Surely if there are hundreds of thousands of Christians in the world, why hasn’t anything changed for the better?
Speaking of which, Ray McCauley, he of the Rhema WOF fame, prophesied in the 80s and 90s that South Africa would be the envy of all nations as we showed the world how to come together without a civil war, with Nelson Mandela as our much vaunted leader….
Turns out it was all gob smack, to which many have had a convenient memory loss… in order to protect the “prophet”.
Bottom line: there are no “prophets” when there are no profits to be made…
People are, however welcome to assume what they like about me – everyone is entitled to their opinion.
I try to stay away from politics. It is one of those things I don’t like to talk about – even more so today with the atmosphere in the world. So, here is just a few quick things that fall into the “political” realm I wanted to write about. Text Messages It’s bad enough that […]
“It shall greatly help ye to understand the Scriptures if thou mark not only what is spoken or written, but of whom and to whom, with what words, at what time, where, to what intent, with what circumstances, considering what goeth before and what followeth after.” ~
When one reads about the deception people find themselves in today, it doesn’t hit as hard as when one actually experiences it personally or face to face.
The degree of deception in the cults is utterly gobsmacking.
I recently crossed paths with Seventh Day Adventists who own a holiday resort, the place where I stayed for a while on my travel adventures, where I also found myself “imprisoned” during lockdown – for want of a better description of my tenure there.
Underhanded, aggressive, totally void of the truth, as well as the ability to reason, having zero integrity, is sadly the order of the day…. There is no doubt in my mind that Seventh Day Adventism is a cult: its adherents are controlling, manipulative and have an insatiable appetite for power and money.
It goes without saying that they are closed to the Truth simply because they think they already have the Truth. In my opinion they come second only to Mid-Acts Dispensationalists when it comes to drawing up charts – prophetic timelines, that is – to gauge where they currently are on the prophetic timeline… ignorant of the dispensation of God’s grace which we are currently living in….
How do you convey the Truth to someone who is arrogant, thinks he is superior and is cocksure of himself for the sole reason that “whoever blesses him, God will bless, and whoever curses him, him God will curse…. Who is under the impression that he is not only on a higher spiritual level, but on a higher physical level too, simply because he is a vegan that does not lower himself to indulge in the eating of animal flesh or animal products, nor does he partake of any dish which includes “cockroaches of the ocean”? (prawns and crayfish)….. and sees himself as “the apple of God’s eye”, so “away with thee, ye flesh eating riff-raff, peasants and heathens, don’t come and tell me what to believe, you are in absolutely no position to do so… who do you think you are?”
Ever seen a vegan wearing a leather gun holster and decry the killing of animals at the same time? Don’t even try and make sense of it…. you’ll be wasting your time.
Everyone is on about Mormonism and the Jehovah Witnesses, but don’t put the cult of Seventh Day Adventism away…. they are connected and have their feelers firmly entrenched in almost every level of society…. in the police force, in the courts, in Health Care – they are lawyers, doctors, nurses, teachers, managers, accountants, businessman and magistrates, and they help one another out of difficult circumstances just like the Freemasons do.
Their businesses usually do not operate on Saturdays, and if they do, they employ staff to “take the rap on the Sabbath”, just as some fundamental Jews who own businesses do… and excuse it as being an “essential service” which God will overlook…
Worldwide, Seventh Day Adventism is second only to Catholicism when it comes to the number of its followers, yet they see themselves as being “the remnant church of the end times” (remnant means small). Their children are mainly homeschooled so as not to partake of “Babylon’s educational system” and they usually do not drink tea or coffee, although some do, but Ellen G White’s writings stipulate keeping preferably to a stimulant free, vegan diet (free of alcohol, caffeine, meat, dairy, etc) because they believe the spirit, soul and body are interlinked, and if one’s body is unhealthy, so too will one’s spirit be unhealthy…
Hypocrisy runs deep in the Seventh Day Adventist camp. One day they are standing behind the pulpit preaching that whoever eats meat will go straight to hell, when they do not even believe there’s a hell – they are annihilists, the next day they are blunt, impatient and rude for no apparent reason, (probably because they perceive you to be a flesh eating heathen and a woman to boot, so it is permissible in their book to treat you like something the cat dragged in), then the next minute they’re on their Facebook pages punting kindness…
The bondage of the law is the order of the day… Saturday worship which they perceive as God’s will is compared to Catholicism’s Babylonian Sunday worship which is satanic, so they see worldwide deception being those who keep Saturday as the Sabbath being forced to keep the Sabbath on a Sunday instead and cite the Greens as an example of currently putting forth a “green Sunday” where everyone rests on this day in order “to help save the planet”.
If only it were that simple.
Seventh Day Adventist theology is ignorant, naïve and shallow.
They believe another gospel, in soul sleep, that there’s no hell and that they are the new Jews. They incline towards Israel’s Old Testament which is about judgment, which discerns between Jew and Gentile (believers and heathens) and are known to make such stilted comments as, “how can anyone who eats pork call themselves a Christian”…. when in reality the Old Covenant is totally devoid of Christians….
But God is clear in his word: If one does not believe the gospel revealed to Paul by the ascended Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) one is accursed, (Galatians 1:7-9). If one does not rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15), one will strive about words, subverting the hearers and it will be to no profit (2 Timothy 2:14 & 16).
For those who are unapproachable and look down on the Truth and think they “have it all”, I have the “hamba kahle plan” (pronounced “haambaa gaash lê”) – Zulu for “go well”, meaning: I wish you well and will pray that God puts people in your path who preach the Truth, who you will listen to…. and hopefully be saved…. not by keeping the Sabbath, but by believing the gospel of Christ
Michael is Israel’s guardian angel who wars against those who want to destroy her, namely the Antichrist, the devil and the armies of men led bythedevil:
Daniel 10:13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
Daniel 10:21 But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.
Daniel 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
Revelation 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
Satan:
Ezekiel 38:2 Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him,
Satan is obviously the chief prince of the goat nations during the tribulation:
Ezekiel 38:3 And say, Thus saith the Lord God ; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:
Daniel 11:22 And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant.
John 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Matthew 9:34 But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.
Matthew 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.
Gabriel:
Gabriel the archangel is Israel’s messenger:
Daniel 8:16 And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.
Luke 1:19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
—o0o—
Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Exodus 15:3 The Lord is a man of war: the Lord is his name.
Matthew 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Armageddon (future):
The two opposing forces:
1. Supernatural heavenly armies of the most high God made up of angels:
Revelation 19:14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
2. Armies made up of both the natural and the supernatural: evilmen (earthly) and satanic forces(supernatural):
Revelation 19:19 [17] And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.
Revelation 19:17-18 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto thesupper of the great God;
[18] That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of , and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.
War in heaven during the tribulation:
Revelation 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
But now…. today…. is a time of peace with God, as he isn’t warring with, nor judging mankind:
Ecclesiastes 3:8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
Romans 5:1-2 [1] Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
[2] By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 15:33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Ephesians 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
We are currently living in an unprecedented time where God is not imputing men’s sins (to their accounts), thus, he isn’t currently judging anyone…
So choose peace today (and for eternity) by receiving God’s grace through faith in the gospel of Christ. Trust Christ accordingto the revelation of the mystery revealed to the Apostle Paul. (Romans 16:25).
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 [1] Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
[2] By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
[3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
[4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
If you aren’t saved, you are a sinner who is unable to stand before a holy God, so you need to receive God’s imputed righteousness in order to be justified.
Romans 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
Because of their failure to to rightly divide, denoms have a skewed version with respect to what “that whichis perfect” is.
“That which is perfect is come” doesn’t refer to Christ – he isn’t a “which”, he’s a “who”.
During Paul’s early ministry: prophesies, tongues, and the healing of sicknesses and diseases were the order of the day and correlated to a time when he only knew the mystery “in part”…
1 Corinthians 13:9-13
[9] For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
Prophecy, tongues and healing ministries were all “in part” – only temporary gifts, for the following reasons:
“*As signs of the kingdom of God – Proverbs 1:23, Joel 2:28, Isaiah 35:6, John 14:12
*As signs to unbelieving Israel – 1 Kings 18:37, Acts 2:33, 1Corinthians 14:22
*To confirm a new message – Hebrews 2:3-4, John 14:11
*To confirm a new messenger – 2 Corinthians 12:12; Galatians 2:8
*To accomplish God’s mission – Mark 16:17 ( for Israel) and 1 Corinthians 12:7 (Church)”
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[10] But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
When having incomplete knowledge to work with, one is spiritually a child as one does not have the means whereby one can attain further (spiritual) growth because one doesn’t know what else to do or accomplish, unless shown.
[11] When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
[12] For 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.
[13] And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
It’s like having incomplete plans on how to build a chair, if one hasn’t been given the knowledge on how to make the seat, one has an incomplete chair, or a chair not made to specification, that is, until the plans for the manufacture of the seat are eventually revealedto one too.
Glass defined:
James 1:23
For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
Paul at that time did not have the entire mystery revealed to him, so he saw through a “glass darkly”.
It is also the reason why he water baptised during his early ministry.
1 Corinthians 1:14-17
I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
[15] Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
[16] And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
[17] For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
1 Corinthians 13:8
Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
Knowledge of old things (Israel’s prophetic program) is now insufficient during this dispensation, it has vanished away as it has been replaced withsomething better – something more excellent – the mystery, which nominal Christianity and the cults are ignorant of. Nominal Christianity today sees through a ” glass darkly” due to its ignorance of Right Division and the grace gospel.
2 Corinthians 3:18
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
But now….
1 Corinthians 13:13
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
—o0o—
Romans 2:18
And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;
1 Corinthians 12:31
But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
Philippians 1:10
That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
Romans 16:25
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
It was revealed to Paul by the ascended Christ:
Galatians 1:12
For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 1:11
According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
It’s bottom-line concerns God taking out a body of believers to inhabit and rule in heavenly places with Christ as itshead:
Ephesians 2:6
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
This gospel hinges on Christ’s cross work and resurrection:
2 Timothy 2:8
Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
1 Corinthians 1:23
But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
Philippians 3:10
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
It’s not performance based:
Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
[9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Titus 3:5-7 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
[6] Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
[7] That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Salvation is obtained immediately upon believing the gospel, so one does not need to endure until the end:
1 Corinthians 15:2
By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
It doesn’t discern between Jew and Gentile:
1 Corinthians 1:24
But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
Healings, signs and wonders and miracles are not a part of it:
1 Corinthians 13:8
Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
1 Corinthians 13:13 Andnow abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
Nor is water baptism:
1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptise, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
Faith with works (in order to obtain salvation) is dead:
Philippians 3:9
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Romans 10:3
For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
Does not require obedience to the levitical and mosaic law:
Romans 3:21
But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
Romans 3:20
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Paul gives us a hint with regard to the deception which will take place in future.
2 Thessalonians 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
For example, Seventh Day Adventists believe that the “final Elijah” will walk this earth during the last days and be able to let fire come down from heaven, as did the first Elijah:
2 Kings 1:12 And Elijah answered and said unto them, If I be a man of God, let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And the fire of God came down from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty.
So they, along with other religionists, who are prone to looking for signs, yet are biblically and dispensationally ignorant, will be duped into believing that this man (the false prophet) is sent by God and will worship the Antichrist (who will proclaim himselfto be God) because his false prophet too will make fire come down from heaven:
Revelation 13:13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
2 Thessalonians 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
Seventh Day Adventists are just one of many religious assemblies today who refuse to receive the love of the truth and will sadly enter thetribulation.
2 Thessalonians 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
Seventh Day Adventists believe one cannot have grace without keeping the law, read: if one upholds the law, then only does one have God’s grace. Apart from this, their gospel is “the love message of the three angels”, namely, Saturday worship, warning against worshipping the beast, and separation from Babylon and its principles. Their gospel is a performance based one of clocking up merits.
They are therefore accursed: to go through the tribulation and experience an eternity in hell, separated from God.
Galatians 1:8-9 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
[9] As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
I preached the gospel to a woman of the Seventh Day Adventist faith recently and was summarily blocked and dismissed, because it was stated that I “cheapened” Christ’s death on the Cross because I denied the repenting of sins was necessaryin order for one to obtain righteousness
The “love message” of the three angels of Revelation does not save one’s eternal soul today, as some might discover, sadly when it’s too late…
I have a fascination with the happenings of the Tribulation and Millennial Kingdom, probably due to the fact that when I breath my last breath on this earth, I won’t ever be returning again, nor will I ever have experienced God’s wrath… yet life will continue as per usual on this earth, and a time will come when there will be supernatural occurrences and judgment on a grand scale,a time like no other…so I try and imagine what it will be like through the pens of the Prophets.
(People ask how Christ will rule and reign simultaneously in both heavenly places and on earth in future – the answer to that is easy: he is omnipresent.)
Tribulation of +/- 7 years in duration:
During this time,God finds no joy and has no pity on those who call themselves Jews in the flesh but do not believe, whether they be fatherlessor widows, which shows the degree of God’s wrath in times to come:
Isaiah 9:17 Therefore the Lord shall have no joy in their young men, neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows: for every one is an hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaketh folly. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
The reason why God does not refer to the current nation of Israel (which will find herself in the Tribulation) as “Israel”, but rather makes reference to “the land” in general, and refers to her as“mystery Babylon”, “the harlot” or “the whore”:
Hosea 6:10 I have seen an horrible thing in the house of Israel: there is the whoredom of Ephraim, Israel is defiled.
Revelation 3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
The Millennium, an earthly New Covenant kingdom – 1000 yearsin duration:
World peace, a single religion and Christ personally reigning on earth:
Isaiah 19:24-25 [24] In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land:
[25] Whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance.
The Body of Christ in heavenly places – for eternity:
Ephesians 2:6-7 [6] And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
[7] That in the agesto come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
The Dispensation of God’s Grace – Now, and already 2000 years in the making:
Ephesians 3:2-7 [2] If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
[3] How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
[4] Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
[5] Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
[6] That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
[7] Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
What one believes and when, will depend on where one will spend eternity.
Trust Christ according to the gospel of 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 for your salvation today in order to have an eternal abode in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
The gospel which saves your never-dying soul today
Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
—o0o—
John 4:22
Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
Zechariah 8:23
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.
—o0o—
In context, Zechariah 8:23 is a Millennium verse and not a Tribulation verse, so the notion that Gentiles will, should or must “grab onto the hem of a Jew” during the Tribulation and know that God is with them, when in fact he isn’t (with every Jew, that is) is just so very wrong.
Zechariah 8:23 actually speaks of Gentiles having to convert to the Jewish faith once again for salvation during the Millennium, only this time it will be New Testament Judaism (which will have been implemented then).
And these are the reasons why:
*Christ has already returned to earth and lives in the midst of Jerusalem.
* Jerusalem is called a city of truth.
* Nations will pray before the Lord.
* There will be peace.
Christ reigns from Jerusalem:
Zechariah 8:3
Thus saith the Lord ; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the Lord of hosts the holy mountain.
Nations come to seek the Lord:
Zechariah 8:22
Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord.
There is peace:
Zechariah 8:4-5
[4] Thus saith the Lord of hosts; There shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for very age.
[5] And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof.
God saves his people out of every nation during the Millennium:
Zechariah 8:7
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Behold, I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country;
Zechariah 8:8
And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness.
—o0o—
Zechariah 14:16
And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.
Romans 15:4
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
—o0o—
Nominal Christianity analyses a Jewish book with a Gentile mindset by making the harlot out to be Catholicism. If Catholicism is the harlot, would that then make the rest of institutionalised mainline denominationalism above board? And what about the restoration of Israel? Where would she fit into the picture of Gentile churches?
Catholicism isn’t mystery Babylon, apostate Jews are, who fly under the banner of Zionism, who have forgotten God, or adhere to Old Testament Judaism, deny Christ and also follow other religions.
Apostate Israel, The Harlot:
Revelation 2:21
And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and sherepented not.
Revelation 2:22
Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
Revelation 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
Revelation 17:1-2
And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:
“Many waters” – many nations.
[2] With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.
Acts 7:43
Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.
The Star of Remphan
Revelation 16:19
And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.
Revelation 17:5
And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
Revelation 18:2
And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
What birds represent in Judaism:
“Jeremiah 17:11, for example, claims that folks who are greedy and dishonest are like certain birds, such aspartridges, hatching eggs not their own. In several instances, too, the Israelites are compared to birds. Among these, Exodus 19:4 likens them to an eagle’s offspring (and God to a parent eagle) while Amos 3:5 uses the metaphor of a sinful people trapped like an ensnared bird.“
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The attire of Old Testament Priests:
Revelation 17:4
And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
Arrayed in purple, scarlet, gold, pearls and precious stones
Revelation 17:6
And I saw thewoman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.
Matthew 10:36
And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.
Jerusalem is located on seven hills:
Revelation 17:9
And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.
“Jerusalem, Israel: Jerusalem’s seven hills are Mount Scopus,Mount Olivetand the Mount of Corruption (all three are peaks in a mountain ridge that lies east of the Old City),Mount Ophel, the original Mount Zion, the New Mount Zion and the hill on which the Antonia Fortress was built.“
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The True Israel of God:
Revelation 12:1-2
And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a womanclothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:
[2] And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.
Revelation 12:5
And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
Revelation 12:17
And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
This post hasn’t been written to try and force one not to vote, neither has it been written to change one’s mind concerning either of the candidates: it is simply my view of politics and politicians….
One needs to follow one’s own conscience concerning this matter… after all, it is rather pointless calling someone a “sheep” when one professes to be open minded on the one hand, yet on the other (hand) one tries to force them to think as you do…
“Politics does not deceive the innocent… rather, it deceives those who are already deceived” ~ Me.
My view: “Voting for the lesser of two evils is still voting for evil”.
Politics does not deceive doctrinally, neither spiritually, but rather serves to keep people in their current state of ignorance because they look to men for solutions to circumvent or improve this evil world.
Politics is a true barometer when it comes to measuring how corrupt men really are: both left and right, conservative or liberal.
The atheistic lost and the religious lost are both in need of a demagogue, a man who can “make the world right again” by turning back the clock to the “good old days”.
Both have redeeming qualities: six of one and half a dozen of the other…
What most people do not realise is, as long as Satan rules and is the god of this world, abortion will remain, war will remain, injustice will reign, there will be hunger, violence and corruption… the list goes on….
On the one side we have a “Christian” candidate who is prone to waving the Bible around, saying such ridiculous things as, “getting the virus is a blessing from God”… a “Christian” who so happens to be ignorant of God’s plan and purpose for today, who thinks he has been appointed by God to push back the tide of evil in this world, read: appointed to delay the Antichrist’s entrance into this world… “specially chosen”… basically a “prophet” if one thinks about it…
He operates on (“Christian”) religious subterfuge/smoke and mirrors – “”God’s people” will win over evil and establish the kingdom now”, read: Make America Great by making it a “Christian” nation once again”.
There’s nothing worse than having a religious nutter in the Whitehouse who has a (blind) cult following….. or is there?
On the other hand we have a rank liberal socialist globalist candidate who seems to be a tad confused about what he stands for and what will be implemented if he wins the Presidential election… all rhetoric and hot wind. His party operates on the premise of a one world religion though, which has it’s basis on pagan tenets: intends making the world great again by adhering to principles which counteract climate change, poverty and the way society currently operates. “Take away peoples’ guns and there will be no more shootings” – which is an utterly naïve and ridiculous notion.
Six of one and half a dozen of the other….
Concerning who wins and who doesn’t, either candidate will fit into God’s plan, as either party will pave the way (during this current dispensation) for the tribulation, as the tribulation cannot happen in a vacuum: certain things have to be put in place, be created and set up for future events and scenarios to take place, especially mindsets, religious attitudes, the need for an all powerful demagogue and change… apart from the obvious technological advancements and how they will be used.
Politics, no matter which way one looks at it, is actually a religion today…
Ephesians 5:16
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Amidst the rumblings of politicians, the irony of this current dispensation remains: we’re surrounded and bombarded by so much evil, which they are unable to rid the world of, yet God made a way: he is currently pouring out his undeserved favouron mankind, regardless.
2 Timothy 1:8-10
[8] Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
[9] Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
[10] But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
… Because the devil is multilingualand can read…. (And he isn’t as stupid as Charismatics and Pentecostals make him out to be).
Ephesians 3:9
And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
—o0o—
1 Corinthians 2:6-8
[6] Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
[7] But we speak the WISDOM OF GOD IN A MYSTERY, even the HIDDEN WISDOM, WHICH GOD ORDAINED BEFORE THE WORLD unto our glory:
[8] Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
If the mystery (a unique set of doctrine) had not been kept secret until it was revealed to Paul, the princes of this world (Satan and his devils) would not have had Christ crucified for the following reasons:
1. It heralded in a new dispensation whereby all individual men and women could be saved (directly) through the one and only Mediator, the Lord Jesus Christ, and not be restricted to converting to the Jewish faith. (Which would have left most hellbound anyway, as Israel was in a state of apostasy more often than not).
Secondly, Israel also rejected her Messiah, as well as the kingdom he offered her, thus rendering her of no use with respect to being a vessel whereby salvation could be offered or preached to the world – Satan saw to this and thought he was on a winning wicket when Christ was crucified (that is, until the ascended Christ revealed the mystery to Paul).
Colossians 2:15
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
He knew something nobody else knew… not even the angels knew…. it was something which had been hid in God before the foundation of the world…
2. The new doctrine of the mystery (the new marching orders for all men) does not discern between Jew, Gentile, race, nationality, colour, gender, social status or creed, so all men and women can be saved (in spite of themselves, as none of the things mentioned here are a hindrance to obtaining salvation today).
3. It also makes it easy for men and women to be saved (Paul’s gospel isn’t performance based, so all that is required is faith in the gospel + nothing).
4. It leaves Satan powerless from the aspect that he cannot tempt anyone to do something which can make them lose their salvation, as now salvation is eternally secure. (One cannot lose it, no matter what).
Romans 8:38-39
[38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
[39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, WHICH IS IN CHRIST Jesus our Lord.
5. AND: the Body of Christ, the One New Man has been ordained to reign with Christ and rule in heavenly places, thus, the devil will lose his position and his abode in heavenly places as a result.
It goes without saying, that if the devil knew all of the above, he wouldn’t have crucified the Lord of glory as he knew it would obviously be to his detriment because the foundation of Paul’s gospel is Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 1 Corinthians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 1:23; Galatians 6:14).
Christ crucified = Paul’s Gospel = The Mystery = the Dispensation of Grace = God’s plan and purpose: 1 Timothy 2:4
The princes of this world are powers and inhabit dominions and principalities – they are rulers, not only in heavenly places, but on earth as well.
Contrary to popular belief, the devil does not currently reside in hell, so the term “a devil’s hell” isn’t scripturally sound. He currently inhabits heavenly places and also rules the world.
Ephesians 6:12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
It isn’t doctrinally sound either to say “lost people will join the devil in hell” because the devil lands up here for 1000 years after the tribulation:
Revelation 20:1-3
[1] And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
[2] And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
[3] And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
Confirmation that the devil currently resides in heaven and is only cast down to earth during the tribulation period (after losing the battle with Michael the Archangel and his angels):
Revelation 12:7-9
[7] And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
[8] And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
[9] And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Although he currently resides in heavenly places, he visits earth quite frequently:
Job 1:7
And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
The devil knew he would succeed in getting Christ crucified – there’s enough confirmation of this in the Old Testament prophets and the synoptic gospels, but what he didn’t realise was that it fell within the range of God’s plans for mankind because a whole new set of teachings hinged on Christ crucified, so instead of it being bad news as the devil intended it to be, it became the ultimate good news of God’s unmerited favour upon mankind – all men.
Ephesians 2:13-17
[13] But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
[14] For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us ;
[15] Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
[16] And that he might reconcile both unto God in one bodyby the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
[17] And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
—
Romans 16:27
To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
69And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
70As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
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Was given to the twelve apostles to preach:
Acts 1:2-3
2Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
3To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
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Its bottom line concerns the return of Christ, the Messiah to set up an earthly kingdom:
Matthew 3:1-2
1In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
2And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
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Christ’s cross work is not a part of its message for salvation:
Luke 18:31-34
31Then he tookunto himthe twelve, and said unto them,Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.
32For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:
33And they shall scourgehim, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.
34And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.
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It is Performance/works based:
Matthew 25:32-36
32And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd dividethhissheep from the goats:
33And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
34Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
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Salvation is future (as people work towards it with their good works by enduring to the end):
1 Peter 1:5-6
5Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
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It discerns between Jew and Gentile:
Zechariah 8:23-24
22Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD.
23Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those daysit shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heardthatGodiswith you.
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Healing, signs, wonders and miracles are an integral part of this gospel:
Mark 16:18
18They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
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So is water baptism:
Matthew 3:33
For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
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Faith without works is dead:
James 2:24-25
24Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sentthemout another way?
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Requires obedience to the commandments:
Revelation 14:12
Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
Acts 13:33
God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
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God incarnate (Jesus) was made of the seed of David according to the flesh through Mary.
Romans 1:3
Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of Davidaccording to the flesh;
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Romans 1:4
And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
2 Timothy 2:8
Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
Paul still serves Man today (through his epistles) with the gospel of God’s Son, Jesus Christ: how that He died for our sins, was buried and rose again on the third day for ourjustification. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Romans 4:25).
Romans 1:9
For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;
God has now reconciled the entire world to Himself (and not only Israel as was the case in times past), by putting it in a position to receive His unmerited favour (grace) in order for all men to have a way to be saved.
How was the world reconciled (in order to receive salvation directly from God, apart from Israel?) By a new set of doctrine given to Paul by the ascended Christ which has its basis in Christ’s death for our sins, his burial and resurrection on the thirdday. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). In other words, God made/ provided the way, now all Man has to do is heed it.
Romans 5:10
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God bythe death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
2 Corinthians 5:19
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
Romans 8:3
For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
Thus, those who believe the gospel and are saved, are predestined to be conformed (in heavenly places) to the image of Jesus Christ, God’s Son:
Romans 8:29
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Romans 8:32
He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
The fellowship of the mystery is the fellowship of Jesus, the Son of God according to the revelation of the mystery:
1 Corinthians 1:9
God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Son, according to the revelation of the mystery, is the truth that must be preached today:
2 Corinthians 1:19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.
Galatians 1:16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
The faith of the Son of God: the doctrines of the revelation of the mystery whereby we live today:
Galatians 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
We have received the Spirit of God’s Son, we’ve already been translated into the kingdom (judicially speaking) of His dear Son, and we await the Son’s return in the clouds to fetch us:
Galatians 4:6
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Colossians 1:13
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
1 Thessalonians 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
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His Son according to the revelation of the mystery:
Romans 1:9
For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;
Romans 16:25
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
The Gospel of God as Noted in 1 Peter is According to Prophecy:
1 Peter 4:17
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey notthe gospel of God?
Is the gospel of the kingdom:
Matthew 4:23
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
The Gospel of God as Noted in 2 Corinthians and Romans 1 is According to the Mystery Revealed to the Apostle Paul:
2 Corinthians 11:7
Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of Godfreely?
Romans 1:1
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
* Separated unto the gospel (singular). It was solely God’s gospel of grace which Paul was separated unto… Paul’s gospel is always referred to in singular terms.
Romans 1:2
(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
* which is in reference to “how thatChrist died” according to Old Testament scriptures, which was prophesied (and wasn’t a mystery). How Christ died was not kept secret… But for who all Christ died was kept a secret… that is, until it was revealed to Paul.
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The gospel of God according to the revelation of the mystery:
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
[2] By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
[3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ diedfor our sinsaccording to the scriptures;
[4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
“According to the Scriptures”:
Mark 15:15
And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.
Isaiah 53:10
Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.
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The Gospel of Christ According to Prophecy:
Mark 1:1-2
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;
[2] As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
Hinges on faith plus works:
James 2:17
Even so faith, if it hath not works,is dead, being alone.
James 2:24
Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
The Gospel of Christ According to the Mystery Revealed to Paul:
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Hinges on faith alone, in Christ alone:
Titus 3:5-7 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
[6] Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
[7] That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
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What do you believe for your salvation?
Do you believe the gospel of God aka the gospel of Christ according to prophecy, or the same according to the mystery revealed to the Apostle Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles?
The gospel which saves your never-dying soul today – the gospel of God/Christ according to the revelation of the mystery:
Romans 15:4
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
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Revelation 7:4
And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
Revelation 14:1
And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.
Revelation 14:4
These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
Who/What the 144 000 Are:
* Solely members of the twelve tribes of Israel (twelve thousand from each tribe).
* Have God’s name written on their foreheads.
* Virgins.
* Messianic Jews.
* “Firstfruits”, that is, “the first products of a season“.
The 144 000 Are Not:
*Jehovah’s Witnesses (as JWs would have one believe).
* The only people saved during the Tribulation.
* Gentiles.
* Catholics.
Their Calling:
Revelation 14:6-7
And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
[7] Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
“A real or imaginary living creature or entity, especially an intelligent one.”
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If you’re a pantheist, you will never believe that Christ the Son, the Holy Spirit and God the Father areone Lord, you will have a tendency to separate them into three.
It was God who was on the Cross, because Christ is God: Jesus during his earthly ministry was God incarnate.
2 Corinthians 5:19
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
Thus we receive the righteousness of God upon believing the gospel of Christ:
Philippians 3:9
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Yet, some have great difficulty in reconciling the three persons of the Godhead.
Philippians 2:6
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Titus 2:13
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great Godand our Saviour Jesus Christ;
“Christ/God/the Holy Spirit” are interchangeable in the Bible, hence, the gospel of God is also the gospel of Christ (both of which are mentioned in Paul’s epistles).
Romans 1:1
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
In context and in accordance to the same chapter, the gospel of God is:
Romans 1:9
For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
With cross reference to –
Acts 20:24
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
If one separates God and Christ in Paul’s epistles, then it is likely one is a pantheist…The Pauline faith is monotheistic.
By Justin Johnson:
“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” –1 John 5:7
This verse is the clearest description in the Bible of the triune God we serve. Since there are many heresies and confusions about the three in one nature of God, here is a simple Bible believing explanation.
One God
In the statement “these three are one”, we learn that the Biblical necessity of a singular Godhead is preserved when talking about the three. We do not serve three gods.
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:” –Deuteronomy 6:4
“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” –James 2:19
Whereas there is only one God, there are many men that make up mankind. There are not many gods that make up Godkind. We would never say, “there is only one man.” There are billions of us alive today, but about God, there is only one.
There is only one God; there has always been one God, and there will only ever be one God. There is nothing else that compares adequately to him.
Three Persons
In the clear statement of1 John 5:7, we also learn that the one Lord and God exists in three distinct persons: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost.
This is where the controversy and confusion can occur. How can one being, one God, exist in three distinct persons? How can the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all be one God?
God’s Being
It is important to understand that God cannot be compared to how we describe ourselves. God is unique, not created, and without beginning. Everything we know about being man was created by God, and so being a man is not like being God.
Though you can say to another man, I know what it is like being a human, we cannot say the same about God. God is the only one that knows what it is like to be God. Jesus Christ knows what it is like to be God.
God created every man with a single person. One man, one person. Even when we learn that a man is made up of different parts (spirit, soul, body), these are only parts that make up a single person with singular actions, mind, and will.
This is why only one person of the Godhead became a man. About Christ, Paul says:
“For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” (Col 2:9).
God’s incarnation is Jesus Christ. (Joseph Smith is wrong when he describes the Father and Son in separate human bodies.)
This can make it hard to grasp how more than one person can exist in a single being, but that is the case with God. God, being different than man, exists in three persons (1 John 5:7). That is, there are three who can act, three distinct wills, three communicators.
God of All Scripture
This understanding of the one true triune God is the product of collecting all scripture in the Bible about God’s nature. It is not sufficient, to take one verse here, and leave another there. Every verse that describes God must be considered.
There is no need to rightly divide verses into different dispensations since we are describing who God is, and not what he is doing (dispensational study). Dispensational right division is useful to know God’s changing will, and what he is doing. God never changes what he is (Mal 3:6;Heb 13:8), and so we can use all scripture.
We can find all three persons described as God in scripture.
In most every epistle Paul writes he addresses “God our Father” (Phil 1:2). He calls Jesus God and Saviour inTitus 2:13. Paul also says that the Lord is the Spirit in2 Cor 3:17.
All three distinct persons are called God, every attribute that describes God can be used to describe the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. All three distinct persons represent a separate record of testimony from heaven. Yet, the three are the one and only God.
Heresies are born about God when all scripture is not considered. Heresies about what God isdoingare born when all scripture is not rightly divided. All scripture is profitable for doctrine, but not all doctrine is for our participation.
We serve one God of three persons. There is no clearer statement describing the triune God than what is found in1 John 5:7.
“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” –1 John 5:7
As “Paul worshippers” (said tongue in cheek) we are nothing short of radical, and here are some of the reasons why:
In a world where institutionalised Christianity applies all of the Bible to itself:
1. We are able to discern the differences between prophecy, namely, Israel’s Old Covenant – Genesis 15 to John, and her New Covenant – Hebrews to Revelation, as well as the four synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John when compared to the mystery revealed to the “thirteenth apostle” Paul in Romans to Philemon (in accordance with his commandment in 2 Timothy 2:15), and that both prophecy and mystery are mutually exclusive to one another, in other words it’s pure tomfoolery trying to blend the two….
In a world where nominal Christianity either rejects Paul or doesn’t know what to do with him…
2. We realise that if we could be saved by the doctrine of the twelve (apostles) today, there would have been no need for God to have raised up the Apostle Paul… with twelve doing the job, there would be no need for a thirteenth apostle…
Romans 16:25
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
In a world where Christianity holds to faith plus works and a performance based gospel –
3. We are saved by pure grace, meaning, none of our “good works” are necessary to complete the salvation transaction. It’s all about what Christ did according to 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 and zero about what we can do or have done in the past – see Romans 3:23. Sinners just cannot bring anything “good to the table in order to please God”, except for faith in the gospel of Christ…
Whereas mainline Christianity has an earthly driven agenda, we realise –
4. While currently living on this earth, we are actually “extraterrestrials” clothed in “earth suits”. Our final destination is celestial, and so too are our bodies… we belong in heaven… we are heaven bound…
Romans 8:21
Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
In a world where more often than not Christians believe in Replacement Theology –
5. We know we aren’t Jews or suitable replacements for Israel, never were, and never will be, as Right Division makes us see the unique differences between Israel (currently lo-ammi) and the church, the body of Christ, aka the One New Man.
Ephesians 2:15
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
The world has its churches and religions, but –
6. We are set-apart for God’s use (Ephesians 3:9), which is another way of saying we’re in this world, but not of it, so we do not have an earthly or fleshly calling or agenda to save the planet or to currently make it a better place for everyone’s flesh.
1 Corinthians 7:31
And they that use this world, as not abusing it : for the fashion of this world passeth away.
In a world of law-keepers, Hebrew Roots adherents, Seventh Day Adventists and Bible blenders –
7. We do not subscribe to the bondage of the law, namely, tithing, water baptism, sabbath keeping, specialised diet plans, traditions, et al: meaning, we are free… we know water baptism today only serves to get one wet, tithing makes greedy men rich, and vegan and kosher diets are inconsequential when it comes to pleasing God or improving one’sflesh…
Galatians 5:1
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
In a world where Arminianism holds sway –
8. We believe Once Saved, Always Saved, and know for sure we cannot lose our salvation because God’s seal cannot be broken…
2 Corinthians 1:22
Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
1 Corinthians 3:15
If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Nominal denominationalists are ignorant, but –
9. We know what God’s current plan and purpose is for every man and woman on this planet:
1 Timothy 2:4
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
In a world where the churches so-called teach covenant theology and apply Israel’s New Covenant doctrine to themselves –
10. We realise we are not actually living in New Testament times, or a time when the New Testament is being implemented.
Ephesians 3:2
If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
Colossians 1:25
Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
Colossians 1:26
Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
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Recently watched a You Tube video made by a man who presented a Seventh Day Adventist chart concerning their belief system concerning “God’stimeline” for mankind…
He tried to calculate time since the beginning: Adam living until the age of 130, then continuing to apply the same method to Noah, Elijah, Abraham, et cetera, which led him to believe we are currently close to Christ’s return (when he physically sets his feet down on this earth to rule and reign in the Millenniumkingdom),Thus,his conclusions: “we’recurrently at “3pm”, and therefore only have “9 hours to go on God’s prophetic clock to midnight“. (I’m however not sure how the Millennium can come into existence at midnight?).
The strangest thing that came out of his mouth was when he quoted 1 Thessalonians 5:3-4 (out of context) in order to back up his claim that Seventh Day Adventism, unlike Christian denominationalism and Roman Catholicism, is unique in that it’s adherents are readyfor the Lord’sreturn…
1 Thessalonians 5:3-4
[3] For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
[4] But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
Yet, a few verses further on Paul says –
1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
The world is currently appointed by God to obtain salvation, not judgment, yet Seventh Day Adventists believe we’re currently living in the “beginning of sorrows” and will soon be facing God’s full blown anger as the world silently slips into tribulation, and this is where they start spiritualizing the book of Revelation, as they can’t seem to figure out “what” the Antichrist currently is (they believe the Antichrist to be a system and not a man), and they are also currently trying to discern if they should now be exiting the cities and be “heading for the countryside”, so they also refer to this period of time (the “beginning of sorrows”), as “prepping time” (not concerning food or other supplies, but rather a time for spiritual preparation, i.e., keeping Saturday “holy” and looking forward to Christ’s second advent = being obedient) as they believe God will supply all their physical/earthly needs, such as safety, food, housing,etc “in the wilderness”).
All this because of their failure to rightly divide the word of truth according to Paul’s command in 2 Timothy 2:15.
More scriptural proof (rightly divided) that God isn’t currently judging the world today for its sin, but rather dispensing his grace and mercy through Paul’s epistles in order for all men toobtain salvation, and that we’re currently living in the dispensation of his grace:
Acts 17:30
And the times of this ignorance God winked at; BUT NOW commandeth all men every where to repent:
2 Corinthians 6:2
(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, NOW is the accepted time; behold, NOW is the day of salvation.)
Romans 3:21-22
[21] BUT NOW the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
[22] Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
1 Corinthians 1:3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1-2
[1] Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
[2] By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Today, God is the God of hope, love and peace:
Romans 15:33
Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Philippians 4:9
Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
Romans 15:13
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Romans 15:4
“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”
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Daniel 11:37 Neither shall he REGARD the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.
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With respect to the Antichrist, overall, hewillnotregard, that is, not concern himself with the God ofhis fathers (plural). Luke 1:72 – To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
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“The God of his fathers” is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
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But rather willHONOUR in his estate – at home he will keep up the pretence; go through the motions of being religious, will probably maintain Jewish traditions (like most Jews do today but do not believe in God), and simultaneously practise another religion, for example, Buddhism or hold to the beliefs of the NewAge Movement in order to appear to be upstanding or righteous.
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Daniel 11:38 BUT in his estate shall he HONOURtheGod of forces: ANDagod whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.
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If the verse above stated “the god of forces” with a small “g”, then one would assume it to be a pagan god which the Antichrist will honour in future.
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But the God that is being referred to here has a capital “G” which to my mind is the God of the Old Covenant… in which case the Antichrist will in all likelihood be a Jew in the flesh, anapostate Jew.
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Further, it states he honours “THE God of forces” and not “A God of forces”, as well as another god: a god whom his fathersdid not know: a pagan god whom he honours with gold and silver, and with precious stones and pleasant things… he will make offerings to this pagangod.
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For religious Jews to accept the leadership of the Antichrist, he will have to be a “practising” Jew himself, and the other god he honours could well stem from the tradition of a Jew who is born and raised in diaspora who has taken on the religion of the country he has citizenship of.
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And, if he offers gold, silver and precious stones and pleasant things to this god, it means he is wealthy – a powerful man, so he won’t come from poor or humble beginnings. However, at the end of the day he’ll magnify himself as God when he progresses in his “ministry” andbecomesthe devilincarnate.
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Daniel 11:37
Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.
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Isaiah 14:13-14
[13] For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
[14] I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
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Nominal Christianity defines “forces” as earthly armed forces, but God doesn’t belittle himself by being the God of the armies or military forces of certain nations…. rather, he’s the God of the forces of heaven – He is the Lord of hosts.
Isaiah 2:12
For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low:
I see this with “different eyes” now. The reason why the lost, various religious persuasions and blasphemers do not mind this hymn being sung (here’s why it doesn’t offend them…). A good example of a lie by omission…
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By Justin Johnson
The song Amazing Grace is one of the most popular hymns of the past couple hundred years. It was written by John Newton, former slave trader, in 1779.
It is also one of the most ecumenical hymns. It is sung by many if not all Christian denominations as well as Catholics, Mormons, and some rogue Jehovah’s Witnesses. Even some with no religious affiliation sing the song which talks about grace in life despite troubles, suffering, and personal inadequacy.
The song has been said by conservatives to describe God’s grace freely justifying the sinner by faith through the redemption that is in Christ’s blood shed on Calvary’s cross… but does it?
Something Missing
On closer inspection we see that the name of Jesus is not mentioned once in the entire song. Also missing is the word faith.
On closer analysis we see that these important gospel words are missing from the song altogether: sin, cross, blood, calvary, faith, Jesus, Christ, Lord, judgment, salvation.
God is only mentioned if you sing long enough to get to the last verse. For this reason even unbelievers have sung the song.
The only word of a theological nature in the song is “grace”, which is a very controversial subject in theological circles.
What does grace mean? Is it accompanied by works? Does it describe God’s Calvinistic election? Is it prevenient, particular, universal, or conditional? Is grace a message or an invisible force to? Is it saving their soul, or just saving them from life’s troubles?
The song does not hint at any answers.
Singing Between the Lines
A good reason for it to be accepted by so many religious traditions is because of the missing words or ambiguous use of God and grace.
What inevitably happens is that the singers interpret the song by their beliefs and insert their meaning into the song.
Protestants sing it proclaiming “sola gratia”! However, Roman Catholics have sung it with as much fervor after their sacraments of grace.
Calvinists sing it dreaming of God’s irresistible grace that causes the elect to believe, while the Arminians see the grace as being applied to all.
Although the Lord Jesus is not mentioned he was in the thoughts of the Anglican writer.
Mid-Acts Pauline right dividers also sing this song as a testimony to the dispensation of grace uniquely given to the Apostle Paul. The same grace that saves us through faith in the finished work on Calvary’s cross.
What is Not Said
What is missing from Amazing Grace is an explanation of the gospel.
While we gladly sing Amazing Grace with joy in understanding the gospel, not everyone will know what is missing. No one could be saved from singing this song without knowing some of the missing parts.
While the words of Amazing Grace are touching and wonderful, there are some things missing.
Amazing Grace, then, is like many of the churches that sing it. They sound religious and may use some Bible words, but avoid talking about the most important doctrines of the gospel of grace, the mystery of Christ, and right division.
Sometimes what is not said makes all the difference.
Acts 17:28
“For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.”
In the abovementioned scripture, Paul quotes the poem, Phaenomena written by Aratus.
How many western cities/countries today can boast as Athens once did by upholding democracy, being centres of learning and leaders of a civilised world and its citizens being good, upstanding religious people?
Acts 17:23
For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
Isn’t this exactly what nominal, mainline denominational Christianity does: they ignorantly worship an unknown God and view the Pauline faith as strange and those who believe it, as babblers…
Acts 17:18
Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.
Paul also refutes the commonly held belief that God can only be worshipped in temples, with altars and idols… nominal modern day Christianity makes use of all three: the temples are their church buildings which have altars (altar call, anyone?) and their idols are their traditions, namely, the collection plate, a baby in a manger, three wise men, an easter bunny, easter eggs, pics of Jesus with long hair, not to mention sceptres and robes (Roman Catholicism and Catholic Lites), to name but a few. The Salvation Army as well: they call their mortar and brick ,(church) building “holy ground” and “God’s house”.
Acts 17:24
God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
Nominal Christianity, just like Greek paganism, is pantheistic in nature as it separates the three persons of the Godhead, and in so doing, worships three gods instead of One. They do this on the context of failing to take note of both Christ’s deity and his human characteristics in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Christ was God in the flesh – fully God and fully man. When Christ shows his human side in the synoptic gospels, nominal Christianity sees Him (the Son) as being inferior to God the Father, just as some Mid-Acts Dispensationalists erroneously believe.
Acts 17:29
Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.
How many new teachings, (“God is doing a new thing”) has Pentecostalism, for one, come up with over the years? And the teachings of nominal Christianity on the whole are also superstitious by nature, for example, the teachings concerning “the Jezebel spirit” as well as the exorcism of “demons”, then there’s the teaching of the “unpardonable sin” which keeps church attendees in bondage, not to mention babbling in “tongues”: and if one does not do this, then one is perceived as not beingsaved.
Acts 17:21-22
[21] (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)
[22] Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.
Nominal Christians, like the Athenians, are oblivious to the fact that they are no longer living in the “times of ignorance”, but rather in the Dispensation of God’s Grace.
Acts 17:30
And thetimes of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Ephesians 3:2
If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
To the Greeks of those days with their god Zeus, so it is with nominal Christianity and its sky god today: they profess that their god controls the sun, stars, moon and weather as judgment and signs for men, and that both also residein Man.
Acts 17:32
And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.
Tell most nominal Christians today that faith alone in Christ (alone) having died for their sins, that He was buried and rose again on the third day (for their justification – Romans 4:25) has the power to save their never-dying souls (and not their rotten flesh and neither does it take them out of their miserable circumstances), and the majority couldn’t be bothered as their faith does not lie in the unique doctrine the ascended Christ revealed to Paul, but rather in their own ability/ies, together with having faith in their angry and judgmental sky god to help them live their “best livesnow”.
Reason #1: All Things Work Together for Good to Them That Love God
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Ephesians 5:20
Giving thanks always FOR all things unto God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
2 Corinthians 4:15
For all things are for your sakes, thatthe abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
Reason #2: You Are Saved
🌸🌸🌸 Chances are, we could in all likelihood still be lost and hellbound if it wasn’t for His grace and mercy, but we’re not, and for that we must be thankful as most people unfortunately reject the free gift of God and will spend eternity in hell.
1 Corinthians 1:4
I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
2 Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
Colossians 1:12
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Reason #3: It is the Will of God
🌸🌸🌸 1 Thessalonians 5:18 IN every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ
Chosen TO salvation through sanctification of one’s spirit and called by the gospel of the grace of God, having obtained the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ…
2 Corinthians 11:26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
Galatians 2:4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
Privily: privately or secretly.
False brethren preach/believe another gospel.
Galatians 1:8-9 [8] But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
[9] As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
They have also received another spirit by the preaching of another Jesus.
2 Corinthians 11:4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
God’s voice today can solely be heard through the Authorised King James Bible, rightly divided. When one applies 2 Timothy 2:15, one will come unto the knowledge of the truth, and so God’s grace will calm, comfort, convict, encourage, enlighten, lead, reassure and still, whereas Satan’s voice via the doctrines of devils (Roman Catholicism, nominal Christianity, the Cults, religions and perverted Bible versions) will make one obssess, worry, feel condemned, discouraged, confused, pushed, frightened and rushed…
Wiles: Stratagem meant to fool, trap; artful or beguiling. Deceitful cunning; trickery.
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
What are Satan’s weapons of war?
1. Perverted Bible versions.
2. Proof-texting or taking scripture out of context.
3. Bible “greeking”.
4. False brethren and apostates, and at times, even those who are weak in the faith.
5. When one preaches with a fleshly agenda, for example: when one does it in order to make money, to be popular, famous, or to be considered wise, etc.
6. When a person preaches stuff such as Veganism (Veganism is a religion – ask any Hindu or Seventh Day Adventist), Saturday or Sunday sabbath observance, water baptism, peace on earth, tithing and that salvation is obtained through faith + works, etc = doctrines of devils.
Timothy is a pastoral epistle, which speaks to Pastors of the (Pauline) faith (as well as the Body of Christ). 1 Timothy 4:1-3 speaks of apostasy: a falling away (from the faith) of Pastors who once held to Mid-Acts Pauline Dispensational Right Division, (along with their audiences who heeded them turning to the teachings of the god of this world). They are seduced ~ probably beguiled by an appetite for constant new teachings/things and as a result, thus their consciences become seared.
Forbidding to marry and abstinence from eating meat is contrary to Paul’s gospel. Catholicism propagates both these doctrines (of devils), their Priests are prohibited from marrying, whereas good Catholics on the whole do not eat meat on Fridays, instead, they opt for bean soup or fish as alternatives.
1 Timothy 4:1-3 [1] Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
[2] Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
[3] Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
Expressly: distinctly; clearly.
Conscience: A person’s moral sense of right and wrong.
The “Green Movement” believes all the ills of the world can be blamed on climate change in tandem with various other sectors, religions and movements (who are currently gaining momentum), who also support and propagate veganism (like Seventh Day Adventism, The New Age Movement, Extinction Rebellion, Hinduism, Buddhism, Rastafarianism) to name but a few, who also believe or hold to not getting married in high regard and see it as a one-way ticket to heaven (I must add that not all of the abovementioned movements/religions believe this particular doctrine though, but things might change when they jump on the bandwagon with respect to “saving mother earth”).
Some could turn to the New Age Religion which believes that the current ills of the world can be blamed on the way our society has been set up because it is not conducive to the human spirit. New Agers believe Man is currently awakening to this “fact” and is thus becoming rebellious. It is their way of justifying Man’s sinful condition, which they ignorantly think is fixable by changing the way society operates.
It goes without saying that any teaching contrary to Pauline doctrine is a doctrine of devils.
Veganism is growing in leaps and bounds around the world today, even KFC and Burger King (to name but two Fast Food restaurants) have vegan alternatives on their menus, and the UN has also been punting “Meat Free Mondays” for quite some time now in lieu of “saving the planet” by “minimising the carbon footprint of cattle farming”.
Veganism causes many problems in itself: a lack of bio-available iron for one, which leads to anaemia, a lack of Vitamin B12 which leads to sickle cell anaemia, and also a lack of iodine which in turns lead to thyroid problems, for example, goitre. “Tampering” with the thyroid gland makes people unstable, so if the masses of the world are put on a vegan diet, there will be thousands, if not millions of unstable men and women roaming the planet, some of who will be the leaders of the future…
The hypocrisy of veganism is spelt out in the commandment, “thou shalt not kill”, but men, women, children and babies are fair game. It’s okay to kill people, just don’t kill animals because the lie that is purported these days is that they have souls and artificially inseminating cows is now called rape. That’s how “advanced” mankind has become in the 21st century….
I believe the virus (COVID-19) is real and is being used to change the biblical principles western society as a whole is based on, the end result will literally be a modern-day Sodom and Gomorrah with zero principles, zero human value and zero integrity, where the sick, elderly and disabled will be snuffed out, and one’s faith and the AKJ Bible will be banned and apostates will go along with the flow of the world.
2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
Those who fall away from the faith might just be the one’s who will persecute true believers in the coming perilous times… not all who profess to be Mid-Acts Pauline Dispensational Right Dividers are saved… as many do not claim Christ crucified as the gospel that saves their never-dying souls… there seems to be a “new wave” of gospel deniers amongst those who call themselves Mid-Acts Dispensationalists – Romans 3:23-31 isn’t the gospel, it’s what happens as a result of believing 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
Romans 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
Unbelief has no negative effect on Pauline doctrine/God’s plan and purpose for today as unbelievers are the ones who will inevitably suffer the consequences of their skepticism.
Romans 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
A vast majority who confess Christ deny that faith in his finished work on the Cross, as well as his resurrection from the dead on the 3rd day alone (The gospel of 1 Corinthians 15:1-4) has the power to save their never-dying souls.
2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
1 Timothy 6:3-5 [3] If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
[4] He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
[5] Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
Today, one marvels at the unbelief of some (just as the Lord Jesus Christ did at one time) as they are virtually “closed books” when it comes to the truth, as Satan has blinded their minds so, that one can only marvel at the degree and subtility of deception present today.
Mark 6:6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.
Unbelief is a sin, and it is unrepentant sin which sends one to hell, that is, refusing to have a change of mind: turning from unbelief to belief in the gospel of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) alone, without works, i.e., trusting solely in what Christ accomplished, and not also in oneself and one’s own abilities…
Certain characteristics will become more evident in the latter days of the dispensation of grace and will prevail amongst those who call themselves Christians.
The Dominant Characteristic of the latter days of this dispensation:
2 Timothy 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves,
Self-fulfilment is what drivesthe majority ofpeople today, more so than ever. Life is about personal satisfaction, and if going to church and listening to the likes of Joel Osteen makes one happy, even better. Modern day mantras so happen to be, “you’ve got to love yourself first otherwise you cannot love anyone else” and “Christianity can help you to be happy“.
covetous,
Those who stand behind pulpits, and those who warm the church pews today have an insatiable desire for (another’s) materialpossessions/money… They are greedy…acquisitive… Andthose who tithe, covet material blessings in return for what they give, and those who take… well, that’s self-explanatory… When one pursues money, one so happens to cater to all one‘s fleshlydesires.
boastful,
They boast about their wealth, their “blessings”, their education, their ” spiritual” achievements, and even about how good they are, their “devotion” to God, and also about “givingto Him”….
proud,
Pride makes them spiritually blind and deaf to the truth.
blasphemers,
From a Pauline perspective rightly divided, this means that they follow, preach and receive not only another Jesus, but also another spiritand another gospelwhich equates to nothing butblasphemy as they assign it all to the God of the Bible.
disobedient to parents,
Being disobedient to parents ultimately leads to disobeying all other authorities such as one’s teachers, one’s work superiors, one’s government, the rule of law… and also to the word of truth rightly divided.
unthankful,
The tendency to grumble and complain about things when they do not go according to what was planned orexpected.
unholy,
This one small word says it all. If one is a saved and sealed member of the body of Christ, then one is holy – Sanctified – and since these people are unholy, it means they are not saved…
2 Timothy 3:3 Without natural affection,
No love for people, only self love.
trucebreakers,
A truce isan agreement between enemies or opponents to stop fighting or arguing for a certain time.
false accusers,
They refer to us as “Paul worshippers”, “Mid-Axers”, “heretics”, “that we throw most of the Bible away”, “hyper-dispensationalists”, “easy-believism”, “cheap grace”, “Bible choppers”, “Gnostics”, “we give others a licence to sin”, “cessasionists”.
incontinent,
Having no self-control.
fierce,
Abusive and aggressive.
despisers of those that are good,
Nominal Christians, the Cults and Roman Catholicism generallyregard those who have God’s righteousness with contempt and scorn. There is however only one way one can be considered good – and that is when one has God’s righteousness.
2 Timothy 3:4 Traitors,
A traitor is a person who betrays someone or something, such as a friend, a cause, or a principle.
heady,
Potent, intoxicating, exhilarating. They possess power, are influential and wealthy and honestly believe they have the ability to heal, ward off the devil, make miracles happen and have God give them their hearts’ desires. They have control over thousands… millions of people… and then there’s the Pope….
highminded,
Devoutly religious; pious.
lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Devoutly religious; pious, high minded yet lovers of pleasure…having a form of godliness…. yet lead people captive and are in unbelief: all contradictions which show the evident hypocrisy amongst the religious.
2 Timothy 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
The likes of Ron Wyatt who falsely claimed to have discovered where the Ark of the Covenant is situated…. not to mention Joel Osteen, Kenneth Hagin, Benny Hinn, Marilyn Hickey, Joyce Meyer amongst others, and the “silly women” in question are of the type who ask questions such as, “how long is the Euphrates river?” (when Revelation 9:14 is explained). The one is deceived and the other is being deceived (by the one who is already deceived.
Trucebreakers…. false accusers…. incontinent…. fierce… despisers of those who are good… traitors…. could these characteristics point to full-blown persecution of Grace believers by nominal Christianity, the Cults and Roman Catholicism in the near future, or does it refer to false brethren?
2 Corinthians 11:26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
…. those atheists, those blind religionists….. those cultists… they are not the ones we (the body of Christ) wrestle against….
Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
It is Satan we come up against, thus our war is a spiritual one.
2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hathblinded the mindsof them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Our mission is to make the blind see…
Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
2 Corinthians 10:3-6 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
I will meet my Creator, my Saviour, My God, the Great I am face-to-face…
2 Corinthians 5:2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:
This world is pretty messed up nowadays and I wouldn’t mind seeing the back of it. Worldly wisdom never made any sense, but these days it makes even less sense than that, if that’s even possible… it’s topsy turvy, upside down and inside out.
Daniel 7:9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
Revelation 1:14-15 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Luke 21:24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
When comparing “the times of the Gentiles” to “the fulness of the Gentiles” it is clear that –
*The times of the Gentiles is a legislative term and has to do with domination or control of Jerusalem.
*On the other hand, the term “the fulness of the Gentiles” refers to the present dispensation of grace in which Gentiles prevail in the church.
The times of the Gentiles will end when Israel finally gains control of Jerusalem at the second coming of Christ, whereas the fulness of the Gentiles will be complete when the church’s present job of winning souls, both Jew and Gentile to Christ, has been completed and the last member joins (the body of Christ), which means the rapture will then take place.
When Paul talks about manners, he’s not referring to how one eats one’s food, or whether one says “please” and “thank you”, rather he is referring to what one believes with respect to what one’s God-given marching orders are:
2 Kings 17:34 Unto this day they do after the former manners: they fear not the Lord, neither do they after their statutes, or after their ordinances, or after the law and commandment which the Lord commanded the children of Jacob, whom he named Israel;
Acts 13:18 And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.
1 Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
Attend an Assembly which does not rightly divide the Word of truth according to 2 Timothy 2:15 and be assured your “good manners” will be corrupted by evil communications, and the same applies to the leaders and teachers one chooses to listen to.
Ezekiel 11:12 And ye shall know that I am the Lord : for ye have not walked in my statutes, neither executed my judgments, but have done after the manners of the heathen that are round about you.
Colossians 1:16-17 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
—oOo—
Six thousand years are allotted for mankind’s existence on this earth before Christ physically returns to reign over his earthly people (Israel) and their kingdom for another thousand years.
The tribulation signifies the beginning of the seven thousand year mark, whereas the rapture signifies the end of the six thousand year period of the world (as we know it). God will then officially start dealing with Israel.
2 Peter 3:7-8 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
Hosea 6:2 After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.
The true Israel of God will be revived after the dispensation of grace ends, and will be raised up once again to be the light to the gentile nations (for salvation) and will (physically) live in His sight.
However, currently at this point in time, we are still living in the “interruption” (of Israel’s prophetic program) or interval – a period of time which, by the way, is unsearchable in the Old Testament, it is an age which wasn’t prophesied, it is a time we are living inbetween Israel’s old testament and the implementation of the New Covenant. It is also known as a parenthesis – “the dispensation of grace” (see Ephesians 3), and although some say it has not been given a specified time, I tend to disagree because it is part of God’s plan concerning the first 6000 years (before the trib begins and when Israel’s Messiah, Hashem, physically comes down to rule over the earth during the Millennium).
This parenthesis, the dispensation of grace, began on the road to Damascus when the ascended Christ raised up the Apostle Paul and chose him as a vessel to reveal a secret to mankind, a secret which had been hid in God before the foundation of the world, making Paul the very first member of the body of Christ.
Acts 9:15-16 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
Colossians 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
The body of Christ so happens to be God’s heavenly people:
1 Corinthians 15:49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
2 Timothy 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
On the other hand, concerning Israel and the sheep nations during the Millennium….
The “seventh day” (Millennium) or seven thousand year mark signifies God’s rest, the Sabbath:
Hebrews 4:3-5 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
Revelation 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
Of course, one cannot place a date or time when the six thousand period will lapse and the rapture of the Saints will occur, doing so would be foolish. One can only surmise that it is close and obviously gets closer with each passing day. One thing is for sure though, saved and sealed Saints of the Most High God in this current dispensation will be with Him either way – either by the demise of their physical bodies or by way of the rapture.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
2 Corinthians 5:6-8 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
FOUNTAIN – Dean Alan Hewitt 58 of 5426 Kings Cross Roads Road in Fountain, NC passed from death to life on Monday August 24th 2015 at 11:46 a.m. with his loving wife by his side. He was the owner of Integrity Tile Co. of Greenville, NC.
Mr Hewitt was the son of Audrey Pearl Wince and Harold Lloyd Hewitt; he was born in Sistersville West Virginia on March 3rd 1957.
Dean, is survived by his wife Teresa Woodard Hewitt, his daughter Heather Ashley Hewitt his sons: Joshua Neal Williams, Tyler Dylan Hewitt, and Zachary Taylor Hewitt, all of Greenville, North Carolina. He is also survived by his brother Randy Hewitt of Daytona Beach Shores FL. and his sister Denise Hewitt of Tarboro NC.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Teresa Anne Watkins.
The duty of the church is to preach the gospel. This ministry responsibility is unanimously affirmed by Bible believing Christians.
However, there is no small disagreement about our pattern for gospel preaching. Different churches pattern their ministry after who they believe preached the gospel first.
The first to preach the gospel sets the pattern for those that follow.
The Gospel
First, we must define the plain and simple gospel. Surely, we must all agree with the clear gospel of the cross found in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
“I declare unto you the gospel… By which also ye are saved… how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” – 1 Cor 15:1-4
The gospel is Christ and his finished work on our behalf for salvation. Through faith in the cross of Christ we have God’s grace, atonement for sins, and eternal life. By the gospel we glory in the cross of Christ (Gal 6:14).
Now, we already know this gospel was clearly preached by Paul in 1 Corinthians, but Paul also says he was the last to see Christ(1 Cor 15:8).
For this reason, we can place Paul at the end of our list of potential first preachers of the gospel. It requires more investigation to see who could possibly have preached the gospel first before him.
John the Baptist
Mark 1:1 starts with “the beginning of the gospel”, and it is here that the Baptist churches plant their pattern for ministry.
“John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.” – Mark 1:4
The gospel of John the baptist included water baptism, and repentance for the remission of sins. Unfortunately, John did not know who Jesus was for much of his ministry (Matt 11:2-3).
This would make it obvious that John could not have been first to preach the gospel of Christ and his cross. The future death of Christ was totally absent from John’s preaching.
Jesus’ Ministry to Israel
Jesus is the Son of God, and began his ministry shortly after John. For this reason, Evangelical churches think the pattern of gospel ministry should come from Jesus’ ministry to Israel.
However, when we read what Jesus preached when he began his ministry we find that it was not his death for sins and resurrection, but a kingdom that was prophesied to Israel (Matt 15:24).
“Now after that John was put into prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” – Mark 1:14
Clearly, Jesus ministered to the circumcision about the promises made to the fathers(Rom 15:8). Jesus showed himself to be the King and the Son of God, but was silent about his future death until later in his ministry.
Peter and the Twelve
The Roman Catholics find their pattern of ministry in the hands of Peter, who was given the keys of the kingdom in Matthew 16:19. In this same chapter Jesus began to tell his disciples that he must suffer, die, and be raised (Matt 16:21).
This sounds promising, since Christ’s death and resurrection are events so essential for the gospel of salvation, but at this time Peter did not know this was a gospel.
“Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.” – Matt 16:22
Obviously, Peter was not here preaching the gospel of the cross, since he tried to prevent the cross the first time he heard about it. Hardly the pattern of church ministry.
We should remember that the twelve disciples were sent by the Lord to preach the gospel of the kingdom, not the gospel of the cross:
“And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God…” – Luke 9:2
When Christ began to tell them privately of his future death, they did not understand.
“And they understood none of these things…” – Luke 18:34
This could only mean that the gospel that the twelve preached did not include the cross. If their preaching did not include the cross, surely their gospel was not the gospel of the cross.
Peter at Pentecost
It is at this point we move forward to the time when Pentecostals think the gospel began. After all, it was after his resurrection that Christ gave his disciples a commission to preach the gospel.
“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” – (Mark 16:15).
Which gospel was preached at Pentecost? Was Peter the first to preach the gospel when he was filled with the Holy Ghost?
“Then Peter said unto them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” – Acts 2:38
What is clear from Peter’s message on the day of Pentecost to Israel was that he repeated John’s preaching of baptism, and Jesus’ gospel of the kingdom, but where is the cross?
“But ye denied the Holy One and the Just… and killed the Prince of life.” – Acts 3:14-15
While he preaches the death of Christ, Peter condemns Israel for killing Christ and does not preach the cross as their glory (Acts 5:28, Acts 10:39). Killing their own Messiah on the cross was their shame.
This is not preaching the cross as good news.
Paul’s Pattern
Having investigated every minister and ministry before him, we are left with Paul’s gospel in 1 Corinthians 15.
Looking closer at Paul’s ministry we find something very interesting about who preached the gospel first.
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins…” – 1 Cor 15:3
Though Paul was the last to see the Lord, apparently, he was also the first to preach the gospel of salvation as the glory of the cross (Gal 6:14, 1 Cor 1:18).
A dispensation of the gospel was committed to Paul (1 Cor 9:17), and he wrote very early in his ministry a certification of his unique apostleship:
“I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.” – Gal 1:11-12
Since Paul was the first to preach the gospel, it follows that the church must find its pattern for preaching the gospel of Christ from Paul.
“…that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe…” – 1 Tim 1:16
Churches discard the Bible and define themselves by hollow traditions. Denominations are exposed as lingering relics of a forgone era. The failed attempts to unify the church are proposed at the expense of sound doctrine and Bible study.
Seminaries don’t teach you to believe the Bible. Churches won’t teach you why they practice age old traditions with no Biblical foundation. Pastors remain ignorant or avoid the simple answers to the most dangerous Biblical attacks.
All of this results in more people who are deceived about salvation and remain ignorant of what the Bible actually says.
Bible Ignorance
Did you know that there is more than one gospel in the Bible?
Did you know that Paul, who was converted after Jesus died, was the first to hear and trust the gospel that will save you from hell?
Learn why Jesus ignores a Canaanite woman, why Peter revised the ‘Great Commission’, and why Paul calls himself a pattern.
Do you know the secret of the gospel that the Lord Jesus revealed nearly 2000 years ago, but which is still unknown by most pastors today?
All of these questions and more can be answered by understanding mid-Acts dispensational right division of the Bible.
Jesus Christ According to the Revelation of the Mystery
Sometimes referred to as rightly dividing the scripture, the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery is the answer to the doctrinal confusion which has wreaked havoc in our churches.
This basic teaching opens up the scripture so that you can understand God’s system of progressive revelation and his two-fold eternal purpose.
Understanding mid-Acts dispensational right division will cure your ignorance of God’s word and allow you to finally know God’s will, understand your Bible, and be sure of your salvation.
How To Get Started
A line is being drawn in the sands of Christianity. Will you remain ignorant about the Bible in the name of cultural progress, or will you finally learn to understand your Bible?
Start by reading our introduction to right division and the message of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery. Discover for yourself what the Bible says.
Then begin building your understanding upon the Bible rightly divided and help eliminate doctrinal confusion.
“Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.” – Acts 28:31
This verse is used as popular objection to mid-Acts right division, but it is not a very good one.
It fails to address the most important claim of mid-Acts doctrine: the mystery of Christ revealed first to the apostle Paul.
The objector hopes that Paul’s preaching the kingdom proves that nothing new or different ever started with him. A similar objection shows that Paul used prophecy hoping to prove that Paul did not first preach the mystery of Christ.
This is ludicrous!
If you get a new job, does that mean you have forgotten everything you learned at your old job?
In your new job, do you fail to read, write, and do math, because you learned those skills in primary school, and not at your new job?
If your new job is in the same company, and under the same supervision as your old job, does that mean your new job is not new at all?
A new dispensation was given to Paul, but it does not mean everything Paul spoke or taught was new.
He uses the word “kingdom” throughout his epistles both during Acts and in his post-Acts epistles (to the dismay of the Acts 28ers). He mentions the word “kingdom” in his epistles more often than Peter, James, and John do in their epistles combined (13 vs 11, excluding Acts).
So, what? Does this mean Paul taught the same message as Peter, James, and John? No, of course not.
Why did Paul talk about the kingdom? There are many reasons. Here are the most significant.
1. Everyone in the church, the body of Christ, is translated into the kingdom
No, this does not mean the church is spiritual Israel, nor does it mean the body of Christ will reign in Israel’s kingdom. It does mean that we in the church are under the authority of God.
Paul mentioned the kingdom of God, because he was a servant of God and under his authority.
“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:” – Col 1:13
If you have been redeemed by the blood of Christ, and partake of the grace of God in this dispensation, you are no longer under the power of darkness, but have been moved into a position in heavenly places (Eph 2:6-7).
We are still present in this dark evil world, but our position is no longer here. We are under the headship of Christ in a heavenly dominion.
2. The kingdom of God includes both heaven and earth
The mystery of God’s will revealed to Paul how all things would be gathered together in one in Christ (Eph 1:10). This was a mystery before Paul, but describes how God will reign in the fullness of times. God had revealed his purpose for the earth, but had never spoken about the things or positions in heavenly places belonging to the church.
Part of the mystery of Christ is talking about the invisible dominion in heaven (Col 1:16).
3. The kingdom of God includes both Israel and the Church
No, I do not mean the kingdom of God on earth, which belongs to Israel and the earthly nations. I am talking about the kingdom of God universal. God’s dominion is not limited to the jurisdiction of the earth, but includes the rest of the universe, what the Bible calls the heaven.
The mystery of Christ introduces the creation of a new creature whose conversation is in heaven (Phil 3:20). This is a part of the kingdom of God that was not made known before Paul. Prophecy spoke of the kingdom of God as it will be on the earth, Christ ruling through Israel; the revelation of the mystery speaks of the kingdom of God as it will be in heavenly places, Christ ruling over the church.
4. The kingdom of God is not yet on the earth
When Paul mentions the kingdom, it is always in the future tense. This means the idea of a present kingdom of God come on earth is false. The kingdom of God is waiting for God to establish it in heaven and earth.
The gospel of the kingdom is the proclamation that the kingdom of God is at hand, or is here. Paul did not teach this gospel, knowing that the revelation of the mystery delays the coming of this kingdom to the future. He taught the reign of grace and the gospel of the grace of God. The gospel of the kingdom, and preaching the postponement of the kingdom is different.
Paul explained this delay causing interruption in the gospel of the kingdom. Peter acknowledges Paul’s explanation of the postponement of the kingdom, and that Christ is no longer sending the twelve to preach the gospel of the kingdom (2 Pet 3:15).
5. Righteousness will reign in the kingdom of God
Righteousness has not swallowed the earth, yet. However, the righteous behavior that characterizes that kingdom is already known, and has been known for a long time in scripture. Paul preaches the doctrine of righteous behavior under God’s dominion to the saints in the church.
Just because we are saved by grace does not mean we are free to sin in this dispensation of grace. We are servants of God, members of his body, and should serve him in righteousness, as we will for eternity in his kingdom.
Didn’t the Corinthians know that sinners do not inherit the kingdom? Since they are saints, shouldn’t they act like it? (1 Cor 6:9-10).
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” – Romans 14:17
5. The same King of the kingdom is the head of the Church
Jesus was sent to Israel preaching he was the promised Messiah and the coming kingdom. Paul was sent to preach Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery.
This means that he had to prove to unbelieving Jews that Jesus was the Christ and King of prophecy, and that this same Christ is now the head of a new creature called the body of Christ.
The king of the kingdom will be Christ. Prophecy proves this, and Christ’s resurrection is the sign of this. There is no understanding Christ as the head of the church over all, without identifying Christ as the promised Holy One, and king of Israel (Rom 1:2-4).
Paul mentions preaching the kingdom in some cases, because he is preaching the same Jesus Christ who will be the future king. One Lord over both heaven and earth.
6. The coming kingdom of God means coming judgment
When the kingdom of God comes and God institutes his reign in heaven and earth, it will be preceded by a time of judgment, and concluded with a time of judgment.
“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;” – 2 Timothy 4:1
Many times when Paul preaches the kingdom it is to unbelievers warning them of the wrath to come with that kingdom (Acts 19:8; Acts 24:25; Acts 28:23).
7. The scriptures foretold a kingdom come
Paul says all scripture is profitable, and the scriptures foretold a time of God reigning over all. How could God reign over an earth filled with sinners? The answer lies in the revelation of the mystery revealed first to Paul about salvation.
The scriptures spoke of the kingdom of God come to earth. They did not speak about the people of the earth going up to reign in a heavenly kingdom. Both heaven and earth are part of God’s future dominion.
Conclusion
None of these reasons negate the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ revealed to the apostle Paul a mystery concerning himself that was not known before.
Paul taught the kingdom of God, but he did not teach the kingdom now.
Paul taught the kingdom of God, but he did not teach that the church usurps Israel’s covenants and promises.
Paul taught the kingdom of God, but he did not preach the gospel of the kingdom. He preached the gospel of the grace of God. They are different.
Paul taught the kingdom of God, but he did not preach the same message as Peter and the twelve. The difference is not found in what is the same.
Paul taught the kingdom of God, but he did not offer David’s earthly kingdom to Israel, nor to Gentiles. The kingdom of God can refer to dominions in heavenly places (Col 1:16).
Paul taught the kingdom of God in the context of the revelation of the mystery of Jesus Christ (Rom 16:25).
We know this because Paul did not only write about the kingdom of God, but also about a mystery of Christ (Eph 3:2-6).
Dedicated to my dear friend the “Right Dividing Baptist” (no offence meant 🙂 ). Proof that the Bible is progressive revelation, including the mystery revealed to the Apostle Paul by the ascended and glorified Christ, i.e., indisputable proof that it (the mystery) wasn’t revealed to Paul all at once…
By Justin Johnson
Yes, Paul did baptize some into water in his early ministry. In fact, Paul himself was water baptized by Ananias in Acts 9:18. Paul also circumcised Timothy (Acts 16:3), performed vows and head shavings (Acts 18:18), kept feasts (Acts 18:21), and even raised a man from the dead (Acts 20:10).
What we know is that water baptism did not begin at Paul. It had been in operation since the Mosaic Law and during Jesus’ earthly ministry and through Pentecost.
Secondly, Paul did not add anything to water baptism in meaning or in symbolism (see question on Romans 6:3-4).
Thirdly, Paul was given a dispensation of God that was ‘kept secret since the world began’ and so could not be the same message associated with water baptism (Rom 16:25, 1 Cor 9:17, Gal 1:11-12).
Lastly, Paul was eventually instructed by Christ upon further revelation not to baptize as is evident from 1 Corinthians 1:17.
“For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.” – 1 Corinthians 1:17
Paul’s Multiple Revelations
It would be wrong to think that Paul received his dispensational information all at one appearance of Christ. At the very time of Paul’s first appearance Jesus left the door open to further revelations and instructions:
“…And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.” – Acts 9:6
Also, in 2 Corinthians 12:1 Paul declares that he “WILL COME to visions and revelations of the Lord.”
Six verses later he mentions that he has already received an ‘abundance of the revelations’ (2 Cor 12:7).
In Paul’s retelling of his conversion on the road to Damascus in Acts 9, he describes Jesus’ purpose for him in containing multiple revelations:
“But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, AND OF THOSE THINGS IN THE WHICH I WILL APPEAR UNTO THEE;” [emphasis added] – Acts 26:16
It is evident that Paul received multiple revelations of further instructions for this dispensation as his ministry progressed.
Paul and the Corinthians
It was in Acts 18:8 that Paul was ministering in Corinth and Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue and was baptized by Paul.
“And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. ” – Acts 18:8
That this baptism was water baptism is evident from Paul’s discussion of the event in 1 Corinthians 1.
Nevertheless, the next verse in Acts 18 describes that right after this joyous occasion of many in Corinth believing Jesus appears to Paul.
“Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision…” – Acts 18:9
It has already been established that Jesus spoke to Paul often in revelations for further instruction and encouragement. In this revelation, no mention of water baptism is recorded.
However, that Jesus spoke to Paul about water baptism after Acts 18 is evident from the letter Paul wrote later to the very Corinthians that were baptized.
“I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For CHRIST SENT ME NOT TO BAPTIZE, BUT TO PREACH THE GOSPEL: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. ” [emphasis added] – 1 Corinthians 1:14-17
Paul spent a year and a half teaching the Corinthians face to face and then later writes them thanking God that he did not baptize any of them except Crispus and Gaius and a few others.
Jesus’ Further Revelations
Paul states that he was sent not to baptize but to preach the gospel. It is then obvious that the gospel that Jesus told Paul to preach did NOT contain baptism.
This is contrary to the gospel of the kingdom taught by John the Baptist, Jesus (on earth), and Peter at Pentecost which all contained water baptism for the remission of sins.
Rather, Paul’s gospel was without water baptism but a spiritual baptism into Christ (1 Cor 12:13, Rom 6:3-4).
Why then did Paul baptize the Corinthians? The most plausible explanation is that it was done in ignorance which was subsequently remedied by further revelation and instructions of Jesus Christ about the clarity of his gospel.
What we can know now reading back through Paul’s experience with the Corinthians that just as Paul was not sent to baptize but to preach the gospel, so we are sent as followers of Paul.
“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. ” – 1 Corinthians 11:1
Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Paradise was once located in the centre of the earth and was referred to as Abraham’s bosom:
Luke 16:22-23 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
The Apostle Paul was momentarily caught up to paradise so its location changed:
2 Corinthians 12:4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
The tree of life which was once located in the Garden of Eden, is now located in paradise.
Revelation 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
Paradise relocated from the centre of the earth to heaven when Christ ascended to heaven from the centre of the earth:
Ephesians 4:8-10 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
And even those in hell will bow down to the Lord Jesus Christ:
Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Revelation 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
Only He is worthy to open the book:
Revelation 5:3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
Psalm 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
Isaiah 5:14-15 Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.
Isaiah 14:9 Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations.
Ezekiel 32:27 And they shall not lie with the mighty that are fallen of the uncircumcised, which are gone down to hell with their weapons of war: and they have laid their swords under their heads, but their iniquities shall be upon their bones, though they were the terror of the mighty in the land of the living.
And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled:
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
God made provision for Man’s salvation nearly 2000 years ago, and in the abovementioned verse, the Corinthians were being reminded by Paul of what the gospel was, as some had reached the point of denying the last important element: the resurrection.
The gospel of the grace of God consists of the following three important elements:
1. Christ’s death for your sins
2. His burial (which signifies the fact that he spent 3 days in the belly of the earth. It confirms, that if he didn’t die, he couldn’t be buried, and if he wasn’t buried, he couldn’t resurrect from the dead). Therefore his burial is proof of both his death and his resurrection from the dead.
3. His resurrection from the dead on the third day.
Remove one of these elements, and the gospel is incomplete.
It is also important to believe salvation is a gift (of God):
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
A gift cannot be earned in any way, neither can it be bought, which means it cannot be paid for, not with one’s good works either, neither with a change in one’s lifestyle (getting onto the “straight and narrow”).
A gift, as we should well know can only be received or rejected, and in the instance of the gospel, if it is received, it can only be done so through faith and with thanks.
God provided the means whereby all men could be saved, and that offer of salvation still stands today almost 2000 years after the fact. It is free and it is there for the taking.
2 Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
Christ made full and final payment for one’s sins, all one has to do is receive it through faith (in the gospel).
The benefits of believing the gospel of Christ:
One receives Christ’s righteousness imputed to one’s account as one is then forgiven of one’s sins.
Romans 4:21-22 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
And because one has received Christ’s imputed righteousness, one’s spirit is sanctified.
1 Corinthians 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
One is declared righteous in God’s eyes (justified) because one is sanctified (holy).
Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
One receives glorification: One will receive a heavenly (celestial) body at the time of the rapture.
Romans 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
Adam’s sin was imputed to all men when he disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, but now Christ’s imputed righteousness replaces Adam’s sin when we believe the good news of God’s free gift of grace.
Romans 5:15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
Lost men and women are dead in their sins and conform to the image of Adam. Whereas saved men and women are quickened in their spirits.
Ephesians 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
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2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
—o0o—
It goes without saying that since Saints are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise (God Himself), they cannot lose or give away their salvation.
Jesus died once for all men so one cannot put Christ on the Cross and take Him off several times when one supposedly loses one’s salvation…
2 Corinthians 1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
1 Timothy 6:20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
Paul likely told Timothy to avoid the Gnostics of that time who professed to possess knowledge which could save men’s souls… knowledge which wasn’t rooted in faith in Paul’s gospel.
Today, we have educational institutions, businesses, and an “advanced” modern mindset which deny biblical revelation with respect to the literal six day creation, the curse of sin, as well as the great flood…
The world refuses to believe the Bible can explain the existence of heavenly bodies such as the stars, the sun and the moon, not to mention the fossils we see around ustoday.
Science (knowledge, which the Bible also refers to as the “wisdom of this world”) rejects the once-off, distinctive events such as creation and the great deluge, thus confirming Man’s wilful ignorance of how the heavens, the earth, animals, plants, (as well as Man)came into existence.
1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
Proverbs 2:6 For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
Ignorance of God’s knowledge prevails in the 21st century, so Paul’s warning to Timothy with respect to the opposition of “science” to God’s truth almost 2000 years ago is just as applicable today as it was then.
The modern day “science” of evolution is the most obvious example of mankind’s wilful suppression of the truth.
Romans 1:18-20 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
“Atoms-to-man” evolution is science falsely so called due to its contradiction of biblical revelation about the origins of not only Man but the entire universe, so it goes without saying that the world is saturated with false knowledge which contradicts God’s words in the Bible.
1 Corinthians 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
The faith of Christ defined:
Philippians 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
The word of truth defined:
Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Paul’s thorn in the flesh defined:
2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
2 Corinthians 12:20 For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings,tumults:
I refuse to debate or continually discuss the following topics which are currently prevalent amongst Right Dividers:
THE FLAT EARTH THEORY:
If anyone is unable to comprehend the literary devices present in the Bible with reference to ancient Man’s understanding, comprehension or views of the heavens and earth (which God took into account when writing the Bible), it’s entirely between them and God.
Conclusion:
It is Judgment Seat of Christ material, and calling me a King James Bible denier because I am fully persuaded in my mind the earth is a sphere, and putting adjectives in front or after my name because of my stand…. you’re welcome.
Ephesians 5:15-16 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
CALVIN’S UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION WITH RESPECT TO COMMON GRACE & SPECIAL SAVING GRACE:
Also erroneously referred to as “Universal Forgiveness” by some, others even call it “Universalism” and label its adherents “New Reconciliationists:
This too is Judgment Seat of Christ material.
Conclusion:
Believing that Man is elected by God in the instance of having all his sins unconditionally forgiven is… unconditional election….
KENOTIC THEOLOGY
This teaching engenders a blasphemous understanding concerning the faith of Christ (which also so happens to conveniently line up with the erroneous and blasphemous denominationalist view of the faith of Christ).
CONCLUSION:
I’m not sure whether this is Judgment Seat of Christ or White Throne Judgment material…
2 Corinthians 11:4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
THE ACTS 28 SLANT OF DIVIDING THE GENTILES
Read Acts chapter 13.
CONCLUSION:
This is Judgment Seat of Christ material.
CONSPIRACY THEORIES
For example: The “plandemic”, “Covid 19 is a hoax”….. “don’t wear a mask!”…. “the Queen/George Bush/Hillary Clinton are reptiles”… “there is no virus”… “they’re currently preparing you to wear a hijab” (men too?)
Who cares? As believers we already know how evil human nature is. We should rather make a plan on how lost men and women can hear the gospel of Christ and be saved… after all, they are also the reason Christ died on the Cross and rose again on the 3rd day… Why do we look at their flesh when we know full well they’re in unbelief?
CONCLUSION:
2 Corinthians 5:16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
Natural man does what he does due to ignorance because of his unbelief. We need to make him see according to Ephesians 3:9 and take note of:
1 Timothy 1:13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
and
1 Corinthians 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
2 Corinthians chapter 5 is God’s amnesty for sinners.
There is currently a God given, worldwide amnesty in place whereby one isn’t being punished for one’s sins by way of natural disasters such as tsunamis, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, drought, plagues or fire and brimstone as some would have one believe.
God currently isn’t pouring out destruction and death for men’s sins as he did with Sodom and Gomorrah, or when he destroyed the antediluvian world with the Great Flood, or even when he judged Israel by putting her prophetic program into abeyance, and as a result, her Temple was destroyed in AD 70.
Satan today has permission to destroy the flesh of believers when they are “naughty”, just as he had permission to bring Paul “down to size”:
2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
In these scenarios, the guilty should be handed over to Satan for the destruction of their flesh:
1 Corinthians 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
1 Corinthians 5:1-2 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.
So who is actually puffed up in this scenario – the perpetrator or the congregation?
And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.
Reason #1 for not fellowshipping with the perpetrators:
1 Corinthians 5:6-13 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
This is done to prevent the error from becoming prevalent, andthe norm.
Reason #2 – to maintain moral and doctrinal purity:
Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
Which doesn’t altogether mean one must not associate with the lost for the simple reason that they (who also do such things) really need to hear the gospel of Christ that they might be saved:
Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
Saved people should know better:
But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a
fornicator, or
covetous, or
an idolater, or
a railer, or
a drunkard, or
an extortioner;
with such an one no not to eat.
We as the Body of Christ, generally speaking, have the stilted notion of judging mainline denominations, the lost, politicians and government(s) (those without) but our discernment falls flat when it comes to judging one another’s blatant wrongs (those within):
For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
Meantime they (those without) judge us (those within) and all they see (in certain areas), is a mish-mash of heretical teachings and sins of the flesh and don’t really want any part of it:
But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
For doctrinal purity’s sake and not to be perceived as insincere, wicked, sin-laden hypocrites, do not be reprobate unto good works:
Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
1 Timothy 5:24-25 Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
The Body of Christ is God’s epistle in this present evil world, not written with ink, but with the Spirit in fleshly tables of our hearts:
2 Corinthians 3:3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
God searches, knows and tries the heartsof men and also purifies their hearts by faith (when they believe 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 for their salvation):
Romans 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Acts 15:8-9 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
1 Thessalonians 2:4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
The realIsrael of God is non-existent today because of the condition of her heart, her understanding did not come from it:
Acts 28:27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
2 Corinthians 3:15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
2 Corinthians 3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
One can include unbelievers under the following heart condition, which would include Atheists, Religionists and the like – their vanity and unthankfulness has lead to their foolish hearts becomingdarkened:
Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Ephesians 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
Anyone who only pays mere lip service to Pauline doctrine, has not believed it in their hearts:
Romans 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
When one is deceived, the root of the problem lies in the heart :
Romans 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
The Lord at the right time will judge and bring to light the hidden things of darkness and the counsels of the hearts of men, i.e., the secrets of men.
1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
Romans 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
On Sunday, July 26, 2020, Bible Believer Terence D. McLean, age 77, formerly of Sugarcreek Township, Ohio, arrived at his eternal heavenly home to be with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Terry now is with his Lord for all eternity, with “all spiritual blessings in heavenly places,” which is “far better.” His life on earth as his Lord’s ambassador-soldier is over; and Terry has passed on to a blessed peace and rest, being absent from his body and present with his Lord.
Years ago, Terry believed and trusted the Gospel of the Grace of God found in I Corinthians 15:1-4. He knew he was a sinner who needed a Saviour; and he placed his faith in the fact that Christ’s death, burial and resurrection paid the full penalty for his entire sin debt: “Christ died for our sins … He was buried … He rose again the third day …”
At the moment Terry trusted this Biblical message of salvation, he became a permanent member of the Body of Christ ~ a new creature ~ at peace with God, having all sins forgiven (Colossians 2:13), with the promise of an eternal heavenly home with “all spiritual blessings …” (Ephesians 1:3).
This promise by God is available to everybody who places their faith in Jesus Christ as their Saviour.
Out of concern for the health of those who loved Bro. Terry, a memorial will not take place at this time. The best kind of memorial service is for you to press on in service as a memorial to the Lord.
All men today are descended from Noah’s three sons, Ham, Shem & Japheth:
Genesis 9:19
These are the three sons of Noah: and of them was the whole earth overspread.
The three remaining gifts today:
1 Corinthians 13:13
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
God in three persons:
1 John 5:8
And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
1 John 5:8
And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
Jesus spent three days and three nights in the belly of the earth:
Matthew 12:40
For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
He rose from the dead on the third day:
Mark 10:34
And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.
They crucified Him the third hour:
Mark 15:25
And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.
He rose on the third day according to Paul’s gospel:
1 Corinthians 15:4
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
There are three heavens and God resides in the third one:
2 Corinthians 12:2
I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
Genesis 2:21-22
And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
Prior to the tower of babel, there was only one language and one accent on earth:
Genesis 11:1
And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech.
One blood, one earth ~ thus, no aliens or reptilians and no habitation in outer space:
Acts 17:26
And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
There is only one God:
Romans 3:30
Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
By one man sin/death entered the world:
Romans 5:12
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
And by the righteousness of one Man the free gift of salvation/lifecameupon all men:
Romans 5:18
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.
There is one body of believers:
Romans 12:4-5
For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
Who should glorify God having one mind and one mouth:
Romans 15:6
That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Joined to the Lord with one spirit:
1 Corinthians 6:17
But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
In future, He will gather together both the earthly and the heavenly in one at a future allotted time:
Ephesians 1:10
That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
The body of Christ, otherwise known as the one new man:
Ephesians 2:15
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
We have access to the Father through one Spirit:
Ephesians 2:18
For through him we both have access by
one Spirit unto the Father.
One hope,
Ephesians 4:4-6 There is one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism & One God:
and one Spirit, even as ye are called
in one hope of your calling;
One Lord,
one faith,
one baptism,
One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
One God and one mediator:
1 Timothy 2:5-6
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
Thus, no Mohammeds, no Buddhas, or Mahdis can be elected as intermediaries between God and Man.
For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.
—o0o—
We were once dead IN our sins, but now are dead TO sin…
Ephesians 2:1
And you hath he quickened, who were dead IN trespasses and sins;
Colossians 2:13
And you, being dead IN your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Romans 6:2
God forbid. How shall we, that are dead TO sin, live any longer therein?
Romans 6:7
For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Romans 6:11
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
We are dead to the law…
Romans 7:4
Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead TO the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
Galatians 2:19
For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
Our flesh is dead (not saved)…
Romans 8:10
And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
We are dead to the world…
Colossians 3:3
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
We are dead with Christ…
Romans 6:8
Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
Yet we are alive in Him…
Galatians 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
—o0o—
2 Corinthians 5:4
For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.
It is said that the word refers to “the dispensing of information”, and not to a period of time as such ~
I beg to differ. I see it as being defined as both for the following reasons:
1) God dispensed a different set of doctrine to the Apostle Paul as to what he dispensed individually to the twelve apostles, Noah, Abraham or Moses: correct ~ and,
2) It will only be for a set (ordained) period of time as the dispensation of grace will have to come to a close sooner or later, just as all the other dispensations prior to it.
Thus each dispensation has a time frame because God is foreknowing ~ he knows exactly the duration of this dispensation.
Acts 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
Ephesians 6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
God’s plan of salvation today differs to that of times past and that of times to come.
Whereas Abraham was saved by faith alone, the plan of salvation he believed differs to ours today. (See Genesis 15:1-14).
… Whereas the object of Noah’s faith was to build an ark:
Genesis 6:12-14 And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.
And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.
Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.
Genesis 6:22 Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.
And the point of Jesus’ earthly ministry was to offer and preach the good news to Israel with regard to her promised earthly kingdom, and for them to accept Him as the Messiah, according to that which was prophesied:
Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
Matthew 13:35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
During Jesus’ time the Jews were still making burnt animal offerings and sacrifices, as can be seen from the sale of the following animals at the Temple:
Thus, during His earthly ministry, the levitical law was still in effect:
John 2:14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
Matthew 22:36-38 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
Whereas Abraham and Noah believed their good news, Israel as a nation unfortunately didn’t:
Mark 15:12-13 And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews?
And they cried out again, Crucify him.
Which brings us to the present time and the Apostle Paul:
On the contrary, our gospel was hidden before the foundation of the world, that is, it was a secret hid in God until it was revealed to the Apostle Paul by the ascended Christ close on 2000 years ago.
1 Corinthians 2:7-8 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
God’s imputed righteousness is received by faith alone without the works of the law:
Romans 3:21-22 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
Paul refers to it as “my gospel”:
2 Timothy 2:8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
1 Corinthians 1:22-24 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
To make all men see the fellowship of the mystery, that is, the exclusivity of Pauline doctrine (Romans to Philemon):
Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
The preaching of the ascended Christ according to the doctrine he revealed to Paul (in comparison to preaching Christ according to His earthly ministry in Matthew, Mark, Luke & John, or Christ according to Israel’s New Testament, Hebrews to Revelation):
Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
The mystery was revealed due to Israel’s fall, if she did not reject her Messiah, we wouldn’t currently be living in the dispensation of grace, and because we are (living in the dispensation of grace), Israel is now blinded in part, that is, during this parenthesis.
Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
God foreknew Israel would reject Him, hence the mystery which was ordained before the world.
It makes one marvel:
1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
The mystery of the catching away of the Saints to meet the Lord in the air, that blessed hope, otherwise known as the rapture is part of the mystery revealed to Paul:
1 Corinthians 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
God’s long-term will, is to gather two separate bodies of believers who are in Christ, namely, the body of Christ from heavenly places, as well as New Testament believers from the earthly Millennium Kingdom, together unto Himself in a future dispensation known as “the fulness of times”:
Ephesians 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
As noted before, we are living in an interval between Israel’s Old and New Covenants, a parenthesis, in unprecedented times:
Colossians 1:26-28 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
At the time of Christ’s crucifixion, it was unknown to everyone, except God, that He was also to die for the sins of heathen Gentiles, apart from and separate to Israel’s New Testament:
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
Since God changed the way He dealt with the world in respect to salvation, Satan, the ultimate counterfeiter also changed the way he presented himself to Man in order to simultaneously deceive and be believable:
2 Thessalonians 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
The mystery of godliness: God personally coming down to earth in the form of man to implement and accomplish his plan of salvation for mankind in the following manner:
1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:
God was manifest in the flesh,
justified in the Spirit,
seen of angels,
preached unto the Gentiles,
believed on in the world,
received up into glory.
^^^The main reason it is God’s will for us to be thankful in all things, as we have what not many others have, and that for eternity…
Synonyms for imputation: ascribe, attribute, assign, accredit, chalk up, put down, set down, credit, lay at the door of, connect with, associate with, stick something on.
The first incidence of imputation in the Bible occurred in the garden of Eden when Adam and Eve sinned and still affects mankind to this day:
Romans 5:12
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”
Imputation under the levitical law at times basically assigned one to being toast if one was nonchalant or careless about how one went about carrying out sacrifices and offerings:
Leviticus 7:17-18 But the remainder of the flesh of the sacrifice on the third day shall be burnt with fire.
Judgment if any of the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings be eaten at all on the third day, it shall not be accepted, neither shall it be imputed unto him that offereth it: it shall be an abomination, and the soul that eateth of it shall bear his iniquity.
Leviticus 17:3-4 What man soever there be of the house of Israel, that killeth an ox, or lamb, or goat, in the camp, or that killeth it out of the camp,
And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer an offering unto the Lord before the tabernacle of the Lord ; blood shall be imputed unto that man; he hath shed blood; and that man shall be cut off from among his people:
Abraham received God’s imputed righteousness by faith alone before he was circumcised (in uncircumcision):
Genesis 15:5-6 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
And he believed in the Lord ;and he counted it to him for righteousness.
Romans 4:9-11 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.
How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
NOW:
Be thankful you were born in the dispensation of grace, a time where God is imputing his righteousness by faith alone in the gospel of Christ alone (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), so salvation is easily attainable and doesn’t require anything to be done in order to maintain it:
Romans 4:22-24 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;
But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
There is no yardstick to judge men by and punish them with today, as we are currently living under grace and not the law. The ministry of reconciliation is in effect whereby lost men and women living in this dispensation will be judged later at the White Throne Judgment – Those who don’t believe now will pay for their unbelieflater.
Currently, Man’s sins aren’t being imputed to his account:
Romans 5:13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
2 Corinthians 5:18-20 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
FUTURE/TIMES TO COME:
James 2:22-24 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
How God’s righteousness will be attained (imputed) in future, after the close of this dispensation:
And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
TIMES PAST:
Genesis 17:10-11
This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.
And you shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.
^ Faith made perfect. The beginning of Judaism.
TIMES TO COME:
Faith made perfect during the Tribulation:
Revelation 14:12
Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
Today, in the here and now, our faith doesn’t need to be made perfect by works as we’re already complete in Christ.
Colossians 2:10
And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
Scripture that refutes those who believe the world will end in 11 or 12 years time due to climate change. The oceans won’t rise and flood numerous coastal cities as predicted, because the world as it is today is being reserved, being kept in store for God’s future judgment which will be by fire:
2 Peter 3:4-10 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
Man has every right to farm, build bridges, plant, cut down, prune, curb plant growth, cull (animals), fish, construct buildings, hunt (for food), mine and make use of all animals, plants, as well as all minerals and other wealth this planet has on offer. There is enough for all, especially when greed and power aren’t on the agenda. In other words, this planet is sustainable for 7 billion people (and counting).
Man is an omnivore, not a herbivore which is proven by the fact that his gut contains one of the strongest acids – hydrochloric acid, which digests meat. Hydrochloric acid is so strong that the stomach lining needs to be renewed every third day, otherwise it would eat into the flesh of the stomach and kill a person.
Genesis 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
1 Timothy 4:3-4 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
Genesis 9:1 And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.
Genesisi 26:4 And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;
Astronomer’s estimate there are over a 100 thousand million stars in the Milky Way alone.
Jeremiah 30:19 And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small.
Each person alive today has as a right to be here because God has given each and every one a chance at receiving salvation.
Euthanasia is wrong. There is no such thing as “compassionate” death if a person isn’t saved, regardless of their pain and suffering.
And capital punishment belongs in the Old Testament, not in the Dispensation of Grace, as there is no grace, peace and mercy in an “eye for an eye”(the law).
“There are ideas in the Bible that show up repeatedly. The reason why they show up repeatedly is to test your heart and ears.
The wrong heart responds to repetition with a groan. Each repetition makes them less interested and they long for something new. Their ears become dull, and they shut their eyes to the repeated topic.
“Yes, yes, heard it before. I know that already.” Skip.
God repeats things to turn off the spiritually hard-hearted, deaf, and blind.
When someone is always in search of the rare and unique this tells you something about their heart and ears. Their study will end up being unprofitable or nonexistent.
The right heart responds to repetition with more interest. Their ears listen more closely for that idea, and their eyes look to find more repetitions.
“This has come up before. This must be significant. I wonder how important it is.” Search and study.
The reason the same topics show up repeatedly in the Bible is because they are important themes.
You will never find an important teaching in scripture that is only taught by one or two verses.
Spend most of your time finding and studying the important themes in the Bible and your understanding will benefit greatly.”
Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
Name: The Judgment Seat of Christ When: Anytime after the rapture Where: The third heaven Other Name: The day of Christ
Reserved solely for Saints for the things they did in his (Christ’s) body during their tenure on this earth.
2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Outcome: Saints will either receive rewards for good works, or suffer loss for bad works:
1 Corinthians 3:14-15 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Name: The Tribulation When: After the close of the dispensation of grace Where: on Earth Other Names: The day of the Lord, The Time of Jacob’s Trouble
Reserved solely for those who are left behind (not raptured) due to not having believed Paul’s gospel during the dispensation of God’s grace for their salvation, as well as for God to refine for himself a righteous people, a nation called Israel:
Matthew 13:40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.
Romans 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
2 Thessalonians 2:10-11 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
Revelation 11:18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
Pertaining specifically to Israel:
1 Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Outcome: The disobedient will be cast into the temporary holding cell of hell to await final judgment at the White Throne Judgment. The obedient on the other hand, will inherit the kingdom of God.
1 Corinthians 6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
Revelation 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
Name: The Sheep-Goats Judgment When: After the Tribulation Where: On Earth Other Name: Judgment of the nations
Reserved solely for nations. All nations which existed during the tribulation will be judged on the basis of their treatment of the little flock of Israel/believers during the Tribulation.
Matthew 25:32-36 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Outcome: Matthew 25:34 and –
Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
Name: The Great White Throne Judgment When: After the Millennium Where: Third Heaven Other Name: The Last Judgment
Reserved solely for the lost from all dispensations from the beginning of time:
Revelation 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
These men and women’s souls cannot be judged according to God’s imputed righteousness as they do not possess it, so they are judged by what they said and did, both good and bad.Whereas saved souls from the dispensation of grace who have God’s righteousness, have only their bad works burnt up at the JSoC, the lost themselves will burn for eternity in the lake of fire.
Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Outcome: The second death:
Revelation 20:14-15.
The Judgment of Angels:
2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
Jude 1:6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
The body of Christ will judge angels:
1 Corinthians 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
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Romans 2:5-8 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
God is the Author of language, and the words He gave Man led to Man’s ability to communicate, setting him apart from the animals.
Figures of speech add emphasis and feeling to what is said and written, but no man has ever used language as precisely as God has in the Authorised King James Bible.
In His word, God expresses Himself in colourful and powerful language.
An example of a hyperbole or exaggeration in the Bible:
Matthew 5:29 ~ And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
Meaning: The followers of Christ during His earthly ministry were commanded not to tolerate sin in their lives and that that they should take whatever aggressive action was required in order to stop sinning.
Personifications:
Attributing human characteristics or attributes to something that isn’t human.
An example of a personification in the Bible:
Proverbs 7:4 ~ Say unto Wisdom, Thou art my sister, and call Understanding thou kinswoman,
Similes use the words “like” or “as” to compare things, e.g.,“Life is like a box of chocolates”, whereas on the other hand, metaphors directly state a comparison: “Love is a battlefield.”
Thus, scripture uses metaphors and similes extensively, as a way of illustrating aspects of its teachings, for example:
ConcerningGod ~
As a father:
Isaiah 64:8 ~ But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand
As a shepherd:
Psalm 23:1 ~ A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
As a rock:
Psalm 62:2 ~ He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.
Concerning the body of Christ:
Romans 12:4 ~ For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office
The terms, “my body”, “his body” (Christ’s) in the bible has two main but separate meanings: (1) it refers to Jesus’ words concerning the bread at the celebration of Passover “This is my body” in Luke 22:19–20, and (2) it also refers to individuals who are “in Christ” 1 Corinthians 12:12–14
Colossians 1:24 ~ Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:”
Similes:
1 Thessalonians 5:2 ~ For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night
Meaning: the tribulation will come upon the world unexpectedly, at a time known to no man.
Matthew 13:44 – Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
Meaning: it is valuable, a treasure that is hidden and hard to find.
Matthew 28:3 – His countenance was likelightning, and his raiment white as snow
^ A vivid description of Christ.
Matthew 23:27 ~ Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.
Meaning: they were hypocritical. Clean on the outside, but dirty on the inside.
Matthew 13:52 – Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
Meaning: having authority.
English is a fantastic language
Idioms are “a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words (e.g. over the moon, you’re pulling my leg”.
Examples of idioms in the Bible:
Revelation 7:1 ~ And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
“Holding” ~ restraining (the winds).
“Four corners of the earth” ~ north, south, east, west = the 4 directions the winds come from.
Matthew 4:8 ~ Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
If the above verse were to be interpreted literally, and the mountain mentioned in Matthew 4:8 with its view of the entire earth is literal, then where is it?
2 Timothy 3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
Charity, is the highest form of love, signifying the reciprocal love between God and man that is made manifest in unselfish love of one’s fellow men, namely, fellow Saints as well as the lost.
1 Corinthians 16:14 Let all your things be done with charity.
Never forced or done out of obligation, with wrong motivesor pretense.
1 Timothy 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers,
in word,
in conversation,
in charity,
in spirit,
in faith,
in purity.
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow
1. righteousness,
2. faith,
3. charity,
4. peace,
with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Titus 2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
Apart from practising charity, be suitably “attired”:
2 Corinthians 6:6-7 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
Romans 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Ephesians 6:14-18 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with
1. truth,
and having on the breastplate of
2. righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of
3. the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of
4. faith,
wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of
5. salvation,
6. and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
7. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,
(a) and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
{And for leaders, teachers and pastors}
(b) And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ~ Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
God’s character and principles are not restricted by dispensational boundaries.
Romans 9:16 ~ So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
Romans 11:32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
1 Timothy 1:13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Nehemiah 9:17 And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.
Romans 15:9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
2 Timothy 1:2 To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Titus 1:4 To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
“That day” = Mercy at the Judgment Seat of Christ/Day of Christ:
2 Timothy 1:16-18 ~ The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.
2 Thessalonians 1:10 ~ When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
2 Timothy 4:8 ~ Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
The ability to rightly divide the word of truth correctly – Judgment Seat of Christ material:
Philippians 1:10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
Remaining faithful to Pauline doctrine and Paul’s gospel – Judgment Seat of Christ material:
Philippians 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
It often gets said that the Thessalonians were troubled about the times they were living in, but the day of Christ isn’t the rapture (the catching away of the Saints to meet the Lord in the air), nor is it the Tribulation as so many erroneously believe, it is actually the Judgment Seat of Christ (the day of Christ):
2 Thessalonians 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
2 Timothy 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
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Romans 2:4-9
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
Romans 2:2
But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
“Which commit such things” – what things?
(Keeping in mind, if one does not obey the truth of God, then one by default obeys unrighteousness…)
These things:
Romans 1:29-32
Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
BUT..
Romans 3:21 ~ But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
Romans 4:5-8 ~ But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
Galatians 2:16 ~ Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
The faith of Christ:
Romans to Philemon, rightly divided
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 is the gospel that saves your never-dying soul + nothing.
Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Since Abraham originated from Ur and was a descendant of Shem, that made him a Semite like most Middle Easterners. The term “Semitic” doesn’t only refer to the Jews.
Saul of Tarsus (The Apostle Paul) was a Roman citizen, as Tarsus is/was located in Turkey, which was part of the Roman Empire then. So what does this tell one about the nationality of the Antichrist, since the final beast system emanates out of the fourth empire, namely the Roman Empire?
The Byzantine Empire ruled Jerusalem from Constantinople (modern day Istanbul) after the Roman Empire and it was a Caliphate.
Thus the Antichrist will be a Semite, and not a Roman Catholic Gentile, after all, the book of Revelation is all about the restoration of Israel, as well as her 7 churches, and definitely not about any Gentile churches during the Dispensation of Grace, which by that time will have ended with the rapture.
Daniel 7:19 Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet;
Genesis 49:16-17 ~ Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel. Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward.
If one looks at the 12 tribes listed in the book of Revelation, Dan is nowhere to be found (Revelation 7). It is however listed amongst the original 12 tribes of Israel in the Old Testament.
Samson was from the tribe of Dan, and as we know, he did not keep the vow not to cut his hair, but he was led astray by Delilah, a foreign woman whom he fell in love with and who tricked him into cutting his hair, losing him his strength, which eventually resulted in his death. This typifies the tribe of Dan being led astray by foreign things as it began worshiping idols instead of the God of the Bible.
Daniel 11:
37 Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.
38 But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.
39 Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain.
6 “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” ~ The Apostle Paul, Colossians 2.
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Titus 1:1-4:
“Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, but at the proper time manifested, even His word, in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior, …” ~ The Apostle Paul.
If you are saved, I will see you in eternity.
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” ~ Colossians 3:15
The Judgment Seat of Christ not only refutes Arminianism, but also confirms the eternal security of the Believer, as well as the importance to rightly divide the word of truth in accordance to 2 Timothy 2:15, Ephesians 1:13 and Galatians 2:7-9 (Authorized King James Bible).
Body of Christ doctrine (“But now”):
Romans 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:10-15 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Versus Hebrew doctrine (Times to come):
Hebrews 10:26-27 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
Revelation 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
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1 Timothy 1:16 “Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.” ~ The Apostle Paul.
Today, salvation can only be found in Paul’s 13 epistles.
2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
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The Body of Christ is perceived to be foolish, weak and base in the eyes of the world:
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
That no flesh should glory in his presence.
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
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We are seen as spectacles and fools, the filth of the world and the offscouring of all things, defamed:
1 Corinthians 4:9 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
1 Corinthians 4:10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.
1 Corinthians 4:13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
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We are crucified with Christ and crucified unto the world:
Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me
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We have received the spirit which is of God:
1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
1 Corinthians 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
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Rightfully, we should judge/examine ourselves for the following reasons:
1 Corinthians 11:31-32 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
1 Corinthians 11:27-29 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
We cannot lose our salvation in this instance, but it will affect our flesh/bodies:
1 Corinthians 11:30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
When the body dies, it sleeps, and in the instance of a saved person, it will be raised again in the following manner, for mortalmustput on immortality:
1 Corinthians 15:52-53 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.
Our spirits are not mortal, they are immortal as Man will live for eternity, either in the lake of fire, separated from God, or in heavenly places, reconciled to God. So only the mortal body is able to put on immorality, therefore it is only the body that sleeps in the dust, not the soul…
One also needs to examine whether one is actually saved, for example: if one believes Romans 10:9-10 in addition to Paul’s gospel, one needs to reconsider this, as one is adding an element of Israel’s performance based gospel to Paul’s gospel, which in turn makes it another gospel which doesn’t have the power to save.
2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
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All praise and glory to our Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ alone. Thankful for his unspeakable gift.
We can’t begin to imagine what God has prepared for us in heavenly places for eternity:
1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
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It will begin withthe Great I Am coming down personally to fetch us and take us home:
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
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For unbelievers/evil men who persecuted and troubled us during our tenure on earth, we will in all likelihood get to judge them:
1 Corinthians 6:2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
“Behold the Lord cometh with ten thousands of His saints to execute judgment upon all and to convict all that are ungodly” (Jude 14, 15).
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We will then behigher than the angels in order to also judge them:
1 Corinthians 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
2 Timothy 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him : if we deny him, he also will deny us:
2 Timothy 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
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We are personally accepted of God, in possession of his righteousness:
Ephesians 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
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sons of God, thus heirs of God the Father, thus co-heirs with the Sonof God – Christ:
Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
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We will be delivered out of these sin cursed bodies, out of this corrupt, evil world:
Romans 8:21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruptionintothe glorious liberty of the children of God.
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Looking ahead into eternity:
Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
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See also 1 Corinthians 2:9 in respect to all spiritual blessings in heavenly places:
Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
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A purchased possession unto the praise of his glory:
Ephesians 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
“that day” – Daniel’s 1 week of 7 years, aka the Tribulation, aka the day of the Lord, aka the Time of Jacob’s Trouble.
“falling away” – apostasy.
“man of sin, son of perdition” – the Antichrist
Verse 4
Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
Verse 5
Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
Verse 6
And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
“WHAT withholdeth” – the mystery of iniquity, which already started working in this world during Paul’s time, i.e., Satan’s ministry as an angel of light.
Mystery of iniquity (subterfuge):
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
The devil transformed as an angel of light during this dispensation will be taken out of the way as there will no longer be use for this specific ministry of his when the current dispensation draws to a close, as the time will then have arrived for it to be replaced by the ministry of the Antichrist who will then openly operate like a roaring lion, devouring those who oppose him – 1 Peter 5:8.
Verse 7
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
Verse 8
And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
Verse 9
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
Verse 10
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
“… all deceivableness of unrighteousness” ~ sinners clothed in their own righteousness, not having God’s righteousness which is by faith alone in the gospel of Christ alone (Philippians 3:9; Galatians 2:16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Ephesians 1:13; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-7).
“… because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved” ~ speaks of the lost (unbelievers) who will cross over from the dispensation of the grace of God into the Tribulation because they did not receive the love of the truth, which so happens to be the good news – the gospel: how that Christ died for their sins, was buried and rose again on the third day for their justification (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Romans 4:25).
“in them that perish” ~ they will regrettably experience the second death in the lake of fire, being eternally separated from God. (Revelation 20:14).
Verse 11
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
The strong delusion: they will believe the Antichrist is God and worship him as he will prove same with lying signs and wonders (see verse 9).
Verse 4: Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
Revelation 13:13-14 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
Verse 12
That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Romans 1:25-26,29-32 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
Humanitarianism and communism are good examples of worshipping and serving the creature instead of the Creator. Karl Marx dictated that if there were no class structures in society, and all people were equal (economically and socially), Man will have no need for God as he (Man, the creature), by implementing this plan, “will be able to solve” all the world’s problems, namely that of war, hunger, racism, inequality, poverty and crime.
Verse 26 – 29
For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same,but have pleasurein them that do them.
THE GOSPEL:
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
*The gospel is free; unlike some who attach a price tag to it – Titus 1:11
*It is essential that we preach it; – 1 Corinthians 9:16
*We have nothing to glory of except the Lord Jesus Christ, our Saviour and his unspeakable gift; – 2 Corinthians 9:15
*Our preaching of the gospel isn’t in vain – 1 Corinthians 3:14; 1 Corinthians 10:33; Ephesians 4:12; 1 Corinthians 3:7
*We are free in Christ, but are debtors to all men in this respect: Ephesians3:9 & 1 Timothy 2:4
*It is our calling – Philippians 3:14; Ephesians 1:18
1 Corinthians 9:12,16-27 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.
For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
1 Corinthians 4:12-13 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
Yet –
Ephesians 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
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