Tag: Gospel

Examine Yourselves

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2Corinthians 13:5-6 Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know you not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except you be reprobates? But I trust that you shall know that we are not reprobates. 

‘Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith; prove your own selves.’ Seven final commands to the Corinthians: Examine yourselves to see if you are in the true faith (13:5). Greek: peirazo, make proof or trial of one; make a test. Translated try (Heb. 11:17; Rev. 2:2, 10; 3:10); prove (John 6:6); examine (13:5); tempter (Matt. 4:3; 1Thess. 3:5); assay (Acts 16:7); go about (Acts 24:6); and tempt 27 times (Matt. 4:1; etc.). Prove your own selves (13:5). Greek: dokimazo, to assay metals; to prove or test. Translated “try” (1Cor. 3:13; 1Thess. 2:4; 1Pet. 1:7; 1Jn. 4:1); “prove” (Luke 14:19; Rom. 12:2; 2Cor. 8:8, 22; 13:5; Gal. 6:4; Eph. 5:10; 1Thess. 5:21; 1Tim. 3:10; Heb. 3:9); “examine” (1Cor. 11:28); “discern” (Luke 12:56); “approve” (Rom. 2:18; 1Cor. 16:3; Php. 1:10); “allow” (Rom. 14:22; 1Thess. 2:4); and “like” (Rom. 1:28). Be perfect (13:11). Greek: katartizo, 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; Heb. 13:21; 1Pet. 5:10). Be of good comfort (13:11). Greek: parakaleo, to call to the aid of one (1:4). Be of one mind (13:11). Combination of the Greek: verb phroneo, to think, and auto, the impersonal pronoun with a definite article which here means “the same thing.” Think and teach the same things; have no disputes (Rom. 12:16; 15:5; Php. 2:2; 3:16; 1Cor. 1:10). Live in peace (13:11). Greek: eireneuo, as in Romans 12:18 and Hebrews 12:14. Cultivate a disposition of peace and harmony. Greet one another (13:12). Be friendly; be glad to see each other; encourage every friendly act by a show of affection. Your party spirit cannot live in such an atmosphere as genuine love and friendship (1Cor. 13:1-13).

‘Know you not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except you be reprobates.’ If you will put the acid test to your faith it will be as easy to discover a false faith as a counterfeit coin. If Jesus Christ is in you then you are a new creature (5:17-18). You have His nature and power unless you are reprobates.

Mighty In You

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2Corinthians 13:1-4 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: Since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. 

‘In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.’ This states the law of interpreting Scripture. Every doctrine must be proved by at least two or three scriptures to be accepted as truth and binding upon Christians (Deut. 19:15; Matt. 18:16).

‘As if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other.’ This indicates that he had been to Corinth a second time. The sense here is, “I foretell to you as I did when I was present with you the second time. Being absent now I write what I said on my second visit.” This is why he speaks of being ready to come to them a third time (12:14). The theory that his first visit was when he founded the congregation and his second and third visits were his two epistles to them is not reasonable. He could not call his letters visits to them. Because there is no record of his second visit is no proof that he did not make it, any more than no mention in the history of all his sufferings of 2Corinthians 11:23-28 is proof he did not go through them. Since he repeatedly mentions coming to them a third time that should be sufficient to prove there was a second visit.

“If I come again, I will not spare’ – this is further proof that his letters were not real visits to Corinth.

‘Since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.’ Since you seek proof of Christ speaking in me, your very conversion and the gifts you have are sufficient proofs (1Cor. 12:1-31). ‘Weakness’ [Greek: astheneia] same word translated “infirmities” in 2Corinthians 12:10. It does not mean disease, but weakness. To people, the crucifixion appears to be Christ’s weakness and defeat. To them, He seemed powerless to help it, but this apparent defeat only demonstrated His power (Col. 2:14-17; 1Pet. 2:24; 1Cor. 1:18-24). We are also weak in Him and that very weakness brings us life and power (12:9-10). Because we are on Christ’s side, we may appear to be weak and on the losing side, but as His seeming weakness was His strength, so it is with us (12:9-10).

Not Repented

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2Corinthians 12:19-21 Again, think you that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying. For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as you would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed. 

‘Think you that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.’ He asked if they thought that he makes an apology for his conduct and that he sent the brethren to them because he was ashamed to come himself; He declares that God is his judge in this matter and know that this was not his motive. What he has done has been for their edification.

‘I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as you would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults.’ Paul has been fearful of three things: Lest he did not find them as they should be; lest he found them full of debates: wranglings (Rom. 1:29), envyings: jealousies (Acts 5:17), wraths: indignation (Rom. 2:8), strifes: contentions (Rom. 2:8), backbitings: slanders (1Pet. 2:1), whisperings: murmurs (1Cor. 10:10), swellings: puffed up feelings (1Cor. 4:6), tumults: uproars (Luke 21:9); lest God shall humble him among them because of some that have sinned and have not repented, and lest he has to use his power to judge all such (2Cor. 12:21; 10:8-11; 13:10; 1Cor. 4:18-20)

‘Uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness’ – three kinds of moral sins: Homosexuality, known in the lists of sins under the term “uncleanness” (12:21; Rom. 1:24; 6:19; Gal. 5:19; Eph. 4:19; 5:3; Col. 3:5; 2Pet. 2:10); fornication (Matt. 5:32); lasciviousness (Gal. 5:19).

False Apostles

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2Corinthians 11:12-15 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. 

‘For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.’ Sixteen marks of false ministers in 2 Corinthians: They hold secret things of shame (4:2). They walk in craftiness (4:2). They handle Word deceitfully (4:2). They walk and war after the flesh (10:3). They look on outward appearance (10:7; cp. 1Sam. 16:7; Matt. 23:27-28). They commend selves (10:12). They compare selves to others (10:12). They prey on the works of others (10:15-16). They are greedy of income (11:7-12). They are false; they seek the highest offices (11:13). They are deceitful workers (11:13). They try to counterfeit apostleship (11:13). They pose as righteous ministers (11:15). They seek occasion to glory (11:12). They are boastful and self-exalting (11:18). They are destitute of apostolic signs (12:12).

Thirty-four other marks of false ministers: They lead people away from God (Deut. 13:1-5). They speak presumptuously (Deut. 18:20). They propagate errors (Pro. 19:27; Isa. 3:12; Jer. 23:32). They have no sense of righteousness (Isa. 5:20; Jer. 11:1-23; 14:1-22; 32:1-44). They are destitute of light (Isa. 8:19-20). They teach lies (Isa. 9:14-16). They live like sinners (Isa. 28:7). They are ignorant of spiritual things (Isa. 29:10-11; 56:10-12; Jer. 2:8; Hos. 4:6). They compromise truth (Isa. 30:10). They are greedy and lazy (Isa. 56:10-12). They deal falsely (Jer. 6:13; Ezek. 22:27). They do not pray (Jer. 10:21). They destroy and scatter (Jer. 12:10; 23:1). They preach lies (Jer. 14:13-16). They commit adultery (Jer. 23:14). They encourage sin (Jer. 23:14; Ezek. 13:22). They are deceitful (Jer. 48:10; Ezek. 13:10; Rom. 16:18; Eph. 4:14; Col. 2:4-8; 2Tim. 3:6-13). They are sinful (Ezek. 22:25-28). They are liars (Jer. 23:14; Ezek. 13:19-22). They are selfish (Ezek. 34:2-3). They are unfaithful (Ezek. 34:4-10). They are covetous (Mic. 3:11). They teach doctrines of man (Matt. 15:9). They work iniquity (Matt. 7:15-23). They are blind (Matt. 15:14). They cause divisions (Rom. 16:17; 1Cor. 11:18; Php. 1:15-16). They corrupt truth (2Cor. 2:17). They teach doctrines of devils (1Tim. 4:1-16). They have a seared conscience (1Tim. 4:2). They are proud and perverse (1Tim. 6:3-21; 2Tim. 2:14-18; Tit. 1:10-14). They teach damnable heresies (2Pet. 2:1; 2Jn. 1:7-11). They deny Christ (2Pet. 2:1; 1Jn. 4:1-6). They are consecrated to destroy the Christian faith (2Pet. 2:1-19; Jude 1:4-11). They are hypocrites (Matt. 7:15; 23:1-33; Luke 11:35).

‘For satan himself is transformed’ – satan inspires his ministers to imitate Christianity and even to do miracles (Matt. 24:24; 2Thess. 2:8-12; Rev. 13:1-18; 16:13-16; 19:20). Where are his ministers who are transformed as ministers of righteousness? Wouldn’t they be amongst Christians?

‘An angel of light’ ten symbols of satan: A serpent (11:3; Gen. 3:15; Luke 10:19; Rev. 12:9, 15; 20:3); a crocodile (Job 41:1-34; Isa. 27:1); great red dragon (Rev. 12:1-17; 13:4; 16:13; 20:2); an angel of light (2Cor. 11:14); a roaring lion (1Pet. 5:8; Ps. 91:13); fowls (Matt. 13:4, 19); scorpions (Luke 10:19); wolf (John 10:12); fowler (Ps. 91:3); adder (Ps. 91:13).

All Grace Abound

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2Corinthians 9:6-8 But this I say, He which sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposed in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work 

‘But this I say, he which sowed sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which sowed bountifully shall reap also bountifully.’ An unfailing law taught by Jesus (Luke 6:38); Solomon (Eccl. 11:1; Prov. 11:24-25; 19:17; 22:9); and David (Ps. 18:25; 41:1-2).

‘Every man according as he purposed in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity.’ Four things a person must do in giving: He must give willingly from the heart. He must not give grudgingly. He must not give of compulsion. He must give cheerfully.

‘Cheerful’ [Greek: hilaros] cheerful, joyful, hilarious; the opposite of grudging and of feeling one is forced to give.

‘God is able to make all grace abound toward you.’ God is able to: Give you much more than this (2Chron. 25:9). Deliver you (Dan. 3:17). Raise children from stones (Matt. 3:9). Destroy body and soul in hell (Matt. 10:28). Graft them in again (Rom. 11:23). Make him stand (Rom. 14:4). Make all grace abound (2Cor. 9:8). Subdue all things (Php. 3:21). Keep all committed to Him (2Tim. 1:12). Help the tempted (Heb. 2:18). Save from death (Heb. 5:7) and to the uttermost (Heb. 7:25).

‘Always having all sufficiency in all things’ – if this is not true of any believer he is coming short of gospel provision. Such grace is measured out according to the sowing (9:6). This is the law and there is no exception to the rule. That this is the cause of failure to reap is further proved in 2Corinthians 9:9-10. If we give to the poor it shall be given to us again (9:6; Luke 6:38). If we sow seed we shall reap a harvest (9:10).

‘To every good work’ – this does not refer only to good works to the poor, but also to miraculous works of the gospel, for it is “every good work,” not certain ones (1Cor. 15:58).

Not As of Covetousness

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2Corinthians 9:1-5 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has provoked very many. Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, you may be ready: Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, you) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting. Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof you had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness. 

‘I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.’ Paul had been boasting of their giving, to the congregations of Macedonia, and of Greece which was ready to contribute a year ago (8:10). Their zeal for charity has provoked many to do their best in giving to the poor (those who had suffered financially because of the fierce persecutions amongst Christians).

‘I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, you may be ready.’ Paul sent the brethren, lest their boasting is in vain, and so they may be ready with their gift when the time comes. Paul didn’t want the brethren from Macedonia to come with him and find the congregation of Jerusalem unprepared. In that case, Paul would be ashamed that he had boasted about them (9:4). Because of this, he thought it necessary to exhort the brethren that they would go before them and prepare their gift beforehand. They wanted this to be a matter of the fruit of blessings poured out from willing and beneficent hearts, not from a grudging and covetous spirit (9:5).

Covetousness breeds the following: Greed and murder (Prov. 1:19; Isa. 56:11; Jer. 22:17); poverty and rebellion (Prov. 11:24); oppression and violence (Prov. 22:16; Jer. 22:17; Mic. 2:2); denial of God (Prov. 30:8-9); injustice (Isa. 1:23; Mic. 7:3); backsliding (Mic. 3:11); deceptions (Matt. 13:22); defilement (Mark 7:21-23); temptations and lusts (1Tim. 6:9-11; 1Jn. 2:15-17); a short life and a fool’s end (Jer. 17:11; Luke 12:16-21). Examples of covetousness: Eve-forbidden fruit (Gen. 3:6); Lot-lands (Gen. 13:10-13); Jacob-birthright and his father’s blessing (Gen. 25:31; 27:6-29); Balaam-rewards (2Pet. 2:15); Achan-money (Josh. 7:21); David-woman (2Sam. 11:2-5); Ahab-vineyard (1Kin. 21:2-16); Gehazi-gifts (2Kin. 5:20-27); Rich fool-security (Luke 12:17); Judas-silver (Matt. 26:15-16); Pharisees-riches (Luke 16:14); Simon Magus-Holy Ghost power (Acts 8:18-23); Festus-money (Acts 24:26); Demas-pleasures (2Tim. 4:10).

In the Sight of God

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2Corinthians 7:11-16 For behold this selfsame thing, that you sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things you have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you. Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all. For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth. And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him. I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things. 

‘What carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things you have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.’ Seven blessings of godly sorrow are mentioned here – it promotes: Working of carefulness and obedience. Clearing of selves from guilt. Indignation and hatred of sin. Fear of God and the result of sin. Desire to make things right. Zeal to do the right thing. Revenge in punishing the guilty.

‘I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.’ This is a reference to the fornicator of 1Corinthians 5:1-13.

‘For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I make before Titus, is found a truth.’ Paul boasted to Titus of the Corinthians and they have confirmed his boasts to Titus themself. For that reason was he exceedingly happy (7:13-14). Titus was moved with great affection for them when he saw their obedience and how they received him with fear and trembling (7:15).

‘I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.’ Paul rejoiced then since he has learned of them that they have judged the guilty and had broken up the factions that were among them. If the false prophet who seduced them from truth and righteousness had succeeded Paul would have had to act by his power to correct things (1Cor. 4:19-21). As it is now, he had confidence in them in all things that they will obey.

Godly Sorrow

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2Corinthians 7:8-10 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle had made you sorry, though it were but for a season. Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that you sorrowed to repentance: for you were made sorry after a godly manner, that you might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow work repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world work death. 

‘For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, thou I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle had made you sorry, though it were but for a season.’ Paul first regretted having written such a severe letter, but when he saw its effect he was glad.

‘Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that you sorrowed to repentance.’ He did not rejoice because they were made sorry, but he was glad that they sorrowed to repentance. They were made sorry after a godly manner so that no harm has been done, for godly sorrow always works to the salvation of those who exercise it (7:9-10).

‘That you might receive damage by us in nothing’ – their repentance prevented him from using his power for destruction so that they received no damage in anything.

‘Godly sorrow work repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world work death.’ Three kinds of sorrow here (7:8-10): Paul’s regret for the moment as he wondered whether he had made a mistake by being too severe in his letter (7:8). Godly sorrow that works repentance to salvation, changes the life and cleanses it from sin (7:8-10). Sorrow of the world that works death (7:10). This is unrepentant sorrow or pain over lost goods, lost friends, lack of pleasure and partial reaping of what has been sowed.

Examples of sorrow: Cain in punishment (Gen. 4:13-14). Hagar in homelessness (Gen. 21:17). Israel in bondage (Exo. 3:7-10). Jacob for Joseph (Gen. 37:34-35). Jacob for Benjamin (Gen. 43:14). Hannah in barrenness (1Sam. 1:15). Saul when rejected (1Sam. 15:24, 30). David for Absalom (2Sam. 18:33 – 19:8). Mary and Martha (John 11:19-40). Jesus (Isa. 53:3; Matt. 26:37-44). Judas in betrayal (Matt. 27:3-5). The Corinthians (2Cor. 7:8-12).

Let Us Cleanse Ourselves

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2Corinthians 7:1-7 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man. I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that you are in our hearts to die and live with you. Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation. For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless God, that comforted those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more. 

‘These promises’ – the promises of 2Corinthians 6:16-18.

‘Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.’ Six conditions of the promises (6:14 – 7:1): Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers (6:14-16). Come out from among them (6:17). Be separate from them (6:17). Touch not the unclean thing (6:17). Cleanse self of all filthiness of the flesh and spirit (7:1; Mark 7:19-21; Rom. 1:18-32; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; Col. 3:5-10). Perfect holiness in the fear of God (7:1; Eph. 1:4; 4:24; Gal. 5:24; Rom. 6:14-23; 8:1-13; Heb. 12:12-15).

‘Receive’ [Greek: choreo] make room. Open your hearts to us (6:11-12). Three reasons: We have wronged no man in judgment. We have corrupted no man in doctrine. We have defrauded no man of property.

Your false teachers have beguiled you from the simple truth and corrupted your minds (11:3). They have brought you into bondage and exalted themselves and you suffer it (11:12-15, 20). I say this to open your eyes (7:2-3). So many people are guilty of the same things today, putting their trust in one person and following them instead of studying God’s Word for themself and are thus deceived. Trust no one with your eternal life.

‘Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.’ Paul has bragged about them in many places. His remembrance of them filled him with comfort and made his trouble light.

‘Were come into Macedonia’ – this was after leaving Troas (2:12-13). It was here that the second epistle was written.

‘Without were fightings’ – they had opposition of the pagans, Jews, and false brethren (11:26).

‘Within were fears’ – Paul was anxious to know the effects of his first epistle and their obedience to it. God settled his fears by the coming of Titus who brought the good news of their love for him and their obedience to him (7:5-7).

Be You not Unequally Yoked

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2Corinthians 6:14-16 Be you not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion has light with darkness? And what concord has Christ with Belial? or what part has he that believes with an infidel? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? for you are the temple of the living God; as God has said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 

‘Be you not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.’ This is a military term – keep your own ranks; do not leave Christians and join with unbelievers – for any gathering (1Cor. 5:9-13; 1Jn. 2:15-17; 2Jn.1:9-11). It indicates that some Corinthians were joining with the heathen in idolatrous feasts and other practices that would lead to apostasy (1Cor. 8:3-13; 10:16-33).

‘For what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion has light with darkness? And what concord has Christ with Belial? or what part has he that believes with an infidel? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols?’ The answer to these questions is clear. Righteousness cannot mix with lawlessness; light can have no communion with darkness; Christ and Belial can not be of one accord; a believer cannot have part with an unbeliever, and there can be no agreement of the temple of God with idols. Forty Scriptures warn against having fellowship with certain people, of which this is one.

‘Belial’ – another name of satan. It is the equivalent of the Hebrew: beliya‛al, without profit, worthlessness, wickedness (Deut. 13:13; Jdg. 19:22; 20:13; 1Sam. 1:16; 2:12; 10:27; 25:17, 25:25; 30:22; 2Sam. 16:7; 20:1; 23:6; 1Kin. 21:10, 21:13; 2Chron. 13:7). In every reference in the Old Testament, it is used of evil people being sons of Belial in the same sense the New Testament speaks of them being children of the wicked one and of the devil (Matt. 13:38; Acts 13:10; 1Jn. 3:10).

‘You are the temple of the living God. Our bodies are the vessels through which the gospel must be manifested and we cannot use it for self-gain or to sin and serve satan in the process (1Cor. 3:16-17; 6:19-20; 2Cor. 6:16).

‘Said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people’ this is the 2nd Old Testament prophecy (Lev. 26:12) fulfilled here as God made them (the Israelites who wanted to follow Him) His people. During the New Testament, it became clear that the Gentiles were always part of this program of God (Acts 15:12-20; Rom. 11:25).