Heaven or Hell/Saved or Not?

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*Light*

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Hello Family of God,

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, [RESERVED IN HEAVEN] to you." (1 Peter 1:3-4)

(Parentheses) within Bible passages cited are used to expound on the word/s in [brackets] which precede the parentheses; this isn't me attempting to rewrite Scripture, but to exposit its teaching in a way analogous to a sermon snippet. ALL CAPS are used for double emphasis; this is my way of letting the reader know, "The Word of the LORD says what it says, and it means what it means." The Bible is self- explanatory (i.e., "the best defense of Scripture is Scripture itself") in its understanding (i.e., "the perspicuity of Scripture"), but even to this day, we find unnecessary criticism from Biblical "scholars" and theologians alike; no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation (2 Pet. 1:20; 3:15-16). For the Prophecy came not according to these "brilliant" minded men and women, and yet they persistently ask, "hath God said?" (cf. Gen. 3:1-5; Lev. 18:22; Isa. 66:1-2; Rom. 1:26-27; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; 15:3-4; 2 Cor. 5:17-21; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:3-5; 1 Tim. 1:9-10; 2 Pet. 1:3; Jude 7).

I knew a man who had dedicated his entire life to exposing the lies of the Devil; and it was only a matter of time before he was deceived himself by Satan. How did this occur? This is what I refer to as "the sovereignty of Satan." You know, when confronted with a teaching that they are uncomfortable with, they assert that it MUST be from the Devil. This man who dedicated his entire ministry to exposing the lies of the Devil began to suspect that the Satan was involved in the deceiving of Genuine Christians (i.e., "cardinal and essential doctrines" pertinent to Salvation) as time went on. To him, the Devil was practically lurking behind every corner where this opinionated man suspected, and sadly, they were nothing more than personal beliefs brought about by his arrogance (cf. Ps. 119:125; Jer. 17:9; 1 Cor. 14:33; 1 Jn. 4:1).

Because he failed to acknowledge the Absolute Sovereignty of God the Almighty, and His protection over His flock, this man fell victim to the Devil himself. The end result was him taking a firm stand in denying the Doctrine of the Triune God, so please do not be led by your own understanding or "feelings" when interpreting Holy Scripture, but rather pray to your Heavenly Father and ask Him for spiritual discernment, and for Him ALONE to give you the precise understanding and discernment of any Biblical passage you may be uncertain of regarding its TRUE meaning (cf. Matt. 7:7; Lk. 11:9-13; Jn. 16:13-14; Jas. 1:5-6, 17).

"If any of you lack wisdom, [LET HIM ASK OF GOD], that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (James 1:5-6, 17)

Not everything that Jehovah's witnesses teach are lies: they are correct that the Devil is the one responsible for the world's system of deception; but they are absolutely incorrect in denying the Deity of Christ Jesus.

I want to makes this crystal clear from the outset: You must [know] the God whom you [serve], because if you [worship/serve] the One True God in the WRONG way, or make an image of Him to suit your own liking (e.g., "a golden calf" see Deut. 9:9-21 for context), then you are guilty of Idolatry, and you are also breaking the Greatest Commandment (Exod. 20:3-6; Isa. 45:20; Matt. 15:8-9). ONLY the One True God of Sacred Scripture can save you from Eternal Condemnation. God [is] Spirit, and to erect a visible icon of the Invisible God is idolatrous; God is to be worshipped [in] Spirit and [in] Truth (i.e., "from the heart, and not just lip service"; cf. Isa. 29:13; Mk. 2:30; Jn. 4:23; 1 Tim. 6:13-16). Please do not kiss the cross on your necklace if you have one, or venerate a picture of the classic long-haired hippy Jesus with the sparkling blue eyes. No one dead or alive (i.e., "with the exception of those who encountered Him during His earthly ministry") have ever seen His physical features (cf. Isa. 53:1-2; Jn. 20:29; 1 Pet. 1:5-9).

It has often erroneously been said innumerable times, that the Greatest Deception the Devil has ever successfully pulled off was that he had convinced most of the world that he (i.e., "the devil described in the Bible") does not exist; and I have to tell you that this is absolutely false, why? Because the Greatest deception foisted upon the world by Satan is that [God] does not exist, and I am not referring to a generic "god" made in the likeness of man's corrupt mind; but [the God] who possesses the Inherent, Immutable, and Divine Attributes revealed in Holy Scripture. Because if He (i.e., "The Triune God") does not exist (i.e., "hypothetically"), then neither does the Devil; who is described in detail within the pages of Sacred Scripture; and the preaching of the Gospel is in vain, and we are of most men miserable and without hope, but we know that this is not the case (cf. 1 Cor. 1:18; 4:3-4; 15:12-20; 2 Pet. 1:16).

Continued next post . . .
 

*Light*

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I will now move on from the introduction of this message to discuss the most vital issue in the life of every man and women who are alive now, and will be alive in the years to come ahead. That being said: By the time this discussion reaches its climax at the very end of this topic, my readers should have no doubts within their hearts as to whether they are Truly Saved or not. This message has been prepared for anyone who "professes" to [know] (i.e., "Saving Knowledge and Faith") the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, but have recurring doubts regarding their Salvific state from time to time; that they may attain the supernatural peace of God and Christ anchored within their hearts (cf. Rom. 8:31-39; 2 Cor. 13:5; 1 Pet. 1:1-5; 2 Pet. 1:10-11).

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. [MARVEL NOT AT THIS]: for the hour is Coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto [the resurrection of life]; and they that have done evil, unto [the resurrection of damnation]." (John 5:25-29)

Most professing Christians often struggle with doubts as to whether they are Truly saved or not, and there are several reasons why this commonly exists in the hearts and minds of even Genuine Christians. Self-examination of our spiritual state is imperative if we are to have FULL ASSURANCE of where we will spend Eternity; this is a type of "spiritual" litmus test if you will (2 Cor. 13:5; Jas. 2:14-26; 2 Pet. 1:10-11). One of my primary concerns are the growing number of obvious false converts within the church visible; and the ratio between the True and the False converts vastly differ according to what the Scripture reveals (MANY will end up in an Eternal Hell; cf. Matt. 7:13-14; 21-23; 13:1-41; 24:14).

Most of these reasons can be linked to each other, especially if one is self-deceived of their spiritual condition. I desire that those who are not 100% certain about their Salvific state to know whether they are saved or not without any hint of a doubt; that they may obtain a supernatural peace settled in their hearts: that if they were to die today, heaven will most undoubtedly be their permanent home. Listed below are several reasons why professing Christians may struggle with procuring a full assurance of their Salvation:

I. You are Disobedient to the Commandments of Holy Scripture (Isa. 29:13; Matt. 15:8; Lk. 6:46; 2 Tim. 3:5; Tit. 1:16; Jas. 4:17; 1 Jn. 3:6).
II. You lack a Saving Knowledge of the Doctrine of Soteriology (2 Cor. 13:5; Gal. 6:4; 2 Tim. 4:2-4).
III. You are attempting to maintain your Salvation through your works (Matt. 6:1; Rom. 3:24; Gal. 2:4,16; Eph. 2:8).
IV. You are not placing absolute Trust in God and Christ for the remission of your sins (Jn. 5:24; 10:27-29; Rom. 8:28-39; Phil. 1:6; 1 Jn. 5:11-13).
V. Your prayers are not answered, and why? (Ps. 66:18; Isa. 1:15-16; 59:2; Jas. 1:6; 4:3; 1 Pet. 3:12; 1 Jn. 5:14).
VI. You belong to a false form of Christianity taught by false teachers in the pulpit (Rom. 16:17-18; Gal. 1:8-9; Eph. 4:14; 1 Tim. 1:18-20; 2 Pet. 3:17).
VII. You may "feel" unsaved (cf. Rom. 8:1; 1 Jn. 3:18-22).
VIII. You were never saved to begin with (Matt. 7:21-23; Mk. 4:1-20; Jn. 6:66; 2 Cor. 5:17; 2 Tim. 4:10; 1 Jn. 2:19).

[You are Disobedient to the Commandments of Holy Scripture]:

"And why call ye me, [Lord, Lord], and [DO NOT] the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46)

I have been around the block enough times here on the Earth to know that there are MANY "professing" Christians who simply go through the motions (e.g., "bible studies, Sunday worship, fellowshipping, offerings, etc.") of what a Christian life entails, but they have no TRUE LIFE abiding [in] them; in other words, they are not connected to the life sustaining vine, who is none other than Christ Himself. Our lives are to be [hid in Christ] – and if they are merely playing the part of being a Christian, then it is only a matter of time that these false converts are withered and dried-up (i.e., "they have never drunk from the cistern of living water") and cast into the fire as a worthless and fruitless branch (cf. Jn. 8:31; 14:6; 15:1-17; Gal. 2:20; Col. 2:6-7; 3:3; 1 Jn. 2:6, 28; 3:24; et al).

[You were never saved to begin with]:

"Not every one that [SAITH] unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that [DOETH] the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, [I NEVER KNEW YOU]: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:21-23)

The PRIMARY reason why there exists false converts within the church visible is due to a lack of understanding and knowledge of God's Nature, Unparalleled Holiness, man's wretchedness, the pride of man, and the prevalence of false teachings. I will begin by asking my readers a few questions that can only have ONE CORRECT answer based on God's Immutable and Divine attributes (i.e., "Omnipotent, Omniscience, Omnipresence, Holiness, Righteousness, Justice, Aseity, et al."), and they are:

I. Is there any creature who [is] Holy [as] God [is] Holy?
II. Were ALL created beings with a conscience (e.g., "angels, humans, etc.") that have ever lived until now capable of making wrong moral decisions because of their imperfections in and of themselves? (i.e., "Not Perfect as God Alone is").
III. Are there any creatures in existence who are GOOD in nature [as] God [is]?
IV. Is every human being since the time of Adam born sinful in the eyes of the Most Holy God?
V. Is every human being [in] Adam deserving of God's Divine Wrath/Judgment?
VI. Is God "unfair" if He FREELY chooses to save a select FEW while MANY perish? And if so, why?
VII. Were the redeemed "more worthy" than those who will suffer the Wrath of God in Hell and the Eternal Lake of Fire?
VIII. Will those who ultimately end up in Hell and the Eternal Lake of Fire born "less worthy" than those who will Live Forever with God and Christ in the Eternal State?
IX. Is God a "monster" if He decides NOT to save those who will ultimately end up in Hell and the Lake of Fire to face Eternal Punishment? And if so, why? Is God unjust if He freely chooses to make that decision as the Most Absolute Sovereign Creator?
X. Is God "Unloving" if He Truly has the Power to save EVERY human that has lived, and will live, but does not "choose" to do so?, and if so, why?
XI. According to the Bible (i.e., "not the opinion of man"), is God's most Divine Attribute Holiness or Love?
XII. Is God "obligated" to save everyone if He TRULY has the Power to do so?
 

*Light*

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The reason why I asked these question is to find out whether you Truly understand God's Holiness and man's wretchedness, because MOST "professing" Christians do not. There are MANY Divine Attributes of God (e.g., "Holiness, Mercy, Love, Immutability, Grace, Sovereignty, Righteousness, Omnipotence, Omnipresence, Omniscience, Divine Justice, Eternality, Aseity, etc.") -- but God's MAIN attribute above all others is His Holiness; and this is unparalleled by any creature with a moral conscience (Lev. 19:2; 1 Sam. 2:2; Isa. 6:3-5; 57:15; Hab.
3:16; Lk. 1:49; 1 Pet. 1:13-16).

"And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for [THOU ONLY ART HOLY]: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest." (Revelation 15:3-4)

"And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, [HOLY, HOLY, HOLY], Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." (Revelation 4:8-11)

It has been speculated by theologians that the thrice Holiness uttered by the Serpahim is a reference to the Triunity of the Godhead, and although this may be True; you will never hear any other of God's Divine Attributes uttered three times (e.g., "Love, love, love"). The Jews would often use repetitions in order to place emphasis, and we find many examples of this in God's Word, especially from Jesus' own lips, and that should come as no surprise from Him who is Faithful and True (e.g., "Verily, verily", lit., "Amen, amen" -- cf. Jn. 5:24-25); this was used by Him to assure His hearers with an even greater emphasis on what was declared Truthful, and to do so authoritatively with MORE THAN ONE WITNESS (Deut. 19:15; Jn. 5:31-34; 8:14-18; 15:26-27; i.e., "The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit"). We often utter an Amen to express our approval or an agreement with what was just said, and to say it twice is to acknowledge it as truthful, and with greater emphasis on what was spoken or written; we find that the Holiness of God is not only uttered twice for emphasis, but THREE TIMES to express that God's Holiness has no equal (Rev. 15:3-4).

It has been asked millions of times, and even by Genuine Christians, "Where was God on 9/11 when the Twin Towers were decimated, and what about the thousands of lives which were lost in that disaster?" The answer is: the same place He's always been; on His Eternal Throne. I want people to understand God's Divine Righteousness, and how sinful men and women (even Christians) are often guilty of "judging" Him, and wrongfully accusing His actions as comparable to being tolerant of evil in this fallen and corrupt world (cf. Job 20:2ff; Ps. 10:1-18; 13:1-2; Isa. 55:8-9; Jer. 12:1; Hab. 1:2; Jn. 11:21; Rom. 9:20). The fact that God's common Grace allows for anyone to take another breath should be enough to understand God's Holiness and Goodness; none are righteous, and there isn't a single creature who is undeserving of God's Righteous and Divine Justice for their sins (cf. Eccles. 7:20; Matt. 5:44-45; Lk. 6:35; Rom. 2:4; 3:23; 1 Tim. 4:10).

"And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD. And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein? That be far from thee to do after this manner, [to slay the righteous with the wicked]: and that [the righteous should be as the wicked], that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" (Genesis 18:22-25)

When the two Towers on 9/11 were destroyed, were the "casualties" any "less wicked" than those who perished when the two cities (i.e., "Sodom and Gomorrah") were destroyed by Fire from God? Most Christians would approve with the destruction of those two cities as a Righteous act of God, and they are precisely correct in their assessment; this calamity ONLY makes sense because it has been recorded in Holy Scripture as EXAMPLES of the Righteousness of God against sin, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who is their teacher and their guide; to aid Christian's grasp the Truth of God's Moral Character and Attributes (cf. Lk. 17:32; Heb. 4:11; Jas. 5:10-11; 1 Jn. 2:27; Jude 1:7).

"Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, [ARE SET FORTH FOR AN EXAMPLE], suffering the vengeance of eternal fire." (Jude 7)

Continued next post . . .
 

farouk

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I will now move on from the introduction of this message to discuss the most vital issue in the life of every man and women who are alive now, and will be alive in the years to come ahead. That being said: By the time this discussion reaches its climax at the very end of this topic, my readers should have no doubts within their hearts as to whether they are Truly Saved or not. This message has been prepared for anyone who "professes" to [know] (i.e., "Saving Knowledge and Faith") the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, but have recurring doubts regarding their Salvific state from time to time; that they may attain the supernatural peace of God and Christ anchored within their hearts (cf. Rom. 8:31-39; 2 Cor. 13:5; 1 Pet. 1:1-5; 2 Pet. 1:10-11).

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. [MARVEL NOT AT THIS]: for the hour is Coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto [the resurrection of life]; and they that have done evil, unto [the resurrection of damnation]." (John 5:25-29)

Most professing Christians often struggle with doubts as to whether they are Truly saved or not, and there are several reasons why this commonly exists in the hearts and minds of even Genuine Christians. Self-examination of our spiritual state is imperative if we are to have FULL ASSURANCE of where we will spend Eternity; this is a type of "spiritual" litmus test if you will (2 Cor. 13:5; Jas. 2:14-26; 2 Pet. 1:10-11). One of my primary concerns are the growing number of obvious false converts within the church visible; and the ratio between the True and the False converts vastly differ according to what the Scripture reveals (MANY will end up in an Eternal Hell; cf. Matt. 7:13-14; 21-23; 13:1-41; 24:14).

Most of these reasons can be linked to each other, especially if one is self-deceived of their spiritual condition. I desire that those who are not 100% certain about their Salvific state to know whether they are saved or not without any hint of a doubt; that they may obtain a supernatural peace settled in their hearts: that if they were to die today, heaven will most undoubtedly be their permanent home. Listed below are several reasons why professing Christians may struggle with procuring a full assurance of their Salvation:

I. You are Disobedient to the Commandments of Holy Scripture (Isa. 29:13; Matt. 15:8; Lk. 6:46; 2 Tim. 3:5; Tit. 1:16; Jas. 4:17; 1 Jn. 3:6).
II. You lack a Saving Knowledge of the Doctrine of Soteriology (2 Cor. 13:5; Gal. 6:4; 2 Tim. 4:2-4).
III. You are attempting to maintain your Salvation through your works (Matt. 6:1; Rom. 3:24; Gal. 2:4,16; Eph. 2:8).
IV. You are not placing absolute Trust in God and Christ for the remission of your sins (Jn. 5:24; 10:27-29; Rom. 8:28-39; Phil. 1:6; 1 Jn. 5:11-13).
V. Your prayers are not answered, and why? (Ps. 66:18; Isa. 1:15-16; 59:2; Jas. 1:6; 4:3; 1 Pet. 3:12; 1 Jn. 5:14).
VI. You belong to a false form of Christianity taught by false teachers in the pulpit (Rom. 16:17-18; Gal. 1:8-9; Eph. 4:14; 1 Tim. 1:18-20; 2 Pet. 3:17).
VII. You may "feel" unsaved (cf. Rom. 8:1; 1 Jn. 3:18-22).
VIII. You were never saved to begin with (Matt. 7:21-23; Mk. 4:1-20; Jn. 6:66; 2 Cor. 5:17; 2 Tim. 4:10; 1 Jn. 2:19).

[You are Disobedient to the Commandments of Holy Scripture]:

"And why call ye me, [Lord, Lord], and [DO NOT] the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46)

I have been around the block enough times here on the Earth to know that there are MANY "professing" Christians who simply go through the motions (e.g., "bible studies, Sunday worship, fellowshipping, offerings, etc.") of what a Christian life entails, but they have no TRUE LIFE abiding [in] them; in other words, they are not connected to the life sustaining vine, who is none other than Christ Himself. Our lives are to be [hid in Christ] – and if they are merely playing the part of being a Christian, then it is only a matter of time that these false converts are withered and dried-up (i.e., "they have never drunk from the cistern of living water") and cast into the fire as a worthless and fruitless branch (cf. Jn. 8:31; 14:6; 15:1-17; Gal. 2:20; Col. 2:6-7; 3:3; 1 Jn. 2:6, 28; 3:24; et al).

[You were never saved to begin with]:

"Not every one that [SAITH] unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that [DOETH] the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, [I NEVER KNEW YOU]: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:21-23)

The PRIMARY reason why there exists false converts within the church visible is due to a lack of understanding and knowledge of God's Nature, Unparalleled Holiness, man's wretchedness, the pride of man, and the prevalence of false teachings. I will begin by asking my readers a few questions that can only have ONE CORRECT answer based on God's Immutable and Divine attributes (i.e., "Omnipotent, Omniscience, Omnipresence, Holiness, Righteousness, Justice, Aseity, et al."), and they are:

I. Is there any creature who [is] Holy [as] God [is] Holy?
II. Were ALL created beings with a conscience (e.g., "angels, humans, etc.") that have ever lived until now capable of making wrong moral decisions because of their imperfections in and of themselves? (i.e., "Not Perfect as God Alone is").
III. Are there any creatures in existence who are GOOD in nature [as] God [is]?
IV. Is every human being since the time of Adam born sinful in the eyes of the Most Holy God?
V. Is every human being [in] Adam deserving of God's Divine Wrath/Judgment?
VI. Is God "unfair" if He FREELY chooses to save a select FEW while MANY perish? And if so, why?
VII. Were the redeemed "more worthy" than those who will suffer the Wrath of God in Hell and the Eternal Lake of Fire?
VIII. Will those who ultimately end up in Hell and the Eternal Lake of Fire born "less worthy" than those who will Live Forever with God and Christ in the Eternal State?
IX. Is God a "monster" if He decides NOT to save those who will ultimately end up in Hell and the Lake of Fire to face Eternal Punishment? And if so, why? Is God unjust if He freely chooses to make that decision as the Most Absolute Sovereign Creator?
X. Is God "Unloving" if He Truly has the Power to save EVERY human that has lived, and will live, but does not "choose" to do so?, and if so, why?
XI. According to the Bible (i.e., "not the opinion of man"), is God's most Divine Attribute Holiness or Love?
XII. Is God "obligated" to save everyone if He TRULY has the Power to do so?
Hi; Sir; you mentioned JWs; so were did you come from that background, maybe?

Good to see you on the forums.
 

*Light*

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I'll juxtapose these two events (i.e., "Sodom and Gomorrah and the Two Towers"), and then we can ask ourselves if God is Holy and Righteous, or if He is somehow "unfair" and even "cruel" in allowing these disasters to have occurred.

Number of deaths on September 11th: 2,996 Number of injuries: Over 6,000 There were also deaths which followed the attacks (e.g., "cancer and other respiratory diseases" leading to death).
Number of deaths in Sodom and Gomorrah (est. 600-1200) Number of survivors: 3

The Total number of people who were inside the Towers on September 11th was approximately 9,000, so an estimated 33% were killed on that day (i.e., "those who were inside the towers at that specific time"). There were an estimated 600-1200 people living in the two cities (Sodom and Gomorrah) when the destruction came upon the immoral, so that is less than 1% (give or take) of the population of those two cities who were spared by God's Mercy and Grace. This means that roughly 99% of the populace of those two cities were killed off by God Himself as the consequence of their unrepentant wickedness (i.e., "gross sexual immorality"). To add to that: the increase of wickedness and immorality in our present day is substantially greater in extent and degree than it was at the time of Sodom and Gomorrha's destruction by Divine Judgment (Matt. 24:12; Lk. 17:26-30; 1 Thess. 5:1-3; 2 Tim. 3:1-5, 13).

"And the king of Assyria did carry away Israel unto Assyria, and put them in Halah and in Habor by the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes: [BECAUSE THEY OBEYED NOT] the voice of the LORD their God, but transgressed his covenant, and all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded, and would not hear them, nor do them." (2 Kings
18:11-12)

One might beg the question, "why would God allow wicked men who worship a false god to crash head on into the two towers on 9/11?" First, we should ask ourselves, how many "righteous" men and women were in those towers on that day? God used Assyria to take 27,000 Israelites captive due to their transgression and disobedience against His Commandments which He gave to Moses, who then gave it to his people; He then punished Assyria subsequently. God even uses the wicked as instruments of His Divine Judgment against the disobedient and unrepentant. Abraham understood the Mercy of God towards the righteous, and His Divine Justice being Perfect and Fair towards the wicked; he knew that the God of the Universe can only do that which is Just in His Sight, and that His Judgments were/are True and Righteous (Gen 18:22-25; Ps. 19:9; 119:75; Rev. 15:4; 16:7; 19:2).

"There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."
(Luke 13:1-5)
 

*Light*

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As stated already, God's Holiness is often underestimated; and to challenge God and His Righteous acts is to place yourself above His Moral standards. We find another example in Holy Scripture where God's Sovereignty is questioned in the passage cited above; here we learn that man's BEST effort to "attain" righteousness through their "piety" falls short of God's Perfection. Philanthropy does not begin with Sacrificial Love towards God first and foremost; it is centered on pleasing mankind as a cloak to exalt one's status, or to have a reason why one might be "worthy" to enter into Heaven (cf. Matt. 6:2; 23:28; Lk. 16:15; Jn. 15:19; Rom. 10:3).

"And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. And he said, Draw not nigh hither: [put off thy shoes from off thy feet], for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground." (Exodus 3:4-5)

"In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain [he covered his feet], and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory." (Isaiah 6:1-3)

"And [the captain of the Lord's host] said unto Joshua, [Loose thy shoe from off thy foot]; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so." (Joshua 5:15)

"Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, [Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me]. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and [ye are clean, but not all]. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean." (John 13:6-11)

"And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And [his feet like unto fine brass], as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his [countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength]." (Revelation 1:15-16)

"Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and [his feet like in colour to polished brass], and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia [WITHSTOOD ME] one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, [CAME TO HELP ME]; and I remained there with the kings of Persia." (Daniel 10:5-6,13)

Of every part of the human body, feet are known to be [unclean]; because most people walk with their feet (with or without shoes), and it will come in contact with all sorts of bacteria, germs, and even viruses. Feet of bronze represents Holiness, Purity, and Righteousness. Sacrifices were made on [bronze] altars by Israelites for the atonement of sins by their high priests. Christ was the [High Priest], and the [PERFECT SACRIFICE] (Holy and Blameless) for the full remission of sins to those who would believe on Him; and the Fire of God's Judgment consumed the [sacrifices] offered to Him; God's Fire also symbolized purity, judgment, or even a purifier which removes traces of anything unclean (cf. Exod. 27:1-8; Lev. 6:13; 9:24; 10:1-2; Num. 11:1; 2 Kgs. 1:10; Rom. 12:1; 1 Cor. 3:11-15).

John MacArthur said:

“[Here is the image of One who is holy. That's what linen symbolizes. One who is sovereign, that's what the gold belt symbolizes. One who is a transparent flashing jewel, the beryl, speaks of His glory. And then He was powerful, the lightning indicates that. One who is omnipotent, His feet are burnished bronze, He is omnipotent in His judgment. Who is omniscient, His eyes are like flaming torches and who was authoritative, His voice like rushing water. It couldn't be anybody but the Lord. So you're not surprised when you go back now to chapter 12 and you see in verse 8, Daniel says, "As for me, I heard but couldn't understand so I said, `My Lord, what will the outcome of these events be?'" It could be that he knew it was the Lord. So, the figure in linen, the man dressed in linen above the waters of the river is none other than the preincarnate Christ.]”

This is NOT the preincarnate Christ as some Bible expositors have erroneously taught (e.g., "John MacArthur"); do they actually believe that God Himself needs Michael the archangel to "assist" Him? Although these entities share some similarities to the Son of God in the Book of Revelation, the being described in Daniel 10 is either a principality, watcher, or an archangel (i.e., "supernatural entities who protect, keep watch, and guard particular nations or regions assigned by God"). The manifestations of these [CELESTIAL BEINGS] (e.g., "faces like the SUN, voices like THUNDER, head coverings like a CLOUD or RAINBOW"), share some of the characteristics of the Son of God because they are/were sons of the Most High; in the same manner that a human son has the similitude of his earthly father, but that doesn't imply that they ARE one and the same person; saints (Grk. hagion; i.e., "holy ones") are also referred to as holy, and the children of God are to be in like manner (cf. Matt. 25:31; Jn. 1:12; 1 Thess. 3:13; Heb. 12:14; 1 Pet. 1:15-16; 1 Jn. 3:1-3).

I will give an example from Scripture itself, because Scriptures is the BEST interpreter of Scripture:

"And I saw another [MIGHTY ANGEL] come down from heaven, clothed with [A CLOUD]: and [A RAINBOW] was upon his head, and his face was as it were [THE SUN], and his feet as [PILLARS OF FIRE]: And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, And cried with [A LOUD VOICE, AS WHEN A LION ROARETH]: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices. And when [THE SEVEN THUNDERS] had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not. And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets. And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth." (Revelation 10:1-8)

"O Lord our God, other lords beside thee have had dominion over us: but by thee only will we make mention of thy name." (Isaiah 26:13)

The title Lord does not refer to the Lord God as Dr. MacArthur assumed; this title is used numerous times in the Old Testament to refer to those who have authority over their servants, or those who are their subordinates; they may be Lord over men, but they themselves have a LORD over them; who is none other than the ONE TRUE GOD (Gen. 24:9-10; 39:2; Exod. 21:8; Num. 32:27; Jdg. 3:25; 1 Sam. 22:12; Isa. 26:13; Dan. 1:10). The passage above is a description of an [ARCHANGEL], who swears by an OATH, that the Sovereign Creator of ALL THINGS will accomplish all which He had promised (i.e., "the redemption of men and women, the defeat of all evil, cleanse the present Universe of all traces of sin, and to Create a New Heaven and a New Earth, which will be Eternal"). See below for comparisons of sons of God, and [the] Son of God:

"After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was [A RAINBOW] round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and [THUNDERINGS] and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God." (Revelation 4:1-5)

Archangel: Feet resembling brass burning in a furnace (pillar of fire).
The Lord Jesus Christ: Feet resembling brass burning in a furnace (feet like unto fine brass; cf. Exod. 13:21).

Archangel: Head crowned with a Rainbow (a rainbow was upon his head).
Almighty God: A rainbow encircling His Throne (a rainbow round about the throne).

Archangel: Face as bright as the Sun (his face was as it were the sun).
The Lord Jesus Christ: Face shining as the Sun (his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength; cf. Matt. 17:1-2).
 

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As I have written in the past; since all have sinned, and that there is NONE GOOD, no one has any right to question why God would allow for the death of "innocent" people (i.e., "men, women, and children"). We are ALL [born] sinners; whether you were born five years ago, or five seconds ago; all have SINNED (Grk. hermarton) and are guilty before the Most Holy God. The constative aorist tense of the Greek verb "sinned" indicates an action in its entirety; that is, every person born into this world from the time of Adam until now are guilty of having sinned, and all are declared guilty before the Righteous Standard of the Almighty. Do you want to challenge God on this? I didn't think so (Job 15:14-16; Ps. 51:5; 58:3; Isa. 53:6; 64:6; Lk. 18:19; Jn. 3:3; Rom. 3:23; 5:12, 18-19; 1 Cor. 15:22; 1 Jn. 1:10).

"For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not." (Ecclesiastes 7:20)

"What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous? Behold, he putteth no trust in his saints; yea, the heavens are not clean in his sight. How much more abominable and filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity like water?" (Job 15:14-16)

Not only is all of mankind guilty of sinning against the Lord, but even the heavens are stained with iniquity (e.g., "fallen angels and sinful celestial beings" in the cosmic realms) -- this is why there is the necessity for God to one day create a new heaven and a new Earth, which will be free from sin, and where righteousness will dwell for all of Eternity (Isa. 65:17; 66:2; 2 Pet. 3:12-13; Rev. 21:1).

One cannot fully grasp the depth of God's Mercy without first understanding His Holiness, His Righteous standard, and the seriousness of sin in His eyes -- even the "smallest" of sins warrant Divine Justice and Retribution (e.g., "white lies"; lies are lies, regardless, or "stealing a pencil"). The "less" sinful you deem yourself in the Light of God's Holiness, the "less" Holy you would portray God as being. This is not too difficult to comprehend to the humble-hearted; to those who have drawn near to God through sanctification and reconciliation (i.e., "through the Spotless Lamb of God and His shed blood on the Cross"), and they now know how to respond correctly to this revelation given by the illumination of the Holy Spirit; the forgiven then continually draw nigh to Him as they see the Holiness of God for what it Truly is (Ps. 14:3; Jer. 16:17; Hab. 1:13; Matt. 5:48; 1 Thess. 4:7; 1 Pet. 1:15-16; 1 Jn. 1:5; 3:2-3).

"Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because [HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY]. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea." (Micah 7:18-19)

Continued next post . . .
 

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Knowing this makes me drop to my knees and SHOUT OUT to the Lord with HIGH PRAISES, and forever REJOICING by always giving thanks to Him for my Salvation. The Richness of God's Grace, Forgiveness, and Mercy abounds when we see ourselves for who we TRULY are before the Most Holy God: wretched, impure, wicked, depraved, filthy sinners; and unless we TRULY acknowledge this from our hearts, we will only be deceiving ourselves about our spiritual condition before the Almighty (cf. Deut. 7:9; Ps. 51:5; 58:3; Isa. 53:6; 64:6; Jer. 13:23; 17:9; Rom. 3:10-12; 5:20; 7:18; Eph. 2:1-5; Tit. 3:3).

This cannot be actualized until the Spirit of God opens our darkened hearts through the preaching of the Gospel Message (Lk. 15:11-32; 18:9-14; 23:39-43; Jn. 6:44; 16:8; Rom. 10:13-15; 2 Cor. 7:10). This leads to a broken and contrite spirit (Ps. 34:18; 51:17; Matt. 5:3-4; Isa. 57:15; 66:2). Those who lack humility, brokenness of spirit, and contrition, are those who may very well be tares among the wheat; and the more we continue to dismiss this biblical truth and remain/continue in our rebellion, then the more we will be accumulating Wrath in the Day of the Lord's Judgment (Jn. 3:19; Rom. 2:5; 7:24; 8:7-8; Jas. 4:9).

Many nominal Christians are under the delusion that a past prayer sealed their Eternal Salvation, but a mere confession without a broken and contrite spirit leading to repentance produces a false convert. Moreover, anyone who has been humbled by the Mercy and Grace of God will be changed drastically for the better (i.e., he/she is a "a new creature"); this is why red flags are raised whenever I encounter a "professing" Christian who display's no evidence of humility, agape love, and all that are in the Tree, which produces the fruit of the Spirit, and this is not a one-time experience, this ought to continue until the day of Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:28-30; Phil. 1:6; 2:13; 2 Tim. 4:7-8). You cannot convince me that you are [born-again] if see no stark contrast between you and the rest of the unbelieving world, or your [old self] with who you are NOW (cf. Jn. 13:35; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 5:22-23; 1 Jn. 3:14).

Altar calls accompanied with sappy music appeals more to emotions rather than Truth; did the church at Pentecost have organs playing in the background when our beloved brother Peter had preached the Gospel Message and commanding them to repent? If you're having problems overcoming sins, living like the rest of the unbelieving world, and have a love that is not Divine and Sacrificial, then chances are, you are NOT saved. I have said this time and again in many of my messages: Examine your lifestyle and your fruits to determine if you are TRULY [IN] Christ, because there is nothing more vital than your Eternal Salvation, and the Judgment of Eternal Fire (Matt. 3:10; Jn. 15:2; Rom. 7:4; 8:1; 2 Cor. 13:5; Jas. 1:22; 2 Pet. 1:10), otherwise you will be in for a rude awakening when you stand before the Judge of all the Earth (cf. Matt. 7:21-23; Mk. 4:5; 7:26-27; Lk. 14:28-31).

"Whosoever is born of God [doth not commit sin] (Grk. hamartian ou poiei -- present tense/linear action; i.e., " having a tendency to sin; akin to the unbelieving world"); for his seed remaineth in him: [and he cannot sin] (Grk. kai ou dunatai hamartanein present infinitive; i.e., "his pattern of sinning before being [born again] will be broken"), because he is born of God." (1 John 3:9)

"He that saith, I know him, and [keepeth not his commandments] (Grk. kai teron autou entolas -- present participle; i.e., "does not continually walk in obedience to God and Christ"), is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." (1 John 2:4-6)

"[He that hath my commandments, and KEEPETH THEM, he it is that loveth me]: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." (John 14:21)

Continued next post . . .
 

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Do not put the cart before the horse; any attempt to be justified by your good works or the keeping of the law will lead to an immoral lifestyle, and this is an insult to the Spirit of Grace: Christian's do not keep the Commandments of God in order to [be] saved, but because they [are] saved – they Truly [do] Love the Lord. Works salvation cannot restrain the flesh: if anything, it will only compound the unregenerate deeds of the body, because such people are not empowered by the Spirit of God; they are completely devoid of any life giving strength necessary to achieve Victory over sin and the flesh: this is why pedophilic priests in the RCC are a dime a dozen (Exod. 15:2; Isa. 40:29; Eph. 6:10; Phil. 4:13). Such men may appear "righteous" on the outside, and they may boast about how holy they are, but God sees their hearts; He sees the filthiness of their flesh, and their garments being stained with immorality and lustful impurity of the eyes. A Genuine convert keeps the Commandments out of gratitude and an unfeigned love towards God and Christ, and they live the rest of their lives committed to PLEASING and SERVING the Lord in all that they do (Jn. 10:27-29; 14:21; 1 Jn. 2:4-6; 3:9).

"What shall we say then? [SHALL WE CONTINUE IN SIN], that grace may abound? [GOD FORBID] (Grk. me genoito; i.e., "an idiomatic Greek expression of an affront to the Grace of God"). How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should [WALK IN THE NEWNESS OF LIFE]." (Romans 6:1-4)

If you profess to be born-again and do NOT walk in the newness of life, then you reveal yourself to be a false convert regardless of how many times you have prayed for your Salvation, or asked Jesus to "come into your heart" to save you. This is why the Bible is replete with references to [the second birth] (i.e., "born from above") – you are a NEW creation in Christ Jesus, and there will be a monumental difference between your lifestyle BEFORE and AFTER your new birth, and this is an inescapable fact based on infallible Word of God (cf. Isa. 43:18-19; Ezek. 11:19-20; 36:25-27; Rom. 6:3-4; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 2:20; 5:22-23; 6:15; Eph. 4:22-24; Col. 3:9-10; 1 Jn. 1:6).

"In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)" (John 7:37-39)

Believing that it is ONLY by the shed Blood of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins are you justified (Rom. 10:10; 1 Jn. 1:7-9).

I am NOT a Calvinist or an Arminian, and I do not rely on "dead" men who are prone to committing egregious errors in Biblical Doctrines as with most other "living" human beings. The Bible gives us all the available information we need to understand God and His plan for redeeming mankind through His Christ (cf. Jn. 14:6; Acts 2:23; 4:12; 2 Cor. 5:19; Col. 1:19-20; 1 Tim. 2:5-6). I also don't care much for "reformed" theology, because the Scripture's best defense is Scripture itself. Now Calvinist's would argue that Salvation is 100% of God (i.e., "monergistic, rather than synergistic"), and I agree; while Arminian's would argue that one has to "accept" the free Gift of Eternal Life by their own volition, and not by God's doing in every respect (i.e., "having saving faith is NOT something God Himself GIVES to those who are drawn to Him"). However, the Bible makes it clear ("when interpreting in its original language and the construction of the Greek grammar") that even [faith] is a [gift] from God (Eph. 2:8a).

Continued next post . . .
 

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The First Scenario:

Faith is analogous of being [offered] a gift, and making the decision to [accept] this free gift is compared to man's right response to God's Grace by faith, which leads to Salvation. This most often used analogy has some serious errors when applicable to Salvation, and even blasphemous and insulting to the nature of God's Holiness, especially when we consider that this analogy of accepting "a" gift is somehow comparable to "accepting" God's offer of Salvation, Forgiveness, and Mercy upon the UNDESERVED. In other words, God's Moral laws and His Unique Holiness are not in view here in this flawed analogy used by millions in defense of synergism. I will explain in detail below:

1. If a fellow human offers you a gift (e.g., "a box of chocolates"), and you gladly accept it; does this in any way "involve" the [wretchedness] and [depraved nature] of the [unregenerate] man or woman of both parties (i.e., "the giver of the gift, and the one accepting the gift")?
2. Is God a human being?
3. How many people are "involved" in Salvation: one, two, or three?
4. How many people are "involved" when we consider the analogy of accepting a gift given by our fellow human being?
5. Is it possible for a born sinner (i.e., "by nature") to exercise Saving Faith on his/her own volition? Remember, FAITH is a GIFT from God.
6. Is the "giver" of the gift, and the one "receiving" the gift Sinless, Perfect, and Holy [as] the Triune God?

The Second Scenario:

There is a man trapped inside of a pit with seemingly no possible way out, unless he/she were to be "rescued", or given "assistance" by another man or woman. The rescuer, or the one making an attempt to rescue their fellow human uses "their" abilities and strengths by lowering a rope down far enough to reach the one trapped inside the pit, so the one trapped inside this pit can take hold of it, and then be [delivered] and pulled out from that pit. As just stated: faith is a gift from God, so the analogy of "boasting" about "taking hold of" the rope fails to take into account that it is God who FIRST enables the sinner to respond to Him (i.e., "dead in trespasses and sins" – cf. Eph. 2:1; Col. 2:13).

Now consider those questions (1 through 4, and replace the word gift with assistance or to rescue in questions 1 and 4), and you will discover that these analogies are mere contrivances conjured up from within the imperfect minds of fallen man; and even the regenerate at times fail to fully comprehend the depths of God's Unsearchable Riches, Unparalleled Holiness, Grace, Power, and His Abounding Mercy (cf. Ps. 145:9; Isa. 55:6-9; Mic. 7:18; Jn. 1:14; Rom. 5:8; 11:33; Eph. 1:7; 2:4-5, 8; 2 Pet. 3:9).

Continued next post . . .
 

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"And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have [ONE SHEEP], and if it [FALL INTO A PIT] on the sabbath day, will he not [LAY HOLD ON IT, AND LIFT IT OUT]? How much then is a [MAN BETTER THAN A SHEEP?] Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days." (Matthew 12:11-12)

The words which Jesus chose to use when He spoke can never be replaced using any another word to take its place; and His usage of the word [sheep] is a TRUE and PERFECT analogy of God's desire for the Salvation of those who would call upon Him in Faith, which is a GIFT (cf. Ps. 12:6-7; Isa. 55:11; Matt. 4:4; 24:35; Jn. 17:17; Rom. 10:13; 1 Pet. 1:23-25). If you lowered a rope into a pit where the stranded sheep was in order to rescue it, can that sheep take hold of it? The answer is obviously NO! The sheep will be absolutely clueless as to why there is a rope there in the first place; it doesn't know that it is danger, or IN NEED OF RESCUE.

"All that the Father [giveth me] shall [come to me]; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." (John 6:37)

"And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of [all which he hath given me I should LOSE NOTHING], but should [RAISE IT UP] again at the last day." (John 6:39)

"[NO MAN CAN COME TO ME], except the Father which hath sent me [DRAW HIM]: and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:44)

Why would any man or woman take hold of a rope? To be rescued from danger, of course! If a person believes that he/she is not in danger of anything, then lowering a rope would mean absolutely NOTHING to them (e.g., "a helicopter lowering a rope down to you while you're on a cruise ship enjoying the view"). No one can understand their own wretchedness, Divine Justice for their sins, God's Holiness, Jesus' vicarious death, and the need of a SAVIOR, unless they first hear the Gospel preached unto them. Those who respond by [faith] (i.e., "drawn" v.37) to the Gospel are those who were [given] (i.e., "the Bride of Christ") to Jesus as a [Love Gift] from the Father (v.39). Some have desperately argued that Judas was among those "drawn" to Christ. So what about Judas? Judas Iscariot was NEVER saved to begin with, so the verb [drawn] (Grk. helko; lit, "to drag") would not apply to Judas as one of those who were [given] to Christ from the Father (Jn. 17:12).

"Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night [they caught nothing]. But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. And he said unto them, [Cast the net on the right side] of the ship, and [ye shall find]. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes." (John 21:3-8)

It was apparent that the disciples failed at catching any fish in spite of their efforts, and even though they spent all night trying, it was time wasted on their part. Jesus had Commanded His disciples to cast the net to the right side of the ship, and being obedient to His Command, they hauled in a great load of fish, and it was by the authority and power of our Lord Himself were they able to do so (i.e., "the fish were drawn to the net; not by human effort, but by the power of God"). It is the Holy Spirit who indwells all Genuine Christians, who are used to draw (lit., "drag") sinners unto God; they are His instruments to deliver the Message of the Gospel to the lost, and the lost are [unable] to [respond] without the Father drawing (i.e., "as a net") them to Him, and granting them Repentance and Faith (cf. Matt. 28:18-20; Jn. 6:44; 15:26-27; Acts 11:18; Rom. 10:13-15; 2 Cor. 5:11-15; Eph. 2:7-9; 2 Tim. 2:24-25).

- Can any human being offer forgiveness of sins?
- Can any creature offer you Eternal Life as a Free Gift?
- Is there any "gift" worth as much as the giving of God's Only Son?
- Is the Gift of Salvation a Gift of Unspeakable Value?
- Does God need "permission" in order to save a lost sinner?
- Does accepting a gift involving both parties (i.e., the giver of the gift, and the one accepting the gift") require a Mediator? (Jn. 10:9; 14:6; Rom. 3:24; 5:1-2; 1 Cor. 15:20-23; 1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 2:16-17)
- Can God take back the gift of Eternal Life given freely to the repentant?
- Can a man or woman who gave the gift to the recipient take back their gift?
- Do BOTH the rescuer, or the one rescued in the aforementioned analogy have the same "nature" as each other? And if so, would the analogy then be fitting?

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus (i.e., "Jesus is [your] Lord"), and shalt [BELIEVE IN THINE HEART] that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10)

This is a biblical passage that nearly every professing Christian has heard cited innumerable times, and yet it is most often misunderstood and misapplied in their lives. This boggles my mind, because a five year old can understand its True meaning. One cannot TRULY confess Jesus Christ as their Lord without believing in [their heart] that He rose from the dead; they are two sides of the same coin (1 Cor. 12:3). Lord is not simply a title of Deity; it refers to His Absolute Sovereign rule over your life, your obedience to His Commandments, and your full submission to Him. Confessing that Jesus Christ is your LORD is essential to your Salvation, and whether you do so or not; He is still Lord over all (Jn. 13:13; 20:28; Acts 2:36; 10:36; Rom. 10:9, 12; 14:9; 1 Cor. 12:3; Phil. 2:11; Rev. 17:14; 19:16).

"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and [DO NOT] the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46)

"Not every one that [SAITH] unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that [DOETH] the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, [I NEVER KNEW YOU]: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:21-23)

Many are unaware that there's a distinction between the [title] God and Lord; if Christ Jesus is your Lord, then you are His "slave" (Grk. doulos), and there's no two ways about it. It does NOT say for you to confess Jesus Christ as God to be saved, but Lord; although a denial of the Deity of Christ is a cardinal Doctrine, and if one fails to acknowledge this Truth, then one does NOT know the One True God; hence, they are still lost and dead in their sins (Jn. 8:24-25). A life not reflective of this Truth demonstrates a life not committed, and thus proves that you are a worthless and slothful servant; these false professors who honor Jesus Christ with their lips only will one day discover that they NEVER had a saving relationship with Him to begin with (Isa. 29:13; Matt. 7:21-23; 24:45-51; 25:26; Lk. 6:46).

"Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might [deliver us from this present evil world], according to the will of God and our Father: To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Galatians 1:3-5)

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye [present your bodies a living sacrifice], holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." (Romans 12:1)

A faith without obedience and good deeds done by the Holy Spirit is a [dead] faith; Christ came not only to save you from Eternal Punishment, He also came to destroy the works of the Devil in the life of every Genuine Believer, and to live the rest of their lives doing the Will of God (cf. Rom. 6:6; Heb. 2:14; Jas. 2:16-20; 1 Jn. 3:8). This does not teach Salvation by works, but a life [transformed] by the [regenerating] Power of the Holy Spirit, who gives you NEW LIFE, and an understanding of the Nature of God, and what He has purposed for every one of His children: He is at work [within] them – they are a new creature in Christ – they are born-again (cf. Jn. 3:3; 15:26; 1 Cor. 2:8-14; 1 Jn. 5:6-8).

Continued next post . . .
 

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[Signs of a True Christian]:

"Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. [By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments]. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." (1 John 5:1-3)

Below are just a few signs that accompany Genuine Salvation, and the characteristics of those who Love God and Christ:

- Persecution because of the Gospel Message (from the Adversary through his control of willing and unwilling agents who are deceived by him; cf. Matt. 5:10; Jn. 15:18-21; 2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Pet. 4:12-14).
- Slanderous and False Accusations (Matt. 5:11-12; 1 Pet. 3:15-16; Rev. 12:10).
- Hatred by the World, and Separation from it (cf. Matt. 10:22; Jn. 15:18-19; 17:15-18; Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 6:14-18; Jas. 4:4; 1 Pet. 2:9).
- Active good works, and that these good works (done by the Power of God in you; Phil. 2:13) ARE your rewards. Wood, hay, stubble, are human efforts without the Spirit's leading; while Gold, silver, and precious stones are the works accomplished by the Holy Spirit when offering your body as a living sacrifice (Rom. 6:6; 7:5-6; 8:14, 12-13; 12:1; 1 Cor. 3:11-15).
- A desire to please the Lord (1 Jn. 2:3-5, 15-17; 5:1-3).
- An unwavering Trust in God (cf. Josh. 1:9; Ps. 56:3-4; Prov. 3:5-6; Isa. 26:4; Mk. 5:36; Heb. 11:6).
- Answered Prayers (Mk. 11:24; Jn. 15:7; Jas. 5:16; 1 Jn. 5:14-15).
- You worship God at all times, and giving thanks to Him in everything that you do (cf. Rom. 12:1; Eph. 5:20-21; Col. 3:14-17; 1 Thess. 5:18; Heb. 13:15).
- You have a desire to know God and Christ more than anything in this world (Ps. 63:1; Isa. 26:9; Jer. 9:24; Phil. 3:8).
- You desire to grow in godliness, holiness, purity, humility, and conformity to the Image of Jesus Christ (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Pet. 1:13-16).
- You have extreme remorse for your sins (i.e., "godly sorrow"; cf. Lk. 18:9-14; Rom. 7:24; 2 Cor. 7:10).
- Your hatred for sins increase (cf. Ps. 97:10; Prov. 8:13; Rom. 12:9; Eph. 2:2-3).
- You grow in fruits keeping with repentance that remain (i.e., "Sanctification" Matt. 3:7-10; Lk. 13:3).
- You love to fellowship with other believers who are in the Family of God, and to help each other to grow spiritually (1 Cor. 1:10; Eph. 5:18-19; Heb. 10:25; 1 Jn. 1:7; 3:14).
- You Truly understand that you cannot save yourself, and that justification comes by Grace through Faith ALONE, but a faith that is NOT ALONE (Isa. 64:6; Rom. 3:20; 5:1; 2 Cor. 5:21; Eph. 2:8-9; Jas. 2:14-17).
- You keep the Commandments of God and Christ (Jn. 14:21; Rom. 6:1-3; 13:14; 1 Cor. 7:19; 1 Jn. 5:3).
- You are Spirit led, and He bears witness to your sonship (Rom. 8:14-16, 26; Gal. 4:6-7; 5:16, 22-23).
- You accept, discern, and understand the Spiritual things of God contained in Holy Scripture (Mk. 4:11-12; Jn. 10:27; 17:17; 20:31; 1 Cor. 2:13-14; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 4:2; 1 Pet. 1:10-12).
- You are continually confessing your sins (cf. Prov. 28:13; 1 Jn. 1:8-9).
- You are continually hungering for the Word of God, and to grow mightily in it (cf. Ps. 119:33-40; Matt. 5:6; 1 Pet. 2:2).
- You possess the Impartial Love reflective of Christ Jesus (cf. Lk. 6:32-36; Acts 10:34; Rom. 2:11; 1 Cor. 13:4-7; Gal. 3:28; Jas. 2:1-4).

Continued next post . . .
 

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Do not get the wrong idea that the list aforementioned above precedes Salvation; they are traits or fruits that accompany Genuine Salvation (Matt. 7:20; Jn. 10:27-29; Gal. 5:22-23; Heb. 6:9-12; Jas. 2:17-18; 1 Jn. 2:3-5; 3:14; 5:4). Worshipping God is not a weekend social gathering; Christians are to gather together with like-minded believers who share the enjoyment of True Worship, and love one another more than we love ourselves. I once heard a well-known Bible expositor (i.e., "John MacArthur") speak on the topic of Worship, and he said to his congregation that there is no such thing as "private" worship, and at the same time had said that "prayer" is the "highest" form of worship. This is untrue, so what are True Worshippers to do Monday through Friday? Most of the time, it is one's personal feelings that gets in the way of understanding the Pure Truth. Should we not pray without ceasing? We are called to:

"And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, [Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with ALL THY HEART], and with [ALL THY SOUL], and with [ALL THY STRENGTH], and with [ALL THY MIND]; and [thy neighbour as thyself]." (Luke 10:25-27)

"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, [enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door], pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly." (Matthew 6:5-6)

"And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, [HE WAS THERE ALONE]." (Matthew 14:22-23)

[Signs of a False Convert]:

Below are just a few reasons why you may not be saved:

- You never face Persecution because of the Gospel Message.
- You are never Slandered or Falsely Accused.
- You are Disobedient to the Commandments of God and Christ.
- Keeping the Commandments are a burden to you, nor does it bring you any joy in doing so.
- You lack Trust and Faith in God.
- Your prayers are NOT answered.
- You praise the Lord only when your life is stress-free (i.e., "you do not have the Joy and Supernatural Peace which comes ONLY from the Lord").
- The cares of this world distracts you from fellowshipping with God and Christ (e.g., "finances").
- There is an unbroken pattern of sin in your life.
- You care more about yourself and your selfish desires than those who are in need of help.
- You do not love your fellow brethren.
- You are not deeply concerned about the Salvation of those associated with you.
- You hate your neighbors.
- You rarely pray for others, if ever.
- Hypocrisy (i.e., "you are inwardly full of dead men's bones"; i.e., eyes full of adultery, lovers of money, worldliness, and pleasure seekers and self-gratification).
- You spend more time engaging in worldly activities than devotion to God and Christ (e.g., "watching movies, gambling, going to bars, etc"). You shouldn't be participating in any of these things; because if you do practice these things, then you are either a false convert or a new convert (cf. Jas. 4:4; 1 Jn. 2:15-17).
- There is no True repentance (Matt. 4:17; Lk. 13:3; Acts 11:18; 20:21; 1 Jn. 1:6).
- You are burdened with the thought that Salvation must be "maintained" through the law, works, or both.
- You fail to grasp the spiritual things of God (cf. Jn. 10:26; 18:37; 1 Cor. 2:14; 1 Jn. 5:20).
- Failing to do what is right and not act upon it (i.e., "sins of omission" which are tied to "sins of commission" -- cf. Lk. 10:25-37; 13:3; Jas. 2:14; 4:17).

Continued next post . . .
 

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[The danger of neglecting a self-examination of your spiritual condition]:

"And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and [SEETH ABRAHAM AFAR OFF], and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is [A GREAT GULF FIXED]: so that [they which would pass from hence to you CANNOT; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence]." (Luke 16:22-26)

Eternal punishment is just that: God's Divine Retribution abiding forever on the unrepentant; thus, it is NOT remediable, and therefore it is not a form of chastisement. We discover in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, that Jesus describes a "Great Gulf Fixed" (v.26), and what our Lord is trying to convey to His listeners and readers is that those who are in Hell can/will NEVER be able to enter Heaven regardless of the duration of time spent there by them.

There is no Annihilation: the lost are not sentenced to live out their sentence until their sins have been paid for, and then are they finally annihilated; this would imply that sins committed against the Most Holy God would only warrant [temporal] punishment, but that is clearly not what the Bible teaches (Rom. 6:23). Then there is another false view of Annihilation: the soul ceases to exist immediately upon the death of the body, and that too makes absolutely no sense. If this were somehow true, then how can this be considered punishment of any kind? There would be NO physical or conscious awareness of one's torment or agony at all; punishment is something one experiences, whether physical or conscience (e.g., "prison time, the electric chair, etc.").

The Holy Scripture makes it very plain and easy to understand concerning Eternal Punishment; there are no reading between the lines or the white spaces, and Jesus spoke more often about Hell and the Eternal Lake of fire more than all of the New Testament authors combined. The doctrine of Eternal physical/conscious torment is without dispute, and it is inescapable; it is a stern warning to the unrepentant, that today is the day of Salvation, and tomorrow is never guaranteed to anyone (cf. Dan. 12:2; Isa. 66:24; Matt. 3:12; 18:8; 25:41, 46; Lk. 12:16-20; 16:19-31; Mk. 9:43, 48; Jn. 5:29; 2 Cor. 6:2; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; Heb. 6:2; Jas. 4:14; Jude 1:7, 12-13; Rev. 14:9-11; 20:10, 11-15).

"And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever." (Daniel 12:1-3)

If Jesus Christ is the Lord of your life, then you will find it impossible NOT to share the Gospel Message to those who are lost; and if you have no desire for the perishing, then this raises some serious red flags (Jer. 20:9; Rom. 10:13-14). If you TRULY knew what you were saved from (i.e., "The Divine Wrath of God"), and who you have sinned against (i.e., "The Most Holy God"), what your sins warrant (i.e., "Eternal Punishment"), and have a deep, genuine love and concern for those whom you know, then it would naturally follow that you will do your part by warning them of the dangers of Hell and the Eternal Lake of Fire . . . that is, if you have a beating heart, and the Love of God truly abiding within you. It makes my blood boil when men and women sit around while their loved ones continue in their hedonistic lifestyles, worldly pleasures, and indulging in sinful behavior; it is almost a GUARANTEE that such people who neglect to warn the lost are not saved themselves.

The Love of God is not a love that dwells in the hearts of the unregenerate; it is a supernatural Love which is IN Christ Jesus our Lord. The Love of God is expressed by loving even our enemies; we were ALL once enemies of God before we were reconciled (speaking of True Christians) to Him through Christ Jesus (Rom. 5:10; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; Col. 1:21). Your loved ones spending an Eternity in the Lake of Fire doesn't concern you? This is beyond cruel, and this behavior is worse than an unbeliever who knows that his/her family or friends have ingested a slow killing poison and does absolutely NOTHING about it. And many who sit in churches on Sunday's are completely fine with this; worshipping God is something that they do one day of the week. God does NOT dwell in a brick and mortar building made with human hands, He dwells IN YOU - that is, if you are Truly His child (Acts 7:48; 17:24).

"For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment." (Deuteronomy 10:17-18)

Continued next post . . .
 

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In Closing:

We've all recalled Biblical scholars (i.e., BOTH Old and the New Testament) who disagree on whether Salvation can Truly be lost; and I have concluded that the plethora of varying interpretations and views are the result of their personal opinions, feelings, or beliefs. The danger in this is that it can very well lead to a falsification of that which is TRUE; so these Bible teachers, theologians, and biblical "scholars" will then be forced to read their opinions and personal beliefs into other passages (i.e., "eisegesis") in Sacred Scripture regarding that particular doctrine, and NOT what God has breathed into the hearts of the Bible's human authors (cf. 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:20-21; 3:14-18).

"VERILY, VERILY, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, [HATH EVERLASTING LIFE] (Grk. echei zoen aionion -- present tense; i.e., "Eternal Life which is actualized at that very moment of Genuine Faith FROM THE HEART"), and [SHALL NOT] come [into] condemnation; but [IS PASSED] (Grk. alla metabebeken perfect tense) from death unto life." (John 5:24)

The passage above is definitive proof that once you are a [possessor] of Eternal Life given by God Himself, you will NEVER lose it. I found this on the internet; it was a response to whether one's Salvation can be forfeited or lost. This bible student wrote:

”[Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears [present tense participle] my word and believes [present tense participle] him who sent me has [present tense; right now] eternal life. He does not come into judgment [present tense; right now], but has passed [perfect tense; from the past to present] from death to life." (ESV). John 5:24

Many are quick to emphasize the promise of "eternal life" in this verse. They may assert that "eternal life" cannot be lost because it lasts forever. While "eternal life" does last forever, it shouldn't be confused with possession of the state of "eternal life". Two illustrations may be helpful.

Suppose a man is gifted a $100 dollar bill; it's his and worth $100. If the bill is lost, he no longer has possession of it the bill is still worth $100.00. It would be illogical to conclude he cannot lose it because the bill will always be worth $100.]”

The one who gave this response obviously does not understand CONTEXT; and he failed to acknowledge the Perfect Tense of [is passed] (Grk. alla metabebeken perfect tense) from death unto life. A first year NT Greek student would know that a perfect tense represents a completed action which is NEVER to be repeated again. In other words, according to this person: if you possess Eternal Life, you can lose it, and gain it back AGAIN; this is to ignore the context of the perfect tense of the verb [is passed], which is a completed action, not to be REPEATED -- EVER!

"It is the spirit that quickeneth; [the flesh profiteth NOTHING]: [THE WORDS] that I speak unto you, they are [SPIRIT], and [THEY ARE LIFE]." (John 6:63)

Continued next post . . .
 

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I don't understand how he can use a $100 bill as an analogy when comparing it to Eternal Life, which is [priceless] by the way. The text deals specifically with not falling into Judgment, or [not] falling into [condemnation] -- which is a STATE OF BEING (which the writer AGREES with); therefore it does not have a price. Since Life and Death are classified as a [state] or [condition] of a creature's existence, and not a THING, how then can it be compared to merely a THING? If I tell you that my pet has DIED, is his [death] something which can be reversed or lost, and then found again? The answer is YES, but ONLY God can perform this miracle. Employing the usage of the words "possession" and "state" together is semantical nonsense when juxtaposed with a $100 bill, because the two (i.e., "possession and state of being") cannot be separated. Try to separate the two, and then determine if his analogy makes any sense at all. How many $100 bills can you possess? How many times can you possess Eternal Life?

What if I possess three $20 bill's and eight $5 bill's? this would still add up to a $100 bill, right? Will good deeds and church service be enough to merit Eternal Life? What do you think? If you're going to use an analogy to interpret the Word of God, then please make absolutely 100% sure that every word in your analogy is comparative to Sacred Scripture, OK? Eternal Life is synonymous with being born-again, and anyone who possesses a modicum of common sense will tell you that you cannot be born-again, and then revert back to your original state of being (i.e., "an unregenerate man or woman"); if you believe this, then you essentially believe that you can be UNBORN. Eternal Life is something which is [in] you; and Jesus said that His Words will never pass away, and that they [are] LIFE. Nothing in this passing world can ever bring you lasting contentment, because they are temporal (e.g., "a 100$ bill") but if Christ is [in] us, then we HAVE True Life, and it is FOREVER (cf. 1 Jn. 2:15-17; 5:12, 20-21).

"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:5)

The [water], as in "water and the Spirit" (Jn. 3:5) does NOT refer to a physical birth; unless you understand Jesus as telling Nicodemus, "I'm not sure if you know this already; but first of all, you need to be born physically to enter the Kingdom of God." This is obviously not the case here: the water here is connected to the Spirit, it is "the washing of water by the word" – and Nicodemus, as a teacher of Israel (v.10) was fully aware of the figurative usage of the word [water] in the Old Testament (cf. Ps. 51:9-10; Ezek. 36:24-27; Jer. 2:13; Eph.
5:26; Tit. 3:5). You didn't birth yourself into existence the first time, and you are not the one who contributes to your second birth; for it is the Spirit of God who performs this supernatural miracle – you are born from ABOVE. And by the way, [the parable of the prodigal son] does not teach that the son had LOST his Salvation and then somehow regained it because he was ALIVE AGAIN; it is glaringly obvious that this refers to being Born AGAIN, or the SECOND Birth (Lk. 15:32; Jn. 3:3; Rom. 6:4; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 2:20; 1 Jn. 3:9).

Continued next post . . .
 

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"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; [yet not I] (i.e., "your former unregenerate self"), but [Christ liveth in me]: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who [loved] me, and [gave] himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)

Th Word of God says that our [bodies] wage war against our [souls], and our beloved brother Paul found himself in a battle with himself (i.e., "his unredeemed flesh -- not spirit, or the body of death"; cf. Rom. 7:15-25). This why believer still fall into sin, because their bodies have yet to be redeemed (i.e., "the redemption of their bodies, or the glorified body" cf. Rom. 8:22-23). Although the Spirit of God energizes us, it is our unredeemed flesh that needs to be offered as a living sacrifice by submitting to the Lordship of Christ (Rom. 12:1).

Does Christ LIVE in you? Are you indwelt by the Triune Godhead? If this is True of you, then you ought to [walk as Christ walked] while He was on the Earth in His Time; and you would be abiding in Him, and He in you: if this doesn't describe you, then the Love of God does not dwell in you, because if this were True, then you would be at enmity with the world (cf. Jn. 12:31; 15:4; 1 Cor. 1:21; 2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:1-3; 4:22; Col. 1:9-14; Jas. 4:4; 2 Pet. 1:4;1 Jn. 2:15-16; 5:19).

Here is the fatal flaw of this bible student:

"And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by [EVERY WORD] that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:3-4)

"For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, [ONE JOT OR ONE TITTLE] shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." (Matthew 5:18)

Biblical CONTEXT is determined by many factors (e.g., "hermeneutics, sentence structure, immediate and broader contexts, cultural and historical contexts, exegesis, perspicuity, styles and genres, qualifiers, quantifiers, syntax, figurative or literal interpretations, etc."). Every written word MUST be analyzed with intense scrutiny by utilizing the correct principles of interpretation in order to arrive at a definitive understanding of God's Holy Word. Can you identify what the major problem in his analogy and interpretation of John 5:24 is? Simply substituting and replacing the words [Eternal Life] (a "state of being"), with a C-Note (a "thing") in an analogy is extremely absurd, and this bible student should be ashamed of himself (cf. 1 Tim. 4:6-7; 2 Tim. 2:14-17; 6:3-5; 2 Pet. 2:1-2).

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are [KEPT BY THE POWER OF GOD] (Grk. phrouroumenous -- present participle; i.e., "continually guarded by God's OMNIPOTENCE, OMNISCIENCE, and OMNIPRESENCE") through faith unto salvation (i.e., "The Third Tense of our Salvation, or the redemption of our bodies"; cf. Rom. 8:22-25; Heb. 9:28) ready to be revealed in the last time." (1 Peter 1:3-5)

Moreover, he also failed to realize that it is not US who must "hold on" to our Salvation; it is [the Power of God] Himself who [KEEPS] it secure for us. What about FREE WILL? Can a True Sheep of Christ voluntarily "walk away" from the Good Shepherd? What I find very disturbing is the TOTAL LACK of understanding and Trust regarding God's Divine Attributes; does God somehow "forget" that He is Omniscient, and is "caught off-guard" when one of His sheep wander off voluntarily? Did He NOT see that coming? Was God "NOT Powerful enough" to keep His sheep secure in His clutches, even though He is Omnipotent? Was God NOT paying attention, or did His Mind "wander off" at some other place on this planet when one of His sheep voluntarily got lost? Is God somehow "limited" in His Omnipresence? Is He NOT the Good Shepherd? (Jn. 10:11)

"How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be [GONE ASTRAY], doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and [SEEKETH THAT WHICH IS GONE ASTRAY]? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not [THE WILL OF YOUR FATHER] which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish." (Matthew 18:12-14)

The sheep who belong to Jesus are protected, guided, and nourished by Him (cf. Ps. 100:3; Isa. 40:11; 1 Pet. 2:25; Rev. 7:17); and it is He who holds them in His own hands, and also in the hands of the Father: His sheep are the ones who continually [hear] His voice, and continually [follow] Him (i.e., "these are the characteristics of His sheep" Jn. 10:27-29). Can anyone thwart the plans and purposes of God the Almighty? By the way, Calvinist's are absolutely correct that the word [all] does not refer to all in the literal sense (i.e., "any" of the "us-ward"); unless you believe that the God who declares the end from the beginning was unaware of His Divine Decree. Can anyone in ALL of creation put a stop to what God has purposed BEFORE the Creation of all things? Not according to what the Scriptures CLEARLY say on this matter, and even a pagan king (i.e., "King Nebuchadnezzar") came to his senses and acknowledged this Truth (cf. Job 12:13-14; 42:2; Ps. 103:19; 115:3; 135:6; Prov. 16:9; 16:33; 19:21; 21:1, 30; Eccles. 7:13-14; Isa. 14:24, 27; 43:13; 45:7; 46:9-11; Jer. 27:5; 32:17, 27; Lam. 3:37; Dan. 2:21; 4:35; Rom. 8:28; 9:18).

"My sheep [hear] my voice, and [I know them], and they [follow] me: And I give unto them eternal life; and [they shall never perish], neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and [NO MAN] is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand." (John 10:27-29)

[They shall never perish] is in the middle voice (Grk. kai ou me apolontai -- reflexive verb) -- [they] (i.e., "the sheep who BELONG to the Chief Shepherd and God the Father") are under His watchful and protective care, and He [sees and knows] ALL THINGS (i.e., "Nothing escapes His Attentiveness"), so it isn't the sheep who keep "themselves" guarded by their own volition or power, but by the Father; and the Son is also is in perfect union with Him (i.e., "Jesus' Father" cf. Jn. 5:19; 10:30; Rom. 8:38-39). The sheep are the [subject] of those who will NEVER [perish], and this verb is used in the middle voice; which tells us that the sheep [themselves] have absolutely [nothing to do] with the possibility of them perishing (i.e., "Jesus' flock voluntarily wandering off, and ultimately resulting in Eternal, spiritual ruin").

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God [MUST BELIEVE THAT HE IS], and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)

Continued next post . . .
 

*Light*

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This makes me wonder if such people who deny the Power of God and His Divine Attributes even have a Saving Relationship with Him at all; this boggles my mind that self-professed Christians have ABSOLUTELY NO CONFIDENCE [in Him] at all; such men and women are more than likely self-deceived about their Salvation. Who are they relying upon as their source of strength and knowledge? Themselves? As it is written: they have a "form" of godliness, but "deny" the [POWER] of God (2 Tim. 3:5).

To [know] what Jesus meant, and to [believe] what Jesus said, are NOT the same. The Jews CLEARLY knew what Jesus meant when He called God His [OWN] Father; the son of a father would imply that he shares the same [nature] or essence as his father: this is why the Jews understood Jesus' claim of equality with God (cf. Jn. 5:18; Col. 1:15; Heb. 1:3). The Jews knew exactly what Jesus meant, but they did not believe in His claim. Many biblical scholars of today share the same mentality as the religious hypocrites of Jesus' day – they know what the Bible clearly says, but they refuse to believe it; they may claim that their unregenerate mind do (e.g., "the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ") as they put their own spin on essential biblical doctrines (e.g., "Jesus was resurrected in the [minds] of His disciples") – and regardless of their scholastic achievements, the Word of God leaves no room for personal OR private interpretations (cf. 1 Cor. 2:14; 2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Pet. 1:20; Jude 3; Rev. 22:18-19).

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to [us-ward], not willing that [any] should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)

"But our God is in the heavens: he hath done [WHATSOEVER HE HATH PLEASED]." (Psalm 115:3)

"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and [IT FELL NOT]: for [IT WAS FOUNDED UPON A ROCK]." (Matthew 7:24-25)

When one fails to take into account every biblical passage on the Doctrine of Soteriology; he/she will be vulnerable to false teachings, and in the example I just put forth, a lack of any TRUE Security or Assurance of one's Salvation. If Christ is your solid rock and foundation, then nothing can separate you from Him: Only Genuine Christians will take heed to the admonitions written in Holy Scripture; this is why they are there (cf. Matt. 7:24-25; Jn. 6:63; 10:5; 18:37; Rom. 8:38-39; 2 Pet. 1:3; 1 Jn. 3:6).

"Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let [the wicked] forsake his way, and [the unrighteous] man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:6-9)

If you have yet to call upon the name of the Lord to be Saved, or if you have ANY lingering doubts concerning your spiritual condition, then now is the time to hearken to the voice of the LORD; because tomorrow is NEVER promised to anyone (Job 7:6-7; Ps. 39:5; 62:9; 89:47; 90:5-6; Lk. 12:19-21; Jas. 1:10; 4:14).

"He that is unjust, let him be [unjust still]: and he which is filthy, let him be [filthy still]: and he that is righteous, let him be [righteous still]: and he that is holy, let him be [holy still]."
(Revelation 22:11)

"For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and [SHALL NOT DOUBT IN HIS HEART], but [SHALL BELIEVE] that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith." (Mark 11:23)

You either have Eternal Life, or you do not; there is no losing your Salvation, or losing your Salvation and regaining it. Once you have crossed that threshold of unbelief, there is no hope; because you have said [IN YOUR HEART], that you would prefer to spend Eternity without God. Those who continually reject the Message of Salvation will remain in unbelief (i.e., "a permanently hardened heart; filthy and unjust STILL"), because they have said [in their hearts] that they would rather spend an Eternity in the Lake of Fire than to submit to the Sovereign God of all Creation. The man or woman who has Genuine Saving Faith will NEVER come into condemnation, and this is a PROMISE from none other than the Creator Himself (Jn. 4:14; 6:34-35; Jas. 2:14-19).

This belief [in the heart] of a man or woman should be no less than if one were to believe in gravity or the wind; and in like manner, the effects of Genuine Faith yield [results] which are [evident] (cf. Jn. 3:8; Heb. 11:1; 1 Pet. 1:7). It is [the heart] that renders the final verdict of whether one is Truly Saved or not. Jesus would often say, "in his heart" to show the true condition of what one genuinely believes; this is also used by the Apostle Paul (Matt. 5:28; 13:19; 24:48; Mk. 11:23; Rom. 10:9; 1 Cor. 7:37; 2 Cor. 9:7). God's Plan can not be stopped. Jesus could have never failed in His Mission. Also, sons of God (i.e., "children of God") are the elect, who God has purposed to save before the Foundation of the World, and have their names ALREADY written in the Book of Life (e.g., "The Apostles, and Paul"). CANNOT be "blotted out" in the literal sense (i.e., "God communicating His Eternal Mind to finite human thinking and reasoning" -- my thoughts are NOT your thoughts).

Why are there so many warnings not to defect from the Faith?

"Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. [Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice]." (John 18:37)

All the warnings in Holy Scripture will be understood by Genuine Christians, because they are indwelt by the Spirit of Truth; and those who profess to be Christian in NAME ONLY, all those admonitions exhorting Christians to live godly and holy lives in this world are frivolous to these tares among the wheat: there is no [True Fear of God] at work in their lives; and there is no mourning over their sins; they cannot even name the 10 Commandments when asked of them. How can anyone keep the Commandments of God and Christ without their knowledge of it, and their spiritual implications.

"And if any man [shall take away] (present subjunctive) from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." (Revelation 22:19)

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that [overcometh] (Grk. nikesasa -- aorist participle) the world, even our faith. Who is he that [overcometh] (Grk. nikon – present participle) the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?" (1 John 5:4-5)

Would a Genuine Christian deliberately remove words from out of Sacred Scripture which is God-Breathed? Is this characteristic of a child of God who possesses the Spirit of Truth? (i.e., "The Breath of God"). Are those who exhibit such sacrilegious behavior indicative of someone who believes (i.e., "from the heart") every Word of God to be absolutely TRUE? If your answer is yes, then you neither know the Father nor the Son, and you're only deceiving yourself (cf. Matt. 22:29; Jn. 18:37; 2 Cor. 4:3-4; 2 Pet. 1:19-21). Our Beloved Brother John employs two tenses for the verb [overcometh] in the text cited above; he describes a [conquering faith] as a completed action (v.4), and this will be an ongoing faith that will continue to [prevail] over the world system (v.5, "an unconquerable faith that saves"). Will you most assuredly promise God to keep your Salvation intact? Or, is it the Power of God who gives the PROMISE to [the Overcomer] that He will not, never, blot his/her name out of the Book of Life?

Continued next post . . .
 

*Light*

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"Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election [SURE]: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 1:10-11)

"And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose [NAMES ARE NOT WRITTEN] in the book of life of the Lamb slain [FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD] (Grk. tou esphagmenou apo kataboles kosmou – perfect passive participle; i.e., a completed action: "the Lamb that had already been slain before the world even came into being").
(Revelation 13:8)

"He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will [not blot out] (Grk. ou me exaleipso – future indicative/emphatic double negative) his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels." (Revelation 3:5)

An Overcomer is someone who has Truly been regenerated/born-again; and this is synonymous with [God's elect], who have been chosen BEFORE the Foundation of the world; and the Bible makes it explicitly CLEAR that you can know without any hint of a doubt that you are an [elect] of God (2 Pet. 1:10-11; 1 Jn. 5:13), and the elect are those who continually conquer the World and its system of deception. The Bible also makes it clear that Christ paid for the sins of all who would call upon the Lord before the world even began; those who have had their names written in the Lamb's Book of Life are partakers of this Great Salvation through the redemption of the Precious Blood of the Lamb. Notice how the [names] of those [NOT written] in [the Lamb's Book of Life] are those who have [NOT been cleansed] by the Blood of the Lamb slain BEFORE the Foundation of the World? (Rev. 13:8). Do you seriously believe that God can be "caught off-guard" by those who "lose" their Salvation if He were to literally blot their names out of the Book of Life?

"Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and [THERE IS NONE LIKE ME], [DECLARING THE END FROM THE BEGINNING], and from ancient times the things [THAT ARE NOT YET DONE], saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Calling a ravenous bird from the east, [the man that executeth my counsel from a far country]: yea, [I HAVE SPOKEN IT, I WILL ALSO BRING IT TO PASS; I HAVE PURPOSED IT, I WILL ALSO DO IT]." (Isaiah 46:9-11)

Does God have a 500 ft book, and a 300 ft pencil with an eraser, just in case He may have made a "mistake" of writing down the "wrong" names in the Book of Life before the World even began? What about some white-out? This type of figurative language is used to describe His Eternal and Unsearchable Mind when Communicating to His creation (i.e., "anthropopathism"; cf. Exod. 32:14; Isa. 55:8-9; Rom. 11:33-36). God's redemptive plan was ushered in before time even began; and His chosen elect will endure with their faith intact, and with immovable assurance, because they are kept by the Power of God: this is God and Christ who empowers (i.e., "the Holy Spirit working in the believer") all Genuine Christians to fulfill His plan and purpose for their lives, and His Plans cannot be thwarted (cf. Matt. 13:35; 25:34; Lk. 11:50; Jn. 17:24; Eph. 1:3-6, 11-12; Phil. 1:6; 2:10-13; 2 Tim. 1:9; Heb. 4:3; 9:24-28; 1 Pet. 1:2, 19-20; Rev. 13:8; 17:8).

No one cares for you more than God does, and no one Loves you more than He does, and He has Sacrificed so much for you than anyone else will ever do; but you must also understand this: a rebellious heart, and a prideful disposition will lead a soul to Eternal Condemnation, because God MUST, by His very Divine, Immutable Nature, punish sin in Hell and the Eternal Lake of Fire - this is Divine Retribution. Is your soul parched? Are you thirsty for living water that will flow forth from within you unto Eternal Life?

"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Revelation 22:17)

God Bless!
 

Enoch111

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VI. Is God "unfair" if He FREELY chooses to save a select FEW while MANY perish? And if so, why?
Looks like we have another Calvinist here to promote the false gospel of Calvinism.

GOD DOES NOT PREDESTINE ANY FOR SALVATION OR DAMNATION.