Tag: Inspiration

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

~ 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): 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 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…

Go On Unto Perfection Part 8

~ 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): (6) Baptism into Christ and His body (Rom. 6:3-7; 1Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:27; Eph. 4:5; Col. 2:12). These Scriptures have been taken to refer to water baptism but not one of them mentions water as the element the believer is baptized into. If they referred to water baptism it would read “buried with him by baptism into water” but they plainly say “baptism into Christ,” “baptized into one body,” and “baptized into Christ.” In Colossians 2:12, Paul says men are saved by being “buried with him in baptism, wherein also you are risen with Him through faith of the operation of God” and not through water administered by man. Whatever baptism this passage refers to, it is one by “the operation of God” and not through the operation of man. It, therefore, could not possibly refer to water baptism by man.

If these Scriptures speak of being “baptized into Christ” and “into one body” the body of Christ, then the element the believer is baptized into is not water but Christ and His body. If we take these passages to refer to water baptism we make Christ and His body mere water. Is Christ water? Is His body water? If not, then Christ and His body are the elements believers are baptized into and not water. We must not insert a meaning into any Scripture that is not there, to teach something contrary to what is plainly written. Water baptism does not bring one into Christ or His body. Man has nothing to do with this operation. It is solely an operation of God by the Holy Spirit. On the other hand, water baptism is not by God, Christ, or the Holy Spirit, but solely by man.

To be continued…

Go On Unto Perfection Part 6

~ 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): (3) Baptism in suffering (Luke 12:50; 24:26; Act 3:18; 1Pet. 3:18) – this refers to Christ’s sufferings for mankind on the cross so we can live our lives without sin, not in it! Many separate passages reveal the sufferings of the Messiah (Isa. 50:4-7; 52:14; Dan. 9:26; Zech. 13:6-7). All the types [they were examples of future things] of sacrifices and offerings from Abel, picture these sufferings; so beginning with Moses and all the prophets He made it clear why these events had to take place before the coming of glory and the kingdom (Luke 24:25-27). (4) Baptism in the cloud and the sea (1Cor. 10:2). This refers to the crossing of the Red Sea when Israel was hidden from Pharaoh in the sea on both sides and the cloud in front and back and all over them to protect them from the Egyptians. They were completely covered by the clouds and went through the sea. This was a true baptism in the cloud and in the sea. Cloud and water are the elements used in this baptism.

To be continued…

Go On Unto Perfection Part 4

~ 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): [2] Faith in God through Christ (6:1; 11:1,7; Rom. 3:24-25; 5:1-11; 1Cor. 1:18-24; 15:1-8).

The program that will pay is that of having personal faith in God, faith in Jesus Christ, faith in the Holy Spirit, faith in the Word of God, faith in the atonement, and total consecration personally to believe God regardless of anything that might happen to hinder prayer. The right program is not talking about faith or the need for it, but the actual exercise of it. Simple faith in the Word regardless of feelings and circumstances is never possible to the man who lives only in the realm of his senses, for he believes only what he can see, feel, hear, or understand to be possible. This was the kind of faith Thomas had when he declared that he would not believe until he had seen. It was the kind that Martha had when she could see nothing but the natural fact that Lazarus had been dead for four days. This is the kind of faith taught and encouraged by modern religious leaders, but it is not the kind required by the New Testament.

Neither mental faith nor mere assent to truth and dependence upon feelings is enough. The individual must come to life and action before he will realize the benefits of active, living faith that refuses to know defeat and failure. A man must learn to fight the fight of faith and lay hold of God and His Word. He must learn that he is surrounded by an unbelieving world and an atmosphere of doubts, that demons and fallen angels and men have lived for centuries in unbelief and wickedness creating currents of doubt and mistrust that are very subtle, and that effects of the Fall have left in the lives of fallen men deep wounds of doubt and wavering that must be healed – hence the commandment for ‘no friendship with the world’ (1Jn. 2:15-17; 2Jn. 1:9-11; 1Cor. 5:9-13; 6:10 – 7:1). He must learn that he has to wrestle with powers of darkness and currents of mistrust and unbelief which make it a struggle to exercise active living faith for things that are not seen. He must not only learn how to do this, but he must do it to get results (Eph. 6:10-18).

To be continued…

Go On Unto Perfection Part 3

~ 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): [2] Faith in God through Christ (6:1; 11:1,7; Rom. 3:24-25; 5:1-11; 1Cor. 1:18-24; 15:1-8).

The average person who seeks to exercise faith depends upon what he can see, hear, or feel. Testimonies concerning faith are usually expressed in connection with feelings and emotions, or the various senses. Sense-faith is based upon physical evidence or the emotions and feelings of the soul. All who take this road as the basis of faith will sooner or later be deceived. Faith should be based upon the Word of God regardless of any sense-knowledge, or feeling-evidences. People are constantly looking to feelings as to whether prayer has been heard or not. If they happen to feel good, or if something happens that encourages them, they think that it is easy to believe, but if reverses come and feelings take wings, these same people are in the depths of despair. They are quick to accuse God of being unfaithful and untrue to His Word. If they do not go this far, they are quick to imagine that it was not God’s will to grant the answer. They become satisfied to go without what God has plainly promised.

People should not believe they are healed because the pain is gone, or that they are saved because they feel they are forgiven. They should not think that their prayers are answered because things are working out that way. Instead, they should always maintain faith because of what the Word of God says. The Word of God should have first place in their lives instead of the senses (feelings). All basing of faith upon what we have done, how well we live, or what experiences we have had will lead to failure in answered prayer. God does not answer on these grounds. He answers solely upon the grounds of grace and faith in Him and in His Word.

True faith is not trusting in the goodness and the faith of another man. It must be personal faith in God and His Word. People continually go about seeking someone who has faith and who can get answers to prayer for them. If we do not properly learn and develop a personal faith that refuses to be denied, we shall eventually revert to failure and unbelief, and we shall have to be satisfied with the modern theory that answered prayer is not for everyone.

To be continued…

Go On Unto Perfection Part 2

~ 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: [1] Repentance – It is one of the main themes of the Bible, being found 110 times from Genesis 6:6 to Revelations 16:11. There are seven original words for “Repent”: (1) [Hebrew: nacham] to sigh, breathe strongly, to be sorry in the literal sense (Gen. 6:6; Ex. 13:17; 32:14; Jdg. 2:18; 1Sam. 15:35; 2Sam. 24:16; Job 42:6; Ps. 106:45; Jon. 3:10). (2) [Hebrew: shuwb] to turn back (1Kin. 8:47; Ezek. 14:6). (3) [Hebrew: nocham] regret (Hos. 13:14). (4) [Hebrew: nichuwm] compassion (Hos. 11:8). (5) [Greek: metanoeo] to change the mind for the better morally, not merely to forsake sin, but to change one’s attitude toward it and his love for it. Hence, it is demanded by God as a condition of forgiveness and grace (Luke 13:3, 5; 15:7; 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30; Matt. 4:17). (6) [Greek: metamellomai] to regret; to have deep remorse at the consequence of sin rather than a deep regret at the cause of it. It is never used for genuine repentance to God (Matt. 27:3; 2Cor. 7:8). (7) [Greek: metanoia] is a real change of mind and attitude toward sin and its cause, not merely the consequences of it (Matt. 3:8, 11; 9:13; Luke 24:47).

The doctrine of repentance: Its nature: contrition, confession, faith, restitution (2Cor. 7:8-11). Its necessity (Luke 13:1-5). Its power (Rom. 10:9-10; Luke 18:14). How it is produced (4:12; John 16:8; Rom. 2:4; 2Cor. 10:8-11). Not expiatory or meritorious, but qualifies for pardon (1Jn. 1:9; Acts 2:38; 3:19; Rom. 10:9-10). Demanded of all people (Luke 13:1-5; 24:47; Acts 10:35; 17:30). By whom preached (Luke 24:48; Acts 1:8; Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-20). How preached (2:1-4; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8; 5:31-32; 2Cor. 2:1-5; 4:1-18:20; Rom. 15:18-19, 15:29). Must not be delayed (4:7; 2Cor. 6:2; Eph. 5:14). How attested (Luke 3:8; Rom. 1:5; 10:16; Acts 5:32; 2Cor. 10:11).

To be continued…