Tag: religion

In Hope of Eternal Life – Part 1

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Titus 1:2-4 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But had in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. 

‘Hope of eternal life’ – Unforfeitable eternal life is now a hope. Hope that is seen is not hope (Rom. 8:24-25). How can it be a hope and a present possession, as stated in John 3:16, 36; 5:24; 10:28-29? Why do we yet hope for it if we have it, as stated in Titus 1:2; 3:7 and 1Timothy 1:1? The simple truth is that it is now given to everyone who is in Christ on condition of remaining in Him (1Jn. 5:11-12; John 15:1-8; Gal. 1:6-8; 4:19; 5:4; etc.).

‘Cannot lie’ – Three things God cannot do: Lie (Tit. 1:2). Deny Himself (2Tim. 2:13). Be tempted with evil (Jas. 1:13).

Thirty limitations of God are noted in Scripture: He cannot break His own laws (Ps. 119:89). He cannot lie (Heb. 6:17-19). He cannot deny Himself (2Tim. 2:13). He cannot have respect of persons (Rom. 2:11; Jas. 2:9-10). He cannot save one soul apart from grace and faith in Christ (Rom. 3:26; John 3:16). He cannot be unrighteous (Rom. 9:14). He cannot bless men apart from faith (Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8). He cannot curse men when they meet His terms (1Jn. 1:9). He cannot do away with or change His own eternal plan (Acts 15:18; Eph. 2:7; 3:11). He cannot save rebels who persist in rebellion, refusing to meet His terms (Pro. 1:22-33; 29:1; Matt. 18:3; John 3:3, 5). He cannot be tempted with evil (Jas. 1:13-15). He cannot tolerate hypocrisy (Isa. 1:13). He cannot spare Himself or Christ in the redemption of the human race from eternal hell (Matt. 27:42). He cannot turn down one soul that comes to Him according to His terms (John 6:37). He cannot judge the righteous with the wicked (Gen. 19:22; Rev. 20:5-6, 11-15). He cannot fail to answer prayer when unwavering faith is exercised (Matt. 17:20; 21:22; Mark 11:22-24; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16; 16:23-26; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8).

To be continued…

According to the Faith – Part 2

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Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness

‘According to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness.’Two things that constitute apostleship: The faith of God’s elect [Greek, pistis] confidence, faithfulness, trust, and pledge of good faith. Used 244 times. Translated belief (2Thess. 2:13); fidelity (Tit. 2:10); assurance (Acts 17:31); and faith 239 times (Heb. 11:1-39; 12:2; etc.). Acknowledging [Greek, epignosis] full knowledge, of the truth which is after godliness (Col. 2:2; 2Tim. 2:25; Tit. 1:1; Phm. 1:6). Ignorance is the state of the average heathen who gets to know only a little about nature. Christianity teaches man the true and full knowledge of God and nature and the origin and destiny of all things (Acts 15:18; Eph. 2:7; 3:9-11).

‘God’s elect’ – The Christians who have taken the place of Jews as the elect of God during the time of their being cut off (Matt. 21:43; 23:37-39; Romans 9-11). Four Elects of God noted in Scripture: Christ (Isa. 42:1; 1Pet. 2:6). All Christians (Rom. 8:33; Col. 3:12; Tit. 1:1; John 15:16; Eph. 1:4; 2:10; 2Thess. 2:13; 2Jn. 1:1, 13). Israel (Isa. 45:4; 65:9, 22; Matt. 24:21-31; Mark 13:22, 27; 1Pet. 1:2). Angels (1Tim. 5:21).

Anyone chosen of God at any time, Jew or Gentile, is the elect of God (Rom. 9:11; Rom. 11:5, 7, 28; 1Thess. 1:4; 1Pet. 5:13; 2Pet. 1:10). Note that ‘chosen’ doesn’t mean ‘saved’ as in the examples of many Israelites that failed God and rejected Christ as do most Christians through all the ages, and even the angels fell such as Lucifer and one-third of God’s angels. All men are called to become God’s elect or chosen ones and can be if they will choose God and live in obedience to His Word (Matt. 11:28-30; 20:16; John 1:12; 3:16-20; 6:37; Eph. 1:4; 2Thess. 2:13; Jas. 2:5; 1Tim. 2:4; 2Pet. 3:9; Rev. 17:14; 22:17).

Given by Inspiration of God Part 3

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2Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Degrees of Inspiration: Some parts of Scripture give the exact words of God (Ex. 32:16; Deut. 5:4, 24; Matt. 3:17). Some words were put into the mouths of the speakers who spoke as the Spirit inspired them (Ex. 4:12; Num. 23:5; Ezek. 2:7; 3:10-11; Acts 3:21). Some words were written as the Spirit moved men (Ex. 34:27; 2Pet. 1:21). In some parts of Scripture it was left up to the writers to choose their own words to relate truth by the inspiration and guidance of the Spirit (Dan. 12:8-9; Luke 1:1-4; John 20:30-31; Acts 1:1-2). The Spirit used the faculties and abilities of the writers to record things, past, present, and future. He gave direct revelations, guided them to choose records of men, and superintended the writers in all their work until we now have a perfect and infallible record of the origin and destiny of all creation.

‘Profitable’ [Greek: ophelimos] to convince men of truth. Translated “profitable” (3:16; 1Tim. 4:8; Tit. 3:8) and “profit” (1Tim. 4:8).

‘Doctrine’ [Greek: didaskalia] teaching (1Tim. 4:13).

‘Reproof’ [Greek: elengchos] reproof (3:16) and evidence (Heb. 11:1).

‘Correction’ [Greek: epanorthosis] to restore things to their proper use and place, correcting false theories and practices.

‘Instruction’ [Greek: paideia] It means here the schooling of mankind in true scriptural righteousness, perfecting the man of God, and filling him with power for all good works (3:16-17; 2:19-21).

‘Perfect’ [Greek: artios] complete; exactly fitted as a joint.

‘Thoroughly furnished’ [Greek: exartizo] to finish out; equip fully. Translated “accomplish” in Acts 21:5. When one is thus fully equipped he will be able to do the works of Christ (Matt. 17:20; 18:18; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; 16:15-20; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16). The Scriptures are to bring this about in the man of God (3:16-17).

Knowing of Whom Thou have Learned Part 2

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2Timothy 3:14-15 But continue thou in the things which thou have learned and have been assured of, knowing of whom thou have learned them; And that from a child thou have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 

‘Able to make thee wise unto salvation.’ Seven things the Word of God can do: Make wise unto salvation (3:15; Rom. 1:16; Jas. 1:21). Produce faith (Rom. 10:17). Make Jesus Christ known (John 5:39; 1Cor. 15:1-8). Build up (Acts 20:32). Give inheritance (Acts 20:32). Produce profit in doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (3:16). Make the man of God perfect (3:17).

‘Salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.’ Salvation is always through faith in Jesus Christ – never through works, rituals, water baptism, communion etc. (3:15; Eph. 2:8-9; Rom. 3:24-31).

According to Hebrews 2:10, Christ was made the captain of our salvation and perfected through His sufferings. He is the Originator of salvation and without suffering He could not have died; without dying He could not have made atonement for sin; and without completing His redemptive work He could not have been perfected.

Hebrews 2:3 states the following: “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation…” – we who have the greater light in Christ will be punished for each sin also. What a fool’s dream to think there is no moral responsibility on Christians to live right under grace, or that grace does not see their sins if they commit any!

Taking Vengeance on Them – Part 2

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2Thessalonians 1:8-9 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

Thirty-four purposes of the Second Coming (continues): To restore all things (Acts 3:19-21). To bind satan and his angels (Rev. 20:1-10; Isa. 24:21-23). To punish the inhabitants of the earth for sins (Isa. 26:21; 27:1; Rev. 11:18). To give man one more probationary trial (Rev. 20:1-10; Isa. 11:1-16; 65:20-25). To fight the battle of Armageddon and restore man’s dominion (Rev. 19:11-21; Matt. 5:5; 25:31-46; Ps. 8:1-9). To establish a theocratic government (Ps. 2:1-12; Isa. 2:1-4; 4:1-3; Dan. 2:44-45; 7:13-14; Zech. 14:9; Rev. 20:1-15). To gather together in one all things in heaven and on earth (Eph. 1:10). To heal everyone (Isa. 32:1-5; 33:24; 35:5). To fulfil the Abrahamic, Davidic, and other covenants with man (Gen. 12:1-3; 2Sam. 7:1-29; etc.). To be glorified in the saints (1:10, 12; Matt. 25:31-46). To be admired by believers (1:10). To prepare the earth for the eternal habitation of God (Isa. 35:1-10; Zech. 14:1-21; Rev. 20-22; 1Cor. 15:24-28). To purge man of all possibility of future rebellion, so that the original program with man can be finally and eternally realized (Gen. 1:26-31; 8:22; 9:12; Ps. 8:1-9; 1Cor. 15:24-28; Rev. 20-22).

‘Flaming fire’ [Greek: phlox] flame of fire (Luke 16:24; Acts 7:30; Heb. 1:7; Rev. 1:14; 2:18; 19:12).

‘On them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel.’ Two classes of people to be judged: They that know not God – that put forth no effort to know or understand Him (2Cor. 4:4; Matt. 13:19). They that obey not the gospel – that put forth no effort to obey it (John 3:17-20, 36; Acts 7:51; Rom. 1:21-32).

‘Punished with everlasting destruction.’ Eternal punishment [Greek: dike] penalty awarded by a judge; suffer punishment. Translated as punishment (1:9); judgment (Acts 25:15); and vengeance (Acts 28:4; Jude 1:7). The penalty here is eternal destruction. The Greek for destruction is olethros, ruin; undoing; that which causes destruction, a plague, pest. Translated as destruction (1:9; 2Cor. 5:5; 1Thess. 5:3; 1Tim. 6:9). Whatever it is that causes the destruction or ruin is eternal. It is not annihilation, for the destruction is eternal and the ones being so punished eternally are as eternal as the destruction itself. There will be no possibility of their ever being reconciled to God beyond this life, for they are eternally banished from the presence of God and the glory of His power (1:10; Heb. 9:27). This in itself would be dreadful punishment, but besides this, there will be the punishment in eternal hell (Matt. 8:12; 13:49-51; 25:41, 25:46; Mark 9:43-49; Rev. 14:9-11; 20:11-15; Isa. 66:22-24).

Faithful is He – Part 1

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1Thessalonians 5:24-28 Faithful is he that called you, who also will do it. Brethren, pray for us. Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. The first epistle to the Thessalonians was written from Athens. 

‘Faithful is he’ – Twelve times God and Christ are called faithful (Deut. 7:9; Isa. 49:7; 1Cor. 1:9; 10:13; 2Thess. 3:3; Heb. 10:23; 11:11; 1Pet. 4:19; 1Jn. 1:9; Rev. 1:5; 3:14; 19:11).

God is faithful and will not let one endure more temptations than he can bear (1Cor. 10:13-14), nor will He allow one to be lost without doing all in His power to save him (John 3:16; 1Tim. 2:4; 2Pet. 3:9; Rev. 22:17). If a man falls into sin or is lost it is his own responsibility. He has not taken God’s way, as the psalmist did (Ps. 119:30, 173). As a last resort, God may allow trouble and even permit satan to afflict with disease to bring a man back to righteousness (Job 33:14-29).

‘Brethren, pray for us.’ Constantly Paul asked for the prayers of the saints. He recognized their prayers as more valuable than all their wealth and help otherwise.

‘Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.’ This was an Eastern custom and was used amongst believers.

‘I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.’ A reason for this is not clear unless there may have been some danger of it not being read to all the believers of the Christian congregations, or perhaps local groups in and around Thessalonica.

‘Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.’ Paul begins and ends the epistle with a statement about the grace of Christ.

To be continued…

Sanctify You Wholly – Part 2

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1Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

All souls are fully conscious between death and the resurrection, the righteous souls being conscious in paradise and heaven (2Cor. 5:8; Php. 1:21-24; Heb. 12:22-23; Rev. 6:9-11), and the wicked souls in hell (Isa. 14:9; Luke 16:19; Rev. 20:11-15). For example, compare Acts 2:27 with Psalm 16:10; 1Corinthians 15:45 with Genesis 2:7; etc.

Psuche (G5590) is used for: Lower animals (Rev. 8:9; 16:3); Man as an individual (Acts 2:41, 43; 3:23; 7:14; 27:37; Rom. 2:9; 13:1; 1Cor. 15:45; Jas. 5:20; 1Pet. 3:20; 2Pet. 2:14; Rev. 6:9; 18:13; 20:4). The life of man, which can be lost, destroyed, saved, etc. and translated life (Matt. 2:20; 6:25; 10:39; 16:25; 20:28; Mark 3:4; 8:35; 10:45; Luke 6:9; 9:24, 56; 12:22-23; 14:26; 17:33; John 10:11-17; 12:25; 13:37-38; 15:13; Acts 15:26; 20:10, 24; 27:10, 22; Rom. 11:3; 16:4; Php. 2:30; 1Jn. 3:16; Rev. 12:11). The life of a man, which can be lost, destroyed, saved, etc. and translated soul (Matt. 10:28; 16:26; Mark 8:36-37; Luke 12:20; 21:19; 1Thess. 2:8; 5:23; Heb. 4:12; 6:19; 10:39; 13:17; Jas. 1:21; 1Pet. 1:9; 2:11, 25; 4:19). Man, to emphasize self, such as my soul, or myself (Matt. 11:29; 12:18; 26:38; Mark 14:34; Luke 1:46; 12:19; John 12:27; Heb. 10:38; 1Pet. 1:22). The powers of one’s being (Matt. 22:37; Luke 2:35; 10:27; Acts 4:32; 3Jn. 1:2; Eph. 6:6; Php. 1:27).

‘Body’ – The body is the house of the soul and spirit and goes back to dust again at death (Gen. 3:19) and becomes immortal in the resurrection (1Cor. 15:54-58).

‘Unto’ [Greek: en] Translated as “at,” 1Thessalonians 2:19; 3:13. It is at the rapture that saints will be set apart wholly unto God and His eternal will and made whole in body, soul, and spirit (1Cor. 15:51-58; Php. 3:21; Rom 8:18-25; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13).

‘Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ In each chapter of this epistle, the coming of the Lord is presented in a different aspect: 1Thessalonians 1:10; 2:19; 3:13; 4:13-18; 5:23.

The Image of the Invisible God – Part 4

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Colossians 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature

With these facts it is clear in what sense Jesus is “the firstborn of every creature” or of all creation (1:15), and “the firstborn among many brethren” (Rom. 8:29). All creation came into existence by creative acts, not by a begetting as in the case of Jesus. Even the “many brethren” are not begotten in the sense Jesus was by the Holy Spirit. They were begotten by people, not by God, and were thus brought into the human family, not the family of God. The only way one gets into God’s family is by adoption (Rom. 8:14-16; Gal. 4:5-6; Eph. 1:5). Jesus is the only begotten Son … the first of all creatures to be begotten of God, the only one of all beings begotten of God, the first and only one of the family of adopted and “created” brethren begotten of God (Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10), the first begotten of or from the dead, and the firstfruit of the resurrection of all men (1:18; 1Cor. 15:23-33; Rev. 1:5). The body of Christ (consisting of all Christian congregations) is the called-out people of the one who is the firstborn (Heb. 12:23). Adam and angels were by creation, not by begetting (Luke 3:38; Gen. 6:1-4; Job 1:6; 38:4-7).

This refers to the incarnation when the second person of the Divine Trinity took a human body to redeem (Php. 2:5-11; Isa. 7:14; 9:6). It was when God had a Son through Mary (Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:35; John 1:14). This happened on a certain day: “This day have I begotten thee” (Heb. 1:5-7). Therefore, we cannot say that God had a Son before this time. This proves that sonship in connection with God had to refer to humanity and not to deity.

To be continued…

Pray for You

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Colossians 1:9-13 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that you might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That you might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which has made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son

‘Pray for you, and to desire that you might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.’ Twelve things prayed for the Colossians: To be filled with the knowledge of His will (1:9). To be filled with all wisdom. To have spiritual understanding. To walk worthy of the Lord (1:10). To walk pleasing to the Lord. To be fruitful in all good works. To increase in the knowledge of God. To be strengthened with all might (1:11). To have His glorious power. To have all patience. To have all longsuffering. To have joy.

Ten conditions of answered prayer: Have the faith of God (Rom. 4:17; Heb. 11:3; Gal. 5:22-23). Pray: say in no uncertain terms what you want (Mark 11:23-24; Matt. 17:20; 21:21-22; John 15:7). Have unlimited faith without qualifying and limiting God’s will or what you want (Mark 11:23-24; Matt. 17:20; 21:21-22; Mark 9:23; John 15:7, 16). Refuse to doubt in the heart (Mark 11:23; Matt. 17:20; Jas. 1:5-8). Believe that whatever is asked will be given (Mark 11:23-24; Matt. 7:7-11; 17:20; 21:21-22; Heb. 11:6). Believe that whatever is asked is already granted (Mark 11:24; Matt. 17:20; 1Jn. 5:14-15). Be authoritative and command to come to pass what is asked (Mark 9:23; 11:23-24; Matt. 17:20). Believe that what you want is God’s will (Mark 11:24; John 15:7; Matt. 17:20; 21:21-22; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8). Never say “if it be Thy will” concerning anything you ask that is definitely promised of God in His word (Mark 11:23; Ps. 84:11; 2Cor. 1:20; 2Pet. 1:3-4). Have a clean heart and life with God and man (Mark 11:25; John 15:7; 1Jn. 3:22-23).

‘Made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.’ Qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints. This refers to every promise and provision of the gospel for believers who are delivered from the power of satan and are translated into the kingdom of God (1:12-13; Acts 26:18; 2Cor. 1:20; John 14:12-15).

‘Translated’ [Greek: methistemi] to transfer, exchange, remove. Here it means to deliver from satan and his power and kingdom of sin, sickness, and depravity to be placed under the government of the Son of God’s love. This transfer is made possible by redemption through the blood of Christ (1:14).

Sweet Smell

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Philippians 4:18-23 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 

‘But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you.’ You have sent me so much by Epaphroditus that I have all I need. Your gift is a sweet aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, and well-pleasing to God. Paul claimed to have all that he needed and more, he was thankful in everything and his life was a great savour for Christ’s testimony!

‘Sweet smell’ [Greek: Euodia] sweet perfume. An aroma of a sweet smell to God. That is, God was well pleased with the offering and sacrifice of Christ because it made possible the redemption of His fallen creation (Rom. 8:18-24).

‘But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’ A promise that is still true to those who are in Christ and who are faithful to God as the Philippians were (4:14-18).

‘Caesar’s household’ – Nero was emperor of Rome at this time. A more cruel and worthless man never ruled the empire, yet among his household, there were several true Christians. Who they were is not known. Josephus says that the empress Poppaea was a worshiper of the true God (Antiquities, 20:8:11).

‘The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.’ No greater greeting and blessing can be found in life! By God’s grace we are saved (Acts 14:22; Eph. 2:5, 8), healed (Ps. 30:2-7; 103:3, 8; Acts 4:12; 14:3; 1Pet. 2:24) and are we conquerors (Rom. 8:31-39).