Results 1881 - 1900 of 2030
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: mark d seyler Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1881 | Can you prove eternal security? | 1 Pet 1:23 | mark d seyler | 141344 | ||
Hi Doc, Tim pointed out to me what I understand to be basically the same thing. I think I now better understand the passage based on yours and his input. Thank you for your feedback. So it turns out I am still human, and prone to error! Love in Christ, Mark |
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1882 | Another question on Genesis 28 | Genesis | mark d seyler | 141329 | ||
Hi Chusarcik, Consider Hebrews 11:20 "By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even regarding things to come." in referrence to this. Isaac may have recognized God's hand in what had happened, and have realized that God intended the blessing to go to Jacob. After all, Isaac was fooled by a goatskin tied to Jacob's skin? I hope this helps. Love in Christ, Mark |
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1883 | Salvation is a gift to be accepted | Luke 6:46 | mark d seyler | 141325 | ||
Thank you Hank. It was when I discovered the reaches of God's grace that I began to learn of His rest! God Bless! Love in Christ, Mark |
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1884 | Can you prove eternal security? | 1 Pet 1:23 | mark d seyler | 141313 | ||
Hi Tim, Your points are good. Is the "fall from grace" that Paul speaks of more of a "falling into a false theology", producing a turning away from the works of the spirit? Or do you see this as a fall from salvation? Love in Christ, Mark |
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1885 | What if willfully return to a sinning li | Eph 1:11 | mark d seyler | 141303 | ||
Heb 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit. 4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. 7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: 8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. 9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. This is a passage that seems to plainly state that the born again believer can fall away without hope of return. Following are verses 4-6 from the Young’s Literal Transalation. Heb 6:4 “for it is impossible for those once enlightened, having tasted also of the heavenly gift, and partakers having became of the Holy Spirit, and did taste the good saying of God, the powers also of the coming age, and having fallen away, again to renew them to reformation, having crucified again to themselves the Son of God, and exposed to public shame.” There are a few things that stand out to me about this passage. In vs. 1-3, we are given a list of the “principles of the doctrine of Christ”, the foundation of repentance and faith (how we come to Christ), the doctrines of baptisms and laying on of hands (empowering our life in Christ), and resurrection and judgement (the end of the Age, the result of our life in Christ). The writer says they will leave these to go on to completion, if God permit, “For”, vs. 4, or “because, it is impossible for those once enlightened. . .” as if this were a doctrine outside of those he listed in the previous verses (leaving these, we will go on to…), one not belonging to this age. The next thing I see is in vs. 5, as the writer names the circumstances of those who would fall away. They have tasted of the powers of the of the age to come. Campare this to the following statement. “They have felt the accelleration of the 2010 Mercedes.” The only people capable of feeling the accelleration of a 2010 Mercedes are those living in the last half of 2009 or later. In vs. 6 the writer says “if they shall fall away” - this is not being viewed as a personal danger to the writer. The next thing I see is that they have “put Jesus to open shame”, or literally shown Him publicly in infamy. My understanding of this is as if to say they thumb their nose at Him face to face. This would go along with a Millenial timeframe, when Jesus will personally, openly rule. Finally, in vs. 9, the writer says that these are not the things that accompany salvation. 1John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. The born again cannot fall away, according to this verse, therefore, these cannot be the born again. Ephesians 2:8 tells us that we are saved by grace through faith. John 3:15 says that eternal life is to all who believe (same word in Greek). Hebrews 11:1 tells us that faith is the evidence of things not seen. This is the age of salvation by faith. The millenium will not require faith, as the LORD will be seen by all. Isaiah 65:20, speaking of the millenium, when people’s lifespans will again be lengthened, says that the “sinner, a hundred years old, will be accursed.” This seems to say that those sinning in the millenial kingdom will have up to a hundred years old to repent, then after that they are accursed. This could be the time after which it is impossible to renew them to repentance. Again, if there were a scripture which actually contradicted the many plain statements that rebirth is eternal, it would be the "smoking gun", a contradiction in the Bible. But there are not. Love in Christ, Mark |
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1886 | Can you prove eternal security? | 1 Pet 1:23 | mark d seyler | 141300 | ||
Ga 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. 3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. 7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This passage speaks of someone who came out of the law, but is now returning to it. Remember the parable of the sower, and the one who believed, but did not follow through. Christ has no effect for the person who seeks to be justified by the law, who began well, but did not obey the truth. This verse does not use language equally specific as those verses that tell us our new life is eternal. It seems to compare more with those verses that speak of one who began with belief, but continued with works, not obedience to the truth. This person is not saved, and has not lost salvation. Heb 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot (rejected with disdain) the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? This chapter of Hebrews is explaining the fulfillment and subsequent end of the animal sacrificial system. Vs. 16-17, quoting Jeremiah, states the New Covenant, an internal change, that replaces the Old Covenant, which could not perfect us (vs. 1). Vs. 18 summarizes the balance of the chapter, “Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.” You either are saved by Jesus’ sacrifice or not. Vs. 26 says “if you willfully sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth.” You can have the knowledge without being reborn. You cannot continue to sacrifice animals as a covering for sin, it is no longer an option. If you continue to offer animal sacrifice, you declare by your actions that Jesus’ shed blood was no better that that of bulls and goats, an unholy (common) thing, having rejected the offered grace as though it were nothing. If you continue to rely on animal sacrifice, there remains nothing more for you but the judgment you will receive for you sins. Love in Christ, Mark |
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1887 | Salvation is a gift to be accepted | Luke 6:46 | mark d seyler | 141296 | ||
Hi Angel, Anyone who claims salvation yet uses that as a license to sin is serving themself, not God, and shows by their life that they are not saved! Colossians tells us that the handwriting of the ordinances have been blotted out. There is now no law written against us, and where there is no law sin is not imputed. But that only applies to those who are now under grace. We are under grace because we are born again. We are born again because because God has given us rebirth. Hebrews tells us Jesus is the author of salvation to those who obey Him. The person who wants to sin with impunity has taken the name of the LORD, "Christian", in vain! The real Christian hates sin. The person who says that since they said the "sinner's prayer", and now they can sin all they want and God can't do anything is deluded. "Why do you call Me Lord, and not do the things I say?" The man at the wedding feast was not clothed in Christ's righteousness. We are saved by Christ's righteousness, not by good works as you claim! Either my salvation is entirely from Christ's righteousness imputed to me, or it is from my performence, which is by works. The Bible says grace, not works. Love in Christ, Mark |
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1888 | Can you prove eternal security? | 1 Pet 1:23 | mark d seyler | 141286 | ||
Thank you brother. All good gifts come down from above! Love in Christ, Mark |
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1889 | Can you prove eternal security? | Eph 1:11 | mark d seyler | 141227 | ||
Hi Doc, Well, for all my words - I like your answer! :) Love in Christ, Mark |
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1890 | Can you prove eternal security? | 1 Pet 1:23 | mark d seyler | 141226 | ||
John 3:5-7 “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” 2 Corinthians 5:17”Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 1 Peter 1:23 “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 John 3:9 “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” Hebrews 5:8-9 “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;” Salvation comes when we believe in Jesus. This belief is not just in that He exists, but in Who He is. He is my Master and Lord, whom I have been in rebellion to. He is God come as man to pay the penalty for my sin. Adam’s disobedience to God cost us our spiritual heritage. Adam was created in the image of Elohim, but in the day that he ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil he died. Though he continued to live, it was a living death. Though he reproduced, he was unable to reproduce the life he was created with, since it was lost, and so we are all born, as it were, dead. 1 Corinthians 15:22 “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” Without the fullness of life, i.e. spiritual life, we don’t have any availability of having relationship with God, and we all rebel against Him. Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” We are conceived in sin, and live in sin. Once we become willing to end our rebellion against God, and become obedient to Him, He becomes the author of our salvation. We cannot fool God. We can fool ourselves. We can see an appeal of the gospel, and want the goodies of salvation, but not be willing to actually hand over our self-determination to the Lord Jesus. We can tell ourselves that we are saved, and begin to serve a new legalism of church and whatever works we believe are required, and continue to do as we choose. But if we are sincere in our desire to enter into obedience, God knows this, and becomes the Author (originator) of our salvation. This salvation is re-birth. As in Adam we die, in Christ we are made alive! Having first being born of the flesh, now we are born of the spirit. We are born of incorruptible seed, which lives and abides (stays) forever. We are a new creature. We do not commit sin. God has literally separated us from our sin, from all sin, now and forever. He had to. It is only mankind who sees some sin worse and some better. In the eyes of God it is all the same. James 2:10 “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” Neither quantity nor a perceived “depth of depravity” make any difference. We were a natural man. We are born of the Spirit, as spirit. We are now something different than what we were. God sees us only as the new spiritual being we have become. He no longer regards the old creature we were. The new creature we are is not subject to the laws of sin and death (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.”). The old creature will continue to sin, to the extent that we allow it to (See Romans 7). The new creature cannot sin, being born of God. Our birthright from Adam is sinfulness. Our birthright from God is sinlessness. Jesus, born of the virgin Mary, conceived by the Holy Spirit, did not receive the sinful nature from Adam. When we are reborn, it is not from Adam’s seed, but from God’s incorruptible seed. This means that we are as sinless as was Christ. We cannot sin, for we are born of God! When we pass into the eternal state, the Bible tells us that we will be “clothed upon” with a new body, the mortal shall put on immortality. I Corinthians 15 tells us that we shall be changed, but the change is to our body. We are only waiting for our new body, we already have our new spirit! If we allow our old nature to continue in the works of the flesh, God will reprove and chastise us. We can be stopped from progressing in the works God has before ordained that we should walk in them (Hebrews 12:1 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”). The incorruptible seed, the Word of God, which gives us our birth, lives and stays forever. These words, and so many more like them, are unequivical, to repeat, unequivical. Love in Christ Mark |
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1891 | A thought about the Flood | Bible general Archive 2 | mark d seyler | 141215 | ||
Hi Ed, Something for your perusal: http://www.creationevidence.org/cemframes.html Love in Christ, Mark |
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1892 | Salvation is a gift to be accepted | Luke 6:46 | mark d seyler | 141213 | ||
Hi CDBJ, Amen, and amen! Love in Christ, Mark |
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1893 | A thought about the Flood | Bible general Archive 2 | mark d seyler | 141185 | ||
Hi Greentwiga, Once upon a time I thought God must have created the earth with apparent age. Someone pointed out to me that God is not a deceiver, and so I began to look for something different. I believe the Bible will always agree with accurate science. I understand that the current cutting edge of the science of origins is "intelligent design", as scientist are beginning to recognize that this couldn't have just "happened". I hope that opens their eyes. The answers are out there! Love in Christ, Mark |
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1894 | Salvation is a gift to be accepted | Luke 6:46 | mark d seyler | 141181 | ||
Hi Kalos, I appreciate the Amplified Bible for it's elucidation on some points, however, regarding your note "The emphasis here is on the first part of v. 9: "No one born (begotten) of God [deliberately, knowingly, and habitually] practices sin", these words are not in the greek text, and change the plain meaning of the words written. This verse plainly says that the one who is born again does not commit a single act of sin. If the Holy Spirit wanted to refer to the practice of sin, He could have used that word (prasso), but He didn't. Again, I understand this to refer to the fact that we are given a new nature, not that our flesh has been improved. Our flesh continues in its sinful nature, but we are now no longer identified by our sinful flesh nature. We are identifed by our new nature. This is also the point of Romans 7. Love in Christ, Mark |
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1895 | A thought about the Flood | Bible general Archive 2 | mark d seyler | 141175 | ||
Hi Greentwiga, I've been perusing some material recently that has some information on these issues. Considering a water canopy above the atmosphere as described in Genesis, the amount of cosmic radiation absorbed by creatures before the flood would be greatly reduced. When measured and evaluated by today's rates of absorption, it would falsly indicate extreme age. According to many published and accepted experiments, the speed of light is slowing down. A faster lightspeed in antiquity indicates a smaller, newer, universe. The fact is, all of these things you have named as methods of dating assume that all things continue as they were since creation. The fact is, we really don't know what conditions were like before the flood. One guess is that the atmospheric pressure may have been double. That is aproximately what is required for pterdactyls to fly. Just this one change would alter the way all life lives and grows. Since oxygen is a primary catalyst in this world, virtually all reactions would happen faster, plants would grow faster, and we really don't know what all the differences are. The truth of the matter is that accepting or rejecting Christ is a spiritual matter. If I wish to reject Jesus, I will come up with any number of excuses. Chuck Missler gives an excellent presentation regarding the speed of light and the age of the universe, in collaboration with some of the primary research scientists in the field. His website is www.khouse.org. The bones are there. Man says he knows how old they are, but the Bible says differently. I believe the Bible. Love in Christ, Mark |
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1896 | Salvation is a gift to be accepted | Luke 6:46 | mark d seyler | 141170 | ||
1 John 3:9 “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” Being born again, we do not commit sin, according to this verse. This is one of those times that the Bible says something that seems opposite to what I see in my life. But let the Bible be true and my vision faulty. I have been taught that this verse speaks of the continuing practice of sin, and not to commit single sinful acts. Greek poieo poi-ay-oh is translated commit. It is variously translated as: “you cannot make one hair white or black” “when you do your alms” “I say to my servant, do this, and he does it” “have you not read what David did when he was hungry?” This word literally means to commit a single act. There must be something more to this verse that says the born-again do not commit single acts of sin. There are three Greek words commonly translated “do”. They are “katergazomai” which is to perform an action or series of actions to accomplish a purpose, “prasso” which is to repeatedly or habitually perform an action or series of actions, and poieo, to commit a single act. This is the heart of being born again. I am now something other than what I was. God has literally separated me from my sin, from all sin, now and forever. He had to. It is only mankind who sees some sin worse and some better. In the eyes of God it is all the same. James 2:10 “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” Neither quantity nor a perceived “depth of depravity” make any difference. What difference is there if I sin once or ten million times? There is now no condemnation. That is not because sin stopped being wrong. It is because I am no longer in sin. I began life in a body of death (Romans 7:24), with a dead spirit. I am now a living spirit, though still in that body of death (Romans 8:10). When I receive the redemption of my body (Romans 8:23), I will be a living spirit in an incorruptible heavenly body (I Corinthian 15:48-54). When I go to be with Jesus, by death or by rapture, my spiritual status will not change. My body will be changed, by I already have my new spirit. Romans 6:4 “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” In the Bible, I am no longer identified with my body of death, but I am identified with my living spirit, as I share in the life of Christ, Who is our life (Colossians 3:4). 1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. 1 John 5:18 “We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” We have been reborn, and are now something completely different, born into eternal life. We have a new nature. We are not saved by the strength of our faith, we do not keep our salvation by the endurance of our faith. If that were true, when we got to heaven, it would be by our works. We are saved by faith that comes from Jesus, we are kept by the power of God through faith. The faith that is in us is the operation of His power in us. We are not saved because we hold our faith to the end, we are saved with faith that lasts. Again, I must stress: True re-birth results in a transformed life. If our lives do not show change, and we continue in a sinful lifestyle, and not in a life characturized by obedience to Christ, we should question strongly whether or not we have truly submitted to Christ. Love in Christ, Mark |
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1897 | Salvation is a gift to be accepted | Luke 6:46 | mark d seyler | 141095 | ||
I say these things to the truly born-again. As Paul said, let each of us examine ourselves, if the Spirit of Christ is in us! John 3:3-7 “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” John 1:12-13 “But as many as received him, to them gave he power (exousia – right or authority) to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on (eis - into) his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 10:27-29 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man (Lit. none or nothing) is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.” 1 Peter 1:23 “Being born again, not of corruptible (decaying, mortal) seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 John 2:24-25 “Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.” 1John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. The message of these scriptures is plain. We must be born of the Spirit. Sin brings death; God gives eternal life. God gives the right to be born of the Spirit. Spiritual birth is of incorruptible seed, by the word of God. This word lives and abides – stays - forever. If what you have heard (the word, the seed sown) abides in you, you shall also continue, in the promise of eternal life. You are one of Jesus’ sheep, you know Him, He knows you, and none can take you away. This is spiritual birth. To understand what qualifies you for this birth, hear what Jesus says about being His disciple. The words of these scriptures are plain and specific, that when you are born again, that birth if from God, of incorruptible seed, giving eternal live, which no one can take away. Eternal life is not eternal if it can be lost. If you are one to whom eternal life was given, and you lost it, and died, it was not eternal. There is no such thing as temporary eternal life. Some may make the objection that though no one can take you away, you can “walk away on your own”. The Bible says I won’t, and praise God for that! According to John 10:29, nothing, not even me, can pluck me from Jesus’ or my Father’s hand! John says “were born” – this is past tense! 1 John 5:13 says “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life.” Again, eternal life is not eternal if it is temporary. This verse tells us we can know we have eternal life! Why is this important? I gain a completely different perspective of my life when I realize I have already entered into my eternal heavenly spiritual state. I am further from sin and closer to God. My confidence in ultimate victory is complete. My joy abounds, and my light shines! Love in Christ, Mark |
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1898 | when will the rapture take place | NT general Archive 1 | mark d seyler | 141079 | ||
Hi Jeff, Here are some thoughts for your consideration. The doctrine of Imminence teaches that there are no prophecies remaining to be fulfilled before the rapture. Is this taught in the Bible? What about imminence 100 years ago? Teachings during this past century declared the rapture imminent, although we know now that it was not. But imminence aside, there is the teaching of expectation. Some Pre-wrath and Post-trib proponents tell us that the early church did not teach an “any-moment” rapture. But look again at I Thessalonian 4:17 “Then we who remain alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to a meeting with the Lord in the air” and I Corinthians 15 “and we shall all be changed.” Paul, writing these verses, shows expectation, each time including himself as alive and remaining. “The dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” “Then we who are alive and remain…” LITV 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 “But concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need for it to be written. For you yourselves know accurately that the day of the Lord, as a thief in the night, so it comes. For when they say, Peace and safety! Then suddenly destruction comes upon them, like the travail to the one having babe in womb, and not at all shall they escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness, that the Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of day; we are not of night, nor of darkness. So then, we should not sleep, as the rest also do, but we should watch and be sober.” --- All the pronouns are first and second person, with the exception of the ones upon whom sudden destruction falls. They are third person plural. Paul clearly thought of himself as one who would be raptured. These verses are written with the underlying assumption that the Day of the Lord would come in their lifetimes. “the Day should not overtake you as a thief”. “We should watch”. 2 Peter 3:10-14 “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with rushing sound, and having burned the elements will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be burned up. Then all these being about to be dissolved, of what sort ought you to be in holy behavior and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the Day of God, through which the heavens having been set afire will be dissolved; and burning, the elements will melt? But according to His promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. Because of this, beloved, looking for these things, be diligent, spotless, and without blemish, to be found in peace by Him.” “Looking for and hastening the coming of the Day of God” – picture yourself at the train station, leaning off the platform, looking down the track, saying under your breath “come on, come on!” Peter also teaches expectation, telling us we should be looking for and hastening (to urge, speed, or eagerly await) the coming of the Day of God. Do we look for something we don’t expect to see? Matthew 24:42 “Watch, then, for you do not know in what hour your Lord comes.” Matthew 25:13 “Therefore, watch, for you do not know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man comes.” Mark 13:32-37 “Watch! Be wakeful, and pray. For you do not know when the time is. . . . then you watch, for you do not know when the lord of the house is coming. . . that he may not come suddenly and find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all. Watch!” Revelation 16:15 “Behold, I am coming as a thief.” We watch for Jesus, not knowing when He comes. Jesus says over and over to watch because we don’t know when He is coming, and we are to be found ready. Jesus wants us ready at all times, telling us that He could come back at any time, that we should expect Him at any moment. Are we wrong to expect Him at any moment? We know Jesus is coming. We are to watch for Him. Are there prophecies to be fulfilled first? Whether or not you believe the rapture to be imminent depends entirely on where you place it in referrence to other prophecies. If you believe that the rapture will occur following the the abomination of desolation, or revealing of the antichrist, then the rapture is not imminent. It can’t happen until these other events have taken place. The basic idea of expectancy implies imminence, in that if my understanding of end-times prophecy were that a particular prophecy or group of prophecies had to happen before the rapture, I would not be expecting Jesus ‘at any moment’. I would be looking intead for the fulfullment of that prophecy. There will be no imminency, and neither will there be expectancy. You will not be expecting the rapture, you will be expecting other things first. Love in Christ, Mark |
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1899 | pre-marital sex | Bible general Archive 2 | mark d seyler | 139778 | ||
Dustprophet, What about keeping the law of the land? (See Romans 13 among others) The State of California requires a marraige license and validation (by a state approve agent), and this nowhere conflicts with God's law. Does your idea that I can be married "in my heart" but not according to the state law supercede God's instructions? I don't think so. Love in Christ, Mark |
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1900 | Would actions change if? | Rom 11:25 | mark d seyler | 139499 | ||
Hi MJH, Here is some free, yes free Bible study software. www.e-sword.net God Bless! Love in Christ, Mark |
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