Tag: Go On Unto Perfection

Go On Unto Perfection Part 18

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Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. 

‘Of repentance’ Six first principles of Christianity (continues): (6) Eternal judgment (Heb. 6:2; Matt. 25:46; Rev. 14:9-11; 20:11-15; Isa. 66:22-24). There are seven judgments noted in Scripture (continues): [7] Judgment of the wicked dead (continues): (6) Nature: It will not be a spiritual, invisible, endless process but a definite, literal, visible, and personal trial in God’s court similar to a trial on earth (Rev. 20:11-15; Ps. 9:8; Matt. 7:2, 21; Acts 17:31; Rom. 2:12-16; Heb. 9:27). (7) Universality: The sea gave up the dead in it. This could only refer to bodies, for souls and spirits of the wicked dead do not remain in the sea at physical death. They go to hell and await the resurrection of their bodies (Rev. 20:13; Luke 16:19-31; Isa. 14:9). Death gave up the dead that are in it. This could only refer to bodies, for the body only dies at physical death (Jas. 2:26). Souls are dead in trespasses and in sins while yet in the body (Matt. 8:22; Eph. 2:1-9; 1Tim. 5:6). Physical death only, therefore, could be the reference. Hades delivered up the souls that are in it (Rev. 20:13). Souls and not the bodies of the wicked go to Hades (Luke 16:19-31). (8) Purpose: To give every man a fair trial before his eternal punishment (Acts 17:31; Ps. 9:8). To judge the secrets of people (Rom. 2:16). To judge idle words (Matt. 12:36). To judge all the works, thoughts, actions, and sins of man (1Tim. 5:24; 1Pet. 1:17; Rev. 20:12-13; 22:12; Rom. 2:5-6, 12-16). To mete out degrees of punishment according to deeds (Matt. 7:2; 10:15; 11:22-24; 12:41-45; 23:12-14, 33; Mark 6:11; Luke 10:14; 11:31-32; Rev. 20:11-15; 22:12). (9) Length: time in judging all the wicked is not known, but the length of the sentence for all will be eternally (Matt. 5:29-30; 10:28; 13:42-50; 18:9; 23:15, 33; 24:51; 25:41, 46; Mark 9:42-48; Luke 12:5; Heb. 6:2; 10:26-31; Rev. 2:11; 14:9-11; 19:20; 20:10-15; 21:8; 22:15; Isa. 66:22-24). (10) Results: all in death and hell sent to the lake of fire (Rev. 20:14-15).

Go On Unto Perfection Part 17

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. 

‘Of repentance’ Six first principles of Christianity (continues): (6) Eternal judgment (Heb. 6:2; Matt. 25:46; Rev. 14:9-11; 20:11-15; Isa. 66:22-24). There are seven judgments noted in Scripture (continues): [7] Judgment of the wicked dead (Rev. 20:11-15; Acts 17:21; Rom. 2:16): (1) Subjects: The wicked dead (Rev. 20:5-6, 12-15) who are not judged at the judgment of the nations 1,000 years before (Matt. 13:30, 39-50; 24:51; 25:3-46; Rev. 14:9-11; 19:20). These include all wicked people from Adam to the end of the Millennium (1000 years of peace). (2) Time: at the end of the Millennium (Rev. 20:7-15), during which time the heavens and earth are renovated by fire (Rev. 20:11; 2Pet. 3:7-13; Heb. 1:10-12; 12:25-28; Rom. 1:21-23). (3) Place: at the great white throne (Rev. 20:11; Ps. 9:7-8). The throne is literal and the white indicates absolute righteousness and justice of the judgment (Ps. 45:6-7; 96:10-13; John 7:24; Acts 17:31; 2Tim. 4:8), just as white robes indicate the righteousness of the saints (Rev. 19:8). (4) Basis: by the law of conscience (Rom. 2:12-16), the law of memory (Luke 16:25), the Law of Moses (Rom. 2:12-16), by the law of character (Heb. 3:8-10; Eph. 4:19), the Gospel (Rom. 2:12-16), by the records of personal acts (Matt. 12:36; Luke 12:2-9; John 3:18; Rev. 20:12). The book of life (Rev. 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27; 22:18-19; Ex. 32:32-33; Ps. 69:28; Dan. 12:1; Luke 10:20; Php. 4:3) and by the Word of God (John 12:48).

(5) Judges: God the Father (Rev. 20:12; Heb. 12:23-24; 13:4; Rev. 6:10; Rom. 2:12-16) and God the Son – Jesus Christ (John 5:19-27; Acts 10:42; 2Tim. 4:8; Rev. 19:11). The Father will judge by Jesus Christ. The Father will decree, and the Son will execute (Acts 10:42; 17:31; Rom. 2:16).

To be continued…

Go On Unto Perfection Part 16

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. 

‘Of repentance’ Six first principles of Christianity (continues): (6) Eternal judgment (Heb. 6:2; Matt. 25:46; Rev. 14:9-11; 20:11-15; Isa. 66:22-24). There are seven judgments noted in Scripture (continues): [4] Judgment of angels for rebellion against God (2Pet. 2:4; Jude 1:6-7): (1) Subjects: fallen angels (2Pet. 2:4; Jude 1:6-7; Rev. 12:7-12; 1Cor. 6:3). (2) Time: at the great white throne judgment after the Millennium (2Pet. 2:4; Jude 1:6-7; Rev. 20:11-15). (3) Place: before the great white throne in heaven (Rev. 20:11-15). (4) Basis: obedience to God (2Pet. 2:4; Jude 1:6-7; Ezek. 28:11-17). (5) Result: eternal damnation in the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10; Matt. 25:41, 46). [5] Judgment of believers’ works (Rom. 14:10; 1Cor. 5:10-11; 2Cor. 3:11-15). This refers to the judgment seat of Christ where all the saints will be judged after the rapture for the deeds done in the body, whether they be good or bad (Rom. 2:12-16; 14:10-12; 1Cor. 3:11-15; 2Cor. 5:10; Gal. 6:8; Eph. 6:8; Col. 3:24; Luke 14:14; 2Tim. 4:14; Rev. 2:23; 22:12). [6] Judgment of the living nations at the second coming (Matt. 25:31-46): The purpose of this judgment is to determine who shall enter the kingdom – that refers to entering the Millennium [1000 years of peace] during which these same individuals must still make a choice for or against Jesus Christ while He reigns on earth (Dan. 7:9-14, 22; Rev. 11:15), and to give the meek the earth as promised (Ps. 37:11; Matt. 5:5). The reason and basis of this judgment is that God will curse or bless according to how men have dealt with Israel. He will forever respect and fulfil the Abrahamic covenant (Gen. 12:1-3). Some will be sent to the lake of fire and eternal punishment (Matt. 13:39-50; 24:51; 25:41, 46; Rev. 14:9-11; 19:20; 20:10). These will make the first fruits of the second resurrection, which is that of all the wicked dead (Rev. 20:4-6, 11-15). Due to their judgment and entrance into eternal hell here, they will not be resurrected and judged again in Revelation 20:11-15 at the judgement of the wicked.

To be continued…

Go On Unto Perfection Part 15

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. 

‘Of repentance’ Six first principles of Christianity (continues): (6) Eternal judgment (Heb. 6:2; Matt. 25:46; Rev. 14:9-11; 20:11-15; Isa. 66:22-24). ‘Dead works’ [Greek: nekra and erga] refers to the works of the old nature which deserve death and cause death in trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1-8; Gal. 5:19-21; Rom. 1:21-32; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Col. 3:5-10; Mark 7:19-21).

There are seven judgments noted in Scripture: [1] The judgment of believers’ sins in the cross of Christ (John 12:31-32): (1) Subjects: believers as to sin (Rom. 6:10; Heb. 9:25-28). (2) Time: on the cross (John 3:14; 17:4; 1Pet. 2:24). (3) Place: Calvary (Luke 23:33; John 19:1-42). (4) Basis: Christ’s perfect work (John 3:16; 5:24; Rom. 6:8). (5) Result: death to Christ; life to believers (Rom. 4:1-24; 5:1-21; 8:1-16). [2] Believers’ self-judgment throughout life (1Cor. 11:31-32): (1) Subjects: believers walking in the light (1Jn. 1:7). (2) Time: every day (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Eph. 4:22-32; Col. 3:5-17). (3) Place: in the earth (Rom. 8:1-16; Heb. 12:5-11). (4) Basis: obedience to God and His Word (Jas. 1:22-25). (5) Result: chastisement or approval from God (Heb. 12:5-11). [3] Judgment of Israel for her many centuries of rebellion (Ezek. 20:33-44): (1) Subjects: the living Jews of the future tribulation (Zech. 12:10 – 13:1). (2) Time: during the great tribulation (Jer. 30:3-11; Matt. 24:4-15; Dan. 9:27; 12:1). (3) Place: Palestine, Edom, and Moab (Zech. 12:1 – 14:21; Dan. 11:40-45; Isa. 16:1-5; Ezek. 20:33-44; Hos. 2:14-17; Matt. 24:15-31; Rev. 12:6, 14). (4) Basis: obedience to God and His Word (Jas. 1:22-25). (5) Result: conversion of Israel as a nation at the second coming (Isa. 1:27; 66:7-8; Jer. 30:3-11; Ezek. 22:19-22; Zech. 12:10 – 13:1; Matt. 23:37-39; 24:31; Rom. 11:25-29).

To be continued…

Go On Unto Perfection Part 14

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. 

‘Of repentance’ Six first principles of Christianity (continues): (5) Resurrection of the dead [continues] (Heb. 6:2; 1Cor. 15:1-58; 1Thess. 4:13-16; 2Thess. 2:7). In 1Corinthians 15:21 we read that ‘by man came death,’ which refers to Adam who brought physical death to mankind, which is a result of the eternal death penalty for sin (1Cor. 15:22). This death passed upon all people (Rom. 5:12-21). The body only will be resurrected in the future resurrection of the dead (1Cor. 15:35-54; Dan. 12:2; John 5:28-29). The only time spiritual and eternal deaths can be cancelled, resurrecting one from death in trespasses and sin is in this life (Eph. 2:1-9; 1Jn. 1:9). After death comes the judgment without any chance to be saved, if one dies unsaved (9:27). ‘By man came also the resurrection of the dead …’ This is the 12th New Testament prophecy in 1Corinthians (15:21-28). By Jesus Christ will come the physical resurrection of all people (1Cor. 15:22; John 5:25-29; 11:22-26; Rev. 1:18). ‘So also is the resurrection of the dead.’ All resurrected bodies will be immortal, but they will possess different degrees of glory. Our bodies are sown in corruption (1Cor. 15:21-22); raised in incorruption (1Cor. 15:51-54); sown in dishonour (Gen. 3:19); raised in glory (Php. 3:21; Col. 3:4); sown in weakness (Jas. 1:10-11); raised in power (1Cor. 15:53-56; 2Cor. 5:4); and sown as natural bodies (John 5:28-29; Dan. 12:2); raised as spiritual bodies (1Cor. 15:44; Php. 3:21).

In Philippians 3:11 we read about the ‘resurrection of the dead’ which is the 3rd New Testament prophecy in Philippians and it is unfulfilled. It states ‘of the dead’ [Greek: ek and nekron] which means out from among the dead. Thus some of the dead will be resurrected from among the rest of the dead. It refers to the resurrection of the righteous from among the wicked dead (Luke 20:35; 21:36; 1Cor. 15:23, 51-54; Php. 3:21; 1Thess. 4:13-17; Rev. 20:4-6).

To be continued…

Go On Unto Perfection Part 13

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. 

‘Of repentance’ Six first principles of Christianity (continues): (5) Resurrection of the dead (Heb. 6:2; 1Cor. 15:1-58; 1Thess. 4:13-16; 2Thess. 2:7). This refers only to the bodies of all men who die, not to the souls and spirits which are immortal. Without exception, all scriptures on the future resurrection of the dead refer only to the bodies that die and will be resurrected from dust again (Dan. 12:2; John 5:28-29; 1Cor. 15:1-58; 1Thess. 4:13-17; Rev. 20:4-6, 11-15). There will be no spiritual resurrection – a resurrection of the soul and spirit. All spiritual resurrection is accomplished in this life before the body dies (Eph. 2:1-10; Col. 2:11-13). If one is not resurrected spiritually from death in trespasses and sins in this life, he will remain forever spiritually dead or separated from God (9:27; Rev. 22:11).

The intermediate state refers to the state of the dead between death and the resurrection of the body. After the body goes back to the dust at physical death (Gen. 3:19; Eccl. 3:19-21; Jas. 2:26), it remains dead (separated from the inner man) until the future resurrection day when the body will be made immortal (1Cor. 15:35-54). The soul and spirit remain alive, being immortal either in paradise or hell, until the resurrection day when the body will be made immortal.

At physical death the soul and spirit leave the body (Jas. 2:26). If one is a converted person, his soul and spirit go to paradise immediately at death to await the resurrection of the body (Luke 20:38; John 11:25-26; 2Cor. 5:8; Eph. 3:15; 4:8-10; Php. 1:21-24; Rev. 6:9-11). If he is a sinner, his soul and spirit go to hell at death to await the resurrection of the body (Isa. 14:9; Luke 16:19-31; 2Pet. 2:9; Rev. 20:11-15).

To be continued…

Go On Unto Perfection Part 12

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. 

‘Of repentance’ Six first principles of Christianity (continues): (4) Laying on of Hands: We are warned in 1Timothy 5:22 to not easily lay hands on anyone, nor be partakers of their sins because we have to keep ourselves pure. Biblical examples are not given to justify anyone trying to seek their own benefit or importance, because most religions want to raise one person’s importance above that of others which is unscriptural and a sign of haughtiness.

Hands were laid on to bless children into their inheritance (Gen. 48:14) – not relevant for Christians today. To make offerings (Num. 8:10) – is not relevant for Christians as Christ fulfilled all types. To ordain someone (Num. 27:18, 23) – is not relevant for Christians today. To impart the Spirit (Deut. 34:9) – is not relevant for Christians for we can receive the Spirit through salvation. For the blessing of children (Matt. 19:15) – this was something Christ did and no blessing we can give today means anything if we do not set the perfect example by living an obedient life as Christ did (1Pet. 2:21-23). To heal the sick (Mark 6:2, 5; 16:18; Luke 4:40; 13:13; Acts 5:12; 28:8; Jas. 5:14-16) – the correct way is explained in James 5:14-16 and the conditions for healing must be noted, for in that alone this prayer can be answered and not through the ‘laying on of the hands’. The conditions are not great and the benefits will not fail when they are met (Matt. 7:7-11; 17:20; 21:22; Mark 11:22-25; John 15:4; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8). Personal faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Rom. 10:17) and by the Holy Spirit (1Cor. 12:4-11). Nothing is impossible for faith today as in those days (Matt. 17:20; Mark 9:23).

To be continued…

Go On Unto Perfection Part 11

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Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. 

‘Of repentance’ Six first principles of Christianity (continues): [3] Baptisms – there are seven baptisms in Scripture (continues): To summarize, there are three baptisms for believers in Christ, they are the Christian water baptism, the baptism into Christ and His body and the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Note the following facts concerning the three baptisms: The three agents who administer the three baptisms are: the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, and the minister. The three elements are Christ, the Holy Spirit, and water. The candidates in all three baptisms are the believers of the gospel.

The Holy Spirit is the agent that baptizes the believer “into Christ” and “into one body,” (1Cor. 12:13). This is called being baptized “into Christ,” not into water or into the Holy Spirit, and refers to the saving of the soul by the Spirit and the Word of God and of making one a member of Christ and His Body (Rom. 6:4; Gal. 3:27; Col. 2:12). This is the “one baptism” of Ephesians 4:5 for it is the only one of the three baptisms for believers that saves the soul and brings us into the one body of Christ that Paul is speaking of in Ephesians 4. This baptism “into Christ” by the Spirit is the only one essential to the salvation of the soul. A person must obtain this baptism before he is a fit candidate for the other two baptisms, the baptism into the Spirit and the baptism into water. This baptism is solely a work of God by the Spirit and by the water of the Word of God, and not of man. It is the same as the new birth of John 3:5.

Christ is the agent that baptizes the believer into the Holy Spirit who is the element (Matt. 3:11; John 1:31-34). Ministers are the agents who baptize believers into water (Matt. 28:19). This kind of baptism is solely a work of man, and not of God.

The purpose of the baptism into Christ and the body of Christ is to save the soul. It is the only baptism essential to salvation. The purpose of baptism into water is to witness the reality of salvation and is essential only to obedience and testimony after one is truly saved. The sole purpose of the Spirit baptism is to endue men fully with power to do the works of Christ, and even greater works than He did (John 14:12; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8).

To be continued…

Go On Unto Perfection Part 10

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Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. 

‘Of repentance’ Six first principles of Christianity (continues): [3] Baptisms – there are seven baptisms in Scripture (continues): (7) Baptism in the Holy Spirit (continues): Being baptized in the Spirit is called a baptism (Matt. 20:20-23; Heb. 6:2), the promise of my Father and the endowment of power from on high (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8; 2:33; Gal. 3:14), the Spirit without measure (John 3:34), rivers of living water flowing out of the innermost being (John 7:37-39), the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38-39; 5:32; 8:19-20; 10:44-48; 11:14-18; 15:7-11; John 7:37-39; Luke 11:13), the full anointing of the Holy Ghost and power (Acts 10:38; Isa. 11:2; 42:1-7; 61:1-2; Luke 4:16-21; 1Jn. 2:27), and the fullness of God in the life of a believer (Eph. 3:19; Rom. 15:29; John 1:16; 7:37-39; Eph. 5:18).

Jesus was baptized in the Spirit after coming up out of the river Jordan (Matt. 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:31-34). Such a baptism in all the fullness of God was predicted for the coming Messiah (Isa. 11:2; 42:1-7; 61:1-2). That they were fulfilled in Jesus is clear from quotations of these passages in Matthew 11:2-6; 12:17-21; Luke 4:16-21 and Acts 10:38. Men, in general, were not baptized in the Spirit until the day of Pentecost and until Jesus was glorified. This is clearly stated in John 7:37-39. Jesus said to the disciples ten days before Pentecost that they shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days forward (Acts 1:5). Peter on Pentecost confirmed the fact that on this day the Spirit baptism was given for the first time because Jesus had been glorified (Acts 2:33).

To be continued…

Go On Unto Perfection Part 9

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. 

‘Of repentance’ Six first principles of Christianity (continues): [3] Baptisms – there are seven baptisms in Scripture (continues): (7) Baptism in the Holy Spirit is for the enduement of power for service (Matt. 3:11, 14; 20:22-23; Mark 1:8; 10:38-39; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; 7:37-39; Acts 1:5; 11:16; 19:2-3). It is the Spirit coming in, upon, filling, overwhelming, infusing, anointing, and enduing with complete power to do the works of God among men, and not just a measure, as in Old Testament days. It is the Spirit taking full possession of the believer to live, speak, and work through him in the same degree that was manifested through Christ and the apostles. It is the fullness of what men had in part before Pentecost. It is more than a mere “filling.” It is a baptism as well as a filling of the Spirit.

It is not a mere filling of the Spirit, one of the nine gifts of the Spirit, some fruit of the Spirit, the new birth, sanctification, justification, or some phase of salvation that many today claim is the Spirit baptism. It is the immersion or burial of the believer in the Spirit at which time he receives the Spirit in his life “without measure” and not just “by measure” as men received before Pentecost. It is the full anointing of the Spirit that Christ received and demonstrated on Earth (Isa. 11:1-2; 42:1-7; 61:1-2; Matt. 11:4-6; 12:18; Luke 4:16-21; John 3:34; 14:12; Acts 10:38).

To be continued…