The 4 Eternal Destinies of Humankind
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I wouldn't say he is my teacher although I have certainly learned things from him. The basics of what I posted on this thread were from things I learned long before I met him. I am still learning and growing my friend. Only God gives any real increase.
I have no problem with this @amadeus
2Pet. 1:19 So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.
2Pet. 1:20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation,
2Pet. 1:21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
Peter reminds us that we have been given the word of God, which is a sure and reliable thing. God has the power not only to deliver His word to us but to also ensure we gain the proper understanding of it. In v.20 Peter says that the correct interpretation of scripture is never found in one's own opinion. In other words, we do not arrive at the truth of God's word through assumptions, opinions or "feelings." No different than the way one arrives at a proper understanding of mathematics or biology, we must study scripture with an expectation that the truth is objective and absolute. It does not bend to the will of men.
On the other hand, scripture also teaches us that our ability to uncover the correct interpretation of scripture is a God-given ability. Notice in v.21 Peter says that all scripture was authored as a result of the Holy Spirit moving a man to record the words of God. Therefore, since the word of God was authored by the Spirit, only the Spirit Himself can properly interpret its meaning. This is why Paul says:
1Cor. 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God,
1Cor. 2:13 which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.
1Cor. 2:14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.
Eph. 4:11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,
Eph. 4:12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;
Eph. 4:13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
In other words, a healthy Christian committed to maturing in God's word will steadily increase in the correct knowledge of God's word. Whatever mistaken understanding we may acquire in the early years of our studies may eventually be corrected by the Spirit, so long as we persevere in our studies and maintain a teachable heart. People who become stubbornly unteachable will cease maturing and may be left with many false views of scripture, since they have stopped listening to the Spirit.
The desire to have Jesus explain everything all at once is understandable and common, but it is also potentially harmful. The Lord expects us to devote ourselves to a lifelong study of His word, for this is the way we maintain a close, daily relationship with Him. Were He to explain everything in His word to us all at once (assuming we were even capable of absorbing it all), we would have no incentive to maintain a daily relationship through His word.
Our spiritual goal isn't to understand the Bible; our spiritual goal is to know the Lord and grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ through a study of His word.
Shalom
J.
Even so... that God ultimately gives any increase. I am old, but I have not yet finished my course.
I wish we all could say with our brother Paul--
Scripture Reference
2 Timothy 4:7 (ESV):
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
Greek: "Ἀγωνίσθηκα τὸν ἀγῶνα τὸν καλόν, τελείωσα τὸν δρόμον, ἔ terrestrἠσάμην τὴν πίστιν." (Agōnīstheka ton agōna ton kalon, teleiōsa ton dromon, tēn pistin tēn tēn)
Ἀγωνίσθηκα (Agōnīstheka): "I have fought"
τὸν ἀγῶνα (ton agōna): "the good fight"
τελείωσα (teleiōsa): "I have finished"
τὸν δρόμον (ton dromon): "the race"
ἔ terrestrἠσάμην (epērisamēn): "I have kept"
τὴν πίστιν (tēn pistin): "the faith"
Context and Meaning
Paul’s Reflection: This verse is part of Paul's final letter to Timothy, written during his imprisonment in Rome. Paul is reflecting on his life and ministry, expressing a sense of completion and fulfillment in his work for Christ.
Fight and Race Metaphors: The metaphors of a fight and a race symbolize the challenges and efforts of Paul’s ministry. He likens his journey to a strenuous race and a noble fight, emphasizing perseverance and faithfulness.
Spiritual Victory: Paul’s statement underscores the idea of spiritual victory and the assurance of reward for those who remain faithful to their calling. The "good fight" and "race" signify the trials and efforts in living out the Christian faith.
Additional Context
Acts 20:24 (ESV):
"But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."
Greek: "ἀλλὰ οὐδὲν ἡγοῦμαι τὴν ψυχὴν μου πολύτιμον εἶναι ἑμαυτῷ, ἵνα τελέσω τὸν δρόμον μου καὶ τὴν διακονίαν ἣν ἔλαβον ἀπὸ τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ, μαρτυρῆσαι τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς χάριτος τοῦ Θεοῦ." (Alla ouden ēgoumai tēn psychēn mou polytimon einai hemautō, hina teleōsō ton dromon mou kai tēn diakonian hēn elabon apo tou kuriou Iēsou, martyrēsai to euangelion tēs charitos tou Theou)
τὸν δρόμον μου (ton dromon mou): "my course"
διακονίαν (diakonian): "ministry"
ἐλάβον ἀπὸ τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ (elabon apo tou kuriou Iēsou): "received from the Lord Jesus"
Philippians 3:14 (ESV):
"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Greek: "καταδιώκω πρὸς τὸν σκοπὸν τῆς ἄνω κλήσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ." (Katadiōkō pros ton skopon tēs anō klēseōs tou Theou en Christō Iēsou)
καταδιώκω (Katadiōkō): "I press on"
πρὸς τὸν σκοπὸν (pros ton skopon): "toward the goal"
τῆς ἄνω κλήσεως (tēs anō klēseōs): "the upward call"
Conclusion
2 Timothy 4:7 is a profound statement of completion and faithfulness, illustrating Paul's reflection on his life's work. The accompanying verses from Acts and Philippians provide additional context to Paul’s commitment to his mission and the prize awaiting him for his faithfulness.
Our warfare is not against blood and flesh--but this is exactly what is going on here-brother against brother.
Shalom friend.
If we are missing a necessary mark, but still we are really pressing toward Him will He not correct us? As for the brother against brother on this and other forums, if they or we are really brothers in Christ, will not God where necessary resolve any difficulties? Even when disagreeing, we need to remember these words penned by Paul:
| Php 2:3 | Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. |
| Php 2:4 | Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. |
Principles for Correcting Erring Brothers
Correction in Love and Gentleness
Galatians 6:1 (ESV):
"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted."
Greek: "Ἀδελφοί, ἐὰν καὶ πνευματικὸς ὢν ἀνθρώπος ἐν ἁμαρτίᾳ καταπιασθῇ, ὑμεῖς οἱ πνευματικοί, καταρτίσατε τὸν τοιοῦτον ἐν πνεύματι πραΰτητος· σκοπῶν σεαυτὸν, μήποτε καὶ σὺ πειρασθῇς." (Adelphoi, ean kai pneumatikos ōn anthrōpos en hamartia katapiastē, hymeis hoi pneumatikoi, katartisate ton toionauton en pneumati praētētos; skopōn seauton, mēpote kai sy peirasthēs)
Principle: The goal is restoration with gentleness, while being mindful of one's own vulnerabilities.
Speaking the Truth in Love
Ephesians 4:15 (ESV):
"Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."
Greek: "ἀλλὰ ἀληθεύοντες ἐν ἀγάπῃ, αὔξωμεν εἰς αὐτόν τὰ πάντα, ὃς ἐστὶν ἡ κεφαλή, Χριστός." (alla alētheuontes en agapē, auxōmen eis auton ta panta, hos estin hē kephalē, Christos)
Principle: Correction should be done with love and truth, aiming for mutual growth.
Mutual Accountability and Humility
Matthew 7:3-5 (ESV):
"Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye."
Greek: "Τίς ἐὰν βλέπῃς τὴν κάρφανον ἡ ἐν τῷ ὀφθαλμῷ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ σου, τὴν δὲ ἐν τῷ ὀφθαλμῷ σου δοκὸν οὐκ αἰσθάνῃ; ἢ πῶς ἐρεῖς τῷ ἀδελφῷ σου, Ἄφες ἐκβάλω τὴν κάρφανον ἐκ τοῦ ὀφθαλμοῦ σου, καὶ ἰδοὺ τὸ δοκὸν ἐκ τῆς ὀφθαλμοῦ σου; ὑποκριτά, ἔκβαλε πρῶτον τὸ δοκὸν ἐκ τοῦ ὀφθαλμοῦ σου, καὶ τότε ὄψει σαφῶς ἵνα βάλῃς τὴν κάρφανον ἐκ τοῦ ὀφθαλμοῦ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ σου." (Tis ean blepēs tēn karphanon hē en tō ophthalmō tou adelphou sou, tēn de en tō ophthalmō sou dokon ouk aisthanē; ē pōs ereis tō adelphō sou, Aphes ekballō tēn karphanon ek tou ophthalmou sou, kai idou to dokon ek tēs ophthalmou sou; hypokrita, ekbale prōton to dokon ek tou ophthalmou sou, kai tote opsei saphōs hina ballēs tēn karphanon ek tou ophthalmou tou adelphou sou)
Principle: Self-examination is crucial before correcting others; humility is key.
Seeking Reconciliation
Matthew 18:15 (ESV):
"If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother."
Greek: "Ἐὰν δὲ ἁμαρτήσῃ σοι ὁ ἀδελφός σου, ἔρχου ἔλεγέ τε αὐτῷ τὸ ἁμάρτημα σου, ἔνσω καὶ αὐτοῦ μόνος· ἐὰν σὲ ἀκούσῃ, κέρδησας τὸν ἀδελφόν σου." (Ean de hamartēsē soi ho adelphos sou, erchou elegē te autō to hamartēma sou, ensō kai autou monos; ean se akousē, kerdēsas ton adelphon sou)
Principle: Address issues privately and directly, aiming for reconciliation.
Forgiveness and Grace
Colossians 3:13 (ESV):
"Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Greek: "ἀνεχόμενοι ἀλλήλων, καὶ ἐὰν τις ἔχῃ καταγγελίαν ἐπὶ τὸν ἄλλον, ἀφοῦντες ἀλλήλους· καθὼς ὁ Κύριος ἔχαρίσατο ὑμῖν, οὕτως καὶ ὑμεῖς." (anechomenoi allēlōn, kai ean tis echē katangelian epi ton allon, aphōntes allēlous; kathōs ho Kyrios echarisato hymin, houtōs kai hymeis)
Principle: Extend forgiveness as Christ forgave, embodying grace in our relationships.
Application
Personal Growth and Correction: If you feel you are still pressing toward God and recognize areas where you might need correction, trust that God will guide you. In the same way, when engaging with others, approach correction with humility, grace, and a commitment to restoration.
Community Dynamics: In community settings, whether in person or online, disagreements and errors should be addressed with the intention of unity and growth. Recognize that God works through His Spirit to bring about resolution and understanding among His people.
Role of the Church: The church community is a place for mutual edification and support. Through prayer, the study of Scripture, and loving correction, the body of Christ is strengthened.
Conclusion
Correcting erring brothers should be approached with a spirit of gentleness, humility, and love. The Scriptures provide guidance on handling disagreements and errors, focusing on restoration and unity. By adhering to these principles, believers can foster healthy relationships and contribute to spiritual growth within the Christian community.
Still with me? Or am I loosing you?
You would have to first cover reading skills...and then basic honesty. Discernment is WAYYY down the road from there. ;)
Dan Clarkston
Well-Known Member
They do not cease to exist once thrown in to the lake of fire.
All humans will be alive and conscience for all eternity... it's just a mater of where.
As in ...whoever doesn't believe in Me has eternal life?
Fear not men who can kill the body...but fear God who can kill both body and soul in the lake of fire.
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10And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. 11He 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. 12And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 14Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
The first thing to notice, is that it says the time is at hand. John is speaking of the revelation of Christ when He returns in this life to illumine those who have followed Him faithfully through the tribulations of Purgation. As in the time of the disciples, as they hid in fear post crucifixion. It is the time appointed for each man now.
At hand or imminent. When He appears in this manner spiritually, only those who have the right to the tree of life, that is, those who have fully submitted to His rulership are granted zoe life. These are the entirely sanctified ones, the ones that enter into the heavenly city in the here and now.
The rest: the unjust, the filthy, the righteous, do not get the reward and have the same ultimate destination because they are not saved from their sins.
The first thing to notice, is that it says the time is at hand. John is speaking of the revelation of Christ when He returns in this life to illumine those who have followed Him faithfully through the tribulations of Purgation. As in the time of the disciples, as they hid in fear post crucifixion. It is the time appointed for each man now.
At hand or imminent. When He appears in this manner spiritually, only those who have the right to the tree of life, that is, those who have fully submitted to His rulership are granted zoe life. These are the entirely sanctified ones, the ones that enter into the heavenly city in the here and now.
The rest: the unjust, the filthy, the righteous, do not get the reward and have the same ultimate destination because they are not saved from their sins.
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God is very merciful. He has mercy on those who show mercy, and has compassion on those who show compassion. Those who don't judge, He goes easy on...mercy triumphs over judgment.
God will even justify the ungodly. Not all the ungodly, but those who He deems worthy of mercy.
God loves the righteous, the meek, the broken-hearted, those who suffer for no fault of their own. He loves a selfless person, a cheerful giver, an extravagant giver. Those who forgive others, He also forgives them.
“For the righteous LORD loves righteousness; his countenance does behold the upright.” Ps. 11:7
"For the Lord loves judgment, and forsakes not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever. Ps. 37:28-29
“In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.” Prov. 12:28
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that wins souls is wise. Prov. 11:30
“The labour of the righteous tends to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.” “The labour of the righteous tends to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.” Prov. 10:16
God will even justify the ungodly. Not all the ungodly, but those who He deems worthy of mercy.
God loves the righteous, the meek, the broken-hearted, those who suffer for no fault of their own. He loves a selfless person, a cheerful giver, an extravagant giver. Those who forgive others, He also forgives them.
“For the righteous LORD loves righteousness; his countenance does behold the upright.” Ps. 11:7
"For the Lord loves judgment, and forsakes not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever. Ps. 37:28-29
“In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.” Prov. 12:28
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that wins souls is wise. Prov. 11:30
“The labour of the righteous tends to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.” “The labour of the righteous tends to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.” Prov. 10:16
Luk 6:36
Be merciful, 1 just as your Father is merciful.
(0.99) Mat 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
(0.80) Psa 103:8
The Lord is compassionate and merciful; he is patient 1 and demonstrates great loyal love. 2
(0.79) Jam 2:13
For judgment is merciless for the one who has shown no mercy. But mercy triumphs over 1 judgment.
(0.78) Psa 123:3
Show us favor, O Lord, show us favor! For we have had our fill of humiliation, and then some. 1
(0.74) Mat 18:33
Should you not have shown mercy to your fellow slave, just as I showed it to you?’
(0.73) Psa 145:8
The Lord is merciful and compassionate; he is patient 1 and demonstrates great loyal love. 2
(0.73) Luk 1:50
from 1 generation to generation he is merciful 2 to those who fear 3 him.
(0.70) Jud 1:2
May mercy, peace, and love be lavished on you! 1
(0.69) Rom 11:31
so they too have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now 1 receive mercy.
(0.68) Jud 1:22
And have mercy on those who waver;
(0.66) Rom 9:15
For he says to Moses: “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 1
(0.64) 1Pe 2:10
You 1 once were not a people, but now you are God’s people. You were shown no mercy, 2 but now you have received mercy.
(0.64) Luk 1:78
Because of 1 our God’s tender mercy 2 the dawn 3 will break 4 upon us from on high
(0.64) Luk 18:38
So 1 he called out, 2 “Jesus, Son of David, 3 have mercy 4 on me!”
(0.64) Rom 9:16
So then, 1 it does not depend on human desire or exertion, 2 but on God who shows mercy.
(0.63) Exo 39:35
the ark of the testimony and its poles, and the atonement lid;
(0.63) Neh 9:31
However, due to your abundant mercy you did not do away with them altogether; you did not abandon them. For you are a merciful and compassionate God.
(0.63) Psa 116:5
The Lord is merciful and fair; our God is compassionate.
(0.63) Heb 8:12
“For I will be merciful toward their evil deeds, and their sins I will remember no longer.” 1
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