Reviving Biblical Christianity part 5 (The way)

[Episkopos]

In this fifth episode of a five-part series on reviving biblical Christianity we look into the deeper walk that goes through the gate of the Lord into holiness; with what it takes to go through the gate into the eternal realm of the kingdom of God, and what it takes to remain there.

 

[shepherdsword]

A couple of things were triggered in me when I watched this:

1) I always though the special category of "saint" was a RCC construct. However, we see the distinction so clearly here. Paul makes a distinction between saints and the faithful in Christ Jesus here:

Eph 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, (1)to the saints which are at Ephesus, (2)and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

2) I also saw something interesting in the 3rd phase where you mentioned "waiting" on the Lord. The Hebrew word for "wait" is "kaw vaw" which could also mean "binding together"

Isa 40:31 But they that wait (kaw vaw)upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.



This can be further seen here, when Abigail counseled David:

1 Sa 25:29
Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the Lord thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling.

Perhaps the 3rd phase is also a place were one comes into union with Jesus?

 

[Episkopos]

A couple of things were triggered in me when I watched this:

1) I always though the special category of "saint" was a RCC construct. However, we see the distinction so clearly here. Paul makes a distinction between saints and the faithful in Christ Jesus here:

Eph 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, (1)to the saints which are at Ephesus, (2)and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

There are a number of places where both categories are compared...like here.

When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. 2 Thess 2:1

2) I also saw something interesting in the 3rd phase where you mentioned "waiting" on the Lord. The Hebrew word for "wait" is "kaw vaw" which could also mean "binding together"

Isa 40:31 But they that wait (kaw vaw)upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

View attachment 86643

This can be further seen here, when Abigail counseled David:

1 Sa 25:29
Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the Lord thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling.

:)

Perhaps the 3rd phase is also a place were one comes into union with Jesus?

Union with Christ comes from being crucified in the outer man....to be joined to Christ in the inner man...so only in 4th phase.

 

[David Lamb]

A couple of things were triggered in me when I watched this:

1) I always though the special category of "saint" was a RCC construct. However, we see the distinction so clearly here. Paul makes a distinction between saints and the faithful in Christ Jesus here:

Eph 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, (1)to the saints which are at Ephesus, (2)and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

I don't see Ephesians 1:1 as distinguishing between two groups ("saints" and "faithful in Christ Jesus." I agree with what Jamieson, Fausset and Brown wrote in their commentary: "to the saints ... and to the faithful — The same persons are referred to by both designations, as the Greek proves: “to those who are saints, and faithful in Christ Jesus.” The sanctification by God is here put before man’s faith. The twofold aspect of salvation is thus presented, God’s grace in the first instance sanctifying us, (that is, setting us apart in His eternal purposes as holy unto Himself); and our faith, by God’s gift, laying hold of salvation (2Th_2:13; 1Pe_1:2)."

We certainly don't see "saint" in the Bible used as a title before somebody's name. "Saints" refers to Christians in the New Testament.

 

[shepherdsword]

I don't see Ephesians 1:1 as distinguishing between two groups ("saints" and "faithful in Christ Jesus." I agree with what Jamieson, Fausset and Brown wrote in their commentary: "to the saints ... and to the faithful — The same persons are referred to by both designations, as the Greek proves: “to those who are saints, and faithful in Christ Jesus.” The sanctification by God is here put before man’s faith. The twofold aspect of salvation is thus presented, God’s grace in the first instance sanctifying us, (that is, setting us apart in His eternal purposes as holy unto Himself); and our faith, by God’s gift, laying hold of salvation (2Th_2:13; 1Pe_1:2)."

Wuest says that a "saint" is one who has experienced the reality of his position and the faithful is a believer who has been granted life positionally. However, I did look at AT Robertson as well, he says that "saints" and the "faithful" are the same and belong under one article. So you could be correct.

We certainly don't see "saint" in the Bible used as a title before somebody's name. "Saints" refers to Christians in the New Testament.

Job 32:21-22 Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man. For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.