Results 321 - 340 of 358
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: meusing Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
321 | Which kinds of suffering? | Col 1:24 | meusing | 44954 | ||
Our focus is to be on Christ Jesus. all the things you listed are parts of living. We have Jesus as our anchor and stay. He said ... John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." If our focus is on Him, what happens to us in this sinful world in nothing to what we have. Heb 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Paul applied this 2 Tim 3:10 Now you have closely observed and diligently followed my teaching, conduct, purpose in life, faith, patience, love, steadfastness, 2 Tim 3:11 Persecutions, sufferings--such as occurred to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra, persecutions I endured, but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 2 Tim 3:12 Indeed all who delight in piety and are determined to live a devoted and godly life in Christ Jesus will meet with persecution [will be made to suffer because of their religious stand]. We do not need to go looking for suffering. Just my meusings |
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322 | So, not ALL suffering is included? | Col 1:24 | meusing | 44978 | ||
Since Paul said that his suffering was for the sake of the Colosians, I cannot see, in all conscince how it reffers to all sufferings. 2Co 1:5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. 2Co 1:6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 2Co 1:7 And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation. 2Co 1:8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: Php 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; 2Ti 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; 2Ti 2:9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. 2Ti 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. |
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323 | What about abusive marriage? | Col 1:24 | meusing | 45015 | ||
An abusive relationship is an attack on us, not a cross to be born. Paul explained : 1 Cor 7:13 And if any woman has an unbelieving husband and he consents to live with her, she should not leave or divorce him. 1 Cor 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is set apart (separated, withdrawn from heathen contamination, and affiliated with the Christian people) by union with his consecrated (set-apart) wife, and the unbelieving wife is set apart and separated through union with her consecrated husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean (unblessed heathen, outside the Christian covenant), but as it is they are prepared for God [pure and clean]. --------- 1 Cor 7:15 But if the unbelieving partner [actually] leaves, let him do so; in such [cases the remaining] brother or sister is not morally bound. But God has called us to peace. --------- 1 Cor 7:16 For, wife, how can you be sure of converting and saving your husband? Husband, how can you be sure of converting and saving your wife? 1 Cor 7:17 Only, let each one [seek to conduct himself and regulate his affairs so as to] lead the life which the Lord has allotted and imparted to him and to which God has invited and summoned him. This is my order in all the churches |
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324 | What is a spiritual sacrifice? | Col 1:24 | meusing | 45024 | ||
hi, Cheryl, adding to your quotes Spurgeon wrote this in one of His moning devotionals for April 5 "On Him they laid the cross, that He might bear it after Jesus." --Luke 23:26 We see in Simon's carrying the cross a picture of the work of the Church throughout all generations; she is the cross-bearer after Jesus. Mark then, Christian, Jesus does not suffer so as to exclude your suffering. He bears a cross, not that you may escape it, but that you may endure it. Christ exempts you from sin, but not from sorrow. Remember that, and expect to suffer. But let us comfort ourselves with this thought, that in our case, as in Simon's, _it is not our cross_, but Christ's cross which we carry. When you are molested for your piety; when your religion brings the trial of cruel mockings upon you, then remember it is not _your_ cross, it is Christ's cross; and how delightful is it to carry the cross of our Lord Jesus! _You carry the cross after Him_. You have blessed company; your path is marked with the footprints of your Lord. The mark of His blood-red shoulder is upon that heavy burden. 'Tis _His_ cross, and He goes before you as a shepherd goes before his sheep. Take up your cross daily, and follow Him. Do not forget, also, _that you bear this cross in partnership_. It is the opinion of some that Simon only carried one end of the cross, and not the whole of it. That is very possible; Christ may have carried the heavier part, against the transverse beam, and Simon may have borne the lighter end. Certainly it is so with you; you do but carry the light end of the cross, Christ bore the heavier end. And remember, _though Simon had to bear the cross for a very little while, it gave him lasting honour_. Even so the cross we carry is only for a little while at most, and then we shall receive the crown, the glory. Surely we should love the cross, and, instead of shrinking from it, _count it very dear_, when it works out for us "a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." |
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325 | Differentiating between attacks | Col 1:24 | meusing | 45088 | ||
Yes, Attacks on us because of our profession of faith are different than other attacks simply because the first are from the enemy of God. The cross that we each bear is the body (old habit of sin) that is to be crucified so we can live the victorious life identified with the resurrecion life of Christ. Attacks of the enemy are designed to try to make us deny God, or focus on ourself and circumstances so much we forget that God said that He would be with us and that we should trust in Him. Other sufferings are just part of our living in a fallen world. Our focus is to be on Christ who is overcomer and in Him we also are overcomers. Look athe those who have cronic pain and still use the time in bed to interceed with God for others ect. I hope I am clear. That is why I like quoteing those who can say things better that this dyslectic fisherman. |
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326 | Differentiating various sufferings | Col 1:24 | meusing | 45089 | ||
All I know is to keep my eyes (attention) fixed on Christ. What we go through He has too. Heb 4:15 For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning. so that we can claim Rom 8:37 Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, Rom 8:39 Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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327 | How do our sufferingss "fill up"... | Col 1:24 | meusing | 45090 | ||
I like what Calvin mentioned that we (Christians) are parts (members) of Christ's body and "as Christ has suffered once in His own person, so He suffers daily in His members" (us) and that "that afflictions must be cheerfully endured, inasmuch as they are profitable to all the pious, and promote the welfare of the whole Church, by adorning the doctrine of the gospel." Adam Clarke adds "I have still some afflictions to pass through before my race of glory be finished; afflictions which fall on me on account of the Gospel; such as Christ bore from the same persecuting people. It is worthy of remark that the apostle does not say paqhmata, the passion of Christ, but simply qliyeiv, the afflictions; such as are common to all good men who bear a testimony against the ways and fashions of a wicked world. In these the apostle had his share, in the passion of Christ he could have none. He trod the wine press alone, of the people there were none with him." |
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328 | Michaels war with Satan. | Col 3:1 | meusing | 42212 | ||
it is all speculation, with no basis in Scriture. Our focus is to be on Christ. | ||||||
329 | Triune gods began in babylon? | 1 Thess 5:23 | meusing | 57324 | ||
Paul KNEW that Jesus IS God. Phil 2:6 Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained, 7 But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being. Rom 9:5 whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to flesh, He being God over all, blessed forever. Amen. [literal translation] Paul also knew that the Father was God : 1 Cor 15:24 After that comes the end (the completion), when He delivers over the kingdom to God the Father after rendering inoperative and abolishing every [other] rule and every authority and power. 25 For [Christ] must be King and reign until He has put all [His] enemies under His feet. [Ps. 110:1.] 26 The last enemy to be subdued and abolished is death. 27 For He [the Father] has put all things in subjection under His [Christ's] feet. But when it says, All things are put in subjection [under Him], it is evident that He [Himself] is excepted Who does the subjecting of all things to Him. [Ps. 8:6.] 28 However, when everything is subjected to Him, then the Son Himself will also subject Himself to [the Father] Who put all things under Him, so that God may be all in all [be everything to everyone, supreme, the indwelling and controlling factor of life]. I suppose you will try to tellus that Paul did not belive that the Spirit of the Holy God is God. How does acknowledging that Jesus is Lord and God, that the Father is God and that the Holy Spririt is God be a 'self-inficted wound' . Well, I supose it would be to someone who does not believe that Jesus is LORD. But He is and Paul acknowledges the fact. |
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330 | Triune gods began in babylon? | 1 Thess 5:23 | meusing | 57410 | ||
Yes Julian, Jesus was tempted because although His is God He took upon Himself the form of a servant. Phil 2:6 Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained, Phil 2:7 But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being. Phil 2:8 And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross! Jesus is Immanuel - God with us. John 1:1 IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. [Isa. 9:6.] John 1:2 He was present originally with God. John 1:3 All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being. John 1:14 And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth. [Isa. 40:5.] Jesus has all the attributes of the Godhead in bodily form. Omnipotance -Ephesians 1:20-23 Omniscience John 2:24,25; 16:30; Colossians 2:2,3 Omnipresence Matthew 18:19,20; 28:19,20; Ephesians 1:23 Eternity of Being John 1:1; Michah 5:2: John 17:15 Imutabiblity Hebrews 13:8 Jesus admited He is the King of heaven. 1 Tim 1:17 Now to the King of eternity, incorruptible and immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever (to the ages of ages). Amen (so be it). Romans 5:9 clearly says that Jesus os God, blessed forever. Even A. T.Robertson, the leading Greek scholar of our time said : Who is over all, God blessed for ever (ho on epi panton theos eulogetos). A clear statement of the deity of Christ following the remark about his humanity. This is the natural and the obvious way of punctuating the sentence. To make a full stop after sarka (or colon) and start a new sentence for the doxology is very abrupt and awkward. See note on Act 20:28 and note on Tit 2:13 for Paul’s use of theos applied to Jesus Christ. how can just a man -creat all things Heb 1:10 -preserve all things Heb 1:3 -have the authority to forgive sins - Mark 2:5-11 -have the power of ressurection John 6:39,40,44. -have the power to transform Philippians 3:20,21. -have the authority to Judge - 2 Timothy 4:1 -and have the Authority to grant eternal life John 10:28; 17:1,2? One thing more Jesus must be worshiped as God by men and angels Matthew 14:33 John 5:22,23 Heb 1:6 Phillipians 2:9-11. |
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331 | Triune gods began in babylon? | 1 Thess 5:23 | meusing | 57456 | ||
What diffeterent view can there be of the satament that John 1:1 IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. [Isa. 9:6.] ? either the verse is true and the Word IS God, or the verse is false and the Word [Christ] is not God. Paul answered your questions in the verses that I have already given you : Phil 2:6 Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained, Phil 2:7 But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being. Phil 2:8 And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross! Phil 2:9 Therefore [because He stooped so low] God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, Phil 2:10 That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, Phil 2:11 And every tongue [frankly and openly] confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father so I confess that Jesus is LORD [Jehovah]. |
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332 | Triune gods began in babylon? | 1 Thess 5:23 | meusing | 57493 | ||
Ahhh, so you deny that Christ is the Word. well, Jesus said that those who deny Him, He will deny before the Father. you are the one who is changing the scriptures to fit your denial of Jesus. for The same (houtos). “This one,” the Logos of Joh 1:1, repeated for clarity, characteristic of John’s style. He links together into one phrase two of the ideas already stated separately, “in the beginning he was with God,” “afterwards in time he came to be with man” (Marcus Dods). Thus John clearly states of the Logos Pre-existence before Incarnation, Personality, Deity. A. T. Robertson. or Vincent : The same (ïõtos)Literally, this one; the one first named; the Word. which you deny when you say : Take out the genetive pronouns from which the greek can show in verse 2 that it is 'the same' not 'him' You can take out words and deny Him all you want, yet STILL the Word IS God and that before the begining he was God (and still is) and was and still is with God. for HE Phil 2:6 Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained, And, being God you are denying Him. |
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333 | The Hell questions. | 2 Tim 2:15 | meusing | 162932 | ||
Hi, you might check out "Human Destiny" by Sir Robert Anderson. Charles H.Spurgeon said of it that it was "the most valuable contribution on the subject" he had ever seen. It is on the 'web at: http://www.newble.co.uk/anderson/destiny/destinypref1.html |
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334 | is God and Jesus are one person? | Heb 1:8 | meusing | 38436 | ||
I think you are confusing The Father with Jesus. The Father is God and Jesus is God as well. John 1:1-3 and Phil. 2:6-9 Jesus is Immanuel - God with us He was willing to al aside His glory and make Himself a servant to God the Father. remember that Heb 1:3 says " He is the sole expression of the glory of God -- the Light-being, the out-raying of the divine -- and He is the perfect imprint and very image of (God's) nature, upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by His mighty word of power. When He had by offering Himself accomplished our cleansing of sins and riddance of guilt, He sat down at the right hand of the divine Majesty on high. Amplified |
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335 | is God and Jesus are one person? | Heb 1:8 | meusing | 38603 | ||
I thought when I said "I think you are confusing the Father with Jesus" you would understand that I WAS answering your question by clearing up a misunderstanding. you asked " Why He keep looking up to heaven? if there is no someone there, and they are the same person.? Can you explain why Jesus keep looking up to heaven when He prays to His Father if He Himself is the Father?" My answer is "I think you are confusing the Father with Jesus" ie Jesus is God the Son, not God the Father. So your 'proof' that they are two different persons is also dealt with and your question "Who is the person that speak that from heaven if it is Jesus Christ also the father? is that verse a drama?" is also deat with by my statement "I think you are confusing The Father with Jesus. The Father is God and Jesus is God as well." John 14:28 and John 13:16 are answered by the verses I gave you John 1:1-3 and Phil. 2:6-8. I am sorry that you did not bother to look them up for they explain that Jesus "6 Who, although being essentially one with God, and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be grasped or retained; 7 But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity] so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being. 8 And after He had appeared in the human form He abased and humbled Himself [sill further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of deat, even the death of the cross! See, that anwers your question about Jesus being a servant, He was because He chose to become so. Your next questions are also answered by those verses. I did not ignore the verses you quoted, The passages in John and Philippians explain them. John 1:1 IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. [Isa. 9:6.] Phil 2:6 Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained, Phil 2:7 But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being. |
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336 | is God and Jesus are one person? | Heb 1:8 | meusing | 39124 | ||
Please read the verses that I quoted Jesus is equal to the Father, He voluntalily took on the form of a servant. that is what submission is. Please read this verse. Phil 2:6 Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained, 7 But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being. 8 And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross! John 1:1 clearly said He (the Word) IS God. Phil 2:6,7 say that He is equal with the Father yet he submitted Himself. That is what the verses say. so, for the third time : Jesus is God the Son, not God the Father. they are equal yet separate persons - God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The Bible says they are equal John 5:23 So that all men may give honor (reverence, homage) to the Son just as they give honor to the Father. [In fact] whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, Who has sent Him. |
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337 | is God and Jesus are one person? | Heb 1:8 | meusing | 39660 | ||
It is interesting that you appeal to the scriptures while denying what they say. you say that philippians sais that Jesus was not equal with God. while it says that He was. Phil 2:6 Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this EQUALITY with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained, 7 But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being. notice he took the guise of a servant (voluntarily) He submitted Himself EVEN THOUGH HE WAS EQUAL WITH THE FATHER. the Jews understood that. John 5:18 why must you keep harping on His statement that he forgot his second comming when he showed that He submitted himself to the Father even though he was equal. You take John 13:16 out of context. Jesus is addresing his desciples, telling them they are not greater that he. He is not decalring that He is not EQUAL with the Father. He is saying that the apostle is not GREATER (or MORE IMPORTANT) than he is. yes, I believe Him. I beleive Him when He said : John 5:23 So that all men may give honor (reverence, homage) to the Son just as they give honor to the Father. [In fact] whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, Who has sent Him. A. T. Robertson said : That all may honour the Son (ina panteß timwsin ton uion). Purpose clause with ina and present active subjunctive of timaw (may keep on honouring the Son). He that honoureth not the Son (o mh timwn ton uion). Articular present active participle of timaw with negative mh. Jesus claims here the same right to worship from men that the Father has. Dishonouring Jesus is dishonouring the Father who sent him (Matthew 8:49; Matthew 12:26; Matthew 15:23; 1 John 2:23). See also Luke 10:16. There is small comfort here for those who praise Jesus as teacher and yet deny his claims to worship. The Gospel of John carries this high place for Christ throughout, but so do the other Gospels and the rest of the New Testament. |
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338 | is God and Jesus are one person? | Heb 1:8 | meusing | 40617 | ||
As I keep telling you, He did not 'forget' as you put it, Jesus, even though he is equal to the Father SUBMITTED Himself to the Father. Phillippians 2:6-7 show That they are equal, and that Jesus submitted Himself willingly. This submission included the time of His second coming. I am not elequent, and smetimes dislectec, so others say what I believe in a way that I cannot. "...that phrase stands; and must be understood of Christ as the son of man, and not as the Son of God; for as such, he lay in the bosom of the Father, and knew all his purposes and designs; for these were purposed in him: he knew from the beginning who would betray him, and who would believe in him; he knew what would befall the rejecters of him, and when that would come to pass; as he must know also the day of the last judgment, since it is appointed by God, and he is ordained to execute it: but the sense is, that as he, as man and mediator, came not to destroy, but to save; so it was not any part of his work, as such, to know, nor had he it in commission to make known the time of Jerusalem's ruin: but my Father only; to the exclusion of all creatures, angels and men; but not to the exclusion of Christ as God, who, as such, is omniscient; nor of the Holy Spirit, who is acquainted with the deep things of God, the secrets of his heart, and this among others. " John Gill Calvin : ... "...Christ likewise perceived that the disciples were pushing forward with excessive haste to enjoy a triumph. He therefore wishes the day of his coming to be the object of such expectation and desire, that none shall dare to inquire when it will happen. In short, he wishes his disciples so to walk in the light of faith, that while they are uncertain as to the time, they may patiently wait for the revelation of him. We ought therefore to be on our guard, lest our anxiety about the time be carried farther than the Lord allows; for the chief part of our wisdom lies in confining ourselves soberly within the limits of God's word. That men may not feel uneasy at not knowing that day, Christ represents angels as their associates in this matter; for it would be a proof of excessive pride and wicked covetousness, to desire that we who creep on the earth should know more than is permitted to the angels in heaven." |
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339 | Flesh of Jesus admit and separate? | Heb 10:20 | meusing | 155584 | ||
As I see it, Hebrews deals in types. In 10:20 the veil seems to be a type of Christ's flesh. John Gill explained: "'done through the vail,' that is to say, his flesh; the human nature of Christ, through which the way to heaven is opened, renewed, and consecrated, is compared to the vail of the tabernacle, Exo 26:31 the matter of which that was made, was fine twined linen, which the Jews (y) say was of thread six times doubled; which may denote the holiness of Christ's human nature; the strength, courage, and steadfastness of it, under all its sorrows and sufferings; and the purity and duration of his righteousness; the colours of it were blue, purple, and scarlet, which may signify the sufferings of the human nature; the preciousness of Christ's blood, and the dignity of his person, and his royalty; purple and scarlet being wore by kings: the vail was of cunning work, which may intend the curious workmanship of Christ's human nature, and the graces of the Spirit, with which it is adorned; and it was made with "cherubim", pointing to the ministration of angels, both to Christ, and to his people. The pillars of it may signify the deity of Christ, the support of his human nature, in which it has its personal subsistence; and being of Shittim wood, may denote his eternity: and being covered with gold, his glory: its hooks and sockets may be symbolical of the union of the two natures in him." Calvin said "20. Through the veil, etc. As the veil covered the recesses of the sanctuary and yet afforded entrance there, so the divinity, though hid in the flesh of Christ, yet leads us even into heaven; nor can any one find God except he to whom the man Christ becomes the door and the way. Thus we are reminded, that Christ’s glory is not to be estimated according to the external appearance of his flesh; nor is his flesh to be despised, because it conceals as a veil the majesty of God, while it is also that which conducts us to the enjoyment of all the good things of God." |
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340 | Love a consuming fire? | Heb 12:29 | meusing | 60079 | ||
Love is just one of the attributes that make up the nature of God. He is Holy and Just, the creator. When one loves someone, he of she is jealous when the one loved turns to another. That is the reference here. Barnes' notes This is a further reason why we should serve God with profound reverence and unwavering fidelity. The quotation is made from Deu_4:24. “For the Lord thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.” The object of the apostle here seems to be, to show that there was the same reason for fearing the displeasure of God under the new dispensation which there was under the old. It was the same God who was served. There had been no change in his attributes, or in the principles of his government. He was no more the friend of sin now than he was then; and the same perfections of his nature which would then lead him to punish transgression would also lead him to do it now. His anger was really as terrible, and as much to be dreaded as it was at Mount Sinai; and the destruction which he would inflict on his foes would be as terrible now as it was then. The fearfulness with which he would come forth to destroy the wicked might be compared to a “fire” that consumed all before it; see the notes, Mar_9:44-46. The image here is a most fearful one, and is in accordance with all the representations of God in the Bible and with all that we see in the divine dealings with wicked people, that punishment; as inflicted by him is awful and overwhelming. So it was on the old world; on the cities of the plain; on the hosts of Sennacherib; and on Jerusalem - and so it has been in the calamities of pestilence, war, flood, and famine with which God has visited guilty people. By all these tender and solemn considerations, therefore, the apostle urges the friends of God to perseverance and fidelity in his service. His goodness and mercy; the gift of a Saviour to redeem us; the revelation of a glorious world; the assurance that all may soon be united in fellowship with the angels and the redeemed; the certainty that the kingdom of the Saviour is established on a permanent basis, and the apprehension of the dreadful wrath of God against the guilty, all should lead us to persevere in the duties of our Christian calling, and to avoid those things which would jeopard the eternal interests of our souls. |
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