The Will of God… Sanctification – Part 5

November 4, 2022October 12, 2022 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Thessalonians 4:1-7 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God had not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

Seven personal agents are used in sanctifying: God (Gen. 2:3; Lev. 21:15, 23; 22:9; John 10:36; 1Thess. 5:23; Jude 1:1). Jesus Christ (1Cor. 1:30; Eph. 5:26; Heb. 2:11; 10:10, 14; 13:12). Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:16; 1Cor. 6:11; 2Thess. 2:13; 1Pet. 1:2). Moses (Ex. 19:10, 14; 40:13; Lev. 8:10-15, 30; 21:8; Num. 7:1). Joshua (Jos. 7:13). Priests (1Chron. 15:14; 2Chron. 30:24; Ex. 19:22). Laymen (Lev. 11:44; 20:7).

Man is the agent in sanctification 85 times; God 23 times; Christ 10 times; and the Holy Spirit 4 times. Man has as much to do with sanctification as God, for he is the one who decides to sanctify himself to God. Man and God work together in the setting apart process. Men are spoken of as being sanctified 75 times; material things are said to be sanctified 40 times; and God is referred to as being sanctified 14 times (Lev. 10:3; Num. 20:12-13; 27:14; Isa. 5:16; 8:13; 29:23; Ezek. 20:41; 28:22, 25; 36:23; 38:16; 39:27).

Fifteen commands to sanctify: Let priests sanctify themselves (Ex. 19:22; 1Chron. 15:14; 2Chron. 29:15, 34; 30:3, 5, 15, 24; 31:18). Sanctify them (Ex. 19:10; 28:41; 29:33; 30:29; Lev. 8:11; 21:23). Sanctify him (Lev. 8:12; 21:8, 15). Sanctify yourselves (Lev. 11:44; 20:7; Num. 11:18; Jos. 3:5; 1Sam. 16:5; 1Chron. 15:12; 2Chron. 29:5). Sanctify the people (Ex. 19:14; Jos. 7:13). Sanctify Aaron and his garments (Lev. 8:30). Sanctify unto Me all the firstborn (Ex. 13:2). Sanctify it (mountain, Ex. 19:23). Sanctify the breast (of the wave offering, Ex. 29:27). Sanctify the altar (Ex. 29:36-37; 40:10). Sanctify the Lord of Hosts (Isa. 8:13). Sanctify the Holy One of Jacob (Isa. 29:23). Sanctify a fast (Joel 1:14; 2:15). Sanctify the congregation (Joel 2:18). Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts (1Pet. 3:15). Not only are there commands for people to sanctify God, but complaints because they did not do so (Deut. 32:51; Num. 27:14).

To be continued…

The Will of God… Sanctification – Part 4

November 3, 2022October 12, 2022 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

If sin is not involved in the person or thing set apart, then no sin is cleansed in the process of setting apart (continues): [8] The same people were sanctified many times so sanctification cannot be limited to one act (Ex. 19:14, 22; 28:41; 29:33, 44; 30:29; Lev. 8:30). [9] People have sanctified themselves (Lev. 11:44; 20:7). Did they take an old man out of themselves? [10] The same people that sanctified themselves (Lev. 11:44; 20:7) were also sanctified by Moses (Ex. 19:10-14) and by God (Ex. 29:43-44; 31:13; Lev. 20:8; 21:8, 15, 23; 22:9, 16). Which ones took the old man out? [11] All the firstborns of Israel were sanctified at birth (Ex. 13:2; Num. 8:17). If the old man was taken out at this time, then none of them had an old man after that. [12] Sanctified disciples (John 13:10; 15:3) were further sanctified in the same sense that the sanctified Christ (John 10:36) further sanctified Himself (John 17:17-19). [13] The seventh day was sanctified without sin and cleaning being involved (Gen. 2:3-4).

However, if sin and filth are involved in a person or a material thing to be set apart unto God, then such must be dealt with to make it presentable to God.

To be continued…

The Will of God… Sanctification – Part 3

November 2, 2022October 12, 2022 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Thessalonians 4: 1-7 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God had not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

Sin is not necessarily involved in sanctification, because the word means ‘setting apart’. God has sanctified both people and material things, and even immaterial things. If sin is not involved in the person or thing set apart, then no sin is cleansed in the process of setting apart: [1] Material things have been sanctified without taking an old man (refers to satan) out of them: (1) Bread (1Sam. 21:5); (2) The tabernacle and its furniture (Ex. 29:43-30:29; Lev. 8:10-15); (3) Priests’ garments (Lev. 8:30); (4) Houses and lands (Lev. 27:9-29); (5) Meat (1Tim. 4:3-5); (6) Solomon’s temple and furniture (2Chron. 7:16-20; 29:17-19); (7) Gates (Neh. 3:1); (8) Mt. Sinai (Ex. 19:23); (9) The offerings (Ex. 29:27); (10) Herod’s temple (Matt. 23:17). [2] Holy persons have been sanctified who never had an old man in them: (1) God the Father (Lev. 10:3; Num. 20:13; Isa. 5:16; Ezek. 20:41; 28:22-25; 36:23; 38:16; 39:27; 1Pet. 3:15); (2) Christ (John 10:36; 17:17-19). [3] God’s name has been repeatedly sanctified without taking an old man out of it (Isa. 29:23; Ezek. 36:23). [4] Babies have been sanctified from birth before sinning (Jer. 1:5; Luke 1:15-17; Gal. 1:15) and one never did have an old man in Him (Luke 1:35; John 10:36). [5] Heathen soldiers and husbands have been sanctified who never were followers of Christ (Isa. 13:3, 17; 1Cor. 7:14). [6] Believers sanctify God and never take an old man out of Him (1Pet. 3:15). [7] Christ sanctified Himself though He never had an old man in Him (John 17:19).

To be continued…

God Himself – Part 4

October 26, 2022October 12, 2022 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Thessalonians 3:11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.

Two and three Persons are referred to in every New Testament book (500 Scripture to confirm). In no conceivable way can we force a meaning of three persons in one person; three beings in one being; or three manifestations of only one person in any of these or any other scripture.

Three distinct and separate witnesses bear witness of Christ (1Jn. 5:5-11, 13, 5:20). Both God and man require this many personal and separate witnesses to confirm any point (Matt. 18:16; 2Cor. 13:1). The water and blood of 1 John 5:8 could not be accepted as accredited personal witnesses to confirm any point (Matt. 18:16; 2Cor. 13:1). The water and blood of 1 John 5:8 could not be accepted as an accredited personal witness in themselves. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are the only personal witnesses of this passage. If we consider these to be only one person, then there are not the required number of witnesses to establish the truth of the Sonship of Jesus Christ. We are forced by facts to admit all of 1 John 5:7-8 as inspired Scripture and therefore, the fact that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are three separate and personal witnesses instead of being only one person or witness. Indeed, many scriptures confirm these three witnesses: (1) The Father (Jer. 29:23; Mal. 3:5; John 5:31-37; Heb. 1:1-2; 2:3-4); the Son (Isa. 55:4; John 18:37; 1Tim. 6:13; Rev. 1:5); the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:16; John 15:26; Heb. 10:15; 1Jn. 3:6). If all three are witnesses, then they must be separate Persons. The water and the blood simply confirm the intelligent testimonies of the three Persons of the Godhead and give additional weight to the Sonship of Jesus.

The words through and by, used of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, but not once of the Father, prove that God is a separate Person and the Head and Director of all things done by and through them (1Cor. 3:23; 11:3; John 10:29; 14:28; 16-17, 26; 15:26; 16:7-15; Acts 2:33-34): (1) Through Jesus Christ (Acts 4:2; Rom. 1:8; 5:1, 9, 11; 6:23; 7:25; 15:17; 16:27; 1Cor. 15:57; 2Cor. 3:4; Gal. 3:14; 4:7; 5:10; Eph. 2:7, 18; Php. 4:7, 13; Tit. 3:6; Heb. 13:21; 1Pet. 1:22; 4:11; 1Jn. 4:9); (2) By Jesus Christ (John 1:3, 10, 17; 10:9; Acts 4:10; 10:36; Rom. 2:16; 3:22; 5:17, 21; Gal. 1:1; Eph. 1:5; 3:9; Col. 1:15-20; 3:17; Heb. 1:1-3; 1Pet. 2:5; 5:10); (3) Through the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:2; 21:4; Rom. 8:13; 15:13, 19; Gal. 5:5; Eph. 2:22; Heb. 9:14); (4) By the Holy Spirit (Ezek. 11:24; Mic. 3:8; Zech. 4:6; Matt. 12:28; Luke 2:27; 4:1; Acts 11:28; Rom. 5:5; 15:19; 1Cor. 2:10; 6:11; 12:3, 13).

God Himself – Part 1

October 21, 2022October 12, 2022 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Thessalonians 3:11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.

‘God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.’ Another clear proof of more than one person in the Godhead. Two are mentioned here: God, our Father; our Lord Jesus Christ. This confirms the deity of Christ (see 1Jn. 5:7).

What we mean by Divine Trinity is that there are three separate and distinct persons in the Godhead, each one having His own personal spirit body, personal soul, and personal spirit in the same sense each human being, angel, or any other being has his own body, soul, and spirit. We mean by the body, whether a spirit body or a flesh body, the house for the indwelling of the personal soul and spirit. The soul is that which feels and the spirit is that which knows.

The doctrine of the Trinity can be clearly seen, being understood by the visible things that are made, even to His eternal power and Godhead (Rom. 1:20). What on earth was created in the image and likeness of God? Man (Gen. 1:26-28). Do God’s image and likeness consist only of moral and spiritual powers? If so, it can be concluded that man is only a moral and spiritual being. Is God bodiless? If so, we can conclude that man is also bodiless.

Is God only one being made up of several persons or beings in one being? If so, we can conclude that man is one person or being made up of many. Does God need a flesh body to have any kind of body? No! There are such things as spirit and heavenly bodies (1Cor. 15:35-38). From this passage, we learn that all things in creation – grain, fish, birds, beasts, man and angels – have bodies, sizes, shapes, and forms.

God has been seen physically by human eyes many times (Gen. 18:1-33; 19:24; 32:24-30; Ex. 24:11; 33:11-33; Jos. 5:13-15; Jdg. 6:11-23; 13:3-25; 1Chron. 21:16-17; Job 42:5; Isa. 6:1-13; Ezek. 1:26-28; 10:1, 20; 40:3; Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-10; Acts 7:56-59; Rev. 4:2-5; 5:1, 5-7, 11-14; 6:16; 7:9-17; 19:4; 21:3-5; 22:4).

To be continued…

Labour in Vain – Part 4

October 19, 2022October 12, 2022 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

Thirty things that grace cannot do (continued): Guarantee any man eternal life if he refuses to obey (Jas. 5:19-20; 2Cor. 3:16-17; 6:1-18; 9:1-15; Ezek. 33:12-20). Force obedience (Rev. 22:17; John 3:16-20; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Gal. 1:6-8; 5:4; 6:7-8; 1Jn. 1:7). Make any man a child of God in the sense Jesus was (John 1:14, 18; 3:16). Force God to continue blessing any man who sins (Ezek. 18:4; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Gal. 5:19-21; Jas. 5:19-20). Make the sins of the saved different from the sins of the unsaved (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13; 2Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; Col. 1:5-10; 2Pet. 2:20-22). Condemn sinners and excuse saints who commit the same sins (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13; 14:10-12; Gal. 5:19-21; 6:7-8; Ezek. 18:4, 24-28; 33:12-16; Rev. 2:5, 16, 22; 3:2). Operate in the life of a free moral agent without his consent (John 3:16-20; 7:17; 8:34; 2Pet. 3:9; Rev. 22:17). Impart eternal life to men who serve sin and satan (Matt. 6:24; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Gal. 5:19-21; 6:7-8; 1Jn. 3:8). Keep man from moral falls if they wilfully sin (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Heb. 6:4-9; 10:26-29; Ezek. 33:12-20). Force God to go contrary to His own program of grace (Rom. 1:16; 1Jn. 1:7; Heb. 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-29). Cancel the law of sowing and reaping (Gal. 6:7-8; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13; Ezek. 18:4, 24-28; 33:12-16; Rev. 2:5-22). Guarantee unconditional favour to anyone (2Cor. 6:1; Gal. 1:6-8; 2:21; 5:4; Heb. 12:15; Jas. 5:19-20). Guarantee unforfeitable life without conditions being met (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13; Gal. 5:19-21; 6:7-8; Jas. 5:19-20; Heb. 10:26-29). Guarantee sinlessness to men unless conditions are met (1Cor. 3:16-17; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13; Gal. 5:16-26; 6:7-8; Heb. 6:1-9; 10:26-29; 12:14-15). Encourage anarchy in God’s government (Gen. 2:17; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; Gal. 6:7-8). Force God to be lenient with rebels (Ezek. 18:4; Rom. 6:23; 8:12-13; Gal. 6:7-8). Give any man a pardon that guarantees him salvation and eternal life regardless of how he lives in sin and rebellion (Ex. 32:32-33; Ezek. 18:4; 33:10-20; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13; Gal. 5:19-21; 6:7-8).

Labour in Vain – Part 2

October 17, 2022October 12, 2022 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

Grace teaches men to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live soberly, righteously, and godly here and now (Tit. 2:11-12). If people do not obey its teaching grace can go no further (continued).

Thirty things that grace can do: Grace can save the world (Gen. 6:8; Eph. 2:8-9). Grace can give one all good things (Ps. 84:11). Grace can bring men to repentance (Zech. 12:10). Grace can impart great blessings (Acts 4:33). Grace can bring salvation (Tit. 2:11-12; Eph. 2:1-22). Grace can impart faith (Acts 18:27). Grace can justify (Rom. 3:24-25; Tit. 3:7). Grace can overcome sin (Rom. 5:20). Grace can reign in life if permitted (Rom. 5:21). Grace can make one God’s elect (Rom. 11:5-6). Grace can give boldness (Rom. 15:15). Grace can make partaker of Christ (1Cor. 10:30). Grace can give power (1Cor. 15:10). Grace can inspire liberality (2Cor. 8:1-2, 6-9; 9:8). Grace can give endurance (2Cor. 12:9). Grace can call people to the ministry (Gal. 1:15). Grace can impart riches (Eph. 2:7). Grace can inspire singing (Col. 3:16). Grace can give seasoning to speech (Col. 4:6). Grace can give strength (2Tim. 2:1). Grace can teach (Tit. 2:11-12). Grace can give aid in suffering (Heb. 2:9). Grace can help in time of need (Heb. 4:16). Grace can give stability (Heb. 13:9). Grace can give life (1Pet. 3:7). Grace can help render true service (Heb. 12:28). Grace can become abundant (1Tim. 1:14). Grace can bring hope (2Thess. 2:16). Grace can give the ability to preach (Eph. 3:8). Grace can change lives (1Cor. 15:10).

To be continued…

Labour in Vain – Part 1

October 14, 2022September 21, 2022 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

‘Labour be in vain’ – Why would His labour be in vain if there was no possibility of satan tempting Christians, causing them to fall and be lost? Surely Paul understood the grace of God and its limitations to those who refuse to obey the gospel, for he used the word 110 of the 156 times the Greek: charis (grace) is found in the New Testament. It is true that grace cannot be withheld from man because of demerit, lessened by demerit, or mixed with the law of works; but this does not prove that there are no conditions men must meet to get the benefits of grace. Not one scripture teaches unconditional grace, or that God gives grace to men who disobey the gospel. If so, then God is under obligation to save all, even sinners who disobey if He saves even one (Rom. 2:11). God is under obligation to saints only when they walk in the light and remain true to the gospel (1Jn. 1:7). He is not under obligation to sinners until they come to full obedience of the gospel. Grace teaches men to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live soberly, righteously, and godly here and now (Tit. 2:11-12). If people do not obey its teaching grace can go no further. Anyone may: Receive grace in vain (2Cor. 6:1). Frustrate it in his life (Gal. 2:21). Fall from it (Gal. 1:6-8; 5:4). Fail of the grace of God (Heb. 12:15). Turn it into lasciviousness (Jude 1:4). Sin despite it (Rom. 6:1). Continue or discontinue in it (Acts 13:43). Minister it to others (1Pet. 4:10). Grow or not grow in it (2Pet. 3:18). Receive or reject it (John 3:16; Rev. 22:17; Heb. 12:15; Jas. 4:6).

To be continued…

The Tempter have Tempted You – Part 2

October 13, 2022September 21, 2022 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you…

What he is (continued): The personal names and titles that are given to him: Lucifer (Isa. 14:12-14); the devil and satan (Rev. 12:9); Beelzebub (Matt. 10:25; 12:24); Belial (2Cor. 6:15); the adversary (1Pet. 5:8-9); the dragon (Rev. 12:3-12; 13:1-4; 20:1-3); the serpent (2Cor. 11:3; Rev. 12:9); the god of this world (2Cor. 4:4); the prince of this world (John 12:31); the prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:1-3); the accuser of our brethren (Rev. 12:10); the enemy (Matt. 13:39); the tempter (Matt. 4:3); the wicked one (Matt. 13:19, 38); that wicked one (1Jn. 5:18). Personal acts and attributes are ascribed to him. He is an angel with a body, soul, and spirit like all other angels (Ezek. 28:11-17; Rev. 12:7-12). He is described as a most beautiful creature who fell through personal pride over his own beauty (Ezek. 28:11-17; 1Tim. 3:6). He has been seen with a body (1Chron. 21:1; Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; Ps. 109:6; Zech. 3:1-2; Matt. 4:1-11; Rev. 20:1-3). He will be bound physically with a chain and cast into prison (Rev. 20:1-3). He has a heart (Isa. 14:12-14); pride (Ezek. 28:17; 1Tim. 3:6); speech (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; Matt. 4:1-11); knowledge (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; Matt. 4:1-11; Rev. 12:12); power (Job 1:6-22; 2:1-7; Acts 10:38; 26:18; 2Thess. 2:8-12; Rev. 13:1-4); desires (Luke 22:31); lusts (John 8:44; Eph. 2:1-3); and many other physical parts, soul passions, and spirit faculties. He goes from place to place in a body like anyone else (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; Matt. 4:10-11; Mark 4:15). He has a kingdom (Mark 3:22-26). He has access to heaven (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6; Rev. 12:9-12). He is a great celestial and terrestrial ruler (John 12:31; 2Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:2; 6:10-18). He rules the business, social, political, and religious activities of the majority of mankind. His realm is divided into organized principalities and powers in heaven (Dan. 10:12 – 11:1; Matt. 12:24-30; Eph. 6:10-12). His subjects are fallen angels, fallen men, and demons of various kinds (Matt. 25:41; John 8:44; Jas. 2:19; 1Jn. 3:8-10; Rev. 12:7-12). He is head of any religion that contradicts God’s Word and is a leader in religious affairs (2Cor. 2:9; 3:9; 11:14).

The Tempter have Tempted You – Part 1

October 12, 2022September 21, 2022 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you…

‘Some means’ – satan has innumerable means and many millenniums of experience and cannot be overcome by argument, pleading mercy, or any other dealings with him. He must be rejected and resisted, and all relationships cut off from him (Jas. 4:7; 1Pet. 5:8-9; Eph. 6:10-18; 2Cor. 10:4-7). The devil will take advantage of every failure of the Christian using it to get into his life and cause his downfall (1Cor. 10:13; 1Pet. 5:8-9; Eph. 6:10-18). In this case, satan could lead the despairing one into apostasy and hell, or believers into undue severity and hardness of heart toward guilty members, working untold harm to the cause of Christ.

‘The tempter’ – satan is not an evil principle, an error of the mortal mind, an abstract power, or a being with hoofs, horns, and tail, holding a pitchfork and presiding over a lake of fire and the realm of the dead. What he is: He is a real person (1Chron. 21:1; Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; Ps. 109:6; Zech. 3:1-2; 1Pet. 5:8-9; Rev. 12:7-12). Jesus dealt with him as with a person (Matt. 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13). Jesus waged war on satan as on a person (Luke 13:16; Acts 10:38; 1Jn. 3:8). Christ taught that satan was a real person (Luke 10:18; Rev. 12:7-12; 13:1-4; 20:1-10). The apostles fought with satan as with a real person (Eph. 6:10-18; 1Thess. 2:18; 1Pet. 5:8-9). The apostles warned men against a personal devil (Eph. 4:27; 6:11; Jas. 4:7; 1Pet. 5:8-9). Personal singular pronouns are used of satan (Matt. 4:7-11; 12:26; Luke 11:18). Personal statements are made to him (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:11-17; Zech. 3:1-2; Matt. 4:1-10; Jude 1:9). Personal conversation is carried on with him (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; Isa. 14:12-14; Matt. 4:1-10; Jude 1:9). Personal descriptions are given of him (Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:11-17).

To be continued…