What is the purpose of : Evil

Ferris Bueller · Jun 1, 2022

Behold said:
God does the chastening..........and you say that is "evil doing it".
Your theology is really quite demonic.

Evil is a useful tool of God's for cleansing and purging the soul, bringing people to repentance:

"5hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the Day of the Lord." 1 Corinthians 5:5

Ferris Bueller · Jun 1, 2022

Bible Highlighter said:
Do you not regard the book of Job as equally authoritative as Holy Scripture?

See: 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Side Note:

Oh, and I am curious about your avatar. Do you really think Jesus looks like a white American hippie with long hair? You do realize Jesus is a Jew, right? Also, no matter how historically accurate of a drawing a person may think Jesus looks like (Making him appear like He is from the Middle East with possibly being mid tone or darker in skin color), to make any kind of image of Him is simply creating an idol image of GOD. No image today can perfectly capture what Jesus actually looked like. Any image of Jesus is man’s imagination and is false. It’s human nature to automatically idolize what you one says is Jesus. So I disagree with your posting of a false idol image of Jesus. It’s why I won’t watch movies, or TV shows anymore that have Jesus in it. They are saying that is Jesus, and people’s hearts cannot help but to be like little idol factories to subconsciously think that is Jesus. So when they pray, they may think of the Jesus from the Chosen series, or the Jesus from the Passion of the Christ, etcetera.

The new 'The Chosen' film series has an accurate Jewish Jesus - big snoze, curly black hair. Not exactly your Hollywood heartthrob, lol. Please don't take offense for me posting this, but I think they did really good here:

Ferris Bueller · Jun 1, 2022

Behold said:
Evil is never good.
Never.

Evil is often beneficial. It is good that way.

Ferris Bueller · Jun 1, 2022

Behold said:
Then you should get out of that, and instead "be a follower of me, as i follow Christ".

Christ never said that unbelievers have eternal life like you say they can. He addressed his promises to believing people, not ex-believers or those who never believed. You do not follow Christ. I hear his voice and follow him, and he's not saying, "you are saved even though you have rejected me." That's your voice and I do not follow it.

Ferris Bueller · Jun 1, 2022

Behold said:
Keep in mind you are on My Thread.

What for? This is a public forum.

Ferris Bueller · Jun 1, 2022

Behold said:
Who am i?

No, really. I want to know about you and your ministry. Link me to a Facebook page or website or something.

Enoch111 · Jun 1, 2022

Ferris Bueller said:
Evil is often beneficial. It is good that way.

So now you wish to promote "Let us do evil that good may come?"

Ferris Bueller · Jun 1, 2022

Enoch111 said:
So now you wish to promote "Let us do evil that good may come?"

No. You know better than that! Not DO evil. Be subjected to evil.

Bible Highlighter · Jun 1, 2022

Ferris Bueller said:
The new 'The Chosen' film series has an accurate Jewish Jesus - big snoze, curly black hair. Not exactly your Hollywood heartthrob, lol. Please don't take offense for me posting this, but I think they did really good here:
View attachment 23063

Bible Highlighter · Jun 1, 2022

Behold said:
A legalist is a unbeliever, or a deceived believer.... who has "fallen from Grace".
In the case of You, its a deceived believer, who has no faith that Christ will Keep you saved, unless you do something to cause Him to keep you saved, is what you believe, and that is SELF SAVING, having no faith in Christ to keep you saved.
You dont understand that "born again" is beyond, yourself, and is in fact, All of God, and none of you.

You have not understood the difference between discipleship and salvation.

Ferris Bueller said:
Good ways?
Works salvation! Works salvation! LOL!
(He instantly sees 'works salvation' at the mere mention of actually obeying God in the righteousness we have been given.)

I believe the Bible teaches there are two major aspects of salvation a believer needs to be concerned with in this life. Some Christians have called this “Initial Salvation and Final Salvation,” but I prefer to simply say this is:

#1. God's Grace Through Faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior
(Initial Salvation, and or Foundational Salvation).
(The 1st synergistic work of GOD done in a believer).

Ephesians 2:8-9

8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith;
and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Being saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus as ones Savior is the entrance gate to salvation, and it is the foundation of our salvation (by faith) upon which we stand. Being saved by God's grace is believing the gospel (Which is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes it - Romans 1:16). According to 1 Corinthians 15:1-4: The gospel is you believing that Jesus Christ died for your sins, He was buried, and He had risen again three days later for your salvation (Note: Do not let anyone sell you on another gospel besides this one). Depending on a person’s access or exposure to the Word: Being saved by God's grace will also generally include receiving Jesus as your Savior (John 1:12), and calling upon the name of the Lord (i.e. confessing with your mouth the words: “Lord Jesus” or similar equivalent - Romans 10:9) as a part of seeking forgiveness of your sins with Him by way of prayer (Romans 10:13) (Luke 15:18-21) (Luke 18:9-14). This process of salvation is without the deeds of the Law or works because it is based upon God’s mercy and grace and His redemptive work. As a result: One is born again spiritually (Note: Born again by the Spirit, and born again by water (i.e. the Scriptures - Romans 10:17, 1 Peter 1:23)). A person is foundationally or ultimately saved by God’s grace because if they happen to sin on rare occasion in their Christian walk, they do not do a good work to absolve that sin, but they confess of their sins to Jesus in order to be forgiven of that sin (1 John 1:9) (1 John 2:1) (Hebrews 4:16) (For verses on being saved by God's grace, see: Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 4:1-6, Titus 3:4-7, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Luke 18:9-14, Romans 5:1-2).

#2. Sanctification of the Spirit to Live a Holy Life & A Belief of the Truth.
(The Next Step or Phase in the Salvation Process).
(The 2nd synergistic work of God done in a believer).
This is based on 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 (Which is call of the gospel; Note: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 is not the gospel. It is simply the call of the gospel; For the gospel is 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

2 Thessalonians 2:13-14

13 “…God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation
through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel,..”

Anyways, this secondary aspect of salvation is in two parts. It is a two part intertwined secondary aspect of salvation (Which joins the cord of Initial Salvation or Foundational Salvation in being saved by God’s grace; See note below at the end of this post). Anyways, this secondary aspect of salvation is in two parts. One does not exist without the other (Note: The following is mentioned in order according to 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 and it is not stating that one cannot proceed the other or vise versa).

(a). Sanctification of the Spirit to Live a Holy Life is the next step or phase in Salvation for a believer who lives out their faith; This is the work of God moving in a believer's life so as to help them to live holy, and to do good works and to put away the lusts of the flesh. These good works are the works of God done through the believer, and so all boasting or praise is given to the Lord. Therefore, there is no boasting in one's own work because they are ultimately the works of God done through the believer. A believer today who obeys the Lord looks to the commands of Jesus and His followers within the New Testament primarily. For believers today are not under the 613 Laws of Moses as a whole package deal (even though certain laws have carried over into the New Testament). Basically all ceremonial laws and judicial laws in the Old Testament no longer apply. For example: Believers do not have to keep the Saturday Sabbath, circumcision, dietary laws, animal sacrifices, holy days, etc.; However, believers must keep God's Moral Laws like: Do not murder, do not steal, do not covet, do not lie, do commit adultery, etc.; Two of the greatest commands that we should focus on daily is to love God and love our neighbor which is more fully described in Mark 12:29-31. We need to worship or adore the Lord our God, preach the gospel, help the poor, love the brethren, love our enemies, and live holy lives, etc. (For Sanctification verses, see: James 2:24, James 2:17-18, Titus 1:16, Hebrews 5:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, Hebrews 12:14, Romans 8:1 (KJV), 1 Corinthians 16:22, Romans 8:13, etc.).

(b) A Belief of the Truth is also another secondary synergistic intertwined aspect of salvation for the believer (in addition to Sanctification of the Holy Spirit). We need to study to show ourselves approved unto God according to 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJB). We need to hold to certain correct doctrines or teachings in God’s Word. One example: It is implied that denying bodily resurrection as being in the future means one’s faith is overthrown (See: 2 Timothy 2:17-18). So we need to study God’s Word (the Holy Bible) and hold to it’s truths. Now, does that mean one is not saved if they don’t know of the bodily resurrection? I don’t believe so. I believe that is what God’s grace is for. But once a key core doctrine of God’s Word is revealed to a believer, they cannot reject it. So a belief of the truth is similar to Sanctification. A Christian must grow in the knowledge of God’s Word and accept it’s beautiful fundamental truths. Does holding to all truths in the Bible save? Well, I don’t think a belief in the Nephilim saves (although it is a truth taught in His Word). But I believe there are other foundational truths we must eventually learn and accept as Christians. The Spirit will guide a believer into all truth within God’s Word.

Side Note:

(A) Initial Salvation is solely in being saved by God’s grace through faith without works.

(B) Continued Salvation (or the Secondary Aspect of Salvation) is sort of like a three corded rope (or a cord of three strands). This rope involves:

Cord #1. Initial Salvation continuing in our life as one strand of the rope in our ongoing trust in God’s grace as the foundation of our salvation. Without this grace, we would be without any hope and without salvation. For Jesus is our cornerstone or foundation upon which we are ultimately saved.

Cord #2. Sanctification of the Spirit (to live a holy life by God’s power according to His Word) (Living holy by the Spirit involves putting away sin, and doing good works, and in keeping oneself pure and not by justifying sin).

Cord #3. A Belief of the Truth (Which is a continual study and belief of God’s Holy Word known as the Holy Bible).

For Ecclesiastes 4:12 (GNT) says,
“A rope made of three cords is hard to break.”

Bible Highlighter · Jun 1, 2022

Bible Highlighter · Jun 1, 2022

There are two wrong extremes.

Law Alone Salvationism and Perpetual Belief Alone Salvationism.

Some Christians make it all about all Law and no grace. The Church of Christ comes to mind. They believe that water baptism (a work) is how you get initially saved and it is not by just believing the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, and calling upon the name of the Lord (Jesus) according to Romans 10:13. Believers when they first come to the faith are to throw themselves down upon the mercy of Jesus and seek forgiveness of their past life of sin with Him (with the intention that they will turn their life around). They fail to understand that we are saved by God's grace without works. This is the FIRST aspect of salvation. It's the FOUNDATION of our salvation. For if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

However, that does not mean there is not a secondary aspect of salvation that follows after we are saved by God's grace without works (Which is different). For many other Christians today make it all about grace and yet ignore basic morality and the goodness of God. They believe that they can be lawless or that we can abide in sin (on some level), and yet still be saved (all because they have a belief alone in Jesus as their Savior). However, I believe they would be mistaken for thinking this way. Take for example the apostle Paul (the most famous of all grace preachers of the New Testament).

Paul says he appeared to be without Law to those who are without Law but then he clarifies how he is not without the Law of God seeing he is under the laws of Christ.

“To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.” (1 Corinthians 9:21).

Also, many Christians today fail to understand that Paul was fighting against a heresy of which I call, "Circumcision Salvationism" (Which is Law Alone Salvationism without God's grace); A certain sect of Jews were trying to deceive some Christians into thinking they had to first be circumcised in order to be saved. This was a heresy that was clearly addressed at the Jerusalem council (See Acts of the Apostles 15:1, Acts of the Apostles 15:5, Acts of the Apostles 15:24). Paul also addressed this problem; Paul said to the Galatians that if you seek to be circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing (Galatians 5:2), and then Paul mentions how if you seek to be justified by the Law, you have fallen from grace (Galatians 5:4). This "law" is the Torah because circumcision is not a part of the commands given to us by Jesus and His followers.

For if a person thought they had to first be circumcised in order to be initially saved (instead of being saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ, the gospel, and His mercy), then they would be making a Work of the Law (the Torah or Old Law) the basis of their salvation instead of God's grace. The entrance gate and the foundation of salvation would be circumcision or a law, or work.

This is why Paul spoke in the way he did in Ephesians 2:8-9. He is not referring to all forms of works that were taught to us by the Lord Jesus Himself and His followers after we are saved by God’s grace.

For whenever Paul spoke of the words “law” and “works” in generic terms in a negative light, he was referring to the 613 Laws of Moses under the Old Covenant (or Old Testament) that does not apply as a contract or binding covenant anymore. Paul also is condemning Law ALONE Salvationism, or Works ALONE Salvationism, as well. If this was not the case, then he would be contradicting even himself (See: Titus 1:16, Romans 8:13, 1 Timothy 6:3-4, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14).

As for John 1:17 saying: the Law came by Moses and grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

I don't believe there was no grace during the time of the law of Moses. After the Fall: Grace, and faithfulness has been the theme of the Bible from Genesis all the way to Revelation. For even King David who was under the Law sought forgiveness with the Lord (seeking God's grace in Psalms 51). What I believe John is saying is in reference to helping the Jew who was stuck under a form of salvation that was all about Works ALONE Salvationism via by the 613 Laws of Moses with little to no grace. Grace still existed even in the Old Covenant and with the Law of Moses, but the Jews distorted that into being Works or Law Alone-ism (with no grace). Truly grace did come more fully with Jesus Christ in that the Jews did not have to keep sacrificing animals to atone for the same past sins year after year. Jesus would forever forgive sin if we come to Him (Who is our Heavenly high priest). Jesus truly offers a better way. Jesus is the Truth that comes to set the captives free not only in forgiving past sin, but setting them free from being a slave to sin.

For there is nothing that can transform or changes lives more than Jesus Christ; That is why God's people preach the good news of Jesus Christ so as to be saved by Him. For Jesus has fixed up broken homes (or families). Jesus has drawn the alcoholic away from the bottle. Jesus has helped the gambler to put down his cards and walk away from the game. Jesus has helped the drug addict from the power of the needle. Jesus has helped the harlot from being a slave to sexual sin and money. For Jesus Christ changes lives. Jesus changed my life and He continues to change lives today (Making them new creations in His image).

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Pierac · Jun 2, 2022

Ferris Bueller said:
Evil is a useful tool of God's for cleansing and purging the soul, bringing people to repentance:

"5hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the Day of the Lord." 1 Corinthians 5:5

More than you will ever know...
KJV Ecc 1:13 And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore7451 travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.

Word Study: H7451 רע ra‛, ָרָעה
rā‛āh: An adjective meaning bad, evil.
Concordant OT Ecc 1:13 “It is an experience of evil Elohin [God] has given to the sons of humanity to humble them by it.”

NASB Ecc 3:10 I have seen the task which God has given the sons of men with which to occupy themselves. Ecc 3:11 He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity5769 in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.
KJV Ecc 3:10 I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it. Ecc 3:11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world5769 in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

H5769 עלם עולם ‛ôlâm ‛ôlâm
o-lawm', o-lawm'
From H5956; properly concealed, that is, the vanishing point; generally time out of mind

Translation: So God makes everything proper and appropriate for His Plan, but He has put obscurity in their hearts.. so that, or in order that they cannot know or understand what it is that He is doing to them in this human existence we call life.

Does God use evil to chastise or punish us? 2 Sam 12:11; Jer. 18:11; 1Sam 16:14

Did God create Satan or was he an accident?

Gen 3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made.

Gen 3:14 The LORD God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life.

1Co 15:47 The first man was from the earth, a man of dust

1Pe 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Joh 8:44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

1Jo 3:8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.

Job 26:13 By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent.

Rev 12:9 And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient744 serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world--he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.
G744 ἀρχαῖος archaios
Thayer Definition:
1) that has been from the beginning, original

2Co 11:3 But I am afraid that, as the serpent3789 deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.

G3789 ὄφις óphis; gen. ópheōs, masc. noun.
A snake, serpent. The Gr. word drákōn (G1404), dragon, was a huge serpent

Rev 20:2 And he seized the dragon, that ancient744 serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years,

Mar 4:15 And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them.
2Co 4:4 in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Isa 54:16 Behold, I have created the smith [Satan] that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

Heb 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 1Ti 1:20 among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

1Co 5:5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.

Eph 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Paul

Robert Gwin · Jun 2, 2022

Bible Highlighter said:
You said there is no purpose in evil happening. Yet, GOD definitely has power to stop any kind of sin from existing in our universe. So GOD allowing sin to exist in His universe definitely was a part of His plans in men being forgiven by the cross in the future. For example: Do you not know that Joseph’s brothers doing evil against Joseph was used as a greater plan for good by GOD in the end? So while evil appears to have no purpose, GOD can use evil for a greater plan for good. Again, the cross is another excellent example of this. God used Satan to enter Judas and betray Jesus that led to His crucifixion. God used sinful men to crucify Jesus Christ on the cross. Yet, the cross is the most glorious even in Bible history for us Christians who glory in His grace and His salvation. We glory in God’s grace and the cross because of what Jesus did for us and the suffering (love) He went through for us. God was capable of using that which was bad in life and turning it around for good.

When Adam sinned (not when Eve sinned) their eyes were open to their nakedness, and this is when sin entered the world. They died spiritually the day they sinned, but they were not without hope. God promised a coming Messiah to save them. In the mean time, God covered their nakedness with animal skins (from a sacrifice He made). The fig leaves were not acceptable to God to cover themselves. GOD was to cover their nakedness. God was to provide the sacrifice. And He provided the ultimate sacrifice with Jesus Christ in the future for all of mankind. Jesus died for the sins of the whole world so that He can offer every man the free gift of salvation to whoever receives it and stays faithful or responsible with that gift in this life (i.e. enduring to the end in their faithfulness to GOD).

I agree with some of what you said, but certainly not all. You do understand that if you are correct, God is evil Himself. What hope can anyone have if He is evil? To be quite honest, I cannot attest to whether Jehovah, the God of the Bible is love or not, Jesus perfectly imitated Him, and we clearly see that Jesus was such a man of Love, that everyone around him wanted to make him King. Many people today for the same reason want to make him God. Time alone is going to reveal this as God has not ruled over this earth, but handed it to you and satan since we asked Him to butt out of our lives. The upcoming coming of the Kingdom will answer any questions about the righteousness of God, but it is rather obvious that neither satan nor humans can successfully rule this world. It is a sad thing that God has to let this world go to the point of extinction until some can figure that out. Mat 24:22

Ferris Bueller · Jun 2, 2022

Robert Gwin said:
It is a sad thing that God has to let this world go to the point of extinction until some can figure that out. Mat 24:22

It's called 'grace'.

Ferris Bueller · Jun 2, 2022

Robert Gwin said:
Time alone is going to reveal this as God has not ruled over this earth, but handed it to you and satan since we asked Him to butt out of our lives.

Mankind got cheated out of life. It was forfeited out of foolishness and ignorance, which the evil one exploited. Satan is the one who willingly and knowingly rejected God, and thus no redemption is possible for him.

BarneyFife · Jun 2, 2022

There is no purpose for/of evil. It is insanity; an anomaly; an outlier. It doesn't belong. Christians tend to portray the struggle between good and evil as a zero-sum equation, with evil on one side and good on the other side of a vertical dividing line, separating a horizontal line that extends equally on both sides.

That is giving much too much credit to a diseased intruder that is being quarantined to a tiny planet amidst a gigantic, perfect universe. It is more like an ultimately failed home invasion than a house divided.

Sin is contained in a very small space, and there it will stay until it is completely eradicated. It's like a lone blemish on an otherwise beamingly beautiful girl's face. We take evil for granted because we wake up in it every day, but this world is a spectacle (1 Corinthians 4:9, Ezekiel 28:17).

Bible Highlighter · Jun 2, 2022

Robert Gwin said:
Jesus perfectly imitated Him, and we clearly see that Jesus was such a man of Love, that everyone around him wanted to make him King. Many people today for the same reason want to make him God.

Jesus is the Word (Because the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us - verse 14). The Word was God (John 1:1), and the Word created all things (John 1:3). God was manifest in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16). Jesus even said that He came down from Heaven (John 6:38).

Jesus = God.

It's a bit of a mystery to me why people want to distort the many verses in the Bible that makes it over abundantly clear beyond all shadow of a doubt that Jesus is God (or the second person of the Trinity or Godhead). I can understand why Calvinists believe the way they do because that kind of belief is all about not having any kind of responsibility. It is also a cold hearted religion, as well. Perhaps folks deny the Trinity or Jesus is God because they want to keep God at arms length while appearing to be religious. Maybe it is about the rush of idolizing of a false god that fits with their own imagination and understanding. I don't know. Only God knows.

The Trinity is told to us in one verse:

“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” (1 John 5:7).

Meaning, even nature itself declares the Godhead (or the Trinity):

Romans 1:20 says,
"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:"

Atoms = Nucleus, Protons, Electrons.
Water Molecules = Hydrogen Atom, Hydrogen Atom, Oxygen Atom.
Fire needs 3 things: = Heat, Fuel, Oxygen.
Sun gives humans 3 things: = Light, warmth, and Vitamin D.
Colors of White Light = Red, Blue, Green.
Man's Formation = Dust, Mist (i.e. Water), Breadth of Life.
Man Made in God's Image = Physical Body, Spirit Body, Soul.
Time = Past, Present, Future.
Earth = Crust, Mantle, Core
3 Major Types of Light in the Sky = Sun, Moon, Stars

Although the word "Trinity" is not found within the Scriptures, the word "Godhead" is used instead; This word “Godhead” coincidentally appears three times in the King James Bible (Acts of the Apostles 17:29) (Romans 1:20) (Colossians 2:9).

Jesus had power as God:

#1. Jesus said He has power to raise the dead to life just as the Father had power to raise the dead (John 5:21).
#2. Hebrews 1:3 talks about how Christ held all things together by the word of His power when He purged us of our sins.
#3. Jesus said, He would raise up this Temple (His body) three days later (John 2:19).
#4. Jesus had the power to forgive sins and give eternal life (Mark 2:7) (Luke 7:44-50) (John 14:6).
#5 Jesus had power to take away the sins of the entire world (John 1:29).
#6. Jesus Christ said wherever two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them (Matthew 18:20). This was said to the people he was around and not to just us today.
#7. Jesus knew men's thoughts (Matthew 9:4) (Matthew 12:25) (Mark 2:8) (Luke 5:22) (Luke 6:8) (Luke 9:47) (Luke 24:38).
#8. Jesus knew about the lives of others (John 2:24) (John 4:17-18) (John 4:29) (John 6:64).

God purchased us with His own blood:

“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” (Acts of the Apostles 20:28).

There is no Savior beside or next to God:

“I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.” (Isaiah 43:11).

“So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.” (Matthew 16:19).

Holy Spirit is God:

The Holy Spirit is called God:

“Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.” (Acts of the Apostles 5:3-4).

The Holy Spirit is on equal level with being God:

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” (Matthew 28:19).

The Holy Spirit is eternal:

“How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Hebrews 9:14).

The Holy Spirit is a person:

“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever;” (John 14:16).

The Holy Spirit can be grieved:

“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30).

The Holy Spirit can be blasphemed:

“And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.” (Matthew 12:32).

Important Note: Only God can be blasphemed.

The Father Sent The Holy Spirit:

The Bible says that God the Father sent the Holy Spirit. Jesus said.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you (John 14:26).

The Father will send the Holy Spirit, not Himself, to help believers.

There Is A Difference Between The Father And The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit does the will of God the Father. Paul wrote.

And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will (Romans 8:27).

Source used for Holy Spirit being distinct from the Father:
Is the Holy Spirit a Distinct Person from God the Father?
(Note: I agree with this article, it does not mean I may agree with all articles or beliefs put forth by BlueLetterBible).

Bible Highlighter · Jun 2, 2022

Robert Gwin said:
Time alone is going to reveal this as God has not ruled over this earth, but handed it to you and satan since we asked Him to butt out of our lives.

While Satan owns the kingdoms of this world, that does not mean God is not sovereign and one step ahead of the enemy. Again, think the cross. Satan entered Judas to betray Jesus was instrumental in Jesus going to the cross to die for mankind's sins. Sinful men crucified Jesus unjustly. The evil Joseph's brothers intended against Joseph, God intended it for good in the end. This does not mean God condones evil by any means. God is merely capable of using men's wrong choices for a great good despite themselves or their actions.

You said that God handed rule of this earth over to me. Well, I am not really that important. Why would it be just me? Do you know about my life? I am nothing actually. Christ is everything. Anyways, in reality, that was Adam's instructions before the fall.

Is there any reason for you to believe that such instructions applies to the church today? I get the impression that we are not to get involved in worldly matters according to the New Testament, and we are to simply follow Christ and His good ways instead. We should obey the law of the land if it does not conflict with God's laws, but that does not mean we should rule this earth and subdue it.

In fact, Jesus said,

“Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;...” (Matthew 20:25-26).

So I don't see how I am given rule over the earth with this kind of instruction. It says the meek will inherit the Earth (See: Matthew 5:5).

You said:
The upcoming coming of the Kingdom will answer any questions about the righteousness of God, but it is rather obvious that neither satan nor humans can successfully rule this world. It is a sad thing that God has to let this world go to the point of extinction until some can figure that out. Mat 24:22

Well, I would not call it extinction of humanity. I would call it more of an eradication of most of humanity by God Himself. Jesus will return a second time, and He will destroy all the nations that come up against Him. The earth will then be burned with a great fire and or heat (Similar to the global flood in it's impact). Then the 1,000 year reign of Christ will begin.

Jesus said narrow is the way that leads unto life and few be there that find it (Matthew 7:14).

Bible Highlighter · Jun 2, 2022

Robert Gwin said:
Jesus perfectly imitated Him, and we clearly see that Jesus was such a man of Love, that everyone around him wanted to make him King. Many people today for the same reason want to make him God.

Jesus is God Almighty.

Here is a great article on a list of verses that tell us this.
(See #45 and other numbers below).

160 Reasons Jesus Christ is Almighty God

By Thomas Golda

1. Jesus IS the visible image of the Invisible God - Colossians 1:15, II Corinthians 4:4...to see Jesus is to see the Invisible God - Mankind was created IN the image of God - Genesis 1:26...Jesus IS the image of God. To see Jesus is to see the Invisible God in the flesh.
2. Jesus was conceived by God - Luke 1:35, Matthew 1:20. Since Mary was his earthy mother, that makes Jesus fully human..since God was His physical Father, since Jesus did not have an earthy father, that makes Jesus fully God. He was fully man and fully God. The Great Godman.
3. To see Jesus' face is to see the glory of God - II Corinthians 4:6
4. Jesus "being in the form of God" makes Him God - Philippians 2:6
5. Jesus being the brightness of the Father's glory - Hebrews 1:3
6. Jesus is the exact image of the Father's Person - Hebrews 1:3
7. That is why to "see Jesus" is to "see the Father" - John 14:9, John 12:45
8. That is why Jesus said He and His Father are one - John 10:30
9. Jesus is IN the bosom of the Father - John 1:18. Not "on" the bosom"..not "near" the bosom...IN the bosom...He is in the center of the
Father. They are "one"
10. He is called EVERLASTING Father - Isaiah 9:6
11. Jesus deserves the SAME honour as the Father - John 5:23
12.Jesus was WORSHIPPED - Matthew 2:11, Matthew 9:12, Matthew 14:33, Matthew 28:9, Luke 24:52..Since only God is to be
worshipped - Matthew 4:10..that means Jesus is God.
13. Even angels WORSHIP Jesus - Hebrews 1:6
14. Heaven falls down before the Lamb - Revelation 5:8
15. Jesus Created ALL things - Colossians 1:16, Hebrews 1:2, John 1:3, Ephesians 3:9 ....God created all things - Acts 14:15, Isaiah
45:18, Isaiah 44:24, Isaiah 42:5. Jesus is God
16. Jesus also made the world - John 1:10. Jesus is God - Isaiah 44:18
17. Jesus created all things for HIMSELF - Colossians 1:16, Proverbs 16:4(Jesus is God)
18. By Jesus all things consist - Colossians 1:17
19. Jesus upholds all things - Hebrews 1:3
20. Jesus is before all things - Colossians 1:17
21. Jesus rules heaven and earth - Matthew 28:18. Jesus is God - II Chronicles 29:11
22. Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath - Mark 2:28, Luke 6:5
23. Jesus called Himself the Great "I AM" - John 8:58, John 8:24...a quote from Exodus 3:14
24. In the body of Jesus dwells the fullness of the Godhead - Colossians 2:9
25. The Father, Son and Holy Ghost are THREE and they are ONE - I John 5:7
26. And this is all why Jesus is EQUAL WITH GOD - Philippians 2:6
27. Jesus was "God manifest in the flesh" - I Timothy 3:16
28. God was in Christ - Galatians 3:17, II Corinthians 5:19
29. Jesus is the Power of God and the Wisdom of God - I Corinthians 1:24
30. Jesus "only" hath immortality - I Timothy 6:16
31. Jesus is Lord of the living and the dead - Romans 14:9
32. Jesus is called the Saviour - Luke 2:11, Titus 1:4, Titus 2:13, Titus 3:3, II Peter 1:1, II Peter 1:11, II Peter 2:20, II Peter 3:18, I John
4:14
33. Only Jehovah God alone is the Saviour - Isaiah 43:11, Isaiah 45:15 , Hosea 13:4, I Timothy 2:2, Jude 1:25...that means Jesus is God.
34. Jesus ALONE is the Great Judge - John 5:22. The Judge is God - Hebrews 12:23, Revelation 18:8, Hebrews 13:4, Romans 2:3,5
Jesus is God. All the verses in the Bible that talk about God being the Judge refer to Jesus, since He alone judges. The Father
judges no man - John 5:22.
35. Jesus has the keys of hell and of death - Revelation 1:18. The one that can cast into hell is to be FEARED - Matthew 10:28, Luke
12:5 Only God is to be feared - Rev 14:7
36. Jesus is from EVERLASTING - Micah 5:2, Isaiah 9:6
37. Jesus has NO BEGINNING of days - Hebrews 7:3
38. Jesus is the SAME, yesterday, today and forever - Hebrews 13:8. A quote from Psalm 102:27. Jesus is God.
39. Jesus' is in the midst or the center of the throne of God - Rev 1:6
40. Jesus has the Greatest Name above every name ever named - Philippians 2:9
41. Jesus' name is the Greatest in the world to come as well - Ephesians 1:21
42. And it is before name of JESUS, not any other name including Jehovah, that the peoples of the earth and heaven and bowing before
- Philippians 2:10. Jesus is God - Isaiah 45:22-23
43. Only by the name JESUS can one be saved - Acts 4:10-12
44. Jesus is called the Alpha and Omega - Revelation 1:11
45. Jesus who is the Alpha and Omega is the ALMIGHTY - Revelation 1:7-8
46. Jesus is called the King of kings - I Timothy 6:15. Jesus is the King - Zechariah 9:9. The King is God - I Timothy 1:17. Jesus is God
47. Jesus is called Lord of lords - I Timothy 6:15. God is called Lord of lords - Deut 10:17. Jesus is God
48. Christ is called the ROCK - I Corinthians 10:4. That is who Israel followed. The ROCK who Israel followed was GOD - Deut 32:3-4.
God is the Rock - Psalm 18:2 and only God is the Rock - Psalm 18:31. Christ is God.
49. Jesus calls Himself the FIRST AND THE LAST - Revelation 1:11,17. Only GOD is the FIRST AND THE LAST - Isaiah 44:6, Isaiah
48:12. Jesus is God.
50. Jesus knows all things (OMNIPOTENT) - John 2:24-25, John 4:29, John 6:64, John 16:30
51. Jesus is OMNIPRESENT - Matthew 18:20, Matthew 28:20
52. Jesus' body fills all (is omnipresent) - Ephesians 1:23
53. Jesus knows the hearts of men - Revelation 2:23
54. Jesus dwells in the hearts - Ephesians 3:17
55. And "liveth" in the believers - Galatians 2:20
56. Jesus knows the thoughts of men - Matthew 9:4, Luke 6:8
57. And Jesus will judge the "secrets" of men - Romans 2:16
58. God shed His blood - Acts 20:28
59. The cross is the "power of God" - I Corinthians 1:17-18
60. Jesus called the Kingdom of God His Kingdom - John 18:36
61. Jesus is the "Deliverer" of the believers from the wrath of God - I Thessalonians 1:10, Romans 11:26. Only God is the Deliverer from
the wrath of God - II Corinthians 1:9-10
62. In Jesus' name we TRUST - Ephesians 1:12-13, Matthew 12:21, Philippians 2:19. Only in God do we trust - Psalm 4:5, 7:1, 31:1,
73:28, Isaiah 26:4. Jesus is God.
63. Jesus is the TRUTH - John 14:6. Jesus is God - Psalm 31:5
64. Jesus sent the prophets - Matthew 23:34...God sent the prophets - Jeremiah 7:25. Jesus is God who sent the prophets.
65. Jesus is the Stone of stumbling - I Peter 2:8. A prophesy from Isaiah 8:13-14. God is the stone of stumbling. Jesus is God.
66. God is the fountain of living waters - Jeremiah 17:13....Jesus is the fountain of living waters - John 4:10-14
67. Jesus brings reward to the wicked for their works - Matthew 16:27. Jesus is God - Psalm 54:4-5, II Samuel 3:39.
68. The reward of salvation is "with Jesus" - Revelation 22:12. Jesus is God - Isaiah 62:11, Isaiah 40:10
69. Jesus gave power to His people - Luke 9:1. Jesus is God - Psalm 68:35
70. Jesus is called the HOLY ONE - Acts 3:14. Jesus is God - Isaiah 30:15, Isaiah 40:25, Isaiah 41:14, Isaiah 43:15
71. Jesus is the light - John 8:12. Jesus is God - Psalm 27:1
72. Jesus is the Husband of believers - Revelation 19:7,9, 21:2, 21:9. Jesus is God - Isaiah 54:5
73. Jesus gives us rest - Matthew 11:28. Jesus is God - Exodus 33:14
74. Jesus gathers the sheep - John 10:16. Jesus is God - Ezekiel 34:11
75. Jesus seeks and saves that which is lost - Luke 19:10. Jesus is God - Ezekiel 34:16
76. Jesus is the Shepherd - John 10:11,14. Jesus is God - Psalm 23:1
77. Jesus feeds the people and causes them to sit down - Mark 8:5-10, Matthew 14:19-21. Jesus is God - Ezekiel 34:15
78. The blood of Jesus cleanses us from sin - I John 1:7. God cleanses from sin - Psalm 51:2, Ezekiel 36:25.. Jesus is God
79. Redemption is from Jesus Christ - Romans 3:24, Colossians 1:14. Redemption is from God - Psalm 130:7. Jesus is God
80. Christ is the Redeemer - Galatians 4:5, Galatians 3:13, Revelation 5:9, Titus 2:14. God is the Redeemer - Jeremiah 31:11, Isaiah
41:14, Isaiah 44:22, Isaiah 44:6, Isaiah 44:24. Jesus is God

(Continued in next post):

What is the purpose of : Evil

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