Doctrine of “Fruits” = Our Works or Doings

Last Updated: 3 December 2021

 

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https://play.google.com/store/books/author?id=Jonathan+Ramachandran

 

 

Doctrine of “Fruits” = Our Works or Doings

 

Source Post:

https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161292378017784

 

Firstly, why is this discussion important?

 

Please notice carefully that MANY will be deceived in an End-Time Christianity which “converts many” by these acts of ‘… Prophecy, Casting out Demons and Wonders/Miracles …’ where Christ Doesn’t call these works as “Good Fruit” in Verses below (Can you see it?)

 

“… 19EVERY TREE that does NOT BEAR GOOD FRUIT is CUT DOWN AND THROWN INTO THE FIRE. 20Therefore by their fruits you will know them. 21“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22MANY will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we NOT PROPHESIED in Your name, CAST OUT DEMONS in Your name, and DONE MANY WONDERS in Your name?’ 23And then I will declare to them, ‘I NEVER KNEW YOU; depart from Me, you who practice LAWLESSNESS!’ 24“Therefore WHOEVER HEARS THESE SAYINGS OF MINE, and DOES THEM, I will liken him to a WISE MAN who BUILT HIS HOUSE ON THE ROCK: …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:13 – 24, NKJV)

 

 

 

Comment: In Verses above, Christ Clearly Warns that “False Prophets” will come not doing any Charity Doctrine Lifestyle but “MANY” will be deceived based on these “… 22MANY will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we NOT PROPHESIED in Your name, CAST OUT DEMONS in Your name, and DONE MANY WONDERS in Your name?’ 23And then I will declare to them, ‘I NEVER KNEW YOU; …” (Matthew 7:22 – 23, NKJV)

 

Then what is a “Good Fruit”?

 

Bible Verses (in image too, please observe the last line carefully which defines the “fruit” as “our doings/work”):

 

“… 7“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,

And whose hope is the Lord.

8For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,

Which spreads out its roots by the river,

And will not [c]fear when heat comes;

But its leaf will be green,

And will not be anxious in the year of drought,

Nor will cease from yielding fruit.

9“The HEART IS DECEITFUL ABOVE ALL THINGS,

And [d]DESPERATELY WICKED;

Who can know it?

10I, THE LORD, SEARCH THE HEART,

I test the [e]mind,

Even to give every man according to his ways,

According to the FRUIT OF HIS DOINGS. …” (Jeremiah 17:7 – 10, NKJV)

 

In Verses above God Clearly first Says that the “heart of men” is “wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9) but immediately on the next line doesn’t reject our works entirely based on this but rather looks at one’s heart to see the “… FRUIT OF HIS DOINGS. …” (Jeremiah 17:10).

 

Since it’s related to the “Heart”, Christ Himself Taught us in Verses below that the “Inward/Heart Cleansing from WICKEDNESS and GREED” is only via ALMSGIVING or the CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE:

 

“…  [ 39Then the Lord said to him, ] “Now you Pharisees make the OUTSIDE OF THE CUP and DISH CLEAN, but YOUR INWARD PART is full of [k]GREED and WICKEDNESS. 40FOOLISH ones! Did not He who made the outside make the inside also? 41But rather GIVE ALMS of [l]SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE; then indeed ALL THINGS ARE CLEAN TO YOU. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:39 – 41, NKJV)

 

Are we smarter than Christ to deny the Remedy for Inward Cleaning or “Cleaning All” by “Almsgiving Practice”? If we ‘believe in Him and His Words’, we ought to do and teach His Words here too, right?

 

In fact, Christ also Added the Bonus of “Unfailing Treasure in Heaven” for those who “Give to Charity” (Luke 12:33) as proof of “Seeking His Kingdom too” (Context: Luke 12:31) and interestingly also mentions that “our heart” is closely linked to “Treasure” (Luke 12:34) and so the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle will Reveal it in Verses below:

 

“…  31“But SEEK HIS KINGDOM, and THESE THINGS will be ADDED TO YOU. 32“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. 33“SELL YOUR POSSESSIONS and GIVE TO CHARITY; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an UNFAILING TREASURE IN HEAVEN, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. 34“For WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE YOUR HEART WILL BE ALSO. 35“Be dressed in readiness, and KEEP YOUR LAMPS LIT. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:31 – 35, NASB)

 

Please notice carefully that these are not difficult Verses in translation but simple ones and are explained without any interpretation by just quoting what it is “as it is Written” and so may God Help us to Heed it by His Mercy:

 

“… There is no wisdom or understanding Or counsel against the LORD. …” (Proverbs 21:30, NKJV)

 

This Definition of Fruit as Good Works especially the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle Works of Physical & Spiritual Needs sharing is discussed in detail in post below:

 

https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161287891902784

 

and even more detail with First Christianity Quotes to even Blessed Martin Luther (the First Protestant’s Quote) and also Blessed John Wesley (Founder of Methodism’s Quotes too) in a free pdf in link below (Titled Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins):

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pBpXxjEa9KhycjzourSd_eEvm7ntrVUM/view?usp=sharing

 

Peace to you

 

 

P/S: Latest Update: 30 October 2021

 

Unsolved Mystery  – Is there Possible Gospel Hope for some Unbelieving Non Christians if Hell is Eternal?

 

Free e-Book PDF Link:

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_avSqmISwjySSj5rF5v5AoXXNnfIVB6H/view?usp=sharing

 

This book is written to look at some difficult Bible Verses and see if they actually point to a broader hope with the assumption that Hell is Eternal.

 

The motivation behind this book is Bible Verses only at first because some Verses seem to point to a more general hope beyond Christians only and we wish to discuss some of those type of Verses here.

 

The general timeline or Prophecy assumed in this Book is called Millennialism or  Chiliasm which is believed by the foremost authorities of Scripture in First Christianity. We know that the Roman Catholics did not tamper with these Chiliasm quotes because they do not believe in it today but yet they preserved these quotes which are contradictory to what they believe. Roman Catholics today believe instead that we are undergoing the 1000 years Millennial Reign of Christ now by viewing Scripture too allegorically which I strongly oppose.

 

This Chiliasm Timeline opens up some of the Judgment Day Bible Verses to possibly refer to a broader hope to include some non-Christians or unbelievers to be given a chance between now and the Last day (Sabbath, Seventh Day of the 1000 Years Millennial Reign Timeline) to repent in the Spirit World most likely post Judgment first after their death but live to God in the Spirit.

 

We do not teach this as Doctrine because we respect the fact that Majority of Christians do not see it this way and do not see any hope for non-Christians beyond this temporal life. So the chances of them being correct is higher if the concept of ‘which doctrine prevailed must be truth’ as some suppose is taken into consideration. However, there is this small chance that this Hope for some non-Christians (if not all) could be one of the hidden things of the Spiritual World which may be interpreted with Holy Scripture as we share in this book.

 

Personally, I am not sure 100% either way and since only God Knows and whatever He Decides on that Day, I accept it Heartily and since we can choose to “not judge” these Hidden Things of the Future Prophecies till they come to pass or UNTIL CHRIST (THE LORD) COMES (in His Second Coming) as per Verse below and I choose that path:

 

“… Therefore JUDGE NOTHING BEFORE THE TIME, UNTIL THE LORD COMES, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God. …” (1 Corinthians 4:5, NKJV)

 

More Related Thought “Possibilities” – Christ Centered Universalism Hope – Is it Real or a Misunderstanding of Scripture? (please click on link below for an easier reading)

 

https://www.facebook.com/785428511491071/posts/4509484589085426/

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

Trinity Doctrine in Isaiah 48:16 by God Directly

 

( Thanks to Mr. Ron. R. D. for pointing this Verse out )

 

Who is Speaking the Verse in Image? = “… Christ (in His Eternal Pre-Existence) …”  which can be seen in “Full” below:

 

“… 16“Come near to Me, hear this:

I have not spoken in secret from the beginning;

From the time that it was, I was there.

And now the Lord God and His Spirit

[c]Have sent Me.”

17Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer,

The Holy One of Israel:

“I am the Lord your God,

Who teaches you to profit,

Who leads you by the way you should go. …” (Isaiah 48:16 – 17, NKJV)

 

Source: https://biblehub.com/isaiah/48-16.htm

 

Comment:

 

1. i) God the Father = “… And now the Lord God …” (Isaiah 48:16)

 

1. ii) God the Holy Spirit = “… and His Spirit …” (Isaiah 48:16)

 

iii) God the Son (Lord Jesus Christ) = “… Have sent Me.” …” (Isaiah 48:16)

 

1. iv) The ‘First Person’ identifying Himself as “Me” in Isaiah 48 is ‘not an angel but God and so must be God the Son’ in Retrospect of the New Testament Verses which is Identified throughout this Chapter too for example (in Isaiah 48:12), this ‘First Person Speaking’ Identifies Himself as the “First and Last” just like Christ Identifies Himself with Equivalent Terms, to quote:

 

“… 12“Listen to Me, O Jacob,

And Israel, My called:

I am He, I am the First,

I am also the Last. …” (Isaiah 48:12, NKJV)

 

Source: https://biblehub.com/isaiah/48-12.htm

 

“… 12Hear me, O Jacob, and Israel whom I call; I am the first, and I endure for ever. …” (Isaiah 48:12, LXX, Brenton Septuagint Translation)

 

Source: https://biblehub.com/sep/isaiah/48.htm

 

Please Compare with (Please notice carefully the words “FIRST” and “LAST” in each of the Verses quoted above and below):

 

“… 12Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.  … 17And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying [i]to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. 18I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of [j]Hades and of Death. …” (Revelation 1:12 – 13, 17 – 18, NKJV)

 

Source: https://biblehub.com/nkjv/revelation/1.htm

 

“… 8“And to the [d]angel of the church in Smyrna write, ‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: 9“I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a [e]synagogue of Satan. …” (Revelation 2: 8 – 10, NKJV)

 

Source: https://biblehub.com/nkjv/revelation/2.htm

 

and

 

“… 12“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 13I am the Alpha and the Omega, the [f]Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” … 16“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” …” (Revelation 22:14, 16, NKJV)

 

Source: https://biblehub.com/nkjv/revelation/22.htm

 

The “Septuagint” Reads Similarly as follows:

 

“…16Draw nigh to me, and hear ye these words; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning: when it took place, there was I, and now the Lord, even the Lord, and his Spirit, hath sent me. 17Thus saith the Lord that delivered thee, the Holy One of Israel; I am thy God, I have shewn thee how thou shouldest find the way wherein thou shouldest walk. …” (Isaiah 48:16 – 17, LXX,  Brenton  Septuagint Translation)

 

Source: https://biblehub.com/sep/isaiah/48.htm

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

Saved by Fire – Discussing a Possibility not Doctrine as I’m not sure

 

Source Post:

https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161290545707784

 

Bible Verses:

 

“…  11For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. …” (1 Corinthians 3:11 – 15, NKJV)

 

1) Work of “Gold, Silver and  precious stones” = “reward”

 

” … 2Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones … 14If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward …” (1 Corinthians 3:14, NKJV)

 

Possibility:

 

“… But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. …” (Matthew 13:8, KJV)

 

Please compare with works of “… gold, silver, precious stones,  …” (in 1 Corinthians 3:12) with these Verses in Matthew 13:8 to see the “possibility” that perhaps:

 

1. i) Gold = Hundredfold Reward
2. ii) Silver = Sixtyfold Reward

iii) Precious Stones = Thirtyfold Reward

 

Example Other Verses:

 

“Gold” Level (please note the word “Hundredfold” in Verse below)  includes the ‘Charity Doctrine Lifestyle part of ‘… SELL what YOU HAVE and GIVE to the POOR,  …’ to the Renunciation of ‘… HOUSES , LANDS …’ or even Marriage for Christ’s Sake as the phrase “… Left Wife …” meant that in Christ’s Own Explanation in Verses below (I repeat, please note the word “Hundredfold” in Verse Matthew 19:29 below) :

 

“… 21Jesus said to him, “IF you want to be PERFECT, go, SELL what YOU HAVE and GIVE to the POOR, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, FOLLOW ME.”  … 27Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have LEFT ALL and FOLLOWED YOU. Therefore what shall we have?” 28So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the REGENERATION, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And EVERYONE who has LEFT HOUSES or brothers or sisters or father or mother or WIFE or children or LANDS, for MY NAME’S SAKE, shall RECEIVE a HUNDREDFOLD, and INHERIT ETERNAL LIFE. 30But MANY who are FIRST will be LAST, and the LAST FIRST. …” (Matthew 19:21, 27 – 30, NKJV)

 

More regarding this “Hundredfold, Sixtyfold and Thirtyfold” possibility is discussed in Example link below:

 

https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161286099952784

 

2) Work of “wood, hay, straw,” = “he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. ”

 

“… 12Now if anyone builds on this foundation with … wood, hay, straw, 13each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it … 15If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.  …” (1 Corinthians 3:12, 13, 15, NKJV)

 

Possibility: This may refer to a ‘fallen Christian’ who is ‘not thirty, sixty or hundredfold’ for these are “Good Ground” and hence may refer to the ‘many stripes beating’ and ‘portion with unbelievers’ which is Described in Verses below:

 

“… 45But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, 46the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and WILL CUT HIM [fallen Christian] IN TWO AND APPOINT HIM HIS PORTION WITH THE UNBELIEVERS [non-Christians]. 47And THAT SERVANT WHO KNEW HIS MASTER’S WILL [fallen Christian], and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be BEATEN WITH MANY STRIPES. 48But HE WHO DID NOT KNOW [non-Christians?], yet COMMITTED THINGS DESERVING OF STRIPES, shall be BEATEN WITH FEW. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:45 – 48, NKJV)

 

Note: Since the ‘fallen Christian’ because Christ Contrasts him to be different from the ‘unbelievers’ in this passage calling him ‘servant’ too) = ‘many stripes beating’ as opposed to ‘unbelievers who didn’t know (compared) could be beaten with few stripes’, so if this fallen Christian “may be saved by fire” (1 Corinthians 3:12, 13, 15) earlier, perhaps the “few stripes unbelievers” may be saved likewise too? If not ‘all unbelievers may be eligible for this few stripes possibility’ but for some of them maybe especially those of them who Practiced the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle especially toward Christians as Matthew 25:31 – 46 may point as discussed in earlier post in links below:

 

https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161228279712784

 

or

 

https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161281615297784

 

As I said, I’m not 100% sure as you can see it’s “possible” but let God Decide One Day and we Accept His Decision either way.

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

What’s the Difference between the Wisdom and Knowledge?

 

Source Post:

 

https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161292845752784

 

1) Fear of the LORD = Wisdom = Obeying His Commands (“Action/Practice part”)

 

“… The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,. …” (Proverbs 9:10, first part NKJV)

 

“… The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever. …” (Psalm 111:10, NKJV)

 

Example: Wisdom always is followed by Good Behaviour including Good Works:

 

“… 13Who is WISE and understanding among you? Let him show by GOOD CONDUCT that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.  …” (James 3:13, NKJV)

 

“… having your CONDUCT honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your GOOD WORKS which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. …” (1 Peter 2:12, NKJV)

 

 

2) Knowledge = Knowing more about God and His Will (“Theory part”)

 

“… And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. …” (Proverbs 9:10, 2nd part NKJV)

 

“… But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the LORD. …” (Jeremiah 9:24, NKJV)

 

Example:

 

“… 9And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. 10Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand. …” (Daniel 12:9 – 10, NKJV)

 

Conclusion

 

“… 1My child,a listen to what I say,

 

and treasure my commands.

 

2Tune your ears to wisdom,

 

and concentrate on understanding.

 

3Cry out for insight,

 

and ask for understanding.

 

4Search for them as you would for silver;

 

seek them like hidden treasures.

 

5Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD,

 

and you will gain knowledge of God.

 

6For the LORD grants wisdom!

 

From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. …” (Proverbs 2:1 – 6, NLT)

 

Example: God Says in Verses below that those who “know Him” will do the ‘Charity Doctrine Lifestyle’ as opposed to the ‘Prosperity Lifestyle’ of competing in expensive cedar wood furniture as quoted in principle in Verses below:

 

“… 15“Do you become a king because you are competing in cedar? Did your father not eat and drink And DO JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS? Then it was well for him. 16“HE PLED THE CAUSE OF THE AFFLICTED and THE POOR, then it was well. IS THAT NOT WHAT IT MEANS TO KNOW ME?” DECLARES THE LORD. 17“But your eyes and your heart Are intent only upon your own dishonest gain, And on shedding innocent blood, And on practicing oppression and extortion.” … And YOU WILL SEEK ME AND FIND ME when YOU SEARCH FOR ME WITH ALL YOUR HEART. …” (Jeremiah 22:15 – 17, 29:13, NASB)

 

Wisdom of God is the ‘Greatest Desire’ man can have, Verse:

 

“… Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. …” (Proverbs 3:15, NLT)

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

Bible Verse for each claim made:

 

1) You will be Hated for the ‘Gospel’s Sake’ (being hated for worldly reasons doesn’t count)

 

“… 18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also.  …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:18 – 23, NKJV)

 

Note: We don’t hate people back but try to warn them of sin and to repent.

 

2) You will have trouble

 

“… 33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 16:33, NIV)

 

3) There is no exception to any Christian as the world “all” in Verse below means that ‘All true Christians’ will suffer for the Gospel in some way (e.g. direct persecution for faith to indirect ones such as ‘lack of business/work’ or equivalent discriminations)

 

“… 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. …” (2 Timothy 3:12, KJV)

 

Note: A real Christian cannot discriminate anyone either in such ways as God Will Judge. For example in the teaching profession, I have heard of some Coaches who won’t teach or even accept students of different race in their class or won’t share in full all details as he would in a class of the same race/same religion etc. These are certainly “not” Christian ways as true Christians never struggle with ‘flesh and blood’ (other humans) like that (Ephesians 6:12).

 

Conclusion

 

Not all “Suffering” Counts as ‘suffering because of our own sins’ doesn’t count at all, Verse:

 

“… 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. …” (1 Peter 2:20, NKJV)

 

“Suffering” for “Righteous Reasons” only Counts for this Great Promise of Inheriting “Heaven”:

 

“… Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:10, NKJV)

 

Because this Pastor spoke against LGBT practice as “Sin” and is called a “Hate Speech”, he is now under trial. I support this pastor and openly declare not just “LGBT” is “sin” but it’s a straight ticket to “Hell” too, link:

https://thefederalist.com/2021/11/23/in-case-with-global-implications-finland-puts-christians-on-trial-for-their-faith/#.YZ0x3X0FEh8.facebook

 

Peace to you

 

 

What did Christ Mean when He Said that some would be alive to see Him Coming in His Kingdom?

 

Source Post:

https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161295586632784

 

Question

 

Also, he said that people standing there would be alive when he returned.

 

Reply

 

Yes, some will “See” His Return as the Visions of the Book of Revelation Proves and not that ‘His Second Coming is over’, Verses:

 

1) “See” His Return

 

“…Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:28, NKJV)

 

2) not that ‘His Second Coming is over’

 

“… 15For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are [d]asleep. 16For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18Therefore comfort one another with these words. …” (1 Thessalonians 4:15 – 18, NKJV)

 

3) The Second of Christ Described in the Book of Revelation Reveals it as a ‘future’ event since it’s a ‘Book of Prophecy’ meaning it must not have come to pass yet when this Book was Written (which is mostly around 90 AD or so) regardless it’s definitely not around 33 AD nor 70 AD as Preterism errs if it claims the Verses below Describing His Second Coming has occurred:

 

“… 10And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” 11Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He [e]had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14And the armies in heaven, clothed in [f]fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. …” (Revelation 19:10 – 14, NKJV)

 

“… The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, …” (Revelation 1:1, NKJV)

 

Please notice that when this Book was Written, the 7 Churches already existed proving this to be in the Timeline claimed as per Church History too.

 

4) Here’s an example First Christianity Quote Explaining the meaning of “See” in Matthew 16:28 too:

 

“… But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 9:29, NKJV)

 

Explanation:

 

“… 37. Nor are the Gospels silent concerning the glory of His present reigning body. It is written that the Lord said, Verily, I say unto you, there be some of them that stand here, which 214 shall not taste of death till they see the Son of Man coming in His Kingdom. And it came to pass, after six days Jesus taketh with Him Peter and James and John His brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart. And Jesus was transfigured before them, and His face did shine as the sun, and His garments became as snow.1288 Thus was shewn to the Apostles the glory of the body of Christ coming into His Kingdom: for in the fashion of His glorious Transfiguration, the Lord stood revealed in the splendour of His reigning body. …”  – Blessed St. Hilary of Poictiers, the “Athanasius of the West”, Doctor of the Church, The Champion of Trinity in the West (c. 310 AD – c. 368 AD, Book XI ‘On the Trinity’, Point 37)

 

Source:(via Historian Mr. Philip Schaff):

https://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf209.ii.v.ii.xi.html

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apostolic Fathers Writings – A look at Epistle to Diognetus or Mathethes Quote on Charity Doctrine for Eternal Life

 

Source Post:

https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161281615297784

 

1) History of this Mysterious Writing and its discovery

 

“… The Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetus[1] (Greek: Πρὸς Διόγνητον Ἐπιστολή) is an example of Christian apologetics, writings defending Christianity against the charges of its critics. The Greek writer and recipient are not otherwise known. Estimates of dating based on the language and other textual evidence have ranged from AD 130[2] (which would make it one of the earliest examples of apologetic literature), to the late 2nd century, with the latter often preferred in modern scholarship.[3] … The text itself does not identify the author. The word “mathetes” is the Greek word for “student” or “disciple,” and it appears only once in the text, when the author calls himself a “student of the Apostles” (ἀποστόλων γενομένος μαθητής). Hence it is not a proper name at all, and its use in the title is strictly conventional. The writer, whoever he or she was, sounds to many like a Johannine Christian, inasmuch as he uses the word “Logos” as a substitute for “Christ” or “Jesus.”[4] Nothing is known either about its recipient, Diognetus. It is likely that he was the tutor of the same name to the emperor Marcus Aurelius.[5][6] It is entirely possible, without verification of the author, that we have a fictitious character, since the name “Diognetus,” means “God-born” in Greek.[7] … The epistle survived only in one manuscript. It was initially discovered in a 13th-century codex that included writings ascribed to Justin Martyr.[8] The 13th-century manuscript was mostly intact, exhibiting damage only in one place, several lines in the middle of the text. It was first published in 1592, and attributed to Justin Martyr because of the context of its discovery. Unfortunately the original was subsequently destroyed in a fire during the Franco-Prussian War in 1870,[8] but numerous transcriptions of the letter survive today. Oddly, there is no evidence that any Apostolic Father or Church Father knew of its existence, even though it has been esteemed by many modern readers as a gem of early Christian apologetics. It has been suggested that the Epistle should be identified with the Apology of Quadratus of Athens, mentioned by Eusebius in his Church History,[9] but this is disputed among scholars ( …”

 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistle_to_Diognetus

 

2) The Charity Doctrine Quote for Eternal Life

 

“… CHAPTER 10

10:1 This faith if thou also desirest, apprehend

first full knowledge of the Father.

10:2 _For God loved_ men for whose sake He made the

world, to whom He subjected all things that are in the

earth, to whom He gave reason and mind, whom alone He

permitted to look up to heaven, whom He created after

His own image, to whom _He sent His only begotten

Son,_ to whom He promised the kingdom which is in

heaven, and will give it to those that have loved Him.

10:3 And when thou hast attained to this full

knowledge, with what joy thinkest thou that thou wilt

be filled, or how wilt thou love Him that so loved

thee before? 10:4 And loving Him thou wilt be an imitator of His

goodness. And marvel not that a man can be an imitator

of God. He can, if God willeth it. 10:5 For happiness consisteth not in lordship over one’s neighbours, nor in desiring to have more than weaker men, nor in possessing wealth and using force to inferiors; neither can any one imitate God in these

matters; nay, these lie outside His greatness.

10:6 But whosoever taketh upon himself the burden of

his neighbour, whosoever desireth to benefit one that

is worse off in that in which he himself is superior,

whosoever by supplying to those that are in want

possessions which he received from God becomes a God

to those who receive them from him, he is an imitator

of God. 10:7 Then, though thou art placed on earth, thou

shalt behold that God liveth in heaven; then shalt

thou begin to declare the mysteries of God; then shalt

thou both love and admire those that are punished

because they will not deny God; then shalt thou

condemn the deceit and error of the world; when thou

shalt perceive the true life which is in heaven, when

thou shalt despise the apparent death which is here on

earth, when thou shalt fear the real death, which is

reserved for those that shall be condemned to the

eternal fire that shall punish those delivered over to

it unto the end. …”

 

Source:

 

http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/diognetus-lightfoot.html

 

3) The Charity Doctrine Lifestyle Quote part from the above:

 

“… 10:1 This faith if thou also desirest, apprehend

first full knowledge of the Father. …10:5 For happiness consisteth not in lordship over one’s neighbours, nor in desiring to have more than weaker men, nor in possessing wealth and using force to inferiors; neither can any one imitate God in these matters; nay, these lie outside His greatness. 10:6 But whosoever taketh upon himself the burden of his neighbour, whosoever desireth to benefit one that is worse off in that in which he himself is superior, whosoever by supplying to those that are in want possessions which he received from God becomes a God to those who receive them from him, he is an imitator of God. …”

 

In another translation:

 

“…. And if you love Him, you will be an imitator of His kindness. And do not wonder that a man may become an imitator of God. He can, if he is willing. For it is not by ruling over his neighbours, or by seeking to hold the supremacy over those that are weaker, or by being rich, and showing violence towards those that are inferior, that happiness is found; nor can any one by these things become an imitator of God. But these things do not at all constitute His majesty. On the contrary he who takes upon himself the burden of his neighbour; he who, in whatsoever respect he may be superior, is ready to benefit another who is deficient; he who, whatsoever things he has received from God, by distributing these to the needy, becomes a god to those who receive [his benefits]: he is an imitator of God.  …”

 

Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/diognetus-roberts.html

 

3) Eternal Hell/Annihilation or Universalism part?

 

“… when thou shalt fear the real death, which is

reserved for those that shall be condemned to the

eternal fire that shall punish those delivered over to

it unto the end. …”

 

 

The phrase “… Eternal Fire … unto the End …” is seen as follows:

 

1. i) Eternal Hell believers see it as a figure of speech to indicate no end for the wicked.

 

1. ii) Annihilation believers see it as end of existence for the wicked.

 

iii) Universalism Hopeful believers see it as “Eternal fire” to have “an end” perhaps proving its meaning that punishment lasts to that “end of that Aeon” as per the literal meaning.

 

In another translation:

 

“…. when thou shalt fear what is truly death, which is reserved for those who shall be condemned to the eternal fire, which shall afflict those even to the end that are committed to it.  …”

 

Source:

 

http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/diognetus-roberts.html

 

No one knows for sure but the Charity Doctrine Part is clearly Written, can you see it?

 

Note: The image is just for illustration from a well known Scholar/Book.

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

Mystery of Meat Doctrine beyond Milk Doctrine as the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle with Celibacy Gift through the Eyes of the St. Dionysius of Corinth

 

Bible Verses:

 

“… I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; …” (1 Corinthians 3:2, NKJV)

 

“… For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. …” (Hebrews 5:12, NKJV)

 

1) The Term ‘Apostolic Father’

 

Firstly, scholars have assigned the term “Apostolic Father” generally to those early Christians who have been ‘Direct Disciples of one of the Apostles of Christ or their direct disciples at times’. Using the term ‘fathers of the Church’ may be allowed according to the ‘plural-fathers’ found in Verse below where Christ prohibited the ‘title type of using of it’:

 

“… For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. …” (1 Corinthians 4:15, NKJV)

 

2) Who was St. Dionysius of Corinth?

 

Saint Dionysius was the bishop of Corinth in about the year 171 AD and was very close to the Doctrine Taught by Apostles St. Peter and St. Paul:

 

“…You also by this instruction have mingled together the Romans and Corinthians who are the planting of Peter and Paul. For they both came to our Corinth and planted us, and taught alike; and alike going to Italy and teaching there, were martyred at the same time.  …”

 

Source: https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05010a.htm

 

3) St. Dionysius of Corinth mentions that this “Almsgiving/Charity Doctrine Lifestyle” Custom/Rule was in the “Church” from the “Beginning”:

 

“… ST. DIONYSIUS, bishop of Corinth, flourished under the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, and was one of the most holy and eloquent pastors of the church in the second age. Not content assiduously to instruct his own flock with the word of life, he comforted and exhorted others at a distance. Eusebius mentions several of his instructive letters to other churches, and one of thanks to the church of Rome, under the pontificate of St. Soter, for the alms received from them according to custom. “From the beginning,” says he, “it is your custom to bestow your alms in all places, and to furnish subsistence to many churches.—You send relief to the needy, especially to those who work in the mines; in which you follow the example of your fathers. Your blessed bishop Soter is so far from degenerating from your ancestors in that respect, that he goes beyond them; not to mention the comfort and advice he, with the bowels of a tender father towards his children, affords all that come to him. On this day we celebrated together the Lord’s day, and read your letter, as we do that which was heretofore written to us by Clement.”  …”

 

Source: https://www.bartleby.com/210/4/081.html

 

4) St. Dionysius of Corinth and the “Celibacy Doctrine” as “Meat Doctrine”

 

St. Dionysius of Corinth reveals in a letter that the “Celibacy Contest of Faith” is part of the “Meat” Doctrine (which the Bible Verses Quoted, in 1 Corinthians 3:2 & Hebrews 5:12 Mention that it is ‘not’ Written in New Testament Scripture as these ‘babes’ were not able to receive it but yet this ‘Unwritten Doctrine’ Exists) which partly may be explained in quote below:

 

“… (6) In a letter to Pinytus, bishop of Knossus, he [Blessed St. Dionysius of Corinth]* recommended that he should NOT LAY THE YOKE OF CELIBACY TOO HEAVILY on his brethren, but consider the weakness most of them have. Pinytus replied, after polite words, that he hoped DIONYSIUS would send STRONG MEAT next time so his people might NOT GROW UP on the MILK of BABES.[2] …”

 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dionysius_of_Corinth

 

*Emphasis Mine

 

5) St. Dionysius of Corinth and the “Almsgiving Doctrine” as the “Custom” of the “Church” from the “Beginning”

 

“… For this has been your CUSTOM FROM THE BEGINNING, to DO GOOD to all the brethren in many ways, and TO SEND ALMS to MANY CHURCHES in different cities, now RELIEVING THE POVERTY OF those who asked aid, now ASSISTING the brethren in the mines BY THE ALMS YOU SEND, ROMANS KEEPING UP THE TRADITIONAL CUSTOM of ROMANS which your **BLESSED BISHOP, SOTER, has NOT ONLY MAINTAINED, but has EVEN INCREASED, by affording to the brethren the abundance which he has supplied, and by comforting with blessed words the brethren who came to him, as a father his children.  …” – Blessed St. Dionysius of Corinth (2nd century AD, Letter to the Romans, Fragment)

 

Source: https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05010a.htm

 

**BLESSED BISHOP, SOTER –> Comment: Please notice carefully how St. Dionysius of Corinth also uses the title “Blessed” on “Bishop Soter” as this is common practice is discussed further in link “vi)” at the end of this Write Up.

 

Conclusion – Did Lord Jesus Christ Teach it?

 

Yes, according to the record of ‘Church Fathers’, for example:

 

1) St. Clement of Alexandria was Head at the Oldest Bible School in the World called the ‘School of Alexandria’ and he wrote this claiming “the LORD (JESUS CHRIST)” Taught this:

 

“… And AGAIN THE LORD SAYS: Let the one who has married not be cast out, and let the one who has not married not marry. He who has confessed that he will not marry according to his decision of eunuchhood, let him remain unmarried….” – Blessed St. Clement of Alexandria, Head of the Cathecathical School At Alexandria (c. 150 AD – c. 215 AD, Miscellanies 3.15)

 

Source for ( “Agrapha ” ) Quote above:

https://web.archive.org/…/www…/agrapha.html

 

 

2) The Direct Disciple of Apostle St. John (who wrote the Book of Revelation & the Gospel of John) wrote this pointing to such a Context (and also the odds of such direct disciples making up imaginary doctrines is very low):

 

 

“… If any one can continue in a STATE of PURITY, to the honour of Him who is Lord of the flesh, let him so REMAIN WITHOUT BOASTING. If he begins to BOAST, he is UNDONE; and if he reckon himself GREATER than the BISHOP, he is RUINED. But it becomes both men and women who marry, to form their union with the approval of the bishop, that their marriage may be according to God, and not after their own lust. Let all things be done to the honour of God….” – Blessed St. Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, an Apostolic Father of the Church being a Direct Disciple of the Blessed St. John the Apostle (c. 35 AD – c. 108 AD)

 

Source (Chapter 5): https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0110.htm

 

Warning: If anyone boasts just because he/she is a virgin in a “state of purity” for Christ, such a person can lose this reward entirely being “undone”. Also, if he/she is thinks that they are greater than a Bishop because of this, likewise such a one may be “ruined”. So, please be “Wise” as the Great First Christianity Saint above.

 

3) Source for Quotes above and related discussion may be found in links below:

 

1. i) Continence Race of Faith Bible Verses and First Christianity Quotes

 

https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161223428882784

 

1. ii) Clarification regarding the Renunciation of Marriage Post

 

https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161225253892784

 

iii) Prayer and Marriage Renunciation Lifestyle Link

 

https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161221592112784

 

1. iv) Sister Wife Mystery – Renunciation of Marriage for the Gospel

 

https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161074168602784

 

1. v) Celibacy Doctrine Mystery by St. Athanasius the Great

 

https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161276169527784

 

1. vi) Regarding using the “Blessed” as a Title to Honour such ‘Men of God’ please consider the posts below:

 

https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10160408308112784

 

or

 

https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10160408205272784

 

or

 

https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10160354237562784

 

or

 

https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159597438837784

 

Questions to Ponder:

 

1. For centuries, this Doctrine was Taught in the Churches by all the Authoritative Christian Leaders of the Church even those who didn’t have any Prayers to Virgin Mary in their writings such as “St. Dionysius of Corinth” , “St. Clement of Alexandria” and “St. Ignatius of Antioch”, “St. Augustine of Hippo”, “St. Ephiphanius of Salamis and many others” as quoted in links above with Bible Verses hinting at it too, so are they all wrong?

 

1. Also, if the Catholics/Orthodox changed these writings, how can you be sure the New Testament Scripture isn’t changed too?

 

iii. In fact, other aspects such as Millenearism/Chiliasm Doctrine itself is unchanged by them but preserved in say the Writings of St. Justin Martyr and St. Irenaeous though they don’t believe it.

 

May God Lead us to be Wise accordingly.

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

Wise Christians will be Recognized by the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle of Benefitting others according to Christ Himself

 

Source Post:

https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161297903042784

 

Bible Verses:

 

“… 8And the LORD COMMENDED the UNJUST STEWARD, because he had done WISELY: for the CHILDREN OF THIS WORLD are in their generation WISER than the CHILDREN OF LIGHT. 9And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the MAMMON OF UNRIGHTEOUSNESS; that, when ye FAIL, they may RECEIVE YOU INTO EVERLASTING HABITATIONS. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 16:8 – 9, KJV)

 

or in another translation:

 

“… 8“The rich man had to admire the DISHONEST RASCAL for being so SHREWD. And it is true that the CHILDREN OF THIS WORLD are MORE SHREWD in dealing with the world around them than are the CHILDREN OF THE LIGHT. 9Here’s the lesson: USE YOUR WORLDLY RESOURCES to BENEFIT OTHERS and make friends. Then, when YOUR POSSESSIONS ARE GONE, they will WELCOME YOU TO AN ETERNAL HOME. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 16:8 – 9, NLT)

 

Note: The Word translated “EVERLASTING/ETERNAL” (Aeonian) in this Verse above (Luke 16:8) is the same word used commonly to prove “ETERNAL life Vs ETERNAL Hell” (e.g. Matthew 25:46). So whether it is “Eternal or to the Age/Aeon” it signifies the ‘Heavenly Home’ or “Everlasting Habitations” which is affected by the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle of how Christians ought to use ‘our worldly possessions to benefit others’ as Christ Himself Clearly Teaches in Verses above.

 

Mystery part: since Christ Commended the “unjust steward” calling him as “Prudent/Wise” and in the next line as He Says that the “Children of the World” are “more prudent” in this aspect of the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle, perhaps such ones could be the “possible” good non-Christians who did the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle as echoed in Matthew 25:31 – 46 which is discussed in links below:

 

1. i) Second Resurrection as the non-Elect Salvation Possibility

https://www.facebook.com/651792783/posts/10161228279712784/

 

1. ii) Saved by Fire – Discussing a Possibility not Doctrine as I’m not sure

 

https://www.facebook.com/651792783/posts/10161290545707784/

 

iii) Unsolved Mystery  – Is there Possible Gospel Hope for some Unbelieving Non Christians if Hell is Eternal?

 

Free e-Book PDF Link:

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_avSqmISwjySSj5rF5v5AoXXNnfIVB6H/view?usp=sharing

 

Note: As I have said earlier, this part is “not” Doctrine but a “possibility” only. Also if the “Unjust Steward” was “unsaved” and went to HELL Eternally, then why is Christ commending him as “Wise” and Asks His Children/the “Children of Light” to emulate this ‘wiser son of the World’ in this aspect?

 

Please also notice that the “Context” of this Parable is still “benefitting others with what God has Given us or “His Goods” to begin with” as this “unjust steward” first did as it is described earlier in Luke 16:1 – 7, quoted below:

 

“… 1And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had WASTED HIS GOODS. 2And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward. 3Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed. 4I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses. 5So he called every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord? 6And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty. 7Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore. …” – The KING Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 16:1 – 7, KJV)

 

Please also notice that  this steward is most likely “NOT” a Christian because Christ is most likely calling him as an example of the ‘son of this world’ as opposed to the “Sons of Light” and calls him “unjust” despite doing this Charity Doctrine Lifestyle part rightly meaning it’s still not a sincere act fully but tainted with “self interest to save himself”:

 

“… 8And the LORD COMMENDED the UNJUST STEWARD, because he had done WISELY: for the CHILDREN OF THIS WORLD are in their generation WISER than the CHILDREN OF LIGHT. …” (Luke 16:8, KJV)

 

But regardless, this “unjust steward” is still called by Christ as “WISE” in Verse above and if he went to an “EVERLASTING/ETERNAL HELL HOME” in the Spirit World (Luke 16:9), then why is Christ “Commending” him (Luke 16:8) and asking Christians to follow his example in this Charity Doctrine Lifestyle of benefitting others with “this World’s goods freely” in some way (be it spiritual or physical goods sharing & giving which God Gave to us First, meaning of “His Goods” instead of wasting it in self only, Luke 16:1 – 7)?

 

In a similar context of “seeking His Kingdom”, Christ told to do this ‘Give to Charity’ in Verse below which may be heeded by the “Wise” Christians to “keep one’s lamp lit” if we read it in the Original Way these Verses are Written below:

 

“… 31“But SEEK HIS KINGDOM, and THESE THINGS will be ADDED TO YOU. 32“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. 33“SELL YOUR POSSESSIONS and GIVE TO CHARITY; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. 34“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 35“Be dressed in readiness, and KEEP YOUR LAMPS LIT. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:31 – 35, NASB)

 

“…  (39Then the Lord said to him), “Now you Pharisees make the OUTSIDE OF THE CUP AND DISH CLEAN, but your INWARD part is full of GREED and WICKEDNESS. 40Foolish ones! Did not He who made the outside make the INSIDE also? 41But rather GIVE ALMS [CHARITY] of SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE; then indeed ALL THINGS are CLEAN to you. . …” – The KING, The Holiest One, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:39 – 41, NKJV)

 

Alms = Charity = Giving and Sharing for free Lifestyle.

 

Last but not least, please notice the Word “WISE” which Christ Uses to Describe those who do this Charity Doctrine Lifestyle with the Goods God Gives them and it may account to what the “Foolish Virgins failed to do to attain to the everlasting habitations as opposed to the Wise Virgins” (if we link it to Matthew 25:1 – 13) and also lacking this “Wisdom” may cause us to lose the “Resurrection Body Level” as described in an earlier post in link below since the “Context” is being “Wise” which is Pointed out by Christ as Living out this Charity Doctrine Lifestyle which affects the “ETERNAL HOME” in the next world:

 

Title: Daniel 12:3 Mystery – Firmaments Glory Vs the Glory of the Stars (Quoted in next post below)

https://www.facebook.com/651792783/posts/10161253065962784/

 

and even more detail with First Christianity Quotes to even Blessed Martin Luther (the First Protestant’s Quote) and also Blessed John Wesley (Founder of Methodism’s Quotes too) in a free pdf in link below:

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pBpXxjEa9KhycjzourSd_eEvm7ntrVUM/view?usp=sharing

 

Source Website Post (with other details):

 

https://www.anonymouschristian.org/blog/doctrine-of-fruits-our-works-or-doings/amp

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

Daniel 12:3 Mystery – Firmaments Glory Vs the Glory of the Stars

 

Source Post:

https://www.facebook.com/651792783/posts/10161253065962784/

 

Many Christians are “not” aware that there are two different Versions of Daniel 12:3 and no one can say for certain which is the “Original”, to quote:

 

1) Daniel 12:3 based on the “Masoretic” Text

 

“… Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever. …” (Daniel 12:3, NKJV)

 

Source: https://biblehub.com/daniel/12-3.htm

 

2) Daniel 12:3 based on the “Septuagint”

 

“… 3And the wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and some of the many righteous as the stars for ever and ever. …” (Daniel 12:3, Brenton Septuagint Translation, LXX)

 

Source: https://biblehub.com/sep/daniel/12.htm

 

Now, do these differences make any significant impact on our Theological understanding? Please consider the following points:

 

1. Both the Daniel 12:3’s agree regarding the “Wise” shining like the “Brightness of the Firmament (“Heavens”)”. So this part is 100% Original Scripture.

 

2. The second part of Daniel 12:3 speaks of shining like the “Stars”. Any regular Bible Scholar would easily point to you that shining like the “Stars” here is “lesser in Glory” than the “Shining like the Heavens (Firmament) part” as described regarding the first group of Righteous that are called “Wise”.

 

3. It seems more times the “Septuagint” was quoted word to word in the New Testament as more accurate than the “Masoretic” which is discussed in detail in link below with proofs:

 

https://www.facebook.com/651792783/posts/10159572480257784/

 

4. So regardless whether the second part of Daniel 12:3 refers to “those who convert many” (Masoretic) or whether it refers to “some of the righteous” (Septuagint) who shine like “stars”, it’s a “lesser” Glory than being “Wise” which is compared (in both the “Masoretic” and “Septuagint”) as shining like the “Firmament (Heavens)”.

 

This is “not” my biased opinion as even this First Christianity Quote Explains this position clearly commenting on Daniel 12:3 likewise:

 

“… Verses 1-3. “But at that time shall Michael rise up, the great prince, who stands for the children of thy people, and a time shall come such as never occurred from the time that nations began to exist even unto that time. And at that time shall thy people be saved, even everyone who shall be found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some unto life everlasting, and others unto reproach, that they may behold it always. But THOSE WHO ARE INSTRUCTED SHALL SHINE AS THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE FIRMAMENT; and they that INSTRUCT MANY AS TO RIGHTEOUSNESS, AS THE STARS FOR ALL ETERNITY.” Up until this point Porphyry somehow managed to maintain his position and impose upon the credulity of the naive [reading imperitis for imperitus] among our adherents as well as the poorly educated among his own. But what can he say of this chapter, in which is described the resurrection of the dead, with one group being revived for eternal life and the other group for eternal disgrace? He CANNOT EVEN SPECIFY WHO THE PEOPLE were under Antiochus WHO SHONE LIKE THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE FIRMAMENT, AND THOSE OTHERS WHO SHONE LIKE THE STARS FOR ALL ETERNITY. … BUT THE TEACHERS SHALL RESEMBLE THE VERY HEAVENS, and THOSE WHO HAVE INSTRUCTED OTHERS SHALL BE COMPARED TO THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE STARS. For it is not enough to know wisdom unless one also instructs others; and the tongue of instruction which remains silent and edifies no one else can receive no reward for labor accomplished. This passage is expressed by Theodo-tion and the Vulgate edition [of the Septuagint] in the following |147 fashion: “And those who understand shall shine forth like the radiance of the firmament, and many of the righteous like the stars forever and ever.” MANY PEOPLE OFTEN ASK whether a LEARNED SAINT AND AN ORDINARY SAINT shall both enjoy the SAME REWARD AND ONE AND THE SAME DWELLING-PLACE IN HEAVEN. Well then, the statement is made here, according to Theodotion’s rendering, that THE LEARNED WILL RESEMBLE THE VERY HEAVENS, whereas THE RIGHTEOUS WHO ARE WITHOUT LEARNING are ONLY COMPARED TO THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE STARS. And so the difference between LEARNED GODLINESS and MERE GODLY RUSTICITY SHALL BE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HEAVEN AND THE STARS. …” – Blessed St. Jerome of the Vulgate, Second Latin Doctor of the Church who did the First Official Translation of the Bible out of Its Original Languages into Latin, Priest, Confessor, Secretary to Pope Damasus I (c. 347 AD – c. 420 AD, Commentary of Daniel 12:3)

 

Source: https://www.tertullian.org/fathers/jerome_daniel_02_text.htm

 

Hence it’s more important to be “Wise” than to “Convert Many” or worse still lead many to basic righteousness say without God’s “Greatest Commands of Loving the Almighty and Loving others as oneself” (Mark 12:29 – 31) or to disobey New Testament Commands (e.g. 1 Corinthians 14:37, 2 Peter 3:2) and to Practice these “Perfection of Christ’s Commands” which are clearly toward the “Charity Doctrine Lifestyle” (e. g. Matthew 19:21 – 24) as even the “Parable of the Good Samaritan” (Luke 10:25 – 37) by Christ Reveals how to Love God and our neighbors as ourselves with the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle as the Second is the Proof of the First as 1 John 4:20 and 1 John 3:16 – 18 teach and is confirmed by Christ that any ‘Doctrine of Sanctification’ Taught without “Almsgiving/Charity Doctrine” is FOOLISH in His Words below and hence these cannot fully refer to the “Wise” in Daniel 12:3, right? Verse:

 

“… [ 39Then the Lord said to him, ] “Now you Pharisees make the OUTSIDE OF THE CUP and DISH CLEAN, but YOUR INWARD PART is full of [k]GREED and WICKEDNESS. 40FOOLISH ones! Did not He who made the outside make the inside also? 41But rather GIVE ALMS of [l]SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE; then indeed ALL THINGS ARE CLEAN TO YOU. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:39 – 41, NKJV)

 

Note: Please notice that “Alms = CHARITY DOCTRINE” and Blessed Apostle St. Paul did it for “Purification” (Doctrine of Sanctification) in Verses below:

 

“… 14But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I WORSHIP THE GOD OF MY FATHERS, BELIEVING ALL THINGS which are WRITTEN IN THE LAW AND IN THE PROPHETS. 15I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection [e]of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. 16This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men. 17“NOW AFTER MANY YEARS I CAME to BRING ALMS AND OFFERINGS TO MY NATION, 18in the midst of which some Jews from Asia FOUND ME PURIFIED IN THE TEMPLE, neither with a mob nor with tumult. 19They ought to have been here before you to object if they had anything against me. 20Or else let those who are here themselves say [f]if they found any wrongdoing in me while I stood before the council, 21unless it is for this one statement which I cried out, standing among them, ‘Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you this day.’ ” …” – Blessed St. Paul the Great Apostle of Christ (Acts of the Apostles, 24:14 – 21, NKJV)

 

Even in the ‘Context of the Book of Prophet Daniel’, the “Wisdom” that “Prophet Daniel possessed” which was unique to him as compared to other prophets who didn’t write about this aspect so clearly includes this “Charity Doctrine” as the “Doctrine of Sanctification” as part of Repentance as follows, Verse:

 

“… Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and BREAK OFF THY SINS BY RIGHTEOUSNESS, and THINE INIQUITIES BY SHEWING MERCY TO THE POOR; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity. …” – Blessed Prophet Daniel (Daniel 4:27, KJV based on the Masoretic Text)

 

Source: https://biblehub.com/daniel/4-27.htm

 

Compare:

 

” … 27Therefore, O king, let my counsel please thee, and ATONE FOR THY SINS BY ALMS, and THINE INIQUITIES BY COMPASSION ON THE POOR: it may be God will be long-suffering to thy trespasses.” … – Blessed Prophet Daniel (Daniel 4:27, Brenton Septuagint Translation, based on the Septuagint or LXX)

 

Source: https://biblehub.com/sep/daniel/4.htm

 

More Charity Doctrine and His Commands Details in link below:

 

https://www.facebook.com/651792783/posts/10161249559847784/

 

Note: No one went to Hell for the reason of obeying & preaching the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle Taught by Christ Himself Directly (in Luke 11:39 – 41 quoted earlier) as it was even practiced by the ‘original grace alone preacher, Apostle St. Paul himself’ in Acts 24:14 – 21 earlier. So may God’s Grace lead us to Preach His Greatest Truths “Wisely” so that we may be called to “Shine” brightly as the “Firmament/Heavens” if God Wills or at least point to those better than us who may rise to it by His Mercy.

 

“… 40There are also [g]celestial bodies and [h]terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41There is ONE GLORY OF THE SUN, another glory of the moon, and ANOTHER GLORY OF THE STARS; for ONE STAR DIFFERS FROM ANOTHER STAR IN GLORY. 42So ALSO IS THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD …” (1 Corinthians 15:40 – 42, NKJV)

 

 

Peace to you

 

Example of a Biblical Refutation of a Prosperity Gospel Thought

 

‘Abundant Life’ fallacy of the ‘Prosperity Gospel’

 

More Examples:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another Prosperity Gospel Example Error

 

 

I think Quoting this Verse incompletely must the most famous and most common “Prosperity Gospel Fallacy” of all time (Example shown in image). Half Verse, half truth to no avail (incomplete).

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abundant Life, Wedding Garment and Spiritually Rich Mystery

 

i) The “Abundant Life” Christ Came to Give is Spiritual (John 10:10) and does “not” include the Abundance in Materialism (Luke 12:15) and the latter who do “not” share via the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle are “Spiritually Poor” (Luke 12:21):

 

“… The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have LIFE, and that they may have it more ABUNDANTLY. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 10:10, NKJV)

 

“… Take heed and beware of covetousness, for ONE’S LIFE DOES NOT consist in the ABUNDANCE of the THINGS he POSSESSES.” … So is he who LAYS UP TREASURE FOR HIMSELF, and is NOT RICH TOWARD GOD  …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:15, 21, NKJV)

 

Comment: Luke 12:15 clearly Defines that the Abundant life Christ Spoke of does “not” include the physical part even if one is blessed with an abundance of it. Christ’s Words in John 10:10’s abundant life, Christ’s explanation in Luke 12:15 of abundant life as “Spiritual Life” with “no” physical blessing implied, and Luke 12:21 continues that without sharing such hoarders are Spiritually Poor too, His Words only quoted here.

 

 

ii) Spiritually Poor Church = Prosperity Church with health and wealth but “no” Works of Sharing & Giving:

 

“… 15“I KNOW YOUR WORKS, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16So then, because YOU ARE LUKEWARM, and neither [k]cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17Because you say, ‘I AM RICH, HAVE BECOME WEALTHY, and HAVE NEED OF NOTHING’—and do not know that YOU ARE WRETCHED, MISERABLE, POOR, BLIND, AND NAKED— 18I counsel you to BUY FROM ME GOLD REFINED IN THE FIRE, that YOU MAY BE RICH; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 3:15 – 18, NKJV)

 

iii) Literally Poor Christians but Spiritually Rich

 

“… Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: “BLESSED are YOU POOR, For YOURS is the KINGDOM of GOD. …” (Luke 6:20, NKJV)

 

“… Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not CHOSEN the POOR of THIS WORLD to be RICH IN FAITH and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? …” (James 2:5, NKJV)

 

“… 9“I know your works, TRIBULATION, and POVERTY  (but YOU ARE RICH); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a [e]synagogue of Satan.  …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 2:9, NKJV)

 

 

 

iv) Poor in Spirit Christians as those rich Christians who share their earthly goods only

 

“… 3“Blessed are the POOR in SPIRIT, For theirs is the KINGDOM of HEAVEN. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:3, NKJV)

 

“… 17COMMAND THOSE WHO ARE RICH in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18Let THEM DO GOOD, that they be RICH IN GOOD WORKS, READY TO GIVE, WILLING TO SHARE, 19storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that THEY MAY LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE. …” (1 Timothy 6:17 – 19, NKJV)

 

Please note the last phrase “… that THEY MAY LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE. …” which makes this “Command” (not option) for “ETERNAL LIFE” for the ‘Rich Christians’ to Practice the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle according to Relative Measure. Please don’t be deceived.

 

 

 

v) Poor in Spirit = those who share earthly goods with the poor and the literally poor (but rich in faith) Christians in a First Christianity Quote:

 

“… 401 8r,3 But he does not know that the Old Testament also says, “The poor and the rich have met together: but the Lord is the maker of them both.” 402 And the New Testament agrees, and pronounces a BLESSING on the POOR who are LITERALLY POOR, and in ANOTHER PASSAGE a BLESSING on the POOR in SPIRIT, so that BOTH PRONOUNCEMENTS have FORCE. Thus Peter can point with pride to his LITERAL POVERTY and say, “Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, I give thee; in the name of Jesus Christ, rise up and walk,” 403 (4) so that the BLESSING of the ACTUALLY POOR means NOTHING CONTRADICTORY to the BLESSING of the POOR IN SPIRIT. The “POOR in SPIRIT” are persons in RIGHTEOUS POSSESSION of PROPERTY, while the “poor” are the humble, of whom Christ said, “I was an hungered, and YE GAVE ME MEAT, thirsty, and YE GAVE me DRINK,” and so on 81,5 Next he explains, ‘These (i.e., the POOR in SPIRIT) ACTED of THEIR ABUNDANCE”; … And do you see how, in the Old and the New Testaments, the poor are called blessed for piety, and the rich are called blessed for righteousness? …” – Blessed St. Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamis and the ‘Hammer of Heretics’, (c. 310 AD – c. 403 AD, ‘MANICHAEANS’ , “Panarion or Medicine-Chest”, Point 62.10, Pages 308 – 309)

 

Source: https://archive.org/stream/EpiphaniusPanarionBksIIIII1/Epiphanius%20-%20_Panarion_%20-%20Bks%20II%20%26%20III%20-%201_djvu.txt

 

 

 

vi) White Garment = Wedding Garment = Holiness + Good Works in Action (e.g. Charity Doctrine Lifestyle) = Mystery of “For MANY are CALLED, but FEW are CHOSEN.”

 

“… 11“But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who DID NOT HAVE on a WEDDING GARMENT. 12So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, [b]take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14“For MANY are CALLED, but FEW are CHOSEN.” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 22:11 – 14, NKJV)

 

“… He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. …” (Revelation 3:5, NKJV)

 

“White Garment” = “Good Works in Action” (“Overcomers”, not holiness only), Verse:

 

“… 7Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” 8And to her it was granted to be ARRAYED IN FINE LINEN, CLEAN AND BRIGHT, for the FINE LINEN is the RIGHTEOUS ACTS OF THE SAINTS. 9Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” . …” (Revelation 19:7 – 9, NKJV)

 

 

Conclusion

 

The Devil Steals Treasure in heaven and kills one’s spiritual life by giving “abundance in materialism” which is NOT SHARED, Verses: Matthew 4:8 – 9, Psalms 73:3 – 5, 7, 12 compared against the “treasure in heavens via the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle” (Luke 12:30 – 34) and “Inward/Heart Cleansing from GREED and WICKEDNESS via Almsgiving” (Luke 11:39 – 41) which both CHRIST TAUGHT DIRECTLY, Verses:

 

“… 31“But SEEK HIS KINGDOM, and THESE THINGS will be ADDED TO YOU. 32“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. 33“SELL YOUR POSSESSIONS and GIVE TO CHARITY; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an UNFAILING TREASURE IN HEAVEN, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. 34“For where your treasure is, there YOUR HEART WILL BE ALSO. 35“Be dressed in readiness, and KEEP YOUR LAMPS LIT. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:31 – 35, NASB)

 

“… 39Then the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees make the OUTSIDE OF THE CUP and DISH CLEAN, but YOUR INWARD PART is full of [k]GREED and WICKEDNESS. 40FOOLISH ones! Did not He who made the outside make the inside also? 41But rather GIVE ALMS of [l]SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE; then indeed ALL THINGS ARE CLEAN TO YOU. 42“But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by JUSTICE and the LOVE of GOD These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. 43Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the [m]best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. 44Woe to you, [n]scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like graves which are not seen, and the men who walk over them are not aware of them.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:39 – 45, NKJV)

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prayer for the Dead not prayer to the dead, is it possible?

 

Source Post:

https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161304963937784

 

No matter what the modern scholars debate is, it’s most likely true by Church History quotes, tradition and the GREEK LANGUAGE SYNTAX here of addressing only “Onesiphorus” differently, that Onesiphorus was “dead” when Apostle St. Paul Prayed for “God’s Mercy on him”, example quote:

 

“… But now, at the time of correspondence, only “Luke alone is with (Paul)” (4:11). Because Paul speaks of Onesiphorus only in the past tense, wishes blessings upon his house (family), and mercy for him “in that day”, some scholars believe that Onesiphorus had at this point died.[5] Towards the end of the same letter, in 2 Timothy 4:19, Paul sends greetings to “Priscilla and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus”, again apparently distinguishing the situation of Onesiphorus from that of the still-living Priscilla and Aquila. Paul’s reference to Onesiphorus, along with 2 Maccabees 12:40–46, is cited by Catholics as one of the early examples of prayer for the dead,[6] while some Protestants opposing this practice reject such an interpretation. …”

 

Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onesiphorus

 

However, this is a “Prayer for the Dead” and not ‘Prayer to the dead”. Just Pray, let God Decide. Regarding Maccabees quote on the Prayer for the Dead practice likewise, if he was a false prophet, then why did LORD JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF celebrate HANUKKAH (“Feast of Dedication”) which is the event instituted by this ‘same Judas Maccabees who instituted this Prayer for the Dead’ as it’s discussed further in links below:

 

Title: Christ Celebrated Hanukkah the Feast which was due to Maccabees (post below)

 

https://www.facebook.com/651792783/posts/10161114614347784/

 

Christ Celebrated Hanukkah the Feast which was due to Maccabees

 

Please remember that this “same Maccabees” is the one who taught “Purgatory” concept in that “one could do Almsgiving and Prayers on behalf of the dead so that some of them may be loosed from their sins” in Verses below from the same historical book which records this ‘Hanukkah festival and deliverance event which Christ Celebrated according to John 10:22’ (Verse in image too):

 

“… 43 And making a gathering, he sent twelve thousand drachms of silver to Jerusalem for sacrifice to be offered for the sins of the dead, thinking well and religiously concerning the resurrection, 44 (For if he had not hoped that they that were slain should rise again, it would have seemed superfluous and vain to pray for the dead,)

45 And because he considered that they who had fallen asleep with godliness, had great grace laid up for them. 46 It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins. …” (2 Maccabees 12:43 – 46, DRA)

 

Source:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Maccabees%2012%3A43-46&version=DRA

 

Here’s a simple question:

 

If Maccabees was a false prophet or did the above wrongly, why is Christ even taking time to celebrate a fake Jewish Feast called the “Feast of Dedication” or “Hanukkah” which is NOT found in Old Testament Scripture of the Torah NOR the prophets because it recently occurred just before the time of Christ?

 

If Maccabees could do such a mistake of “Prayer for the Dead” and NOT “Prayer to the dead” (which is non-existent in Scripture) and be saved and even used miraculously by God as even the lights of the Menorah miraculously stayed lit ( As the story goes, a small quantity of oil to light the Temple’s menorah miraculously lasted eight days ) when Maccabees was used by God to deliver from the enemies, to the point that Christ Himself recognised this “uncanonical Jewish Feast” in John 10:22 – 23, then if others do the same, why would they be condemned?

 

For me, I see the Prayer and Almsgiving part as pleasing God first by caring toward others. And regarding the Prayer requests for the dead to be relieved on the other side, I strongly believe that we should let God Alone Decide and accept His Decision either way. No harm in asking God or trying as even Maccabees did likewise.

 

Also, Christ Himself Declares in Verse below that the “Law (Torah) and Prophets” were until “John” (referring to “John the Baptist”) and not until “Prophet Malachi only” which could include even “Maccabees” since Christ Celebrated this Feast of Dedication by making Himself present at Jerusalem’s Temple during this time as John 10:22 – 23 records:

 

“… The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it. …” (Luke 16:16, NKJV)

 

“… 22Now it was the FEAST OF DEDICATION in JERUSALEM, and it was winter. 23And JESUS WALKED IN THE TEMPLE, in Solomon’s porch. …” (John 10:22 – 23, NKJV)

 

I am “not” 100% sure if Purgatory is true but even the “Shepherd of Hermas” Scripture Visions in First Christianity do Testify of it likewise and so I keep an open mind about it “not” taking any risks to Blaspheme God either way letting Him Alone decide regarding these Hidden Things.

 

 

 

 

 

Another related post is in link below:

 

Title: Non Christian Dead – Is there Hope now in the Spirit World?

 

https://www.facebook.com/651792783/posts/10158908080682784/

 

 

Personally, I see no harm in trying to pray on behalf of any dead people for God’s Mercy to be shown to them but whether God Shows His Mercy or not, we accept His Decision either way. Examples:

 

1. The “Rich Man” cried out from Hades (“Hell”) but was unanswered

 

“… 24“Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ 25But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. 26And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’ …” (Luke 16:24 – 25, NKJV)

 

2. If the phrase “SHADOW of DEATH” could mean some ‘Punishment Regions of HADES (HELL)” too, then Christ is PROPHESIED to SAVE from there too, to quote:

 

1. i) Christ Prophesied to Save from the “SHADOW of DEATH” Regions too

 

“… The people that walked in darkness have seen a GREAT LIGHT: they that dwell in the LAND OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH, upon them hath the light shined. …” (Isaiah 9:2, KJV)

 

“… To GIVE LIGHT to them that sit in darkness and IN THE SHADOW OF DEATH, to guide our feet into the way of peace. …” (Luke 1:79, KJV)

 

1. ii) The Deliverance in the “SHADOW of DEATH” regions described as them being bound in “fetters” & “darkness” which could be “Hades (“Hell”) metaphorically, right? Verses:

 

“… There were those who dwelt in darkness and in the SHADOW of DEATH, Prisoners in misery and chains, Because THEY had REBELLED against the words of God And spurned the counsel of the Most High. Therefore He humbled their heart with labor; They stumbled and there was none to help. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble; He SAVED them out of their distresses. He brought THEM OUT of DARKNESS and the SHADOW of DEATH and broke their bands apart. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His loving KINDNESS, and for His WONDERS to the sons of MEN! …” (Psalm 107:10-15, NASB)

 

iii) The First Christianity Quote below by St. Irenaeous of Lyons (a disciple/hearer of St. Polycarp the direct Disciple of Apostle St. John) to err on interpreting the phrase “SHADOW of DEATH” to refer to “Spirit World Context where the SOULS OF THE DEAD ARE” has a low chance of being wrong from such a Famous Orthodoxy Saint for both Protestants and Catholics/Orthodox alike, to quote, highlight:

 

“… For as the Lord “went away in the midst of the SHADOW of DEATH” [Ps. 23:4], where the SOULS of the DEAD were …” – Blessed St. Irenaeous, Bishop of Lyons, a Hearer of Blessed St. Polycarp the Disciple of Blessed St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation  (c. 130 AD – c, 202 AD, ‘Against Heresies’)

 

Source: http://www.regels.org/Irenaeus-Millennarism.htm

 

In full:

 

“… If, then, the Lord observed the law of the dead, that He might become the first-begotten from the dead, and tarried until the third day “in the lower parts of the earth” [Eph. 4:9] ; then afterwards rising in the flesh, so that He even showed the print of the nails to His disciples [John 20:20, 27], He thus ascended to the Father; [if all these things occurred, I say], how must these men not be put to confusion, who allege that “the lower parts” refer to this world of ours, but that their inner man, leaving the body here, ascends into the super-celestial place? For as the Lord “WENT AWAY in the midst of the SHADOW of DEATH” [Ps. 23:4], WHERE the SOULS of the DEAD were, yet afterwards arose in the body, and after the resurrection was taken up [into heaven], it is manifest that the SOULS of HIS DISCIPLES also, upon whose account the Lord underwent these things, SHALL GO away into the INVISIBLE PLACE allotted to them by God, and THERE REMAIN until the RESURRECTION, awaiting that event; then RECEIVING THEIR BODIES, and rising in their entirety, that is bodily, just as the Lord arose, they shall come thus into the presence of God. …”  – Blessed St. Irenaeous, Bishop of Lyons, a Hearer of Blessed St. Polycarp the Disciple of Blessed St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation ( ‘Against Heresies’, Book 5, Chapter XXXI:2).

 

 

 

Source:  http://www.regels.org/Irenaeus-Millennarism.htm

 

1. iv) The quote below seems to echo a stronger Universal Redemption by Christ in Hades (“Hell”) via St. Melito of Sardis (who was believed to be the direct successor of the Bishop of Sardis at the time the Book of Revelation was Written) and more importantly, this is the man used by God to Decide almost single handedly the “Old Testament Canon” used in any Bible Today! (so for him to err on this is also unlikely but possible), to quote:

 

“… The Lord, having put on human nature, and having suffered for him who suffered, having been bound for him who was bound, and having been buried for him who was buried, is risen from the dead, and loudly proclaims this message: Who will contend against me? Let him stand before me. It is I who delivered the condemned. It is I who gave life to the dead. It is I who raised up the buried. Who will argue with me? It is I, says Christ, who destroyed death. It is I who triumphed over the enemy, and having trod down HADES, and bound the STRONG MAN, and have SNATCHED MANKIND up to the HEIGHTS of HEAVEN. It is I, says Christ. So then, come here ALL you FAMILIES of MEN, weighed down by your sins and RECEIVE PARDON for YOUR MISDEEDS. For I am your pardon. I am the Passover which brings salvation. I am the Lamb slain for you. I am your lustral bath. I am your life. I am your resurrection. I am your light, I am your salvation, I am your King. It is I who brings you up to the heights of heaven. It is I who will give you the resurrection there. I will show you the Eternal Father. I will raise you up with my own right hand…” – Blessed St. Melito, Jewish Bishop of Sardis (Died c. 180 AD, ‘Homily on Pascha’)

 

Source:  https://www.orthodox.net/pascha/pascha-melito.html

 

Of this Blessed St. Melito of Sardis (died c.180 AD) it is Written (to recap):

 

“… the bishop of Sardis near Smyrna in western Anatolia, and a great authority in early Christianity. Melito held a foremost place in terms of Bishops in Asia due to his personal influence on Christianity and his literary works, most of which have been lost but of what has been recovered has provided a great insight into Christianity during the second century. Jerome, speaking of the Old Testament canon established by Melito, quotes Tertullian to the effect that he was esteemed as a prophet by many of the faithful. This work by Tertullian has been lost but Jerome quotes pieces regarding Melito for the high regard in which he was held at that time. Melito is remembered for his work on developing the first Old Testament Canon….  A letter of Polycrates of Ephesus to Pope Victor about 194 (Eusebius, Church History V.24) states that “Melito the eunuch [this is interpreted “the virgin” by Rufinus in his translation of Eusebius], whose whole walk was in the Holy Spirit“, was buried at Sardis…”

 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melito_of_Sardis

 

Conclusion

 

Whether these Verses mean so or is a fallacy, let God Decide but it’s certainly “possible” in light of some type of ‘General Salvation’ for such punished ones first as the case of “spirits in prison” (who disobeyed in the time of Noah) may have been given such a chance after the “Aeonian Judgement” likewise, to quote:

 

“… … 18For CHRIST also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring [f]us to God, being put to DEATH IN THE FLESH BUT MADE ALIVE by the Spirit, 19by whom also HE WENT AND PREACHED to the SPIRITS IN PRISON, 20who FORMERLY WERE DISOBEDIENT, [g]when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. …” (1 Peter 3:18 – 20, NKJV)

 

Note: The phrases “… CHRIST …  DEATH IN THE FLESH BUT MADE ALIVE by the Spirit, 19by whom also HE WENT AND PREACHED to the SPIRITS IN PRISON, 20who FORMERLY WERE DISOBEDIENT, …” means that Christ Preached in the Spirit World to some disobedient spirits in prison who repented there as indicated by the phrase “formerly disobedient”. This is what I think most likely it means here but I could be wrong.

 

St. Cyril of Alexandria fully affirms that the Context of 1 Peter 3:19 – 20 above refers to Christ Saving in Hell toward the Wicked too, to quote:

 

“… What occasion will we still have for weeping? On the contrary, will not what has happened to us, thanks to the Savior, cause us boundless rejoicing? He it was Who showed the way of salvation not only to us, but also went as herald to the once disobedient spirits of the underworld, as Peter says (1 Pet. 3:19-20). For it would not have done for His loving-kindness to be shown only to some; the manifestation of the gift had to extended to all of nature. For He spoke opportunely through the Prophets, “One part shall be rained upon, and the part on which I shall not rain shall be dried up.” (Amos 4:7) But the word which befits the Savior is: “Come to me, all you who labor and are weary, and I will give you rest.” (Mt. 11:28) Having proclaimed His message, then, to the spirits in the underworld and having said to those in fetters, “Come forth!” and to those in darkness, “Show yourselves!” (cf. Isa. 49:9) He raised up the temple of Himself in three days, (cf. Jn. 2:19) and renewed for nature even the ascent into heaven, presenting Himelf to the Father as a kind of first-fruits of humanity, having endowed those on earth with a share of the Spirit as a pledge of grace. (cf. 2 Cor. 5:5) (Festal Letter 2.8) …” …” – Blessed St. Cyril, Patriarch of Alexandria, Titles: The Pillar of Faith; Seal of all the Fathers; Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church (c. 376 AD – c. 444 AD)

 

Source:  https://classicalchristianity.com/category/holyfathers/post-mortem/

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

Mystery of the 144 000 and a Possible Candidate – Blessed St. Melito of Sardis

 

Source Post:

https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161307939547784

 

Why could St. Melito of Sardis be one of the 144 000?

 

1) He was a man.

 

2) He was Jewish by descent.

 

3) He was a Virgin.

 

4) He never married.

 

5) He was Chosen of God to almost single-handedly define the “first Old Testament Canon” for the Christian Church.

 

6) He was the second Bishop of Sardis, and was successor to “the angel of the Church of Sardis” (the apostle of that Church) to whom was addressed one of the apocalyptic messages (of the “Bible Book of Revelation”).

 

7) A letter of Polycrates of Ephesus to Pope Victor about 194 states that “Melito the eunuch (this is interpreted “the virgin” by Rufinus in his translation of Eusebius), whose whole walk was in the Holy Spirit”, was interred at Sardis, and had been one of the great authorities in the Church of Asia

 

8.) Saint Jerome, speaking of this canon, quotes Tertullian that Melito was esteemed as a prophet by many of the faithful.

 

9) Here are some rarely known things from his writings:

 

1. i) He Clearly wrote that Christ was God and Christ was Man in His Incarnation

 

to quote (a lot of details in this source):

 

“… Saint Melito, also wrote an apology to the emperor Marcus Aurelius, in which he defended the Christians against accusations made against them, urged the emperor to end the persecutions of the Christians, and even urged Aurelius to proclaim Christianity the religion of the Roman Empire! Saint Melito was also one of the earliest writers to have written on the dual natures of Christ: “For there is no need, to persons of intelligence, to attempt to prove, from the deeds of Christ subsequent to His baptism, that His soul and His body, His human nature like ours, were real, and no phantom of the imagination. For the deeds done by Christ after His baptism, and especially His miracles, gave indication and assurance to the world of the Deity hidden in His flesh. For, being at once both God and perfect man likewise, He gave us sure indications of His two natures: of His Deity, by His miracles during the three years that elapsed after His baptism; of His humanity, during the thirty similar periods which preceded His baptism, in which, by reason of His low estate as regards the flesh, He concealed the signs of His Deity, although He was the true God existing before all ages.” …”

 

Source:

https://faithofthefathersearlychurchfathers.blogspot.com/2005/12/saint-melito-of-sardis-early-church.html

 

1. ii) The following was written by Saint Jerome, in his book, Lives of Illustrious Men :

 

“… Melito of Asia, bishop of Sardis, addressed a book to the emperor Marcus Antoninus Verus, a disciple of Fronto the orator, in behalf of the Christian doctrine. He wrote other things also, among which are the following: On the passover, two books, one book On the lives of the prophets, one book On the church, one book On the Lord’s day, one book On faith, one book On the psalms, one On the senses, one On the soul and body, one On baptism, one On truth, one On the generation of Christ, On His prophecy, one On hospitality and another which is called the Key, one On the devil, one On the Apocalypse of John, one On the corporeality of God, and six books of Eclogues. Of his fine oratorical genius, Tertullian, in the seven books which he wrote against the church on behalf of Montanus, satirically says that he was considered a prophet by many of us. …”

 

Source:

 

https://faithofthefathersearlychurchfathers.blogspot.com/2005/12/saint-melito-of-sardis-early-church.html

 

iii) A prayer written by Saint Melito of Sardis

 

Prayer in Praise of Christ

 

“… Born as a son,

led forth as a lamb,

sacrificed as a sheep,

buried as a man,

he rose from the dead as a God,

for he was by nature God and man.

 

He is all things:

he judges, and so he is Law;

he teaches, and so he is Wisdom;

he saves, and so he is Grace;

he begets, and so he is Father;

he is begotten, and so he is Son;

he suffers, and so he is Sacrifice;

he is buried, and so he is man;

he rises again, and so he is God.

This is Jesus Christ,

to whom belongs glory for all ages. …”

 

Source:

 

https://faithofthefathersearlychurchfathers.blogspot.com/2005/12/saint-melito-of-sardis-early-church.html

 

Conclusion

 

Since such persons must have existed in history, he seems very possible that he could be one of the 144 000 who are Revealed in Verses below:

 

“… 1Then I looked, and behold, [a]a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and WITH HIM ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FOUR THOUSAND, [b]having His Father’s name written on their foreheads. … . 3They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the HUNDRED AND FORTY-FOUR THOUSAND who were redeemed from the earth. 4These are the ones WHO WERE NOT DEFILED WITH WOMEN, FOR THEY ARE VIRGINS. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were [c]redeemed from among men, being FIRSTFRUITS to God and to the Lamb …” (Revelation 14:1, 3 – 4, NKJV)

 

Related Posts:

 

1. Mystery of Meat Doctrine beyond Milk Doctrine as the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle with Celibacy Gift through the Eyes of St. Dionysius of Corinth

 

https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161286099952784

 

2. Celibacy Doctrine Mystery by St. Athanasius the Great

 

https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161276169527784

 

3. Singleness vs Marriage in the New Covenant – God’s Will or a Choice?

 

https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10160969282842784

 

4. Prayer for the Dead not prayer to the dead, is it possible?

 

[St. Melito’s newly discovered “Pascha” or Resurrection of Christ Quote in the 20th Century is found in link below too]

 

https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161304963937784

 

 

 

Peace to you