Tag: Christianity

Unblameable in Holiness Before God – Part 1

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Thessalonians 3:12-13 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. 

‘To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.’ This is the 3rd New Testament prophecy in 1 Thessalonians (3:13) and it is unfulfilled. This refers to the rapture when Christ meets the saints in the air (4:16) and takes them to heaven where they are presented before God the Father and established in eternal and unblameable holiness by God. Up to this point salvation and eternal life are given to men on condition (John 6:27). In the rapture men receive unforfeitable life for the first time as a harvest of life of sowing to the Spirit and to fulfil the promises of eternal life in the next life (Matt. 7:13-14; 18:8-9; 19:28-29; Mark 10:29-30; Luke 18:29-30; Rom. 2:7; 6:21-23; Gal. 6:7-8; 1Tim. 1:16; 4:8; 6:12, 19; Tit. 1:2; 3:7; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13; 3:7; 1Jn. 2:25; Jude 1:20-24; Dan. 12:2).

Twenty-three conditions of eternal life are given in Scripture – no amount of ‘grace-only’ preaching will change the facts of the Word: Come to Christ (John 6:37, 44, 45, 65). Eat His flesh – drink His blood (John 6:50, 51, 53, 58). Labour (John 6:27). Reap – win souls through living according to His example (John 4:35-38; 1Pet. 2:21-23). Hate (love less) the life in this world (John 12:25). Know God and Christ (John 17:2-3). Enter the right gate (Matt. 7:13-14). Cause no offence (Matt. 18:8-9). Keep commandments (Matt. 19:17). Forsake all (Matt. 19:27-29; Mark 10:28-30; Luke 18:28-30). Live free from sin (Rom. 5:21; 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Tit. 2:11-14). Continue in well-doing and seek eternal life (Rom. 2:7). Sow to the Spirit (Gal. 6:7-8). Fight the good fight of faith; lay hold on it (1Tim. 6:12, 19). Be sober and hope to the end for it (Tit. 1:2; 3:7; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13 with Rom. 8:24). Endure temptations (Jas. 1:12).

To be continued…

God Himself – Part 4

~ 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 3

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

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

Names of God prove plurality of persons. The Hebrew word ’Elohiym is the word for God in Genesis 1:1 and over 2,700 other places in the Old Testament It is a uni-plural noun meaning Gods and is so translated 239 times (Gen. 3:5; Ex. 22:28; 1Sam. 4:8; Dan. 2:11; 4:6-9; 5:11, 14; etc.). Sometimes ’Elohiym is used with plural verbs and pronouns, “the Gods they caused me to wander” (Gen. 20:13), and “there the Gods they appeared unto him” (Gen. 35:7).

Plural pronouns are used for God, proving the plurality of persons (Gen. 1:26; 3:22; 11:7; Isa. 6:8; John 14:23; 17:11, 22-23). First, second, and third personal pronouns are used hundreds of times in Scripture, referring to one, two, and three persons of the Godhead in the same sense they are used for men. Sometimes the different members of the Deity use them to and of one another in the same sense man uses them. In John 17:1-26 alone Jesus uses them 162 times in speaking to and of His Father (cp. John 14:16-17, 26; 15:26; 16:7-15). Sometimes singular pronouns are used for the whole Godhead of three members as a unity (Ex. 20:3; Isa. 44:6, 8; 45:5, 21; 46:9; Hos. 13:4), just like the whole body of Christ as a unit is spoken of as a man and “he” (Eph. 2:14-15; 4:13; 5:25-27; 2Thess. 2:7-8).

Jesus Christ is called the son of Abraham, David, Mary, and God (Matt. 1:1; Mark 1:1; 6:3). He is just as much a separate person from God as He is of these other persons.

Two Persons are referred to many times in the New Testament (Matt. 11:27; Luke 23:46; John 1:1-2, 18; 5:19-20; 14:1-9; 16:15; 17:3, 10; Acts 2:38-39; 3:13-26; Php. 2:5-11; Eph. 3:5; Col. 1:5; 2Thess. 2:16-17; Tit. 2:13; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev. 20:6; 22:3).

God is the head of Christ and thus greater than He in position (1Cor. 3:23; 11:3; 1Chron. 29:11; John 14:28). Christ is the mediator between God and man, not between Himself and man (1Tim. 2:5).

To be continued…

God Himself – Part 2

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

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

With over 20,000 references to God in Scripture, we get to know all we need to know about the subject. If we will take the Bible literally as to what it says about Him, as we do with other things the subject will be very clear; but if we make God a mystery, ignoring the plain statements of Scripture about Him, and refusing to believe the many descriptions of God given by those who have seen one, two, and three separate persons called “God,” then we will remain in ignorance.

There are indeed a few figurative statements about God in Scripture, as there are about man and other things, but shall we do away with the reality of man and these other things because of a few figures of speech? Let us make man mere salt and lights (Matt. 5:13-14) if we are going to do away with God because of a few figures of speech.

We submit the following facts in Scripture to prove a Divine Trinity of separate persons in the Godhead: The word “one” means one in unity as well as one in number. It means unity in 1 John 5:7, as it does in John 17:11, 21-23, and yet these three Persons, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, are spoken of as one each in number and individuality in Scripture. There is one God the Father, one Lord Jesus Christ, and one Holy Spirit (1Cor. 8:6; Eph. 4:3-6). Thus, there are three separate Persons in divine individuality and divine plurality. The Father is called God (1Cor. 8:6), the Son is called God (Isa. 9:6, 7; Heb. 1:8; John 1:1-2; 20:28), and the Holy Spirit is called God (Acts 5:3-4). As individual persons each can be called God and collectively, they can be spoken of as one God because of their perfect unity. The word “God” is used either as a singular or a plural word, like sheep.

Everything that could be spoken of God collectively applies equally to each member of the Godhead as an individual, but some things are said of each person of the Deity as to position, office, and work that could not be spoken as of the other members of the Godhead. The Father is the head of Christ (1Cor. 11:3); the Son is the only begotten of the Father (2Jn. 1:3), and the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7-15; Acts 2:34).

To be continued…

Stand Fast

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Thessalonians 3:6-10 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that you have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord. For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? 

‘Good tidings of your faith and charity, and that you have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us.’ The only place (except Luke 1:19) where euangelizo does not refer to the gospel. The good news Timothy brought back to Paul was: their faith, their love, and their affection for Paul.

‘If you stand fast in the Lord.’ We live only if we stand fast in Christ (Heb. 3:6, 12-14). We must at all times be aware that we can backslide and that no amount of preaching “once-save-always-saved” can cancel what the Word of God clearly states. There are seven stages of apostasy: Refusal to hear God (Heb. 3:7). Hardness of heart through refusal to hear and obey God (Heb. 3:8, 13, 15). Unbelief is a consequence of hardening the heart against God (Heb. 3:12). Departure from the living God. Open rebellion against God to provoke and tempt Him (Heb. 3:8-9, 16). Habitual sinning, careless living, and flagrant violation of God’s laws (Heb. 3:10, 17). Apostasy – all faith in God and His redemptive work thrown overboard – beyond all hope of repentance because of no more faith (Heb. 3:11, 18-19).

‘Perfect’ [Greek: katartizo] arrange; adjust, to adjust; put in order again; restore; repair; settle by mediation. Translated “mend” (Matt. 4:21; Mark 1:19); “restore” (Gal. 6:1); fit (Rom. 9:22); “prepare” (Heb. 10:1-39); “frame” (Heb. 9:3); “perfectly joined together” (1Cor. 1:10); “be and make perfect” (Matt. 21:16; Luke 6:40; 1Thess. 3:10; 2Cor. 13:11; Heb. 13:21; 1Pet. 5:10).

Labour in Vain – Part 4

~ 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

~ 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

~ 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

~ 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

~ 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…