Book XIII - Wisdom – Grace – Truth – Forgiveness – Salvation – Predestination – Free Will

 

Book XIII Wisdom – Grace –Forgiveness – Salvation – Predestination - Free Will IT’S IN THE BOOK

IT’S IN THE BOOK

All Scripture is God-breathed
and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and
training in righteousness. - 2 Timothy 3:1

THINGS YOU ALWAYS WONDERED, BUT NOBODY TALKS ABOUT.

BOOK XIII

Wisdom – Grace – Truth Forgiveness – Salvation Predestination – Free Will

Contributors Michael A. Gorman David A. Gorman Paul B. Gorman

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Book XIII Wisdom – Grace –Forgiveness – Salvation – Predestination - Free Will It’s in the

Book XIII

Forgiveness – Salvation Wisdom – Grace - Truth Predestination - Free Will Un-Fruitfulness – Make Beliver

Topical Index

For now we see things imperfectly, partially and incomplete, But when He returns we will know completely. 1

IT’S IN THE BOOK

Chapter

1. 1)  Chastisement - Who is disciplined? – Why the chastisement? – What does it look like? 3

2. 2)  Forgiveness - I can forgive, I just can’t forget – Does un-forgiveness affect your salvation? 6

3. 3)  Grace and Truth - Nasty Now & Now – Sweet Bye & Bye – Compassion + Conviction 8

4. 4)  Wisdom - Wisdom; the Beginning – Twelve Steps - God’s Wisdom - Man’s Wisdom 11

5. 5)  What’s in a Name - The Da Vinci Code - The Twelve Tribes – Adam to Moses 21

6. 6)  Power in the Blood - Power toward God – Power toward Man – Power toward Satan 23

7. 7)  Exhortation - One of the gifts of the spirit – Moving from Spectator to Participator 26

8. 8)  Un-fruitfulness - All fruit harvested is not always fit to eat – The pruning the Believer 28

9. 9)  Fruitlessness; Sour Grapes – Choice Vines – Wall – Wild Grapes – Judgment; six Woes 31

10. 10)  Saved by Works - Adam’s & Moses’ Covenant of Works – Jesus’ Covenant of Grace 35

11. 11)  Qualifications for Heaven - Seven believers qualifications for entrance into Heaven 39

12. 12)  Make Believer - I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you”: Away from me evildoers 41

13. 13)  Maybe Saved – Maybe not – How can you tell? – Christianity; form of “Fire Insurance” 46

14. 14)  Soul Sleep - Is the Soul mortal or immortal? - Can you be conscious without a body? 50

15. 15)  Annihilation - Postmortem Conversion – Eternal Conscious Punishment - Limited Eternity 53

16. 16)  Devine Election - God’s is sovereign; our life predestined; does it matter what we do? 58

17. 17)  Calvinism - Predestination vs.; Free Will – Does scripture support one, other or both? 63

18. 18)  Predestination Revisited - FIVE POINTS of the Fate Debate – Intellectual Gymnastics 72

19. 19)  2nd Chance Salvation - Post Mortem Evangelism - Prayers for Dead – Reincarnation 76

20. 20)  Perverse Generation - Invisible War - Rebellious, Corrupt, Twisted, Crooked, and Sick 84

21. 21)  Still Born Spirit - DOA; Dead On Arrival – Womb To The Tomb – Necessary Condition 88

    95

Page

22. 22)  FreeWill-DoesmanhaveFreeWill?–IfNoFreeWill,thenwhypreachtheGospel?

23. 23)  Martin Luther - Bondage of the Will – Limited Free Will – Common & Special Grace 101

1 1 Corinthians 13:12

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Book XIII Wisdom – Grace –Forgiveness – Salvation – Predestination - Free Will

IT’S IN THE BOOK

Chapter 13.1

Chastisement

Why the chastisement? - The results of chastisement What does it look like? – Who is disciplined? - Prayer

First Word

Sometimes we find ourselves in deep water when we as Christians do not obey the instructions of God. Sometimes God has to get our attention through chastisement and discipline, but He still provides a way through it all; Jonah and the fish that was big as a whale is a perfect example of deep water.

It is God that chastens us;2 chastisement comes that we will not be condemned with the rest of the world,3 but that we will become partakers of His Holiness.4

Jonah 2:1-10 – With Discipline God provides a way through it

1 Then Jonah prayed to the LORD
his God from the belly of the fish,
2 saying, “I called out to the LORD, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol
I cried, and you heard my voice.

3 For you cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the flood surrounded me; all your waves and your billows passed over me.
4 Then I said, ‘I am driven away from your sight; yet I shall again look upon your holy temple.’

5 THE WATERS CLOSED IN OVER ME TO TAKE MY LIFE; THE DEEP SURROUNDED ME;
WEEDS WERE WRAPPED ABOUT MY HEAD
6 AT THE ROOTS OF THE MOUNTAINS. I WENT DOWN TO THE LAND WHOSE BARS CLOSED UPON ME FOREVER;

yet you brought up my life from the pit, O LORD my God. 7 When my life was fainting away,
I remembered the LORD, and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple.
8 Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love.
9 But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the LORD!”

10 AND THE LORD SPOKE TO THE FISH,
AND IT VOMITED JONAH OUT UPON THE DRY LAND.

(ESV)

2 Deuteronomy 8:5 – It is the LORD your God that disciplines you
3 1 Corinthians 11:32 – We are disciplined so we may not be condemned with the rest of the world 4 Hebrews 12:10 – We are disciplined so that we may share in His Holiness

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Book XIII Wisdom – Grace –Forgiveness – Salvation – Predestination - Free Will IT’S IN THE BOOK

What Chastisement looks like

Through Chastisement and Discipline God has used and sent insects and rodents,5 and even has stopped the rain.6 At times He has added grief to man’s sorrows7 and sometimes He has shorten his life span.8 Chastisement can be the loss of your mind; you could go crazy.9 He has caused skin diseases to come upon people.10

It can come in the form of sickness that puts you in the bed and strong pain clear down to your bones.11 I have often wondered if arthritis is a form of chastisement;

if so I need to get right with God NOW.
God will allow Satan to buffet us so that we might be ever conscious of God’s power working

through us and not some power of our own.12 This, however, is only an annoyance or a pain in the neck and will not stop or hinder His work.

Some Reasons for Chastening

Chastening or pruning can come so that as Christians we produce more fruit.13 Chastening can come because of Sin in our life.14 If we are glad of someone else’s calamity, God will chasten us for that too.15

When the chastisement is over and you still walk contrary to God’s statues, prepare yourself to be punished again seven times over for those sins.16 It is possible for years of trouble to be inflicted on us if we do not listen to God’s Voice.17 We are called to repent and turn from our sin and pray to God, then He will hear our prayer and heal our wounds.

2 Chronicles 7:14 – Humble, Seek, Turn - God will hear; forgive 14 If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then

I WILL HEAR FROM HEAVEN AND WILL FORGIVE THEIR SIN AND HEAL THEIR LAND. (ESV)

Only Sons are disciplined

God even removed Himself from His only begotten Son that His greater plan might be perfected.18 If you have not been on the receiving end of chastisement, then you are not a child of God. Do not hate the chastening and corrections of God for He loves you as a Father loves His own child.19 Be happy when God corrects you because a man that God chastens is blessed.20

Even though we love the Lord and are bearing good fruit, God may still prune our branches so that we bring forth even better fruit.21

Hebrews 12:8 – If you are not disciplined then you’re not a Son

8 If you are left WITHOUT DISCIPLINE, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and NOT SONS. (ESV)

5 2 Chronicles 7:13 – He may send locust and pestilence to devour the land 6 1 Kings 8:35 – He may use nature and hold back the rain
7 Jeremiah 45:3 – He may add grief to your Sorrows
8 Psalm 102:23 – He may make you weak and shorten your life

9 Daniel 4:25 – He may take away your sanity – Drive you Crazy
10 2 Kings 15:4-5 – He may strike you with a disease
11 Job 33:19 – He may afflict you with pain in your bones
12 2 Corinthians 12:7 – Satan allowed to buffet men to keep their heart on God 13 John 15:2 - Every branch that does bear fruit He prunes

14 Lamentations 1:5 – God Disciplined Jerusalem for her many sins 15 Proverbs 17:5 – Don’t gloat over someone else’s misfortune
16 Leviticus 26:23-24 - I will punish you seven times for your sins
17 Psalm 78:33 – Discipline can continue for years – Repent now

18 Mark 15:34 – God stepped away from His own Son
19 Proverbs 3:11 - Do not despise or resent the LORD’s discipline -- Revelation 3:19 - Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline -- Hebrews 12:6 - The Lord disciplines the ones He loves
20 Job 5:17 - Blessed is the one whom God reproves -- Psalm 94:12 - Blessed is the man whom God disciplines
21 John 15:1-2 – You are pruned that you may bear more fruit

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Book XIII Wisdom – Grace –Forgiveness – Salvation – Predestination - Free Will IT’S IN THE BOOK

Pray

Pray that you fall into the hands of God rather than into the hands of man, because God is merciful.22 We are to pray that God will not chasten us when He is in hot displeasure or wrath.23

Pray a prayer of repentance; pray that you don’t get what you deserve.24 Results of Chastisement

Job 23:10 – Chastisement brings forth a character of Gold

10 But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.

(NKJV)

Isaiah 26:9 – Chastisement brings forth righteousness

9 With my soul I have desired You in the night, Yes, by my spirit within me I will seek You early; For when Your judgments are in the earth, The

inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. (NKJV)

Romans 5:2-4 – Chastisement - Endurance – Character - Hope

2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in

which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering

produces endurance, and

4 endurance produces character, and character produces hope, (ESV)

1 Peter 1:7 – Chastisement brings Praise, Honor & Glory to Jesus

7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to

praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, (NKJV)

Even though God wounds us, He will make us whole again.25 When chastening comes we learn righteousness; it is our endurance that brings praise, honor and glory to the name of Jesus Christ.

The trial or testing of our faith is more precious than gold. When the chastening is over we will come forth as gold come from the furnace.26 Chastisement brings forth ENDURANCE, endurance brings forth CHARACTER, and character brings forth HOPE.

22 2 Samuel 24:14 – Pray that you fall into the Hand of God who is merciful and not man 23 Psalm 38:1 – Pray that God will not rebuke you in His Hot Anger
24 1 Kings 8:48-51 – Repent, Pray; God will hear and forgive
25 Job 5:18 – Although God bruises; He binds up and Heals the wounds

26 1 Peter 1:6 – Your various trials are just for a little while

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Book XIII Wisdom – Grace –Forgiveness – Salvation – Predestination - Free Will IT’S IN THE BOOK

Chapter 13.2

I have no problem with forgiving, my problem is forgetting.

First Word
Webster: Forgiveness: To stop being angry with; to overlook; to pardon; to absolve; to cancel a

debt; to give up resentment; or the desire to punish; to give up all claim to punish or exact penalty for an offence.

Christ taught that forgiveness and the overlooking of faults and shortcomings was our duty with no limits to the extent of it. It is the restoration of both parties to their former relationship; a reconciliation.

When you let loose forgiveness on earth, you let forgiveness loose in Heaven.27

An unforgiving Spirit

Anger and un-forgiveness gives Satan a foothold in your life.28 Un-forgiveness eats away at you like a cancer; you are letting someone named “resentment” live rent free in your head.29 It’s CRAZY because you’re the one that’s suffering; let it go!

This is a hard statement, but an unforgiving spirit is one of the most serious of sins; it can separate you from the saving grace of the Father.30 Divine Forgiveness is dependent upon the forgiveness of others. He will say to you, “I never knew you”.31

Retaliation

Do not get mad and say to yourself, “I will get even”;32 do not repay evil for evil,33 do not take revenge;34 instead live in peace with everyone.

Commanded

We are commanded to forgive; to pray for those that give us grief35 and not laugh when things go wrong with them. We are encouraged to help them when they are in need36 and even lend to them without expectation of being paid back.37

When you are messed with, over and over again; forgive them so many times that you lose count.38

Our Example

Sin means “to miss the mark”. When we think of God forgiving us of our Sin, somehow it seems different from that of us forgiving someone else who came up short with us; but both are the same.

27 Matthew 16:19 - Let loose forgiveness and it will be loosed in heaven
28 Ephesians 4:26 – Don’t give Satan a foothold in your life with un-forgiveness
29 Luke 15:28-30 – Un-forgiveness divides family and friends
30 Matthew 18:34-35 – God will deal seriously with un-forgiveness.
31 Matthew 7:23 – You are not His; I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you
32 Proverbs 24:29 – Do not try to get even
33 Romans 12:17-18 – Do not do evil for evil – Live in peace
34 Romans 12:19 – Do not take revenge; revenge is the Lords
35 Matthew 5:43-46 – Pray for those who give you grief
36 Ephesians 4:32 – Be kind and compassionate by forgiving others
37 Luke 6:35-36 – Love your enemies; do good without expectation of reward
38 Luke 17:4 – Forgive as often as you are requested. -- Matthew 18:21-22 - Forgive so many times you lose track

Forgiveness

Does un-forgiveness affect your salvation? I can forgive, I just can’t forget

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The initiative comes from Him;39 when we could do nothing about our sins, Jesus set the example for us, He forgave our sins. 40 He is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger and abounds with Love. 41

Forgiveness is directly linked to Jesus Christ; 42
it is an essential part of the Gospel message and our salvation.

Bless your enemy

We are to endure the grief and problems that people heap up on us, giving kind answers to harsh words. We are NOT to respond to an insult with an insult,43 but with words that bless them. We are to bear and to forgive the grievances we have with one another. There is blessings and glory for those who can overlook an offence and show mercy.44 Remember the two Bears; Bear and Forbear.45

Do good,46 Help them,47 Feed them, Lend to them, it will be like heaping burning coals on your enemies head;48 they will feel guilty and you might just make them a friend.

When we got a new store manager, she was immediately repulsed by my presence; she hated me and everyone knew it; but no one knew why. When she became incapacitated, I did not gloat,49 but took her mail and things to be signed to her home every day for about 6 weeks to keep her in the loop while she recovered. Later at a companywide party, she wrote a letter to be read in front of all the employees, that I was the best Human Resources Manager she had ever had; I had maintained my Christian witness and had made a friend in the process. (Heaping coals of love on her head)

Forgiveness from God
A forgiving spirit shows that you are a child of God.50 Forgiveness identifies us with Christ; His

death; and His resurrection
Golden Rule; we have always heard, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”51

God says it a little different, He says to forgive others in the same way as we want Him to forgive us.52

Psalm 130:3-4 - Forgiveness is from God

3 If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?

4 But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. NIV

39 Luke 15:20 – The Father, filled with compassion, runs to us.
40 Colossians 2:13-14 – We had no way to get forgiveness of our sins until God made us alive with Christ
41 Nehemiah 9:17 – God is compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in love as we should be -- Daniel 9:9 – God is Merciful and forgiving as we should be
42 Acts 5:31 – Forgiveness is directly linked back to Christ
43 1 Peter 3:9 – Do not repay insult with insult
44 Matthew 5:7 – There is a blessing for those who show mercy -- Proverbs 19:11 – It’s to man’s glory to overlook an offense.
45 Colossians 3:13 – Bear with grievances with one another -- 1 Corenthians 4:12-13 – Endure persecution – answer in kindness
46 Exodus 23:4-5 - When your adversary has a need, go and help her
47 Romans 12:14 – Bless those who give you trouble and do not curse.
48 Romans 12:20 – Doing good is like heaping burning coals on their head
49 Proverbs 24:17 – Don’t be happy when your enemy stumbles
50 Matthew 5:44-45 - Those that forgive are sons of God.
51 Matthew 18:21-22 – Forgive so many times you lose count
52 Matthew 6:14-15 – Forgive and God will forgive you. -- Matthew 6:12 – As we forgive, God forgives us -- Mark 11:25 – Forgive others so your prayers want be hindered

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IT’S IN THE BOOK

Chapter 13.3

Grace and Truth

Grace minus Truth is Deceptive - Truth minus Grace is Defective Truth plus Grace is Salvation – Compassion plus Conviction
The Sweet Bye and Bye, and the Nasty Now and Now

First Word

Jesus was a great teacher of Truth; He embodied TRUTH; He was compassionate, kind and caring for the sick and healed ALL that came to Him... He embodied GRACE. 53

It was GOD that came down from heaven to the Womb;
He was MAN from His birth to His death in the Tomb including coming back from the dead.
From the Womb to the Tomb, He was ALL God and ALL Man.

John 1:1-4 – Jesus existed in the very beginning

1 In the beginning the Word (Jesus) already existed.

The Word (Jesus) was with God, and the Word (Jesus) was God.

2 He (Jesus) existed in the beginning with God.

3 God created everything through him (Jesus),

and nothing was created except through him (Jesus).

4 The Word (Jesus) gave life to everything that was created,

and his life (Jesus) brought light to everyone. (NLT)

The Book says God came down from heaven and lived in the flesh among us filled with GRACE and TRUTH,54 so if we are full of Jesus, then we are also full of Grace and Truth.

What is the difference between Grace and Truth? I taught Electronics at Atlanta Tech and I had a student that was struggling with the math portion. The TRUTH was, he was just plain slow and was failing; so instead of using words like numerator, denominator and resultant, I took him aside and playfully taught him using terms which he could easily understand and remember; like multiply the “TOP NUMBER” by the “BOTTOM NUMBER” and you get the “ANSWER”. That was GRACE; and he became an excellent student.

Being filled with the Spirit is not what your FEEL; it’s what you DO. SELAH

Grace

Sin is the only thing that qualifies us for Grace; it is Grace that rescues us from our sin.

GRACE understands struggles and cares; it shares burdens; has compassion for others; responds even when it is not convenient; treating people far better than they deserve.

The Book says that when SIN increased, Grace abounded even more.55 Paul was given a THORN IN THE FLESH from Satan to buffet him; yet God told Paul to not give it another thought, that His GRACE would be sufficient to sustain him.56

53 John 1:17 – Law came thru Moses; Grace & Truth thru Jesus
54 John 1:14 – God came with Grace and Truth and lived among us 55 Romans 5:20 – As sin increased, Grace increased even more
56 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 – God’s Grace is sufficient to sustain us daily

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Grace minus Truth is Deceptive -- Truth minus Grace is Defective -- Truth plus Grace is Salvation

GRACE is not given before a need arises;57 GRACE is collected like manna one day at time just as the Israelites did in their walk in the wilderness.58 GRACE sustains us, holds us up and helps us when we cannot understand what God is working out in our lives.59

Truth

TRUTH can be difficult if not downright offensive and can even can be deadly if mishandled. There is a tendency to view Truth and Grace as opposites where you must pick one or the other.

Today we see many TV Evangelist teaching only the GRACE of Christ, His compassion for mankind. I’m OK, you’re OK, and God’s OK; it will all work out in the “SWEET BYE AND BYE.” The TRUTH about the “NASTY NOW AND NOW” is placed on the back burner. Many times just about anything is accepted in the name of GRACE, including behaviors that oppose God’s will, as well as teaching things that contradict what the Book reveals as the mind and will of God.

Jesus, knowing that He would lose some of His followers, refused to compromise His message60 and stayed committed to speaking the TRUTH along with GRACE,61 this resulted in many of his disciples turning away and deserting Him. 62 It’s in the Book

The Balance

The TRUTH of the Law sets the standard in our Christian walk GRACE that provides the tools, ability and means obtain Jesus taught we need both TRUTH and GRACE in order to demonstrate God’s heart and transforms others’ lives.

James Merritt a TV Pastor with a program called Touching Lives presented a sermon on Grace and truth which he called; Joined at the Hip; speaking of Grace and truth. I was so taken back by how they go hand and hand, that I feverously took notes for this Word study.

This is a summary of what he said.
We tend to lean one way or the other; more of a Grac’er or more of a Truth’er. Jesus was balanced,

He never shared grace at the expense of truth and never spoke truth at the expense of Grace. Some folks lean more toward speaking FIRMLY, just the Truth while other lean mostly toward talking with COMPASSION about God’s unlimited Grace.

Truth; God hates sin. – Grace; God loves the sinner.
Truth; Sin has separated Man from God. - Grace; God has provided a way back to Him.
Truth; The penalty for Sin is death. – Grace; whoever believes in Him will be saved.
Truth; There is judgement coming. – Grace; there is salvation for all who desire it.
Truth; Through the sin of one man Adam, DEATH was brought. – GRACE; through one man Jesus, FORGIVENESS was brought.63
Grace; Redemption is Possible – Truth; Repentance and turning from sin is required.
Grace; There is a way to God for anyone – Truth; There is only ONE WAY to God.
Grace; Anybody can come to God – Truth; Everybody must come through Jesus.
Grace; There is a Heaven & you can go there – Truth; There is a Hell & you can go there. Grace; God loves you just the way you are – Truth; God loves you too much to let you stay that way.

It’s a balancing act like a tightrope walker holding onto a balance beam. One side is GRACE and the other side is TRUTH.64

57 Genesis 6:8 – Noah found Grace in the eyes of God
58 Exodus 16:4 – The Israelites received the Grace of Manna each day
59 Lamentations 3:22 – His GRACE; mercies never come to an end)
60 Matthew 5:17 – Jesus came accomplish the purpose of the Law
61 Ephesians 4:15 – Speak the TRUTH with GRACE
62 John 6:65-66 - Many disciples turned away and deserted him
63 Romans 5:15 – Truth Adam brought sin – Grace Jesus brought forgiveness 64 2 John 1:3 – Grace and Truth are with us through God the Father

to strive,

that guides us

and achieve that standard.

; it is His

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Book XIII Wisdom – Grace –Forgiveness – Salvation – Predestination - Free Will IT’S IN THE BOOK Tipping the pole too much either way, we lose our perspective; our balance.

While we must have a PASSION for truth we must also have a COMPASSION for people;

of either, the results will be tragic.
What is Truth? -

The Take Away

If we are to be a good friend, we must be committed to love others,

if we let go

nurturing their spiritual growth; but also speaking the TRUTH as the need arises.

In the beginning Jesus already existed with God, in fact He was God; part of the triune headship, He was God the Son and lived among us packaged with Grace and Truth. Grace is mentioned first, because a good Jew already knew truth from the Torah’s commandments and laws; the Jewish religion was all about truth.

The Laws of Moses taught TRUTH that pointed out error in our daily walk with God; Jesus taught GRACE that aligned our activities so as to bring us closer to the goal of the truth. 66 Jesus, teaching His followers in TRUTH said; “you have heard the Law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and HATE YOUR ENEMY”; then with GRACE He added; “but I say, LOVE YOUR ENEMIES and PRAY for those who persecute you”.67 Jesus raised the Bar.

Our challenge is to learn how to be transforming instruments of both GRACE and TRUTH, combining them in the same way and manner as Jesus did.68 Being filled with the Spirit of Grace and Truth is not a feeling; it’s NOT what you feel, it’s what you DO. You don’t do good works to be saved; you do good works because you are saved.

James Merritt: Grace says you are saved by Grace through FAITH;

Truth says FAITH without works is a DEAD FAITH.

•   Grace without Truth is DECEPTIVE; it’s just Liberalism seeking political correctness.

•   Truth without Grace is DEFECTIVE; it’s Legalism; just a bunch of laws.

•   Truth with Grace gives us LIBERTY; its Salvation and eternal life with God.69

.70
We need the Compassion of Grace plus the Conviction of Truth.

GRACE wants to free you, but only the TRUTH will set you free

65 Colossians 1:5-6 – The WORD lets us understand the difference between Grace and Truth
66 John 1:17 – The Law came through Moses – Grace and Truth came through Jesus
67 Matthew 5:43-44 - GRACE; love your enemies; pray for them
68 John 1:17 – Grace and Truth came through Jesus Christ -- Ephesians 1:7 – His Grace forgave our Sins 69 Romans 5:2 – We have obtained access to God through His Grace

70 John 1:14 – Jesus came with Grace and Truth and lived among us
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The Word of God is TRUTH.65

It’s in the Book

Book XIII Wisdom – Grace –Forgiveness – Salvation – Predestination - Free Will

IT’S IN THE BOOK

Chapter 13.4

Wisdom

What is Wisdom? – Wisdom; the Beginning – Twelve Steps Man’s Wisdom - God’s Wisdom – Mind of Christ - Purpose Ignore Wisdom - Old Generation; New Generation

First Word

This Word Study takes a look at the Believers struggle in life to pursue wisdom in his every day walk. I’m blown away by the number of examples and areas covered by the scriptures in the Bible concerning Wisdom, Knowledge, and Understanding. How many times have I prayed for wisdom and all along I already had it within the pages of my Bible.

What is Wisdom? The beginning of Wisdom and Knowledge is the fear and reverence of the Lord.71 It’s not enough to have Knowledge on a matter, you also need Understanding and the Wisdom on when, where and how to use it. Knowledge,72 Understanding73 and Wisdom74 are a TRINITY; all wrapped up in each other.

This study walks through the TWELVE STEPS of obtaining Wisdom. You probably will not make it through the Unbreakable Covenant of step Three.

In the Beginning
In the very beginning was wisdom75 and in wisdom was life and this life is knowledge for men.76

God used Wisdom when He made the earth and understanding when He established the heavens and knowledge when He set the waters in their confines.77

Since wisdom was with God before He created the earth, we should listen and received His instructions and be wise; then we will receive favor, strength, blessings and an inheritance from God;

God wants us to have His wisdom, it’s His daily delight.78

There was “Hidden Wisdom” which was ordained before the creation of the world.79 These secret wisdom mysteries are still hidden from those who are without the Holy Spirit and do not know the Lord.80 These mysteries are concerning the Kingdom of Heaven and are not revealed through our physical senses, but only through the Holy Spirit.81 Jesus Christ is God’s greatest mystery that has been hidden through the ages,82 but is now our hope of Glory and Wisdom.

71 Job 28:28 – Fear of the Lord; that is WISDOM
72 Proverbs 1:7 – The Fear of the LORD is the beginning of KNOWLEDGE
73 Proverbs 9:10 – The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of UNDERSTANDING
74 Psalm 111:10 – The Fear of the LORD is the BEGINNING of WISDOM
75 Proverbs 8:21-36 – Before the beginning; wisdom always was
76 John 1:1-5 – In the beginning was Wisdom and Wisdom was life
77 Proverbs 3:19-20 – God used Wisdom, Understanding and Knowledge when He founded the earth 78 Job 28:23-27 - He SAW IT and DECLARED IT; He ESTABLISHED IT, and SEARCHED IT out
79 1 Corinthians 2:6-8 – There is a Wisdom of God that has been hidden secret from old
80 Matthew 13:11 – To you it has been given to know the Secret Wisdom of the kingdom of heaven 81 Matthew 16:16-17 – There is A wisdom that is revealed only by the Holy Spirit
82 Colossians 1:26-28 – Greatest Wisdom mystery now revealed; Jesus Christ

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Book XIII Wisdom – Grace –Forgiveness – Salvation – Predestination - Free Will IT’S IN THE BOOK

What is Wisdom?

Jesus Christ has given us an understanding83 that comes from our heart and is rooted and grounded in love. The wisdom that comes from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, sincere and OPEN TO REASON.84

As love abounds in us, so does knowledge, understanding and the ability to discern between good and evil.85 Wisdom is Love;86 to have concern over others as much as we have concern over our own self. Wisdom that is from God; LISTENS and is without partiality or hypocrisy and is full of truth and good actions.87

Purpose of Wisdom - Preparation
Wisdom is to seek God in your decisions with all your understanding, your heart, soul and strength.

Wisdom is the turning of the hearts of men in preparation to make ready a people for the Lord.88 God wants us to have wisdom so that we might consider how we should live our life.89

Wisdom and understanding is the application or the doing of God’s Word. Wisdom is allowing your light to shine so that others turn to righteousness.90 Consider your preparations, your visions and your goals; then ask yourself, are your plans getting people closer to the kingdom of God?

Wisdom lets you hear His voice, that He might discipline you; with discipline comes growth.91

Wisdom, Understanding and Knowledge

Wisdom seeks God to determine you’re coming in and you’re going out,92 it is the food of our soul. When we feed it, our visions and dreams will come to pass. Wisdom is the handling of matters in our own backyard before we deal with things at the ends of the earth.93

Wisdom gives the vision for a project,94 Understanding gets it done and
Knowledge pays for it.95 Better Write That Down

Wisdom Ignored

There is a way that seem right to us; but without Godly council, the path leads to death.96 A man who isolates himself from Godly councilors is seeking his own desires.97

Wisdom is all around us waiting to teach us, but so often we refuse the knowledge; we have disregarded the information, and have ignored those that would seek to council us. When destruction threatens, we then hurriedly seek wisdom, but this is too late. The Word says that wisdom will laugh at our calamities, mock at our fear and when we call will not answer.98

Fools will eat the fruit of their actions because they did not respect knowledge and reverence the Lord God.99

83 1 John 5:20 - God has given us understanding -- Deuteronomy 4:5-6 – Keep God’s laws and gain Wisdom & Understanding
84 James 3:17 – Wisdom is pure peaceable gentle impartial and sincere
85 1 Kings 3:9 – Wisdom brings DISCERNMENT between good and evil
86 Philippians 1:9-11 - KNOWLEDGE and DISCERNMENT grows with LOVE -- Ephesians 3:14-19 – Hearts rooted in LOVE gives Wisdom -- Mark 12:32-34 – LOVE God with all your heart, understanding & strength

87 Proverbs 8:6-9 – Wisdom speaks truth, righteousness understanding 88 Luke 1:17 – Wisdom prepares and makes ready a people for Christ 89 Deuteronomy 32:29 - Wisdom discerns the way to live your life
90 Daniel 12:3 – Our Wisdom will turn many to righteousness

91 Deuteronomy 4:35-36 - We hear His voice and are disciplined
92 Numbers 27:21 – Wisdom seeks God’s direction going & coming
93 Proverbs 17:24 - Wisdom handles matters on the inside before turning outside
94 Proverbs 24:13-14 – Wisdom is food for the Soul; Visions are established
95 Proverbs 24:3-4 – Wisdom builds project; Knowledge pays for it
96 Proverbs 16:25 – There is a way that seem right; but its end is the way to death
97 Proverbs 18:1 – You Isolate yourself from godly council in order to seek your own desires
98 Proverbs 1:26-28 – I will laugh at your calamity and not answer
99 Proverbs 1:29-32 – Fools will eat the fruit of their ways -- Proverbs 1:20-25 – You refused to listen; you Ignored my Counsel

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Old Generation – New Generation

I know you don’t want to hear this, but; this generation of the sons of this world are wiser than the sons of God.100 It’s in the Book. Beware of anyone who teaches philosophy and vain deceit that follow after the traditions of men and the customs of this world and not after Christ.101 Good News; there is a work being done with a new generation that will cause the wisdom of the sons of this world to perish and their knowledge to hide from them.102

Wood can still be cut with a dull ax, it just takes more effort and more time. Wisdom sharpens the edge of the ax and maximizes your time and efforts.103 If you are finding your road hard to travel, maybe it’s because you lack the favor that wisdom brings.104 If you do not know God’s will or His truth, then your visions and efforts will all be bound up.105 Not seeking Godly wisdom allows you to fall into Satan’s traps.106 With all the things that you seek after; above all seek wisdom; this is so Satan will not be able to get an advantage over you because of your lack of knowledge of his ways.

Guard the wisdom that has been committed to your trust.107 Protect it like you do your own body.108

Wisdom - Man’s
There is another kind of Wisdom; it comes through sin, and this is PAINFUL knowledge.109 Not

all older men who are thought to be great are necessarily wise; you must watch out.110 The wisdom of man is evil and speaks lies,111 it leads to paths of darkness and crooked ways. It winks at immorality and eventually will take your life.

True wisdom finds out the knowledge of the witty inventions of those that would seek to miss lead you.112 Wisdom is to hate evil ways, pride, arrogance, and lies.113 Wisdom is trusting God and not falling back on your own understanding.114

Wisdom – Mind of Christ
The Spirit of God has been given to us so that we can understand what God has freely given to us.

He has given us the Mind of Christ 115and that may sound a little blasphemous, but that’s what the Bible says. If you are a Believer, you have been given the Mind of Christ and are now predestined to be conformed to His image.116 It’s in the Book

Because we have the Mind of Christ we also have the Spirit of God117 upon us as well as the Spirit of Wisdom,118 the Spirit of Understanding,119 the Spirit of Council and Might,120 the Spirit of Knowledge121 and the Spirit of Reverence for God.122 It’s in the Book

100 Luke 16:8 – The Sons of this World are shrewder than Believers 101 Colossians 2:8 - Avoid empty deceit and human traditions
102 Isaiah 29:14-16 – Evil men’s wisdom will be hidden & perish
103 Ecclesiastes 10:10 – Wisdom sharpens a dull ax

104 Proverbs 13:15-16 – Without Favor from the Lord; the road is hard to travel
105 John 8:32 – Not knowing “God’s Will” binds your vision & efforts
106 Proverbs 13:14 – Wisdom keeps you from falling into Satan’s snares -- 2 Corinthians 2:11 – Do not be ignorant of the Ways of Satan 107 1 Timothy 6:20 - Guard the wisdom that has been entrusted to you -- Proverbs 4:13-22 – Keep and Guard Wisdom; Life and Healing 108 Proverbs 19:8 – Protect Wisdom like it was your own body
109 Genesis 3:5-6 – Painful Wisdom comes through disobedience
110 Job 32:9 – Being old and aged is not necessarily wise
111 Proverbs 2:9-15 – Wisdom of man is evil, perverted and devious
112 Proverbs 8:12 – Wisdom finds knowledge of witty inventions
113 Proverbs 8:13 – Wisdom hates evil, pride & perverted speech.
114 Proverbs 3:5 – Wisdom trusts God, not your own understanding
115 1 Corinthians 2:12-16 – We have received THE MIND OF CHRIST
116 Romans 8:29 - We are predestined to be conformed to the Image of Jesus Christ
117 Isaiah 11:2 – We have the SPIRIT OF GOD
118 Ephesians 1:17 – I pray the Father of glory, may give to you the SPIRIT OF WISDOM and revelation in the knowledge of Him,
119 Exodus 31:3 - I have filled him with the SPIRIT OF UNDERSTANDING
120 Isaiah 11:2 - THE SPIRIT OF COUNSEL AND MIGHT shall rest upon him
121 Isaiah 11:2 - THE SPIRIT OF KNOWLEDGE and of the fear of the LORD
122 2 Corinthians 7:1 - THE SPIRIT OF REVERENCE for God -- 2 Timothy 1:7 – The SPIRIT OF POWER, LOVE AND SELF-CONTROL

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Although we have the mind of Christ we have not come into the FULL MEASURE of His stature.123 That is why wisdom has been given; it is to equip God’s people for every good work of the ministry.124

Since we are made in the Image of God and have the Mind of Christ, we are urged to share our wisdom though teachings, corrections and compassion with our fellow man, that all may grow in wisdom.125

As Christians we are the children of understanding and our father is wisdom. Before we were born again, our father was darkness; but now our father is light.126 We are not to stay children in our wisdom of the Lord, but are to grow into the wisdom of manhood.127

God wants all men to come into the knowledge of truth, wisdom, understanding and love.128

Purpose for the mind of Christ
Man’s knowledge is only of things concerning man, but the Spirit’s knowledge is of the things of

God.129 Wisdom is given so that we may speak boldly the mysteries of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.130 Our knowledge needs a firm foundation so that when we speak, we speak with confidence.131

Wisdom speaks with gentleness;132 God desires to guide the man who is gentle in his ways and obedient to His word. We have the reassurance that when we reverence our God that during dark times our wisdom will give us stability and the strength to preserver.133 Responding in the spirit of God’s wisdom overpowers confusion and contentions134 and lets us operate in the discernment of good and evil.135

How to get Wisdom

Wisdom is priceless; it is beyond purchase. It is not found in the stars or in the depths of the oceans or anywhere in the land of the living; then where can it be found?136

Our God knows where wisdom is found and how it works.137 He can see everything under the heavens and to the ends of the earth.138 God made the rain, the lighting and even the wind; He made all things, therefore we should go to our Creator, our God who is omniscient; He contains all wisdom.139 Reverence Him for who He is. This is the beginning of Wisdom.

Wisdom petitions God for understanding and the ability to judge whether something is good or bad. It petitions for the special Wisdom; that of understanding visions and dreams.140 Wisdom speaks of truth and righteousness without deceit; it is clear, plain and right.

Consider The TWELVE STEPS to finding Wisdom; many will seek Wisdom, but few will enter into the Covenant with God to get it.

Many will enter the race; but few will finish it.

123 Ephesians 4:13 – We have not yet attained the FULL MEASURE of Christ -- Colossians 3:10 – Our new self is being renewed in its knowledge
124 Ephesians 4:11-12 – Wisdom is to equip the saints for the Work
125 Isaiah 33:6 – A treasure of stability is wisdom and Knowledge

126 1 Thessalonians 5:4-5 – We have become children of the light, we are not of the night or of the darkness 127 1 Corinthians 14:20 – We are not to stay Children in our thinking, but to mature in our wisdom
128 1 Timothy 2:4 – God desires all people to come to the knowledge of His Truth
129 1 Corinthians 2:11 – The Spirit knows the THOUGHTS OF GOD

130 Ephesians 6:18-20 – BOLDLY PROCLAIM the Mystery of the Gospel
131 Psalm 119:80 – Wisdom and Knowledge gives a FIRM FOUNDATION to speak with confidence
132 James 3:13 - Wisdom operates in GENTLENESS
133 Psalm 25:8-14 – Wisdom INSTRUCTS, LEADS and befriends the humble
134 Acts 6:10 – WISDOM OVERCOMES CONFUSION & CONTENTIONS
135 Romans 16:19 - Gives KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND EVIL
136 Job 28:20 – Where does Wisdom and Understanding come from? -- Job 28:12-19 – Where can Wisdom & Understanding be found? 137 1 Kings 3:7 – Petition God for direction in going in and out
138 Judges 20:18 - Inquire of God’s wisdom on your going and coming
139 2 Chronicles 1:10 – Petition God for Wisdom and Knowledge to lead
140 Daniel 1:17 – Petition God for skills, and understanding of visions and dreams

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Step 1 Wisdom Listens
There are wise men who do not have God’s word in them, they have no wisdom. 141 A man that is

not of God will not listen to wisdom;142 this is the way you can tell if a man has the spirit of truth or the spirit of error, he won’t listen. Two things happen when a wise man corrects a bad situation; if the man involved is also a wise man, he will gain new knowledge from the corrections.143 If he is a “Smart Mouth” then the others who observe the correction will themselves become wise because of his example.

About contentions; Wisdom does not strike out at a fellow worker who has spoken unpleasant words to you;144 don’t forget, you too once have spoken ill words. When you are operating in love, your friends, children or employees will follow you wherever you lead,145 because they know you and trust you.146 If a man really loves God, people will observe it.147

A wise man puts wisdom and understanding above making a buck.148 He handles his matters wisely and finds happiness because his trust in is God. He is prudent and is always learning. He lets his spirit teach his mouth, and his lips learn truth, they speak health to all.

No matter what you own or what knowledge you possess, it is counted as nothing except for the understanding of the wisdom and power that lies within the suffering, death and resurrection of our lord Jesus Christ.149 LISTEN and grow wise

Step 2 Believe to Receive
Wisdom comes according to Gods Word. First of all, if you lack wisdom ask God and He will give

it to you.150 God is our teacher, He will teach us, but we must believe Gods concepts in order to be taught wisdom.151

Wisdom is revealed to those; who receive the ways of God without having to figure it all out first.152 Wisdom comes as we acknowledge God for who He is and how He is working in our lives. We are to receive the words of God and place His commandments within our spirit. 153 When we please God we will receive wisdom, knowledge154 as well as joy,155 but we are charged to walk upright, righteous and moral to receive this wisdom.156

In order that we be taught the wisdom of God, we must FIRST confess our sins and ask for forgiveness157 so that God will hear us and teach us.158 Confession of sin is not a “COP OUT” to continue in sin; knowing we can receive forgiveness again, but it is to confess that consciously we will “not sin” in that area again.159 I’m sorry means; I won’t do it anymore.

Ask God to see if there is any wicked way in you and to lead you into righteousness.160 Confess to God that the more you learn of His Knowledge and Power, the more you realize your weakness and dependence on Him.161

141 Jeremiah 8:9 – The wise who reject The Word have no wisdom
142 1 John 4:6 – A man that will NOT LISTEN is not of God
143 Proverbs 21:11 – A wise man gains knowledge when corrected.
144 Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 – A wise man does not strike out at others
145 John 10:14 – Wise leaders know their workers and they know him
146 John 10:4 – The wise operate in Love and his voice trusted and they follow him 147 1 Corinthians 8:3 – If you love God, people will know it.

148 Proverbs 16:16-24 – Wisdom is better than making money
149 Philippians 3:7-10 – Wisdom is nothing compared to Jesus Christ
150 James 1:5 – ASK God for Wisdom and Receive Generously
151 1 Corenthians 8:3 - If anyone loves God, he is known by God
152 Matthew 11:25 – You don’t have to figure it out; It’s revealed
153 Proverbs 2:1-2 – Place God’s commandment in your Spirit
154 Psalm 119:66 – Ask Him to teach you His good JUDGMENT and KNOWLEDGE 155 Ecclesiastes 2:26 – Doing what’s right brings JOY and Wisdom
156 Proverbs 2:6-8 – We must walk upright to receive Understanding
157 1 Kings 8:36 – CONFESS your sins and receive the inheritance of wisdom
158 Exodus 4:11-12 – Ask God to TEACH YOU what to say
159 Job 34:32 – Confess your sin AND DO NOT DO IT ANYMORE
160 Psalm 139:24 – Ask God to SEARCH YOU for any wickedness
161 Psalm 39:4 – Confess your weakness and dependence on God

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Remind Him that you are a stranger in the earth162 and that you need His guidance.163 Remind Him that He is your solid foundation and your Protector and that BECAUSE He guides your path; “His Name” will be lifted up.

Step 3 Commit to Do the Word
Vow to God, that you will keep His concepts and His ways with your whole heart until the day you

die;164 commit to Him to be His servant, then pray that you will be able to use your wisdom for His glory every day of your life.165 (This step is hard; a covenant is unbreakable) It is extremely important that you know what a covenant is. Book 5.3 - BLOOD COVENANT

As you pray, bless God;166 if your heart is prudent you will gain the knowledge you seek.167 Pray and observe God’s “moving” and give thank for the results.168 Wisdom comes when we do God’s commandments; doing “God’s Will” brings discernment of the scriptures and that of men.169 As we “Do The Word”,170 our spirits are given over to Jesus Christ so that we might participate in the love of God.171

When we seek truth, we are seeking Jesus;172 the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth and will guide us only in the things which the father has said.173 Wisdom comes as we continue in God’s word, and as we learn truth, we are set free.174

We are to seek wise council; to be good listeners; as we gain understanding, we increase our knowledge and Wisdom.175

Step 4 Apply Wisdom – Plan your work; then work your plan
Although the youth are pushed a head as progressive, wisdom and council is still found in those

who have been around a while. We are encouraged to seek out the advice and writings of Godly men of older generations;176 listen to God’s wisdom and apply His understanding. If we seek knowledge and understanding like it is a hidden treasure, then we will find it.177 It is important that we surround ourselves with many Godly councilors so that our visions will turn out as planned.178

It’s not enough to hear Godly council; we must also be obedient to the instructions179 lest wisdom hide from us. A wise man that knows Gods ways and doesn’t do them is a fool.180 It is the hearing and the doing the things of God that anchors our wisdom; doing builds wisdom on a sound foundation.

When our advisors are all Godly people, filled with goodness and knowledge, we are able to receive criticism as well as give it.

A wise man still listens when someone tells him something he doesn’t want to hear.181

162 Psalm 119:19 – Remind God you know that the earth is not your home
163 Psalm 31:3 – Remind God He is your fortress; your guide -- Proverbs 3:6 - Acknowledge him and He will make your path straight
164 Psalm 119:33-34 – Vow to God to Keep His Way UNTIL YOU DIE
165 Psalm 90:12 – Pray to use your wisdom for His glory until you die
166 Psalm 119:12 – As you pray; BLESS GOD
167 Proverbs 18:15 – Ask God for a prudent intelligent Heart
168 Colossians 4:2 – Pray, Observe, and Give Thanks to God
169 John 8:12 – Wisdom follows the Words of God and gains light of Life
170 Psalm 111:10 – Ask God to help you to DO THE WORD, to gain wisdom -- John 7:17 – Doing “God’s Will” brings discernment.
171 John 17:6, 26 – We have been given to Jesus to receive His Love
172 John 18:37 – When we seek truth; we are seeking Jesus for He is Truth
173 John 16:13-14 – The Holy Spirit will guide us into ALL TRUTH
174 John 8:31 – Wisdom comes by abiding in God’s Word
175 Proverbs 1:5 – Good listeners increase learning; obtain guidance
176 Job 12:12 – Seek the older generation for Wisdom -- Job 8:8 – Consider what the “Fathers of Old” have searched out
177 Proverbs 2:3-5 – Seek Wisdom like it’s a hidden treasure
178 Proverbs 24:6-7 – In the multitude of counselors there is Wisdom -- Proverbs 15:21-22 – Without Counsel; purposes are disappointed 179 Proverbs 19:20 – LISTEN ACCEPT and APPLY wise instructions and gain Wisdom -- Matthew 7:24-27 – A wise man knows God’s ways and does them
180 Proverbs 2:2 – Listen to Wisdom and then DO IT
181 Proverbs 17:10 – A man with Wisdom will receive a rebuke -- Romans 15:14 – Wisdom allows INSTRUCTION & CORRECTION

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Every plan should be established by counsel; wisdom is planning in advance of your time efforts and resources.182 It is the putting into effect of the planning that wins the goal.

PLAN YOUR WORK... THEN WORK YOUR PLAN.183

Step 5 Pray for like-minded friends
Ask God to send people into your path who are full of light and truth that they might bring you

closer to His Holiness.184 Ask Him to open a door unto you for the ability to speak as you should, concerning the mysteries of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.185

Pray that God will show you His ways, that He will lead you in His path and teach you truth and the ability to WAIT on His perfect timing;186 ask Him to make your decisions simple and clear,187 ask Him for understanding of His basic concepts188 so that you can share His mysteries with confidence.

Ask God to cause your heart to be knitted with the reverence of His name.189

Step 6 Pray for Wisdom for others
We should be concerned for others, in the body who we know about, but have never met; that they

also will have a heart that is knitted to the body in love, so that they also might know the full assurance of the wisdom and knowledge of God.190

Pray for others to receive Gods wisdom and revelations;191 to know the hope of His calling and the glory of their inheritance. Pray continually for the body of Christ that they will be filled with the knowledge of His will and that they will be fruitful in every good work.192

Step 7 Study the Instructions - Guidelines
Purchase wisdom, instructions, understanding and truth, and do not seek it through the compromise

of making a buck. As we come to love wisdom; it will protect us; as we obey wisdom, we will be preserved.193 If you feel you’re not smart enough to be a wise man of God, then you are wrong; the mysteries of God are spiritually discerned to His children194 because they have His spirit within them.195

God does not set a plan before us without giving us instructions and guidelines.196 You cannot have wisdom if your heart is divided; you cannot feel one thing in your spirit and do another. You must be singleness of heart,197 lest there be a great void of understanding in your spirit.198

Whatever you seek on earth is all in vain, whether it be fun, money, houses, and servants or to do what no man has ever done before, it is all in vain.199 We are instructed to continually read God’s Word

and to put it in our spirit;200 so that we will be able to keep sound wisdom and discretion.
Do not deceive yourself with the wisdom that you possess; there is still more to learn.201

who are wise in their own eyes completely miss the calling of God.202

182 Proverbs 20:18 – Every plan should be established by wise counsel
183 Matthew 25:1-13 - PLAN YOUR WORK, THEN WORK YOUR PLAN
184 Psalm 43:3 – Ask God to send into your path that are people full of light & truth
185 Colossians 4:3-4 – Ask God for a door to open for you to share the mysteries of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
186 Psalm 25:4-5 – Ask God to teach you to be patient
187 Psalm 27:11 – Ask God to make your decisions plain and simple
188 Psalm 119:27 - Ask God help you understand His basic concepts
189 Psalm 86:11 – Ask God to knit your heart with reverence of Him
190 Colossians 2:1-3 – Have concern for those not yet knitted to Christ
191 Ephesians 1:16-19 – Pray for others to receive God’s Wisdom
192 Colossians 1:9 – Pray continually for the body of Christ to be filled with Wisdom
193 Proverbs 4:4-6 – Love and obey Wisdom, have Insight and LIVE
194 Proverbs 23:19 – Listen to what you have put in your Spirit -- Isaiah 30:21 - Our Spirit will tell us which way to go 195 1 Corinthians 2:1-16 – Mysteries of God are Spiritually received
196 Proverbs 23:12 – From the heart, apply knowledge & instruction
197 Matthew 6:22 – Be singleness of mind and heart
198 Luke 11:34-36 – A divided heart leads to darkness
199 Ecclesiastes 2:1-26 – Apart from the Wisdom of God; all is vain
200 Proverbs 3:21 – Continually put God’s word in your heart & mind
201 1 Corinthians 3:18 – There is always still more to learn
202 1 Corinthians 1:17-26 – Many Wise completely miss God’s calling

People

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Don’tseekwisdomforwisdomssakelestthecrossofChristwillbemadeofnoneeffect. Ouractions and re-actions should not be based on what we see, feel or hear.203 Our spirit will hear the Holy Spirit telling us what to do and which way to go. As you receive wisdom from God, do not glory in it,204 instead glory that you understand Gods love, judgment and righteousness; this is what delights God.

Step 8 Study the Wisdom Lessons
Wisdom and understanding are not a secret for a few select people; it’s shouted from high places

for those who would hear.205 If man almost vanished from the face of the earth wisdom would still remain. If there was just only one person in existence, he could still reason; through taste, seeing, feeling, smelling and hearing; wisdom is bountiful.206 Even if our spirit has been operating in error,207 we can still come to understand Wisdom; God’s world is full of His knowledge and wisdom.208

Lessons can still be learned from God’s creations; the fowls of the air, the beast of the field, and the fish of the sea; even the earth itself would reveal it.209 No man has seen or heard by natural means the things that God has prepared for us. This knowledge is revealed only through the Holy Spirit.210 God wants us to seek His laws that came forth from His Holy Mountain, He wants to teach us His ways; to walk in His paths. 211

The Words of God which were spoken though His Son Christ Jesus were given to us for Wisdom.212 Want Wisdom; then study what Jesus taught.

Step 9 Take Advice from the Scriptures
The words of the wise man are heard in the quiet213 more than the cry of him that rules among

fools. Wisdom is far better than weapons of war, and although it’s slow, wearisome and lonely, a wise man will climb the walls of an organization with wisdom to bring down the trusted strongholds,214 so that truth can be lifted up.

Some think it’s a game to stir up mischief for someone else. It literally takes a whipping before these prating fools stop their mouths of destruction;215 you can spot one of these fools, because they always have a conflict going on with someone.216

God says that a man that won’t listen is called a BRUTE.217 God says, he has a lying heart and is despised and seeks that which is right only in his own eyes; he will not listen to wise counsel.218

A WISE man will receive instruction and become wiser.219 It’s funny, but you can correct a Wiseman with a whisper,220 but it takes a 100 watt loudspeaker to get the attention of a fool.221 Get away from foolish men that brag and are confident that they have all the answers. Stay away from men who lack wisdom,222 but instead seek Gods Word which contains ALL understanding.

203 Isaiah 11:3 – Our actions are NOT based on what we see or hear or on our experiences 204 Jeremiah 9:23-24 – Don’t glory in your own wisdom, but the lords
205 Proverbs 8:1-3 - Wisdom is shouted from the High places
206 Job 12:11– Wisdom comes from hearing and tasting the Word

207 Isaiah 29:24 – The wayward man can come to Wisdom
208 Isaiah 11:9 – The earth is full of wisdom and knowledge
209 Job 12:7-10 – Wisdom can be learned from all of creations
210 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 - The Holy Spirit reveals the Wisdom of God
211 Isaiah 2:3 - Wisdom comes from learning His ways, His path
212 John 17:2-8 - The Words of Christ were given to us for Wisdom
213 Ecclesiastes 9:13-18 – Wise men’s words are heard in the quiet
214 Proverbs 21:22 – A Wise man scales the corporate walls with truth
215 Proverbs 10:8-21 – It takes a beating to hush a babbling Fool
216 Proverbs 11:12 – Fools always have a conflict going on
217 Proverbs 30:2 – A Brute lacks understanding
218 Proverbs 12:1-15 – A self-righteous fool is ensnared by his own words
219 Proverbs 9:9 – A wise man will receive instruction and be wiser -- Proverbs 9:8 – Correct a wise man and he will love you 220 Proverbs 17:10 – A wise man receives correction with just a whisper
221 Proverbs 15:7 - The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools
222 Proverbs 14:6-33 – Get away from bragging foolish men

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Wisdom has built a strong house and has set things in order, wise men forsake foolish people and enter into the house to dine on the bread of knowledge... Let me say this another way; Get away from ungodly men with their witty inventions and seek council from righteous men who have a proven track record.223 You can tell a wise man by the fruit of his lips,

he disperses knowledge; likewise a fool disperses foolishness.

Step 10 Redeem your Time – Bare Fruit
When you were young in the Lord and had little knowledge of spiritual things, little was required of

you, but when you have grown and more has been revealed; more is required.224 As you abound in wisdom and you increase in faith and receive special words of knowledge, see to it that you grow in compassion also.225 As you labor at your daily chores find ways to redeem your time so that you can seek the will of God in your life; think about that; “REDEEMING TIME”.226

Wisdom and understanding should be wrapped around your life and become the center of it like your family does.227 Wise men’s words should be nails on which to hang God’s mysteries.228 We should praise God and give Him thanks for our Wisdom229 and teach our children the words of God so that they will also grow in wisdom230 and receive salvation through their faith in Jesus Christ.231 Show them that wisdom shines before them like a light keeping them from stumbling232 and provides health to their bodies; giving them a full life.

If we abound in the operation of wisdom of Jesus Christ, we will have a harvest of results. Are you operating in wisdom?233

Look at the results of your decisions;234 is your tree barren or does it bear fruit year after year?235

Step 11 Receive Special Anointing
As you dig and seek for Gods wisdom; because you abide in Christ, you will receive an anointing

that will give you an understanding of all circumstances; an understanding that no man can teach you. This is not a “Cop Out” Scripture to get out of seeking counsel of Godly men, but is simply to acknowledge the anointing that we hear about, but so rarely witness.236 Listen to Godly council, retain it in your heart; apply it to God’s Word; seek truth and then speak truth.237

Listen – Retain - Trust - Speak – Apply238

Step 12 Enjoy the Results and Rewards
God will show the invisible things that He created in the very beginning to those who are seeking

His wisdom; they will be clear and understood,239 even His eternal power and God head.240 When you are seeking God’s wisdom and you need knowledge in worldly matters,241 God will reveal even this unto you.

223 Proverbs 28:5-7 – Men of wisdom understands Laws of Justice
224 1 Corinthians 13:11 – As more insight is received; more is required of you 225 2 Corinthians 8:7 – Excel in Faith, Love, Grace and Compassion
226 Ephesians 5:15-17 – THE WISE WILL REDEEM THEIR TIME
227 Proverbs 7:2-4 – Wrap Wisdom around you like your family
228 Ecclesiastes 12:11 – Wise men’s words are nails holding mystery
229 Daniel 2:23 – Give praise and thanks to God for Wisdom
230 2 Peter 1:8 – Wisdom keeps you abounding in fruitfulness
231 2 Timothy 3:15 – Teach your children Wisdom; receive Salvation
232 Proverbs 4:10-12 - Wisdom add years to your life; not stumble
233 Proverbs 4:7 - Whatever you get, get insight and get wisdom
234 Luke 7:35 – Look at the fruit of your decisions
235 Matthew 11:19 - Wisdom is made clear by its works; Do the Word
236 1 John 2:20 – You have been anointed with knowledge and Wisdom
237 1 John 2:27 – Abide in the anointing and be instructed in truth
238 Proverbs 22:17-21 – Listen – Retain - Speak – Trust - Apply
239 Romans 1:19-20 – Clearly perceive HIS DIVINE ATTRIBUTES
240 Job 12:22 – Discover the DEEP THINGS of God
241 Philippians 3:15 – You will be REVEALED worldly matters

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The wisdom of God removes you from the bondage of the weak and beggarly elements of this world,242 allowing you to discover the deep things while others only see darkness.

•   Wisdom brings happiness and is far better than gold or silver243 and more precious than rubies or anything else you could possibly desire.244

•   Wisdom will make your face to shine with boldness, feeling no evil thing245 and operating in God’s perfect timing.246

•   Wisdom will lengthen your life247 and bring you honor and riches.248 You will walk in safety and not stumble;249 when you lay down to sleep you will not be afraid, but will have a sweet sleep. 250

•   Wisdom put first in your life will bring you promotions, honor, grace and a crown of glory.251

•   Wisdom will come upon you like rain with understanding and knowledge of both the former things as well as the things which are to come.252

  The more we know about God, the more we have peace and grace and understand things that pertains to life and Godliness.253 The more we can overcome our own desires for self-satisfaction,254 the more we partake of the Divine nature of Jesus. The more we seek the wisdom of Christ, the more power, ability and understanding will be added to us.255

  Wisdom - The Take Away

As I reflect back over my search for wisdom, I find that all wisdom is vain except that of the Spirit. I find that WISDOM IS JESUS CHRIST, who was, is and will be. I discovered that He only spoke the Words God told Him to speak and He only did the things that God told Him to do.

So my wisdom grows by finding out all I can about Jesus and imitating Him.

I find that God is almighty; is my father, my provider, my defender, my shelter, my teacher and that my fear or reverence of Him is the only the beginning of the Wisdom that I seek. I also find that a commitment is required on my part in order to operate in the fullness of Gods wisdom and with this increase in wisdom comes the burden to perform;

To DO the will of God; to whom much is given, much is expected.

Wisdom is a piece of cake, just ask God for it and He will give it to you. The question is, can you digest it; can you covenant with God? Many are called to Wisdom, but there are few who are willing to “make the covenant”.256 See Book 5.3 Blood Covenant

God; I pray for the new generation of wise men who are made in your image and have the mind of Christ and imitate His life. I pray that I will study to show myself approved257 that I may be chosen for this new generation to unpack and share the Word of God to others.

WISDOM IS THE DEEP KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST

242 Galatians 4:8-9 – You will be REMOVED from the worldly BONDAGE
243 Proverbs 8:19 – Become FRUITFUL and it will be better than silver and gold
244 Proverbs 8:10-11 – INSTRUCTION Knowledge and Wisdom; wealth cannot compare 245 Proverbs 3:17 – Live in PLEASANTNESS and walk in PEACE
246 Ecclesiastes 8:1-5 – KNOWLEDGE of the WHEN and HOW
247 Proverbs 9:11 – You will be given a LONGER LIFE
248 Proverbs 3:16 – Receive RICHES and HONOR
249 Proverbs 3:23 – You will WALK SECURELY and NOT STUMBLE
250 Proverbs 3:24 – You will NOT BE AFRAID; you will HAVE A SWEET SLEEP
251 Proverbs 4:8-9 – You will receive HONOR and a CROWN OF GLORY
252 Hosea 6:3 – UNDERSTANDING of the PAST and the FUTURE
253 Proverbs 3:13-15 – Obtain HAPPINESS you can’t compare
254 2 Peter 1:2-5 – OVERCOME desires for SELF-SATISFACTION
255 Proverbs 3:18 – Wisdom becomes A TREE OF LIFE to you
256 Matthew 22:14 – Many are called, but few are chosen
257 2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to show yourself approved unto God

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Chapter 13.5

First Word
Have you ever read in scripture the “BEGATS”; whose kid was whose? This reading is an absolute

desert; I mean it’s dry and boring. Was this chapter placed in the Bible just so we could know the family tree of Noah, or was it there for a different reason? Is there a “Da Vinci Code” buried deep within?

STAY TUNED.

Bible Names

All through the Bible, children were given names that had a special meaning to the parent; I will list the duel for children between Leah and Rachel to give a little flavor to this study.

Twelve Tribes of Jacob. - Twelve is the number for Diving Power, Rule and Authority

1. 1)  Reuben – The Lord has seen my misery. (Leah)258

2. 2)  Simeon – The Lord heard that I am not loved (Leah)259

3. 3)  Levi – My Husband will be joined to me (Leah)260

4. 4)  Judah – I will praise the Lord (Leah)261

5. 5)  Dan – God has vindicated me( Rachel’s servant Bilhah)262

6. 6)  Naphtali – I have struggled with my sister and won. ( Rachel’s servant Bilhah)263

7. 7)  Gad – What good fortune (Leah's servant Zilpah)264

8. 8)  Asher – How happy I am (Leah's servant Zilpah)265

9. 9)  Issachar – God has rewarded me (Leah)266

10. 10)  Zebulun – My husband will treat me with honor (Leah)267

11. 11)  Joseph – God has taken away my disgrace (Rachel)268

12. 12)  Benjamin – (Ben-Oni) Son of my pain and misfortune (Rachel)269

As Paula Dean would say on her cooking show; “let that simmer on the back burner a while.”

Moses – The linage
The stage has been set for our tour through DRY places in the desert of the fifth Chapter of

Genesis; a trip through the TEN ‘BEGATS” of the linage of Moses all the way back to Adam. This game is called “Who’s your Daddy,” and with a little luck you will see the Da Vinci CODE.

The Ten definitions sited come from four Bible Dictionaries; Eason’s, Hitchcock’s, Nelson’s and Tenny. By the way; TEN is the number for Government; The Law

258 Genesis 29:32 – Reuben - The Lord has seen my misery
259 Genesis 29:33 – Simeon – The Lord heard that I am not loved
260 Genesis 29:34 – Levi – My Husband will be joined to me
261 Genesis 29:35 – Judah – I will praise the Lord
262 Genesis 30:6 – Dan – God has vindicated me
263 Genesis 30:7-8 – Naphtali - I struggled with my sister and won.
264 Genesis 30:10-11 – Gad – What good fortune
265 Genesis 30:12-13 – Asher – How happy I am
266 Genesis 30:17-18 – Issachar – God has rewarded me
267 Genesis 30:20 – Zebulun – My husband will treat me with honor
268 Genesis 30:22-24 – Joseph – God has taken away my disgrace
269 Genesis 35:17-18 – Benjamin – Ben-Oni; Son of my pain & misfortune

What’s in a Name?

Da Vinci Code - The Twelve Tribes – Adam to Moses - Who’s your daddy?

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1. 1)  Adam – Man ( God called him Man)270

2. 2)  Seth – Appointed ( to compensate - to replace Able who was killed by Cain)271

3. 3)  Enos – Mortal (Mankind) Enosh272

4. 4)  Cainan – Sorrow (possessed; possession) Kenan273

5. 5)  Mahalaleel – God shines forth – (Blessed God - Praising God)274

6. 6)  Jared – Shall come down (Coming Down - Servant)275

7. 7)  Enoch – Teaching; translated (dedicated - disciplined – committed - consecrated)276

8. 8)  Methuselah – His death shall bring (he has sent his death - man of the javelin)277

9. 9)  Lamech – Despairing - Lament278

10. 10)  Noah – Comfort – Rest – Relief279

The Da Vinci Code

Did you see the code? It’s been simmering in the pot on the back burner. Look back and see; here it is starting with the meaning of Adam’s name and adding it to the next name all the way down to Noah.

1Man 2appointed 3mortal; 4Sorrow - 5God shines forth; 6shall come down 7teaching - 8His death shall bring 9despairing, lament, 10comfort, rest and relief.

Is that fun or what.

God does not write down stuff for no reason.280 If you are into numbers, the Bible is full of it. If you love astrology, God has it. If you are a nature lover, it’s there. Do you like solving puzzles and finding secret codes, the Bible is loaded with it. If you are just “Plain Vanilla”, it’s there too.

The Bible was written in the past for our learning today. It’s His glory to conceal His treasures from Kings and it’s their glory to search it out.281 We are more than kings; we are kings and priest282 and should search the scriptures daily to discover the glory of TRUTH.283 God is so good.

Just a little more

Each person in the Bible has their own story of how and why they were named, probably you do too. Many names are revealed in the Apocrypha; books that were not included in the Bible.

•   Abraham’s name was Father of many nations.284 Sarah’s name was Mother of nations.285

•   Isaac’s name was laughter.286 Jacob’s name was supplanted or grabber.

•   Nabal’s name means fool.287 Abigail means my father rejoices... Nabal’s wife

•   Lucifer before his fall was known as; the Son of the Morning – Morning Star – Day star – Son

  of the Dawn - Luminous – Light bringer – Shining One. 288

•   Devil; Diabolic, Slanderer. Satan means Adversary – Accuser – The Serpent

•   Paul; my name means Good Looking, Tall, Dark and Handsome, Strong, Courageous, Nimble,

  Smart, Sensitive, Caring, Compassionate, Cleaver, Funny, Imaginative and a Prevaricator.

  270 Genesis 5:1-2 – Adam - Man He created them male and female and blessed them, and, he called them "man."
  271 Genesis 5:3 – Seth; When Adam had lived 130 years, he had a son in his own likeness, in his own image; and he named him Seth 272 Genesis 5:6 – Enosh; When Seth had lived 105 years, he became the father of Enosh
  273 Genesis 5:9 – Kenan; When Enosh had lived 90 years, he became the father of Kenan.
  274 Genesis 5:12 – Mahalalel; When Kenan had lived 70 years, he became the father of Mahalalel
  275 Genesis 5:15 – Jared; When Mahalalel had lived 65 years, he became the father of Jared
  276 Genesis 5:18 – Enoch; When Jared had lived 162 years, he became the father of Enoch
  277 Genesis 5:21 – Methuselah; When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah
  278 Genesis 5:25 – Lamech; When Methuselah had lived 187 years, he became the father of Lamech
  279 Genesis 5:28-29 – Noah; When Lamech had lived 182 years, he had a son. He named him Noah
  280 Romans 15:4 – Everything is written to teach and encourage us
  281 Proverbs 25:2 – It is our glory to search out the scriptures
  282 Revelation 5:10 – We are kings and priests
  283 Acts 17:11 – We are to search the mysteries of the scriptures daily
  284 Genesis 17:5 – Abraham – Father of many nations
  285 Genesis 17:15-16 – Sarah – The mother of nations
  286 Genesis 21:5-6 – Isaac’s name is laughter
  287 1 Samuel 25:25 – Nabal’s name is fool
  288 Isaiah 14:12 – Lucifer – Son of the Morning

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Chapter 13.6

Power toward God – Power toward Man – Power toward Satan – The Accuser The Ransom – The Advocate – The Most Holy Place - High Priest type of Christ

First Word
Do you remember singing in church; “Would you be free from your burden of sin? There’s

power in the blood, power in the blood. Would you over evil a victory win? There is power, power, wonder-working power in the precious blood of the Lamb.

Power in the Blood

It was the last night of the revival as I walked down to the Alter in front of the whole church to give my life to Jesus. I was ten years of age and the Deacons talked with me at length and I emotionally confessed that I did not understand HOW the Power in the Blood all worked to save me from going to Hell, but I knew God said His blood satisfied my sins and I wanted to follow Jesus and that night I was accepted into the fellowship to GROW in my faith.

This study is to help GROW your Faith in understanding the Power of the Blood of Christ. To do so we start in the OT where God gives Moses instructions about an acceptable sacrificial offering to God that would provide temporary FORGIVENESS OF SIN by the shedding of an animal’s blood.

The Book says EVERYONE HAS SINNED and ALL have fallen short of God’s glorious standard.289 God sent his only Son to pay the ransom for man and it was God that determined that His blood satisfied the atonement for sin and we cannot add to that nor take away; this concept of the satisfaction of BLOOD for the forgiveness of SIN runs throughout the Book.

In the OT the blood sacrifice of animals for sin offerings was only temporary, but in the NT the FINAL sacrifice of Jesus Christ’s blood made it permanent.290 His spilled blood was trifold;

The Blood toward God. – The Blood toward Man. – The Blood toward Satan.

Leviticus 1:3-4 – Accepts animal’s death in your place to purify you

3 If THE ANIMAL you present as a burnt offering is from the herd, it

must be a male with no defects. Lay your hand on the animal’s head, and

4 THE LORD WILL ACCEPT ITS DEATH IN YOUR PLACE

to purify you, making you right with him. (NLT)

His Blood toward God
My Belief System sees the blood of Jesus Christ poured out for us, but primarily it was actually

poured out for God. God cannot look on sin, He sees the blood where there was once sin. Whenever you find the blood mentioned it’s about ATONEMENT, the payment for Sin. The Jews had a Day of Atonement291 that was set aside once a year when purification offerings were made to the Lord for Sin.

The High Priest was symbolically a type of Christ who sprinkled the blood in the Holy place292 before the eyes of God, but away from the eyes of man.

The Wonder Working Power in the blood is toward GOD

289 Romans 3:23 – All have sinned and fall short of God’s standard
290 John 3:16 – Everyone who believes on Jesus Christ will have eternal life
291 Leviticus 23:28 – Day of Atonement; do no work
292 Leviticus 4:5-7 – Pour out the blood on the base of the alter -- Leviticus 1:5 – Splatter the Blood on the sides of the alter

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It was not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to permanently take away sins,293 so every year they sacrificed again and again for their Sins, that’s why Christ came into the world.

When the death angel passed through Egypt, the Hebrews had placed blood on the lintels and their door posts and then they went inside. They could no longer see the blood, but God could; when He saw the blood, they were passed over with His JUDGMENT.294

The Wonder Working Power in the blood is toward GOD
Christ has now become our High Priest, but not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands. He entered the Most Holy Place once and for all time and secured our redemption

FOREVER.295 The Wonder Working Power in the blood is toward GOD

His Blood toward Man
God paid a RANSOM296 to save us from the empty life we inherited from our ancestors and THE

RANSOM He paid was not mere gold or silver, but was the sinless, spotless Lamb of God, the PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST.297

God presented Jesus as the FINAL SACRIFICE for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, SHEDDING HIS BLOOD.298 We were made right on the basis of the finished work of Jesus Christ and through His merit alone and not by our personal attainment, nor anything we have done or promise to do; our redemption is totally satisfied by the Blood of Jesus Christ.299

The Power in the blood is toward MAN.
Like the temple alter, our guilty consciences has been SPRINKLED WITH CHRIST’S BLOOD and

made clean.300 Our sense of guilt and our consciousness of Sin is no more, we are cleansed and truly FREE. We have been brought near and united with Christ because of His sacrificial Blood on the cross.301 It never loses its efficacy, its ability to get the job done in perfection; we are kept near every minute of every day. Our basis of approach into the presence of God in the Most Holy Place is only on the grounds of His shed blood.302

The Wonder Working Power in the blood is toward MAN.
The Book says the human HEART is the most DECEITFUL of all things, and desperately WICKED.303 Our part is just to confess “Father, I HAVE SINNED against both heaven and you;304 and God has

promised to give us a new heart and to put a new spirit within us.305

His Blood toward Satan
With the fall of man into sin, God separated Himself from man and man became the object of His

wrath, 306but the payment of the sin debt with the Blood of Jesus removed the barrier and restored man

293 Leviticus 4:35 – The Blood of animals will temporarily purify the people and their sins forgiven - Hebrews 10:2-5 – Blood of Bulls and Goats cannot take away sin.
294 Exodus 12:12-13 - When I see the blood, I will pass over you
295 Hebrews 9:11-12 – The blood of Jesus Christ secured our redemption forever

296 1 Peter 1:18-19 – God paid the Ransom with the Blood of His son Jesus Christ
297 Romans 3:9 – Jews as well as Gentles are ALL under the power of SIN -- Romans 3:24-26 - Sinners are made right in the sight of God when they believe
298 Romans 5:19 – Because of Jesus’ obedience MANY WILL BE MADE RIGHTEOUS
299 Romans 5:8-9 – The Blood of Christ made us right with God
300 Hebrews 10:22 – Our guilty consciences is SPRINKLED WITH CHRIST’S BLOOD to make us clean
301 Ephesians 2:13 – We are brought near to God by the blood of Christ
302 Hebrews 10:19 – We enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST
303 Jeremiah 17:9 – We need a new heart; the human HEART is the MOST DECEITFUL of all things, and DESPERATELY WICKED
304 Luke 15:18 – Repent and Confess; I have sinned against heaven and God
305 Psalm 51:10 – Create in me a new heart. Renew in me a right spirit -- Ezekiel 36:25-26 – God will give us a new heart and put a new spirit within us
306 Romans 3:23 - Everyone has sinned and falls short of God’s glorious standard

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to a right standing with God.307 It not only freed him from sin, but from every TYPE of sin even those that are hidden; we are totally FREE.

The Blood of Jesus Christ satisfied God and now the blood is toward Satan the accuser of our brothers and sisters. The one who accuses us before our God day and night has been thrown down to earth.308 When Satan accuses the Believer of BIG BLACK SINS or 50 shades of gray Sin, God just points to the Blood of His Son Jesus the Christ that’s covering the Believer.309

The Wonder Working Power in the Blood is toward SATAN.

Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one; for God Himself has given us right standing with Himself; if God is for us, who can ever be against us?

The Wonder Working Power in the Blood is toward SATAN.

Who then will condemn us? No one;310 for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and as our HIGH PRIEST, He entered the MOST HOLY PLACE once and for all time and SECURED OUR REDEMPTION FOREVER311 and is now sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, PLEADING our case for us. God is satisfied with the blood of Christ.

The Wonder Working Power in the Blood is toward SATAN.

The Take Away

Our very first initial approach to God was on the basis of the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ and each time we approach the throne room it will be on the very same basis until the Lord returns; our entrance is based only on the finished work of the Blood of Christ. While we do not understand everything about the Power in the blood, we do know it has satisfied God and that is all that matters; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.312 THERE IS WONDER WORKING POWER IN THE BLOOD. Jesus Christ our High Priest, our advocate has been sitting at the right hand of God the father for 2,000 years pleading our case. Every time we sin, His mercy and grace becomes greater; the blood was payment enough for our sins, it is sufficient to satisfy God, past, present and future. Our “conscious” can no longer condemn us, it’s also covered by the blood. We do not answer the accuser, God does; even Michael the Arc Angel said God will rebuke Satan.313 . It’s in the Book
	The Blood of Jesus Christ satisfied God; it is finished

Revelation 21:6 – I am the beginning and the end

6 And he also said,

“IT IS FINISHED!
I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End.

TO ALL WHO ARE THIRSTY I WILL GIVE FREELY FROM THE SPRINGS OF THE WATER OF LIFE.

(NLT)

John 19:30 – The Plan of Salvation is finished

30 When Jesus had tasted it, he said,
“IT IS FINISHED!”

Then he bowed his head and released his spirit. (NL)

307 Titus 2:14 – Christ’s blood freed us from every kind of sin
308 Revelation 12:9-11 – This GREAT DRAGON, The ANCIENT SERPENT called THE DEVIL, or SATAN has been defeated by the blood of the Lamb
309 Romans 4:8 – Blessed are those who sins have been forgiven and will never count against them
310 Romans 8:31-34 - If God is for us, then who can ever be against us
311 Hebrews 9:12 – With his own blood He entered the MOST HOLY PLACE and SECURED OUR REDEMPTION FOREVER
312 Romans 4:8 - Blessed is the man who is forgiven of sin
313 Jude 1:9 – We don’t answer the accuser; God deals with Satan

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IT’S IN THE BOOK

Chapter 13.7

First Word
The Pastor is expected to possess many of the gifts of the Spirit, especially the gift of

Encouragement and Exhortation. Until we are personally filled with the Holy Spirit we are all just Spectators. It is “God’s will” that we be equipped with the tools or gifts that glorify His Son. Today we have the responsibility to use our gifts alongside our Pastor.

Exhortation

It is one of the Gifts of the Spirit – Rules of Engagement – Motives Moving from Spectator to Participator - Family Christian Counselors

On the “Day of Pentecost” God poured out His Spirit and the Believers received the gifts of the Spirit; these gifts were given for the common good and ministering to the entire church.314 Each Believer had at least one gift; but ALL the gifts were present in the Church body.

The Gifts of the Spirit: EXHORTATING and Encouraging, Leading and Mercy, Giving and Serving, Special Faith, Discerning of Spirits, Miraculous Powers, Gift of Healings, Teaching, Prophesying, Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Speaking in Tongues and Interpreting Tongues.315 Some students of the Word separate some of the gifts; calling them offices of service which in my Belief System is just fine; it does not change the fact that they were all distributed by the Holy Spirit as He chose.

Spiritual Tools

The body of believers is complex and interdependent and not all have the same role in the body. The Holy Spirit gives special abilities or gifts as He “wills” for each situation. The Spirit knows best which gift should be utilized and when. Gifts are given “partially” for each situation and for a specific period of time. (EXAMPLE; you may receive SOME Wisdom; but not ALL Wisdom)

With the tools of the Holy Spirit, we are able to do the same works that Jesus did; and even greater (more) works because Jesus is interceding for us at the right hand of the Father. The Ministry of Christ was only for about three years; we most likely have many more years that that to do even “More Works”.

Romans 12:6-8 – Use the gift of Encouragement or Exhortation

6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, LET US USE THEM: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith;
7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching;
8 the one who EXHORTS, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. (ESV)

Piece of your mind

Speech Police: There are folks that are compelled to QUICKLY correct everything that is spoken and give their advice on every situation; redirecting thoughts and actions. They have a need to be the Judge, Jury, and Executioner. When exhorting, someone who does not have the gift of exhortation, may come off as a very critical and harsh person. The Holy Spirit has given the believer a new heart with a new spirit316 that is Gentle and Tender.317

314 Acts 2:1-4 – The Gifts of the Spirit were given on the day of Pentecost when they were ALL filled with the Holy Spirit 315 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 – First 9 Gifts of the Spirit
316 Ezekiel 36:26 – God gives us a new spirit within our hearts
317 1 Thessalonians 2:4 – We have been entrusted to speak in order to please God

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Someone who has been entrusted with the Gospel and the GIFT of exhortation should utilize it boldly; but they should speak like a Father would to his child,318 bringing comfort, encouragement, and imploring them to be worthy to be called a child of God, walking in “The way of the Lord”.

 Exhortation is not to please someone else, but rather to please God who knows what’s in man’s heart.

•   Exhortation should not be burdensome, but gentle, nurturing,319 justly, Holy and blameless,320 giving thanks to God anytime the COURSE CORRECTION message has been received. 321

•   Exhortation does not come from error, impurity or the intent to deceive;322 it is not used with

  flattering words of speech or a greedy motive323 where there is a DESIRE FOR PROFIT324, nor is

  it given to seek glory325 from others, but is just simply to share what’s in your heart326 based

  on the Holy Scriptures and the prompting and timing of the Holy Spirit. (Holms Christian Standard Bible)

  When a situation arises; pray about your part, if any, and how your actions will glorify God. Family Councilors

I had made friends with two men that protested and picketed the Christian Concerts because they charged money for attendance. The men felt like the Word of God should be free to all; saying, if a Christian ministry was of God, then the finances would be there.

There are Christian Family Counselors whose occupation is helping people with family situations and they get PAID for it,327 but as a BONUS they have the Gift of Exhortation which you get for FREE. I like the scripture that says, don’t muzzle the Ox while it is treading the grain. He should be able to

eat some as he works.

Exhortation is a gift from the Holy Spirit;
and depending on the situation,
you will be perceived as the Police or a Friend. You personally will either be embraced or rejected, you will be loved or hated. This Gift is a hard road that must be walked down gently and tenderly.

318 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 – Walk Worthy of God: Exhort like a father
319 1 Thessalonians 2:7 – Do not be a burden, but be gentle and nurturing
320 1 Thessalonians 2:10 – Share justly, Holy and Blameless
321 1 Thessalonians 2:13 – Give thanks to God for those who will receive the exhortation 322 1 Thessalonians 2:3 – Do not exhort with impurity or error, in order to deceive
323 1 Thessalonians 2:5 – Do not exhort with flattering words for greedy motives
324 2 Corinthians 2:17 – Do not exhort with a desire for profit
325 1 Thessalonians 2:6 – Do not exhort to seek glory from others
326 1 Thessalonians 2:8 – Share what’s in your Heart as well as the Gospel
327 Deuteronomy 25:4 – The Workers should be paid

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IT’S IN THE BOOK

Chapter 13.8

GOOD WORKS does not make you a Christian; but because you are a Christian you will do good works. Fruit does not fall very far from the tree. The Bible is clear that you will recognize a Christian by his works, his FRUITFULNESS.328

There is a new fruit that is observable in the actions and reactions of the Believer. In due season people will observe in the Believer’s life the Holy Spirit’s fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.329

As a kid, I tried to eat the fruit of a persimmon tree before it was ripe; it was bad fruit. This Word study raises to a HIGH PITCH how God feels about BAD FRUIT. Whatever is stored up in a man is eventually what comes out.330 The Holy Spirit can only show you the door, you must decide to walk through it; not doing what you should gives birth to bad fruit.

The grace of God gives you the ability to say NO to ungodliness and worldly passions.331

Satan
As soon as the desire to do “good works” comes, Satan tries his best to choke it out with

distractions332, keeping it from being watered and receiving the light of the sun; causing it to WITHER,333 thus the desire to “do good” becomes unfruitful.

What More can God do?
God, through the Holy Spirit has given the best and most specific GIFT tailored just for you to

produce fruit that is to be used for the building up of the body of Christ.334 While the gift is just for you; it’s not just to enrich YOU, but to enrich the whole body of Believers in the vineyard of Christ.

He chose the most specific and “choices of gifts” that will grow best in your fertile soil: then He removed the stones in your life that would impede its growth; He then watered it with his Word, then guarded it and watched over the growth awaiting the harvest.335

What more can God do to help you to produce a harvest? Life is choice driven.336
Only the one who DOES the will of the Father will enter the kingdom of Heaven.337

328 Matthew 7: 20 – By their fruit you will recognize them.
329 Galatians 5:22-23 – Fruit of the Christian is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control 330 Matthew 12:35 – Bad Fruit stored up gives birth to more bad fruit.
331 Titus 2:11-12 – Grace gives us the ability to say NO to worldly passions
332 Matthew 13:4-7 – Early on, Satan tries to steal your Works
333 John 15:6 – Unfruitfulness withers the Believer.
334 1 Corenthians 12:11 – The Holy Spirit determines the BEST GIFT for you
335 Isaiah 5:1-4 – What more can God do? He dug, cleared, planted and placed a hedge of protection and a watchtower.
336 John 8:36 – You are free to choose; life is choice driven
337 Matthew 7:21 – Only the one who DOES the will of the Father will enter the kingdom of heaven

Un-fruitfulness

All fruit harvested is not always fit to eat - Unfaithfulness – Bad Fruit Good Works does not make you a Christian – No Fruit; not a Christian Discipline and pruning of the Believer - Relationships

First Word

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It’s All Over
The “Believer” WILL BE FRUITFUL; so when there is no fruit, it’s all over.338 You don’t belong to

God; you cannot be fruitful apart from God.339
God will not be mocked; you will reap what you sow.340 Those that produce sour grapes will die for

their own sins. You will eat the fruit of your ways341 and be filled with the fruit of your schemes. At some point the face of the Lord will turn against you and you will become like a wasteland;342 God will put an AX to your tree and cut it down and use it for firewood in the Lake of Fire.343

Scripture about un-fruitfulness leads right into the subject of un-faithfulness. If you are unfruitful you will also be un-faithful.344 A Believer is like a tree planted by the water that produces fruit in its due season.345 When you bear fruit, it is a sign that you are a disciple of Christ,346 therefore make every effort to add the fruit of brotherly kindness, love, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, and godliness, to your faith.347 Fruitfulness enlarges your Righteousness.348

Pruning

Discipline and pruning comes from the Father because you are a son of God;349 He will prune your works in order that even more works will be harvested.350

Even when you have a bad harvest, the grace of God will give you another season to cultivate what has been planted.351

Let it shine

Your gift is not for private consumption, but is to be placed like a Light House on public display so others may be drawn to its light.352 FRUITFULNESS

When the woman with the issue of blood was healed, Jesus called her to share in public what had happened to her in secret so others could “See the Light”.

We are to live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and

humble; 353

the fruit of righteousness brings PEACE.354

Luke 8:45-47 – Share publicly how God has touched your life

45 "Who touched me?" Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you."
46 But Jesus said,
"Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me." 47 Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet.

IN THE PRESENCE OF ALL THE PEOPLE, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. NIV

338 Matthew 21:19 – If you don’t bear fruit, your gift will be gone forever
339 John 15:4 – Your gift cannot function apart from God -- Luke 13:9 – Give a little more time for fruit; if not cut it down
340 Galatians 6:7-8 – God will not be mocked; you will reap what you sow
341 Proverbs 1:31 – You will eat the fruit of your ways
342 Isaiah 5:5-7 – I will make your life like a wasteland -- 1 Peter 3:12 – The face of the Lord is against evil doers.
343 Matthew 7:19 – Trees that bear bad fruit will be put to the axe and burned -- Matthew 3:10 – Produce bad fruit; you will be cut off and thrown into the lake of fire -- Jeremiah 31:30 – If you are unfruitful and produce sour grapes you will die for your own sin

344 Luke 16:10-12 - Trusted with little can be trusted with much
345 Psalm 1:3 – Fruitfulness will yield its own fruit in due season
346 John 15:8 – When you bare much fruit it shows you are Christ’s disciple 347 2 Peter 1:5-9 - Add knowledge, self-control and perseverance to your Faith 348 2 Corenthians 9:10 – Fruitfulness enlarges your righteousness
349 Hebrews 12:7-8 – Discipline comes from the Father to His sons.
350 John 15:2 – God will prune a gift that is not bearing fruit.
351 Luke 13:6-8 – God will give one more “season” to use your gift.
352 Luke 11:33 – Let others see the fruit of your conviction
353 1 Peter 3:8-11 – Live in harmony, love, compassionate, humble
354 Isaiah 32:17 – The fruit of righteousness brings peace

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Good News

If you have not been fruitful; start now, use your gifts to help others so that God will be glorified. Our LORD; our compassionate and gracious God is slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.355

Seek God while He may be found and He will abundantly pardon.356 Though our sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;357 though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. Because of Jesus Christ, God will remember our sins no more.358

If you are a Believer; then you will have good works; you WILL be fruitful.

Relationships

Life is like a river flowing gently through the land. Many Believers especially myself, sit on the bank and enjoy the river and its sounds from a distance; uninvolved, unfruitful, but watching and enjoying. Others are out in the middle of the river with the waters flowing all around them as they extend a part of themselves to others.

Making a difference; being fruitful; building lifelong relationships.
To use an old Presbyterian term; “This study bites me in the Butt”. I find myself ALWAYS sitting on the bank watching the “fruitful works” of others. I find it easy to pray throughout the day, tithe, support missionaries, give money and spend hours daily doing “Word Studies” for myself; but I just

can’t seem to give of myself; of my time to others.
Mike, my youngest son had relocated and told me he was now spending about 3 hours every Sunday

helping his new church set up and tear down equipment in a temporary rented facility; I asked WHY? He said he had always attended Church every Sunday somewhere, but had developed NO relationships. Five years ago he had been deeply involved in his Church; so considering commitment, he had already been there and done that and had just taken a break. However, he had become disconnected and FRUITLESS; now it was time to get his FAMILY involved again.

Such is the case for ME; “Been there; done that”. I had become so involved with so many responsibilities on Sunday Morning, that I didn’t even get to hear a Sunday School lesson or the Pastor’s sermon; so I just started saying NO; now I find I can’t get myself off the river bank, I just watch. I sure know and speak to a lot of people, but I don’t have any relationships.

This Word study speaks to ME to be fruitful through relationships with others; to get IN the river; to DO things “quickly” in season or out of season; whether it’s convenient or not; to be fruitful

Is that YOU... sitting on the bank... next to ME... Commiserating with Unfruitfulness?

James 1:22 – Don’t just hear the Word; DO IT

22 But BE YE DOERS OF THE WORD, AND NOT HEARERS ONLY, deceiving your own selves.

KJV

2 Timothy 4:2 – Get involved whether it’s convenient or not.

2 Preach the Word; BE PREPARED IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON; correct, rebuke and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction.

NIV

355 Exodus 34:6-7 – God is slow to anger and quick to forgive
356 Isaiah 55:6-7 – Seek God while He may be found; we will receive Mercy and Pardon 357 Isaiah 1:18 – A Believer’s sin becomes white as snow
358 Isaiah 43:25 – He remembers our sins no more

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IT’S IN THE BOOK

Chapter 13.9

Fruitlessness; Sour Grapes

The Vineyard – The Choice Vines – The Wall – The Hedge The Stones – The Tower – The Wild Grapes – Good Grapes What more could God do? - The Judgment - The Six Woes

First Word

Isaiah’s Poem or Love Song is a vailed song about the owner of a vineyard and his efforts to get a good crop of grapes, when only at the harvest to be disappointed with sour grapes. Shortly after the song starts, Isaiah unveils what the symbolism of the vineyard is all about.

Understand this is NOT a parable spoken by Jesus Christ, but by a Prophet who existed long before the son of God came as a man to provide THE WAY for us back to God.

It starts out with the owner’s love which turns to exasperation and finally into wrath.

NOTE: I have used some 22 translations and about that many commentaries to nail down the term “SOUR GRAPES” and the results of FRUITLESSNESS.

Isaiah 5:1 – Selected a vineyard on a very fertile hill.

1 Let me SING for my beloved my LOVE SONG concerning his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill.

(ESV)

The Story Begins – but Veiled
The owner of the vineyard has obtained a prize piece of land on a very fertile well drained hill, in

which to make His vineyard and then without delay He begins to work. He plowed and broke up the stony Palestine soil in the vineyard, cleared and removed all the stones and hauled them out to the outer bounds of His property and heaped them up to form a protective wall and then added and additional hedge for protection.

Then He obtained the most superior “Sorek” grape vines that were noted for their deep RED color and carefully planted them with a trench about each row.

Next He built a tower in the midst of the vineyard establishing the management team that would hoe out the thorns, briars and weeds and watch out for animals that could damage the grapes and marauding thieves who would try to steal the harvest.

Then in expectation of an awesome harvest, He hewed and carved out of the nearby rocks a very large winepress complete with a cistern vat, deep in the earth to keep the harvest of sweet grape juices cool.

Then He waited for the harvest. When grace does not work; corruption will.

(ESV) Isaiah 5:2 – Plowed, cleared, planted, walled with watchtower
2 He dug it and cleared it of stones, and planted it with choice vines; he built a watchtower in the midst of it, and hewed out a wine vat in it; and he looked for it to yield grapes, but it yielded wild grapes.

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(KJV) Isaiah 5:2- He fenced it and made a winepress
2 And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes.

(MSG) Isaiah 5:2 – Hoed the soil, pulled weeds, built winepress & tower 2 He hoed the soil; pulled the weeds, and planted the very best vines. He built a lookout, built a winepress, a vineyard to be proud of. He looked for a vintage yield of grapes, but for all his pains he got junk grapes.

The Harvest

At the harvest there was a reasonable expectation for an excellent harvest, but all the owner found was hard, bad, worthless, sour, bitter, wild, corrupt, rotten, offensive, putrefied, stinking grapes. The Elephant in the room is the question; “WHAT MORE COULD HE HAVE DONE?”

The different translation say;

•   What good thing shall I say that I will do to my people that I have not done for them?

•   What should one do more to my vineyard that I have not done for it?

•   What remains to be done to my vineyard and I had not done it?

•   What is there which I ought to do more?

•   What shall I do yet?

•   What to do more?

  He then asks the men of Judah to judge between Him in His preparations of the vineyard and the results of the Harvest. This request to JUDGE between the two has far reaching implications.

(NKJV)

HOLD THAT THOUGHT.

Isaiah 5:3-4 – What more was there to do?

3 And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah,

JUDGE BETWEEN ME AND MY VINEYARD.

4 What more was there to do for my vineyard that I have not done in it?

When I looked for it to yield grapes, why did it yield wild grapes? (HCSB)

Isaiah 5:4 - What more could I have done?

4 WHAT MORE COULD I HAVE DONE FOR MY VINEYARD THAN I DID? Why,

when I expected a yield of good grapes, did it yield worthless grapes? (MSG)

Isaiah 5:4 – Can you think of anything I could have done more

4 CAN YOU THINK OF ANYTHING I could have done to my vineyard that I didn't do? When I expected good grapes, why did I get bitter grapes?

The Story Unveiled
It is at the judging of the vineyard that Isaiah reveals who “the beloved” is. We now learn that

the owner of the vineyard is none other than God Himself and the vineyard is Israel.
Isaiah removes the veil and lets us see that this is not just a story about a vineyard, but about the

nation of Israel being God’s prize vineyard and Judah being His choice vines.
Judgment begins on Israel; God removes the protective hedge so that the marauding enemy can

come in and devour it. Then he breaks down the walls so it will be trampled by animals. Then He lays it to waste to such that briers and thorns grow up and then God commands the clouds to hold back the rain and this is just the beginning.

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Isaiah 5:7 – The vineyard is Israel and Judah is the vines

7 For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are his pleasant planting; and he looked for justice,

but behold, bloodshed; for righteousness, but behold, an outcry! (ESV)

Isaiah 5:5-6 – I will remove my protection; curses not blessings

5 And now I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard. I will remove its hedge, and it shall be devoured; I will break down its wall, and it shall be trampled down.
6 I will make it a waste; it shall not be pruned or hoed, and briers and thorns shall grow up; I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it.

(ESV)

The Book of WOE’s

In the Book when a WOE is mentioned, its bad news, two is worse and three is devastating. There are six WOE’s in this song and they are all against His prize vineyard Israel. So God’s hurt, disappointment and His wrath is ultra-severe. Had there been Seven WOES it would be the complete and utter destruction of the nation of Israel. - (Seven is completeness)

The Six WOE’s prophesized against Israel

•   1st WOE – Their beautiful homes will become un-inhabited and desolated. 359 Their land

  will produce very little fruit, but enough to stay drunk.360

•   2nd WOE – They will seek strong drink and pleasure and forget the deeds of God and what

  He has done for them. 361 This will lead them into exile362 where they will thirst and hunger.363 Many will rebel against God and will be doomed to Hell.364 In God’s holiness and justice, men will be brought low and humbled and live as nomads among the ruins of the city.365

•   3rd WOE – Sin will be carried about in a cart drawn with ropes of lies and falsehoods.366

•   4th WOE – Men will begin to call evil things good and good things evil, they will put darkness

  for light and light for darkness, and put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.367

•   5th WOE – Deceived; men will become wise and shrewd in their own eyes, in their own

  sight.368

•   6th WOE – Drunk; they will take bribes, acquitting the guilty and depriving the innocent. 369

  Their grass will be devoured with fire and the root will rot.370 Darkness and destress will come over the land.371 Earthquakes will kill many and their dead bodies will be discarded as garbage.372 The enemy nations will be summoned and come against them quickly373 with sharp arrows and fast horses carrying them off into captivity and none can be rescued.

  The Vineyard of Israel and its people rejected the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.

  359 Isaiah 5:8-9 – 1ST WOE – Homes become desolate; un-inhabited 360 Isaiah 5:10 – The grounds will yield very little fruit
  361 Isaiah 5:11-12 – 2ND WOE – Drunk; they will forget about God 362 Isaiah 5:17 – They shall live as nomads among the ruins

  363 Isaiah 5:13 – They will go into exile with Hunger and thirst
  364 Isaiah 5:14 – Many will die in their revelry and go to hell.
  365 Isaiah 5:15-16 – Man will be humbled and brought low
  366 Isaiah 5:18-19 - 3RD WOE – They cart sin around with lies
  367 Isaiah 5:20 - 4TH WOE – Men will call evil good and good evil 368 Isaiah 5:21 – 5TH WOE Men will become wise in their own eyes 369 Isaiah 5:22 - 6TH WOE – Drunk taking bribes deprive innocent 370 Isaiah 5:24 - Fire devour the grass and the roots will rot

  371 Isaiah 5:30 - Darkness and distress will be over the land
  372 Isaiah 5:24-25 – Earthquakes – Dead people dumped out like garbage

  373 Isaiah 5:26-29 – The enemy nations will come against them

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Decoding the Symbols

•   My Beloved - The Owner... God

•   The Vineyard – Symbolic of the Nation of Israel in the midst of Jerusalem.

•   The Choicest Vines – The Seed of Abraham, Joshua and Caleb who truly followed the Lord

  leading the people of Israel. Judah was planted in Jerusalem to be a special nation of Priests to

  the world.

•   The Wall; The Fence – Symbolic of the separation of Israel from the pagan nations to be a

  peculiar people just for Him; fenced with a well formed government and an excellent constitution

  with good and wholesome Laws.

•   The Hedge – The protection of Israel from its enemies.

•   The Stones – The removal of stones of old idolatries that would have hindered Israel’s

  development. The removal of the seven pagan nations that inhabited the land of Canaan known

  for their hardness and stupidity for the worship of STONE idols.

•   The Tower – God built his sanctuary among them. Symbolic of the Temple, a token of God’s

  presence and His management and care over the nation of Israel; His most excellent law and

  proper ordinances... Justice and Goodness.

•   Winepress & Vat – Symbolic of the alter where the sacrifices would be brought. Fruits of

  righteousness; Wine of joy and adoration.

•   Wild Grapes – Contempt for God. Cursing and Swearing, pride and passion, discontent and

  malice, harsh and cruel; putrefied... the state of the Jews

•   Good Grapes – Contempt for the world, praying and praising, humility, and meekness, love and

  patience. Good thoughts of Affections, words and actions that are reflective of the Holy Spirit.

•   Ought do – He did everything that was desired, expected and enjoyed to make the Jews Holy and happy; to secured their welfare, gave them the law. Sent them the prophets and teachers of

  the law.

•   Judge now – Between God and Israel; the ingratitude, the unfruitfulness.

•   The Question – Could God have given a more excellent Redeemer or provided a more full

  atonement for our sins? Could He have given a more excellent, purer and Holy Law or given

  higher hopes of eternal life?

•   The Six WOE’s – The vineyard was left unpruned; overgrown with thorns and weeds. This was

  the departure of the Spirit of God; the removal of the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ.

  The Take Away: Good purposes, thoughts and actions are a great beginning, but they are not enough; God expects good fruit from His vineyard. If there is bad fruit,374 He will display His displeasure and remove His hedge of protection, break down His walls and lay the vineyard to waste.375

  374 Jeremiah 2:21 – You were planted a choice vine; How have you now become a wild vine? 375 Matthew 21:19 – Bearing no fruit, the fig tree was cursed
  376 2 Chronicles 36:15 – God’ compassion persistently sent messengers to them
  377 Jeremiah 11:17 – They provoked God to anger with offerings to Baal

  378 Mark 11:12-14 – Time is coming it will be too late to bear fruit
  379 2 Chronicles 36:16 – But they despised, scoffed and mocked until there was no remedy
  380 Luke 13:6-9 – One more chance for good fruit, if not then cut it down
  381 2 Kings 17:13 - Turn from your evil ways and keep my commandments and my statutes,
  382 2 Corinthians 5:20 - We are Ambassadors for Christ; we implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God

Because God had compassion for Israel, He persistently sent his messengers to WARN them, but they kept mocking the messengers,376 despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, and gave offerings to idols,377 until finally the wrath of the LORD rose against His people, 378and there was no remedy.379 We are the vineyard, God had done all that He can do to provide us THE way back to Him; 380 to provide salvation for those who will just believe.381 We are not members of the “Secret Service”, we are AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST; we are implored to be reconciled to God.382

What more could Christ do for us, that He has not already done.

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IT’S IN THE BOOK

Chapter 13.10

Saved by Works

Three parts of the Covenant - Moses’ Covenant of Works Adam’s Covenant of Works – Jesus’ Covenant of Grace The Fruit of the Spirit – Free Will

Covenant of Works

Adam was in a covenant relationship with God when he was in the Garden of Eden, it was a COVENANT OF WORKS of what he must DO in order to obtain eternal life; live forever and what would happen if he chose by FREE WILL to reject it. This is commonly called the Adamic Covenant or the Covenant of Nature, but described best as a COVENANT OF WORKS.

(There is NO mediator in a covenant of Works.)

There are THREE PARTS to a covenant;

1) A clear stipulation of the relationship of the parties involved
2) The covenant promise of blessings for obedience and punishment for disobedience.
3) The definitions of the legal binding conditions, stipulations and provisions to obtain the

blessing.

There was also usually a SIGN of the Covenant which was an outward guarantee of an inward reality. For NOAH the sign was the Rainbow and for ABRAHAM, the sign was Circumcision.
Adams’s Covenant of Works; 383

1. 1)  The Parties of the Covenant was God and Adam.

2. 2)  The Promise implied was the blessing that mortal Adam would live forever.

3. 3)  The Condition was that he must not eat of the fruit from the tree of knowledge of Good and

   Evil or he would die;384 it was simple, Keep the Law or Break the Law.

The Sign of the Adamic Covenant if there was one, would be the “TREE OF LIFE”.

Moses’ Covenant of Works; 385

1. 1)  The Parties to the Covenant was God and the Nation of Israel.

2. 2)  The Promise of blessings was that His chosen people would have a way back to God, coming

   into His full fellowship and have ETERNAL LIFE.

3. 3)  The Condition was that they must keep EVERY ONE of the 613 Laws that God gave the Nation

   of Israel through Moses, THEN they would receive everlasting life with God in heaven.

The Sign of the Mosiac Covenant became “CIRCUMCISION”

Jesus’s Covenant of Grace; 386

1) The Parties of the Covenant are the Father, Son, the Holy Spirit & the people He would redeem. 2) The Promise; man by the Grace of God will have a way back to God, to come into full

fellowship with Him and have ETERNAL LIFE.
3) The Conditions FOR US was to obey ALL the Laws of the COVENANT OF WORKS and that the

Son would become a man born of a woman and become THE MEDIATOR between God and Man. He must remain sinless, but still pay the sinner’s penalty of death that we all deserve.

383 Hosea 6:7 – Adam was in a covenant with God; you broke my COVENANT and betrayed my trust
384 Genesis 2:15-17 – Adam Covenant of Works; you shall Not eat of the tree of knowledge Good & Evil, if you eat its fruit, YOU DIE 385 Deuteronomy 4:13 - He proclaimed His Covenant—the Ten Commandments—which he wrote on two stone tablets
386 Romans 5:12-21 – Jesus became the Second Adam; He did not disobey an explicit commandment of God, as ADAM did. As people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant -- Genesis 17:7 - Covenant of Grace; generation to generation

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However the people MUST place their FAITH in God’s Son, Jesus the Christ and become OBEDIENT to His decrees and commands.

The Sign of the Grace Covenant is “THE CROSS” and the empty tomb along with the sacraments of Baptism and Communion; all an outward guarantee of an inward reality.

The Fall
When Adam ate of the fruit of the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, he broke his covenant

with God and therefore God removed him from the Garden of Eden387 lest he eat from the tree of life and live forever in the fallen condition of sinful man SEPARATED from God forever.388

Death is best described in its broadest sense as Physical as well as Spiritual along with separation from God for eternity. Adam and Eve were innocent, they were without sin and walked and talked with God in the Garden and although they were MORTAL, they could have lived forever in the presence of God.

Eternal life was based on their Works or Obedience.

Works

In the very beginning, Man could NOT keep the Covenant of Works, and as time moved on, God though Moses made ANOTHER Covenant of Works with Man. Moses wrote that keeping the Laws was the way to make a person right with God, Paul writing to the Romans said Moses Laws of Works was intended to bring Eternal Life,389 but instead it brought DEATH.390

It’s just IMPOSSIBLE for Man to keep all the Laws of Moses, because breaking just one of them makes you guilty of breaking them all. This Covenant of Works is still in effect; if you do not keep ALL the Mosaic Laws you will die and be separated from God forever.

We are save by Works, but not ours; it is the finished Work of Jesus Christ.

Romans 4:1-15 – We are counted righteous because of FAITH

1 Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about BEING MADE RIGHT WITH GOD?
2 If his GOOD DEEDS had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way.
3 For the Scriptures tell us,

“ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND GOD COUNTED HIM AS RIGHTEOUS BECAUSE OF HIS FAITH.”

4 When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. But PEOPLE ARE COUNTED AS RIGHTEOUS, not because of their work, but BECAUSE OF THEIR FAITH IN GOD who forgives sinners.

6 David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it:
7 Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight.

8 Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of sin.” 9 Now, is this blessing only for the Jews, or is it also for uncircumcised Gentiles? Well, we have been saying that

ABRAHAM WAS COUNTED AS RIGHTEOUS BY GOD BECAUSE OF HIS FAITH.

387 Genesis 3:23 – God banished Adam & Eve from the Garden
388 Genesis 3:22 – You would live forever in a fallen condition, if you also took from the Tree of Life
389 Romans 10:5 – Keep ALL the LAWS and you are made right with God -- Leviticus 18:5 – Keep the LAW and have eternal life -- Galatians 3:12 – Obeying the Law brings eternal LIFE
390 Romans 6:23 – The punishment for SIN is DEATH

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10 But how did this happen? Was he counted as righteous only after he was circumcised, or was it before he was circumcised? Clearly, God accepted Abraham before he was circumcised!
11 Circumcision was a SIGN that Abraham already had faith and that God had already accepted him and declared him to be righteous—even before he was circumcised. So Abraham is the spiritual father of those who have faith but have not been circumcised.

They are counted as righteous because of their faith.
12 And Abraham is also the spiritual father of those who have been circumcised, but only if they have the same kind of faith Abraham had before he was circumcised.
13 Clearly, God’s promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was

BASED NOT ON HIS OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S LAW, but ON A RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD that comes by FAITH.

14 If God’s promise is only for those who obey the law, then faith is not necessary and the promise is pointless.

15 For THE LAW ALWAYS BRINGS PUNISHMENT

ON THOSE WHO TRY TO OBEY IT.

(The only way to avoid breaking the law is to have no law to break!) (NLT)

New Covenant of Grace
Neither Adam’s Covenant of Works nor Moses Covenant of Works was able to save mankind

from death and separation from God. THE LAW’S COMMANDS, WHICH WERE SUPPOSED TO BRING LIFE, BROUGHT SPIRITUAL DEATH INSTEAD.391 That’s why God sent His own Son, to be born of a woman, born under the law to fulfill all the provisions of the Law once and for all. Jesus did not sin392 yet was murdered by Satan; crucifying him on a tree that was reserved for sinners. We have been freed from this same Law of Works by virtue of Christ’s work at the cross.393

It was His death, resurrection and ascension to the right hand of God the Father that gave man this new Covenant of Grace. We are saved by His GRACE through our FAITH in the WORK of Jesus Christ on the cross and not based on any of our WORKS. We can do nothing to earn our salvation, it is a FREE Grace Gift from God.

LISTEN; whether you like it or not; if you reject the New Covenant of Grace offered by Jesus Christ, then you remain under the Old Covenant Laws, which cannot save; man just cannot keep the laws. The Jewish nation has rejected Jesus as the Messiah and remain only a nation of Works; ALL remain under the Laws of Moses. The laws of Moses pointed out that man was indeed in need of a Messiah; a Savior.

The Take Away

In the beginning having EVERLASTING LIFE in the presence of God was based on WORKS; what man did or didn’t do, but Adam the ONE and only SINLESS man could not keep the Covenant of Works, nor could just ONE man out of the millions in the Nation of Israel keep ALL the laws of Moses’ Covenant of Works.

The Book says Works COULD save you if you could only just keep the 613 Mosaic laws of God, BUT SINFUL MAN CANNOT. What the Law did, was show that man in his fallen sinful condition could not keep God’s laws and was desperately in need of a Savior; a Messiah to save him.

391 Romans 7:9-11 – The law’s commands, which were supposed to bring life, brought spiritual death instead 392 1 Peter 2:22 – Jesus never sinned nor ever deceived anyone.
393 Romans 5:18-19 – Jesus obeyed the Covenant of Works so that many will be made righteous that believe

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God in His mercy and grace, sent a second Adam; He sent His only Son to be the sinless MEDIATOR between God and Man, to become THE WAY394 for man to be united with God once again like he was with the first Adam before he rebelled and sinned.

God has placed these examples in the Book to show us we CANNOT be saved by WORKS. It requires REGENERATION which is the outward evidence of the hidden, inward work of God.

Did you see it? The knowledge of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit does not equal regeneration; neither Jesus, John nor Paul pointed to miracles or even our Church Activity as evidence of regeneration.395

The only evidence of regeneration or being born again is what is observed over TIME as a person demonstrates “in his own life” his genuine love for God and OBEDIENCE to His commands and the ACTS of love that he freely extends to his fellow man.

The regenerated man will exhibit the Christ like traits of THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT which radiates LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, and SELF- CONTROL.396 Not one or two of these, but ALL of them; these NINE traits are all ONE FRUIT. Satan’s influence or man working in his own strength and abilities cannot duplicate the fruit of the Spirit. This can only come through regeneration; the working of the Holy Spirit within us.397

We cannot keep God’s laws without the Holy Spirit within us.
Being Born Again or Regenerated is totally a Grace Work of God; we can do nothing to earn it

or deserve it; the WORK of Jesus Christ on the Cross did it all through the Holy Spirit.398
We are now predestined to be adopted as Sons of God,399 as we are continuously being conformed to the Image of His son;400 re-molded to fit everything else in His Purpose and Will until the day He

returns; IT’S A LIFE LONG PROCESS.

IT’S IN THE BOOK

394 Acts 24:14 – The sect following Jesus Christ is known as THE WAY
395 Matthew 7:22-23 – Lord! We PROPHESIED in your name and CAST OUT DEMONS in your name and PERFORMED MANY MIRACLES in your name.’ But on judgment day God will reply; get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ I NEVER KNEW YOU
396 Galatians 5:22-23 – Fruit of the REGENERATED Spirit LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, and SELF-CONTROL.
397 Galatians 3:10-11- No one is made right by keeping the Law; IT IS THROUGH FAITH THAT A RIGHTEOUS PERSON HAS LIFE
398 John 14:6 – Jesus is THE WAY, THE TRUTH, and THE LIFE; No one can come to the Father except through Him
399 Ephesians 1:5 – HE PREDESTINED US FOR ADOPTION TO SONSHIP THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, in accordance with HIS PLEASURE and WILL
400 Romans 8:29- We are PREDESTINED TO BE CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON -- Ephesians 1:11 – The Holy Spirit conforms us to God’s PURPOSE and WILL

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IT’S IN THE BOOK

Chapter 13.11

Kingdom Qualifications according to Jesus
Jesus said we must come to Him believing and trusting, without reservation; just as a child would

run to his daddy and jump into his arms.401
The Sermon on the Mount; “The Beatitudes” do not show a man how to be saved, but show the

characteristics of one who is saved. At first glance it seems like this is a description of promises of blessings for the saved, but in all actuality is a description of one who IS saved.

1. 1)  Poor in spirit – Realization that we are spiritually bankrupt and can offer God nothing.

2. 2)  Those who mourn – Anguishing over sin; over perishing souls; wanting right to prevail.

3. 3)  Meek – Accepting opposition, insults and provocation. Bearing patiently, mild and calm.

4. 4)  Hunger for righteousness – All sin and wrongdoing to anyone grieves them.

5. 5)  Merciful – Being kind, showing pity, mercy and compassion, even when it’s not convenient.

6. 6)  Pure in Heart – No hidden motives or self-interest; a pure heart with singleness of purpose.

7. 7)  Peacemaker – Bringing men into harmony with each other; calming the waters.

   Love; you must love Christ more than your own family or you are not worthy of Him.402
   Give of what you have to those who can’t pay you back; Give justice, mercy, compassion and faithfulness.403

Someone who is rich puts his trust in what he has; someone who is poor puts his trust in what he hasn’t. It’s very hard for someone rich to seek the Kingdom of Heaven; they do not see themselves as having any needs; they are self-sufficient; they don’t need God. (Jesus said this, not me.)

Since Jesus set the Bar very high; who then can qualify to enter the Kingdom of God? By man’s efforts, no one can qualify to enter; only by the grace of God is it made possible.404

Matthew 5:3-12 – It’s your attitude toward God

3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Qualifications For Heaven

Seven qualifications for entrance into Heaven

4 Blessed are 5 Blessed are 6 Blessed are will be filled. 7 Blessed are 8 Blessed are 9 Blessed are

those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they

the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
the pure in heart, for they will see God.
the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

401 Matthew 18:2-5 – Believe and trust as a child with his daddy.
402 Matthew 10:37-39 – Love Christ more than your own family;“ ANYONE WHO LOVES THEIR FATHER OR MOTHER MORE THAN ME IS NOT WORTHY OF ME; ANYONE WHO LOVES THEIR SON OR DAUGHTER MORE THAN ME IS NOT WORTHY OF ME
403 Matthew 23:23 - You have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness.
404 Matthew 19:25-26 – Who then can be saved? "WITH MAN THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE, BUT WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE."

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10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the

same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. NIV

Matthew 19:16-26 - The Rich entering the Kingdom of Heaven

16 Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked,

“TEACHER, WHAT GOOD THING MUST I DO TO GET ETERNAL LIFE?”

17 “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good.

If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”

18 “Which ones?” he inquired. Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony,
19 honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’ 20 “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
23 Then Jesus said to his disciples,

“TRULY I TELL YOU,
IT IS HARD FOR SOMEONE WHO IS RICH TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.

24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked,

“WHO THEN CAN BE SAVED?” 26 Jesus looked at them and said,

NIV

“WITH MAN THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE,
BUT WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.”

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Chapter 13.12

Make-Believer
I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you”: Away from me, you evildoers.405

First Word

I was born in the late 1930’s in Georgia in the “Bible Belt”; that would automatically make me a Democrat and a Christian; it was just something that we all said we were. Everybody in the neighborhood went to the Big Baptist Church on the hill and every time the doors opened we all would be there.

By the time of high school in the 1950’s, things were different, I met new people who said they were Christians, but spoke crudely and were mean spirited, bullying and acted like they belonged to some kind of teenage gang. I asked a new girl for a date to go to church and when we arrived she said, “You really did mean Church didn’t You”, and asked to sit in the balcony because of how she was dressed.

I can remember a deacon cursing violently at our church406 and another in his business using political underhanded tricks; to beat out his competition; he said, “well that just business”.

BELIEVERS & NON-BELIEVER all begin to look the same to me.

As a contractor, Dad put molding on cars and trucks for the Atlanta Gas Light Company. Over time he learned how to do it faster and lowered his prices. I asked why he would do such a thing, he was losing money; he said, it was the right thing to do and “it was just GOOD business”.

When new regulations on Paint Booths caused 90% of the body shops to close down; Dad did not complain, he went to the bank and borrowed money to build a bigger and better booth. The results caused him to run three shifts; 24 hours a day to handle all the additional business.

When I complained about my food, dad told me that my complaint was against God who provides everything we have... it sure makes me think twice about complaining about anything.

The Book says that all things will work together for good, for those that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.407 My dad stayed extremely busy, but found time to teach Sunday School to a bunch of boys who needed their life formed. .

My dad was a sermon

The Phony

Federal Agents are trained in detail how to recognize genuine legal tender, that’s how they can spot a PHONEY in seconds. Instead of me telling you how to spot a phony Make-Believer,408 I will just report here what the Book says is a description of the Genuine Believe, then you can look at your own fruits and judge if you are the REAL THING or a PHONY; a Believer or a Make-Believer.

The Book says we are not to judge, but to be “Fruit Inspectors”;409 you will know a Believer or Make-Believer by the fruits that fall on the ground around their life tree.

The Fruit of the Spirit is just ONE FRUIT, but is made up of NINE characteristics: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.410 The Believer will exhibit ALL of these characteristics; the Make-Believer with just two or three.

405 Matthew 7:22-23 - We prophesied, cast out demons, performed miracles in your name.’ Jesus will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws
406 James 3:10 - Blessing and Cursing should not come from the same mouth
407 Romans 8:28 – All things work for Good for those that love God

408 Matthew 7:16-20 – You can spot a phony Make-Believer by their fruit
409 Matthew 7:1 – Don’t judge others, instead be a Fruit Inspector
410 Galatians 5:22-23 – The fruit of the Holy Spirit is within you; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control

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Jesus is sitting on a plateau on the Mount of Olives and begins to teach those around Him SEVEN more observable FAITH IN MOTION FRUITS that are also CHARACTERISTS of the True Believer; this was so they could tell the genuine from the PHONY. It’s in the Book

1st Fruit
1) Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The term poor in “Spirit” is

to emphasize that the Believer realizes that they are in spiritual bankruptcy; they know that they can offer God nothing, and don’t try. The Believer cast themselves upon God and are totally dependent upon His mercy

Poor in spirit is the opposite of proud in spirit; the philosophers of the day did not recognize humility as a moral virtue; but Christ puts humility first.

Question; Does your fruit cause you to consider yourself as spiritually bankrupt knowing you can’t offer God anything? Does your fruit reflect humility and dependence on God?411

2nd Fruit
2) Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. This mourning is acknowledging their

own sins with a broken heart before God; it is just too deep to conceal.412 They weep over perishing souls and anguish over sin and want right to prevail. This is Godly sorrow with compassion for injustice, afflictions and sins of others.413

Will be; shall be comforted:414 future tense... requires a genuine true repentance in order for the believer to receive comfort through the compassion of God.415

Question; Does your fruit produce tears over your own sins? Do you have compassion for others in their afflictions and sins? Do you anguish over those that are perishing because they have rejected God? When you hear a siren, does your fruit move you to compassion and cause you to pray over the families and pets that might be involved? Do you pray for our President; our Nation and those in authority that they will function with Godly wisdom?416

3rd Fruit
3) Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.417 The meek have an absence of pretense

which suggests self-control and humility, doing their daily work as unto the Lord with gentleness toward all men. Meekness is mild and kind, bearing patiently; accepting the daily work without complaint, murmur or resistance, accepting opposition, insults and provocation... not seeking power.

It is opposite of; a demeaning spirit, fierceness, anger and cruelty. Meekness is a true view of our self, which translates into our ACTIONS and ATTITUDE towards others.

We inherit;418 we have the title deed;419 the passport,420 the entrance into the kingdom of God. We are spiritual citizens and rightful heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven right now.

Question: Is your fruit; kind, gentle, compassionate and patient, accepting criticism without murmuring and doing your work as if you were doing it for the Lord?

411 Ephesians 3:8-9 – Paul, chosen by Jesus Christ, considers himself the least of all 412 Isaiah 6:5 – The Believer recognizes and confesses his need for God
413 Psalms 119:136 – The Believer mourns over sin all around him
414 Luke 16:25 – The Believer will be comforted.

415 Isaiah 61:3 – The Believer’s mourning will be replaced with gladness.
416 1 Timothy 2:2 - Pray for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful, quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 417 Psalm 37:11 – Jesus is just quoting the scripture in Psalms; the meek shall inherit the earth -- Matthew 11:29 – Jesus was meek and lowly in heart.
418 Revelation 21:7 – We will inherit all things
419 Isaiah 66:22 – Our inheritance is the title deed to Heaven
420 Revelation 21:1-2 – We have a passport to a new earth prepared just for us.

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4th Fruit
4) Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. This is an

intense desire to be in right standing with God and from the heart to wholly do God’s “will”. All sin, evil and wrong doing to anyone grieves you.

Jesus is appealing to our deepest senses of cravings; hunger421 and thirst;422 appetites return often and need fresh satisfaction; refilling. This is a continual action in the life of the believer; Hunger, filling; Hunger, filling. This is their personal dissatisfaction of their “spiritual attainment” and the desire for more of God, more of being filled with the Holy Spirit. This “desire” is the proof or by- product of spiritual regeneration of a Believer.

The un-regenerated man; the Make-Believer does not hunger for God.423 It’s not within man’s “normal ability” or desire to thirst for spiritual things of God.

The Book gives us the simple prayer of a Father; “I BELIEVE LORD, HELP ME IN MY UN-BELIEF;”424 it is only God that can fill a soul so that it is satisfied.425

Question: Does your fruit exhibit an intense desire to wholly do God’s will; do you hunger, thirst and crave to be filled with His Spirit AGAIN each day?

Sidebar
 The first four fruits represented the Believers conscious need for salvation.
 The next three fruits represent the Believers as having found salvation, now conducting

themselves accordingly by their actions; THEIR WORKS. We don’t do good works to be saved;426 we do good works because we are saved. The Book: Faith without good WORKS is a dead faith.

James 2:26 – Faith without good works is a dead faith

26 Just as the body is dead without breath, so also FAITH IS DEAD WITHOUT GOOD WORKS. NLT

5th Fruit
5) Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.427 The merciful are those that are kind; have

pity and show mercy to others, whether it’s convenient or not.428 Mercy and compassion is awakened in them and becomes a function of life to all who follow Christ;429 mercy takes away misery.

We are saved sinners; therefore it’s easy to have compassion for other sinners.430 The believer shows mercy because he “has obtained” mercy; 431 he doesn’t show mercy to get mercy. Because of our mercy we are increasingly the object of God’s mercy.432 When we stand in the need of special favor and mercy, we will receive it, as we have given it.

Question: Does your fruit exercise mercy and compassion whether it’s convenient or not? Do you stop and reflect; thanking God because you have obtained His Mercy?433

421 Amos 8:11 – The Believer Hungers for God’s Word
422 Psalm 42:2 – The Believer Thirsts for God
423 Romans 3:11 – The MAKE BELIEVER does not seek God.
424 Mark 9:24 – The Believers Prayer – I BELIEVE; HELP MY UNBELIEF
425 Psalm 17:15 – The Believer will be satisfied
426 Ephesians 2:8-9 – Works do not save; Salvation a gift from God
427 Luke 23:34 – Jesus had mercy on his persecutors; He is our example
428 2 Timothy 4:2 – The Believer is merciful whether convenient or not
429 Matthew 25:34-40 – Whatever the Believer does, he does everything as unto the Lord -- Matthew 23:23 – The Believer does not neglect justice, mercy and faithfulness
430 Micah 6:8 – The believer loves mercy and walks humbly -- Psalm 41:1 – The Believer is concerned about the poor -- Acts 20:35 – The Believer feels blessed when they can give
431 Psalm 18:25 – Because of God’s mercy, we are merciful
432 Luke 6:37 – Forgiveness begets forgiveness
433 James 2:13 – The Make Believer - Garbage in – Garbage out

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6th Fruit
6) Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.434 A pure heart has singleness of purpose;

no hidden motives or self-interest, utterly sincere. Church attendance is to praise and worship God with fellow Believers, not to make contacts.435

In the OT, blood was sprinkled on the Altar for cleansing and purity. We are to have our hearts purified by the sprinkling of the blood of the lamb.436

Question; Does your fruit cause your heart to have a singleness of purpose for God, with no hidden motive, purpose, or self-interest?

7th Fruit
7) Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Did you know that

the number 7 means COMPLETENESS, you are complete in God; He knows your name. On “the Last Day” when He sees the Make-Believer, He will say, “I never knew you”.

Peacemakers are partaking in the nature of God;437 therefore we have peace with God.438 Peacemakers not only keep the peace, but bring men in harmony with each other. The office of a Peacemaker requires a “peaceful disposition”, working to calm the waters. They are not always welcomed, sometimes opposed and it is usually a thankless job.

Preserving the Peace is a good and needed office and a blessing to all involved.439 There is no more godlike work to be done in this world than peacemaking.440 Through our faith, we are led by the Spirit441 and are called “sons of God”.442

Question; Does your Fruit cause you to partake in the nature of God and become a PEACE MAKER even when you know it’s not welcomed and is opposed and thankless.

The Take Away

When I was a teenager in high-school, I was a member of a group like Youth for Christ, led by the youth. We went to other schools to start up other clubs with meetings, music, teaching and prayer; I found myself running around trying to find new cute girls to flirt with and strike up long distance relationships; I had a lot of fun, but I produced NO fruit. My friend Jimmy did the singing, teaching and praying; BUT I WAS THERE along for the ride, just make-believing. As I read this, my eyes begin to leak as I see where I am failing; God help me to help myself.

I interviewed a man with glowing reports about what his mother did in the community, but he did not have a testimony of his own; I am sad to report that God does not have any grandchildren or step- children; there is only just “children” of God that have their own personal testimony. Make-Believes look at their watch often in Church. My doctor told me his father was a pastor and a missionary, but he himself would just walk out of the church if the service went longer than an hour. I must report here that no one can ride into heaven on the coattails of their parents. How do you know a genuine Believer? You will know them by their fruits;443 their WORKS. We do not do good works to be saved; we do good works because we are saved. Do you really want to know where your heart is, then go look in your checkbook. It’s in the Book

434 Revelation 22:3-4 – We will see His face -- 1 John 3:2-3 – We shall see Him as He is -- Psalm 17:15 – A righteousness heart will see His face 435 Psalm 24:4-5 – A pure heart seeks the Lord -- Psalm 51:10 – The Believer prays for a pure heart -- 1 Timothy 1:5 – Love comes from a pure heart
436 Hebrews 10:22 – Heart sprinkled with the blood of the Lamb

437 Isiah 9:6 – His name is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace
438 Romans 5:1 – The Believer has peace WITH God
439 Hebrews 13:20-21 – The Believer has the Peace OF God
440 James 3:17 – Our fruit is Pure, peaceful, gentle and full of mercy -- Isiah 52:7 – God loves the feet of those who proclaim His peace 441 Romans 8:14 – The Believer is led by the Spirit

442 Galatians 3:26 – Through our Faith we become sons of God -- Hosea 1:10 – You are sons of the living God 443 Matthew 7:16 - You will know them by their fruits.

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The Sermon on the Mount is not about promises of blessings for the Believer, but shows the “The Real Thing”; the observable characteristics of action FRUIT of a genuine Believer.

The Make-Believer’s life will not exhibit this.

This list is the observable “action fruits” of a Believer.444

1. 1)  They are not proud in spirit: they know they are spiritually bankrupt and can offer God nothing.

2. 2)  They mourn over perishing souls: they anguish over sin and want righteousness to prevail. They

   have compassion for injustice, afflictions and the sins of others.

3. 3)  They are meek, mild and kind: bearing patiently. They do not murmur nor seek power. They

   accept opposition, insults and provocations; they have compassion for truth and justice.

4. 4)  They Hunger and thirst to do God’s will; to know Christ and make Christ known.

5. 5)  They are merciful; showing compassion and mercy even when it’s not convenient, because they

   themselves have received mercy and compassion. They do not show mercy to get mercy.

6. 6)  They are pure in heart with singleness of purpose, no hidden motives or self-interest. They are

   utterly sincere in their faith.

7. 7)  They are peacemakers, not only keeping the peace, but bringing men into harmony with each

   other... working to calm the waters; knowing many will resent their efforts.

Even before God made the world, He loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.445

God has appointed you to be a FRUIT INSPECTOR; to inspect YOUR OWN observable fruits.

BELIEVER or MAKE-BELIEVER

Matthew 7:21-23 – Some are Make-Believers that praise God

21 Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’
will enter the kingdom of heaven;
Only the one who DOES the will of my Father who is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly,

23 ‘I NEVER KNEW YOU. Away from me, you evildoers!’

(NIV2011)

Ephesians 1:4 – The Believer stands without fault before God

4 Even before he made the world, GOD LOVED US AND CHOSE US in Christ

TO BE HOLY and WITHOUT FAULT in his eyes. (NLT)

Salvation is NOT an award for our achievements, but is the gift of our sovereign God.
Purity of heart is both the end of our election and the goal of our redemption.

444 Matthew 5:3-12 – The Beatitudes; the blessings
445 Ephesians 1:4 – The Believer stands without fault before God

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Chapter 13.13

Maybe I’m Saved and Maybe I’m not – How can I tell? – What defines a Christian? When there’s No Fruit, there’s No Root - Christianity is a form of “Fire Insurance”

First Word

There were two beggars sitting on a bench overlooking a pond. The first beggar said, “I haven’t eaten in two days and I think I’m going to die”. The other beggar said “I can tell you about a place that has some food and it’s free”. The first beggar said, “FOOD! What can YOU tell me about food? You’re just a dirty, rotten, lowdown, scumbag sinner, JUST LIKE ME”. The other beggar quietly said;

“Look, I’m just a beggar, trying to show another beggar where to find bread.” And that’s where I am.

In the beginning
In the beginning was “God the Son” and he became flesh, made in the image of man and lived

among us446... He was before Abraham447... He was present at the creation448 ... The fullness of God resides in the Him.449

Readers Digest/Cliff Notes - SIN
Further back that your mind can wrap around, God created an awesome angel named Lucifer and

he was in charge of the earth. Angels are created immortal, they will never die. At some point Satan rebelled and wanted to be like God.

A bunch of other angels followed him; God gave Satan and his boys’ eons of time to repent, but they didn’t. God prepared a place called Hell and the burning Lake of Fire for Satan’s demise and the angels that followed him.450

GoddestroystheearthinafloodandstartsalloverwithAdam. SatanstrikesbackatGodbytricking Man, His greatest creation into sinning. God knew that he would; and already had the plan of salvation in effect. (If you sin, you cannot be immortal, you will die)

Man is now a sinner and the penalty for sin is death. He is doomed to destruction in Hell and the burning Lake of fire along with Satan and his gang. Did you see it? You don’t burn up...it’s never over... its torment forever and worse than that, you are separated forever from God.451

This torment goes on day and night, forever and ever,452 you are out of the presence of God; there will be darkness, weeping and grinding of teeth.453 It’s not God’s desire that any should perish, so he sent His Son, Jesus Christ to pay the price of sin, which is death; His death.

Maybe Saved

Jesus died on the cross and his blood paid the price for man to be saved.

He did not die for all men,
He died only for those that were drawn to Him by the Holy Spirit.

446 John 1:14 – God the Son became flesh and lived with us.
447 John 8:58 – Jesus was before Abraham
448 John 1:1 – Jesus was in the beginning
449 Colossians 2:9 – The fullness of the Deity lives in Jesus
450 Matthew 25:41 – The Lake of fire was prepared for Satan and his followers
451 2 Thessalonians 1:9 – The un-redeemed is shut out of the presence of God forever 452 Revelation 20:10 – The un-redeemed will be tormented day and night forever

453 Matthew 8:12 – On the Lords Day there will be darkness, weeping and grinding of teeth. Page 46

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Dying to go

The preacher said “everybody that wants to go to heaven, raise your hand”. Everyone raised their hand except one young man. The preacher said to him, “Don’t you want to go to heaven”? The young man said “Yes I do, but I thought you were trying to get up a bus load to go TODAY”.

Most folks want to go to heaven, but are “not dying” to go today.

Some Scary Stuff

Some “SAY” they are Christians just so they won’t go to Hell, they just want “fire insurance;”454 but God will tell them “I never knew you”. There are TWO kingdoms of God; the NOW and the NOT YET... You must be a member of the Kingdom of God NOW in order to be a member of the Kingdom YET to come. Christianity is about “the Kingdom of God” living in you NOW.

Not everyone that says “Praise the Lord” will enter the kingdom of God;455 but just those that DO THE WILL of God the Father. The fact that you are reading this indicates that God has a call on your life. God said many are called, but “few are chosen”.456 He said the road to life is narrow457 and “few find it”.458

He says that Jesus Christ is the only way to enter into the ”Kingdom of God” and no one can come unless the Holy Spirit “enables” them.459 Then He said; we don’t choose Him, He chooses us;460 Salvation is His gift.461 In fact we are told that we are DEAD in our sins462 and do not have the ability to come to Him. There is not one good person at all, not one;463 all are corrupt464 with thoughts continually on evil and wickedness;465 all have sinned and fall short of God’s glorious standard.466

God says that we can’t do anything to earn our salvation467 therefore our Salvation does not depend on our desire or effort, but upon God's mercy. We can give to charities, go to church, feed the poor and volunteer at the hospital, but without the Spirit of God in us, it’s all in vain.468

He will say, “I never knew you”.
Works without FAITH is a dead work. Faith without WORKS is a dead Faith.469

Here’s where we are

The Bible says we are all sinners470 and because of sin, we are all separated from God.471 This makes us the object of His wrath.472 The penalty for this sin is death;473 we are doomed to be out of the presence of God and into everlasting destruction.474 The only way to escape the wrath of God is to embrace Christ and be identified by His work on the cross.475 Jesus bore our sins in His righteous body so that our body would “die to sin”.476

454 Exodus 3:3 – In hell nothing burns up; better get Fire Insurance
455 Matthew 7:21 – Not everyone that says “Praise the Lord” is saved.
456 Matthew 22:14 – Few are chosen
457 Matthew 7:13-14 – Few find the road to life
458 John 14:6 – I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me
459 John 6:65 – It’s the Holy Spirit that ENABLES YOU to come
460 John 15:16 – I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last.
461 Ephesians 2:8 – By grace you have been saved, through faith Salvation is a gift from God
462 Ephesians 2:1-2 – We are DEAD in our sins.
463 Romans 3:12 – There is not one good person, not one
464 Psalm 53:3 – Everyone is corrupt.
465 Genesis 6:5 – Man’s thoughts are evil and wicked; every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil
466 Romans 3:23 – All have sinned and fall short of God’s standard
467 Romans 9:16 – You can’t do anything to EARN God’s mercy and grace
468 Matthew 7:22-23 – Many only think they are saved
469 James 2:26 – Faith without works is a dead faith
470 Romans 3:23 – We have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
471 Isaiah 59:2 – Sin separates us from God
472 Ephesians 2:3 – Our Sinful nature made us the objects of Gods wrath
473 Romans 6:23 – The wages of sin is death
474 2 Thessalonians 1:9 – The un-redeemed will be out of the presence of God and will endure everlasting destruction 475 Romans 3:10-11 – No one seeks God on his own not even one; no one is righteous, not one who understands
476 1 Peter 2:24 – Jesus bore ALL our sins on the cross; they are forgiven PAST, PRESENT and FUTURE

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The Law

The Bible is an instruction manual written for believers; those that have been drawn by the Holy Spirit,477 God gave us the laws of scripture to guide us; to make us aware of our need for a savior. But for the unbeliever, these instructions; the written laws of God are just foolishness.478

Keeping the Ten Commandments and the other laws cannot save man. Man can do nothing to remove his own sin. If the law could save, then Jesus would have died for nothing.479 We were once the objects of God’s wrath;480 and all our good works were counted as nothing; as just filthy rags; (a sanitary napkin),481 but, the blood of Jesus Christ on the Cross made us righteous before God

The Wheel Error Teaching
Jesus went to cross and bore our sins that we might be redeemed from destruction.482 The scoffer

says that ALL THE SPOKES IN A WHEEL LEAD TO THE SAME HUB; there are many paths and many ways to god, just with different names. However; the Bible says there is ONLY ONE WAY;483 Jesus is The Way, The Truth and The Life484 and no one comes to “God the Father” except through Him; no one can come to God on his own; the Holy Spirit must draw him.485

There is no other name under heaven upon which man can be saved.486

Maybe Saved

Embracing Jesus Christ... Better count the cost first... It can cost you your family and friends.487

•   Have you confessed that you are sinner? Have you repented and changed your ways?

•   Have you confessed with your mouth before other men that Jesus is your Lord?488

•   Have you believed in your heart that Jesus was raised from the dead?

•   Do you believe He will come again and receive you to Himself and you will dwell with Him?489

  Done Deal

  With the child of God, there is no “Ifs or Maybes”, it’s a done deal.490 You can know for sure that you are His. ONCE SAVED, ALWAYS SAVED. Nothing can take you out of His hand,491 not even sin; Jesus Christ died for ALL your sins past, present and future.

  The work of Jesus on the cross was sufficient; there is nothing more man can add to it.492

  Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 493 It’s in the Book

  When you receive Christ, you receive the Holy Spirit; you now have direct access to the throne of Grace. Your prayers ascend directly to Him... the Holy Spirit helps you to pray the will of the Father.494

  477 Mark 4:11-12 – The natural man is blind and deaf to the spiritual 478 1 Corenthians 2:14 – The Bible is foolishness to the perishing
  479 Galatians 2:21 – If the law saves, then Jesus died for nothing
  480 Ephesians 2:3 – Once we were objects of God’s wrath.

  481 Isaiah 64:6 – All our good works are like filthy rags.
  482 1 Peter 2:24 – He bore our sins that we might die to sin
  483 John 14:6 – Jesus is the only way to the Father God
  484 John 14:6 – Jesus is The Way, The Truth, The Life
  485 John 6:65 – The Holy Spirit must ENABLE YOU to come
  486 Acts 4:12 – There is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved 487 Luke 14:28 – It will cost you to confess Christ
  488 Romans 10:9-10 - Confess with your mouth and Believe in your heart
  489 John 14:2-3 – He will come again and get the believer.
  490 John 18:9 – Jesus has not lost one soul that was given to Him
  491 John 10:27-30 – No one can take you out of God’s hand
  492 Ecclesiastes 3:14 – Nothing can be added to it.
  493 Romans 8:38-39 – Nothing can separate you from Christ
  494 Romans 8:26 – The Holy Spirit helps us to pray the will of God

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No longer do you say “I hope I’m saved”; that’s doubt. You now say; “I know I’m saved”, that’s faith. You no longer “hope to just get into heaven”, but look forward to seeing the sights, seeing other believers and finding out what you are going to be doing. SELAH

For the believer, as soon as you die, your Spirit is present with the Lord; the body is in the grave, but the spirit is in heaven.495 Because of Christ you have already been judged righteous. IT’S A DONE DEAL.

The Great Pretender - NO FRUIT; NO ROOT.
Sunday Christian: A follower of Jesus Christ can go to Sunday School and Church, sing the songs

of praise, enter into prayer, be a part of laying hands on the sick, see the Holy Spirit at work in healings and miracles, taste the sweetness of communion with the other saints; but still not be a part of the Faith. How can that be; the Bible teaches that once you are saved you are always saved. As Jesus taught His followers, they experienced the miracles of healings; the casting out of demons; the feeding of thousands and tasted the power of the Holy Spirit; but at some point some could not spiritually

discern His teachings which caused a number of them to WALK AWAY.496
IT IS IMPOSSIBLE for someone like this with their own ability and power to come back to the

Faith;497 except by the GRACE of Jesus Christ; as we know that with Him all things are made possible.498 According to Scripture the rain waters all the soil, some good and some not so good. Some brings forth good vegetation and some brings up worthless thorns and thistles; but both got the same

water.499
A True Believer will not leave the Faith; a MAKE-BELIEVER WILL; this proves that they were

never a part of the Faith to begin with.500 How can you know if you are saved? God said, you will know them by their FRUITS’; their actions.501 NO FRUIT; NO ROOT. Take a close look at your “check book”; your speech, your SONGS and your activities; do they honor God or bring shame?

The Fruit of the Spirit has nine expressions; but all nine of them are exhibited as just ONE fruit; Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control.502 They are utilized along with the Gifts of the Spirit for the perfecting of the Saints and the building up of the Church body.503 Does your ACTIONS build up the Church and strive for the perfection that is offered through Jesus Christ? NO FRUIT; NO ROOT.

Adam and Eve were not kicked out of the Garden because of their sin; they were kicked out because they DID NOT CONFESS their sin and seek forgiveness. Instead they blamed each other as well as God for their actions. Obedience brings Mercy and Blessings; Disobedience brings Judgment.

LIP SERVICE; are you just going through the motions, having only “a form of Godliness”?504 Is God’s word spoken through your mouth, but not spoken in your actions? NO FRUIT; NO ROOT.

We are told to examine ourselves before we take part in communion,505 to confess our sins. Do you have unconfessed sin? Do you need a “COURSE CORRECTION” in your life? NO FRUIT; NO ROOT.

God does not have any STEP CHILDREN; only Children. You are not a child of God because your Mama is. NO FRUIT; NO ROOT. You must be rooted in the vine of Jesus Christ.

Could it be that you are just NOT SAVED; when there’s NO FRUIT there’s NO ROOT.

495 2 Corenthians 5:8 – When the Believer is absent from his body; he is present with the Lord.
496 John 6:66 – Many DISCIPLES left the Faith.
497 Hebrews 6:4-6 – For in the case of those who have ONCE BEEN ENLIGHTENED and have TASTED OF THE HEAVENLY GIFT and HAVE BEEN MADE PARTAKERS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, and have TASTED THE GOOD WORD OF GOD and the powers of the age to come, and THEN HAVE FALLEN AWAY, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame.
498 Matthew 19:25-26 - With God all things are possible
499 Hebrews 6:7-8 – The Rain waters all; Some vegetation is Useful, Some is Worthless and is burned
500 1 John 2:19 – The left because they were MAKE BELIEVERS; they went out from us, but they did not really belong to us
501 Matthew 7:16 – You will know them by their FRUIT
502 Galatians 5:22-23 – FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT; Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control
503 Ephesians 4:12 – SPIRITUAL GIFTS are for the PERFECTING of the saints
504 2 Timothy 3:2-5 Make-Believers have only a form of Godliness
505 1 Corinthians 11:27-28 – EXAMINE YOURSELF before eating the bread and drinking the cup of communion

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Book XIII Wisdom – Grace –Forgiveness – Salvation – Predestination - Free Will

IT’S IN THE BOOK

Chapter 13.14

Soul Sleep

Can you be conscious without a body? When does the soul go to heaven?
Is the Soul mortal or immortal?

First Word

The concept of Soul Sleep has been around since dirt. While silent for years, it is now embraced in conservative Christian circles. The argument on Soul Sleep is based on “When does the soul enjoy the rewards of heaven”

Webster: Soul, an entity which is regarded as being the immortal or spiritual part of the person and though having no physical or material reality is credited with the functions of thinking and willing and hence determining all behavior

•   In Catholicism, most souls temporarily stay in Purgatory to be purified for Heaven.

•   Most Protestants believe the soul is judged to go to Heaven or Hell immediately after death The “mortality” of the soul has been held throughout the history of both Judaism and Christianity.

  The term “SLEEP” as used in scripture is a KIND WAY of saying somebody is DEAD. Like for the sake of decency, saying he “KNEW HER” instead of saying they had SEX.510 Although many embrace “Soul Sleep” with parallel scriptures; the phrase or term “Soul Sleep” does not occur in the Bible; so get over it; sleep is Death

  The flow of “consciousness” is dependent upon the senses. God has promised that we will not be abandoned to the grave; that death in Him is better than life on earth.511

  NT scripture often relates to death as “sleep”; a time when yours physical senses are suspended. OT scripture, it is called “rest” when your Soul ceases to participate in activities.
  In the grave there is nothing but silence, there is no planning, wisdom, knowledge, singing or

  praising;512 just rest, waiting for the “Day of Judgment”.

  506 2 Corinthians 5:8 – When we are absent from the body we will be Present with the Lord
  507 Hebrews 12:23 – An assembly of the firstborn enrolled in heaven
  508 Psalm 17:15 – We will be alive again, will see and be satisfied -- Luke 16:22-24 – We can see, feel and have emotions after death

  -- Psalm 16:11 – We will be filled with joy and eternal pleasures.
  509 John 17:24 – We will see and be with Him -- 1 Corenthians 13:12 – We will see Him face to face -- Romans 8:18 – His Glory will be revealed -- Matthew 8:11 – They will gather, eat and feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob
  510 Luke 1:34 – Mary had not “known” a man
  511 Psalm 16:10 – We will not be abandoned to the grave -- 2 Corenthians 5:8 – When we are absent from the body; we are resent with the Lord -- Philippians 1:21-23 – In Christ - Death is far better than life
  512 Psalm 115:17 – At death there is nothing but silence in the grave -- Psalm 146:4 – In the grave, there is No planning -- Ecclesiastes 9:10 – In the grave, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom -- Isaiah 38:18 – In the pit or grave, there is No singing or praising

Wikipedia: Soul Sleep is an interval between death and the judgment, the soul sleeps. The phrase “Soul Sleep” does not occur in the Bible.

Bible: When our soul is absent from the body it will be present with The Lord506 in an assembly of other Believers who are now called the Saints.507 We will have all our senses; eating, tasting, feeling, seeing, hearing, touching, singing and praising.508 We will be in His presence; Face to Face509 and given wisdom and knowledge to understand all we have always wondered about.

If your soul is asleep, you can do none of these things.

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Book XIII Wisdom – Grace –Forgiveness – Salvation – Predestination - Free Will IT’S IN THE BOOK
I include in the footnotes above and below, more scriptures than you want to look up that depending

on your Belief System will SUPPORT as well as DISPROVE THE DOCTRINE of soul sleep513

Road Trip

In the book of Revelation; every tribe, tongue, people and nation including those who had their heads cut off will take a road trip, then gather and sing a new song.514 We will all be busy serving Him who sits on the throne.515 We can’t do this if we are asleep.

Conscious without a body

God does not have a body, nor do “most” of the Angels have bodies, but all have consciousness and senses. We do not need a body to be conscious. You can have music in your soul without a guitar or a piano. Before I-pods, you could see people walking down the street, snapping their fingers and jiving; and no sound was to be heard.

When our body; our earthly tent is destroyed, we have a new one waiting on us from God. My new body will be thin and almost transparent with a slight gold color as if covered with water. It will be free, weightless, uncontained, unlimited by the laws of nature, a body that is indestructible, indescribable, and incomparable; able to move at the speed of thought; and to use a theological term... It will be Awesome (My BS; just saying, no scripture)

The Holy Spirit has given the believer a “deposit” as a “guarantee” of what is to come. If the souls of the Saints are asleep; they will be unable to participate in the activities of heaven that are already in progress. As soon as we die, we are ushered into His presence by His angels;516 there we will see and hear inexpressible things;517 SELAH (A musical notation that means; cut loose, get happy and do your thing.) I’m not making this stuff up; read it for yourself. The Believer walks by his Faith, not by his feelings.

2 Corinthians 5:1-8 When our body is dead, we will have a new one

1 For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, AN ETERNAL BODY MADE FOR US BY GOD HIMSELF and not by human hands.

2 We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. For we will put on heavenly bodies;

3. 3  WE WILL NOT BE SPIRITS WITHOUT BODIES.

4. 4  While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we

want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us.

Rather, we want to put on our new bodies
so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life.

5 God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit.
6 So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord.

7 FOR WE LIVE BY BELIEVING AND NOT BY SEEING.
8 Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. (NLT)

513 Matthew 27:52 – Some who had fallen asleep and died were raised -- Luke 8:52 – Death is sleeping -- John 11:11–13 – Rest in sleep; Jesus spoke of his DEATH, but they thought that He was speaking about taking REST in sleep -- Acts 7:60 – Fell asleep; died -- 1 Corenthians 15:6 – Some have fallen asleep, they have died -- Acts 7:60 – He fell asleep; he died -- 1 Corenthians 15:6 – Fallen asleep; died -- 1 Corenthians 15:17-19 – Fallen asleep, died -- 1 Thessalonians 4:13 – Sleep, died -- Genesis 47:30 – Death is called rest in the OT -- Deuteromy 31:16 – At death you will Rest like your fathers rested -- 2 Samuel 7:12 – Death is rest

514 Revelation 5:9 – Every tribe, tongue, people and nation will gather and sing a NEW SONG -- Revelation 14:3 – We will sing a NEW SONG -- Revelation 20:4 – Those that were martyred will be reigning with Christ
515 Revelation 7:15 – We will be busy serving Him day and night
516 2 Corenthians 5:8 – As soon as the Believer dies, he is in God’s presence -- Luke 16:22 – The Angels await to take the believer home 517 2 Corenthians 12:2-4 – We will hear inexpressible things

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Book XIII Wisdom – Grace –Forgiveness – Salvation – Predestination - Free Will IT’S IN THE BOOK

Abrahams Bosom

Abraham’s Bosom is a very controversial subject to study; that’s why I eagerly comment on it and fully accept the criticism.

In Biblical times, people would recline as they ate. Reclining near the head guy was referred to as reclining “in his bosom”; a place of honor.

At one time Hell was divided into two compartments; Torment and a place called Paradise which was also called Abraham’s Bosom. This was where those in the friendship of God; the “righteous good” went after death. There they “tarried” till the resurrection; during this time of “tarring”, the people were awake having emotions, feelings, and dialog; this was not Soul Sleep, Purgatory or Limo.

None of which are found in scripture.
Note: The term Friend was used when someone was “in Covenant” with someone else; so those

in paradise were in the friendship of God; in Covenant.
Wikipedia: Abraham’s Bosom or Paradise was the abode of people who, before Jesus'

Resurrection, had died in the friendship of God, but had to wait for Christ to open heaven's gates. It was said to be located on the edge of Hell; not exactly in and not exactly out.518 Before Christ died, “the repentant thief” asked to be remembered and Jesus told him that today he would be with Him in Paradise;519 this collaborates that Paradise was where Jesus would be that day.

At the death of Christ’s on the Cross, He went to Abraham’s Bosom also known as Paradise and preached for three days to those that had died over the past 4,000 years.520 Time is somewhat of an abstract for the dead, and exists only for the living; and is only a pin point of existence somewhere between eternity past and eternity future. This is NOT second chance salvation; those in Paradise had never heard of the Messiah Jesus; they heard and accepted Him.

Jesus appeared to Mary before He ascended to Heaven collaborating that Paradise was still on earth.521 When Jesus ascended to Heaven, He took “Paradise” and everybody in it up to heaven with Him, where it is now.522 There is no longer a “tarring” place on this earth; today when we go to “rest with the fathers”, we are immediately active with Christ in Heaven.523 On the day of Pentecost, Christ gave the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Believers, plus a whole bunch more gifts.524

Hell or Torment was then enlarged to receive all the new folks for the last 2000 years.

The Take Away
You can certainly build a case for “Soul Sleep” if you haven’t read the whole Bible. John Calvin

refuted Soul Sleep during the 19th century in his writings Psychopannychia which is the concept that most Protestants embrace today. The Bible uses the term “rest with the fathers” or “sleep” to speak of death.

Abraham’s Bosom was also called Paradise; a place for the righteous “to tarry” till the resurrection. Jesus went there; preached the Gospel and took the whole place and its contents to heaven. At the resurrection, the Soul gets a new indescribable body and enjoys every activity you can dream of and more; things that cannot be comprehended by the natural mind.

There is NOT a place called Purgatory, Limo or a state called Soul Sleep.

The doctrine of Soul Sleep is taught in error. The NT teaches that when the believer dies, he is immediately face to face with the Lord and the un-believer and MAKE-BELIEVER are in Torment; Hell.

Did you see it? Time is only present for the living; it does not exist in the spiritual realm; in fact you could say that 6000 years of people all died at the same time and all will be resurrected at the same time.

518 Luke 16:22-23 – Abraham’s Bosom or Paradise was located in a compartment of Hell
519 Luke 23:43 – Today you will be in Paradise
520 Ephesians 4:9 – Jesus the Christ descended into Hell -- 1 Peter 3:18-20 – Jesus preached in Hell; In Abrahams Bosom -- Matthew 12:40 – Jesus three days in Hell -- John 8:32 – The truth set the captives free
521 John 20:11-17 – I have not yet ascended to the Father
522 Ephesians 4:8 – He took all those in Abrahams Bosom to heaven
523 2 Corenthians 5:8 – Today at death, we are immediately with Christ
524 Acts 2:1-4 – The Holy Spirit gave gifts day of Pentecost -- 1 Corenthians 12:7-10 – The Holy Spirit gave gifts to men

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Book XIII Wisdom – Grace –Forgiveness – Salvation – Predestination - Free Will

IT’S IN THE BOOK

Chapter 13.15

Annihilationism

The wicked do not burn in hell forever, they burn up and cease to exist... Universalism – Postmortem Conversion – Eternal Conscious Punishment Limited Eternity – The Grave – The Pit - Hell – Hades - Sheol - Gehenna

First Word

The term “Eternal Punishment” that Jesus spoke of raises the question; is He speaking of a state of ENDLESS ETERNAL PAIN or AN ENDING OF COCONSCIOUS EXISTENCE? Is eternal punishment dealing with its length of TIME or its EFFECT? Is eternal punishment an ACTION or a PROCESS? Is this punishment MOMENTARY or a SUSTAINED event?

I have always been taught that at the final judgment, the wicked un-believers and the make believers will be thrown into the lake of fire, and there burn forever; now I am hearing NO, THAT’S NOT RIGHT, after the unbeliever has suffered the penalty of God’s wrath for a time they will then be incinerated and simply cease to exist as well as the memory of their existence. It is said that, while God’s wrath is a conscious punishment, it is NOT an eternal punishment.

The first time I heard of this was on a TV program called Shepherd’s Chapel with Pastor Arnold Murray. Sometimes a teacher will say things “off the cuff” in order to make a different point, but this IS Murray’s point; UNBELIEVERS WILL BE ANNIHILATED.

Murray’s position is that the doctrine of “eternal punishment” is inconsistence with the nature of a God of Love and the pastors and teachers who DO NOT teach annihilation simply do not understand how to interpret the scripture correctly. Murray pretty much says that it would be needlessly cruel to cause the wicked to suffer pain endlessly, and he sets out to vindicate and prove that GOD IS INNOCENT of such, and condemns those that do not embrace and teach ANNIHILATIONISM.

There seems to be four theories about what happens to the wicked after they are judged; but we are just going to unpack Annihilationism.
1) Universalism is a doctrine that in its simplest form states that, because God is a God of Love, that

“IN THE END” all people will be saved and gathered together into Heaven. Therefore there cannot be a place which contains a Chamber of Horrors like hell that has infinite (long term) punishing for a finite (short term) mistake. Unauthorized parking in a handicap zone surely deserves a fine, but certainly not eternity in the ELECTRIC CHAIR.

2) Postmortem Conversion is the term that is used for someone who has died and gets a second chance to accept Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Those who embrace Postmortem Conversion hang their hat on the scriptures that says “How can they believe in Him of whom they have never heard”525 and the second scripture indicating that Jesus went to the lower parts of the earth; to HELL and preached to them;526 they all believed and went to heaven.

3) Eternal Conscious Punishment. This is the view that ONLY the believer will have eternal life. This is true, eternal life is a gift from Jesus Christ that the Un-believer does not receive, but that does not mean the un-believer ceases to exist. Life and death are both forms of existence; the unbeliever will still exist and stand at his own judgment.

525 Romans 10:14-15 - how can they believe without hearing about Him? And how can they hear without a preacher? 526 Ephesians 4:9 – He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth

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4) Annihilationism is the belief that when an UNBELIEVER dies; he goes to hell and is destroyed, burned up, consumed by fire and ceases to exist, the total end is a non-being; you pass out of existence. The position is, how can a loving God make anyone go through eternal terror, pain, torment and punishment forever? Hell fire has done its work and it is the fire and smoke that rises forever and ever, not the life that was cast into it; eternal torment serves no purpose.

Voices for Annihilation

Adam and Eve were created neither Mortal nor Immortal, but with the potential to be either. This is called “Conditional Immortality”, it was their choice that made them mortal. Only God is immortal;527 immortality is a gift given only to those who accept Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul said that there is no eternal life apart from Jesus Christ.528

Annihilationist use scriptures that clearly state; “The wicked are headed for DESTRUCTION;”529 “DISASTER will fall on them;”530 “they will be punished with ETERNAL DESTRUCTION,”531 “wicked people will be DESTROYED.”532 The final effect on the unbelieving wicked is they will cease to exist.533

Eternal punishment is inconsistent in disproportion between the amount of time sins are committed and the time of eternal punishment. Endless retribution on the wicked is unjust and disproportionate to Gods Divine justice.

Imagine a cat thrown into a microwave oven, squirming and screaming in anguish of pain as some people are taking pleasure in watching it. Now imagine the Saints in heaven taking pleasure and satisfaction in watching the wicked squirm and scream in torment for eternity; how could that be heaven?

The continuance of evil creatures in the presence of God’s universe would cause Heaven to NOT be Heaven and therefore could not reflect His perfection and glory.

Genesis 3:22-24 – Adam and Eve were neither mortal nor immortal 22 Then the LORD God said, “Look,
THE HUMAN BEINGS HAVE BECOME LIKE US, knowing both good and evil. What if they reach out, take fruit from the tree of life, and eat it? Then THEY WILL LIVE FOREVER!”

(NLT)

Voices against Annihilation

The reason we reject eternal punishment is because we take SIN so lightly, we have watered down the Gospel, teaching mostly only about a loving God and NOT so much about a JUST God who punishes SIN. The Book says anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life will be thrown into the Lake of Fire.534

A broken vessel while it can no longer be used for what it was intended, it still exist. In the parables of the lost coin, the lost sheep and the lost son, while they were all lost, they did not cease to exist. In the story of the rich man and the poor man that died, they both continued to exist; the rich man was in a compartment of hell known as “Torment” 535 and the poor man, separated by a great gulf was with Father Abraham in a compartment of hell known as “Paradise”.

527 1 Timothy 6:16 – Only God alone can never die -- 2 Timothy 1:10 – Immortality is a Gift only to the believer
528 Ephesians 2:12 – Apart from Christ, you are EXCLUDED; without GOD and without HOPE
529 Philippians 3:19 - THEY ARE HEADED FOR DESTRUCTION -- Hebrews 12:29 - God is a CONSUMING fire; Wrath
530 1 Thessalonians 5:3 – DISASTER will fall on them; there is NO ESCAPE -- Revelation 20:14 – DESTROYED the Lake of fire; 2nd death 531 2 Thessalonians 1:9 – ETERNALLY DESTROYED; SEPARATED FROM THE LORD forever
532 2 Peter 3:7 - UNGODLY PEOPLE WILL BE DESTROYED -- Psalm 37:22 – Those cursed of God are CUT OFF Annihilated -- Psalm 37:28 – The wicked are CUT OFF; annihilated -- Psalm 104:35 – The wicked are CUT OFF; consumed, annihilated, be no more
533 Ezekiel 28:18 – Satan and followers reduced to ASHES-- John 17:12 – Judas; son of destruction; lost, annihilated
534 Luke 16:22-24 – There is a continuance of existence after death; I AM IN ANGUISH IN THESE FLAMES -- Revelation 14:9-10 – The wicked WILL BE TORMENTED with fire and burning sulfur -- Revelation 20:10 – They will be TORMENTED DAY AND NIGHT FOREVERANDEVER --Matthew13:42–Youwillwritherinpainandsuffering--Revelation20:15–TheWickedarethrownintothe lake of fire
535 Matthew 25:46 - THE EVIL DOER WILL GO AWAY INTO ETERNAL PUNISHMENT, but THE RIGHTEOUS WILL GO INTO “ETERNAL LIFE.” IN THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY ANGELS AND THE LAMB.

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Definition of Grave; Hell (Hebrew), Hades (Greek), Sheol (Hebrew for Hades), and Gehenna (Greek), all symbolize the same thing. Gehenna was a valley outside Jerusalem where garbage and dead bodies were thrown with gnawing worms eating the rotting putrid flesh. It burned and smoked day and night. It is often referred to in the OT as going down to “the Pit” or “the Grave”.

Moses saw a bush that was burning, yet it was not consumed;536 who is to say that God cannot make the wicked so they are not consumed, but burn forever like the fires of hell.

Enoch537 and Elijah538 walked with God and the Book says; and they WERE NO MORE; but they were not annihilated, they continued to exist in another dimension; with God.

NOTE: Did you notice when the demons were addressing Jesus, they were expecting to be tortured;539 not annihilated? “Have you come to TORTURE US before God’s appointed time”?540

The Book: The words destruction, destroyed, and disaster are referring to the destructive effects sin has in the final judgment. It does not necessarily infer the cessation of existence, although you can certainly make scripture read it that way.

When you think of a loving God, it’s hard to imagine He would torment someone, but the Book says He is also a JUST God. John the Revelator uses words like Fire, Torment, Anguish, Weeping, and Gnashing of teeth (all active words); this is the bad side of the good news. At the judgment, God’s Wrath and Anger will be poured out in FULL STRENGTH.541

The Book says the Smoke of their torment will rise FOREVER AND EVER. The Greek, “eis tous aionan ton aionon” forever and ever, is translated eons and eons. Let’s reason together; if the fire of torment has finished its work, then the smoke542 would CEASE to rise for ever and ever.

None of scripture denote death as an extinction or a cessation of being. Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians said, evil doers would be FOREVER SEPARATED FROM GOD;543 so let’s reason together; only those that EXIST can be EXCLUDED from God’s presence. Only by the isolation of single scriptures from the many, can you conclude the doctrine of annulation.

As students of the Word, we simply cannot pick and choose what our Belief System wants to embrace; the Bible is the final authority over us which we must submit; precept upon precept and line upon line544. Jesus Himself said;

Hell is where the WORM DOES NOT DIE AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED.545 – It’s in the Book –

Side-Bar
 Forever and Ever is used over and over to emphasize the concept of ETERNITY.
 Limited Eternity: This is something someone just made up to avoid the punishment for Sin.

You cannot limit the duration of punishment for the un-believer and make-believer, without

limiting the duration of eternal life for the believer; they are both FOREVER. It’s in the Book To destroy something is to ruin it or make it unfit for that which it is was originally designed to be or do. A car that has been compacted FLAT can no longer function as a car, but it does not cease to exist. A Soul is utterly destroyed, ruined, made unfit for what it was created for when it is cast into utter darkness and separated from the light of God; it is destroyed for the purpose it was created, but it still

exists.

536 Exodus 3:2 – THE BUSH WAS BURNING, YET IT WAS NOT CONSUMED
537 Genesis 5:24 – Enoch was no more, but not annulated
538 2 Kings 2:11-12 – Elijah was no more, but not annulated; ELIJAH WENT UP BY A WHIRLWIND INTO HEAVEN.
539 Luke 8:28 - Demons expected to be tortured by Jesus
540 Matthew 8:29 – Demons; Have you come to torture us?
541 Revelation 19:20 – Fire signifies the continued existence of pain; The BEAST and his FALSE PROPHET were THROWN ALIVE into the FIERY LAKE OF BURNING SULFUR
542 Revelation 14:11 – THE SMOKE OF THEIR TORMENT WILL RISE FOREVER AND EVER, and THEY WILL HAVE NO RELIEF DAY OR NIGHT
543 2 Thessalonians 1:9 – PUNISHED WITH ETERNAL DESTRUCTION, FOREVER SEPARATED FROM THE LORD
544 Isaiah 28:10 – Prove scripture with scripture; precept upon precept, line upon line
545 Mark 9:47-48 – JESUS; Lake of fire where the WORM DOES NOT DIE AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED

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Hell is both a “State” and a “Place”.
 A State where you have lost the blessings of God and are out of His presence and His light;

cursed and condemned to utter darkness.
 A Place, a prison where you are in indescribable ceaseless misery and torment day and night,

forever and ever and ever. A place without hope; only tears of pain and voices of rebellion. Satan, Fallen Angels, Demons & Unbelievers are not the same, all have different natures; however

make no mistake, they will ALL share in the same ultimate fate; the Lake of Fire.
NOTE; Satan is not in charge of Hell; he is just one of the boys in torment; he cannot alter, modify or

change anything; the degrees of torture and punishment are SET by God. The Take Away – Lets reason together

Annihilation implies that Jesus, the second person of the Trinity at His death, went to hell and then went out of existence and thus His resurrection would have required a re-creation.

Both life and death are states of existence; the wicked are separated from the blessedness of God’s presence; they are separated, but not annihilated.

Is there any man that can know the depth, extent and degree of a heinous sin and contemplate what such punishment should be?

COME, LET US REASON TOGETHER;546 can a selected TIME OF PUNISHMENT brought on by Sin satisfy God’s wrath and justice?

•   If YES, then it would follow, if God is now satisfied, they should not be annihilated, so therefore it follows that they should now be allowed to enter the kingdom of Heaven.

•   If NO, God’s wrath and justice has not been satisfied, then if follows the wicked should not be annihilated until it has. Logically, in both situations annihilation seems to be wrong.

LET’S REASON TOGETHER; if the time of suffering for the wicked is not eternal but limited, then it would follow that the time of the blessings for the redeemed is also limited.

LOGICALLY if there is no conscious torment and one is simply burned up and just ceases to exist then it would follow that one should be as wicked as they desire to be.

Annihilation is only the “Wishful Thinking Doctrine” for relief from punishment.
There were two Lazarus’ that died. One in the story of the rich man and the poor man547 and the other in the story of the brother of Mary and Martha.548 Both died, but neither were annihilated. These

were not parables as parables do not have specific names of people.
John the Revelator implies that those in hell will go on sinning, gnashing their teeth against God,

not repenting; likewise those in Heaven will continue in holiness and live righteously.
The fact that we see the smoke rising from the lake of fire causes redeemed mankind to reflect back and remember that they too deserve this punishment, but were redeemed by God’s grace. Since we will be like Christ and have His characteristics of love, as well as justice, we will rejoice with Him for all in

eternally as we observe His plan; It Is Finished.
The Book teaches that there is a conscious eternal punishment of the wicked. Paul as he was

lamenting over the awful punishment for the unbeliever and make-believer said; “my heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief”.549 Since wicked souls continue to exist, then they must exist somewhereandthatplaceisHell;intheLakeofFire. IntheSermonontheMount,Jesussaid,“Blessed are those who MOURN”. This is when we realize that we are spiritually bankrupt and MOURN over OUR OWN SINS, it is even more mournful for those who have not come to that point and are so LOST and will be consciously tormented in Hell fire for all of eternity.

546 Isaiah 1:18-20 – COME NOW, LET US REASON TOGETHER; IF YOU ARE WILLING and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but IF YOU REFUSE and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken
547 Luke 16:22-23 – Lazarus died, went to hell, was not annihilated -- Hebrews 9:27 – Man exist after death for judgment; THERE, IN TORMENT, HE SAW ABRAHAM IN THE FAR DISTANCE WITH LAZARUS

548 John 11:43-44 – Mary & Martha; Lazarus died, not annihilated
549 Romans 9:2 – Paul is grieved over the perishing; MY HEART IS FILLED WITH BITTER SORROW AND UNENDING GRIEF -- Matthew 5:4 – Blessed are those who MOURN over their own sins -- Revelation 22:11 – We will ALL continue to do as before

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Bible Thumpers are not crazy fanatics, they are just watchmen trying to sound the alarm and save someone from a most horrible future; not just the TORMENT, but the separation from a loving God FOREVER.

In my far out Belief System, I see hell as a planet thrown far out in the heavens, where I can see smoke all around it, as a reminder, that except for the compassion, love and grace of God... that could be ME. This thought makes ME stop and praise God, that He loved ME so much, that through His Only Son’s death on the cross, He provide ME THE WAY back to Him; THE ONLY WAY.550 SELAH

The Ultimate work of the Cross is the Love of Christ summoning us to Repentance and to Faith. It’s the trumpet call of the NIGHT WATCHMAN;551 you can WAKE UP and get ready or you can go back to sleep; the Watchman has done His part. The rest is up to you; the choices you make on this side of life have eternal consequences. It’s in the Book

550 Acts 24:14 – The followers of Christ were known as THE WAY -- John 14:6 – Jesus is THE WAY; the Only Way... NO ONE CAN COME TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME.

551 Ezekiel 33:3 – The Watchman sounds the alarm of warning.

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Chapter 13.16

If God’s is sovereign and our life predestined, why does it matter what we do? Why struggle with religion or with God if whatever will be will be?

First Word

An Angel told Paul, none of the men on the ship would be lost in the storm. All 276 men in the ship were Divinely Elected to be saved from the storm ... IF... they did what they were told. However they all still had to go through all the toil, stress, exhaustion and turmoil to be saved.

The “decree” and the “struggle” go hand in hand. We have the decree... then we do what the Bible says... then we struggle... then success.

Acts 27:22-44 – Stay with the word of God and you will be saved

22 But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. ....Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.” We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. ....On the third day, they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands..... Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head... Altogether there were 276 of us on board.... Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta.

NIV

Joseph had a dream that he would be a ruler, but he had to “struggle” with the hatred of his brothers... thrown in a well... sold to a Ishmaelite caravan... sold again to Potiphar... promoted... then thrown in prison... then finally promoted again to second in charge of Egypt

By God’s Devine election, Joseph’s predestination was solely fulfilled, but not without the “struggle.”

Genesis 37:5-36 – Joseph stayed with the dream

5 Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more... "Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?"...
Then he had another dream...What is this dream you had? Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you...

"Come now, let's kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we'll see what comes of his dreams." ...
So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt. ...

Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's officials, the captain of the guard. NIV

Devine Election

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Devine Election

God elects to save some and send others to hell... What a heavy statement! Doesn’t the potter have the right to make a utensil for worship and a different one for feeding the puppies? Actually, we are all damned to Hell; but some received Grace and the rest received justice.552

The scriptures say “God is not a respecter of persons”,553 all are treated the same, therefore he does not predestine some to hell and some not; that would be DOUBLE PREDESTINATION since all are already damned to hell. Devine election along with Free Will are both taught in the scriptures.

Devine election in the Scriptures seem to apply only to the Jew, not to the Gentiles.

•   God chose Abraham, who did not know him, to be set apart - God’s Election

•   He chose his younger son over his older son to be blessed – God’s Election

•   “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated” – God’s Election

•   God will decimate Russia and its coalition of states when they invade Israel – God’s Election. God sees His plan from the end to the beginning. Devine Election is God’s grace to bless those

  He wants to. It’s Man’s Free Will that gets him in on this blessing too.
  The Condition of Man is greatly wicked and the heart of God is grieved;554 God has said; I will

  destroy all wickedness. It is God’s will that ALL come to repentance for their sins and accept his Son Jesus the Christ as their Messiah; their Savior.555

  God takes no pleasure in the destruction of the wicked.556
  No man can on his own can come to God; he must be “enabled” by the Holy Spirit.557
  Devine election was extended to the Nation of Israel, but most did not accept Jesus as God’s son.

  God’s grace is in Devine Election to bless those He wants to bless.558 It’s Man’s “Free Will” that gets him in on the covenant of receiving the blessings as the seed of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.559

  Free Will along with Devine election, are both taught in the scriptures and are not withheld from the un-believer. It was God’s Devine election, His love and good pleasure that he took delight in choosing to bless the nation of Israel.560 They were a stiff necked people that did nothing to merit His favor.561 They were to be a separated Holy nation belonging to Him, a nation that He would use to bring forth the Christ and salvation to those that would believe.562 They were His people, but they were not saved, until they received His Son.563 To speak against the Holy Spirit is rejecting God and is the unpardonable sin.564 For the life of the believer, God has a plan565 and a purpose.566 It is a mystery to us; we cannot comprehend God’s thoughts and ways.567 However, we are assured that if God said it... it will happen.568 We have the assurance that when God says it.... The issue is settled.569

 IT’S GRACE – NOT WORKS
552 Romans 11:5 – Devine ELECTION; there is a remnant Chosen by grace
553 Romans 2:11 - For there is no respect of persons with God -- Romans 10:12-13 - EVERYONE who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. -- Romans 2:6-11 – BY GRACE He will give eternal life to everyone who does good for; God does not show favoritism
554 Genesis 6:5-7 – Man’s thoughts and heart is on evil all the time
555 2 Peter 3:9 – God’s will is that everyone receive eternal life
556 Ezekiel 33:11 – God takes no pleasure in the death of the un-saved
557 John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM shall not perish but have eternal life -- Romans 2:6 – He will render to every man according to his deeds
558 Romans 9:10 - God's purpose in ELECTION; the older will serve the younger... Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use
559 Deuteronomy 30:19 - I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. NOW CHOOSE LIFE
560 Ephesians 1:11 – Chosen, predestined; the plan, the purpose, His will -- Romans 8:30 – Those predestined, He also justified & glorified 561 Romans 8:28 – All things of God work together for good according to His purpose
562 Ephesians 1:3-4 - Elected to be holy and blameless in his sight
563 2 Thessalonians 2:13 – Chosen into salvation through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through your belief in the truth
564 Matthew 12:31-32 – Rejecting the Holy Spirit is the un-pardonable sin
565 Isaiah 14:24 – God has a plan for your life
566 Isaiah 14:27 – God has a purpose for your life
567 Isaiah 55:9 – God’s ways and thoughts are higher that man’s -- Romans 11:33 – God’s ways are past finding out
568 Psalm 119:89 - Your word, O LORD, is eternal it stands firm in the heavens
569 Isaiah 40:8 – God’s word stands forever -- Psalm 119:89- God’s word settles all issues.

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The Sovereignty of God – A Divine Mystery
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that

he might be the firstborn among many brothers, and those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. 570 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.571

QUESTION; doesn’t the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use? 572 Who has understood the mind of the LORD,573 Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!574

FLIP SIDE of PREDESTINATION

SALVATION is by FAITH through GRACE alone We can do nothing to save ourselves.
God alone saves.

The Mystery – This plan includes the Gentiles - us
All Israel by Devine Election is to be saved.575 All Israel is those of the Jews that have accepted

Jesus as the son of God as well as the saved Gentiles576 that were grafted into the branch and have now become a part of Israel.577 It is not ALL of Israel or all Jews and ALL Gentiles. It’s just “THOSE THAT BELIEVE”; they are the “ALL” of Israel; those living as well as those that are dead.

Devine Election... His Will... His Purpose... His Plan... God in His sovereignty chose us while we were still “dead” in our sins.578 The Holy Spirit gave us the “ability” to choose Him, thus we became predestined to be a part of His plan; HE DID IT ALL.

Everyone Is Predestined somewhere
At the judgment, every knee WILL bow before Christ579 and every tongue SHALL confess that Jesus

is Lord. Everyone will spend eternity somewhere.580 Who are the predestined to enter heaven?581 They are the Believer,582 the Elect.583

There will be some that take on the “clothing” of a Christian, but they are not actually saved.584 Once you are saved you are SAFE... No man, angel nor demon can take you out of the hand of God.585 Nothing in the present or future, nor powers, nor death can separate you from God.586

570 Romans 8:29-30 – WE ARE PREDESTINED TO BE CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON and also called; justified and glorified. 571 Romans 9:18 - God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.
572 Romans 11:21 - God did not spare the natural branches of the Jews, he will not spare you gentiles either
573 Isaiah 40:13 - Who can fathom the Spirit of the LORD, or instruct the LORD as his counselor

574 Romans 11:33 - How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!
575 Ephesians 1:9-10 - He made known to us THE MYSTERY of his will according to his good pleasure
576 John 10:16 – I have sheep in another pasture; the Gentiles
577 Romans 11:25-27 – The MYSTERY of “All Israel”; Israel has a hardening in part, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in
578 Ephesians 1:4-5 – We were chosen before the world was created PREDESTINED TO BE ADOPTED AS HIS SONS through Jesus Christ -- Ephesians 1:11 – we were chosen, PREDESTINED ACCORDING TO THE PLAN OF HIM who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will -- Revelation 11:15 – Christ is PREDESTINED TO REIGN FOR EVER AND EVER
579 Philippians 2:9-11 – Every knee shall bow – every tongue confess
580 Hebrews 9:27 – Man is predestined to die and then the judgment.
581 Romans 8:14 – The true heart will be drawn by the Holy Spirit to Jesus -- 2 Thessalonians 2:13 - From the beginning He knows the truth in your heart
582 John 1:12 – Those who believe have the right to become children of God -- John 3:14-15 - Those that lift up the name of Jesus and believes in him will have eternal life -- John 17:2 – He gives us eternal life to all those that will believe -- Acts 16:31 – Just believe and you will be saved -- John 5:24 – Believers are predestined to life
583 John 17:9 – We belong to God -- John 17:6 – We were given by God to Jesus
584 1 John 2:19 – SOME NOT REALLY SAVED
585 John 10:27-28 – The true believer cannot be removed from His hand. -- John 6:37- Once we are His, its forever.-- Acts 13:48 – Those that believe will have eternal life -- Philippians 1:6 – We can be confident; he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion 586 Romans 8:38-39 – Nothing can separate us from God’s love -- 2 Timothy 1:12– We are persuaded that He is able to keep that which has been committed unto him

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Predestination: The Non-Believer... Their Will... Their Choice; the word of God is just foolishness to the hard of heart. 587 Man was created with “free will”... God has set a choice in front of him. God knows the heart of the unbeliever before they were ever born and in His sovereignty, He uses them to complete His purpose and His plan. He knew the heart of “Judas Iscariot” and included him in His mystery, in His plan.588

God’s Election - Judgment
Here is how it all lines up; it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this is the judgment589...

There will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked 590... Some will awake to everlasting life; others to everlasting shame and everlasting contempt.591... Jesus is coming soon and His REWARD is with Him; He will give to everyone according to what he has done592... He will repay each of you according to your deeds593... Each person will be judged according to what he had done594... Those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned595 God has remembered your crimes; your sins are piled up to heaven and God will pay you back double for what you have done, He will mix you a double portion FROM YOUR OWN CUP.596

The MAKE-BELIEVER and UNBELIEVER shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous believer will go into life eternal.597... The Un-believer and make believer shall be cast into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth598... The smoke of their TORMENT will ascend up for ever and ever: and they will have NO REST DAY NOR NIGHT.599

Death and Hades will be thrown into the lake of fire which is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the BOOK OF LIFE, he would also be thrown into the lake of fire600... I will say to the unbeliever; depart from me, ye cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.601 There the worm will not die, nor will the fire be quenched upon the dead bodies of those who rebelled against God, His Son and the Holy Spirit.602

The Invitation

You are invited to freely come and find rest for your soul.603 You can’t do anything to earn Salvation; it’s not by your works, it’s by the Work of Jesus Christ on the cross; it’s His free Gift to you from God.604 Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and he will freely pardon and make an everlasting covenant with you, as promised to David.605

587 1 Corenthians 2:14 – God’s ways are FOOLISHNESS to the un-saved
588 John 17:12 – God used Judas; A Christian Outward; but Not inward.
589 Hebrews 9:27 – It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
590 Acts 24:15 - There will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.
591 Daniel 12:2 - Some will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt
592 Revelation 22:12 - I am coming soon! My reward is with me; I will give to everyone according to what he has done
593 Revelation 2:23 - I will repay each of you according to your deeds
594 Revelation 20:13 - Each person was judged according to what he had done
595 John 5:29 - Those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned... I will say to the unbeliever; depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels
596 Revelation 18:5-6 - God has remembered your crimes, your sins are piled up to heaven and will pay you back double for what you have done, He will mix you a double portion from your own cup
597 Matthew 25:46 – Make-believer/unbeliever shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous believer will go into life eternal 598 Matthew 13:42 – The Un-believer and make believer shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth 599 Revelation 14:11 - The smoke of their torment ascends up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night
600 Revelation 20:14-15 - Death and Hades will be thrown into the lake of fire which is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire
601 Matthew 25:41- I will say to the unbeliever; depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels
602 Isaiah 66:24 - There the worm will not die, nor will their fire be quenched upon the dead bodies of those who rebelled against me
603 Matthew 11:28-30- Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. -- Revelation 22:17 – let him that hears say, Come and take of the Lord’s gift freely
604 Ephesians 2:8-9 – Salvation is the free gift from God the Father
605 Isaiah 55:1-7 – He will have mercy and abundantly pardon and will make an everlasting covenant with you, as promised to David

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The Choice

Set before us is a choice of life or death;606 of eternity somewhere, eternity in Heaven with Christ or eternity in the Lake of Fire with; Satan, the fallen Angels, demons and the wicked. God wants us to choose life;607 to make no choice is a choice to reject the Holy Spirit.608

It’s not what you have done in the past... It’s what you do right now that counts.609
Sadly, some will confess “Christianity” just to keep from going to hell; they will utter a bunch of “Praise the Lord’s”, they may even be involved in charity and religious work, but still will not have an inward personal relationship with Christ; I’m good, your good, everybody’s good, they think they have

a “fire escape”. He will say, “I never knew you”.610

The Take Away
God foreordained and called ALL to salvation. ALL are free to accept or reject His call. It is

left up to the individual’s FREE WILL to decide. It is foreknown who will accept and meet the terms of the Gospel and become adopted as the Sons of God; the “Elect; thus foreknown and predestined.

606 Deuteronomy 30:19 – Man has free will; Man has a choice -- 1 Timothy 2:14 – Adam’s choice changed the life of ALL his children 607 Romans 10:13 – Make a choice; Call on God and you will be saved -- Joshua 24:15 – Choose today to serve the Lord -- Matthew 10:32-33 – Confess Christ openly before men -- Romans 10:9-10 – Confess and Believe Jesus is Lord and be saved
608 1 Kings 18:21 – How long will you waver between two opinions? Get off the fence; make a decision

609 Luke 15:18-24- Repent; Confess your sins, God will draw you back; -- Genesis 15:6 – Just Believe 610 Matthew 7:22-23 – Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you

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Chapter 13.17

Calvinism

Predestination vs.; Free Will – Does scripture support one or the other or both? 1) Total Depravity 2) Unconditional Election 3) Limited Atonement
4) Irresistible Grace 5) Perseverance of the Saints (The five Points)

The conundrum

If we are predestined; then God is in control and we can’t change anything. If our lives are already predetermined, then why do we preach the Gospel? Paul scratched his head over this when he said;
“God’s ways are past finding out”.611

First Word

My personal Belief System has a conflict with Calvinism since it states that God has already chosen those that will come to him; known as “the Elect.” I have always hung my hat on John 3:16, which says that “whosoever” believes on Jesus will be saved, and I considered myself as one of the “whosoever”.

The word predestination in Greek means “determined” and is mentioned in only 6 passages of the NT. There is much controversy concerning the doctrine of “Free Will” vs.; Predestination. If you continue along with me, you may find that the two views can exist side by side.

If I was a doctor and my BS, my Belief System on a particular disease was based on my “understanding” of what I had read; and what I “understood” was actually wrong; then my view on how to treat the disease will produce a wrong remedy. The foundation of our BS of scripture must be solid in order to understand correctly the rest of scripture.

J. Vernon McGee says; the Elect are the “whosoever wills” and the non-elect are the “whosoever won’ts”, and it is all according to HIS purpose.

Two Views on Salvation

 Arminianism The believer chooses God; God’s grace is the source of redemption, but can be resisted.

 Calvinism God chooses the believer; God offers grace to those He elects that cannot be resisted.

From Paul’s letters we can see that he preached both views; predestination 612as well as free will.613

A little Background
John Calvin (1509-1564) taught that salvation was only for those predestined by God. He became

a great leader in the Reformation of the Churches. His whole point was that we “find our way” through “the scripture alone” to find the revelation of God; and not the scripture plus traditions of men as in the Catholic Church. John had five doctrinal points that he embraced. Stay tuned.

611 Romans 11:33 - O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out -- Romans 11:33 – Man cannot figure out the ways of God
612 Ephesians 1:11 – We were chosen, PREDESTINED -- Ephesians 1:4-5 – He CHOSE US in His good pleasure and “Will”
613 Romans 1:16 – SALVATION IS UNIVERSAL; for those that believe -- 1 Timothy 2:3-4 – GOD’S WANTS ALL MEN TO BE SAVED.

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The Reformation came about to get rid of traditions and embrace the Holy scripture as the whole Word of God614 and that the Bible is dependable, reliable, sure and without error, and there is NO “private interpretation” and NO “special revelations.” 615

The basic message of the Bible is plain for anyone to see and understand.

TULIP

Out of the reformation of the church came five doctrines which became known as the five points of Calvinism and are remembered by the acrostic TULIP.

T - Total depravity... U – Unconditional Election... L – Limited Atonement... I – Irresistible Grace... P – Perseverance of the Saints...

If you can grasp the first point of Calvinism, then the rest will fall into alignment. The first point states that we are not partially lost, but are TOTALLY lost; dead in our sins. We can do nothing to save ourselves nor even have the ABILITY to even seek God.

Total Depravity
It all begins with the fall of man in the Garden of Eden; it was a “Total Fall” from grace. Sin

entered into this world through Adam, and through sin, death entered.616
We were born in sin when we entered this world and physical and spiritual death is our fate.617 We

are unable on our own to change our nature; only the grace of God can resurrect our fallen soul.618 There is a total inability on our part to do anything to contribute to our own salvation. As natural men we are both blind and deaf; the Word of God is foolishness to us, therefore we are unable to

come to God.619 We have no desire for the things of God, therefore God must enable us to do so.620 Satan has bound up our senses and we only know the perverted truth that he has placed in front of us.621 It is Christ who seeks us out to give us life while we are still dead in our sins.622 It is God the

Father that enables man to come to him.623
So salvation has to come from the Lord, it is a gift; we cannot do anything to earn it.624

The fall of man did not surprise God, nor was His plan of redemption an afterthought, it was in place before the fall of Adam and Eve.

Faith

three elements (all action words)

1. 1)  Awareness of the information God has provided through His Word.

2. 2)  Accepting the truths of the Word and implementing them in our life.

3. 3)  Trusting and reliance on the Word; believing unwaveringly.

614 2 Timothy 3:16 – All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness 615 2 Peter 1:20-21 – No private interpretation; men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit
616 Romans 5:12 – Death has come to ALL men because all sinned
617 Psalm 51:5 – We were born in sin; surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

618 Job 14:4 – Man cannot make something pure that’s impure -- Jeremiah 13:23 – Can a Ethiopian change his skin
619 1 Corenthians 2:14 – The Word is foolishness to the natural man. -- Mark 4:11-12 – The natural man is blind and deaf, ever hearing but never understanding
620 John 6:65 – God enables us to come to Him
621 Genesis 6:5 – Our thoughts and inclination are of evil all the time.
622 Ephesians 2:1 – Christ made us alive when we were DEAD in our sins
623 2 Timothy 2:25-26 – We must be gently instructed in the Word of God
624 Ephesians 2:8-9 – Salvation is a Gift from God, we can’t do anything to earn it.
625 James 2:26 - For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also FAITH APART FROM WORKS IS DEAD.

Point Number 1

Faith without works is a dead faith;625 true faith is a living faith, it contains

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IT’S IN THE BOOK

Point number 2

Unconditional Election
Chosen: eklegomai (Greek) meaning to pick out; to choose. Webster:

•   Unconditional: Without reservations; absolute, without condition.626

•   Election: Chosen by God for salvation and eternal life.627

•   Elect: Persons belonging to a special privileged group. (Those selected and separated out of the

  masses of the world.)628
  If all men are not “Elected” or saved, then the conclusion must be that God has chosen not to save

  everyone, but only some. Some receive Justice others receive Grace (Clemency). Paul said; Man is unable to understand the ways of God.

  Grace is an ACT of God, 629 NOT a STATE into which He brings us. If you can accept that man cannot do anything to save himself, then it becomes obvious that it’s up to God to be the One that saves us. There is no specific condition that puts man in a position to receive the election of God; to become one of His elect; we are not chosen because of who we are.630 We are NOT chosen because we accepted Christ, we were chosen so that “we might have the ABILITY” to accept Christ. (We can’t do anything on our part to merit salvation)

  When we read He foreknew us, it means He foreknew all our sins and weakness. It has nothing to do with Him knowing whether or not we would accept Him. He chose us in spite of ourselves; it was His good pleasure, the cause of His choice is found in Him, not in us; it is the gift of God.631

  We can “believe” only because we were unconditionally elected by Christ.

  Reconciliation – Redeemed – Saved – Elect
  Let’s pause right here to grasp that something must happen in order for a debt to be paid;

  Reconciliation is an accounting term; to balance the books and that’s where “God the Son” comes in; He paid our debt. If a man had become a bondservant because he was unable to redeem himself; unable to repay his own debt, then a kinsman who was ready, willing and able, could redeem him. The Son of God became the “son of man” to become our kinsman and redeem us.

  It was prophesized by Isaiah the prophet, that Christ would be the one who would come and “reconcile” man to Himself ...To pay the debt... To redeem the Elect. Christ would give His life for “the Church” which is not just the Jews or the Gentiles, but for ALL those He foreknew; the Elect, “every kind of person” that makes up the Church.632

  Man is DEAD in his sins and it is Christ that makes us alive.633
  Get ready to get upset: Jesus Christ did not die for EVERY man’s sin;634 He died just for the Elect,

  the chosen, the predestined, those who are saved;635 ALL others will die in their sins.

  626 Luke 4:25-26 – God election; He chose only one Widow in Zarephath out of many.
  627 John 15:16 – Christ does the choosing; you have not chosen me, but I have chosen you -- Romans 9:15 – God has the right of divine clemency; "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy”
  628 Galatians 1:15 – God choses you before you are born. -- Romans 9:11-13 – God’s purpose in election stands before you were born or had done anything good or bad -- Ephesians 1:4-5 – He chose and predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ -- 1 Peter 2:9 – We are part of a chosen generation; a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people;
  629 Romans 9:16 – Salvation does not depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God's mercy -- Ephesians 2:8-9 – Salvation is a gift from God, not by works, so that no one can boast -- Romans 11:33 – Man cannot figure out God’s ways; they are past finding out
  630 Acts 10:34 – We are not chosen because of who we are; God is no respecter of persons -- Deuteronomy 7:7-8 – We are not special in our own right, you are saved because the LORD loved you
  631 2 Peter 3:9 – GOD IS NOT WILLING THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH BUT THAT ALL SHOULD COME TO REPENTANCE
  632 Romans 4:25 – It was the death of Jesus Christ that justified us
  633 1 Corenthians 15:22 – It is through Christ that we are made alive
  634 Isaiah 53:11 – Prophecy – Christ will suffer for the sin of many and He will bear their iniquities.
  635 Ephesians 5:25 – Jesus gave His life for believers.

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Point number 3

Limited Atonement
Webster: Atonement, satisfaction given for a wrongdoing; reconciliation; the redeeming of mankind.

Three questions now arise concerning Christ dying on the cross for our sins;

1. 1)  Did Christ die to save everyone? If so, He failed, otherwise we would all be saved.

2. 2)  Did He die to save no one in particular? If so, man is responsible to do something on his

   own part to receive salvation.

3. 3)  Did He die to save specific people? If so, it’s “All God” and His election of saving grace and

   we can do nothing to merit this underserved act.

Limited Atonement; means that only some are reconciled; only some redeemed from deserved

Hell fire; only some saved.636 The Elect were chosen before the creation of the world to receive the covenant of the blood of Jesus Christ; we were adopted as sons.637 Under Roman law an adopted son enjoyed all the rights and privileges as a real son.

Reading the Hadith; a collection of sayings of Mohammad, (Sura 32:13), the Muslims believe that God made a bunch of people just to go to Heaven and made another bunch of people just to go to Hell. In actuality, scripture says ALL have sinned and ALL fall short of the glory of God. ALL are deserving of Hell fire.638 God has chosen to save some that were already Hell bound; and His ways and His reasons are just past finding out.

Ephesians 1:4-7 – The elect are a predestined people.

4 For HE CHOSE US IN HIM BEFORE THE CREATION OF THE WORLD to be holy and blameless in His sight.
5 In love HE PREDESTINED US TO BE ADOPTED AS HIS SONS through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will- to the praise

6 of his glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 IN HIM WE HAVE REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, the forgivenessofsins,inaccordancewiththerichesofGod'sgrace. NIV

Predestination – Free Will
First Word; All are predestined for eternal life... somewhere.
Election proceeded from God’s love and sovereign good pleasure... into separation... into

obedience... into adoption... into salvation... into Sonship.
Predestination: For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of

His Son.639 When God chose or elected some before the earth was made to be predestined to salvation, it was proposed that it was because in His omniscience, that He “foreknew” that they would be drawn to Christ and in the finality of things, accept Him. (Something that they would do)

This cannot be the case, as scripture teaches, that election is not based on God knowing the action or reaction of man to His will; It is a solely a gift from God.640 The Apostle Paul was Hell bound until God chose him and predestined him to eternal life. 641

God does not predestinate some to “NOT believe”; that would be “Double Predestination”, considering man is already not drawn to God in his current fallen state. Election flows from God’s own initiative according to His design, His purpose, His council and His will.642

Man’s destiny is in conformity to God’s eternal plan.

636 Matthew 26:28 – The covenant is for many – not for ALL
637 John 6:37 – God the Father gave many to God the Son -- John 17:9 – Only some were given to Christ 638 Romans 3:23 – We ALL deserve Hell fire judgment
639 Romans 8:29-30 - For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son 640 Acts 9:15 – The Believer is a chosen vessel
641 1 Corenthians 15:8-9 – God Chose Paul to be His vessel
642 Philippians 2:12-13 – God’s good purpose is at work in you.

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Free Will conflict: The Holy Spirit knows the will of God and imparts wisdom, knowledge and truth to the Elect.643 When you know the truth, you want it... are drawn to it... want more of it... and have the ability to lay hold of it; therefore it does not conflict with man’s free will to choose it.

When you know the truth, it will set you free.644
Think now and reason with me... along with those that were predestined, the plan of redemption

was also predestined. It must be remembered that in God’s eternal plan, it also included His Son, who was predestined to die on the cross.

Predestination in scripture is always presented with the intent of God’s willingness to embrace ALL who will believe. All who believe become “predestined” to Eternal Life.

Election/Predestination is an “effectual calling” which draws forth FAITH which salvation demands, commands and requires.

Whosoever Will – The Conflict
This is hard to digest, but there seems to be two parallel lines of “The Elect” taught in scripture

which both calumniate with God somewhere in eternity; you cannot deny one or the other, you cannot look at just one line, but the both of them at the same time.

1. 1)  There are those that God chose before the foundations of the earth; “The Elect” and then

2. 2)  Those who would be drawn by the Holy Spirit through the hearing of the word of God.

Jesus flat out told His Disciples that He had other sheep that were not of this sheep pen.645 If you can just grasp the fact that God chose the nation of Israel to be His chosen people and then made a way for the Gentiles through “free will” to come to Him; to be grafted into the vine, then you will understand it. Without this understanding in your Belief System, there is no reason to preach the Gospel

if we are without FREEWILL and are just predestined to “whatever”.
NOTE: All of the Jews did not “choose” to accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Likewise, all of the

Gentiles did not choose to either; so we can reason that Life is choice driven.646
On your own, you are incapable of doing anything to accept Christ; it is the seed of “truth” sown by the Holy Spirit that “enables you” to desire to receive Him.647 The Holy Spirit sows the seed of “truth” in man’s life... Some hearts are fertile ground for the seed to grow, other hearts are hard and full of

thorns and the seed is choked out.648
The “Whosoever” that comes to God is included in The Elect and become predestined by God to

receive the gift of eternal life with Him.649

Israel’s Covenant – Who is All Israel?
God made a covenant with Israel that they would be His special people and that He would save

them. The covenant contained a lot of “Ifs”; scripture states that “ALL Israel” will be saved,650 but how can this be since most of the Jews rejected the Gospel of Jesus Christ? It becomes crucial in our life to understand that God does not break His promises. If God goes back on His covenant with Israel, then perhaps He would go back on the promise of salvation for us; He will not.

“All Israel” is made up of those who accept Jesus Christ, both the Jews as well as the believing Gentiles whose branches were grafted into the root of the Jewish vine.651 NOTE: The unbelieving Jewish branches that were broken off can be grafted back in IF they accept Jesus as the Messiah.652

If you have accepted Jesus Christ, you now have Jewish roots.

643 John 16:13 – The Holy Spirit guides you into ALL truth -- 1 Corenthians 12:7-9 – The Spirit gives wisdom and knowledge 644 John 8:32 – When you will know the truth, the truth will set you free
645 John 10:16 – I have other sheep that are not of this pen.
646 Joshua 24:15 – Life is choice driven; then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve

647 Romans 10:13 – Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
648 Mark 4:14-20 - Some hearts are fertile others rocky.
649 Revelation 22:17- The whosoever are the Elect; whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of Life -- John 3:16 – Whosoever believes will have eternal life
650 Romans 11:26 – ALL OF ISRAEL WILL BE SAVED.
651 John 10:16 – The Believing Jews and Gentiles are All Israel -- Romans 11:17-23 – Believing Gentiles have been grafted into the vine 652 Romans 9:6 All descendants of Israel ARE NOT Israel

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Point number 4

Irresistible Grace
When the word of God goes forth, MOST are NOT drawn to God. There are TWO CALLS, one

physically outward and one spiritually inward.
1) The outward call to the natural man concerning spiritual things are foolishness to him.653 It

cannot be received nor understood. Man stands both blind and deaf, he needs a fertile heart

to receive the seed of the Holy Spirit which will “enable him” to seek out God.654
2) The inward call is a spiritual force that is irresistible; stronger than our own natural

“resistive will” to desire God; stronger than the “destroying will” of Satan.655
When the HOLY SPIRIT places an inward call in you,656 you are irresistibly drawn to Christ and nothing can frustrate the inward call of the Spirit.657 You are not “DRAGGED” kicking and screaming against your will to God, you are “DRAWN” to God because of the prior wok of “grace” through the

Holy Spirit who imparted wisdom, knowledge and TRUTH in you spirit.

Perseverance of the Saints
Webster: Perseverance... Patient effort... Persistence... to continue in some course of action...

the continuance in Grace of those elected to eternal salvation.658
We are to continue steadfast in our purpose of the way of life in Christ until He returns.

Our Chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. We have received THREE blessings;

1) Redemption; the forgiveness of our sin, 2) Appointed to participate with Him, and 3) Sealed with the Holy Spirit.

God the Son, who died to save men who could not save themselves, will also preserve those who He has saved659 and will carry them to completion until the “Day of the Lord”; His return. Even though we as the Elect are still tempted, God makes a way of escape for us.660

We can have serious failures, but none will be a final or a total fall.661
It’s a done deal; nothing can separate us from God; nothing can snatch us out of His hand; none of

us will be lost; the Elect no longer stands condemned.662

The Holy Spirit not only INITIATES salvation in us, He also PRESERVES us.663
This is the doctrine of “Once Saved, Always saved”; eternally elected; eternally saved. Time means

nothing to God’s decrees... When God says something... It is prophecy. 664
His unthwartable Will and purpose will happen according to His plan.665

653 1 Corenthians 2:14 – The natural man cannot receive spiritual things.
654 John 6:44 – You must be DRAWN by the Father in order to come to Him -- Acts 16:14 – The Holy Spirit OPENS the heart giving the ABILITY to see
655 Ephesians 2:1-9 – Your FAITH is a gift from God
656 Romans 8:14 – The Holy Spirit leads you. -- Matthew 16:17 – The Holy Spirit REVEALS secrets to the Believer -- John 6:45 – They will all be TAUGHT, they will LISTEN, they will LEARN and they will Come
657 Romans 8:29-30 – He foreknew us and predestined us to be conformed to the likeness of his Son
658 Philippians 1:6 – The Holy Spirit who began a good work in us will carry us to completion.
659 John 6:39 – Jesus will lose none of us
660 1 Corenthians 10:13 – The Holy Spirit makes a way out of temptation for us so that we may be able to bear up under it
661 John 10:28-29 – No one can take us out of His hand.
662 Romans 8:1 – The believer is no longer condemned.
663 Romans 8:38-39 – Nothing can separate us from Christ -- Romans 8:27 – The Holy Spirit knows the WILL of God.
664 Isaiah 55:11 – If God said it; It will happen
665 Romans 8:29 – We are among many brothers with Christ predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son

Point number 5

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Jesus on Calvinism – “Words in Red”
Jesus does NOT speak of “Predestination” from the foundation of the earth; but He does say; He

does the choosing; God does the drawing; and it could happen “anytime” He chooses for it to happen. Read what Jesus said concerning the FIVE POINTS OF CALVINISM.

1) T Total Depravity – No one can come to me, unless it has been granted by the father.
2) U Unconditional Election – You did not choose me, but I chose you.
3) L Limited Atonement – You do not believe, because you are not my sheep.
4) I Irresistible Grace – No one comes to me unless the Father who sent me draws them.
5) P Perseverance of the Saints – I give eternal life to them, and no one shall snatch them out of

my hand.

Point 1 - John 6:65 - Total Depravity

65 He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to

me unless the Father has enabled him." NIV

Point 2 - John 15:16 – Unconditional Election

16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and

bear fruit-fruit that will last. NIV

Point 3 - John 10:26 – Limited Atonement (Particular Redemption)

26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. NIV

14 "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-

15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father-and I lay down my

life for the sheep. NIV

Point 4 - John 6:44-45 – Irresistible Grace (Effectual Calling)

44 "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him,

and I will raise him up at the last day NIV

Point 5 - John 10:28-29 - Perseverance of the Saints.

28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch

them out of my hand.

29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can

snatch them out of my Father's hand. NIV

The Landowner – Free Will or Predestination or both
Come let us reason together; in this parable of Jesus, the Landowner went out early seeking workers,

and hired/elected only some. The workers did not seek Him; He sought them; chose them; hired them; elected them. These first hired were the Elect; those predestined from the foundations of the earth.

Not all of His workers were hired at the same time; the Landowner went out over and over again with “THE CALL” and hired more workers. These additional new hires came by “FREE WILL” as the Spirit “enabled” them to accept the Call for work and thus became predestined for the same pay as the others who were first chosen. (I understand if your BS doesn’t embrace this.)

Both got in on the same reward of eternal Life with Christ.666

666 Matthew 20:1-14 - THE LAST SAVED GETS SALVATION THE SAME AS THE FIRST.
1 For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire men to work in his vineyard.
2 He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.
3 "About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing.
4 He told them, `You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.'
5 So they went. "He went out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour and did the same thing.
6 About the eleventh hour he went out and found still others - Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?'
7 "`Because no one has hired us,' they answered. “He said to them, `You also go and work in my vineyard.'
8 "When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, `Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.'
9 "The workers who were hired about the eleventh hour came and each received a denarius.

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Rejection

Some of the teachings of Christ were unacceptable to a number of His followers and they left the assembly of believers; His words were just Foolishness; Crazy. (Eat my flesh, Drink my blood) 667

Scripture teaches that there are some who work among us, who will seem like they are part of the body, but they are really not; they are lost.668 Christ did not lose any of these that left; they were never saved, they were never His.669

Predestination – Rabbit Trail
The Predestination doctrine testifies of “God’s sovereignty” and runs from the Old Testament

through the New Testament. It’s about what God has already said; if God has said it, then His eternal purpose will not fail; it will come to pass. God sees the end from the beginning, from “born” to “born again”.670 This is not a straight line, but is full of struggles, dips and turns, mountains and valleys. Man was created with free will to do whatever he pleases, Freedom to choose to do the greatest good as well as Freedom to do the greatest evil; the exercise of his own volition, Freedom of Choice, Freedom of Election, and Freedom of Spirit.

“Devine Sovereignty” and “Human Free will” are parallel lines. They never meet nor cross. It is clear, that in God’s Sovereignty, that before He created the Earth, He foreknew those that would be drawn to Him by the Holy Spirit; in effect they were predestined.

A preacher preaches to a crowd:

One stays to receive Christ...
The rest leave; not everyone is drawn. His call has been sent out to ALL men, some will answer, some will not.671

If on the cross, Christ died for “all men” to be saved, then He was an utter failure as all men are not saved. However, if He died for “ALL” He foreknew that would be drawn to Him both now and in the future, He is 100 percent successful.

The “Once Saved, Always Saved” doctrine is about the Predestination of security for the believer. It’s the “believer’s security” that is predestined.672

Paul, scratching his head over this said, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and His ways are past finding out”.673

PREDESTINATION: None drawn by the Holy Spirit will be lost to that old serpent, Satan.674

10 So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius.
11 When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner.
12`These men who were hired last worked only one hour,' they said, `and YOU HAVE MADE THEM EQUAL TO US who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.'
13 "But he answered one of them, `Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius?
14 Take your pay and go. I WANT TO GIVE THE MAN WHO WAS HIRED LAST THE SAME AS I GAVE YOU. NIV
667 John 6:56 - By EATING MY FLESH AND DRINKING MY BLOOD you enter into me and I into you.
668 Matthew 7:23 – Some pretend to be Christians.
669 1 John 2:19 – Those that left were not really one of us.
670 Jeremiah 1:5 - Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, -- Ephesians 1:4-5 - He chose us in him before the creation of the
world; He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ
671 Acts 2:39 - The promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.
672 Ephesians 1:11-13 - We were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him; Having believed, we were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit -- Romans 8:29-30 -- For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son
673 Romans 11:33 - Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! HOW IMPOSSIBLE IT IS FOR US TO UNDERSTAND HIS DECISIONS AND HIS WAYS!
674 Romans 8:38-39 I am persuaded that nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God -- John 6:40 - I shall lose none of all that he has given me

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T Point 1 - Calvinism states that man did not partially fall from grace, but is totally fallen and does not have the ability to seek out God... He has no desire for things of God... It is God that seeks out man and enables him to come and make a decision of faith.

U Point 2 – Our Election did not involve any action or decision on our part... We are not chosen because of God foreknowing our decision of faith... It is a free gift... We can believe only because we were elected to be able to believe.

L Point 3 - God chose to save specific men who were fallen and deserved Hell fire... All were on death row... All those He chose received Grace; the others received Justice. God did not make some men “purposed” to go to Heaven and others “purposed” to go to Hell... ALL are Hell bound.

I Point 4 – We are irresistibly drawn to God because the Holy Spirit imparts wisdom, knowledge and truth in our souls... we want more of it...We are drawn to the truth.

P Point 5 – We are to continue in our life in Christ and He will preserve us to “the day of the Lord”; His return... Nothing can take us out of His hand... Once saved, always saved.

Calvinism or Predestination is an “effectual” calling; it demands, requires and commands “FAITH” to be drawn forth from the Elect.

The death of Christ on the cross was NOT for ALL men’s sin, but only for the sins of those that would believe on Him; ALL others die in their sins and will spend eternity with Satan’s gang of minions.

God does not purpose or predestinate some men to “NOT believe,” that would be “double Predestination,” because ALL men are totally fallen and already do not believe.

There seems to be two parallel lines of “The Elect” taught in scripture which both calumniate with God somewhere in eternity. The Predestined; that’s already IN the vine and the Whosoever; that’s GRAFTED into the vine. Jesus flat out told the Disciples that He had OTHER sheep that were not of their pen.

The “Whosoever” that comes to God is included in “The Elect” and becomes predestined by God to receive “the gift of eternal life” reigning with Jesus Christ.

J. Vernon McGee says; the Elect are the “whosoever wills” and the non-elect are the “whosoever won’ts”, and it’s all according to HIS purpose.

Why Preach: It has been said that if men are predestined, then there is no need to preach the Gospel. However, we preach the Gospel because WE WERE COMMANDED TO PREACH; regardless of any conflict that we might have in our mind.675

Faith comes by hearing and hearing comes by the Word of God. 676 How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? How can they hear without someone preaching to them? How can they preach unless they are sent? 677

If you are a Presbyterian, you will agree with the part about Predestination.
If you are a Baptist, you will agree with the part about Free Will.
If it helps; think of those with “Free Will” as those chosen and “enabled” by the Holy Spirit, to

seek God, and thus PREDESTINED to “eternal life”.

“Predestination” and “Free Will” exist side by side and are both taught in scripture;
both are a part of the SOVEREIGNTY of God. We do not have to choose;
We are compatibilist.

675 Matthew 28:19 - Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 676 Romans 10:17 - So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.
677 Romans 10:14-15 - And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them

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IT’S IN THE BOOK

Chapter 13.18

Predestination Revisited

FIVE POINTS of the Fate Debate – Intellectual Gymnastics
Did God make some destined for Hell? - Who is Righteous? Change in the Priesthood; Change in the Law - New Covenant

First Word

Another Twist to an already controversial subject: Does God hand pick some to go to Heaven and others to go to Hell?

Dead – Dead - Dead

DEAD: Man is so dead in his sins that he can’t even reach for a life preserver even if it’s floating right beside him,678 but God has chosen to “make it possible” that he CAN reach out.

The Fate Debate:

•   Arminius say men have to make a choice; man has part, but can resist God679.

•   Calvinist says no, that’s not right; it’s all God; man can’t do anything... Man cannot resist the

  calling of God.680

•   Hybrid versions... Taking some parts from each doctrine.

  Intellectual Gymnastics: Did God choose us or did we choose Him? ... I think Yes... Both are right. In my BS it seems to me there is an action on God’s part to draw men, and an action on man’s part to come... Or maybe not.681 Which blade in a pair of scissors is the most important?

  The Big Question; does God under the New Covenant draw ONLY SOME men or are His ways just past our finding out? 682

  Yeah, but what about this?

  Does God as the creator or potter make some people purposed for heaven and others for Hell?683 Muslim’s believe this:

•   Sura 3:129 – Allah has predestined some to paradise and some to hell.

•   Sura 32:13 – Allah sends to hell whomever he wants. He created a multitude of spirits and men

  specifically for the purpose of sending them to hell.

  678 Ephesians 2:1-2 – We were DEAD in our transgressions; our sins
  679 John 6:44 – It is God that draws man to Him
  680 John 6:65 – It is God that enables man to come
  681 Romans 9:16 - It does not, therefore, depend on what we do, but by God’s mercy. 682 Romans 11:33 – God’s ways are past finding out.

  683 Isaiah 64:8 – We are clay molded into vessels as God chooses -- Jeremiah 18:6 – God the potter can do as He pleases with the clay -- Romans 9:21 – Some pottery made noble and some made common

Predestination or Calvinism teaches that EVERYBODY is predestined to go to Hell, but God in His grace chose to SAVE SOME from that fate. God did not send the rest to Hell; they were ALL already going to Hell; otherwise that would be double jeopardy.

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In the strictest sense of Christianity, ALL sinners are destined to Hell, not just some. Doesn’t God harden the hearts of those He wants to, as well as blesses the hearts of others?684 YES He does. God, in His Plan called Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon “His servant” when he was actually the enemy of Israel;685 God USED him for “HIS” purpose.

Heaven or Hell
When I became a member of the Presbyterian Church of America, they explained to me about

“Predestination” and I told them I hung my hat on John 3:16, that “whosoever will” may come. They said that was fine, but they just wanted me to know what they taught.

What I read in scripture is that, we as followers of Christ have been predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, and that He who has BEGUN this work of “conforming” us will complete it.686 What is the Image of His Son? Christ has a heavenly calling... He is in the presence of God... He will rule and reign forever.

The justified Christian in a glorified body; will be called to Heaven into the presence of God, face to face with Jesus Christ, to rule and reign with Him... We have begun.

Romans 8:29-30 – Predestined to be conformed to the Image of Jesus

29 For whom He foreknew, He also PREDESTINED TO BE CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He PREDESTINED these

He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. NKJV

So what’s the Point?

The word “predestination” is found only four times in the Bible and it is when Paul was addressing two groups of believers. The first group is called WE” and is the Jews; the second group is called “YOU” who are the Gentiles; both groups known as “US” were followers of “The Way”; Jesus Christ.

In my BS, I have no problem in embracing the thought that in the Book, God hand selected and predestined “these men” for His glory, before the foundations of the earth; both Jew and Gentile to be the first among many to receive “The Promise” of salvation.

Ephesians 1:11-14 – Two groups; Jews and Gentiles

11 In him WE (Jews) were also chosen, having been PREDESTINED according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,
12 in order that WE (Jews) who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.

13 And YOU (Gentiles) also were included in Christ when YOU heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, YOU (Gentiles) were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,
14 who is a deposit guaranteeing OUR (all the followers of The Way), inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession-to the praise of his glory. NIV

Ephesians 1:4-5 - He predestined us to be to be adopted as his sons

4 For he chose US in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love
5 He PREDESTINED US to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will NIV

684 Romans 9:15 – God will have mercy on whom He will have mercy, and will have compassion on whom He will have compassion -- Romans 9:18 - God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden
685 Jeremiah 27:6 – Israel’s enemy Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon was called God’s servant
686 Philippians 1:6 – He who begun the work in us will complete it

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The FIVE POINTS of the FATE DEBATE

•   POINT ONE – God chose in advance to have mercy on the Gentiles687 who had not pursued

  Him. That’s you and me.688 The Gentiles were actually the objects of God’s wrath,689 but now

  have been predestined to participate with Israel in salvation; No more RACISM.

•   POINT TWO – Predestination is not about individuals, but about groups; Jews690 and Gentiles... (Gentiles meaning everybody else that is not a Jew.) “Believers” in both groups are predestined to be adopted as sons of God. The once separated two groups have become one humanity in Christ.691

  There is now no difference between believing Jew and believing Gentile.692

•   POINT THREE – Those that call upon the name of the Lord and believe in their heart are predestined to be saved.693 It is NOT every Jew; the natural children of Abraham who are God's children, but it’s the children of the promise;694 Jews as well as Gentiles who put their faith in

  Jesus Christ.

•   POINT FOUR – Predestination does not alter mans “Free Will” to choose although God

  already knows his decision. The hidden wealth of the Gospel was always there for the Gentiles

  and is only now being revealed;695 but it’s up to THEM to seize the opportunity.

•   POINT FIVE -The message is: The “growth process” to conform the Christian into the image

  of Jesus Christ is predestined to be completed.

  Predestination is the revelation of God’s hidden plan to extend the gospel to the “Dirty, Rotten, Low Down, Scumbag Sinners; the Rejected, Revolting GENTILES;” that would be me.

  Those that “call on His Name” are predestined to become Justified, Glorified, Holy and Blameless. Gentiles are predestined to have the same “opportunity” as the Jews to come into the Kingdom of God. They have been “grafted into the branch” and now have JEWISH ROOTS.696

  Change in Priesthood
  I’m In; you’re Out; The Old Covenant eligibility for “The Promise” was determined by your birth;

  you had to be descendent of Abraham whose seed gave us the “Levitical Priesthood”.
  Jesus was NOT from the tribe of Levi therefore He could not be a Levitical Priest. There was a change in the Priesthood when Jesus was made a Priest after the order of Melchizedek,697 a higher and

  older order than that of the Levitical Priesthood.
  The Book says that when there is a change in the Priesthood there MUST be a change in the

  Law; a new covenant.698
  The New Covenant begins not at the birth of Jesus, but at His death... Jesus was born “Under the

  Law” of the Old Covenant. He referred often to the Torah, the writings of Moses and amplified those laws to show that they could not possibly be obeyed. His teachings were directed to those who were still “under the law”.

  687 Romans 9:25 - I WILL CALL THE GENTILES MY PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT MY PEOPLE
  688 Romans 9:30-31 – Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness, ATTAINED righteousness; Jews pursuing righteousness, HAVE NOT ATTAINED righteousness,
  689 Romans 9:22-24 – Jews and Gentiles alike were prepared in advance for destruction; the objects of his WRATH; now known to be the objects of his MERCY
  690 Romans 9:6-7 – Not all descendants from Israel are True Israel -- John 10:16 – I have sheep that are not Jews, but are Gentiles
  691 Ephesians 2:14-16 – God created one humanity out of two, Jew and Gentile
  692 Romans 10:12 – There is now no difference between Jew or Gentile
  693 Romans 10:13 - EVERYONE who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved -- Romans 10:9 – CONFESS with your mouth and BELIEVE in your heart and you will be saved
  694 Romans 9:8 – It’s the children of the PROMISE that are predestined
  695 Ephesians 2:11-13 – The Gentiles once separated now brought near -- Ephesians 2:19-22 – The Gentiles are no longer foreigners.
  696 Romans 11:17 – Gentile Believers, now have Jewish Roots.
  697 Hebrews 6:20 - Jesus was a Priest after the order of Melchizedek
  698 Hebrews 7:12 – When there is a change of the priesthood, there must also be a change of the law Change in Priesthood

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He taught that they must be born again; “Out from under the Law”... that He would give them a new heart and put His Spirit in them.699 He said, even if they drift away, He would not disown them, but would remain faithful.700 His death demolished the wall between the Jew and the Gentile drawing ALL men into Him.701 Jesus, who was without sin, took our sin so we could become righteous.702 His being lifted up on the cross was to draw ALL men unto Him.703 We can now participate in His righteousness because we have been “made perfect” forever.704

We serve God now without being subject to the Old Laws. There are only two New Covenant Commandments or Laws; 1) Love God with all your heart, soul and mind, and

2) Love your neighbor just as you love yourself.705

Righteous

Are you as righteous as the Disciples or Paul or maybe Billy Graham’; How about the Pope? Was your response; NO...? Well the scriptures say YES... We are as righteous as Jesus Christ; we are clothed in His righteousness. 706

This is not a blasphemous statement, its scriptural FACT; So take ownership.

The believing Gentiles (us) are no longer under the law and have been PREDESTINED by God’s Grace
to be included with the BELIEVERS of the Nation of Israel.

The doctrine of Predestination; you can take it or leave it.
If you repent, confess with your mouth, that "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead; you will be saved. 707... PERIOD

Jesus plus nothing else

The Take Away

God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that EVERYONE who BELIEVES in Him will not perish, but will have eternal life. John 3:16 (NLT)

699 Ezekiel 36:26-27 – I will give you a new heart and spirit.
700 2 Timothy 2:13 - Even if we drift away, He will remain faithful
701 John 12:32-33 – Lifted up on the Cross drew ALL men unto Him
702 2 Corenthians 5:21 – Jesus without sin, took our sin
703 John 3:3-7 – You must be born again to see the Kingdom of God -- Philippians 2:13 – God’s Spirit in us gives us the desire to do good. -- Hebrews 8:10 – He put His laws in our hearts and mind
704 Hebrews 10:14 – We have been made perfect forever -- 2 Peter 1:4 – We can now participate in His Devine Nature
705 Matthew 22:37-40 – TWO COMMANDMENTS ONLY; ‘Love your neighbor as yourself; `Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'
706 2 Corenthians 5:17 – When we believe, we are a new creation -- Galatians 3:6-7 – When we are a new creation, we become righteous -- 2 Corenthians 5:21 – We have the righteousness of God
707 Romans 10:9 - IF YOU CONFESS WITH YOUR MOUTH THAT JESUS IS LORD AND BELIEVE IN YOUR HEART THAT GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, YOU WILL BE SAVED IT’ IN THE BOOK

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Chapter 13.19

Second Chance Salvation

Prayers for the Dead – Baptism for the Dead - Purgatory - Reincarnation The Sleep/Wake Gap Doctrine - Universalism – The Mormon Doctrine Post Mortem Evangelism - Did Jesus preach Second Chance to the Dead?

First Word

I have FAMILY, neighbors and friends; some of which are Protestants, Catholics, and Buddhist as well as many Atheist; my only motive in this Word Study is to address the Second Chance Doctrine based on The Book; precept upon precept and line upon line708 with no motives or agenda to throw rocks at any denomination or person that supports the Second Chance theory. The question presented is;

CAN A PERSON BE SAVED AFTER THEIR DEATH? Can you do Penitence for a loved one that has died? Is Baptism for the dead a valid option. Is reincarnation a valid doctrine? Are Prayers for the dead scriptural? Do we get a Do Over?

Post-Mortem Evangelism

Post-Mortem Evangelism asks us to reshuffle the deck for a new understanding of death. PME contends that those who DO NOT BELIEVE the Gospel Message during their lifetime will be given another opportunity to believe after they die and thus be saved; PME. The supporters torture John 5:25 until it confesses this thinking. John’s letter was about being spiritually dead, hearing the gospel massage and being made spiritually alive.709

John 5:25 – The dead will hear the Gospel and live

25 Truly, truly, I say to you, AN HOUR is coming, and is now here, when THE (spiritually) DEAD will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear WILL (spiritually) LIVE. ESV

LISTEN: In the actual text Jesus is speaking about THE HOUR that was to come, the time when He would be crucified and then spend three days in a compartment of hell known as Paradise preaching to those who from “all time” who had died in the friendship of God. Remember Jesus taught that He was the ONLY way to God the Father and these in Paradise lived before Jesus was born and had never even heard about the Gospel Message; this was a ONE TIME EVENT. The Book is absolutely SILENT regarding any opportunity to hear the gospel after death.

LISTEN: IF the fate of a Christian is NOT fixed at death, then that opens the door to the thinking that our salvation may not be fixed; a Believer might end up being lost after death. Those in Torment in Hell and those in Paradise already had their fate fixed. It’s in the Book

708 Isaiah 28:13 – Study the Word; Precept upon precept, Line upon line, here a little, there a little
709 Ephesians 2:1-5 – By grace we have been saved, we were once spiritually dead and now made spiritually alive

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Exclusivism

Exclusivism is the view that you must believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and it is ONLY through His work on the cross that Salvation is obtained.710 It teaches that God’s perseverance with unbelievers will end at their physical death.711 Exclusivism teaches One Way – One Truth – One Life.

The Last Call Doctrine is that you must make your “Free Will” choice in this lifetime.

Sleep/Wake Gap Doctrine
The Death-Judgment GAP is the belief that there is a time gap of unknown duration between the

time you die and the judgment; this is where you are given a second chance for salvation. Those who embrace this, use the scripture from the Book of Daniel that says “those who SLEEP in the dust of the earth; (sleep meaning A GAP OF TIME) shall AWAKE, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.”

Daniel 12:2 - Time Gap between sleep and waking
2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. (ESV)

The Book says and, you must let this sink into your spirit; when the life giving breath (Ruah) departs from the man and returns to God, the man goes back to the dirt from which he was formed.712 All his plans have now perished, there is NO working, planning, knowledge or wisdom.713 He can no longer think, he cannot praise God; he is silent, not a word can be heard.714 He is not aware of anything, he knows nothing, he has no emotions of love, hate or envy; it has all perished.715

Did you see it? There is NO second Chance GAP

Universalism

Universalism is the doctrine of universal reconciliation, also known as universal salvation. This doctrine teaches that every human soul will ultimately be reconciled to God because of God’s divine love and mercy; even after they CROSS OVER. This makes a remarkable shift; you not only get a second chance for salvation, but you get a fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, etc. until finally God triumphs over ALL, in their stubborn resistance to the Gospel Message.

The Book says that after we CROSS OVER we will be judged for all the things we have done while “IN THE BODY” whether good or evil.716

Works do not save us, but they do determine our REWARDS in heaven or the level of PUNISHMENT in Hell.717 TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN, MUCH WILL BE REQUIRED.718

EDITORIAL: Much will be required especially for Oprah Winfrey, for whom much has been given;719 her religion and church diminishes the God of the Bible. She is clear to insist that when she speaks of God that she means no specific god and entails no particular theological commitments. This is the Blind leading the Blind... Millions of Souls will be lost because she has led them to the lake of fire.

The Book gives an example where there were two men that had died; one went immediately to Torment the other immediately to Paradise. The one tormented in Hell wanted someone to CROSS BACK OVER to warn his family, but God said NO.720 If someone could get a SECOND CHANCE for salvation, then there would be no reason for Jesus to be sacrificed on the cross.

710 John 14:6 - “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. NO ONE comes to the Father EXCEPT THROUGH ME
711 Mark 16:15-16 – The Great Commission; Go Proclaim the Gospel Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved,
712 Psalm 146:4 – Man’s breath (Ruah) departs and he goes to the grave, all his plans perish -- Ecclesiastes 9:5 – The dead know nothing and have no more reward
713 Ecclesiastes 9:10 – The dead; NO working, planning, knowledge or wisdom
714 Psalm 115:17 – The dead cannot praise God, they are silent, not a word to be heard
715 Ecclesiastes 9:6 – The dead’s emotions have perished; love, hate, envy perished
716 2 Corinthians 5:10 – You will be judged for what was done while in the body whether good or evil.
717 1 Corinthians 3:8 – You will receive wages according to your labor -- Revelation 22:12 – Your reward is according to your works -- Revelation 2:23 – I will give to each of you according to your works -- Revelation 20:13 – Each will be judged according to his own works 718 Luke 12:43-48 - TO WHOM MUCH WAS GIVEN; MUCH WILL BE REQUIRED,
719 Matthew 15:14 – OPRAH; a blind guide leading the blind, they will BOTH FALL into a ditch; all lost
720 Luke 16:19-31 – No one will cross back over after death; BETWEEN US AND YOU A GREAT CHASM HAS BEEN FIXED

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The doctrine of Hell is the most gut-wrenching, heart-breaking doctrine in the Christian faith. Universalism is a false doctrine. Even in the Apocrypha; 2 Clement says, “For after we shall have departed out of this world, we shall no longer be able to confess our sins or repent in the other.”721

There is NO Universal Reconciliation; there is NO Second Chance!

Reincarnation
Reincarnation is the religious or philosophical concept that the soul or spirit, after biological death,

begins a new life in a new body; you get many second chances to get it right.
Reincarnation is a word derived from Latin, meaning literally, "entering the flesh again". The Greek

equivalent corresponds to the English phrase "TRANSMIGRATION OF THE SOUL" They refer to being "born again" which is a universal process that gives rise to the cycle of death and rebirth, governed by “Karma”. Every living being's soul transmigrates (recycles) after death, carrying the seeds of Karmic impulses from the life just completed, into another life and a lifetime of karmas.

Birth is not a beginning and death is not an end.

After death, the life as we know now moves on to another form of life based on the merits and demerits it accumulated in its current life.

The path to becoming a “SUPREME SOUL” is to practice non-violence and be truthful.

As worn-out garments are shed by the person; worn-out bodies are shed by the dweller within the body; new bodies are “put on” by the dweller, like garments.

Abrahamic religions such as Christianity, and Islam do not believe that individuals reincarnate, however in Judaism, followers of the Kabbalah do believe in reincarnation. Wikipedia

Just to drive home a point; when the Disciples saw Moses and Elijah appear on the Mount of transfiguration, they were still identified as they were before; Moses and Elijah;722 they had not been reincarnated into different bodies. When Jesus was resurrected from the dead, He was still identified in His same form, not a reincarnation of somebody else, although I must point out, that all of them did have glorified bodies that were not subject to our dimensional laws. DO OVER: God has provided us FULL salvation through His Son Jesus Christ; we don’t need another DO OVER LIFE to try to FIX our sins.723 We are destined to die once and then the judgment; it’s through the JUDGMENT724 that the Kingdom of God will be ushered in.725 The Book says that when we leave our body, we are present with the Lord.726
	So there is NO Reincarnation; there is NO “DO OVER”; there is NO Second Chance	.727

Mormon Doctrine - Chloroform in print – Mark Twain Progression between ESTATES and KINGDOMS

•   The First Estate – Spirit - A place where all humankind existed as spirit children of the “Heavenly Father”.

•   The Second Estate – Mortal – Those who proved themselves worthy in the pre-existence spirit world were eventually allowed a mortal existence here on earth and given physical bodies.

•   The Third Estate – Heavenly – Those who are tested and tried on earth will after their death enter the heavenly estate.

  721 Apocrypha 2 Clement 3:16 – For after we shall have departed out of this world, we shall no longer be able to confess our sins or repent in the other
  722 Luke 9:30 – They recognized Moses and Elijah
  723 Psalm 17:15 – I will be alive again, I will be satisfied, I will see His face

  724 Daniel 12:2 – We shall awake to Everlasting life or Everlasting contempt
  725 Acts 1:11– Jesus will return the same way as He left
  726 2 Corinthians 5:8 – When we are Absent from the body, we are Present with Lord -- Ecclesiastes 12:7 – The body returns to dust; the spirit returns to God
  727 Luke 16:23-25 – There is No Second Chance, No Reincarnation; just Judgement

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Salvation for the DEAD is the system by means of which those who “die without a knowledge of the gospel” may gain such knowledge in the spirit world and then, following the vicarious performance of the necessary ordinances, become heirs of salvation on the same basis as though the gospel truths had been obeyed in mortality. (When they were alive).

Salvation for the DEAD is limited expressly to those who do not have opportunity in this life to

accept the gospel, but who would have taken the opportunity had it come to them.
THREE DEGREES OF GLORY: Every person on earth is living a set of laws that will have a bearing

on what level of Glory they will inherit in eternity.
1) Celestial kingdom: The celestial kingdom is of the HIGHEST of the three degrees of glory

and is the permanent residence of God the Father and Jesus Christ. It will be the residence of those who have been righteous, accepted the teachings of Jesus Christ, and made and lived up to all of the required ordinances and covenants. Individuals may accept and receive these ordinances and covenants during their mortal lives. For those who did not have the opportunity while living, (when they die) they will have the opportunity in the post-mortal spirit world, where they can accept ordinances performed on their behalf by Latter-day Saints in temples. All children who die before the age of eight automatically inherit the celestial kingdom without the reception of ordinances. (None of this is in the Book)

2) Terrestrial kingdom is the MIDDLE of the three degrees of glory. It is believed by Latter-day Saints to correspond to the "bodies terrestrial" and "glory of the moon" mentioned by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:39-41. Those who will inhabit the terrestrial kingdom include those who lived respectably but "were blinded by the craftiness of men" and thus REJECTED the fullness of THE GOSPEL of Jesus Christ when it was presented to them during theirmortallives.(whiletheywerealive) Italsoincludespersonswhorejectedthe"testimonyofJesus in the flesh, but afterwards received it" in the spirit world and those who "are not valiant in the testimony of Jesus" after having received it. Those who inherit the terrestrial kingdom "receive of the presence of the Son, but not the fullness of the Father”. (Nowhere in the Book)

3) Telestial kingdom is the LOWEST of the three degrees of glory. Those who will inhabit the telestial kingdom include those "who received NOT the gospel of Christ, nor the testimony of Jesus." It will also include "liars, and sorcerers, and adulterers, and whoremongers, and whosoever loves and makes a lie." Because of their refusal to accept Jesus as their Savior, these individuals will remain in spirit prison for 1000 years during the millennial reign of Christ. After the 1000 years, the individuals will be resurrected and receive an immortal physical body and be assigned to the telestial kingdom. Individuals in the telestial kingdom will be servants of God, but "where God and Christ dwell they cannot come”. – Wikipedia -

Those who have a fair and just opportunity to accept the gospel in this life and WHO DO NOT DO IT, but who then do accept it when they (have died and) hear it in the spirit world will go NOT to the CELESTIAL (kingdom) , but to the TERRESTRIAL kingdom. (None of this is in the Book)

39

Mark Twain was right this is Chloroform in print
1 Corinthians 15:39-41 – Sun Moon Stars different kind of glory

All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.

40 There are also CELESTIAL BODIES (heavenly), and BODIES TERRESTRIAL (earthly): but the glory
of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. KJV

The Book says that once we die it’s all over. For the Believer, he is present with the Lord728 and the unbeliever goes directly to the grave and awaits judgment; pre-judging has already occurred. 729

There is only ONE kingdom of God - There is NO Second Chance

728 2 Corinthians 5:8 – When the believer is absent from the body, he is Present with Lord 729 Daniel 12:2 – We are raised to Everlasting life or Everlasting contempt

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Prayers for the Dead

The supporting scripture for praying for salvation for someone that is dead comes from Timothy’s letter when he writes about his friend Onesiphorus that is “assumed” to be dead730 and states he hopes he will find favor at the judgment. (Onesiphorus may or may not be dead)

Give me a break! Paul has just expressed that there were some that were UNFAITHFUL and had turned away from the ministry and he named them; Phygelus and Hermogenes731 and then he continues by lifting up those who had remained FAITHFUL with a praise to the Lord; “May the Lord grant Onesiphorus mercy at the resurrection”. He was NOT Praying for salvation, but was Praising that “special blessings” would be given to the FAITHFUL; especially Onesiphorus.

Prayers for the Dead are a USELESS pagan ritual; there is NO Second Chance!

2 Timothy 1:16-18 - Prayer for rewards for Onesiphorus; not salvation 16 May the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his family because he often visited and encouraged me. He was never ashamed of me because I was in chains.

17 When he came to Rome, he searched everywhere until he found me.
18 May the Lord show him special kindness on the day of Christ’s return.

And you know very well how helpful he was in Ephesus. (NLT)

Baptism for the Dead

Superstitious customs of proxy baptisms have always existed; someone could offer to be baptized on behalf of another, or the graves of someone could be baptized.

Those who practice this rite view baptism as an ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENT to enter the kingdom of God, and therefore practice baptism for the dead to offer it by proxy to those who died without the opportunity to receive it. (This is a teaching that Salvation is Jesus Christ PLUS baptism.)

The LDS Church; the Mormons are the best known for the BAPTISM FOR THE DEAD doctrine of which they have practiced since 1840. It is practiced in their secret temple rites according to the “Doctrine and Covenants”.

Mormons emphasize that the family succession of baptized persons MUST form an unbroken chain back to Adam. They must research their own genealogy and for this reason you will find Ancestry.com advertised on TV. The doctrine of “Vicarious Baptism” is a way to save someone who has already died. Those who have died may choose to accept or reject the baptisms done on their behalf. Wikipedia

The ONLY supporting scripture is when Paul, debating this pagan point, speaks about people being baptized on behalf of the dead; saying that if they did not believe in the resurrection; then why did they baptize for the dead? He was making fun of the pagan tradition. There is nothing in The Book that says that the early Christians baptized for the dead. – NOTHING – ZIP – NADA -

Metaphorically speaking; the word BAPTIZE means to “IDENTIFY WITH”; being identified with Jesus Christ in His death and resurrection, salvation is Jesus plus nothing else.

Baptism for the dead is a USELESS pagan ritual; there is NO Second Chance Salvation!

1 Corinthians 15:29 – Pagan tradition Baptized on behalf of dead

29 Otherwise, what do people mean by being
BAPTIZED ON BEHALF OF THE DEAD? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf? (ESV)

Baptism for the Living

Baptism is a change from one state to another, like a civilian putting on a soldier uniform; we put on the garments of Christ, we are baptized into Christ; we are identified in Christ.732

730 2 Timothy 4:19-20 – Onesiphorus was “assumed” dead
731 2 Timothy 1:15 - The Unfaithful - Phygelus and Hermogenes

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•   Baptism is death and burial to our past life with CHANGE to a new resurrected life in Christ.

•   Baptism is something that we do, but it is also something that has been done to us; CHANGE. The Book says that a public confession and commitment is required. When you fall in love with someone; you act different, what’s in your heart will overflow your mouth, you want everyone to know;

  otherwise you’re really not in love... Love is the way you ACT.
  For sure, Faith is something you have, but it is expressed through your actions or you don’t really

  have the faith; if you have the light, you will let it shine.733
  IF YOU DO NOT CONFESS IT... YOU DO NOT POSSESS IT.

  Baptism in water is not necessary for Salvation; otherwise the thief on the cross was lost.734 Our salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ alone; Jesus Christ plus nothing else. While baptism is a commandment, it is neither a requirement nor a guarantee of a person receiving the gift of eternal life.

  About 40 years ago I was shocked when my pastor was preaching on baptism and spoke to the method being used; he said, “I’ll use a WATER GUN if that’s all I have;” he was implying that what really counted was the work of the Holy Spirit that “CHANGED” the heart on the inside. The act of baptism must be accompanied by a heart attitude of faith in Jesus Christ.

  Paul gives us an example of heart attitude. “A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, BY THE SPIRIT, not by the written code.”735

  Purgatory

  Purgatory is a state or place in Roman Catholicism and other Christian doctrine in which, those who have died in the grace of God EXPIATE their sins by suffering... Webster; Any state or place of temporary punishment, expiation or remorse.

  Expiate: to make satisfaction or atonement; to make amends or reparation for wrong doing; to pay the penalty or suffer.

  Catechism - Catholic Church; “All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified are indeed assured of their eternal salvation, but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven”

  Second Vatican Council: “The truth has been divinely revealed that sins are followed by punishments. God’s holiness and justice inflict them. Sins must be expiated. This may be done on this earth through the sorrows, miseries and trials of this life and, above all, through death. Otherwise the expiation must be made in the NEXT LIFE through fire and torments or purifying punishments”.

  Purgatory is a place in Catholic doctrine designated as a place of purification, not a place of punishment; however the purification process does involve mental and physical anguish which includes an intense, excruciating painful “purifying fire”. The time in purgatory can be from a few hours to a few thousand years. The supporting scripture uses the verse in 1 Corinthians 3:15 to point to the doctrine of Purgatory. “If any man's work shall be BURNED, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be SAVED”.

  In the Book, Paul is talking about laying the spiritual foundation for the church at Corinth; the foundation of Christ which he laid that others would build on. He said that if someone builds on a different foundation, one other than that of Jesus Christ; their building or efforts or works would be burned up in fire; but they would NOT lose their salvation.736

  732 Galatians 3:27 – THROUGH BAPTISM WE ARE CLOTHED AND IDENTIFIED IN CHRIST
  733 Joshua 24:15 – Public commitment; choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD -- Matthew 10:32 – Public acknowledgement; whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven -- Romans 10:9-10 - Confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. -- Matthew 5:14-16 – Public display; let your light your good deeds shine before men that they may praise the Father in heaven 734 Luke 23:42-43 - The thief on the cross; Saved, but Not baptized
  735 Romans 2:29 - Believe inwardly and outwardly; A true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change a circumcision of the heart, BY THE SPIRIT
  736 1 Peter 1:6-7 – On the day of the Lord YOUR FAITH is REFINED BY FIRE; the genuine results is praise, glory and honor, a greater worth than gold, which perishes,

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1 Corinthians 3:10-15 – Different foundation; Works will be burned up

10 Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful.
11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.

12 Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials— gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw.
13 But on the judgment day, FIRE will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. THE FIRE WILL SHOW IF A PERSON’S WORK HAS ANY VALUE. 14 If the work survives, that builder will receive a REWARD.

15 But if the WORK is burned up, the builder will suffer great LOSS. THE BUILDER WILL BE SAVED, but like someone barely escaping

through a wall of flames. (NLT)

Fire is symbolic of purification; as the intense heating and melting of metals and the pouring off of the waste; the dross. The Good Book says this purification will take place on that day; which is the “Day of the Lord” spoken of by John the revelator; the return of Christ. This is talking about good works and heavenly rewards, NOT about purging sin so man can be saved; we are appointed once to die and then after that is the judgment.737

The Tradition of Purgatory is NOT FOUND in scripture; there is NO Second Chance Salvation!

Jesus – Second Chance
There are those that believe that Jesus will go to Hell and give people a second chance to accept

the Gospel, and they use the Book to point out the scripture where Jesus went to Hell738 to a place called Paradise, preached and then everybody got saved.739 Hell was divided into two sections; Torment740 and Paradise.

Paradise was also known as “Abraham’s Bosom”, which at one time was located in Hades and held those in the “FRIENDSHIP” of God; the Godly saints of all times. These are people who had sought after God’s heart, but had never heard the Gospel message. Paradise is a better place to be than on earth, but it’s not as good as it’s going to get.

When Jesus died; He went to Abraham’s Bosom and preached for three days741 telling them, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”.742 Those in Paradise heard this message FOR THE FIRST TIME and they accepted this Good News. Jesus then took all of Paradise and those in it to Heaven; where it is now.743

The preaching in the compartment of Hell known as Paradise CANNOT be repeated again because it’s not there anymore. When the Paradise compartment was removed and taken to heaven, Hell was enlarged to receive more Un-believers & Make believers; if someone is in hell now, they are just plain lost.

There is NO Second Chance

737 Hebrews 9:27 – It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment; Once we die; it’s a done deal.
738 Ephesians 4:9 – Jesus descended into Hell
739 Luke 23:42-43 - Believers were tarring in Paradise
740 Luke 16:26 - Hell has a great chasm that has been set so that NO ONE CAN CROSS OVER from Torment to Paradise; there is NO EXIT -- Luke 16:23 – Un-Believers in Hell Torments have Awareness and Torment

741 Matthew 12:40 – Jesus was in Hell Three days -- 1 Peter 3:18-19 – He preached in Abrahams Bosom, a compartment of Hell 742 John 14:6 - I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me
743 Ephesians 4:8 – Jesus took all those in Abrahams Bosom to heaven and gave gifts unto men. (Holy Spirit day of Pentecost) -- 2 Corinthians 5:8 – When we are absent from the body we are present with the Lord

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If we always have a second chance then why obey God at all?

The Book says we will be judged by the deeds done while in the body... This would not be true if we got a second chance when we were dead and out of the body. This is a slippery slope as you would then have to embrace reincarnation to get another body to be judged in.

The Book says that when the Rich man died and went to Hell and the Beggar died and went to Abraham’s Bosom or Paradise; they had already been judged and their destination had been FIXED at their death.744

The Book says NOW is the time of God’s favor, NOW is the day of Salvation; once we die we are judged.745 Even ONE SIN would keep us out of heaven. Jesus atoned for ALL of our sins, past, present and future; ALL of our sins... and has given us almost innumerable chances in this lifetime on earth TO ACCEPT His payment on the cross, to deliver us from the wrath of God.

Two Deaths: There are actually two deaths; Physical and Spiritual, but the believer only experiences the first;746 the physical death; the Un-believer and the Make-believer experiences both. 747

Books are opened and ALL must give account of what they have done in life. If their name is not found in the last book; the Book of Life, they will be thrown into the lake of fire, which is the SECOND DEATH.748 The FREE WILL choices we make on this side of life have eternal consequences.749

IT’S IN THE BOOK

750

There is NO Second Chance, but there IS a Second Death.

744 Hebrews 9:27 – We are destined to die once and then the judgment
745 2 Corinthians 6:2 - NOW is the time of Salvation & God’s favor
746 Revelation 20:6 – The Believer will not see the Second Death
747 Revelation 20:14 – The un-believers in Hell experiences the Second Death
748 Revelation 21:8 – THE SECOND DEATH; the lake which burns with fire and brimstone... the unbelieving, abominable, whoremongers, murderers, sorcerers, idolaters and all liars

749 Romans 2:13 – Salvation is not KNOWING the law, its OBEDIENCE
750 John 20:29 – BLESSED; THOSE WHO HAVE NOT SEEN AND YET BELIEVE

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Chapter 13.20

Perverse Generation

Doing contrary to what was intended; rebellious, corrupt, twisted, crooked, sick, & stupid Mission Statement of Jesus – The Will of God – The Will of Man – The Political Kingdom The Invisible War – Positon & Status - Good Works – Distractions

First Word

When God created the world, there was only “One Will” in the whole universe; the sovereign Will of God; when Satan rebelled there became “Two Wills”; Satan’s and God’s.

Satan sought to detach man from God and to attach man to himself, thus man receiving “Satan’s Will”. He was successful in detaching man from God, but man had his “Own Will” and would not attach himself to Satan. Now there are “Billions of Wills” in the world; that’s why God sent His Son to re-attach us. A BATTLE began against God and His greatest creation; “MAN”, who was created in God’s very own image, there’s an INVISIBLE WAR going on... and it’s over us.

Wikipedia says that PERVERSE is to do, what is contrary to what was originally intended; it’s the urge to do exactly the wrong thing in a given situation for the sole reason that it is possible for wrong. The Book translates PERVERSE751 as corrupt, 752 rebellious, 753 twisted, 754 crooked, sick, and stupid. There was a multitude of people surrounding Jesus which included the Pharisees, the Scribes who were the lawyers of God’s Law, plus the inner circle of Disciples that were specifically handpicked by Jesus, predestined to be teachers of the Good News,755 but they ALL became distracted and self- centered, focusing on arguing and debating about the miracle healings, and Who’s In and Who’s Out and their STATUS and POSITION; there was little interest in the Spiritual Kingdom of God that exist

NOW nor the one that is to come.
Jesus goes to the root of their problem and calls them ALL, including the father of the sick child,

as an Unbelieving and Perverse Generation. He is speaking to the general body of followers, of their slowness of Faith, dullness of comprehension, forgetfulness and hardness of heart in the light of all His wonderful works, miracles, teachings and Kingdom principals.

Man on a Mission

The followers of Jesus thought that His mission was to heal people’s bodies, exorcise demons, do miraculous signs and wonders and on a good day give them a HAPPY MEAL.

The mission of Jesus can be found by observing His teachings.756 He wanted to raise the people consciousness of spiritual things and cause them to have the desire to love and serve God the Father by the way they lived their everyday lives; how they treated others.

Jesus reads His MISSION STATEMENT757 in the Temple as written by Isaiah the Prophet saying;

751 Luke 9:41 – You are a faithless PERVERSE Generation
752 Luke 9:41 – You are a faithless and CORRUPT Generation
753 Luke 9:41 – You are a UNBELIEVING and “REBELLIOUS generation
754 Luke 9:41 – You are a TWISTED Generation
755 Matthew 22:14 – Disciples chosen predestined to come...Many are called (to come by Free Will), but few are chosen (Predestined to come). 756 Luke 2:49 – Matthew 9:12-13 – Mission: to call to Me all those who know they are sinners -- John 10:10 – Mission: that the believer will have life and have it more abundantly... The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy -- Luke 19:10 – Mission: To seek and save the lost -- Mission: I must be about My Father's business
757 Luke 4:43 – MISSION STATEMENT: I must PREACH THE GOOD NEWS OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD

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The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come.”

He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and as the custom sat down to answer questions; all eyes in the synagogue were fixed upon Him intently; then He began to speak to them.

“The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” 758
What He LEFT OUT of the Mission Statement was bringing Judgement on people and their suitability to be a part of the church. What He INCLUDED was bringing SIGHT to the BLIND RELIGIOUS

LEADER GUIDES to be able to understand the purposes of God and to just LOVE ONE ANOTHER.759 Jesus, out of compassion for the people’s needs, fed them and healed them. Their physical needs were addressed first and gotten out of the way, so He could address their spiritual needs, specifically THE KINGDOM OF GOD; however the perverseness of man caused them to have very little interest in the spiritual aspects of the Kingdom of God760 focusing mostly on an EARTHLY POLITICAL KINGDOM

and their personal places of authority and leadership.

The Story

Jesus was teaching to the crowd when a man called out to Him to heal his child and said he had alreadyaskedHisDisciplestohealhim,butTHEYCOULDNOT! BypassingHisDisciples,Jesusinstructs the pleading father and his friends to bring the child to Him.

Authority had already been given to the Disciples to heal and cast out evil spirits, so what was going on here?761 You can see in this story that Jesus is exhibiting the traits of man, He becomes FRUSTRATED with those to whom He is teaching, especially His chosen twelve.762

Jesus had become known as a “healer” and those that gathered around Him were focused on His healing miracles and had little interest in His life changing teaching of love for their fellow man and seeking more of God in their present lives as well as interest in the future Kingdom of Heaven. They had perverted His Spiritual Mission to that of a Physical Mission.

DISTRACTED ; Peter saw the transfiguration of Jesus, Moses and Elijah on the Mountain and wanted to build three shelters for them, but God said, NO... STOP, just LISTEN to my Son.763 The ministry of Jesus was being used for the disciples own self-centered purposes, their position and status.764 They had become so SPIRITUALLY DISORIENTED and DISCONNECTED that they had lost the power to do the work of God, yet when they saw another person outside their group that was successfully casting out demons in the name of Jesus, they wanted to HINDER THEM instead of rejoicing in the success of his ministry.765

Jesus’s comments were not just for the Disciples, but for the body of Believers TODAY. The crowd as well as the Disciples were ready for the miracle healings; without putting in the time to grow their own FAITH through PRAYER and LEARNING the teachings of Christ.

758 Luke 4:18-21 – Preach the Good News, Heal the sick, and free the oppressed... The Scripture has been fulfilled this very day
759 John 13:34-35 - Mission: give a NEW COMMANDMENT; To Love one another -- Luke 10:27 – COMMANDMENT; Love God with all your heart, soul, strength & mind And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself”-- Matthew 6:33 – COMMANDMENT; Seek first the Kingdom of God and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need
760 John 4:24 – We must Worship God in Spirit and in Truth, for God is Spirit
761 Luke 9:38-42 - Disciples couldn’t cast out the demonic spirit; Jesus called them a faithless and corrupt people -- Mark 9:28-29 – DISTRACTED – Lack of Prayer
762 Matthew 17:19-20 – DISTRACTED – Lack of Faith
763 Matthew 17:2-4 – DISTRACTED – Lets build three shelters for Jesus, Moses and Elijah... STOP IT; this is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. LISTEN TO HIM
764 Mark 9:33-34 – DISTRACTED – Which Disciple will be the greatest in the Kingdom of God -- Matthew 20:21 – DISTRACTED – Who would have the places of honor in the Kingdom of God
765 Mark 9:38-39 – DISTRACTED – An outside disciple was healing people in Jesus name. WE TOLD HIM TO STOP... Jesus said. Don’t stop him!”

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We can become so preoccupied with the business of our own lives and our own ambitions that we become ineffective in our ministry to others. We become so eager to get to the work that we lose sight of what God’s heart originally intended.

Now and Not Yet
Two Kingdoms; The Kingdom of God and The Kingdom of Heaven are both spoken of in the

Book and are the same kingdom; however scripture speaks of a

•   Present Kingdom; where evil is defeated and sinners are redeemed, as well as a

•   Future Kingdom where Satan and death are both defeated and thrown in the lake of fire and

  the believer lives and reigns forever in the presence of God.
  We must first enter into the Present Kingdom to be able to inherit the Future Kingdom where we

  will be in the presence of Christ and reign with Him forever; so there really is two kingdoms;

  The NOW and the NOT YET.

  TWO KINGDOMS

•   The Present – The kingdom is Present for believers to enter NOW and enjoy His blessings. (In the Nasty Now and Now)

•   The Future – The kingdom is Future, when we enter into eternal life and reign with Christ. (In the Sweet By and By)

•   The Realm – Where God’s reign is experienced.

•   The People – The “redeemed” are the people of the kingdom.

•   The Reign – The reign of Christ with “believers” sharing in the reign.

  The Believer accepts God’s reign in their Present lives; and reigns with Him in the Future. Blessings in the Present; even greater blessing in the Future.766

  Invisible War

  The boy’s father has come kneeling down and desperately begging Jesus to have mercy on his only son, to heal him from Satan’s demons that were making him epileptic; saying that the Disciples could not banish the demons.

  This is a spiritual battle, an invisible war in which the Disciples were powerless to fight off the demonic attacks of Satan. Casting out demons requires an undivided heart with singles of purpose, a sincere Faith combined with Prayer and Fasting; this is the practice of Faith. The power to cast our demons comes from Jesus Christ and we have access to that power through our commitment to Prayer which deepens our Faith, Belief, Confidence and Trust.

  All humanity is locked in an Invisible War, where the battle ground is littered with toil, hardship and pain experienced through the effects of the Evil One. Satan seeks to separate us from our Faith; it is Christ that seeks to strengthen our Faith, to make us fruitful and to equip us with every good Gift of the Spirit to fight this battle.

  We do good works NOT to GET saved, but because we ARE saved; the Believer has the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and “Good Works” will always follow the believer.’767

  766 1 Peter 2:9 – We are a chosen people, a royal Priesthood God’s very own possession He called us out of the darkness into His wonderful light
  767 Ephesians 2:8-10 – We are saved by Faith created in Christ Jesus for good works

A wicked and perverse generation is SELF-CENTERED, DISTRACTED

and DISCONNECTED from the intended message of God.

Last Thoughts
At this writing the Reverend Billy Graham has just passed away at the age of 99 and his Mission

Statement was to preach to the world the Gospel message simple and clear; the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ. He preached only ONE MESSAGE HIS WHOLE LIFE and was never distracted with position or status. HE MADE THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS;

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•   “The word REPENTANCE is sadly missing today from the average pulpit. It is a very unpopular word. The first sermon Jesus ever preached was ‘REPENT: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”

•   “What does repentance mean? It means to change... to change your mind, change the way that you’re living... and to determine that with God’s help you will live for Christ.”

•   “There are thousands of people who have had some form of emotional experience that they refer to as conversion, but who have never been truly converted to Christ. Christ demands a change in the way you live, and if your LIFE does not CONFORM to your EXPERIENCE, then you have every reason to DOUBT YOUR EXPERIENCE.

•   “I am not going to heaven because I’ve read the Bible, nor because I’ve preached to a lot of people... I’m going to heaven because of what Christ did.”

•   “Someday you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it! I shall be more alive than I am now... I will just have changed my address... I will have gone into the presence of God.”

The Book calls for us to GET SAVED and get out of this Crooked, Sick, Perverse and Stupid Culture.768 That each of us must repent of our sins, turn to God, and BE BAPTIZED in the name of Jesus Christ TO SHOW others that we have received forgiveness for our sins.769 Then we will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

THIS PROMISE is not only for the Chosen Jews, but also for the Gentiles; to ALL who have been called by the Lord; to us, and to our children.

The choices that you make on this side of life have eternal consequences. LIFE IS CHOICE DRIVEN

768 Acts 2:40 – NKJV Be saved from this Perverse Generation
....Acts 2:40 – NLT Save yourselves from this Crooked Generation
....Acts 2:40 – MSG Get out of this sick and Stupid Culture
769 Acts 2:38-39 – Each person must repent of their own sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ to show that you have received forgiveness for your sins

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IT’S IN THE BOOK

Chapter 13.21

When I attend the Men’s Bible study, I always take my BS with me; my Belief System and at this particular meeting the “PRESENTER” said that when we are born, our spirit is “STILL BORN”; it’s there, but it’s just DEAD. However we are not physical or morally lifelessly, we are still walking and following after the world with passions of the flesh complete with the desires of the body and mind.

My Belief System said our spirits are alive and kicking, but just separated from God until by our Free Will, we accepted the Gospel of Jesus Christ and then we would became “one” with God again.

The condition of Adam’s heart as well as unredeemed man’s heart is that of spiritually depravity, devoid of the ability to make the choice that God commands us to make in order to be saved. No matter how many times you command a dead body to respond, it will not respond because of its nature; it’s DEAD.

I have read “THE BONDAGE OF THE WILL” by Martin Luther who takes the position that Free Will is the dreams of men that are MAD; it is a POISON poured forth into the world by a wonderful malice of the Devil himself, the prince of demons. Free Will under its own power can’t do anything but fail, nor avail unto anything but to sin. By its nature it can only go downward, fall back and grow worse and worse. Free Will is nothing but the servant of sin, of death and of Satan. (Martin Luther)

In my younger years I had always heard about the three “S’s”; the SIN SICK SOUL and I thought that my being saved was like I was gravely SICK and just needed to be made well again, or like if I was in the ocean drowning and there was a life preserver nearby; all I needed to do was reach out and grab it and I would be saved.

But it’s much WORSE than that; I am not sick on my bed, I am in the grave; DEAD, I am not bobbing in the ocean reaching for a life preserver; I don’t have the ability to reach out, I’m floating facedownontheoceanDEAD. WeareALLbornspirituallyDEADandsoonwewillbephysicallyDEAD. As they would say in the South; we are “DaYead”, that’s plumb dead, deader than a door nail. The word DIE is from the Hebrew word “MUT” which means to be executed; DEAD.

The KJV translation of the Bible changed one word from the original manuscripts; here it is; “but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall NOT eat, for in the day that you eat of it YOU SHALL SURELY DIE. NOPE, it actually reads you shall DIE, DIE... God said DIE twice.

Did you see it? You shall DIE TWICE; both Physically and Spiritually.

Genesis 2:17 - You shall DIE DIE; Physically and Spiritually

17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it YOU SHALL SURELY (DIE) DIE.

Still Born Spirit

DOA; Dead on Arrival – Womb to the Tomb – Necessary Condition Dead Dry Bones – Dead Lazarus – The Elect – Da Judge
Still Born Signs - New Birth Signs - Holy Spirit – Half Lit

First Word

God told Adam that if he ate of the TREE OF KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND EVIL that he would surely die. Well Adam, rebelled by eating of the tree, but he actually physically lived several

hundred more years, but to the Lord, a day is like a thousand years, SO he actually died physically

before one of the Lord’s Days was completed.

But that very day Adam DID DIE spiritually; he became spiritually DEAD, unable to desire or

seek the things of God.

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DaYead

When we speak of Original Sin, it is not referring to the sin of Adam and Eve; but refers to the CONSEQUENCES of that sin,770 which the corrupt nature was transmitted to the entire human race.771 When Adam sinned, sin entered into the world and spread death to everyone.

By our very nature, our mind’s imagination is set on wickedness, things of the world and things of the flesh.772 We are born spiritually DaYead and being spiritually DaYead we cannot receive spiritual truths, we just simply cannot understand it.773 For that reason we became subjects of God’s anger and wrath.774

Our hearts are desperately wicked and deceitful and cannot approach God, so He must give us a new heart.775 Once we believe, repent and accept Jesus Christ, our debt becomes paid; our sincere hearts and guilty consciences become sprinkled with His Blood that clears our conscience, and all our senses of guilt are removed.776 It’s in the Book

Because of our new heart, Jesus as our High Priest confronts Satan’s accusations and defends us.

 

•   NO Desire to be fed on the Word of God; virtually no prayer life.

•   NO Desire for holiness and Godliness; no spiritual hunger

•   NO Growth in their spiritual life; unable to accept the deeper things of God.

•   NO Active involvement in the growth of the Church.

•   NO Compassion for others who are suffering or in need.

•   NO Sounds of thanksgiving and Praise.

  Someone who is spiritually dead is incapable of seeing the Kingdom of God because it is invisible to them, they are spiritually blind therefore the kingdom itself is invisible. There is therefore;

  NO thanksgiving, NO desire for God, NO growth and NO good works; just DaYead.

  James 2:26 – The Spirit is dead without good works

26 Just as the body is dead without breath, so also FAITH IS DEAD WITHOUT GOOD WORKS. (NLT)

Psalm 115:17 – The dead have no ability to praise God

17 THE DEAD CANNOT SING PRAISES TO THE LORD, for they have gone into the silence of the grave. (NLT)

New Birth Signs
There are THREE virtues of those empowered by the Spirit; Prayer, Faith and Obedience.777

Through these virtues the Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus Christ through us.
There are NINE qualities that characterizes the person on whom the Holy Spirit rest:

Wisdom – Understanding – Counsel – Power & Strength – Knowledge Fear of the Lord – Righteousness – Justice & Fairness – Faithfulness778

770 Romans 8:5 – Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh
771 Romans 5:12 – When Adam sinned, sin entered the world, so death spread to everyone
772 Genesis 6:5 – The natural man’s mind is consistently on evil
773 1 Corinthians 2:14 – People who aren’t spiritual can’t understand spiritual things; it all sounds foolish 774 Ephesians 2:1-3 – The Spiritually dead by their very nature are subject to God’s anger

775 John 3:3 – I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the kingdom of God
776 Romans 5:6-18 - While we were still sinners, our Spirit was utterly helpless to save us
John 3:6-7 – The Holy Spirit gives birth to Spiritual Life, so don’t be surprised when I say, ‘you must be born again -- John 1:12 – To all who believed him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of god -- 1 Corinthians 15:22 – Everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life
777 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 – There are different ways to serve God with different kinds of gifts, different service, different kinds of working 778 Isaiah 11:2-5 – Nine qualities of the Spirit; Wisdom – Understanding – Counsel – Power & Strength – Knowledge – Fear of the Lord – Righteousness – Justice & Fairness – Faithfulness

Still Born Signs

Signs of REMAINING spiritually dead

NO Aspiration for a better future; I’m good, you’re good.

NO Repentance for sins in your life. To repent is to turn and go in the other direction.

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Dead Dry Bones

God led Ezekiel into a valley of dry bones and asked him could these dry bones live again and Ezekiel said YOU alone know. God said speak unto the bones and prophesy that God would make breath come into them with tendons, flesh and skin and they would live again. He did and they did.779

By their very nature these dry bones could not respond; there was no internal ability that would let them respond. It required a NECESSARY CONDITION TO EXIST, an external force; a miracle of the Holy Spirit.

Notice the Book DOES NOT say that the unsaved, the un-regenerated man WILL NOT respond to spiritual things, it says he CANNOT respond because his spirit is DEAD. Therefore if our spirit is DOA, DEAD ON ARRIVAL, our spiritual nature must be changed like the bones in the valley of bones; our spirit must be born again. Being Born Again is NOT because of us, it’s NOT something we do, it is something that is DONE to us...

The Holy Spirit is the NECESSARY CONDITION that brings our STILL BORN spirit back to life again and changes our dead nature so that we CAN respond to spiritual things.

So in order for us to CHOOSE Jesus Christ, our still born dead spirit must be regenerated by the Holy Spirit so that we might have the ABILITY to respond to spiritual things.

Being Born Again is NOT something we do, it is something that is DONE to us.

Dead Lazarus

Lazarus was DEAD in the grave and could not do anything to obtain life, it was only when A NECESSARY CONDITION EXISTED that changed things; it was only when Jesus commanded him to come out of the grave did he receive that ABILITY.780

Picture yourself in the grave dead when you hear Jesus’ command; “COME FORTH” just like He calledLazarusandBAMyoubecomeBORNAGAINasHisadoptedchildintoanewspirituallife. Notice that Jesus was specific when he said “Lazarus” come forth, otherwise everyone in ALL the graves would have come forth. The call to be born again from our Lord is specific, LIMITED to just those that go by “His name”, Christians that believe, repent and accept.

Our physical body is mortal, perishable; it will die, but we can rest assured that we have the hope of the promise that we will be raised immortal; imperishable; never to die again. When we are raised from the grave, death will finally be swallowed up in victory. The Book says Death is just another name for Satan; Satan will be swallowed up in victory.781

Holy Spirit

Because our spirit is STILL BORN, a NECESSARY CONDITION MUST EXIST to have the ability to seek spiritual things. God knowing that, sent the Comforter, the Holy Spirit to re-new our spirit so as to give us that ability.

The activity of choosing Jesus Christ is always preceded by the previous activity of God through the Holy Spirit; no man comes to the Father unless He draws them. On our own, we are incapable of doing anything to accept Christ. It is the seed of “truth” sown by the Holy Spirit that “enables us” to desire to receive Him.

The Holy Spirit sows the seed of “truth” in man’s life... Some hearts are fertile ground for the seed to grow, other hearts are hard and full of thorns and the seed is choked out.

The “Who-so-ever” that comes to God is included in The Elect and become predestined by God to receive the gift of eternal life with Him. It is the internal calling that man becomes conscious that God is working a conversion in him, it happens through a work of God’s strength, NOT the works of the Believer’s own strength.

779 Ezekiel 37:1-14 – Valley of dry dead bones; prophesy LIFE; breathe into these dead bodies so they may live again; they all came to life and stood up on their feet
780 John 11:43-44 – Lazarus received his life at Jesus’ command “LAZARUS, COME OUT!”
781 1 Corinthians 15:54 – Satan; Death is swallowed up in victory.

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Where ever there is true faith there will be true repentance; a turning away from sin into the direction of God. Strictly speaking, saving FAITH is not an act of man, but rather an act of God.

There are two kinds of grace that is dispensed by God.

1. 1)  Common Grace is “communal”; given by the Holy Spirit to ALL men, sufficient to ENABLE

   THEM to repent of their sins and believe in Jesus Christ, however this common grace is resistible and more or less IT USUALLY IS. This is because “Common Grace” leaves the heart unchanged. It works only on the natural and not on the spiritual. Common Grace operates only in the moral and rational ways of men, making them RECEPTIVE to the truth. Common Grace never removes the guilt and pollution of sin, nor does it renew the human nature, nor does it affect the salvation of the sinner; BUT if the human heart COOPERATES with the Holy Spirit they can be saved. - (My BS calls this Free Will)

2. 2)  Special Grace is given by the Holy Spirit to SOME; to the Elect and it cannot be resisted; although they are not compelled, it makes the desire so great that THEY WANT God. It is a renewing of the whole nature of man, not only ENABLING THEM to repent of their sins, but causes them to be WILLING. It is the operation of God to remove the guilt, penalty, condemnation and punishment of Sin, and gradually cleanses the person of the pollution of sin and ultimately provides the person Salvation through the operation of the Holy Spirit. (My BS calls this Pre-destination.)

TheBookseemstobearoutthatJudashad(1)CommonGrace(aMakeBeliever). Theothereleven Disciples had (2) Special Grace. (Believers) Ponder the difference between someone who is called a “Christian” and someone who is called a “FOLLOWER” of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 22:17- The who-so-ever are the Elect.

17 The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" WHOEVER is thirsty, let him come; and WHOEVER wishes, let

him take THE FREE GIFT of the water of life. NIV

Deuteronomy 30:19 – We have a FREE WILL Choice

19 Today I have given you THE CHOICE between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to WITNESS THE CHOICE you make. Oh, that you would CHOOSE life, so that you and your descendants might live!

(NLT)

Half Lit

Picture the whole world as a Giant Electrical Sign with billions of light bulbs... None of them with a sign of life.

Picture the manufacturer; The HOLY SPIRIT showing up and repairing their filaments giving them “THE ABILITY” to light up.

Picture an electrician with his WORD glove on, screwing ALL the light bulbs in tighter making the corroded connection possible. Some light up bright, some are half lit, some very dim and most others don’t light up at all; why is that? Ponder the results; ALL had encountered the Spirit and the Word, becoming repaired and connected; the ability to produce light was present; so what is the difference?

Jesus explains this condition with the parable of the sower; the farmer (the Holy Spirit) sows the word. Some people are like seed along the path, 782 where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. Others are like seed sown on rocky places,783 they hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word that was sown, they quickly fall away.

782 Mark 4:14-15 - Some hearts are LIKE SEED ALONG THE PATH, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word
783 Mark 4:16-17 - Some hearts are LIKE SEED SOWN ON ROCKY PLACES they have no root, they last only a short time

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Still others are like seed sown among thorns,784 they hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others are like seed sown on good soil,785 hear the word, accept it, and PRODUCE a CROP-THIRTY, SIXTY or even a HUNDRED TIMES what was sown."

The Holy Spirit is the NECESSARY CONDITION that gives man’s dead spirit the ability to become born again and live.786

Necessary Condition
BORN in the Strong's Concordance (#1080) is the Greek term “gennao” meaning; to father - to

beget - to bring forth - to procreate - to conceive - to regenerate - to bear - to make - to be born.
There is something called a NECESSARY CONDITION that is an absolute prerequisite for a desired result to occur. To start a fire we must have A NECESSARY CONDITION to exist; it needs oxygen to

combust.

  

Jesus told Nicodemus, UNLESS he was born again he could not enter into the kingdom of God. There was A NECESSARY CONDITION that was required for him to enter into the Kingdom of God, his DEAD spirit must be BORN AGAIN.787

The Prodigal Son had reached A NECESSARY CONDITION of understanding that he was lost; his spirit was dead, and in repentance he sought out his Father and was received back into the family; or to say it another way; he was symbolically Born Again.788

The Blind Beggar was born blind at birth and could do NOTHING about it... But that all changed when A NECESSARY CONDITION was met; that condition was the Touch of the Master’s hands and the beggar said; all I know is, once I was blind and now I SEE.789

The Elect
This will be hard to digest, but there seems to be two parallel lines of “The Elect” taught in

scripture both which calumniate with God somewhere in eternity; you cannot deny one or the other. You cannot look at just one line, but the both of them at the same time.

1. 1)  There are those that God chose before the foundations of the earth; “The Elect” and then

2. 2)  Those who would be drawn by the Holy Spirit through the hearing of the word of God.790

So some folks are PREDESTINED to come to Christ while others come by FREE WILL; both PREDESTINATION and FREE WILL are taught in the Book, you don’t have to choose, they are both

compatible with each other. (I am a COMPATIBILIST) 791
If you can just grasp the fact that God CHOSE THE NATION OF ISRAEL to be His chosen people

and then made a way for the Gentiles through “FREE WILL” to come to Him; to be grafted into the vine, then you can understand it. Jesus flat out told His Disciples that He had other sheep that were not of this sheep pen.792 Without this understanding, we are without reason to preach the Gospel793 if we are WITHOUT the FREEWILL to accept it, and just left to be PREDESTINED to either heaven or hell.

784 Mark 4:8-19 - Some hearts are LIKE SEED SOWN AMONG THORNS fertile others rocky but worries of life, deceitfulness of wealth, and desires for other things choke the word, making it unfruitful
785 Mark 4:20 - Some hearts are LIKE SEED SOWN ON GOOD SOIL and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted

786 John 3:16 – For God so loved the world (every kind of person) that he gave his one and only Son, that WHOEVER BELIEVES in him shall not perish but have eternal life -- Romans 10:13 - EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED
787 John 6:65 – Necessary condition; no one can come to me unless the father has enabled him -- John 3:3-8 – Necessary Condition – To see the Kingdom – You must be born again

788 Luke 15:32 – Necessary Condition repentance; for your brother was dead and has come back to life, he was lost, but now he is found! 789 John 9:8-9 – Necessary Condition; A touch from the master -- John 9:25 – All I know is that I was once Blind and now I see
790 John 6:44 – No one can come to me unless the Holy Spirit draws them unto me
791 Matthew 16:17 – The Holy Spirit reveals mysteries to the Believer -- Luke 24:45 – The HOLY SPIRIT opens our mind to the understanding of the scriptures -- Acts 16:14 – The Holy Spirit opens the heart so man can respond

792 John 10:16 – I have other sheep that are not of this pen: they shall hear my voice; and there SHALL BE ONE FOLD -- John 1:12-13 – To all WHO BELIEVED HIM and ACCEPTED HIM, HE GAVE THE RIGHT TO BECOME CHILDREN OF GOD
793 Mark 16:15 – Go into ALL the world and PREACH THE GOOD NEWS to everyone.

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Did you see it? Most of Israel; THE JEWS, God’s “CHOSEN PEOPLE”, DID NOT “CHOOSE” to accept Jesus Christ as their Messiah and most of the GENTILES (the Greeks; everybody else) DID NOT CHOOSE

Him either.

John 3:16 – Whosoever believes will be saved

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM SHALL NOT PERISH BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE. NIV

J. Vernon McGee says that THE ELECT are the Whosoever Wills and the non-elect are the Whosoever Won’t. Life is choice driven

Here come da Judge

We certainly look to our Judges to judge us rightly; we wouldn’t want the wicked to be judged the same as the righteous. The Book says the Judge of the earth will do what is right.794 God has overlooked our ignorance of sin in the past, but now COMMANDS everyone to repent.795

God has been holding back His anger,796 and when He returns, it will be in full force, He will separate the Goats from the Sheep,797 the Evil from the Good. To the Un-Believer and the Make Believer he will say; away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.798

The Take Away

The Latin words sola scriptura means “SCRIPTURE ALONE” and sola fide “FAITH ALONE”, the phrase sola gratia means our salvation rests on the GRACE OF GOD ALONE.

I don’t think our trouble with the Bible is its lack of clarity; our trouble is our lack of understanding what the Bible teaches. A NECESSARY CONDITION must exist in order for us to understand spiritual things. We all have a STILL BORN SPIRIT that must be BORN AGAIN to gain this understanding.799 A relationship is established to whom we willing give our obedience. The one that we have a relationship with, serve and OBEY is our FATHER.800

The Holy Spirit has made it possible for a STILL BORN spirit that was DEAD ON ARRIVAL to be REBORN.801 However it is THE HEART of man; it is what’s in his soul that will determine if he lights up bright, half lit, DIM or dark;802 a Believer, Make-Believer or Un-Believer.

The Book says that all our flesh can yield is more flesh, it does not have the ability to yield an ounce of Spirit... Unless regeneration takes place first, there is no possibility of faith. 803

•   Angels were created with Free Will, immortal and with much power, but they do not possess a soul and CANNOT be redeemed if they fall into sin; some have already fallen.

•   Man was created with Free Will, but mortal and with little power. All men when they are born are “STILL BORN”, they are spiritually dead on arrival, however they DO possess a soul and CAN be redeemed.

Both Angels and man, will live somewhere for eternity. Fallen Angels and un-regenerated man’s spirit will be separated from God for eternity. The faithful angels and the regenerated man’s spirit will be in the presence of God and Jesus Christ His Son for eternity.804

794 Genesis 18:24-25 – The judge of the earth will do what is right
795 Acts 17:30-31 – God commands everyone to repent; turn to Him
796 Isaiah 48:9 – God is giving mankind TIME to repent; no excuses
797 Matthew 25:31-46 – When Jesus returns in His glory, He will separate the sheep from the Goats for judgment
798 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 – When the Lord Jesus appears He will bring judgment on those who don’t know God, those who refuse to obey the good news of our Lord Jesus
799 Psalm 51:5 – We are ALL born sinners yes, from the moment my mother conceived me
800 John 8:44 – Your father is the one you follow and DO his will
801 Deuteronomy 4:29 – Seek God and you will find Him
802 Jeremiah 17:9 – The heart is most DECEITFUL and desperately Wicked
803 John 3:5-6 - Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life -- Romans 4:17 – Jesus brings life to the dead -- Ephesians 2:8-9 – Salvation is not a reward, it is a GIFT of His Grace to the Believer
804 John 3:16 – Everyone who BELIEVES, ACCEPTS and OBEYS has eternal life and WILL NOT PERISH

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The Holy Spirit was present and working in the life of Jesus Christ; how much more do we also need the Spirit in our lives, from “the Womb to the Tomb”. The Spirit works differently in each one of us; not all are called to be out front preaching or teaching, some serve un-noticed in the background parking cars, cooking, serving, cleaning and “pointing to Jesus.”

The Apostle Andrew was noticeably quiet and in the background as; Peter, James and John seem to dominate the inner circle, however he is credited for bringing many to meet Christ. Andrew’s heart did not resent being a supporting actor, living in the shadow of his brother Peter. He saw great value in serving quietly in the background. Andrew delighted in pointing everyone and anyone to Jesus. Because of the fact that he brought his brother Peter to Christ, another 3000 received eternal life. Andrew just “pointed” people to Jesus.

Such is the Holy Spirit, rarely taking center stage, but pointing us to the other members of the Trinity. He is like the wind, invisible, powerful, uncontrollable and unpredictable, you cannot see Him nor tell where He comes or goes, but you can hear and feel His presence.

The Spirit’s work will always point to our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. He alone is the source of empowerment that God uses to accomplish His will. WE raise the sails of our boat; the breath of THE HOLY SPIRIT powers our sails and GOD steers... Just raise your sails.805

All your STILLBORN SPIRIT needs to be made alive again is for a NECESSARY CONDITION to exist and God has already sent the Holy Spirit to you; JUST seek and you will find Him.806

It’s in the Book

805 Ephesians 2:5 – While we were DEAD He RAISED us to LIFE
806 Joshua 24:15 – Life is choice driven - CHOOSE FOR YOURSELVES THIS DAY WHOM YOU WILL SERVE, AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSEHOLD, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD

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Chapter 13.22

Free Will

If we are all predestined, then why bother with a Judgment? Did God create Evil? Does man have Free Will? – If there is No Free Will, then why preach the Gospel? Did Sovereign God wind man up to do what he has already been predestined to do?

First Word

God is Omnipotent, He is ALL powerful; He can do whatever He wants to do EXCEPT break His promise. NOTE: If “Free Will” does exist, it happens with the permission of God. As a truly omnipotent and good being; God created beings with true freedom over Himself. Furthermore, He voluntarily did so because "The Greatest Good” which can be done for man, is to allow him to be truly free; for God loves His creations.

Free Will gives man the ability to do the GREATEST GOOD as well as the GREATEST EVIL. Free Will is the main factor for man's accountability for his actions throughout his life.807 His actions will be counted on the Day of Judgment, because each man stands as his own person and is responsible for his own decisions and choices in life.808 Our Life is Choice Driven.

Whatever will be, will be... If we do not have FREE WILL, then there is no reason to preach the Gospel (which is what we were commanded to do);809 and for that matter there would be no reason for the dual judgments; one for Believers810 and another for non-believers811 as documented in scripture.

If Noah ever preached a sermon; it would be entitled “Don’t miss the Boat.” - Stay Tuned –

Good

In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth and everything that’s in it and God said “IT WAS GOOD”. The Light,812 The Land and Waters,813 The Grass, Herbs, Trees, Seed; 814 Day

and Night; Light and Dark,815 Sea Creatures;816 Birds of the air and Animals and Critters.817 IT WAS ALL VERY GOOD.

Genesis 1:31 - God made everything and it was very good

31 God saw all that he had made, and IT WAS VERY GOOD. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

(NIV2011)

Not Good

God made man and knew that man would be incomplete existing solely by himself. God said IT WAS NOT GOOD for man to be alone, so He made him a help mate to complete him.818

807 John 3:16 – God loves His creations; whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life
808 Romans 14:10-12 - We will all stand before God's judgment; each will give an account of himself to God 809 Mark 16:15 – The Great Commission – GO into all the world and PREACH THE GOSPEL to all creation 810 2 Corenthians 5:10 – All Believers will appear at the Judgment Seat of Christ
811 Revelation 20:11-13 – All Un-believers will appear before the Great White Throne judgment
812 Genesis 1:4 –The Light – IT WAS GOOD
813 Genesis 1:9-10 – The Land and Waters - IT WAS GOOD
814 Genesis 1:12 - The Grass, Herbs, Trees, Seed; IT WAS GOOD
815 Genesis 1:18 - Day and Night – Light and Dark – IT WAS GOOD
816 Genesis 1:21 - Sea Creatures; Birds of the air – IT WAS GOOD
817 Genesis 1:25 - Animals and Critters – IT WAS GOOD
818 Genesis 2:18 – Man was not complete - IT IS NOT GOOD

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Let’s pause right here; understand that God had already put into effect “the Law of Sin & Death” and in His omnipotence knew that Eve would eat and give Adam the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil,819 and Adam with his FREE WILL would eat it.820

So If God knew it, then why did He do it? This was really not about Adam and Eve, but about Satan, and was part of God’s greater omnipotent plan for ALL creation – Stay Tuned.

Evil

Scripture says that God created everything... so did God create Evil also? In the beginning God created everything and IT WAS GOOD. The first time we see Evil appear was in the person of an Angel named Lucifer also called Satan, the Devil and AKA Beelzebub. Scripture says that Evil was FOUND in him, thus it was Satan that became the Father of Sin in the first earth age.821

Satan was created perfect and was beautiful to behold and was full of wisdom. He was created GOOD, but using his “FREE WILL” he desired to be as God and sit on God’s Throne.

This “iniquity” or sin that was FOUND in him was the direct result of God creating him with FREE WILL. So in effect, God allowed Sin to come into existence because of the gift of FREE WILL which He gave to angels and men.

So the next BIG question is; did God know that Satan would rebel or was the omnipotent God surprised? After all, scripture does say that evil was discovered, detected or was FOUND in him.822

Before Time began

Get ready to get upset. This is the part that most folks get their pants all in a wad over. It’s this First Earth Age of Satan that caused the (present) Second Earth Age to come about.

TIME as we know it, only began about 6,000 years ago... Before that was Eternity Past and after this little blip in God’s plan called TIME, we will have” Eternity Present”... Forever.

I will not spend much time talking about it here, but before the seven day creation of the earth, there was eternity past. All humanoid creatures including the Angels were created immortal with FREE WILL; Satan had fallen and was ruling the earth from “The Garden of God”.

Satan CHOSE to rebel against God and took about a third of the Angels with him823 and caused all men (or creatures similar to men) on earth to REBEL also. NOTE: in the first earth age there was no LAW of sin and death; however God wiped them all out with a flood that occurred before the Genesis account of the “seven day creation”; these first earth age living beings were immortal and continued to exist without bodies in spirit form known as demons; servants of Satan.824 This is known as the “GAP THEORY.” Read the entire account in Book 3.8 – SATAN’S FLOOD

The Jewish traditional roots indicate that demons were the forces of darkness and wickedness and their leader is Satan; the names Devil and Satan are virtually synonymous. Evil spirits or demons that live today are the same spirits from the first earth age, moving from person to person, killing, stealing and destroying as they go. They do not consist of matter or material body or substance... they are without physical existence in themselves, but they belong as property or a thing to Satan. Book 3.9 DEMONS

They are invisible and operate above the laws of nature... have supernatural intelligence and knowledge along with terrible physical strength which they impart to those possessed. A demon spirit needs a moist place to find rest825 and attempts to take over humans as well as animals.826 They need to possess a person’s mind and body to enable them to get around.

NOTE; an evil spirit and the Holy Spirit cannot co-exist in the same body. – See Book 3.9 – DEMONS

819 Genesis 3:13 - I ate the thing, but it’s not my fault; SATAN deceived me
820 Genesis 2:17 – Eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil and you will surely die 821 KJV John 8:44 – Satan BECAME the father of lies and a murderer
822 NIV Ezekiel 28:12-15 – Satan Given Free Will created perfect till iniquity was FOUND in him

-- MSG Ezekiel 28:15 – You were sheer perfection until Evil was DETECTED in you
823 Revelation 12:9 – The Angel Satan was hurled to the earth with his angels. -- Revelation 12:4 – One Third of the Angles followed Satan 824 Ephesians 6:12 - Demons are spirits, not flesh and blood
825 Matthew 12:43 – A Demon spirit needs a moist place to find rest
826 Mark 5:12 – Demons desire a moist place to live; even in an animal

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Wrong Mind: When people try to kill their own children or just for fun, do “drive by” shootings or shoot up their work place, their school or the mall, we just casually say they were not in their right mind; however this is the height of DEMON POSSESSION.

Before the new seven day creation and the beginning of time, God put into effect the “Law of Sin and Death”, as well as the “Plan of Salvation”. That’s why it was in God’s plan for Adam to eat the apple. If you can just embrace the “Gap Theory”, it will explain the dating of the earth, dinosaur’s fossils, demons and so forth.

If you will notice; Adam as well as Eve had FREE WILL to obey God or not. You might say; well, God pre-ordained them to eat the “apple”; inferring that they had no choice. My Belief System says that the omniscience God knew what they would do if tempted and used them in His grand plan.

Puppies

When I return home, my puppy with FREE CHOICE meets me at the door, barking, jumping and licking me; she unconditionally loves me. When I sit in my chair, she climbs up on my chest and licks my chin because she just wants to.

Have you ever seen a child hug someone because he was told to go and do it (Preordained), verses a child that runs in and hugs someone just because he wants to. (Free Choice).

That’s the whole point of God’s creations; He wants his creations to want to be with Him because of FREE CHOICE, not because they were automated to activate like a lawn sprinkler system coming on, PROGRAMMED by a time clock.

•   Make no mistake, all of creation is watching the patience and love of God which has been going on now for over some millions of years as He allows time for Satan and his servants to repent. This is hard to say, but the longer that you are away from God, the harder your heart becomes until finally your FREE WILL is callused over; hardened by what you have put in your own spirit, your heart, and you miss out on the Promises that God has for the Believer. God says; you would not believe who He will use in His plan even if He told you.827

•   Make no mistake, God will use His enemy; those who have rejected Him; to accomplish His plan. He called King Nebuchadnezzar His Servant who was actually the enemy of Israel;828 so He can certainly use Satan too, that’s why Satan continues to exist... Nothing can frustrate the Will of God.

•   Make no mistake, Even though God uses the Evil man for His purpose; they will still be judged GUILTY. So it plainly makes a difference on HOW you are used of God.

  Bond Servant
  This is a good place as any to talk about Servants and Bond Servants.

  A Servant was someone who did not have “FREE WILL”, but existed only to serve their master as he was commanded; this was their place in life and that’s where they were assigned; essentially they were a slave.
  A Bond Servant is someone who once was enslaved and is now FREE; and now by his own FREE WILL has made a decision to serve his master out of love; he just wants to.

  The Apostle Paul without even knowing it, was a servant; a slave to Satan persecuting the followers of Christ, but was set Free and with FREE WILL chose to become a Bond Servant of Jesus Christ. Paul called himself a BOND SERVANT;829 one who has chosen of his own FREE WILL to serve.

  Did God know that Satan would rebel? YES; and created him anyway. When “Eternity Present” begins; those that remain will be those of FREE WILL who want to be with God as BOND SERVANTS of the most high. Did you know the Book of Revelation was written to God’s Bond-Servants?

  827 Habakkuk 1:5-11 – God used the Chaldeans to punish Israel; He said, I am doing something in your day YOU WOULD NOT BELIEVE IF YOU WERE TOLD.
  828 Jeremiah 25:9 - My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon
  829 Romans 1:1 – Paul called himself a Bond Servant of Christ -- Acts 16:17 - Bond-Servants of the Most High God

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Revelation 1:1 –Revelation was written for God’s Bond-Servants

1 THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST, WHICH GOD GAVE HIM TO SHOW TO HIS BOND-SERVANTS,
THE THINGS WHICH MUST SOON TAKE PLACE;
and He sent and communicated it by His angel
to His Bond-Servant John,

(NASB)

Free Will – God’s Omnipotence
Because of Free Will, we have a choice to become predestined in God’s plan. What I read in

scripture, is that we as followers of Christ have been predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son830 and that He who has BEGUN this work of “conforming” us will complete it. 831

•   What is the Image of His Son? Christ has a heavenly calling... He is in the presence

  of God He will rule and reign forever.

•   The justified Christian in a glorified body; will be called to Heaven into the presence

  of God, face to face with Jesus Christ, to rule and reign with Him. –We have begun.
  This Predestination is the revelation of God’s hidden plan to extend the gospel to the “Dirty, Rotten, Low Down, Scumbag Sinners; the Rejected, Revolting GENTILES”... you and me. Those that “call on His Name” by their FREE WILL are predestined to become Justified, Glorified, Holy and Blameless. In God’s Omnipotence; Gentiles are predestined to have the same “FREE WILL opportunity” as the Jews to come into the Kingdom of God. They will be “grafted into the branch” and will have JEWISH

  ROOTS.832 Whosoever WON’T

Predestination never refers to the Lost; it’s about the Believer’s destination. There are just two kinds of people; the Whosoever Wills and the Whosoever Won’ts833... The Lost are lost because they choose to be lost.834 God does His Part to save us and we do our part. My part was sinning and God’s part was saving; my part was running away and the Holy Hound of Heaven’s part was chasing me. It is by God’s grace I am saved; and for no other reason... It is a Gift from God to me.835 Predestination is like the parable of the lost sheep. When you are one of the “Whosoever Wills” that come to the Lord, you are preordained to make it all the way home with the Lord. Even if you stray away, God will come after you.836 NOTE: God’sOmnipotence;837 itisGod’ssoleprerogativetosavesomeonealreadyboundforHell if He chooses to do so. It’s His right as the potter to do what he chooses with His clay, but although Omnipotent, He will not change His nature, nor break His promises, and He cannot Lie.838

Whosoever will; may come and in no way be cast out.

Right now it’s hard to understand the Sovereignty of God because we see through a glass somewhat dimly,839
but one day when we are face to face with Jesus Christ, we will finally see clearly.

830 Romans 8:29-30 – The Believer is predestined to be conformed to the Image of Jesus 831 Philippians 1:6 – He who begun the work in us will complete it
832 Romans 11:17 – Gentile Believers, now have Jewish Roots.
833 John 3:15-16 – Whosoever Will – Whosoever Won’t

834 John 6:37 – Whosoever comes to Christ will not be cast out.
835 Ephesians 2:8 – By Grace our Salvation is a Gift from God
836 Luke 15:4-6 - The Holy Hound of Heaven will find you
837 Revelation 19:6 – God is All Powerful – OMNIPOTENT -- Isaiah 46:10 – God Is All Knowing - OMNISICENCE -- Jeremiah 23:24 – God Is Ever Present - OMNIPRESENT

838 Hebrews 6:17 - It is impossible for God to lie -- James 1:17- God does not change like shifting shadows 839 1 Corenthians 13:12 – For now we see dimly as through a glass, but one day we will see clearly

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The Queen of England enjoys the pomp and circumstance of royalty, but Parliament and the Prime Minister run the nation, not the Queen. She reigns, but she does not rule; man reigns on this earth,

but it’s God that rules.

God is eternally, IMMUTABLY good: He cannot change; whereas man was made MUTABLY good,

that is, he was made with the possibility of changing in his conformity to the laws of God.

Does God DO evil? – NO – God’s nature make Him absolutely incapable of

performing evil, yet, He ordains everything that comes to pass.

Does God ORDAIN evil? – YES - If not, there would be no evil, because God is

sovereign. He ordained that His creatures should have the capacity for evil.

Garden of Eden: When the Serpent came to Adam and Eve and began his treachery, God could have stopped him and there would have been NO sin God did not sanction the evil, but He did not stop

it either. In choosing NOT to stop it, He ordained it, so in essence, God has esteemed it good that

evil should be allowed to happen in this world.

Judas could not have betrayed Christ apart from the Devine providence of God. The actions of Judas was part of the divine providence of the plan of redemption for the

world. God ordains not only how things end, but also the means to that end. Human choices and human actions are a part of the overall providential scheme of God’s plan.

All things work together for good in God’s providence.

Jacob gave his son Joseph a coat of many colors making his older brothers very jealous.

This led them to sell Joseph and he wound up in Egypt as second in command next to Pharaoh. Joseph saved Egypt from the famine and saved his family from extinction also.

That spawned Moses, The Law, The Prophets and then Christ...

NOcoatofmanycolors;NONationofIsrael,thenNOMessiah. Godusedevilforgood.840

Adam: Sometimes we blame our decisions on God just as Adam did when he said; that woman that YOU gave me; she gave me the fruit, and I ate it; God it’s your fault for giving me

that woman.841 We quickly take credit for our Good choices, but not for our Evil choices.

Adam tried to blame his bad choice on God, and that’s our tendency too.

LGBT: I am a woman trapped in a man’s body; because GOD MADE ME THAT WAY... We say it’s God’s providence for the CHOICES that we make; they were preordained by God. The

Book says, NOT TRUE we are

 

enticed by our own evil desires.
James 1:13-15 – God did not create you to rebel, you did it yourself

13 No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God.” For God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn’t tempt anyone.

14 BUT EACH PERSON IS TEMPTED WHEN HE IS DRAWN AWAY AND ENTICED BY HIS OWN EVIL DESIRES.

15 Then after DESIRE has conceived, it gives birth to SIN, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to DEATH. (HCSB)

World View: We live in a period of skepticism about the existence of God... When the talk turns to a Higher Power, the reference is to an IT instead of a HE. The world view is that we live in a universe

that’s in a closed loop and nothing from the outside influences it. It is said that it doesn’t matter what

you believe as long as you are sincere; TRUTH is insignificant.

Unbelief: Jesus said He would bring another comforter to the world to bring men into repentance. He said the Holy Spirit would bring conviction of “the sin of unbelief”. 842 Repentance is not an option

with the ‘incomprehensible God’ ... to be saved you must REPENT. 843

840 Genesis 50:20 – What man uses for Evil, God uses for Good -- Romans 8:28 - All things works together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
841 Genesis 3:11-12 - It’s that Woman that YOU gave me; it’s YOUR FAULT and her fault.
842 John 14:16 - God gave us the Holy Spirit to help us -- John 16:8 – The Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin

843 John 16:9 - Unbelief in Jesus Christ is Sin -- Acts 17:30 – We ALL are commanded to repent
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IT’S IN THE BOOK

Providence literally means “to see beforehand.” God not only creates, but sustains and divinely preserves... Saying it another way; God is “Hands on”; He did not just WIND IT ALL UP and then walk

away. All creation is completely dependent on Him for the continuity of its existence; God is the

sustainer of everything, He is omnipotent; all powerful.

Life was choice driven from the beginning of this present earth age starting with Adam and even

before that with the angel Satan in the pre-adamic age; Eternity Past.

The choices WE make on this side of death have eternal consequences.

The Take Away

God’s sovereignty is unlimited and although man’s FREE WILL is real, it is limited. Man is free, but God is freer; He is sovereign.

 Does God choose WHEN I will die? 844 – NO, God’s natural laws do; God sets the maximum years for man,845 and it’s up to us to choose how we treat our bodies; we are the recipients of the consequences of our choices.846 Regardless of that, before we die we will complete our part of God’s omnipotent plan.847 Whether we are Good or Evil, God will use us in His plan.848

 Does God choose your WIFE for you? - NO you do; ALL your Free Will choices are GUIDED by what you have put in your own spirit. Our FREE WILL choices come from the abundance of what overflows our heart. GIGO; Garbage In; Garbage Out... HIHO; Holiness In; Holiness Out.

Men have Free Will, but lack Liberty, their choices are driven by their fallen “natural desires” and will choose what is wicked. In the fall of man; the desire for the things of God was lost, and man would never choose God;849 he must be drawn by the Holy Spirit. It takes the work of the Holy Spirit to empower man to repent; none can come unless God draws them;850 Grace is necessary to liberate the human heart.

It’s in the Book: HOW then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And HOW can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And HOW can they hear without someone preaching to them?851 THAT’S WHY WE PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST.

We should believe in God’s Omnipotence; that He is in control of everything, but remember we are still accountable for the FREE WILL choices that we make on this side of life; GIGO HIHO.852 God uses Evil men as well as Good men in His plan, but there’s surely a difference in their destination.

FREE WILL is a Gift from God to us and the angels making our life Choice Driven! IT’S IN THE BOOK

All Scripture is God-breathed

and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting

and training in righteousness

2 Timothy 3:16 NIV2011

844 Hebrews 9:27 – God has decided that ALL will die... ONCE -- John 11:26 – The Believer will never die 845 Deuteronomy 5:16 – Treat your mama good, and live even more than 80 years
846 Psalm 90:10 – We can have 70 years of life, maybe 80 or even more, it’s not fixed
847 Isaiah 55:11 – Our assignment in God’s plan will be completed before we die

848 2 Samuel 14:14 – God does NOT take away life; instead, he devises ways that a banished person may not remain estranged from him 849 Romans 8:5-8 – Man born with a sinful spirit CANNOT summit to God
850 John 6:44 – None can come to Him unless the Father draws him
851 Romans 10:14-15 - How can they believe who have not heard.

852 Proverbs 15:28 – What’s in the heart overflows the mouth -- Matthew 12:34 – Out of the abundance of our heart we speak
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IT’S IN THE BOOK

Chapter 13.23

Martin Luther and Free Will

Bondage of the Will – Systematic Theology – Calvinism – Arminianism God’s Will – Man’s Will – Limited Free Will – Common & Special Grace The Holy Spirit - The Heart – The Blood – The Veil

Martin Luther

I have read “THE BONDAGE OF THE WILL” by Martin Luther who takes the position that the definition of FREE WILL is works and man making a Free Will decision to follow Jesus Christ falls into the category of WORKS. Free Will is the dreams of men that are mad; it is a poison poured forth into the world by a wonderful malice of the Devil himself, the prince of demons. Free Will under its own power can’t do anything but fail, nor avail unto anything but to sin. Free Will is nothing but the servant of sin, of death and of Satan.

Man’s fallen nature renders him utterly incapable of doing any spiritual good. Every imagination of man’s heart is on evil continually.853 The doctrine of Free Will was not sent down from heaven, but sprung from the earth below. What can the smoke of man do against the thunder and lightning of God? Free Will can only be truly applied to God.

By its nature Free Will can only go downward, fall back and grow worse and worse.

Martin Luther says, it is impossible to know what Free Will is unless you know what the “human will does” and what “God does or foreknows”. Luther contends that the mercy of God alone does all things and that our own will does nothing.

C. H. Spurgeon said “The first link between my soul and Christ is not my goodness, but my badness, not my merit, but my misery, not my riches, but my need”.

Billy Graham said “No matter how generous or how honest or how compassionate we are, it is never enough. God is Holy and His standard is PERFECTION. If we think we are good enough, that thought simply proves our pride”. The Book is clear; Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.854

The Apostle Paul says that those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit set their minds on the things of the spirit. That which is born of the flesh is flesh,855 and cannot please God, they must be born again; born of the SPIRIT to receive the ability to understand the things of the Spirit. Any man that does not have the spirit of Christ is none of His, so if any man is not of Christ, what else is he but of Satan. Whatever is not of Faith is Sin.

853 Genesis 6:5 – The natural man’s mind is consistently evil
854 Acts 4:12 – Salvation come by no other name but Jesus Christ -- Galatians 2:16 – Salvation is by Faith in Jesus the Son of God not by obeying the law. -- Romans 4:16 – We are saved by our Faith like Abraham
855 John 3:6 – That which is born of the FLESH IS FLESH, and that which is born of the SPIRIT IS SPIRIT -- Romans 8:5 – The FLESH set their minds on the things of the FLESH; and the SPIRIT set their minds on the things of the SPIRIT

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The question is whether our own will does anything in those things which pertain unto eternal salvation, or whether it is wholly passive under the work of grace. Without the mercy of God “the Will” is ineffective, so how far does the mercy of God extend and how far does our own will extend?856

THE HINGE; the very heart of the subject matter is what can “Free Will” do as it stands in reference to the grace of God? It is important that we understand the power and working of God and that of our own works.

The Apostle Paul had studied God’s Word so much that Festus shouted that too much knowledge had driven Paul CRAZY.857 As I read “THE BONDAGE OF THE WILL”, it’s like Luther is having a battle withhisownmindwhohehasnamed“Erasmus”. HisbookhassoparalyzedmethatIhavenotwritten a word study in a month just trying to wrap my mind around the thought that “deciding” to accept Jesus Christ with my Free Will is considered “WORKS”.

The Book says that BEFORE the Laws of Moses existed, Abraham BELIEVED God and God counted him RIGHTEOUS because of HIS FAITH,858 so I must pose this; was Abraham’s decision to believe and have faith considered to be works. The Book “SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY” argues Luther’s point well, but doesn’t tie the decision “to believe” as being an act of “Works”.

Limited Free Will

Our family including our grown children is a family of dogs. Whenever the gang of puppies visit us they have Free Will to roam our house, however it is limited free will as they cannot go out the front door into the streets. Like the Holy Spirit, I have enlightened the puppies as to a Doggie Door where they can decide to go into the fenced back yard if they choose. All the puppies by free will have decided to go in and out the doggie door except for one. Even though he has been shown, encouraged, demonstrated and coaxed, you cannot even push him through it; he has by his FREE WILL chose to NOT use it.

I would argue that Free Will is actually Limited Free Will which works in accordance to a much larger plan by a Sovereign God which plan is not totally revealed to us. With as much Free Will as Satan has, it is LIMITED by God.859

God foresees, purposes and does all things according to His immutable, eternal, and infallible Will, which is just and merciful; His character does not change. He cannot be deceived nor His Will hindered. What He promises, He is able and willing to perform and anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that He is, and is a rewarder of those who place their hopes in Him. 860

Holy Spirit

Fallen Man is the walking DEAD and is in such of a condition that left to his own Free Will decisions, is INCAPABLE of desiring divine spiritual things. If he was treading water, he would not be capable of reaching for a life preserver floating alongside to SAVE himself.

Martin Luther says our will does what it does; be it good or evil, not out of compulsion, but out of our mere willingness or desire, as IF we were totally free. Our own depraved corrupt will CANNOT of itself do good. As a student of the Word, I would agree that we are depraved and corrupt, but isn’t that why God sent the comforter, the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit to make it “possible” for us to do good?

The Holy Spirit overcomes the holding power of sin and ENABLES the believer to become obedient and answer to the higher spiritual purposes of God.861 He causes the sinner to see the truth862 so that he comes under conviction and becomes conscious of his sin; this knowledge of sin precedes the faith that yields to Jesus Christ.

856 1 Corinthians 12:6 – God works in different ways in all of us
857 Acts 26:24 – PAUL, YOU ARE INSANE. Too much study has made you CRAZY
858 Genesis 15:6 – Abraham believed and it was counted as righteous -- Romans 4:3 - Abraham believed and it was counted as righteous -- Galatians 3:6 - Abraham believed and it was counted as righteous -- James 2:23 Abraham believed and it was counted as righteous
859 Job 1:12 - Do whatever you want with everything Job possesses, but don’t harm him physically
860 Hebrews 11:6 - Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him
861 Romans 1:21-22 – Without the Holy Spirit our minds are dark and confused
862 John 14:26 – The Holy Spirit will teach you

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The Holy Spirit guides, maintains, strengthens, endows and develops the talents of those who have received the Gospel and leads them to their destiny; doing what is right and outwardly good for others.

We are like a light BULB in huge electric sign; the HOLY SPIRIT has repaired our filament giving us the ability to light up; the Word of God has screwed us in and made our connection tight, and the Power of God has been made available to us, and now with Free Will all we have to do is “decide” to flip the switch and instead of darkness there will be light, but Marin Luther considers “deciding” to flip the switch to be Works... and we cannot be saved by works.

Man’s Will

Salvation is apart from our own strength – If Satan rules our spirit, then our will is directed by and through him, but if God rules our spirit then our will is directed through the Holy Spirit. Man is captive, a slave or a servant to “THE WILL” of one or the other.

The Book says Salvation is extended to us only by the Grace of God and not by any work man has done, is doing or might do.

Martin Luther says that all things stand or fall by the will and authority of God. He has promised His grace to the “humbled”; that is when a person finally comes to know that his salvation is utterly beyond his own power and works and it utterly depends on the will and pleasure of God alone.

God’s Will

The model prayer of Jesus was that “God’s will” would be done on earth like it is in heaven.863 That was the whole point, GOD’S WILL ON EARTH IS NOT BEING DONE. God’s will is that not even one person should perish;864 but God’s will is being resisted; people are perishing.

If Christ died on the cross to save everyone from the Lake of Fire and separation from God then He was an utter FAILURE because some have not chosen Him, BUT if He died for ALL those who would believe in Him then he was 100% successful. The blood of Jesus was shed for sinners who would come to Him of their own FREE WILL as well as those who were PREDESTINED to come.865

The Book says God is not a respecter of persons that the Word is to be preached to every person in the whole world,866 not to just those who were predestined to hear. Free Will and Predestination are both taught in scripture; I learned a term from my grandson which I looked up in Wikipedia, it’s called “Compatibilist” meaning you don’t have to pick or choose between the two doctrines; they are both compatible with each other.

The Word of God and the Traditions of Men are opposed to each other. Satan’s comes to steal our liberty, entangle and bind our consciences, but God’s will cannot be resisted, changed or hindered.867 His will for us is to have Free Will; to be obedient to Him out of our Free Will CHOICE and NOT out of Obligation or to use the Book’s term; NOT out of “Necessity”;868 NOT being obedient because we are COMPELLED to do so.

– It’s in the Book –

Matthew 22:14 – Many are called to come by Free Will

14 For many are called (to come by free will), but few are chosen (predestined to come).

(NLT)

863 Matthew 6:9-10 – Jesus prayed that God’s will be done on Earth
864 Matthew 18:14 – The Fathers will is that not even one would perish
865 Romans 9:16-24 - Some people are predestined to be saved God chooses to show mercy to some, and he chooses to harden the hearts of others so they refuse to listen
866 Mark 16:15 – Go Preach the Good News to EVERYONE in the WHOLE WORLD
867 2 Timothy 2:9 – God’s word cannot be hindered or chained up
868 Philemon 1:14 – Obedience should come from our FREE WILL not from our obligation or necessity

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Removing the Veil
There are some things in scripture that are NOT quite plain, there are passages that are obscure

and abstruse and from our ignorance of certain terms, Satan has discouraged us from reading the Bible so that his poison of philosophy can prevail in the church.869

There are also some things in scripture that are NOT of obscurity or ambiguity, like the humanity of Jesus and the Trinity of the God head, these are clear, but Satan works that we might not see it, for no man can understand one iota of scripture unless the Holy Spirit resides in him.870 It is the fool that has said in his heart there is no God.871

God has many things veiled or hidden which we don’t know and no one doubts especially the day of the return of Christ; He said “Of that day no man knows but the father”.872

Reading the Book removes the VEIL over our understanding mind, breaks the seals and rolls away the stone from the door of the tomb and reveals 873 that God is not only Trinity, but also Unity. Christ has opened the door to our understanding.874 The scriptures are inspired and written for our instruction and good and IF His words REMAIN obscure it’s because of our own blindness and lack of desire to understand. If the Gospel is hid, it is hidden to those that are lost, whom Satan has blinded. 875

Through the Laws of Moses, the knowledge of the sin, we were born in, live in, move in, and exist in, was revealed to man of which before we were ignorant.876

It is GOD’S GRACE that made us righteous WITHOUT THE LAW of works which avails nothing. Did you see it? Works cannot SAVE. It’s in the Book

Common & Special Grace
As I try to understand the book “Systematic Theology”, I find that GRACE is actually an attribute

of our sovereign God, it is by His free un-deserved favor or love toward man which resulted directly from the atoning death of Jesus Christ on the Cross; it was not only foreseen by God, but was designed by Him as a blessing for ALL people.

The Book says the LAW came through Moses, but Grace came through Jesus Christ. For by Grace we have been saved through faith, and that not of something we do.877 It is the Gift of God; our salvation is not dependent upon anything we have done, are doing or plan to do, so as to give credit to ourselves.878

Grace means beauty or gracefulness, but in general it means FAVOR OR GOOD-WILL. In the NT it signifies the unmerited operation of God in the heart of man. It illuminates the mind and acts directly on the will as either “OPERATING” or “CO-OPERATING” grace.

The Grace of God prolongs and maintains the natural life of man giving him time and opportunity to repent thereby removing all his excuses and justifying God’s upcoming wrath.879 The unregenerate man may do good, natural, civil and outwardly religious works, but they do not spring from the right motives or purpose; they cannot please God.880 God never blesses the reprobate although they may receive blessing because of a Godly person or Godly people placed around them; the Egyptians were blessed because Joseph was of the Abrahamic Covenant.881

869 Colossians 1:23 – Continue to believe the Truth of the Good News -- Hebrews 11:6 – You must believe to be able to come to God;

IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD WITHOUT FAITH

870 2 Timothy 2:19– The Father knows who are His -- Mark 16:15 – Go into ALL the world and preach the Gospel to everyone
871 Psalm 14:1 – Only an unbelieving, corrupt, evil FOOL would say there is no God
872 Matthew 24:36 – There are some things Jesus and Angels do not know -- Acts 1:7– Some things we are not to know; only the Father 873 Luke 24:45 – The HOLY SPIRIT opens our mind to understanding the scriptures
874 Isaiah 40:13 – No one can advise God
875 2 Corinthians 4:4 – Satan has BLINDED THE MINDS of those WHO DON’T BELIEVE
876 Romans 3:20 – The only thing the Law does is to show us how sinful we are
877 Ephesians 2:8-9 – GOD SAVED YOU BY HIS GRACE WHEN YOU BELIEVED it is a gift from God
878 Romans 3:20-28 – We are made right with God by PLACING our FAITH in Jesus Christ; can we boast then, that we have done anything NO, It is based solely on FAITH
879 Isaiah 48:9 – God is giving mankind TIME to repent so there will be no excuses
880 Jeremiah 7:23-25 – Free Will has stubborn desires from an evil heart; MY PEOPLE WOULD NOT LISTEN TO ME
881 Genesis 39:5 – Potiphar household was blessed because of Joseph sake

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Book XIII Wisdom – Grace –Forgiveness – Salvation – Predestination - Free Will IT’S IN THE BOOK There are two kinds of grace that are dispensed by God.

1)

2)

Common Grace is “communal”; given by the Holy Spirit to ALL men, sufficient to ENABLE THEM to repent of their sins and believe in Jesus Christ, however this Common Grace is resistible and more or less IT USUALLY IS. This is because “Common Grace” leaves the heart unchanged. It works only on the natural and not on the spiritual. Common Grace operates only in the moral and rational ways of man, making them RECEPTIVE to the truth. Common Grace never removes the guilt and pollution of sin, nor does it renew the human nature, nor does it affect the salvation of the sinner; BUT if the human heart COOPERATES with the Holy Spirit they can be saved. (In my BS, I call this action Free Will)

Special Grace is given by the Holy Spirit to SOME; to the Elect and it cannot be resisted; although they are not compelled, it makes the desire so great that they want God. It is a renewing of the whole nature of man, not only ENABLING THEM to repent of their sins, but causes them to be WILLING. It is the operation of God to remove the guilt, penalty, condemnation and punishment of Sin, and gradually cleanses him of the pollution of sin and ultimately provides the person Salvation through the operation of the Holy Spirit. (In my BS, I call this action Pre-destination.)

The Book seems to bear out that eleven of the Disciples had Special Grace. (Believers) and Judas had only Common Grace (He was a Make Believer). Is there a difference between someone who is called a “Christian” and someone who is called “a FOLLOWER of Jesus Christ”? SELAH, ponder that

Side Bar

•   Calvinism – God’s grace and calling is irresistible and LIMITED to only some; the

  Elect. The irresistible grace does not compel a man to come to Christ, but just makes

  him willing. This is the doctrine of Predestination and the Divine election of saints.

•   Arminianism – God’s grace is resistible and usually is. It is conditioned on the faith of the believer. This is the doctrine of Free Will; of man co-operating with the grace of the

  Holy Spirit.

•   The Book - Both are taught in scripture and both are compatible; you do not have to

  choose. Those whose Belief System embraces both doctrines are called Compatibilist. Both doctrines acknowledge personal spiritual bankruptcy’ both have a hunger and thirst for spiritual things and both endeavor to obtain it. (In my BS I am a compatibilist.)

  The Heart

  Our hearts are desperately wicked and deceitful and cannot approach God,882 so He must give us a new one.883 Once we believe and accept Jesus Christ, our debt becomes paid; our sincere hearts and guilty consciences become sprinkled with His Blood884 that clears our conscience,885 and all our senses of guilt is removed;886 we have a new heart and Jesus as our High Priest confronts Satan’s accusations.887

  The activity of CHOOSING Jesus Christ is always PRECEDED by the previous activity of God through the Holy Spirit; no man comes to the Father unless He draws them.

  It is the internal calling that man becomes conscious that God is working a conversion in him, it happens through a work of God’s strength, NOT the works of the Believer’s own strength. Where ever there is true faith there will be real repentance; a turning away from sin in the direction of God.

  Strictly speaking, saving Faith is an act of God rather than an act of man.

  – It’s in the Book –

  882 Jeremiah 17:9 – The heart is desperately DECEITFUL and DESPERATELY WICKED.
  883 Ezekiel 36:26 – God will take out your stony, stubborn heart and will give you a new tender and responsive heart
  884 Hebrews 10:19-22 – By the sprinkling of Christs blood on our consciences we can enter the God’s presence -- Hebrews 10:2 – His blood made our feelings of guilt disappear
  885 Romans 4:8 – Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not see
  886 Hebrews 9:14 – The perfect sacrifice of Jesus purified our consciences
  887 Revelation 12:10 - Satan can no longer accuse us; salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God has come at last

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The Blood

The Blood of Christ is used in connection with atonement for our sins. It cleanses us from every type of sin, BIG and BLACK, small as well as 50 shades of grey and those which seem unforgivable. The Blood of Christ totally and wholly satisfies God. I don’t understand how, BUT God said it did; the Blood is precious to God because God says so.888

It operates in three ways; 1) toward Man, 2) toward God, and 3) toward Satan.
Jesus was a substitute for us on the cross giving His life’s blood for our sins. Now when we sin, God overlooks the sin because He sees “the Blood” of His beloved Son; so although the Blood was for MAN, it was primarily for GOD and now SATAN can NO longer accuse us because Jesus is our High Priest sitting at the right hand of the Father advocating for us889 and if God is for us, who can possibly

be against us? – NO ONE! 890
It is the finished work of Jesus Christ that is the basis of our ability to approach the presence of

God.891 We can never approach God on our own personal attainment, we are brought near by the blood of Jesus Christ,892 God looks on His blood and is satisfied.893 Every time we approach God it is on the very same basis of the blood of His son, not on something of our own works we have obtained.894

– It’s in the Book –

The Take Away

Martin Luther uses troupes; figurative and metaphorical language to describe the Gospel’s effect on man heart; I think it’s quite good and worth writing down.

Luther: As under the same SUN, mud is hardened and wax is melted; as by the same SHOWER, the cultivated earth brings forth fruit, and the uncultivated earth thorns; so by the same long suffering of God, some are hardened and some converted.

TROUPE - As under the same GOSPEL, a HEART is hardened and another HEART is melted; by the same GOSPEL, the cultivated HEART brings forth fruit, and the uncultivated HEART brings forth thorns; so by the same long suffering of God, some HEARTS are hardened; some converted.

The work of redemption was accomplished through Jesus Christ and there remains nothing else to

do, it is a finished work.
and the co-operation of the subjects of redemption.895

He accomplished the work through the Holy Spirit

The work of Christ merited us salvation896 and the Holy Spirit applies and carries that creative work to completion as he guides us into all truth. No one can come to Son of God unless the father who sent the Son draws them through the Holy Spirit.

Faith is often regarded as an activity of the intellect, but True Faith will manifest itself in Good Works; Faith without works is a non-existent dead faith.

In the regenerated man the Holy Spirit gives GIFTS of great illuminating wisdom, abilities and intellectual insight and expertise in all kinds of crafts,897 and because of the regenerated man’s presence, the favor spills over, and those around him get in on the blessings as well.

888 1 Peter 1:18-19 – The Blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God is precious to God
889 Romans 8:33-34 – Who dares to accuse us who have been CHOSEN as God’s own. NO ONE
890 Romans 8:31 - If God is for us, who can ever be against us?
891 Hebrews 9:11-12 – Jesus our High Priest with His own blood entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured forever our redemption

892 Ephesians 2:13 – We are brought near to God through the blood of Christ
893 1 John 1:7 – The blood of Jesus, God’s son, cleanses us from all types of sin
894 Matthew 10:32-33 – Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my father
895 John 6:44 – The Holy Spirit draws men unto Jesus Christ
896 Ephesians 2:9 – Salvation does not come from our works, past, present nor future; it is totally HIS WORK on the cross.
897 Job 32:8 – The Holy Spirit gives us understanding -- Exodus 28:3 – The Holy Spirit gives Great Wisdom -- Exodus 31:3 - The Holy Spirit gives Ability and Expertise -- Exodus 35:31 - Holy Spirit gives Wisdom in all kind of crafts

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We give the Holy Spirit such little thought, but if the Holy Spirit were to be removed, we would all DIE. The origin of life, its maintenance and development depend on the operation of God the Holy Spirit; the third person of the Trinity. What the Holy Spirit has written on our hearts is more certain and firm than life itself.898

Every soul’s DESTINY is to receive the wrath of God and endure the lake of fire forever.

•   It was God’s Special Grace that PREDESTINED some to be elected, to become part of His plan of salvation.

•   But it was His Common Grace that made it POSSIBLE for everyone else to have the to make a FREE WILL decision to escape His wrath.

ABILITY

WHOSOEVER

The Book says we are saved by Faith and not by our works, it is the gift of God. So is Martin Luther right ... is FREE WILL or making the choice to believe in Christ’s finished work on the cross considered WORKS? I guess it depends on your denomination’s viewpoint; when I was just ten years of age, I was taught to recite John 3:16; For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that

believes in Him will be saved.899
God gives us an entire lifetime to find Him; to make a FREE WILL decision to come to Him, so we

are without excuse. When the Believers are all gathered in heaven and in the presence of the Angels, God and the Lamb, we will not care how we got there; whether it was by our Free Will or we were Predestined.

Your words are the index of your heart. Jesus said whoever confesses Me before men, I will confess before the Father. To all that would CHOSE to believe, He gave the right to become a child of God; forsaking the sinful life and pursuing a Godly life. Becoming a Believer does not mean that that the struggle between your old life and your new life is at once ended; NO, the struggle will continue as long as you live, but His grace is sufficient.

The change that takes place CANNOT BE REPEATED; there may be ups and downs or seasons of estrangement from God, but the “True Believer” will surely return.

Today we have been given THE CHOICE between life and death, between blessings and curses. Heaven and earth will WITNESS THE CHOICE you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might have eternal life.900

Matthew 22:14 – Many are called to come by Free Will

14 For MANY ARE CALLED (to come by free will), but FEW ARE CHOSEN (predestined to come).”

(NLT)

Deuteronomy 30:19 – We have a FREE WILL Choice

19 Today I have given you THE CHOICE between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to WITNESS THE CHOICE you make.

Oh, that you would CHOOSE life,
so that you and your descendants might live!

(NLT)

– It’s in the Book –

898 John 16:13-15 – We are guided by the Spirit of Truth; when the SPIRIT OF TRUTH comes, HE WILL GUIDE YOU; The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me
899 John 3:16 – Everyone who believes will have eternal life
900 John 1:12-13 – To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of god; they are born again.

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Book XIII Wisdom – Grace –Forgiveness – Salvation – Predestination - Free Will
In the multitude of counselors,

there is wisdom. Proverbs 11:14

IT’S IN THE BOOK

I am grateful to those that went before me providing concepts, ideas, historical information, and scripture verses. Because of them I can stand on their shoulders and see further that I otherwise ever could have.

Writings outside of the Bible should be viewed as “informational”, but not authoritative. They give insight to customs, manners and thoughts of a particular culture at a particular time in history.

Along with the Apocrypha, I have also enjoyed
“The lost books of the Bible” and “The forgotten books of Eden”. Many of these will include folklore, superstition and “embellishments”.

Prove scripture with scripture, line upon line, and precept upon precept.

.American Standard Version Bible – ASV .Amplified Bible – AMP
.Dake annotated Reference Bible – DAKE .English Standard Version Bible – ESV .King James Version Bible - KJV

.Message Bible; The – MSG
.New International Version Bible – NIV
.New Living Translation Bible - NLT
101 Q&A on Demon Powers – Dr. Lester Sumrall
90 Minutes in Heaven – Don Piper
A Commentary – Critical, Experimental and Practical – Eerdmans
A Survey of Israel’s History - Wood
All the Women of the Bible – Edith Deen
An Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words – W.E. Vine
Angels A-Z – Lewis Oliver
Angels: Gods Secret Agents – Billy Graham
Antiquity of the Jews – Flavius Josephus
Apocrypha, the – Edgar J. Goodspeed – Grant R. Jeffrey
Arithmetic of God; The – Don Iistler
Armageddon-Appointment with Destiny – Grant R. Jeffrey
Bad Girls of the Bible - Higgs
Baker Commentary on the Bible – Elwell
Baptism Commentary – John Harvey
Bible Almanac; The - Nelson
Bible Almanac; The – Packer Tenney White
Bible Code, the – Michael Drosnin
Bible Dictionary – Harper and Row
Bible Hub.com
Bible on the life Hereafter; The – William Hendriksen
Biblical Ethics – Robertson McQuilkin
Bondage of the Will; The – Martin Luther
Can America Survive? – Bible on the life Hereafter, The - John Hagee

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CARM – Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry – M .J. Slick Commentary on Calvinism – Mike Fowlkes
Commentary on the Bible – Baker
Countdown to Armageddon, the 1980’s – Hal Lindsay

Dake’s Annotated Bible – Dake
Dead Sea Scrolls Translated, the – Florentino Garcia Martinez Dictionary of Biblical Literacy – Oliver Nelson
Dictionary of Pentecostal movements – Burgess – McGee Doctrine of Last Things – Dr. John Harvey
Does God Control Everything – R.C. Sproul
Don’t know much about the Bible – Kenneth C. Davis
Double Predestination Paper – Darryl Williams
Encounters with Angels – L. W. Northrup
Escape from Armageddon – Thomas Reed
Exposition of Genesis – H.C. Leupold
Expositor’s Bible Commentary; The – Frank E. Gaebelein
Final Battle; The – Hal Lindsey
Final Dawn over Jerusalem – John Hagee
Five Points of Calvinism; The – WJ Seaton
Forgotten Books of Eden; The – World
From Daniel to Doomsday – John Hagee
Girls of the Bible- Harvey Albert Snyder
Gospels Interwoven; The – Karmit Zarley
Great Doctrines of the Bible 5 – Soteriology – W. A. Criswell Great Doctrines of the Bible 6 – Christian Life – W. A. Criswell Great Pyramid; The – George R. Riffert
Guide to Survival – Salem Kirban
Halley’s Bible Handbook – H.H. Halley
Harper’s Bible dictionary – Harper and row
Hidden Dangers of the Rainbow, the – Constance Cumbey Historical Atlas of the Bible; The – Dr. Ian Barnes
Hope for each day – Billy Graham
Illustrated Bible Dictionary – Nelson’s
Illustrated Bible Dictionary; The – Tyndale
Illustrated Manners and Customs of the Bible – Packer-Tenny
In the beginning was the End – Wim Malgo
Influence; The – A novel – Matthew John Slick
Interlinear Greek-English New Testament - Baker
International Dictionary of the Bible; The new – Douglas-Tenney Invisible War; The – Donald Grey Barnhouse
Islam and the Bible – David Goldmann
Jerusalem Countdown – John Hagee
Joined at the Hip – James Merritt; Touching Lives
Last Days collection, The – Pretty Good Publishing
Late Great Planet Earth; The – Hal Lindsey
Layman’s Overview of the Bible; The – George W. Knight Liberty Commentary of the New Testament – J Falwell
Lost Books of the Bible; The - Bell
Lost Books of the Bible; The - World
Matthew Henry’s Commentary - Zondervan

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Book XIII Wisdom – Grace –Forgiveness – Salvation – Predestination - Free Will

Mere Christianity – C.S. Lewis
Meredith’s Book of List; 1&2 –Bethany House Publishers
Missing Books of the Bible; The – Halo Press
Mormon Mirage, the – Latayne Colvett Scott
Mysteries of the Bible – Readers Digest
Mystery Mark of the New Age – Texe Mars
Mystery of the Ages – Herbert W. Armstrong
Nag Hammadi Library; The – James M. Robinson
Naked Gospel; The – Andrew Farley
Nave’s Topical Bible - Zondervan
Neighboring Faiths – Winfred Corduan
New Evidence that demands a verdict; The – Josh McDowell
New International Dictionary of the Bible; The – Douglas - Tenney New Millennium; The – Pat Robertson
New World College Dictionary – Webster’s
Noah’s Family Tree – Stewart Trott
Normal Christian Life; The – Watchman Nee
Nostradamvs & the Millennivm – John Hogue
Now that’s a Good Question – R.C. Sproul
Old Testament Survey – Eerdmans
One Minute after you Die – Erwin W. Lutzer
Other side of the Good News; The – Larry Dixon
Paradise Commentary – Dr. Karl McCallister
Person & Work of the Holy Spirit, the – R.A. Torrey
Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible - Zondervan
Respectable Sins – Jerry Bridges
Revelation of Jesus Christ, the – Walvoord
Revelation Seminar, the – 1975 - Hilton Sutton
Revelation Study, the - 1973 – Dr. Warren Wiersbe
Revelation; The – verse by verse – Oliver B. Green
Satan’s Underground – Lauren Stratford
Satanism – Ted Schwarz & Duane Empey
Secret Kingdom; The – Pat Robertson
Secrets of the Dead Sea Scrolls – Hugh J. Schonfield
Seven Deadly Sins – British Broadcasting Network
Shepherd’s Chapel – Arnold Murray
Systematic Theology – Berkhof/Erdmans
Systematic Theology – Stanley M. Horton
Systematic Theology – Wayne Grudem
Table Talk – R.C. Sproul
Theomatics – Jerry Lucas
There were two Trees in the Garden – Rick Joyner
There’s a war going on – Eldred Echols
Thru the Bible commentary – J. Vernon McGee
Today’s Dictionary of the Bible - Guideposts
Today’s Dictionary of the Bible - T.A. Bryant
Today’s Dictionary of the Bible - Readers Digest
Twelve Ordinary Men – John MacArthur
Unraveling the Big Questions about God – Kenneth Boa
Unseen Realm; The – Michael S. Heiser

IT’S IN THE BOOK

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Book XIII Wisdom – Grace –Forgiveness – Salvation – Predestination - Free Will

Victor Journey through the Bible: The – V. Gilbert Beers Vincent’s Word Studies of the New Testament – Mac Donald Webster’s New World College Dictionary – Webster
What in the World is going on? – David Jeremiah
What is Reformed Theology? – RC Sproul
What the Bible is all about – Henrietta C. Mears
Where to find it in the Bible – Ken Anderson
Who’s Who and Where’s Where in the Bible – Stephen M. Miller Who’s Who in the Bible – Paul D. Gardner
Whose Bible is it? – Jaroslav Pelikan
Why I am a Christian – Michael A. Gorman
Wikipedia
Witchcraft, puppets and Voodoo – Irene A. Park
Within Heaven’s Gates – Rebecca Springer
Wycliff Bible Commentary, The
Expositor’s Bible Commentary – Frank E. Gaebelein
Wycliffe Bible Commentary; The – Moody Press
Wycliffe Bible Commentary; The – Pfeiffer & Harrison Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible; The - Tenney

IT’S IN THE BOOK

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