The Mind

[Curtis]

You left out the key phrases, " God gave them over to the sinful desires of their hearts ( vs. 24); "He gave them over to a depraved mind" (vs. 28); " Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them." (vs. 32)

God doesn't give a person over to sinful desires and depraved mind (let them go), if He intends to save this person. That would be changing direction, His mind about the matter. Reprobates are FILLED WITH THE WHOLE LIST AND CONTINUE.
Excuse me for giving you a complement, I don't know you, but a I know you weren't filled with all of those things. That would mean you did not have an ounce of good in you and others would agree that you were totally evil - all the time. I don't believe that God let you go to live that way and then brought you back. No, your salvation was granted before you were born, therefore, you were in His hands all along. You suffered, caused others to suffer, but He didn't let you go.
Another way of looking at it is that probably 2/3 of the population of the world will be judged, will not receive eternal life. God knows who they are. They are reprobate, born that way, predestined if you will. We however were predestined for salvation.

Ephesians 1:4-5
even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,

Romans 8:28-30
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

John 15:16
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

2 Timothy 1:9
who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,

Proverbs 16:4
The LORD has made everything for its purpose,
even the wicked for the day of trouble.

Ephesians 1:11
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,

Ephesians 1:4
even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love

Revelation 13:8
and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.

1 Peter 1:2
according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

Galatians 1:15
But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace,

Matthew 22:14
For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
and before you were born I consecrated you;
I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Romans 8:33
Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.

Titus 1:1
1:1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness,

God never gave you over to a depraved mind, total wickedness and let you go, when He had a different plan from the start. You were predestined, called, justified and will be glorified.

 

[Curtis]

You left out the key phrases, " God gave them over to the sinful desires of their hearts ( vs. 24); "He gave them over to a depraved mind" (vs. 28); " Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them." (vs. 32)

God doesn't give a person over to sinful desires and depraved mind (let them go), if He intends to save this person. That would be changing direction, His mind about the matter. Reprobates are FILLED WITH THE WHOLE LIST AND CONTINUE.
Excuse me for giving you a complement, I don't know you, but a I know you weren't filled with all of those things. That would mean you did not have an ounce of good in you and others would agree that you were totally evil - all the time. I don't believe that God let you go to live that way and then brought you back. No, your salvation was granted before you were born, therefore, you were in His hands all along. You suffered, caused others to suffer, but He didn't let you go.
Another way of looking at it is that probably 2/3 of the population of the world will be judged, will not receive eternal life. God knows who they are. They are reprobate, born that way, predestined if you will. We however were predestined for salvation.

Ephesians 1:4-5
even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,

Romans 8:28-30
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

John 15:16
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

2 Timothy 1:9
who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,

Proverbs 16:4
The LORD has made everything for its purpose,
even the wicked for the day of trouble.

Ephesians 1:11
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,

Ephesians 1:4
even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love

Revelation 13:8
and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.

1 Peter 1:2
according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

Galatians 1:15
But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace,

Matthew 22:14
For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
and before you were born I consecrated you;
I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Romans 8:33
Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.

Titus 1:1
1:1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness,

God never gave you over to a depraved mind, total wickedness and let you go, when He had a different plan from the start. You were predestined, called, justified and will be glorified.

Predestination and election are biblical - yet not as interpreted by reformed election doctrine - eisegesis is the imposing of presuppositions into scriptures, and Calvinism is very good at doing that, but then they’ve had centuries of practice by now.

 

[Curtis]

There are no sons of God pre Calvary. Jesus Christ was the first man to receive the breath of life.

I’d say the first Adam was the first to receive the breath of life:

Gen 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul

Also: Angels were the first sons of God, per Job 1:6. They are created sons of God.

Christians are adopted sons of God after receiving Jesus to become a son of God John 1:12, Romans 8:15

And Jesus is Gods only begotten Son, of course.

 

[Waiting on him]

I’d say the first Adam was the first to receive the breath of life:

Gen 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul

Also: Angels were the first sons of God, per Job 1:6. They are created sons of God.

Christians are adopted sons of God after receiving Jesus to become a son of God John 1:12, Romans 8:15

And Jesus is Gods only begotten Son, of course.

Okay, that’s fine.

Jesus said He was the first and last
And yes Job needed to see Jesus as well, that’s what the trial was about.
What if the account Job gave was an account of what took place in the first century?
You know the definition of angel is messenger?

 

[Curtis]

Okay, that’s fine.

Jesus said He was the first and last
And yes Job needed to see Jesus as well, that’s what the trial was about.
What if the account Job gave was an account of what took place in the first century?
You know the definition of angel is messenger?

The first and the last is referring to Jesus being before all things, per Colossians 1:16 and He is also eternal, without end.

Job is the oldest book in the Bible, written long before the first century, and before Moses, let alone Jesus....

I don’t get the point about angels being messengers.

Shalom Aleichem

 

[complete]

One may be familiar with Scripture and not be saved, but one cannot be "nous" of Scripture and be unsaved. nous is a very strong word and with very few exceptions refers to the understanding believers have due to the Holy Spirit.

“Then opened He their understanding (nous),
that they might understand the scriptures.”
(Luke 24:45)

Hello @Ronald Nolette,

Yes, in it's first usage we see the risen Lord opening the eyes of the understanding of His disciples on the road to Emmaus. How blest those of us are who have received of the grace of God and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, for as in the creation process when God, by means of His Son, began to create the Heavens and the Earth, it began with the words (Hebrews 1:2), 'Let there be light', and there was light (Genesis 1:3). We, as His new creation, are created by initially receiving the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ,

'For God,
.. Who commanded the light
.... to shine out of darkness,
...... hath shined in our hearts,
to give the light
.. of the knowledge of the glory of God
.... in the face of Jesus Christ.'
(2 Corinthians 4:6)

* ... and we continue to grow in grace and truth and in the knowledge of Him, by receiving more and more light, which brings us into 'all the riches of the full assurance of understanding':-

'That their hearts might be comforted,
.. being knit together in love,
.... and unto all riches -
...... of the full assurance of understanding,
to the acknowledgement
.. of the mystery of God,
.... and of the Father,
...... and of Christ;
........ In Whom are hid -
.......... all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. '
(Col 2:2-3)

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[Curtis]

“Then opened He their understanding (nous),
that they might understand the scriptures.”
(Luke 24:45)

Hello @Ronald Nolette,

Yes, in it's first usage we see the risen Lord opening the eyes of the understanding of His disciples on the road to Emmaus. How blest those of us are who have received of the grace to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, for as in the creation process when God, by means of His Son, began to create the Heavens and the Earth, it began with the words (Hebrews 1:2), 'Let there be light', and there was light (Genesis 1:3). We, as His new creation, are created by initially receiving the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ,

'For God,
.. Who commanded the light
.... to shine out of darkness,
...... hath shined in our hearts,
to give the light
.. of the knowledge of the glory of God
.... in the face of Jesus Christ.'
(2 Corinthians 4:6)

* ... and we continue to grow in grace and truth and in the knowledge of Him, by receiving more and more light, which brings us into 'all the riches of the full assurance of understanding':-

'That their hearts might be comforted,
.. being knit together in love,
.... and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding,
to the acknowledgement
.. of the mystery of God,
.... and of the Father,
...... and of Christ;
In Whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. '
(Col 2:2-3)

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

I don’t see that definition in my Bible software:

G3563 (Strong)

νοῦς

nous

nooce

Probably from the base of G1097; the intellect, that is, mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication meaning: - mind, understanding. Compare G5590.

Total KJV occurrences: 24

Reminds me very of how the definition of ekklesia is defined as “the called out ones” as if referred to being called by God, when it means “called out to an assembly” for any reason, secular or religious.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

6)

* ... and we continue to grow in grace and truth and in the knowledge of Him, by receiving more and more light, which brings us into 'all the riches of the full assurance of understanding':-

* ... and we continue to grow in grace and truth and in the knowledge of Him, by receiving more and more light, which brings us into 'all the riches of the full assurance of understanding' reminds me of Proverbs 4:18-22 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. [19] The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. [20] My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. [21] Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. [22] For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.


Consider the hope in * ... and we continue to grow in grace and truth and in the knowledge of Him, by receiving more and more light, which brings us into 'all the riches of the full assurance of understanding'

as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Matthew 5:43-48 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. [44] But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; [45] That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. [46] For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? [47] And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others ? do not even the publicans so? [48] Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

What is that perfect day? In as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day
1 John 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

 

[marks]

I don’t see that definition in my Bible software:

G3563 (Strong)

νοῦς

nous

nooce

Probably from the base of G1097; the intellect, that is, mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication meaning: - mind, understanding. Compare G5590.

Total KJV occurrences: 24

Reminds me very of how the definition of ekklesia is defined as “the called out ones” as if referred to being called by God, when it means “called out to an assembly” for any reason, secular or religious.

Personally, I like to use the dictionary definitions as a starting point, and use word studies in the Bible to fill out the meaning of a word.

Re ekklesia, "the called out ones" is fine. We shouldn't add assumptions, however, that this is can only be by God, so I see your objection. Although, to be sure, the word only means "out-called", so, even "assembly" is adding to the literal meaning.

In "Nous", "he opened their understanding/mind", this fits well with the Greek also in my understanding.

FWIW . . . I had Biblical Greek about 20 years ago, and have continued my studies since.

Much love!

 

[complete]

I don’t see that definition in my Bible software:

G3563 (Strong)
νοῦς - nous - nooce
Probably from the base of G1097; the intellect, that is, mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication meaning: - mind, understanding. Compare G5590.

Total KJV occurrences: 24

Reminds me very of how the definition of ekklesia is defined as “the called out ones” as if referred to being called by God, when it means “called out to an assembly” for any reason, secular or religious.

Hello @Curtis

Forgive me, but I don't understand. Do we differ in our understanding of the definition of the word mind (nous)?

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[complete]

* ... and we continue to grow in grace and truth and in the knowledge of Him, by receiving more and more light, which brings us into 'all the riches of the full assurance of understanding' reminds me of Proverbs 4:18-22 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. [19] The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. [20] My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. [21] Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. [22] For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

Consider the hope in * ... and we continue to grow in grace and truth and in the knowledge of Him, by receiving more and more light, which brings us into 'all the riches of the full assurance of understanding'

as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Matthew 5:43-48 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. [44] But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; [45] That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. [46] For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? [47] And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others ? do not even the publicans so? [48] Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

What is that perfect day? In as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day
1 John 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

Hello @VictoryinJesus,

You make comparisons here between Proverbs 4:18-22, 'the perfect day', and, Matthew 5:43-48, 'Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect', ending with 1 John 4:17 and Proverbs 4:18, with emphasis on the word 'perfect'; and the day of Christ's return in 1 John 4:17, which will also be a day of judgment. Your question being:- 'What is that perfect day?

'But the path of the just
is as the shining light,
that shineth more and more
unto the perfect day.'
(Pro 4:18)

In the margin of my Bible, against the words, 'perfect', in Proverbs 4:18, I have a little explanation given regarding the word 'perfect' (quote) = 'stable part', which is when the sun seems stationary on the meridian.' With illustrations:-

- Jacob (Genesis 49:10 & 18 - Hebrews 11:21);
- Nathanael (John 1:45-51);
- Eunuch ( (Acts 8:27-39);
- Cornelius (Acts 10 compare Proverbs 15:9).

'The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD:
but He loveth him that followeth after righteousness.'
(Pro 15:9)

* I believe you are right, it is the day of salvation, when Christ comes in His glory: SALVATION, not only for the individual believer, but of Israel itself, and of the nations who believe in that day, and all of God's creation: for there will be a new heaven and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness.

'For the earth shall be filled
with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD,
as the waters cover the sea.'
(Hab 2:14)

Praise God!

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

​

 

[VictoryinJesus]

In the margin of my Bible, against the words, 'perfect', in Proverbs 4:18, I have a little explanation given regarding the word 'perfect' (quote) = 'stable part', which is when the sun seems stationary on the meridian.' With illustrations:-

Thank you… ‘stable part’ love that! Makes me think of ‘strengthen the things that remain’ because (Imo) it relates to ‘stable part’ as when He told Peter ‘when you are converted, strengthen your brothers’ …
Revelation 3:1-3 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. [2] Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. [3] Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

 

[complete]

Thank you… ‘stable part’ love that! Makes me think of ‘strengthen the things that remain’ because (Imo) it relates to ‘stable part’ as when He told Peter ‘when you are converted, strengthen your brothers’ …
Revelation 3:1-3 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. [2] Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. [3] Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

Hello @VictoryinJesus,

You really love the word of God don't you? :)
You appear to enjoy doing word searches too, within the word. Am I right?

* Yes, that word 'stable' really brings to mind the fact that our faith rests upon the truth concerning the Lord Jesus Christ - Which is our Rock.

With love in Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[VictoryinJesus]

Hello @VictoryinJesus,

You really love the word of God don't you? :)
You appear to enjoy doing word searches too, within the word. Am I right?

* Yes, that word 'stable' really brings to mind the fact that our faith rests upon the truth concerning the Lord Jesus Christ - Which is our Rock.

With love in Christ Jesus
Chris

I don’t know if it is so much word searches as it is reading. I’m not good with what words mean like how you provided ‘stable’ …which I appreciate because it helps. I did wake up this morning considering knowledge puffs up but Charity edifies. Your post on growing also helped; I could see hope in continued growth and He who is able to nurture that growth into: and we continue to grow in grace and truth and in the knowledge of Him, by receiving more and more light, which brings us into 'all the riches of the full assurance of understanding'

 

[complete]

There are no sons of God pre Calvary.
Jesus Christ was the first man to receive the breath of life.

Hello @Waiting on him,

There are those who are called 'sons of God' pre-Calvary: Those being the Angels (Job 1:6); who are called so because created by God, as was Adam, who is also called the 'son of God' in the genealogy of Christ, in Luke 3:28.

Adam was the first man in which 'the breath of life' (or spirit) was breathed.(Genesis 2:7) Though the breath of life is also in other created flesh other than human (Genesis 6:17)

Yet only the redeemed from among man receive the 'spirit of His Son' by which we can call God 'Father' (Galatians 4:6): but only One has claim to being the only Begotten Son of God (John 3:16). Because 'Begotten' and not 'made'.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[complete]

I don’t know if it is so much word searches as it is reading. I’m not good with what words mean like how you provided ‘stable’ …which I appreciate because it helps. I did wake up this morning considering knowledge puffs up but Charity edifies. Your post on growing also helped; I could see hope in continued growth and He who is able to nurture that growth into: and we continue to grow in grace and truth and in the knowledge of Him, by receiving more and more light, which brings us into 'all the riches of the full assurance of understanding'

Hi @VictoryinJesus

Thank you: yes, I remember thinking about the verse 'faith cometh my hearing and hearing by the word of God', and realised that just as faith came to me by the hearing of the gospel of the grace of God, so I grow in faith by the same means. Always by 'hearing' the Word of God, by personal study, and believing what I hear. The entrance of His word brings light, doesn't it. The light of the gospel ( 2 Corinthians 4:4 and 2 Timothy 1:10).

How wonderful it all is, isn't it?

With love in Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[VictoryinJesus]

The entrance of His word brings light, doesn't it.

Psalm 119:130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

Hi @VictoryinJesus

Thank you: yes, I remember thinking about the verse 'faith cometh my hearing and hearing by the word of God', and realised that just as faith came to me by the hearing of the gospel of the grace of God, so I grow in faith by the same means. Always by 'hearing' the Word of God, by personal study, and believing what I hear. The entrance of His word brings light, doesn't it. The light of the gospel ( 2 Corinthians 4:4 and 2 Timothy 1:10).

How wonderful it all is, isn't it?

With love in Christ Jesus
Chris

your post also makes me consider even further in the same Psalm:
Psalm 119:133-135 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. [134] Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts. [135] Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.

2 Corinthians 4:5-6 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. [6] For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (Make thy face…the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ…to shine upon thy servant)

 

[amadeus]

Psalm 119:130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

Amen!
"Understanding unto the simple"! Consider that and the words of Jesus here:

"But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein." Mark 10:14-15

Innocent children while they remain innocent are "simple". We get too rich in our own abilities, our own spirits and our own knowledge... or even in the knowledge which God has given us and we make it all complicated. Thus you see around you in places like this forum, people pressing their complex understandings against those of others also claiming to be followers of God. It really always should be simple... but too often with our inquiring minds we complicate it.

Simple:
ytp P@thiy (peth-ee'); , Strong #: 6612

n f

1. simplicity, naivete adj
2. simple, foolish, open-minded

KJV Word Usage and Count
simple 15
simple ones 2
foolish 1
simplicity 1

Child:

paidivon Paidion (pahee-dee'-on);
Word Origin: Greek, Noun Neuter, Strong #: 3813

1. a young child, a little boy, a little girl
   1. infants
   2. children, little ones
   3. an infant
      1. of a (male) child just recently born
   4. of a more advanced child; of a mature child;
   5. metaph. children (like children) in intellect

How often in my own experience have I gotten into trouble, especially with God, because I insisted on digging in too deeply for things. Children do seek and we are to seek but we are also to be as children in our seeking. Can we do that? Ask Him!

 

[VictoryinJesus]

Amen!
"Understanding unto the simple"! Consider that and the words of Jesus here:

"But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein." Mark 10:14-15

Innocent children while they remain innocent are "simple". We get too rich in our own abilities, our own spirits and our own knowledge... or even in the knowledge which God has given us and we make it all complicated. Thus you see around you in places like this forum, people pressing their complex understandings against those of others also claiming to be followers of God. It really always should be simple... but too often with our inquiring minds we complicate it.

Simple:
ytp P@thiy (peth-ee'); , Strong #: 6612

n f

1. simplicity, naivete adj
2. simple, foolish, open-minded

KJV Word Usage and Count
simple 15
simple ones 2
foolish 1
simplicity 1

Child:

paidivon Paidion (pahee-dee'-on);
Word Origin: Greek, Noun Neuter, Strong #: 3813

1. a young child, a little boy, a little girl
   1. infants
   2. children, little ones
   3. an infant
      1. of a (male) child just recently born
   4. of a more advanced child; of a mature child;
   5. metaph. children (like children) in intellect

How often in my own experience have I gotten into trouble, especially with God, because I insisted on digging in too deeply for things. Children do seek and we are to seek but we are also to be as children in our seeking. Can we do that? Ask Him!

understand and I can relate since we have a three year old granddaughter. She is so easy to love. I was thinking the other day how she doesn’t judge or condemn but just generously loves, as close to unconditionally as I’ve seen aside from God. but she is weary of strangers.

with all due respect I’m hesitant on the simple part…for example Matthew 5:43-48 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. [44] But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; [45] That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. [46] For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? [47] And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others ? do not even the publicans so? [48] Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Again, with all due respect “without malice” and the above doesn’t sound so simple, but in my opinion sounds impossible without God.

1 Corinthians 14:19-20 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. [20] Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.