Results 21 - 36 of 36
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Tuggy Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
21 | Do you believe once save, always saved. | Luke 23:43 | Tuggy | 95878 | ||
I would like to suggest that you take a closer look at 2 Peter 2:20: "For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are entangled again therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning." I suggest we ask our selves some questions and allow the Bible to answer: 1. WHAT are the descriptions of those Peter is referring to? The answer is in verse 20: i. They have [at some time] ESCAPED THE POLLUTIONS OF THE WORLD. ii. At some point, they had a knowledge of The Lord and Saviour. This knowledge enabled them to ESCAPE the corruptions of the world. Interestingly, Peter used the same expression to describe our salvation experience in the very same epistle, 2 Peter 1:3-4, to describe our salvation experience. The word "knowledge" as Peter uses it, does not mean a mere mental assent to God's existence. Rather, it entails having a saving relationship with God. iii. After they had escaped the corruptions of the world THROUGH Jesus, they are AGAIN... Don't miss that word "AGAIN." Here is a sequence: Saved because they have escaped the corruptions of the world; now, AGAIN... Again what? AGAIN ENTANGLED therein. Once they had escaped the corruption that is in the world (just like every person who accepts Jesus) through Jesus. Now, they are AGAIN ENTANGLED in the corruption or sin of the world. Notice that word ENTANGLED. It doesn't imply making mistakes as a Christian. It implies wilfull disobedience - a choice to love the world, and to be of the world. James 4:4 says: "...whosoever will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." iv. They are OVERCOME by the corruption of the world, or simply, sin. They are overcome because let sin reign in the mortal bodies - what Romans 6:12 warns against. That world "LET" shows that being overcomers of sin, or overcomed by sin depends on our choice. It is God's desire to make us overcomers (Romans 8:32; Revelation 2:7,17,25, etc.). He can and will, IF we let Him. VERSES 21, 22 v. They had KNOWN THE WAY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. vi. AFTER they had known the way of righteousness - God's way - they TURNED FROM THE HOLY COMMANDMENT DELIVERED UNTO THEM. The message was delivered to them at some point, and they knew (not a mere mental assent to) the way of God, but turned from God's way of righteousness. THEY TURNED FROM RIGHTEOUSNESS. This indicates free will. vii. They following are true of them: a. They RETURNED to their own vomit. You can't return to somewhere you've never been, or to something you've never done. They were once lost - eating their vomit . They were rescued through Jesus. They returned (by choice) to their own vomit - their old life of sin, became entangled, and overcome by sin. b. They are like a sow that has been washed and returns to her wallowing in the mire. Once washed clean from sin; now, they've returned to their old life of sin. Futhermore, Ezekiel 18:24 makes it clear that it is possible for a righteous person to depart from the way of righteousness, and that such a person will die in his sins and be lost. Does that mean that our salvation is like a roller coaster ride: saved today, lost tomorrow, saved, lost,...? No! Does that mean that a saved person who makes a mistake becomes lost? No! Jesus' provision makes it possible every human to overcome sin. What happens when a sincere Christian slips? "These things I write unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" (1 John 2:1). The alternative to the once-saved-always-saved doctrine is NOT a roller-coaster-type-salvation doctrine. Finally, "Be sober, be VIGILANT, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Pet 5:8). That's an admonition for those who are saved. So long as we abide in Jesus, we are safe; but if the Christian takes his eyes off Jesus, he makes himself vulnerable to the devil. "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all persevarance and supplication for all saints." Your brother in Christ, |
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22 | Do you believe once save, always saved. | Luke 23:43 | Tuggy | 95200 | ||
Jesus seeks us, yes. However, He extends to us an invitation to come to Him. Matthew 11:28: "COME unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." John 6:37: "All that the Father giveth me shall COME to me; and him that COMETH to me I will in no wise cast out." Revelation 22:17: "And the Spirit and the bride say, COME. And let him that heareth say, COME. And let him that is athirst COME. And whosoever will, let him TAKE the water of life FREELY." Remember, Jesus doesn't use force. He invites us to COME. All who accept the invitation will COME to Him, and He has promised never to turn any one away. I agree totally that we are saved by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8,9). I also believe with all my heart that God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16). I also believe that if after any had escaped the pollutions of the world, but becomes entangled in those pollutions again, and are overcome, the latter end is worse than the beginning (2 Peter 2:20). For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment... (verse 21). I also believe that "The just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him" (Hebrews 10:38). If you will, please consider the article to be found at amazingfacts.org. Click on "Online Library" (top right). Select the article: "Can a Saved Man Choose to be Lost?" |
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23 | Do you believe once save, always saved. | Luke 23:43 | Tuggy | 95190 | ||
You're welcome, Vehoka. God bless. |
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24 | Do you believe once save, always saved. | Luke 23:43 | Tuggy | 95183 | ||
Let's see what the Bible says: Ezekiel 18:24 - "But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die." 2 Peter 2:20-22 - "For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire." Not only are we to "come" to Jesus for the free gift of salvation (Revelation 22:17); we must also "abide" in Him (John 15:4), after we have come. We must die daily (1 Corinthians 15:31), deny ourselves, take up our crosses daily, and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23). Otherwise, the Christian will soon grow cold and be overcome by sin. And "if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sin" (Hebrews 10:26). |
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25 | SECOND CHANCE | Rev 7:1 | Tuggy | 93923 | ||
This is helpful: http://www.endtimeinsights.com/LeftBehind.html God's richest blessings |
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26 | SECOND CHANCE | Rev 7:1 | Tuggy | 93922 | ||
The Bible says: "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2). "How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?" (Hebrews 2:3). There will be no second chance for those who miss the second coming of Jesus, spoken of in 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17, which teaches that at Jesus' second coming, the dead in Christ will rise first, and we which are alive and remain will be caught up with them in the air, and shall ever be with the Lord. Paul clearly said those who are not "caught up" will experience "sudden destruction" and shall "not escape" (1 Thess. 5:3). 3) The majority of Protestant scholars (Lutheran, Baptist, Methodist, Reformed, Presbyterian, etc.) from the 1500's to the early 1900's applied the Bible's "Antichrist" prophecies about the "little horn" (Dan. 7:8) and the "beast" (Rev. 13:1) to the historical "falling away" (2 Thess. 2:3), activity and worldwide influence of the Roman Church. According to this viewpoint (called Historicism - meaning prophecy has been fulfilled throughout Christian history), the very essense of Antichrist involves present deceptions within the professed Christian Church which lead away from Jesus Christ I recommend enrolling in a FREE Bible Prophecy Course at http://www.bibleuniverse.com/logon.asp for answers to this question. You'll also gain Biblical insight on the AntiChrist, The Mark of the Beast and the Mystery Number 666, the Rapture, The Mystery of Spiritual Babylon, and many more. |
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27 | Who are "under the earth"? | Phil 2:10 | Tuggy | 93919 | ||
May God's grace be multiplied unto you. I would like to suggest that you do an indepth Bible study on this topic, as well as many other commonly misunderstood Bible themes. I strongly recommend any of the following: www.discoveronline.org http://www.bibleuniverse.com/logon.asp http://www.amazingfacts.org/school/af_logon.asp |
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28 | Ref. on animals having no spirit? | James 2:26 | Tuggy | 93916 | ||
Contrary to the popular teaching, the soul does not live on after a person dies. According to the Bible, what happens at death is the reverse of what happened at creation. Genesis 2:7 tells us how we were created: God made man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man BECAME a living SOUL. What is the soul? According to the Bible, a soul is a living being. The Bible does NOT teach that God placed a soul in man, but that, in equation form: body plus breath equals living soul (or living being). Can the soul die? Indeed. See Ez 18:4. Who only has immortality? 1 Timothy 6:15, 16 tells us that God is the only One who is not subject to death. The Bible only uses immortal to describe who God is - never to describe who we are. Immortality is a gift that God will give us. According to Paul, in Romans 2:7, we are SEEKING FOR IMMORTALITY. Job tells us that we are MORTAL (Job 4:17). 1 Corinthians 15:51-54 tells us that God's people will receive immortality at the resurrection at Jesus' Second Coming. What happens at death? Ecclesiastes 12:7: "Then shall the dust retutn to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it." The Bible does not teach that the soul returns to God. The Bible mentions "soul" 1800 times and never once uses the expression "immortal soul". For Bible-believing Christians, the great hope is the resurrection at Jesus' second coming. Are humans conscious at death? How much do they know? nOT AT ALL! See Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6. Does the thought process continue after death? According to Psalm 146:4, no. What is the spirit that returns to God? See James 2:26; Job 27:3; Job 33:4. The Spirit and the breath are the same throughout scripture. When a person dies, it is God's life-giving power, His breath, that returns. The psalmist David states: "His breath (spirit) goeth forth (Ps 146:4). It is not some conscious entity - not some immortal soul. The Hebrew word for breath throughout scripture is RUACH, which means "AIR, WIND, OR SPIRIT." At death, the spirit or breath returns to God. Can the dead worship God? See Psalm 115:17 and Psalm 6:5. Since the "dead know not anything" (Eccles 9:5) and "in the grave there is no remembrance of you" (Ps 6:5), it is only logical that "the dead praise not the Lord" (Ps 115:17). The Bible compares death to a sleep more than 50 times. See John 11:11-14. When we are asleep soundly, we are not aware of time passing at all. We are at rest - complete rest. Jesus has the keys of hell and of death (Revelation 1:18). When He returns, the dead in Christ will be resurrected, and we which are alive and remain will be caught up tother with them in the air to meet the Lord(1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17). You would do well to study diligently this topic for yourself, comparing scripture with scripture, and allowing the Bible ti interpret itself. Please visit www.discoveronline.org for Bible studies on this and all the major and commonly misunderstood themes of the Bible. A word of caution: Just because a person supplies Bible texts, that doens't necessarily mean that his stance is in accordance in scripture. So, I encourage you to study for yourself. God bless. |
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29 | heaven or resurrection of the dead | Is 26:19 | Tuggy | 91448 | ||
Dana, I've included a link to a bible study entitled: When a Person Dies...What Then? http://guide.discoveronline.org/discover/guide24/ I hope this will help you in your search for truth. If you would like to study other major (and commonly misunderstood) themes of the Bible, you may visit the following site: www.discoveronline.org. God bless you. |
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30 | heaven or resurrection of the dead | Is 26:19 | Tuggy | 91447 | ||
Dana, I've included a link to a bible study entitled: When a Person Dies...What Then? http://guide.discoveronline.org/discover/guide24/ I hope this will help you in your search for truth. If you would like to study other major (and commonly misunderstood) themes of the Bible, you may visit the following site: www.discoveronline.org. God bless you. |
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31 | why sabbath? | Ex 20:8 | Tuggy | 90247 | ||
Good question. The answer: Because that is the day God blessed and sanctified; in other words, God made it a holy day, and set it apart for holy use, and commanded that it be observed. Genesis 2:1-3; Exodus 20:8-11; Ezekiel 20:12, 20; Isaiah 58:13,14; Mark 1:21; Mark 2:27,28; Luke 4:16; Matthew 5:17-19; Acts 13:14; Acts 13:42-44; Acts 16:13; Acts 17:2; Acts 18:4. My encouragement to you: Search the scriptures daily whether these things are so (Acts 17:11). For studies on this and all the major themes of the Bible, please visit: http://www.discoveronline.org/. |
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32 | The bible said remember the sabbath day | Ex 20:8 | Tuggy | 90246 | ||
My Friend, here are some scripture that will help you: Genesis 2:1-3; Exodus 16:26, 30; Exodus 20:8-11; Ezekiel 20:12, 20; Mark 2:27; Isaiah 58:13,14; Isaiah 66:22,23. Here are the only 8 texts in the New Testament that refer to the first day of the week, Sunday. You'll notice that nowhere will you find authority for Sunday observance: Matthew 28:1; Mark 16: 2,9; Luke 24:1; John 20:1 (Record of Jesus' resurrection. No hint of a change from Sabbath to Sunday) John 20:19 (Disciples were assempled for "fear of the Jews"; they were not celebrating Jesus' resurrection; besides, up to this point, they didn't even believe that he had risen). Acts 20:7. Why did Paul preach and continued until midnight? Answer is found in Acts 20:25. He thought he was going to be killed in Jerusalem. He was supposedly giving his last message, and encouraged the early Christians and warned them against the false doctrine that would creep into the church (verses 28-30). Certainly, if there had been any change from Sabbath (the seventh day) to Sunday, Paul would have made it known. Notice what he said in Acts 20:20, 27. Neither was their breaking of bread on that day of any significance. The broke bread from house to house everyday (Acts 2:46). Breaking bread was simply for refreshment. 1 Cor 16:2. To understand this, read verses 1-4, and the context will become clear. It is clear that this was not even worship on Sunday, but a collection for the relief of the poor at Jerusalem. Further evidence that Christ did not change the Sabbath day: Matthew 24:20; 1 John 2:3-6; Luke 4:16; Matthew 7:21; James 2:10 (As long as there is a law, the Sabbath remains) Which day is the day of rest and worship? The same day that God commands in Exodus 20:8-11. The above is only a brief summary. If you desire to communicate with me, I may be reached at jevhar@yahoo.com. I encourage you to search the scriptures (John 5:39), study for yourself (2 Timothey 2:15), search the scriptures daily whether these things are so (Acts 17:11). God bless you. |
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33 | Must Christians keep the Sabbath today? | Ex 20:8 | Tuggy | 89746 | ||
You are speeding down a highway, exceeding the speed limit by 20 mph. Soon, you are pulled over by a police officer. You plead with him, and he decides to give you another chance. What would you do? Would you rev your engine, and leave the officer in a cloud of dust, and again violate the speed limit law? Or, would you be careful this time to drive within the speed limit? Does being "let off the hook" give you license to violate the speed limit law? Yet, we have broken a higher law - God's law, and the penalty was death. But, the grace of God, infinitely greater than that granted by the police officer has set us free. It is solely by grace that we are saved (Eph 2:8). But, being saved by grace does not give us license to continue breaking God's law, no more than being given a second chance would have given the driver license to break the laws of the road. Paul makes it clear that we are not under law, but under grace (Rom 6:14). As you were pulled over by the police officer for disregarding the speed limit, you were under the law - under its condemnation - and you deserved the penalty. After you were given an undeserving second chance, you were now under grace. We are under the grace of God; therefore, sin shall no longer enslave us (Rom 6:14). Rom 6:15: "What then? SHALL WE CONTINUE IN SIN BECAUSE WE ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW?" Since 1 John 3:4 defines sin as the breaking of God's law, the apostle was actually asking: "SHALL WE CONTINUE TO BREAK THE LAW, BECAUSE WE ARE NOT UNDER LAW, BUT UNDER GRACE?" His answer: "GOD FORBID." Obedience to God is the theme of verses 16 and 17. Walking as Jesus walked means living a life of total surrender to God; a life of righteousness involves obedience (Rom 6:16). A bride and a groom, because they are so inlove, will do anything to please each other. They would abide by the laws that guard their marriage without giving it a second thought. Love - it's the fountain from which obedience springs. That's why Jesus said: "IF YOU LOVE ME, KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS." A husband who loves His wife would never dishonour the laws that guard their marriage. So those who love Christ will never dishonour God's law. They are not obedient because they are trying to commend themselves to God. They are obedient because they love Him so much, they want to please Him in every way. Obedience is the fruit of love. In Galatians 3, Paul never hints that keeping the law of God is unnecessary. He made the point that one is made righteous, not by keeping the law, but through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus (Gal 2:21). He then explains, in Galatians 3:10: "For all who rely on the on the works of the law are under a curse" (RSV). Rely on the law for what? For righteousness (2:21). We are justified by the grace of Jesus through faith, not by the deeds of the law (Gal 2:16; Rom 3:20; Tit 3:7). But, why? Because the function of the law is to make us conscious of sin (Rom 3:20). Righteousness is by faith (Rom 3:21-30). But FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD (James 2:17). James says: "I will show thee my faith by my works" (2:18). But WHOSO LOOKETH INTO THE PERFECT LAW OF LIBERTY [God's Commandments], AND CONTINUETH THEREIN, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a DOER OF THE WORK, this man shall be BLESSED in his deed (James 1:25). Such a one, God deems a saint (Rev 14:12), and will have right to the tree of life (Rev 22:14). Let's not charge God with being unjust, by stating that it's impossible for us to obey His Commandments. Jesus said: "KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS" (John 14:15). If Jesus commanded us, it is very possible! "I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST which srengtheneth me" (Phil 4:13). So, THROUGH CHRIST, I CAN KEEP THE WHOLE LAW, AS GOD REQUIRES (James 2:10-12). Our loving Saviour would never require of us anything that is impossible. With man it is impossible, but not with God; with God ALL things are possible (Matt 19:26). Let us grasp these promises in faith. Jesus' words to the rich young man, "IF THOU WILT ENTER INTO LIFE, KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS" are still valid. They are so valid that only those who "do His Commandments" will "have right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city" (Rev 22:14). I love my mother so much, I cheerfully and willingly help her around the house, never complaining or murmuring about the tasks she asks me to perform. As a matter of fact, it pleases me to please her. But I love God a whole lot more. What He commands, I will cheerfully perform, THROUGH JESUS (I repeat, with greater emphasis, ONLY THROUGH JESUS), my strength. Like Paul, I delight in the law of God (Romans 7:22). Like John, I don't consider His Commandments to be burdensome, but perform them in love (1 John 5:2,3). Let Paul have the final word: "[We are saved solely by faith in Jesus, and not because of works, but] DO WE, THEN, NULLIFY THE LAW BY THIS FAITH? NOT AT ALL! RATHER, WE UPHOLD [or establish] THE LAW" (Rom 3:31). |
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34 | Must Christians keep the Sabbath today? | Ex 20:8 | Tuggy | 89691 | ||
Dear Brother in Christ, You misinterpreted my note and missed the point. Here is a paraphrase that I hope will help to reinforce my point: 1. Both angels (Lucifer and a third of heaven's angels) and men (Adam, Eve and their posterity) have fallen because of breaking God's commandments - in other words - because of sin (Revelation 12:4,7-9; 2 Peter 2:4; Romans 3:23). 2. Jesus' Second Coming is Near (Revelation 22:12) 3. Judgment: when does it take place - past, present, or future? 4. When Jesus returns, He'll have His reward with Him (Revelation 22:12). That means, the destiny of each soul would have already been decided, and at Jesus' Coming, the dead destined for eternal life are resurrected, the righteous who are alive and remain are caught up together with them, and we shall ever be with the lord (1 Thessalonians 4:16,17). 5. Therefore, judgment takes place before Jesus' Coming (at least, the investigative phase). Could that be in our day? If we are living in the time of the judgment of the living, just imagine what that implies! Are you ready to meet God face to face? Will you be found before Jesus wanting, or with your sins all washed away? What is sin? The breaking of the law of God (1 John 3:4). We MUST be in harmony with the law of God! 6. In the judgment, Jesus is our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14). He is for us, not against us. However, He is a consuming fire to sin and to those who are in sin. What is sin? 7. Jesus seeks to develop His holy character in us, so that we'll fully reflect Him (Ephesians 3:17-19). 8. The saved are those who reflect the character of Jesus (1 John 2:6). 9. One important part of reflecting Jesus' character is odedience to God - to the law of God - the whole law of God (John 15:10; James 2:10). What law? According to James 2:11, the Ten Commandment law. 10. We are judged based on our obedience to the Ten Commandments (James 2:10-12; Ecclestiastes 12:13,14). 11. It is Satan's object to keep Christians - all men, in fact - breaking God's commandments, so that they'll be lost. Jesus will not take the disobedient to heaven. Otherwise, justice would require taking the devil back to heaven, too! 12. The Lord is coming back for a church that has received a special cleansing and preparation to meet God face to face (Revelation 22:11-14). 13. Revelation describes those who inherit eternal life as those who are faithful to God's commandments (Revelation 12:17; 14:12; 22:14). 14. Jesus is waiting for His church to respond - to be brought into translation preparation 15. Then, He'll come. The question is: Are we allowing Jesus to mold and fashion us into His likeness, each day? In other words, are we submitting to the Holy Spirit's control daily? We need the daily baptism of the Holy Spirit, a daily surrender to the Holy Spirit's control, so that we'll ever be growing more and more like Jesus (John 15:1-4; Philippians 2:5; 1:10,11). There is no room for complacency. We should be seeking a closer relationship with Jesus every day. This response was given in response to whether Christians should keep the Sabbath Day today. Yes, and not only the Sabbath, but the other nine precepts as well; we must be in harmony with God by being in harmony with His law. Unless we do the will of the Father (which involves obedience), it won't matter how many sermons we've preached, how many healings wrought by us... if we are not in harmony with God's will, in the judgment of the living, Jesus will weep over us as He wept over Jerusalem, and will declare with a heartbreak, "Depart from me; I know you not" (Matthew 7:21-23). Let us endeavour to live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4), and search the scriptures daily whether these things are so (Acts 17:11). |
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35 | Must Christians keep the Sabbath today? | Ex 20:8 | Tuggy | 89622 | ||
Do you believe in the fall of angels and human beings for breaking God's commandments? How about the Second Coming of Jesus and the Judgment? Do you believe in those, as well? But when will the living be judged if we are alive when Jesus comes? Paul spoke of the resurrection that leads to life in 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17: 1) The dead in Christ shall rise first 2) We who are alive and remain shall be caught up in the air 3) We shall ever be with the Lord Would not the living be judged some time before Jesus returns? If this is true, then Jesus has a problem. 1. As our High Priest He is our sin bearer, and He loves us 2. Christ is in judgment in His saints. That means His integrity is at stake with what He does with us 3. That’s why He delays His coming. Let’s imagine that Satan is talking with his angels. He says: 1. We lost in heaven 2. We lost at Calvary 3. But we can win at the judgment of the living just before Christ’s return. His angels ask: “What can we do to win?” Satan says: 1. Bring pressure to bear on all Christians 2. Keep them breaking the commandments 3. Then if in His judgment of the living Christ: a. shall designate one person for translation who is not in repentance and obedience, b. He must take all of us back to heaven, too! I’ve come to observe this: 1. Christ will not come to raise the dead and bind Satan until the judgment of the living is completed. 2. Satan’s “life insurance” depends on Christ’s inability to have a commandment-keeping church at the judgment of the living. What about the judgment of the dead? Let’s imagine that the books of heaven are opened and that Satan is standing there as the name of Martin Luther comes up. Satan says: “I claim Martin Luther, the Reformer. He was anti-Semitic He brought persecution upon the Jews He did it a second time just before He died.” Christ responds, “But I plan to give Luther a white robe. I am the potter, and Luther was the clay.I was making progress in his life when he died. I was just not finished with him yet, but he was responding to my leading in his life.” Satan asks: “Do you mean that if Luther had not died, but had lived until the judgment of the living, he would have repented of his treatment of the Jews, and would love them?” Christ would answer: “Yes! Otherwise I would have to take his name out of the Lamb’s Book of Life or take you, Satan, and your angels back into heaven.” I’ve discovered that in the judgment of the dead, Christ can plead progress, but in the judgment of the living, He has a problem: 1. Christ’s goal must be reached: a church keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus 2. The church must be brought into translation preparation 3. When His church responds. Christ will come! Texts: Genesis 2:1-3; 1 Chronicles 17:27; Exodus 20:1-17; Exodus 31:18; 32:16; Deuteronomy 10:1-4; 12:32; Isaiah 8:20; Psalm 19:7; Romans 7:12,22; 3:31; Psalm 111:7,8; 89:34; 119:152; Matthew 5:17-19; Matthew 7:21-23; John 14:15,21,23; 1 John 2:3-6; James 2:10-12; Revelation 12:17; 14:12; 22:14; 14:6,7; Isaiah 66:22,23; Luke 23:54-56; Acts 13:14,42,44; 16:13; 17:2; 18:4,11. |
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36 | Must Christians keep the Sabbath today? | Ex 20:8 | Tuggy | 89592 | ||
The Sabbath is mentioned myriads of times in the New Testament. Here are just a few references: Mark 2:27,28; Luke 4:16; Hebrews 4:4,9; Luke 23:54-56; Acts 13:14; Acts 17:2. Notice that Jesus kept the Sabbath, and so did His disciples, even after His resurrection and ascension. In fact, they kept no other day! Note that Gentiles also kept Sabbath (Acts 13:42,44). The point is, the Sabbath is a very common theme in the entire Bible, including the new Testament. Remember, too, that the Sabbath is in the heart of the Ten Commandments, which is an unchangeable, unalterable law (Psalm 111:7,8; 89:34; 119:152; Mal 3:6). Furthermore, Jesus had said: "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). See John 14:15,21,23; 1 John 2:3-6. Love is the basis of the Ten Commandments (see Matthew 22:37-40). Love for God is manifest by obedience to the first four commandments, which forbid idolatory, making and worshiping graven images, blasphemy, and requires the observance of the seventh day Sabbath. Love for one's neighbour is manifest by obedience to the last six precepts. After all, one who loves his neighbour will not steal from him, kill him, etc; will he? The Ten Commandments is an unalterable law. Therefore, all ten precepts (including the Sabbath) stand fast forever, and are binding upon every person who claims the name of Christ (see Matthew 5:17,18). We must walk as He walked. Disregarding any one of the ten precepts is serious offence to God (see Matthew 5:19). While keeping the whole law is required of us (James 2:10), it does not save us. However, obedience is the fruit of love. We don't keep the Ten Commandments to be saved, but because we are saved. According to Revelation 14:12 and 22:14, the saved of all ages are those who have been faifhful to God's commandments. Let me also note that our faith in Jesus does not negate our responsibility to keep the law of God. It is our duty (Ecclesiastes 12:13). "Do we then make void the law through faith? GOD FORBID: yea, we ESTABLISH the law" (Romans 3:31). This is just a brief summary. However, I am more than willing to further discuss this topic with anyone interested. My e-mail is jevhar@yahoo.com. You may request a free CD ROM, which I will send to you without cost or obligation. This CD-ROM presents Bible-based studies on the major themes of the Bible, such as the Salvation, Sabbath, What Happens after Death, and many, many more! Please also visit my website at: http://www.geocities.com/jevhar. May God's richest blessings be with you, as you "search the scriptures daily [to see] whether these things [are] so" (Acts 17:11). |
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