Tag: Life

Stand Fast Part 2

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2Thessalonians 2:15-17 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which has loved us, and has given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. 

Angels, cherubim, seraphim, and all other spirit beings have spirit bodies and personal souls and spirits. They have been seen with the natural eyes of men over 100 times in Scripture. If all other spirit beings have spirit bodies, could not the members of the Trinity also have spirit bodies? The 284 passages on spirits in Scripture prove that spirit bodies are just as real and capable of operation in the material world as our flesh bodies. There is no such thing as a world of creations made up of invisible substances. The so-called spirit world must be understood simply as spirit beings inhabiting material worlds created by God. Heaven itself is a material place (Gen. 1:1; Heb. 11:10-16), having cities, mansions, furniture, inhabitants, living conditions, etc.

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

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.

To be continued…

Stand Fast Part 1

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

2Thessalonians 2:15-17 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which has loved us, and has given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. 

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

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

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

The Bible declares that God has a body, shape, image, likeness, physical parts, a personal soul and spirit, and all other things that constitute a being or a person with a body, soul, and spirit.

To be continued…

Salvation Through Sanctification – Part 5

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2Thessalonians 2:13-14 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

There is also progressive sanctification and complete sanctification. Proof of progressive sanctification: Statements of Jesus (Luke 9:23; John 8:31; 14:26; 15:3; 16:13-16). Statements of Luke (Acts 13:43; 14:22; 15:41; 16:5; 18:26). Statements of Paul (Rom. 1:11, 17; 2:7; 4:12; 6:3-22; 7:4-6; 8:1-13; 11:20-22; 12:1-21; 14:19; 1Cor. 1:7-10; 11:31-34; 15:58; 16:13; 2Cor. 3:18; 5:9; 7:1; 10:4-6; 13:11; Gal. 5:1, 13, 16-26; Eph. 3:16-21; 4:1-32; 5:1-18; 6:1-18; Php. 1:6, 9, 25-27; 2:12-15; 3:7-15; 4:8-9; Col. 1:9-29; 2:3-9; 3:1-17; 4:12; 1Thess. 2:2-13; 3:1-12; 5:11-23; 2Thess. 1:3-5; 2:13-17; 3:3; 1Tim. 1:18; 4:12-16; 5:21-22; 6:12-14; 2Tim. 1:13-14; 2:4, 19-26; Tit. 2:7-14; Heb. 3:6, 12-14; 4:11; 5:11-14; 6:1-2, 11-12; 10:23-39; 12:12; 13:20-21). Statements of James (Jas. 1:3-4, 12, 22-27; 2:14-26; 3:2; 4:4-10; 5:1-12). Statements of Peter (1Pet. 1:5-16; 2:1-12; 3:8-12; 4:1-19; 5:1-10; 2Pet. 1:4-10; 3:14-18). Statements of John (1Jn. 1:6-9; 2:1-6, 24-29; 3:1-10; 5:1-18; 2Jn. 1:1, 6, 8; 3Jn. 1:4, 11). Statements of Jude (Jude 1:3, 20-24).

Proof of complete sanctification: Statements of Jesus (Matt. 10:22; 19:27-29; 25:46; Mark 10:29-30; Luke 21:36; John 4:36; 6:27; 12:25; 14:1-3). Statements of Paul (Acts 26:18; Rom. 2:7-10; 5:21; 6:22-23; 8:17-18, 23-25; 13:11; 1Cor. 1:7-8; 15:1-6, 23, 51-58; 2Cor. 4:16-18; 5:9; Gal. 6:7-8; Eph. 1:4, 13-14; 4:13-16; 5:26-27; Php. 1:6; 3:7-14, 20-21; Col. 3:4; 1Thess. 1:10; 2:19; 3:13; 4:13-18; 5:23; Heb. 3:6, 12-14; 6:1-12, 18-19; 10:23, 35-39). Statements of others (Jas. 5:7; 1Pet. 1:3-13; 4:13; 5:10; 2Pet. 3:14; John 3:1-3; Jude 1:24).

‘To the obtaining of the glory.’ Two things must be done to obtain glory: Stand fast (2Thess. 2:14-15); Hold the true doctrines (2Thess. 2:15; 3:6).

It is folly to talk about “coasting” into heaven without meeting the terms of the gospel. One must not only be called, but he must remain faithful to the call (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13; 1Cor. 9:27; Gal. 5:19-21; 1Thess. 3:8; 1Tim. 5:11-15; 6:19-20; 2Tim. 2:12, 17-18; Jas. 5:19-20; Heb. 3:6, 12-14; 4:1-11; 6:4-9; 10:23-39; 12:14-15; 1Pet. 1:5-13; 2Pet. 1:3-10; 2:20-22).

Salvation Through Sanctification – Part 4

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2Thessalonians 2:13-14 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Thirty proofs when sanctification begins – it began in God’s plan before Adam (Eph. 1:4), but in experience, it begins: When one gets salvation through sanctification (2Thess. 2:13; Rom. 1:16). When he receives Christ (2Cor. 1:1-24). When born again (1Jn. 2:29; 3:7-10; 4:7, 17; 5:1-5, 18; 1Pet. 1:15-23). When one becomes God’s elect through sanctification (1Pet. 1:2-4; Eph. 1:4). When made righteously (1Cor. 1:30; 1Jn. 1:1-10; 3:7-10; 5:1-5, 18). When created in holiness (Eph. 4:24). When the old man (satan, 2Cor. 5:17) is put off (Rom. 6:1-23; Eph. 4:22-24; Col. 3:8-10; 2Cor. 5:17-18). When one becomes dead to sin (Rom. 6:1-23). When baptized into Christ by the Spirit (Rom. 6:1-23; 8:12-13; 1Jn. 3:7-10; 5:1-5, 18). When one ceases to live in sin (Rom. 6:1-23; 8:12-13; 1Jn. 3:7-10; 5:1-5, 18). When he turns from satan to God at the forgiveness of sins (Acts 26:18). When accepted by God (Rom. 15:16). When one gets into Christ and is made a new creature (2Cor. 5:17-18). When one becomes Christ and crucifies the flesh (Gal. 5:24; Eph. 4:24). When washed from sin and justified (1Cor. 6:11; Eph. 5:25-26; Rev. 1:5). When he becomes one with Christ (Heb. 2:11; 2Cor. 5:17-19; Rom. 8:1-13). When he accepts Christ as the offering for sin (Heb. 10:4-14; 1Cor. 1:30). When one is cleansed by the blood of Christ (Heb. 10:29; 1Jn. 1:7-9). When saved to the uttermost and from Satan (Heb. 7:25; 1Jn. 3:8-10; 5:18). When redeemed (Luke 1:68-77; 1Cor. 1:30; Heb. 9:12-15; 1Pet. 1:18-23). When one believes truth (1Thess. 2:13). When saved from fornication (1Thess. 4:3-4; Gal. 5:24; 1Cor. 6:9-11). When one becomes the temple of God (1Cor. 3:16-17; 6:19-20; Rom. 8:9). When reconciled to God (2Cor. 5:17-21; Col. 1:20-23; Rom. 5:1-11). When one is saved and purified by faith (Acts 11:14-18; 15:7-11). When brought to obedience to God (1Pet. 1:2; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13). When one is made ready for resurrection to see God (Heb. 12:14; Rev. 20:4-6). When grace brings salvation and the Spirit renews (Tit. 2:11-13; 3:5). When converted and all sins are blotted out (Acts 3:19-21; 26:18). When purged of all sin (Heb. 1:3; 10:1-18; 2Pet. 1:4).

The above points have to do with instantaneous sanctification.

To be continued…

Salvation Through Sanctification – Part 3

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2Thessalonians 2:13-14 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Seven personal agents used in sanctifying: God (Gen. 2:3; Lev. 21:15, 23; 22:9; John 10:36; 1Thess. 5:23; Jude 1:1); Jesus Christ (1Cor. 1:30; Eph. 5:26; Heb. 2:11; 10:10, 14; 13:12); the Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:16; 1Cor. 6:11; 2Thess. 2:13; 1Pet. 1:2); Moses (Ex. 19:10, 14; 40:13; Lev. 8:10-15, 30; 21:8; Num. 7:1); Joshua (Jos. 7:13); Priests (1Chron. 15:14; 2Chron. 30:24; Ex. 19:22); Laymen (Lev. 11:44; 20:7; cp. Matt. 23:17, 19; Heb. 9:13).

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

Fifteen commands are given to sanctify: Let priests sanctify themselves (Ex. 19:22; 1Chron. 15:14; 2Chron. 29:15, 34; 30:3, 5, 15, 24; 31:18). Sanctify them (Ex. 19:10; 28:41; 29:33; 30:29; Lev. 8:11; 21:23). Sanctify him (Lev. 8:12; 21:8, 15). Sanctify yourselves (Lev. 11:44; 20:7; Num. 11:18; Jos. 3:5; 1Sam. 16:5; 1Chron. 15:12; 2Chron. 29:5). Sanctify the people (Ex. 19:14; Jos. 7:13). Sanctify Aaron and his garments (Lev. 8:30). Sanctify unto Me all the firstborn (Ex. 13:2). Sanctify it (mountain, Ex. 19:23). Sanctify the breast (of the wave offering, Ex. 29:27). Sanctify the altar (Ex. 29:36-37; 40:10). Sanctify the Lord of Hosts (Isa. 8:13). Sanctify the Holy One of Jacob (Isa. 29:23). Sanctify a fast (Joel 1:14; 2:15). Sanctify the congregation (Joel 2:18). Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts (1Pet. 3:15).

Not only are there commands for people to sanctify God, but complaints because they did not do so (Deut. 32:51; Num. 27:14).

To be continued…

Salvation Through Sanctification – Part 1

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2Thessalonians 2:13-14 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

‘Bound to give thanks alway to God for you.’ Christian obligation: [Greek: opheilo] be under an obligation to do a thing. Translated “bound” (1:3; 2:13); “be guilty” (Matt. 23:18); “behoved” (Heb. 2:17); “must needs” (1Cor. 5:10); “need so require” (1Cor. 7:36); “duty” (Luke 17:10; Rom. 15:27); “should” (1Cor. 9:10); “ought” (John 13:14; 19:7; Acts 17:29; Rom. 15:1; 1Cor. 11:7, 10; 2Cor. 12:11, 14; Eph. 5:28; Heb. 5:3, 12; 1Jn. 2:6; 3:16; 4:11; 2Jn. 1:8); “owe” (Matt. 18:28; Luke 7:41; 16:5, 7; Rom. 13:8; Phm. 1:18); “due” (Matt. 18:34; 1Cor. 7:3); “be indebted” (Luke 11:4); “debt” (Matt. 18:30); and “be a debtor” (Matt. 23:16).

‘Chosen you to salvation.’ God’s choice is to salvation through the sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth. No man can receive salvation except through these two things. It is folly to claim salvation without sanctification and belief in the truth.

‘Sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.’ The doctrine of sanctification: [Greek: hagiasmos] consecration; a separation unto God FROM a profane, secular, and carnal use TO a sacred, religious, and spiritual use.

The words “sanctify” and “sanctified” are used 132 times; “sanctification” 5 times (New Testament only); and “sanctifieth” 4 times (New Testament only) – 141 times total in Scripture: 110 times in the Old Testament and only 31 times in the New Testament A study of the various passages shows that to sanctify means to set apart from other uses to God’s particular use, not to cleanse from sin or rid of carnal nature (sometimes called “the old man” or Adamic nature). Even Christ, the Sinless One, was sanctified (John 10:36; 17:19). Where humans are concerned one begins to be sanctified when he begins to consecrate his life to God, and the process is continued as he continues in his dedication (2:13; 1Cor. 1:30; 6:11; 1Jn. 1:7-9; 3:8-10; 5:1-4, 5:18).

To be continued…

They Received not the Love of the Truth

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2Thessalonians 2:9-12 Even him, whose coming is after the working of satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 

‘Coming is after the working of satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.’ His preparation and revelation will be the work of satan. The satanic angel now in the abyss will come out and use the human Antichrist to fulfil satan’s will in these last days. He will have satanic power (2:8-9; Dan. 8:24; 11:36-39; Matt. 24:24; Rev. 13:1-18; 16:13-16; 19:20).

‘All deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish.’ With every cunning art and wicked practice men and demons can produce to deceive men who reject the truth (2:10-12; 1Tim. 4:1-8; 2Tim. 3:5; 4:1-5; Matt. 24:24; Rev. 13:1-18; 19:20).

‘Because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.’ This states the reason God will permit such strong delusion at this time (2:10-12). If men are determined to go to hell, there is nothing further that God can do to rescue them (Matt. 25:41; Rom. 1:21-32).

‘God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.’ Is God responsible? In what sense does God send such things? This question is answered in Romans 1:21-32. It is not God’s will that any man perishes, but that all come to repentance (John 3:16-20; 2Tim. 2:4; 2Pet. 3:9; Rev. 22:17). If men persist in rebellion, then God gives them over to their ways which will damn their souls. It is something that He is forced to do because He cannot save men who persist in damning their souls. God has made the laws of sowing and reaping and this is the sense in which God has anything to do with such destinies (Gal. 6:7-8; Isa. 45:7). God has made the law of sowing and reaping, and evil results will come when men sin. God has decreed that misery, wretchedness, sorrow, trouble, and distress will come as a result of sin (Gal. 6:7-8). Ra‛ is translated “evil” 442 times and never with the idea that sin is created by God. If people sin and reap for it, the responsibility for both is theirs. God simply made the law and penalties for breaking the law will always be in force.

Then Shall that Wicked be Revealed – Part 3

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2 Thessalonians 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming

Twenty-one facts about the Antichrist (continues): He will be satan’s agent and his last attempt to raise a world dictator (2:9; Dan. 8:24; 11:37-39; Rev. 13:2). He will have miraculous powers from satan (2:9; Dan. 8:24; 11:37-39; Rev. 13:2, 11-18; 16:13-16; 19:20; Matt. 24:24). He will be a deceiver (2:10; Dan. 8:24-25; 9:27; 11:36-45; Matt. 24:15-31; Rev. 13:1-18; 19:20). Only those who are lost will follow him (2:10-12; Rev. 13:1-18; 14:9-11; 16:13-16; 19:20). The reason for people being deceived by him is that they have rejected truth, loved sin, and refused salvation (2:11-12). He will be a great delusion and a lie (2:11-12; Dan. 8:10-14, 25; 11:39).

‘The Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.’ Whomever the Antichrist will be he will fulfil many prophecies and be slain by Christ at Armageddon (Dan. 7:11; Isa. 11:4; Rev. 19:19-21).

‘Consume’ [Greek: analisko] (G355), to kill, destroy (2:8; Luke 9:54; Gal. 5:15). Other scriptures speak of his being slain by Christ (Dan. 7:11; 8:23-25; 9:27; 11:45; Isa. 11:4). This does not contradict Revelation 19:20, for this passage only shows that after he is slain, he will be cast into conscious and eternal torment along with others (Matt. 25:41, 46; Rev. 19:20; 20:10). The fact that he will be slain disproves the theories of the Antichrist being Judas or some other historical man resurrected as the beast of Revelation 13:1-18. If he were a resurrected man he could not be slain. It is not necessary for Judas or some other historical man to be brought back from death to fulfil Scripture. A future man could do this, as well as one of the past. All that is necessary is his yieldedness as a tool of satan.

Then Shall that Wicked be Revealed – Part 2

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2 Thessalonians 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming

Twenty-one facts about the Antichrist: he is called “the man of sin” because he will be the embodiment of lawlessness and leader of the great apostasy of 2Thessalonians 2:3, 8-12 and Revelation 13:1-18; 14:9-13; 15:2-4; 16:2-12. He is called “the son of perdition,” because of being destined to destruction by his rebellion, like Judas or any other man who sells himself to satan (2:3, 8-12; Rev. 13:2; Dan. 8:24; 11:37-39). He is to be revealed (2:3). He will be the opposer of God (2:4). He will exalt himself above God. He will accept worship as God. His worship will be carried on in the future Jewish temple at Jerusalem (2:4; Dan. 8:10-14, 23-27; 9:27; 11:36-45; 12:1-7; Matt. 24:15-21; Rev. 11:1-2; 13:1-18; 14:9-11; 15:2-4; 16:2-12; 20:4-6). He will claim to be God (2:4). He has time to be revealed (2:6). Something now holds back or hinders his revelation (2:7). The spirit of lawlessness now works preparing for his revelation. The mystery of iniquity, or spirit of lawlessness cannot reveal him until the hinderer of lawlessness is taken out of the world. When the hinderer of lawlessness is taken out of the world, then shall that wicked be revealed (2:7-8). When the wicked is revealed, he will live until the second coming of Christ, will head the armies at Armageddon and will be destroyed by Christ (2:8; Rev. 19:11-21; Dan. 7:24-28; 8:23-27; 9:27; 11:36-45; 12:1-7; Matt. 24:15-31). He is a man, for he will be killed by Christ at Armageddon (2:8; Dan. 7:11; 8:25; Isa. 11:4; Rev. 19:11-21). This man could not be Judas or someone else who has died already (Heb. 9:27).

To be continued…

Then Shall that Wicked be Revealed – Part 1

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2 Thessalonians 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming

‘And then shall that Wicked be revealed.’ And then. When? When he who hinders will be taken out of the way, “then shall that Wicked be revealed” (2:7-8). The Antichrist cannot possibly come until after the rapture of 1Thessalonians 4:13-16. All who go in the rapture will not be here during the days of the Antichrist and the tribulation of Revelation  6:1-9:21; Matthew 24:15-21 and Daniel 12:1.

‘That Wicked’ is the “little horn” of Daniel 7:8, 24; 8:9, 23; “the prince that shall come” of Daniel 9:26-27; “the king of the north” of Daniel 11:36-45; “the man of sin of” 1Thessalonians 2:3, 4, 8; “the beast” of Revelation 13:1-18; 14:9-11; 15:2-4; 16:2-16; 17:1-18; 19:19-21; 20:10.

There are fifteen titles of the Antichrist: Antichrist (1Jn. 2:18). The Assyrian (Isa. 10:20-27; 30:18-33; 31:4 – 32:20; Mic. 5:3-15). The king of Babylon (Isa. 14:4). The spoiler (Isa. 16:4). The extortioner (Isa. 16:4). Gog, the Chief Prince of Meshech and Tubal (Ezek. 38:2-3). The little horn (Dan. 7:8, 24; 8:9, 23). King of fierce countenance (Dan. 8:23). The prince that shall come (Dan. 9:26-27). The king of the north (Dan. 11:5-45). The man of sin (2Thess. 2:1-12). The son of perdition (2Thess. 2:1-12). The wicked (Isa. 11:4). That wicked (2Thess. 2:8-12). The beast (Dan. 7:11; Rev. 13:1-18).

To be continued…