Tag: Life

The Will of God… Sanctification – Part 2

~ iolaHC ~ 1 Comment

1Thessalonians 4:1-7 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God had not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 

There are fourteen requirements of the will of God in sanctification (4:3-18) – (continues): Do not despise men (4:8). Love one another (4:9; 1Cor. 13:1-13). Increase in love (4:10; 3:12). Study to be quiet (4:11; 2Tim. 2:15). Be diligent in business (4:11). Work with your hands (4:11; 1Cor. 4:12; Eph. 4:28; 2Thess. 3:10). Walk honestly before men (4:12). Have a bright hope (4:13-17). Comfort one another (4:18). ‘Sanctification’ [Greek: hagiasmos] consecration. Translated “holiness” (4:7; Rom. 6:19, 22; 1Tim. 2:15; Heb. 12:14) and “sanctification” (4:3-4; 1Cor. 1:30; 2Thess. 2:13; 1Pet. 1:2).

The doctrine of sanctification – 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 (1Cor. 1:30; 6:11; 2Thess. 2:13; 1Jn. 1:7-9; 3:8-10; 5:1-4, 18).

The Will of God… Sanctification – Part 1

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1Thessalonians 4: 1-7 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God had not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 

‘Ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more.’ Paul constantly desired their perfection in Christ (2:7, 11-12; 3:10, 13; 4:1-7; 5:12-23).

‘This is the will of God.’ It is always the will of God that we, first of all, serve Him as His representatives on earth (1Pet 2:21-23) so that others can be saved through the example we set in our daily lives as His followers. Where we live, work, who we marry etc. has nothing to do with His will, except that we are to follow His commandments with regards to living a holy (separated from worldly people, 1Jn. 2:15-17) life in righteousness and obedience (Jas. 1:22-26).

There are fourteen requirements of the will of God in sanctification (4:3-18): Abstain from fornication or all kinds of sexual sins (4:3; Matt. 5:32). Know how to possess the vessel in sanctification and honour (4:4). Not in the lust of concupiscence or strong sexual desire (4:5; Col. 3:5). Here it means excessive sexual lust like that of the Gentiles who knew no bounds. That no man defrauds his brother by seducing his wife to corrupt her and break up a home (4:6). This still refers to sexual sins and not to cheating, for it is dealing with sexual uncleanness down to 1Thessalonians 4:7. Every type of perversion was practised among the heathen. Their gods, their rulers, and their teachers were examples of impurity. They had no system of ethics that forbade these practices. The Christian religion forbade them as worthy of death and hell and this has preserved the world from complete ruin to this day. Walk in holiness, not in the uncleanness of sexual perversion (4:7; Rom, 1:24).

To be continued…

Unblameable in Holiness Before God – Part 2

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

Twenty-three conditions of eternal life are given in Scripture – no amount of ‘grace-only’ preaching will change the facts of the Word (continued): Let the promise of it remain in you and continue in God and Christ (1Jn. 2:24-25; 5:11-20). Love everybody (1Jn. 3:14-15). Keep yourself in the love of God, looking for eternal life (Jude 1:20-24). Overcome sin (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). Be faithful unto death (Rev. 2:10; Heb. 12:14-15). Believe and obey the gospel (John 3:15-19, 36; 4:14; 5:24; 6:40, 47, 54; 2Cor. 5:17; Rom. 1:5). Be born again, hear Christ, and follow Him (John 3:1-36; 10:27-29).

We get eternal life now and keep it forever if we meet the above conditions, but it does not become an unforfeitable eternal possession until we enter into it (Matt. 7:13; 18:8-9; 19:17; Rom. 6:22); receive it (Rom. 6:23; Jas. 1:12; 1Pet. 1:13; Rev. 2:10); reap it (Gal. 6:7-8); and inherit it in the world to come (Matt. 19:27-29; Mark 10:28-30; Luke 18:28-30), and at the end of this life (Rom. 6:22).

‘Unblameable’ [Greek: amemptos] Blameless before God (Php. 3:6; Luke 1:6; Heb. 8:7).

‘At the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.’ This could not refer to the event of Zechariah 14:5 and Jude 1:14 when the saints will accompany Christ to earth, for they are not then presented before the Father. By this time they will have been with God for at least seven years. This then refers to the coming of Jesus with the saints back to heaven after He meets them in the air (4:16-17; John 13:1-3).

Unblameable in Holiness Before God – Part 1

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

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

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

To be continued…

God Himself – Part 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

To be continued…

God Himself – Part 2

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

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

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

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

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

To be continued…

God Himself – Part 1

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

‘God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.’ Another clear proof of more than one person in the Godhead. Two are mentioned here: God, our Father; our Lord Jesus Christ. This confirms the deity of Christ (see 1Jn. 5:7).

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 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 (1Cor. 15:35-38). From this passage, we learn that all things in creation – grain, fish, birds, beasts, man and angels – have bodies, sizes, shapes, and forms.

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).

To be continued…

Labour in Vain – Part 2

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1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

Grace teaches men to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live soberly, righteously, and godly here and now (Tit. 2:11-12). If people do not obey its teaching grace can go no further (continued).

Thirty things that grace can do: Grace can save the world (Gen. 6:8; Eph. 2:8-9). Grace can give one all good things (Ps. 84:11). Grace can bring men to repentance (Zech. 12:10). Grace can impart great blessings (Acts 4:33). Grace can bring salvation (Tit. 2:11-12; Eph. 2:1-22). Grace can impart faith (Acts 18:27). Grace can justify (Rom. 3:24-25; Tit. 3:7). Grace can overcome sin (Rom. 5:20). Grace can reign in life if permitted (Rom. 5:21). Grace can make one God’s elect (Rom. 11:5-6). Grace can give boldness (Rom. 15:15). Grace can make partaker of Christ (1Cor. 10:30). Grace can give power (1Cor. 15:10). Grace can inspire liberality (2Cor. 8:1-2, 6-9; 9:8). Grace can give endurance (2Cor. 12:9). Grace can call people to the ministry (Gal. 1:15). Grace can impart riches (Eph. 2:7). Grace can inspire singing (Col. 3:16). Grace can give seasoning to speech (Col. 4:6). Grace can give strength (2Tim. 2:1). Grace can teach (Tit. 2:11-12). Grace can give aid in suffering (Heb. 2:9). Grace can help in time of need (Heb. 4:16). Grace can give stability (Heb. 13:9). Grace can give life (1Pet. 3:7). Grace can help render true service (Heb. 12:28). Grace can become abundant (1Tim. 1:14). Grace can bring hope (2Thess. 2:16). Grace can give the ability to preach (Eph. 3:8). Grace can change lives (1Cor. 15:10).

To be continued…

The Tempter have Tempted You – Part 2

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1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you…

What he is (continued): The personal names and titles that are given to him: Lucifer (Isa. 14:12-14); the devil and satan (Rev. 12:9); Beelzebub (Matt. 10:25; 12:24); Belial (2Cor. 6:15); the adversary (1Pet. 5:8-9); the dragon (Rev. 12:3-12; 13:1-4; 20:1-3); the serpent (2Cor. 11:3; Rev. 12:9); the god of this world (2Cor. 4:4); the prince of this world (John 12:31); the prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:1-3); the accuser of our brethren (Rev. 12:10); the enemy (Matt. 13:39); the tempter (Matt. 4:3); the wicked one (Matt. 13:19, 38); that wicked one (1Jn. 5:18). Personal acts and attributes are ascribed to him. He is an angel with a body, soul, and spirit like all other angels (Ezek. 28:11-17; Rev. 12:7-12). He is described as a most beautiful creature who fell through personal pride over his own beauty (Ezek. 28:11-17; 1Tim. 3:6). He has been seen with a body (1Chron. 21:1; Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; Ps. 109:6; Zech. 3:1-2; Matt. 4:1-11; Rev. 20:1-3). He will be bound physically with a chain and cast into prison (Rev. 20:1-3). He has a heart (Isa. 14:12-14); pride (Ezek. 28:17; 1Tim. 3:6); speech (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; Matt. 4:1-11); knowledge (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; Matt. 4:1-11; Rev. 12:12); power (Job 1:6-22; 2:1-7; Acts 10:38; 26:18; 2Thess. 2:8-12; Rev. 13:1-4); desires (Luke 22:31); lusts (John 8:44; Eph. 2:1-3); and many other physical parts, soul passions, and spirit faculties. He goes from place to place in a body like anyone else (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; Matt. 4:10-11; Mark 4:15). He has a kingdom (Mark 3:22-26). He has access to heaven (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6; Rev. 12:9-12). He is a great celestial and terrestrial ruler (John 12:31; 2Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:2; 6:10-18). He rules the business, social, political, and religious activities of the majority of mankind. His realm is divided into organized principalities and powers in heaven (Dan. 10:12 – 11:1; Matt. 12:24-30; Eph. 6:10-12). His subjects are fallen angels, fallen men, and demons of various kinds (Matt. 25:41; John 8:44; Jas. 2:19; 1Jn. 3:8-10; Rev. 12:7-12). He is head of any religion that contradicts God’s Word and is a leader in religious affairs (2Cor. 2:9; 3:9; 11:14).

The Tempter have Tempted You – Part 1

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1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you… 

‘Some means’ – satan has innumerable means and many millenniums of experience and cannot be overcome by argument, pleading mercy, or any other dealings with him. He must be rejected and resisted, and all relationships cut off from him (Jas. 4:7; 1Pet. 5:8-9; Eph. 6:10-18; 2Cor. 10:4-7). The devil will take advantage of every failure of the Christian using it to get into his life and cause his downfall (1Cor. 10:13; 1Pet. 5:8-9; Eph. 6:10-18). In this case, satan could lead the despairing one into apostasy and hell, or believers into undue severity and hardness of heart toward guilty members, working untold harm to the cause of Christ.

‘The tempter’ – satan is not an evil principle, an error of the mortal mind, an abstract power, or a being with hoofs, horns, and tail, holding a pitchfork and presiding over a lake of fire and the realm of the dead. What he is: He is a real person (1Chron. 21:1; Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; Ps. 109:6; Zech. 3:1-2; 1Pet. 5:8-9; Rev. 12:7-12). Jesus dealt with him as with a person (Matt. 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13). Jesus waged war on satan as on a person (Luke 13:16; Acts 10:38; 1Jn. 3:8). Christ taught that satan was a real person (Luke 10:18; Rev. 12:7-12; 13:1-4; 20:1-10). The apostles fought with satan as with a real person (Eph. 6:10-18; 1Thess. 2:18; 1Pet. 5:8-9). The apostles warned men against a personal devil (Eph. 4:27; 6:11; Jas. 4:7; 1Pet. 5:8-9). Personal singular pronouns are used of satan (Matt. 4:7-11; 12:26; Luke 11:18). Personal statements are made to him (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:11-17; Zech. 3:1-2; Matt. 4:1-10; Jude 1:9). Personal conversation is carried on with him (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; Isa. 14:12-14; Matt. 4:1-10; Jude 1:9). Personal descriptions are given of him (Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:11-17).

To be continued…