Understanding Matthew 5:27-8

[DJT_47]

There is a lot of confusion that surfaces from time-to-time regarding the meaning and implications of Matt 5:27-28, which is predicated upon a lack of careful reading and understanding of what was actually said and the specific words used therein and their relative meaning.

First of all, you must understand the context and to whom this was said. These two verses were part of Jesus' teaching to his disciples on a variety of topics, commonly referred to as "the sermon on the mount".

And, the verses origins are derived from OT scripture Leviticus 18.

Matthew 5:27-28

"27Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."

Lev 18:20

"20Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbor’s wife, to defile thyself with her."

First of all, if you look closely at the wording in the Matthew verses, you find the word "adultery" which is the primary word of people's concern. So what exactly is "adultery"? And once understanding what adultery is, who then would be guilty of "adultery" predicated upon the text of these verses?

Now look at the verse in Leviticus which says lying "carnally with thy neighbor’s wife". This means having intercourse with a married woman, which is defined as adultery.

So, Matthew 5:27-28 means exactly that, and does not refer to unmarried women. Adultery is commonly defined as a married person having sexual intercourse with someone other than their spouse.

If it was meant to relate to unmarried women, the word "adultery" would not have been used, but rather the word 'fornication' would most likely have been. So, read the subject Matt 5 verses substituting the word 'fornication' for "adultery" to see/understand the perspective.

Now consider the phrase in verse 28, "to lust after". The word "lust" means having a strong sexual desire for. The word "after" in this instance of usage, is an adverb with one of its meanings being “in pursuit".

So, what is the meaning and intent of this phrase “to lust after”?

Lusting after a person, equating to having sexual intercourse with them (adultery) in your heart prior to actually engaging in the act, would have to involve, as aforementioned, a already married person, not unmarried, and one who pursues the intended illicit relationship with the already married person, vigorously.

As you should now be able to understand, much of the concerns that many people have may very well be unfounded since ‘adultery’ relates to one or both of the parties who are engaging in, or may be about to engage in sexual activity, being married, and being so done with someone other than their spouse, and the one in pursuit having a strong sexual desire for the other party. Adultery can only occur between persons, with either one or both who are or were already married, who engage in sexual intercourse with other than their spouse. If neither one is married or was married previously, then it’s not considered ‘adultery’, but rather would be fornication, if consummated.

 

[FaithWillDo]

There is a lot of confusion that surfaces from time-to-time regarding the meaning and implications of Matt 5:27-28, which is predicated upon a lack of careful reading and understanding of what was actually said and the specific words used therein and their relative meaning.

First of all, you must understand the context and to whom this was said. These two verses were part of Jesus' teaching to his disciples on a variety of topics, commonly referred to as "the sermon on the mount".

And, the verses origins are derived from OT scripture Leviticus 18.

Matthew 5:27-28

"27Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."

Lev 18:20

"20Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbor’s wife, to defile thyself with her."

First of all, if you look closely at the wording in the Matthew verses, you find the word "adultery" which is the primary word of people's concern. So what exactly is "adultery"? And once understanding what adultery is, who then would be guilty of "adultery" predicated upon the text of these verses?

Now look at the verse in Leviticus which says lying "carnally with thy neighbor’s wife". This means having intercourse with a married woman, which is defined as adultery.

So, Matthew 5:27-28 means exactly that, and does not refer to unmarried women. Adultery is commonly defined as a married person having sexual intercourse with someone other than their spouse.

If it was meant to relate to unmarried women, the word "adultery" would not have been used, but rather the word 'fornication' would most likely have been. So, read the subject Matt 5 verses substituting the word 'fornication' for "adultery" to see/understand the perspective.

Now consider the phrase in verse 28, "to lust after". The word "lust" means having a strong sexual desire for. The word "after" in this instance of usage, is an adverb with one of its meanings being “in pursuit".

So, what is the meaning and intent of this phrase “to lust after”?

Lusting after a person, equating to having sexual intercourse with them (adultery) in your heart prior to actually engaging in the act, would have to involve, as aforementioned, a already married person, not unmarried, and one who pursues the intended illicit relationship with the already married person, vigorously.

As you should now be able to understand, much of the concerns that many people have may very well be unfounded since ‘adultery’ relates to one or both of the parties who are engaging in, or may be about to engage in sexual activity, being married, and being so done with someone other than their spouse, and the one in pursuit having a strong sexual desire for the other party. Adultery can only occur between persons, with either one or both who are or were already married, who engage in sexual intercourse with other than their spouse. If neither one is married or was married previously, then it’s not considered ‘adultery’, but rather would be fornication, if consummated.

Dear DJT_47,
Christ's words are "spirit" (John 6:63). The "adultery" Christ mentions in Mat 5:27-28 is spiritual adultery and is based on the laws pertaining to physical adultery which was taught under the Old Covenant.

Spiritual adultery is the same sin that Eve committed in the Garden and it occurs when a believer follows the ways of Satan instead of remaining faithful to the ways of Christ.

Satan is called the crooked serpent because his "another gospel" teaches a believer to mix their own "works" with faith. This is the crooked way. The straight way is by faith alone and trusts in the Lord to do all the works necessary for our salvation.

Because physical adultery is the only sin that leads to divorce, spiritual adultery is the only "sin that leads to death" (1John 5:16) and a loss of salvation.

Christ said that if a believer even lusts after another woman (Satan), it is testifying to the truth that the believer is still carnal and still prefers the Old Wine over the New Wine:

Luke 5:39 No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.

In other words, the believer has not received the Latter Rain of the Spirit and is not converted.

This type of believer is not "spiritual":

Gal 6:1 Brethren, if a man (unconverted) be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual (converted), restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

An unconverted believer will still prefer the Old Wine of the Old Covenant (man's works) instead of the New Wine of the New Covenant (works of Christ).

The Old Covenant is based on the physical works of man and not upon the spiritual works of Christ under the New Covenant.

Consider this concept taught below:

1Cor 15:46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

The Old Covenant of Law is outward and physical (natural). The New Covenant is inward and spiritual.

The Old Covenant foreshadows the New Covenant. The physical law of adultery is the same. It foreshadows the spiritual law of adultery.

When Christ came in the flesh, He came to make the change from the Old Covenant (the natural) to the New Covenant (the spiritual). When Christ teaches in the Gospels, He is teaching about the spiritual and not the natural.

However, unconverted believers are still carnal (Early Rain of the Spirit only) and because of such, they mostly understand the teachings of Christ in a natural (outward) way. They do this consistently in trying to understand the end-time prophecies of Daniel, Luke, Matthew, Mark and Revelation. They understand those prophecies as occurring "outwardly". However, those prophecies are spiritually fulfilled because their fulfillment occurs under the New Covenant. All the prophecies which were fulfilled under the Old Covenant were physically fulfilled. The prophecies which were not fulfilled under the Old Covenant are going to be spiritually fulfilled under the New Covenant.

The prophecies must be "rightly divided" by the two covenants, as do all the teachings of Christ in the Gospels.

Joe

 

[Adrift]

There is a lot of confusion that surfaces from time-to-time regarding the meaning and implications of Matt 5:27-28, which is predicated upon a lack of careful reading and understanding of what was actually said and the specific words used therein and their relative meaning.

First of all, you must understand the context and to whom this was said. These two verses were part of Jesus' teaching to his disciples on a variety of topics, commonly referred to as "the sermon on the mount".

And, the verses origins are derived from OT scripture Leviticus 18.

Matthew 5:27-28

"27Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."

Lev 18:20

"20Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbor’s wife, to defile thyself with her."

First of all, if you look closely at the wording in the Matthew verses, you find the word "adultery" which is the primary word of people's concern. So what exactly is "adultery"? And once understanding what adultery is, who then would be guilty of "adultery" predicated upon the text of these verses?

Now look at the verse in Leviticus which says lying "carnally with thy neighbor’s wife". This means having intercourse with a married woman, which is defined as adultery.

So, Matthew 5:27-28 means exactly that, and does not refer to unmarried women. Adultery is commonly defined as a married person having sexual intercourse with someone other than their spouse.

If it was meant to relate to unmarried women, the word "adultery" would not have been used, but rather the word 'fornication' would most likely have been. So, read the subject Matt 5 verses substituting the word 'fornication' for "adultery" to see/understand the perspective.

Now consider the phrase in verse 28, "to lust after". The word "lust" means having a strong sexual desire for. The word "after" in this instance of usage, is an adverb with one of its meanings being “in pursuit".

So, what is the meaning and intent of this phrase “to lust after”?

Lusting after a person, equating to having sexual intercourse with them (adultery) in your heart prior to actually engaging in the act, would have to involve, as aforementioned, a already married person, not unmarried, and one who pursues the intended illicit relationship with the already married person, vigorously.

As you should now be able to understand, much of the concerns that many people have may very well be unfounded since ‘adultery’ relates to one or both of the parties who are engaging in, or may be about to engage in sexual activity, being married, and being so done with someone other than their spouse, and the one in pursuit having a strong sexual desire for the other party. Adultery can only occur between persons, with either one or both who are or were already married, who engage in sexual intercourse with other than their spouse. If neither one is married or was married previously, then it’s not considered ‘adultery’, but rather would be fornication, if consummated.

Are you inferring that, a single man can lust after an unmarried female and it's OK? Just trying to understand the analysis.

 

[Ronald Nolette]

There is a lot of confusion that surfaces from time-to-time regarding the meaning and implications of Matt 5:27-28, which is predicated upon a lack of careful reading and understanding of what was actually said and the specific words used therein and their relative meaning.

First of all, you must understand the context and to whom this was said. These two verses were part of Jesus' teaching to his disciples on a variety of topics, commonly referred to as "the sermon on the mount".

And, the verses origins are derived from OT scripture Leviticus 18.

Matthew 5:27-28

"27Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."

Lev 18:20

"20Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbor’s wife, to defile thyself with her."

First of all, if you look closely at the wording in the Matthew verses, you find the word "adultery" which is the primary word of people's concern. So what exactly is "adultery"? And once understanding what adultery is, who then would be guilty of "adultery" predicated upon the text of these verses?

Now look at the verse in Leviticus which says lying "carnally with thy neighbor’s wife". This means having intercourse with a married woman, which is defined as adultery.

So, Matthew 5:27-28 means exactly that, and does not refer to unmarried women. Adultery is commonly defined as a married person having sexual intercourse with someone other than their spouse.

If it was meant to relate to unmarried women, the word "adultery" would not have been used, but rather the word 'fornication' would most likely have been. So, read the subject Matt 5 verses substituting the word 'fornication' for "adultery" to see/understand the perspective.

Now consider the phrase in verse 28, "to lust after". The word "lust" means having a strong sexual desire for. The word "after" in this instance of usage, is an adverb with one of its meanings being “in pursuit".

So, what is the meaning and intent of this phrase “to lust after”?

Lusting after a person, equating to having sexual intercourse with them (adultery) in your heart prior to actually engaging in the act, would have to involve, as aforementioned, a already married person, not unmarried, and one who pursues the intended illicit relationship with the already married person, vigorously.

As you should now be able to understand, much of the concerns that many people have may very well be unfounded since ‘adultery’ relates to one or both of the parties who are engaging in, or may be about to engage in sexual activity, being married, and being so done with someone other than their spouse, and the one in pursuit having a strong sexual desire for the other party. Adultery can only occur between persons, with either one or both who are or were already married, who engage in sexual intercourse with other than their spouse. If neither one is married or was married previously, then it’s not considered ‘adultery’, but rather would be fornication, if consummated.

Good, bad or indifferent it is sexual sin .

 

[DJT_47]

Dear DJT_47,
Christ's words are "spirit" (John 6:63). The "adultery" Christ mentions in Mat 5:27-28 is spiritual adultery and is based on the laws pertaining to physical adultery which was taught under the Old Covenant.

Spiritual adultery is the same sin that Eve committed in the Garden and it occurs when a believer follows the ways of Satan instead of remaining faithful to the ways of Christ.

Satan is called the crooked serpent because his "another gospel" teaches a believer to mix their own "works" with faith. This is the crooked way. The straight way is by faith alone and trusts in the Lord to do all the works necessary for our salvation.

Because physical adultery is the only sin that leads to divorce, spiritual adultery is the only "sin that leads to death" (1John 5:16) and a loss of salvation.

Christ said that if a believer even lusts after another woman (Satan), it is testifying to the truth that the believer is still carnal and still prefers the Old Wine over the New Wine:

Luke 5:39 No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.

In other words, the believer has not received the Latter Rain of the Spirit and is not converted.

This type of believer is not "spiritual":

Gal 6:1 Brethren, if a man (unconverted) be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual (converted), restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

An unconverted believer will still prefer the Old Wine of the Old Covenant (man's works) instead of the New Wine of the New Covenant (works of Christ).

The Old Covenant is based on the physical works of man and not upon the spiritual works of Christ under the New Covenant.

Consider this concept taught below:

1Cor 15:46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

The Old Covenant of Law is outward and physical (natural). The New Covenant is inward and spiritual.

The Old Covenant foreshadows the New Covenant. The physical law of adultery is the same. It foreshadows the spiritual law of adultery.

When Christ came in the flesh, He came to make the change from the Old Covenant (the natural) to the New Covenant (the spiritual). When Christ teaches in the Gospels, He is teaching about the spiritual and not the natural.

However, unconverted believers are still carnal (Early Rain of the Spirit only) and because of such, they mostly understand the teachings of Christ in a natural (outward) way. They do this consistently in trying to understand the end-time prophecies of Daniel, Luke, Matthew, Mark and Revelation. They understand those prophecies as occurring "outwardly". However, those prophecies are spiritually fulfilled because their fulfillment occurs under the New Covenant. All the prophecies which were fulfilled under the Old Covenant were physically fulfilled. The prophecies which were not fulfilled under the Old Covenant are going to be spiritually fulfilled under the New Covenant.

The prophecies must be "rightly divided" by the two covenants, as do all the teachings of Christ in the Gospels.

Joe

What is "spiritual adultery"? Define it.

Simply put, Jesus is talking about the actual, physical, act of committing adultery here and is simply saying that if you pursue a married woman with the intent of engaging in sexual intercourse with her, you've already committed the act of adultery in your heart prior to actually doing it. It's not spiritual, it's physical, although, it for sure has spiritual ramifications to your soul.

 

[DJT_47]

Are you inferring that, a single man can lust after an unmarried female and it's OK? Just trying to understand the analysis.

Not necessarily OK, but it's not adultery in your heart, because it's not adultery to begin with. This passage is dealing with adultery, not pursuing a woman to engage in fornication. Two different things. I'm only addressing the one that Jesus referred to in this passge and that is the subject of adultery, not fornication.

 

[FaithWillDo]

What is "spiritual adultery"? Define it.

Simply put, Jesus is talking about the actual, physical, act of committing adultery here and is simply saying that if you pursue a married woman with the intent of engaging in sexual intercourse with her, you've already committed the act of adultery in your heart prior to actually doing it. It's not spiritual, it's physical, although, it for sure has spiritual ramifications to your soul.

Dear DJT_47,
No, Christ words are spirit and they are teaching about the spiritual work that He will do under the New Covenant.

The Old Covenant is referring to the "actual, physical act of committing adultery". The New Covenant is referring to the spiritual act of adultery.

If you are a believer in Christ, you are under the New Covenant. The New Covenant is spiritual, and because it is, the work that Christ does under the New Covenant is likewise spiritual. You should apply Christ's teachings under the New Covenant accordingly.

I will now answer your question on the meaning of spiritual adultery.

In the marriage relationship taught in scripture (Christ and His wife), spiritual adultery occurs when the wife believes Satan over Christ which causes the wife to follow the ways of Satan rather than the ways of her husband (Christ).

Remember, a husband is the head of the wife, and the wife should submit herself to her husband:

Eph 5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

In scripture, Christ teaches how He is going to save the Elect of this age by using a marriage analogy (among others). In this analogy, Christ is going to marry the Elect who will then become His bride. When this marriage occurs, an Elect believer is saved.

At the beginning, Adam and Eve are said to be Christ's wife in the Garden of Eden. They are representative of all the Elect who will become the bride of Christ. While in the Garden, Satan came to Eve and tempted her. Eve quickly gave into Satan's temptation and sinned. Adam soon followed. Adam and Eve then tried to cover their sin by wearing an apron of figs leaves which they made for themselves. The apron of fig leaves represents when a person tries to save their self by their own "works". However, man's "works" can only make us appear to be righteous from the outside. Within, we are still full of "dead men's bones" (Mat 23:27). When Adam and Eve made their apron of figs leaves, they committed spiritual adultery. This is the same spiritual sin which causes all new believers to "fall away" and lose their salvation.

I'll explain more on this sin later in my post.

Because of Adam and Eve's adultery with Satan, their marriage to Christ ended and they were expelled from their husband's house (Garden of Eden). Since that time, Christ has planned to restore His marriage relationship with His forsaken "wife of youth". He is now performing this work of restoration under the New Covenant of Grace through Faith.

The scripture below refers to the time when Adam and Eve were forsaken:

Isa 54:5 For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called. 6 For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God. 7 For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. 8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.

Under the New Covenant, Christ is presently gathering His Elect with "great mercies". When that day arrives for each of the Elect, Christ will return and gather them to heaven.

The verse below presents this event:

Mat 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

According to Paul, when an unbeliever receives the Early Rain of the Spirit, they become "espoused" to Christ and become a new believer in the church.

2Cor 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

The new believer is also represented as a virgin in the Parable of the Ten Virgins which I will explain below.

In the parable, five of the virgins are wise and five are foolish. The wise virgins represent the Elect. The foolish virgins represent the "many" (Mat 22:14) who were called to be a bride (a saint) but were not chosen. After the engagement occurs (receipt of the Early Rain of the Spirit), the bridegroom goes away to prepare a place for his soon to be bride ("I come quickly" Rev 22:20). While the bridegroom is away, he expects his potential bride (virgin) to remain "chaste". To remain chaste, the virgin must remain faithful to Him in accordance with the New Covenant. To remain faithful under the New Covenant, a virgin must continue to approach Christ only by faith. This is called the straight way and is what allows Christ to return to His virgin to collect them for the wedding.

However, Satan will come to the virgin prior to the Bridegroom's return. And just like with Adam & Eve, both the wise and foolish virgins will not remain faithful to Christ. This is presented in the parable by showing that all ten virgins have fallen asleep at night (loss of salvation during their time of spiritual blindness). This is when all ten virgins have accepted Satan's "crooked way" (his "another gospel" 2Cor 11:4) and have spiritually fornicated with him. This act causes the virgins to no longer be chaste under the New Covenant.

Satan's crooked way mixes man's works with faith (an apron of fig leaves). Because the virgins are no longer chaste, the way for Christ to return to them is now crooked. But because Christ is gathering his bride with "great mercies", Christ will give the wise virgins (those who have been chosen) the Latter Rain of the Spirit which will restore them to a chaste condition. This is shown in the parable by the extra flask of oil that the wise virgins carried with them.

After the wise virgins receive the Latter Rain of the Spirit and have been restored, their spiritual blindness will be healed. It is at that time that the Bridegroom will appear and gather His virgin to heaven for the wedding ceremony.

Joe

 

[DJT_47]

Dear DJT_47,
No, Christ words are spirit and they are teaching about the spiritual work that He will do under the New Covenant.

The Old Covenant is referring to the "actual, physical act of committing adultery". The New Covenant is referring to the spiritual act of adultery.

If you are a believer in Christ, you are under the New Covenant. The New Covenant is spiritual, and because it is, the work that Christ does under the New Covenant is likewise spiritual. You should apply Christ's teachings under the New Covenant accordingly.

I will now answer your question on the meaning of spiritual adultery.

In the marriage relationship taught in scripture (Christ and His wife), spiritual adultery occurs when the wife believes Satan over Christ which causes the wife to follow the ways of Satan rather than the ways of her husband (Christ).

Remember, a husband is the head of the wife, and the wife should submit herself to her husband:

Eph 5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

In scripture, Christ teaches how He is going to save the Elect of this age by using a marriage analogy (among others). In this analogy, Christ is going to marry the Elect who will then become His bride. When this marriage occurs, an Elect believer is saved.

At the beginning, Adam and Eve are said to be Christ's wife in the Garden of Eden. They are representative of all the Elect who will become the bride of Christ. While in the Garden, Satan came to Eve and tempted her. Eve quickly gave into Satan's temptation and sinned. Adam soon followed. Adam and Eve then tried to cover their sin by wearing an apron of figs leaves which they made for themselves. The apron of fig leaves represents when a person tries to save their self by their own "works". However, man's "works" can only make us appear to be righteous from the outside. Within, we are still full of "dead men's bones" (Mat 23:27). When Adam and Eve made their apron of figs leaves, they committed spiritual adultery. This is the same spiritual sin which causes all new believers to "fall away" and lose their salvation.

I'll explain more on this sin later in my post.

Because of Adam and Eve's adultery with Satan, their marriage to Christ ended and they were expelled from their husband's house (Garden of Eden). Since that time, Christ has planned to restore His marriage relationship with His forsaken "wife of youth". He is now performing this work of restoration under the New Covenant of Grace through Faith.

The scripture below refers to the time when Adam and Eve were forsaken:

Isa 54:5 For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called. 6 For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God. 7 For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. 8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.

Under the New Covenant, Christ is presently gathering His Elect with "great mercies". When that day arrives for each of the Elect, Christ will return and gather them to heaven.

The verse below presents this event:

Mat 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

According to Paul, when an unbeliever receives the Early Rain of the Spirit, they become "espoused" to Christ and become a new believer in the church.

2Cor 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

The new believer is also represented as a virgin in the Parable of the Ten Virgins which I will explain below.

In the parable, five of the virgins are wise and five are foolish. The wise virgins represent the Elect. The foolish virgins represent the "many" (Mat 22:14) who were called to be a bride (a saint) but were not chosen. After the engagement occurs (receipt of the Early Rain of the Spirit), the bridegroom goes away to prepare a place for his soon to be bride ("I come quickly" Rev 22:20). While the bridegroom is away, he expects his potential bride (virgin) to remain "chaste". To remain chaste, the virgin must remain faithful to Him in accordance with the New Covenant. To remain faithful under the New Covenant, a virgin must continue to approach Christ only by faith. This is called the straight way and is what allows Christ to return to His virgin to collect them for the wedding.

However, Satan will come to the virgin prior to the Bridegroom's return. And just like with Adam & Eve, both the wise and foolish virgins will not remain faithful to Christ. This is presented in the parable by showing that all ten virgins have fallen asleep at night (loss of salvation during their time of spiritual blindness). This is when all ten virgins have accepted Satan's "crooked way" (his "another gospel" 2Cor 11:4) and have spiritually fornicated with him. This act causes the virgins to no longer be chaste under the New Covenant.

Satan's crooked way mixes man's works with faith (an apron of fig leaves). Because the virgins are no longer chaste, the way for Christ to return to them is now crooked. But because Christ is gathering his bride with "great mercies", Christ will give the wise virgins (those who have been chosen) the Latter Rain of the Spirit which will restore them to a chaste condition. This is shown in the parable by the extra flask of oil that the wise virgins carried with them.

After the wise virgins receive the Latter Rain of the Spirit and have been restored, their spiritual blindness will be healed. It is at that time that the Bridegroom will appear and gather His virgin to heaven for the wedding ceremony.

Joe

You can believe what you like, but you're way off on a tangent, not addressing the directness and simplicity of the subject Jesus was speaking to. The context here in Matt 5:27-8 is not an esoteric discussion or subject nor requiring a likewise esoteric dissertation by the Lord. It's actually straightforward and simple. The point of my post was to clarify the common misunderstanding that many people have when they read these verses.

 

[FaithWillDo]

You can believe what you like, but you're way off on a tangent, not addressing the directness and simplicity of the subject Jesus was speaking to. The context here in Matt 5:27-8 is not an esoteric discussion or subject nor requiring a likewise esoteric dissertation by the Lord. It's actually straightforward and simple. The point of my post was to clarify the common misunderstanding that many people have when they read these verses.

Dear DJT_47,
The misunderstanding of Mat 5:27-8 comes from a carnal understanding of the verses. Only a spiritual understanding of the verses will reveal the truth of what Christ is teaching.

As for the teachings of scripture (even Mat 5:27-8) being straightforward and simple, they are not.

Isa 28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. 10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: 11 For with stammering lips and another language will he speak to this people. 12 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

Prov 2:1 My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, 2 making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; 3 yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, 4 if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, 5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

A believer is only weaned from the milk when they are given the Latter Rain of the Spirit because that is when a believer's spiritual blindness is healed (Acts 9:17-19, Mark 8:15-25).

Joe

 

[DJT_47]

Dear DJT_47,
The misunderstanding of Mat 5:27-8 comes from a carnal understanding of the verses. Only a spiritual understanding of the verses will reveal the truth of what Christ is teaching.

As for the teachings of scripture (even Mat 5:27-8) being straightforward and simple, they are not.

Isa 28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. 10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: 11 For with stammering lips and another language will he speak to this people. 12 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

Prov 2:1 My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, 2 making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; 3 yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, 4 if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, 5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

A believer is only weaned from the milk when they are given the Latter Rain of the Spirit because that is when a believer's spiritual blindness is healed (Acts 9:17-19, Mark 8:15-25).

Joe

Like I said, believe what you like; and, FYI, God's word is simple and understandable as God intended it to be. It's mankind that twists and complicates it by applying their illogical logic. Goodbye

 

[FaithWillDo]

Like I said, believe what you like; and, FYI, God's word is simple and understandable as God intended it to be. It's mankind that twists and complicates it by applying their illogical logic. Goodbye

Dear DJT_47,
The scripture I quoted prove that God's Word is purposely concealed from everyone except the Elect who are given "eyes that can see" upon their conversion. Whoever told you that God's Word is "simple and understandable" is mistaken and did not come to that understanding from scripture.

Listen to what Paul says:

1Cor 2:6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect (the converted Elect): yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery (a concealed way), even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us (the converted Elect) by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things (words) with spiritual.

Nowhere in scripture does it say that the teachings of Christ are simple and understandable. In fact, it says just the opposite.

Joe

 

[DJT_47]

Dear DJT_47,
The scripture I quoted prove that God's Word is purposely concealed from everyone except the Elect who are given "eyes that can see" upon their conversion. Whoever told you that God's Word is "simple and understandable" is mistaken and did not come to that understanding from scripture.

Listen to what Paul says:

1Cor 2:6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect (the converted Elect): yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery (a concealed way), even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us (the converted Elect) by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things (words) with spiritual.

Nowhere in scripture does it say that the teachings of Christ are simple and understandable. In fact, it says just the opposite.

Joe

So, the bible can't be and wasn't intended to be understood by the common, everyday, man, right? We commoners can't look at the bible in it's simplicity to understand such things as salvation, right? The simple words that Philip spoke to the Ethiopian eunuch really had deeper esoteric meaning and couldn't be understood by the eunuch, correct? Did he question Philip? Did he say I don't understand or believe you; let me go get a scholar to verify what you are saying. Or did he believe and act upon it immediately?

There are way too many people that read and don't accept what is in black and white in front of them, and then go to extreme lengths to disprove the simple words, to justify their stupid ideas. This is what you are attempting to do here and what people do throughout the scriptures on a multitude of subjects. Naaman tried that in 2 kings 5, questioned what he was told, but finally acquiesed, did the simple thing that he thought was stupid at first, and was ultimately cured. As before, believe what you like. Continue to complicate that which is simple. Goodbye

 

[FaithWillDo]

So, the bible can't be and wasn't intended to be understood by the common, everyday, man, right?

Dear DJT_47,
Understanding God's Word is a little more complicated than you believe. I will try to give you a better foundation of the truth below.

To begin, a person must understand that the Old Covenant of Law is physical & outward and is based on the works of man. It was given to carnal people who have no problem understanding it. However, the Old Covenant of Law only works to make the outside of the "cup" clean (Mat 23:25). It will not change a person spiritually which is what needs to be accomplished for true salvation.

Because the Law was lacking for mankind's salvation, Christ came to provide mankind with a New Covenant. Under the New Covenant, Christ will do 100% of the work. His first work was accomplished in the flesh and under the Old Covenant. That work took Him to the cross. Because of His perfect blood sacrifice, Christ fulfilled all the sacrificial ordinances of the Law and earned Him the keys to death and hell. Christ now has to legal authority to resurrect mankind from the grave. In that way, Christ has given mankind "life":

John 10:10 ... I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

But since Christ came to fulfill all the Law and to give mankind a more abundant life, Christ still has additional work to perform. This work is spiritual and is individually accomplished.

To complete the final portion of mankind's salvation, Christ will come to every person who has ever lived and will change them spiritually. With this change, the converted individual will be governed from "within" by Christ (Phi 2:13). From Christ's spiritual governance, the Law will be fulfilled for that person because Christ does not sin.

In this age, Christ is only converting certain blessed individuals who were chosen for this honor from the foundation of the world. They are the "first fruits" of Christ's harvest of mankind.

Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

To accomplish the salvation of the Elect, Christ established a pathway that He causes His Elect to travel to their conversion and salvation. That pathway begins with Christ giving "many" people the Early Rain of the Spirit. Then from that group of "many", Christ will give the Latter Rain of the Spirit to the "few" individuals who have also been "chosen".

James 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receives the EARLY and LATTER RAIN. 8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

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

The Early Rain of the Spirit can also be called the "Spirit of Faith" (2Cor 4:13) because that is what gives an individual their faith in Christ - it is a gift from God. Without the Early Rain of the Spirit, an unbeliever will never be able to make a confession of faith:

1Cor 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Spirit.

But with the Early Rain of the Spirit, a person will only call Jesus "Lord".

This scripture applies:

Prov 16:1 The preparations of the heart in man (by the gift of the Spirit), and the answer of the tongue (confession of faith), is from the LORD.

However, the Early Rain of the Spirit is only given in a small measure:

Job 37:6 For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain (Early Rain), and to the great rain (Latter Rain) of his strength.

Because it is given in a small measure, the Early Rain of the Spirit will not heal the new believer's spiritual blindness. Because of their blindness, the believer will not be converted and will remain carnally minded. In this carnal spiritual state, they will have a full understanding of Christ and His physical work that lead Him to the cross (1Cor 2:2) but His spiritual work will remain a mystery to them.

Because the new believer remains spiritually blind, Satan will have the ability to deceive them. Satan does this by indwelling them with the spirit of anti-Christ. With Satan's spirit indwelling the believer, the Abomination of Desolation will occur in God's temple (the believer). This is the same event that Christ references in Mat 24:15.

With the indwelling of the spirit of anti-Christ, the believer will become deceived and will start following Satan's "another gospel" which mixes man's work with faith. This is called the crooked way. When they start following this false gospel, they will fall away from faith and lose their salvation.

From this spiritual process of devolution, the individual will be made "worse than the first" (Mat 12-43-45) and will become a man of sin. The man of sin is what the Seven Headed Beast in Revelation chapter 13 represents. The second beast in that chapter represents the spirit of anti-Christ.

Because all new believers (100% of them) remain spiritually blind after being given the Early Rain of the Spirit, they will all quickly "fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken" by Satan. This is what caused the churches that the Apostles started in the 1st century to all become apostate.

These scriptures apply:

Isa 28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. 10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: 11 For with stammering lips and another language will he speak to this people. 12 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

To restore a fallen away believer who is one of the "chosen", Christ will come to them a second time (commonly called the Second Coming of Christ). When Christ comes, He will pour out the Latter Rain of the Spirit upon them. With the Latter Rain (also called the Spirit of Truth), the believer's spiritual blindness will be healed (weaned from the milk). After it is healed, the truth of God's Word will open up to their understanding for the first time. With this truth, they will "see" the Abomination of Desolation that had previously occurred within themselves. Judgment will then fall on the chosen believer and remove & destroy the spirit of anti-Christ & their carnal spiritual nature (represented by the Great Harlot). Matthew 24:40-41 and Rev 19:20 apply to this judgment.

After the chosen believer's judgment is complete, the believer will be converted and saved. The fallen away believers who are "many" and who have not been chosen, they will die in their sins and receive their portion with the unbelievers (Luke 12:46).

In the final age, the "lost" will be sent off to judgment (represented by the Lake of Fire). The penalty for their sins is death (not eternal torment in literal fire). However, before the "lost" perish, Christ will have mercy upon them and give them Early Rain of the Spirit.

This verse applies:

Mat 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

With the Early Rain of the Spirit, the "lost" individual will have the necessary faith for the pathway to be made straight for Christ to come to them and pour out the Latter Rain of the Spirit. With the Latter Rain of the Spirit, the individual will be "born again" and will be gathered up to heaven. The child of the Devil will remain in the Lake of Fire for destruction. This will satisfy "justice".

After the last person of mankind is converted and saved, this scripture below will be testified to be true:

1Tim 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; 4 who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Can you receive any of what I presented above?

Joe