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#BibleandChurchFathersQuoteBook
Latest Update: 5 Dec 2022
Free PDF Download Link:
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Page of Contents for this #BibleandChurchFathersQuoteBook
#IgnoredChristianDoctrineBook
Latest Update: 19 February 2022
This book is written to look at how some Christian Doctrines are Ignored by some modern Christians as not so important. Therefore we try our best not to repeat the usual Doctrines which are already well Revealed and accepted across mainstream Christianity such as the Doctrine of Trinity to the Doctrine of Holiness and rather choose to Speak about the other New Testament Bible Verses which pertain to some of these Ignored Doctrines and Possibilities so that a Christian may decide his walk of faith better and not be discouraged by empty words against it sometimes (by those who preach a simplified saved by Grace Doctrine ignoring the fruits of Salvation or in some cases ignoring the Rewards Doctrine for Works as Revealed for this New Testament).
The free pdf may be found in link below:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DZcb07EAX5z1wcg7BMMY5GwCkUpc76J3/view?usp=sharing
Thank you
#SafeRouteScripturallyBook
Latest Update: 31 Oct 2022
This book is written to explain some key Christian Doctrine position we take to be Safe Scripturally highlighting the Risks with Bible Verses for those who do otherwise. This is important to as a Christian because we do not want Christ Questioning us one day regarding ‘Why we didn’t warn others?’ based on Verses below:
“… When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you shall surely die!’ and YOU DO NOT SPEAK TO WARN THE WICKED FROM HIS WAY, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; BUT HIS BLOOD I WILL REQUIRE AT YOUR HAND. Nevertheless IF YOU WARN the WICKED to TURN FROM HIS WAY, and he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but YOU HAVE DELIVERED YOUR SOUL. …” (Ezekiel 33:8 – 9, NKJV)
This does not necessarily mean that the opposite positions to what we propose as the Safe Route Scripturally in this Book must we wrong but rather in some cases it could be so if God permitted it. However the risk of the opposite positions is still there because we prove our position with Bible Verses and the opposite positions usually pertain to New Modern Ways which some Christians have claimed that God told them do so especially based on the Progressive Revelation Movement which we do not support.
Since only God Knows whether their claims are true or not, we do not judge those Christians letting God Judge them alone. However, we also point out to them to have respect for these First Ways of the Church especially which are Written in Bible Verses because the Doctrinal Position we demonstrate is already Plainly Written in Holy Scripture and so it is already 100% Approved by New Testament Scripture and the First Churches which obeyed it are already Saved by Practicing it and that’s why we seek to Imitate Scripture likewise. Big number of Christians following a Doctrine or believing in something is not necessarily a sign of Truth which is easy to prove for any Protestants since no matter what blessing or evangelism they claim, the Roman Catholics beat them in financial blessings to number of souls and so by that logic, does it justify Praying to Virgin Mary? So claiming such proofs is not Biblical but rather we point to Bible Verses only for each claim.
The free pdf may be found in link below:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HUXXa2kgpImEpVWFg4AN0SBc0x4ulSLn/view?usp=share_link
Thank you
“Prosperity Testimony” – Questions to Ponder
A General Scenario: Imagine your country has majority of religion A and race B but a person of religion C and race D becomes its king by Democracy. So if that “king” comes and gives a testimony of his life, would you leave your religion and convert to that instead?
This is a reason “why” I do “not” believe in any “Prosperity” as a
“sign of truth”.
The “king” may be from subrace D1 while the others from his native country may be from subrace D2, D3, … where even among them they won’t support those of another subrace easily or if any from their subrace is not of the same religion of C, can you see it?
In fact, they won’t even allow subrace D2, D3, etc. to marry those of subrace D1 or some selected subrace only to do so. But despite such racism hidden within their own hearts even, they can be among the “richest” people in the world too. God Will Reveal everything One Day.
While people from race D or others wish to be “king” in the land of majority religion A and race B, in their own “native land/motherland” NO ONE from race B or others who do not believe in religion C will ever be a “king” there (in their “motherland”) by “democracy”, an irony isn’t it?
The only “Genuine Truth” here I see is that the people of majority religion A and race B have been able to PRACTICE JUSTICE beyond their own religion A and race B which itself puts them at a MORAL LEVEL that is UNSURPASSED by their other counterparts. The day the others can do similarly in not just “appointing a king” but also in “other matters of business and life” then they get closer to “God’s Truth”. Till then, it’s just a “prosperity game” which is an “illusion” which destroys one in the “spirit world”.
A similar thing can be seen in regards to “Prosperity Churches” vs “Poorer Churches” likewise in analogy.
That’s why Christ put the Command of PERFECTION not as “prosperity” but the CHARITY DOCTRINE:
“… 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.” 22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away SORROWFUL, for he had GREAT POSSESSIONS. 23Then JESUS said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is HARD for a RICH MAN TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. 24And AGAIN I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. …” (Matthew 19:21 – 24, NKJV)
That’s why in CHRIST’s OWN WORDS here we see that the GREATEST NUMBER is “ZERO” for those who can do “ZERO PROSPERITY” of “… SELL what YOU HAVE and GIVE to the POOR, and YOU WILL HAVE TREASURE IN HEAVEN; and come, FOLLOW ME. …” which I CANNOT DO (so even a scrap of heaven or at the final new earth would suffice for me) but the Greatest Fathers of the Church the world has even known (as I have quoted say in the #SafeRouteScripturallyBook) have done it remarkably. Please note that letting go of wealth and living like a hermit does NOT count much if the “wealth was left to the family” earlier as that person by relative measure did NOT give anything to the poor. I mean the best is to give some to family and according to one’s ability give to the poor as well.
An Edifying Comment: Can the country of origin of such persons allow those NOT of same race NOR of same religion to hold such portfolio likewise? (or will they never vote for such even if the candidate is good? NOT just in POLITICS but any field too like for example in Education even they grab the “paying teaching opportunities to themselves instead of the candidate of best qualification among them even” as that’s their “moral level even toward same race but different religion” is only at that level of “prejudice” even. So, Let all Answer God One Day).
Conclusion
You see it is People who send themselves to “Hell” (even if “Eternal so be it”) due to “their own injustice and unholiness within them” as these few points in comparison itself shows.
Peace to you
Especially those which affect the “future in the Spirit World and beyond” after we die toward the “Resurrection”.
St. Ambrose of Milan seems to be very CONFIDENT of SUCH NON ELECT SALVATION from the LAKE of FIRE CONTEXT as his quotes next seem to point, right?
Source: https://www.sacred-texts.com/cla/sib/sib04.htm
Page 1867 of the #SafeRouteScripturallyBook .
Page 1908 of the #SafeRouteScripturallyBook
#MysteryoftheKingdomofHeavenBook
Please find the Latest Draft of a New Book Titled “Mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven in First Christianity” (Completed 31 January 2022) in pdf (free download/viewing) in link below:
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https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-zX7XgzguBYHkXWucUZ6xfMInbwtj0Z3/view?usp=sharing
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Short Description of Book
This Book explores the Mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven beginning with Christ’s Most Blessed Words Found in Holy Scripture and explores related Bible Verses and other First Christianity Quotes especially from the Church Fathers who were direct disciples of the Apostles themselves or their disciples to understand this better and explore related topics by giving Church History examples too where relevant.
Thank you
Free E-Books are Available in link below including the latest one titled:
https://play.google.com/store/books/author?id=Jonathan+Ramachandran
Here’s another Draft of a new book too
Here’s another Draft of a new book too
#CharityDoctrineBook
This Book explores mostly the Bible Verses related to the Charity Doctrine aspect apart from looking at some other related topics regarding Christian Perfection. Its contents are not well listed out but for a keen reader it will be more of a treasure hunt for Bible Verses on such Topics together with First Christianity quotes in support of it where possible. A 100 year old or 500 year old Christianity cannot fully Reveal 2000 year old Christianity’s Mysteries and Secrets.
The free pdf may be found in link below:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MiCYDzxbOc0yAZhT9Es9U7yL6XLuV0Qz/view?usp=sharing
Thank you
#EternalHellAnnihilationandUniversalismBook
Please find the Latest Draft of a New Book Titled
“Eternal Hell Annihilation and Universalism in Christianity – Can all three be true A Look with the Apostolic Fathers” (Completed 24 December 2021) in pdf (free download/viewing) in link below:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N5bK-LoBAg4VQN8eLtVWsqkQyoGE0Ad_/view?usp=sharing
Short Description of Book
This Book explores the Bible Verses to see whether Eternal Hell Annihilation and Universalism in Christianity can be true simultaneously in some way especially from writings of the Church Fathers who were direct disciples of the Apostles themselves or their disciples to understand this better via those writings called the Apostolic Fathers. We only quote the Apostolic Fathers Writings as modern Scholarship calls it such since these are the earliest Christian Writings known and which were accepted in First Christianity. The later fathers and Christians even if 1 million of them believe in it can err since they may be repeating what one particular church father has said or interpreted. In light of this fact, it may be best to look at these earliest and best ones known to Christianity outside the Bible.
Thank You
Source for Martin Luther’s Quote in image:
https://thetruthinlove.net/martin-luther-on-women-pastors/
Biblical Doctrine of “Saved by Grace” and Role of “Works”.
Thief on the Cross case and beyond
Example Question: How does the “Thief on the cross” fit in your theology?
Relative Measure. The “thief on the cross” couldn’t do anything more. He wasn’t even baptized and so no need baptism contradicts other verses. Similarly the Saved by Grace through Faith verse Predestined Good Works in Ephesians 2 also doesn’t apply unless these are meant by “Relative Measure” .
Please note that even the work of “Holiness” of the 10 Commandments does NOT save either but that doesn’t mean one need not obey it . The similar logic applies to other commands of Christ especially Good Works which is the “Charity Doctrine” as it fulfills the Two Greatest Commandments as Christ Himself Taught it to be fulfilled together and not separately as the second is the proof of the first in Mark 12:29 – 31, Luke 10:25 – 37. Please be careful of “Lawlessness“.
Apostle Paul taught likewise that though Good Works doesn’t save us, it must be done as fruit again describing the Christian as a people who are primarily known for “meeting urgent needs” type of Good Works which is the “Charity Doctrine” when Teaching this Context for “Fruit” to avoid being “Unfruitful“. Verses:
“… 14who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself HIS OWN SPECIAL PEOPLE, ZEALOUS FOR GOOD WORKS. … 1Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be READY FOR EVERY GOOD WORK, 2to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men … 4But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH WE HAVE DONE, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, … 8This is a FAITHFUL SAYING, and THESE THINGS I WANT YOU TO AFFIRM CONSTANTLY, that THOSE WHO HAVE BELIEVED IN GOD should be CAREFUL TO MAINTAIN GOOD WORKS. These things are good and profitable to men. … 14And let OUR PEOPLE also LEARN TO MAINTAIN GOOD WORKS, to MEET URGENT NEEDS, that they may NOT BE UNFRUITFUL. …” (Titus 2:14, 3:1, 4 – 5, 8, 14, NKJV)
Peace to you
Mystery of the Galatians Gospel Context for Eternal Life
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161797432847784
Are we Preaching the ‘right’ Gospel which the Book (Epistle) of Galatians Reveals?
What matters for REAPING ETERNAL LIFE is CHARITY DOCTRINE DONE to BELIEVERS (CHURCH) and also ALL MEN (non-believers) as Apostle Paul in Galatians made it clear that while “no” other Works of Law are needed which make “bondage“, this particular “Work of Love” REAPS EVERLASTING LIFE as these Verses clearly Prove as it is Written:
“… 6Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. 7Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he WHO SOWS TO THE SPIRIT WILL OF THE SPIRIT REAP EVERLASTING LIFE. 9And let us NOT GROW WEARY while DOING GOOD, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us DO GOOD TO ALL, ESPECIALLY TO THOSE WHO ARE OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH. …” (Galatians 6:6 – 10, NKJV)
Deeper Context argument:
Any Bible Scholar would easily point to you that the Book of “Galatians” is all about which “Gospel is Correct” and strangely NOT one Verse speaks of the Phrase “Eternal Hell or Universalism” or equivalent even in this ENTIRE BOOK OF GALATIANS CONTEXT (can you see it?) apart from the curse at the start in Galatians 1:8.
I mean when Apostle St. Paul gave the WARNING that ACCURSED (or “Anathema“) be to ANYONE WHO PREACHES A DIFFERENT GOSPEL at the START of this Book (Letter) of GALATIANS itself, this means that those context (say of Eternal Hell vs Annihilation vs Universalism) was NOT A TOPIC at ALL in this Book (if anyone says otherwise, please show me which Verse?) but rather that the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle is at the HEART of what it means to REAP EVERLASTING LIFE (as Galatians 6:6 – 10) above clearly REVEAL as it is WRITTEN. Can you see it?
Here is that Warning:
“…But even if we, or an angel from heaven, PREACH any OTHER GOSPEL to you than what we have preached to you, let him be ACCURSED [“Anathema”]. …” (Galatians 1:8, NKJV)
I mean to avoid being “Anathema” (some translations render it as ‘eternally condemned’ we should PREACH the SAME as the POINTS MENTIONED in this Book of GALATIANS where it PRIMARILY concludes that for ETERNAL LIFE CONTEXT it is the #CHARITYDOCTRINE for REAPING EVERLASTING LIFE as Galatians 6:6 – 10 clearly Reveal as it is Written.
Can you see it?
Here it is in other translations and this is WHY WE PREACH the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle likewise too to PREACH the SAME GOSPEL to AVOID ANATHEMA RISK (Let God Decide):
“… 2BEAR ONE ANOTHER’S BUDENS, and so FULFILL the LAW of CHRIST. 3For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4But let each one EXAMINE HIS OWN WORK, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5For each one shall bear his own load.6Let him who is taught the word SHARE IN ALL GOOD THINGS WITH HIM WHO TEACHES. 7Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he WHO SOWS TO THE SPIRIT WILL OF THE SPIRIT REAP EVERLASTING LIFE. 9And let us NOT GROW WEARY while DOING GOOD, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us DO GOOD TO ALL, ESPECIALLY TO THOSE WHO ARE OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH. …” (Galatians 6:2 – 10, NKJV)
Source: https://biblehub.com/nkjv/galatians/6.htm
This #CharityDoctrineLifestyle which is for the CONTEXT to REAP EVERLASTING LIFE is called the LAW of CHRIST Definition clearly in these Quoted Verses “as it is Written“. Please notice this carefully in Verses above and please DO NOT be DECEIVED.
Please be careful of #Lawlessness and rather focus on this #LawOfChrist for #EternalLife which clearly ONLY refers to the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle as I have discussed in detail in Pages 1208 and 1209 in this #SafeRouteScripturallyBook .
For “married” women, the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle is fulfilled if they DID IT TO THEIR OWN CHILDREN (by RAISING and PROVIDING for them WELL, the ‘mother actions’) which is all they need to do as her part of GOOD WORKS to FULFILL this #LawOfChrist as these Verses clearly mean for her role as the meaning of this mysterious phrase ‘SHE WILL BE SAVED IN CHILDBEARING’ too as I have discussed in detail in [ Pages 403 to 420 of the #CharityDoctrineBook ]:
“… 9in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and [e]moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10but, which is proper for WOMEN PROFESSING GODLINESS, WITH GOOD WORKS. 11Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12And I DO NOT PERMIT A WOMAN to TEACH OR TO HAVE AUTHORITY OVER A MAN, but TO BE IN SILENCE. 13For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15Nevertheless SHE WILL BE SAVED IN CHILDBEARING if they continue in FAITH, LOVE, AND HOLINESS, WITH SELF-CONTROL. …” (1 Timothy 2:9 – 15, NKJV)
1) Galatians 1:8 in a few translations
New International Version
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!
New Living Translation
Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you.
English Standard Version
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.
Berean Study Bible
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse!
Berean Literal Bible
But even if we or an angel out of heaven should preach a gospel to you contrary to what we proclaimed to you, let him be accursed!
King James Bible
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
New King James Version
But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.
New American Standard Bible
But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!
NASB 1995
But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!
NASB 1977
But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed.
Amplified Bible
But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we [originally] preached to you, let him be condemned to destruction!
Christian Standard Bible
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, a curse be on him!
Holman Christian Standard Bible
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel other than what we have preached to you, a curse be on him!
American Standard Version
But though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach unto you any gospel other than that which we preached unto you, let him be anathema.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But even if we or an Angel from Heaven should evangelize you outside of that which we have evangelized you, we or he would be damned;
Contemporary English Version
I pray that God will punish anyone who preaches anything different from our message to you! It doesn’t matter if that person is one of us or an angel from heaven.
Douay-Rheims Bible
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach a gospel to you besides that which we have preached to you, let him be anathema.
Good News Translation
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel that is different from the one we preached to you, may he be condemned to hell!
International Standard Version
But even if we or an angel from heaven should proclaim to you a gospel contrary to what we proclaimed to you, let that person be condemned!
Literal Standard Version
but even if we or a messenger out of Heaven may proclaim good news to you different from what we proclaimed to you—let him be accursed!
Source: https://biblehub.com/galatians/1-8.htm
2) Galatians 6:6 – 10 in a few translations
“… 2Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5for each one should carry their own load. 6Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. 7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. …” (Galatians 6:2 – 10, NIV)
Source: https://biblehub.com/niv/galatians/6.htm
“… 2Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. 3For if anyone thinks that he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting, but [a]to himself alone, and not [b]to another. 5For each one will bear his own load. 6The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him. 7Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a person sows, this he will also reap. 8For the one who sows to his own flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9Let’s not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary. 10So then, [c]while we have opportunity, let’s do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. …” (Galatians 6:2 – 10, NASB)
Source: https://biblehub.com/nasb_/galatians/6.htm
iii) ESV
“…2Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5For each will have to bear his own load. 6Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 7Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. …” (Galatians 6:2 – 10, ESV)
Source: https://biblehub.com/esv/galatians/6.htm
“… There is no wisdom or understanding Or counsel against the LORD. …” (Proverbs 21:30, NKJV)
I am “not” Preaching anything New here regarding Galatians Context but only what is Written.
If it feels new, it’s probably because you may have “not” preached “nor” noticed what is Written in the Book of Galatians for “Everlasting Life Context“.
Whether we believe these “New Testament Verses” or not (it does “not” change what is Written) and this is important for DOING GOD’S WILL to ENTER HEAVEN as the NARROW and DIFFICULT WAY which ONLY FEW FIND in this CONTEXT for ETERNAL LIFE as CHRIST PROPHESIED below regarding simply converting based on ‘… Prophecy, Casting Out Demons, Miracles …’ as MANY did but will be DENIED if they had such “LAWLESSNESS” which in the CONTEXT of ETERNAL LIFE clearly includes or is PRIMARILY the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle as Galatians 6:6 – 10 as the Original Inspired Authour of “Faith Alone” himself also Preached (so we Preach that ‘same type of Sola Fide ‘ Doctrine likewise):
“… 14Because NARROW is the gate and DIFFICULT is the way which leads to life, and there are FEW who FIND IT … 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 7:21 – 24, NKJV)
Last but not least, “no” Church Fathers erred on this #CharityDoctrine Context for “REAPING ETERNAL LIFE” as Galatians 6:6 – 10 Teaches as you can see in Pages 1176 to 1188 in this #SafeRouteScripturallyBook .
Peace to you
Charity Doctrine as the Fruit unto Eternal Life – Did Paul teach the same as Christ?
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161799442847784
Of course, it’s the same Gospel. Here are some repeated points and Verses which Prove this clearly as ït is Written“:
Grace works out the “Fruit” . That’s the part I am writing about which you ‘missed’. Not every faith saves as many are denied (Matthew 7:20 – 24) including those who “partook of His Holy Spirit” too due to not having fruits:
“… 4For it is IMPOSSIBLE for THOSE WHO WERE ONCE ENLIGHTENED, and HAVE TASTED THE HEAVENLY GIFT, and HAVE BECOME PARTAKERS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, 5and HAVE TASTED THE GOOD WORD OF GOD and the POWERS OF THE AGE TO COME, 6[c]IF THEY FALL AWAY, to RENEW THEM AGAIN TO REPENTANCE, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. 7For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; 8but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to BEING CURSED, WHOSE END IS TO BE BURNED. …” (Hebrews 6:4 – 8, NKJV)
The “Fruit” of the “Charity Doctrine” is Primary to Eternal Life Context as Apostle St. Paul taught (e.g. Galatians 6:2 – 10) below (quoted next) called the “Law of Christ” and also in 1 Timothy 6:17 – 19 which CHRIST HIMSELF Taught in “JUDGMENT DAY” Verses likewise in regards to what one did in response to When I was Hungry, Thirsty, Naked, Homeless, Sick, in Prison etc in Matthew 25:31 – 46 with “no” other religious act mentioned with it likewise proving either its primary importance or its only importance first.
Here are the Verses quoted here for comparison:
“… 2BEAR ONE ANOTHER’S BUDENS, and so FULFILL the LAW of CHRIST. 3For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4But let each one EXAMINE HIS OWN WORK, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5For each one shall bear his own load.6Let him who is taught the word SHARE IN ALL GOOD THINGS WITH HIM WHO TEACHES. 7Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he WHO SOWS TO THE SPIRIT WILL OF THE SPIRIT REAP EVERLASTING LIFE. 9And let us NOT GROW WEARY while DOING GOOD, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us DO GOOD TO ALL, ESPECIALLY TO THOSE WHO ARE OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH. …” (Galatians 6:2 – 10, 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)
“… 23His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ … 37“Then the RIGHTEOUS WILL ANSWER Him, saying, ‘Lord, When Did We See You Hungry And Feed YOU, or THIRSTY AND GIVE YOU DRINK? 38WHEN DID WE SEE YOU A STRANGER and TAKE YOU IN, OR NAKED AND CLOTHE YOU? 39Or WHEN DID WE SEE YOU SICK, OR in PRISON, AND COME TO YOU?’ 40And THE KING WILL ANSWER and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I SAY TO YOU, INASMUCH AS YOU DID IT TO ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE MY BRETHREN, YOU DID IT TO ME. 41“Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: 42for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; 43I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ 44“Then they also will answer [d]Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ 45Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ 46And these will go away into EVERLASTING PUNISHMENT, but the righteous into ETERNAL LIFE.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:23, 37 – 46, NKJV)
This is the #LawofChrist. Please be careful of #Lawlessness.
Example Discussion
Question 1
No no.. you must rightly divide the word of truth… let me tell you what
Matthew 7:22-23 really means.
These men that Jesus rejected did not really love Jesus.. they had God all inside their mouth but their hearts were really far from God. In spirit this is easy to see.. in The flesh it’s confusing and makes no sense.
These men were stealing The kingdom.
They were not coming into the kingdom through the Straight Gate but climbing up another way. John 10:1
Flesh can’t see it because of the fact they said they did it in Jesus name.
That saves no one.
Nothing you do in Jesus Name will save.
ITS OUR FAITH ONLY IN HIM!
Then.. that faith will grow into a very strong and deep love for Jesus Christ. People that have sinned very very little, never reach the depths of that love. Jesus himself said so. Luke 7:47.
Those scriptures you’re given about being enlightened and then going back into the world, is talking about those that got the baptism of the Holy Spirit like Peter and Paul and the other disciples in the upper room. That complete filling up is happening today and I know for a fact firsthand that is true because it happened to me. I saw Jesus Christ face-to-face. My heart got completely changed and I was able to understand now what I was reading in scripture up till then I was confused as could be
You’ll have to forgive me, I’m not using that filling up of Spirit to show off.. but to make a point. Me having the filling of the Holy Spirit does not make me better than others,
it only made me better than I was
Reply 1
The Verses in Matthew 7:20 – 24 speaks of “fruit” as the reason for rejection as Matthew 7:20 clearly reveals as “works” as Isaiah 3:10 – 11 reveals too.
Regarding supernatural encounters, I have mine as well but that doesn’t prove theology right. A simple example would be the first person claimed to have been filled the Holy Spirit which started the entire pentecostal movement which clearly shows some false doctrines among these two as follows:
1) Ms Agnes Ozman
I will let the “First” person in Modern Christianity to have claimed to “Speak in Tongues“, Ms. Agnes herself show how SHE CLAIMS THAT GOD CORRECTED HER of THIS WRONG THEOLOGY MUCH LATER IN LIFE which proves that ‘Speaking in Tongues Gift (even if true) DOES NOT PROVE any THEOLOGICAL ACCURACY either’ as the “Source” (‘First Person’) ever to Receive this gift as per these claims herself “CONFESSES in HER OWN WORDS BELOW:
“… Later in her life Agnes admitted that she had been wrong to believe that all people would speak in tongues when they were baptized with the Holy Spirit. Writing in The Latter Rain Evangel of January 1909 she wrote, “Some time ago I tried but failed to have an article printed which I wrote calling attention to what I am sure God showed me was error. The article maintained that tongues was not the only evidence of the Spirit’s Baptism. When that article was refused I was much tempted by Satan, but God again graciously showed me He had revealed it to me, and satisfied my heart in praying that He might reveal this truth to others who would spread it abroad. For awhile [sic] after the baptism I got into spiritual darkness, because I did as I see so many others are doing these days, rested and reveled in tongues and other demonstrations instead of resting alone in God.”[8]* …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnes_Ozman
*[8] “When The Latter Rain First Fell: The First One to Speak in Tongues“. In The Latter Rain Evangel, January 1909, p.2. Available online at pentecostalarchives.org
Mr. Charles Parham Testified that Ms. Agnes Spoke and Wrote Chinese upon the First Time Baptism of the Holy Spirit to get the “Gift of Speaking in Tongues” as per his claim in ‘his own words below’:
“… Sister Agnes N. Ozman, (now LaBerge) asked that hands might be laid upon her to receive the Holy Spirit as she hoped to go to foreign fields. At first I refused, not having the experience myself. Then being further pressed to do it humbly in the name of Jesus, I laid my hand upon her head and prayed. I had scarcely repeated three dozen sentences when a glory fell upon her, a halo seemed to surround her head and face, and she began speaking in the Chinese language, and was unable to speak English for three days. When she tried to write in English to tell us of her experience she wrote the Chinese, copies of which we still have in newspapers printed at that time. …” – Mr. Charles Parham, Founder of Pentecostalism and Gift of Speaking in Tongues in Modern Charismatic Christianity (“The Latter Rain”, As Told By The Late Charles F. Parham, Re-printed in The Apostolic Faith – April 1951)
Source:
https://www.apostolicarchives.com/articles/article/8801925/173163.htm
2) Mr. Charles Parham’s possible theological errors may include his beliefs in following doctrines
iii. He believed God took two days to create humans—non-whites on the sixth day and whites on the eighth
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Fox_Parham
Some scholarly quotes regarding Parham’s belief in these can be seen in example paper below: https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9780822376873-019/pdf
Reply 2
The Answer to “which lawlessness” Christ Rejects those Christians in Matthew 7:20 – 24 based on the “Fruit” which was missing (Matthew 7:20) refers to “HIS COMMANDS”(not spiritual gifts or anything else, as those are “öptional” according to 1 Corinthians 12:27 – 30 too) as His Own Words Reveal as follows:
“… 14Because NARROW is the gate and DIFFICULT is the way which LEADS TO LIFE, and there are FEW who FIND IT … 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 7:14, 24, NKJV)
Can you see which part is NARROW and DIFFICULT which CHRIST MEANS that it POINTS ONLY to HIS COMMANDS in HIS OWN WORDS?
And “His Commands“‘ certainly includes the “Charity Doctrine” as most number in New Testament too as many scholars have noted and so we Preach it as an Ïmportant ”fruit” as even the quoted Verses clearly Testify as it is Written.
Question 3
You lease send me nothing.. I do not Learn from man.
All I know is because while I read the whole Bible I lived on my knees all alone.
Many can nit teach me.. only the Spirit.
I can give you many examples of getting it right when reading by Gods spirit only.
1st John 2:27
Reply 3
I am quoting people who have the Spirit of God, the Church Fathers too. Getting it right, is Obeying what is “Written”.
Question 4
Please take no offense to that. I beg you.. I am not trying to make myself look better. I’m trying to give you my testimony of getting that filling. And That spirit has shown me many things.
If you ask fir an example, then I will use a quote Jesus said, and tell you what Jesus was really saying. I do not lean into my own understanding. I’m given it by God..
as we all should do it that way.
Seek and ye shall find.
I did seek and I was shown many understandings That I can prove. In other words.. I trust only Gods Word and the spirit helps me understand the real truth of it.
Reply 4
Details (each Taught by CHRIST HIMSELF):
“… 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. 10“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. 11And IF YOU ARE UNTRUSTWORTHY ABOUT WORLDLY WEALTH, who will trust you with the TRUE RICHES OF HEAVEN? 12And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own? “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. YOU CANNOT SERVE GOD AND BE ENSLAVED TO MONEY.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 16:9 – 13, NLT)
“… 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)
“… 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. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:41 – 42, NKJV)
“… 16Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good[d] Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17So He said to him, [e]“Why do you call Me good? [f]No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 19‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” 20The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept [g]from my youth. What do I still lack?” 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.” 22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away SORROWFUL, for he had GREAT POSSESSIONS. …” (Matthew 19:16 – 22, NKJV)
Question 5
Remember: When we show love ( new covenant command)
Then.. we break no laws of Christ or God.
Sabbath is not mentioned
Reply 5
Sabbath is optional for Gentiles (I don’t keep it and neither did the fathers), Verse:
“… So let NO ONE JUDGE you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or SABBATHS, …” (Colossians 2:16, NKJV)
Here’s an example “Sabbath rejecting” quote by an ”Ápostolic Father” of the Church:
“… If, therefore, those who were brought up in the ancient order of things have come to the possession of a new hope, NO LONGER OBSERVING THE SABBATH, but living in the observance of the Lord’s Day, on which also our life has sprung up again by Him and by His death—whom some deny, by which mystery we have obtained faith, and therefore endure, that we may be found the disciples of Jesus Christ, our only Master …” – Blessed St. Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, nicknamed ‘God-Bearing’, An Apostolic Father being the direct Disciple of the Blessed Apostle St. John, Martyr for Christ (c. 35 AD – c. 108 AD, (Letter to the Magnesians(shorter) Chapter IX.—Let us live with Christ [A.D. 110]).
Source (more related Church Fathers’ quotes in link):
But LOVE is a MUST COMMAND, and ”Ägape”(God’s Love) is Defined only as the “Charity Doctrine Lifestyle” of sharing ‘this World’s Goods (physical or spiritual goods)’in Verses below:
“… 16By this WE KNOW LOVE (Agape, God’s Love), because He laid down His life for us. And we also OUGHT TO LAY DOWN OUR LIVES FOR THE BRETHREN. 17But WHOEVER HAS THIS WORLD’S GOODS, and SEES HIS BROTHER IN NEED, AND SHUTS UP HIS HEART FROM HIM, HOW DOES THE LOVE OF GOD ABIDE IN HIM? 18My little children, let us NOT LOVE IN WORD or IN TONGUE, BUT IN DEED AND IN TRUTH …” (1 John 3:16 – 18, NKJV)
Question 6
true. James 1:27
Take good care of my widows and orphans.
Love others As I have loved you.
We are judged on those merits.. in fact, that is the only things the saints will be judged on.
THE HEARTS INTENTIONS.
Matthew 25:31-40
That’s the judgement Christ Said He will use to judge us all
Jesus told us how HE will judge us all. The intentions of our heart is judged.
Matthew25: 31-40
Reply 6
Yes, Let God do the “Judging of the Heart”. He did ‘not’ ask us to do that part.
Conclusion
Those who do “not” know this Charity Doctrine Lifestyle do “not” know God as God Himself scolds a King of Judah likewise 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)
Thought to ponder: What is there to “pity” regarding people who do “not” have the Charity Doctrine mindset and instead have ‘prosperity mindset’ where they didn’t pity their fellow men or did not care that much but here and there only? Verses:
“… 13For JUDGMENT IS WITHOUT MERCY to the ONE WHO HAS SHOWN NO MERCY. MERCY TRIUMPHS OVER JUDGMENT. 14What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? CAN FAITH SAVE HIM? 15If a BROTHER OR SISTER IS NAKED AND DESTITUTE OF DAILY FOOD, 16and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do NOT GIVE THEM THE THINGS WHICH ARE NEEDED FOR THE BODY, WHAT DOES IT PROFIT? 17Thus also faith by itself, if it does NOT HAVE WORKS, IS DEAD. …” (James 2:13 – 17, NKJV)
Comment:
Did you notice that MERCY ends JUDGMENT in Verses above is in the Context of Mercy referring to “Mercy which one has shown in life prior first based on the CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE LIVED ONLY FIRST“?
Also, if you think you have ‘done much of Charity Doctrine’ here are some questions which the ‘Bible’ leads us to ponder:
“… [1And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, 2and He saw also a CERTAIN POOR WIDOW putting in two mites.][a] 3So He said, “TRULY I say to you that this POOR widow has put in MORE THAN ALL; 4for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings [b]for God, but she OUT OF HER POVERTY PUT IN ALL THE LIVELIHOOD THAT SHE HAD.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 21:1 – 4, NKJV)
“… 5And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up [a]and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, [b]make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6So he [c]made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. 7But when they saw it, they all [d]complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest WITH A MAN WHO IS A SINNER.” 8Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “LOOK, LORD, I GIVE HALF OF MY GOODS TO THE POOR; AND IF I HAVE TAKEN ANYTHING FROM ANYONE BY FALSE ACCUSATION, I RESTORE FOURFOLD.” 9And JESUS SAID TO HIM, “TODAY SALVATION HAS COME TO THIS HOUSE, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10for THE SON OF MAN has come TO SEEK AND TO SAVE THAT WHICH WAS LOST.” …” (Luke 19:5 – 10, NKJV)
Note: I repeat, regarding the ‘heart’, Let God Alone Judge as none of us can read hearts.
“… 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)
The Phrase “…. These you OUGHT TO HAVE DONE, WITHOUT LEAVING THE OTHERS UNDONE. …” is inclusive of the ONLY RELIGIOUS ACT CHRIST MENTIONS HERE (Context as ‘it is Written) referring to “… 41But rather GIVE ALMS of [l]SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE; then indeed ALL THINGS ARE CLEAN TO YOU. …” which is the CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE which is a MUST for any TRUE CHRISTIAN (according to ‘Relative Measure‘, implied) as CHRIST DIDN’T SAY it is an “option” but a “requirement” as His Phrase here is:
“… These you OUGHT TO HAVE DONE, WITHOUT LEAVING THE OTHERS UNDONE. …”
and from “WHAT YOU HAVE” (meaning NOT money collected in the Name of God only and Neither are the Priests/Pastors exempt from it as the ‘Pharisees were such’).
In short, ‘believing in Christ’ and ‘continuing living like that’ wouldn’t HAVE SAVED the PHARISEES either as “True believing in Christ would do these ALMSGIVING or CHARITY DOCTRINE as CHRIST WARNS here as the LOVE OF GOD and JUSTICE He Refers to” instead of “Prosperity” (Self-Indulgence) as these Pharisees did.
If all these New Testament Verses (many Directly by Christ) did “not” matter, He Wouldn’t have Spoken All these, right?
Christ is clearly Warning against the “White-washed Tombs Doctrine of Holiness without the Charity Doctrine type”. Can you see it as ”it is Written’ Please?
Do you really think “His Words will pass away” and a ‘new way’ is open to any of us?
“… Heaven and earth will pass away, but MY WORDS WILL BY NO MEANS PASS AWAY. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:35, NKJV)
[Image is from Page 1250 of the #SafeRouteScripturallyBook ]
Peace to you
The Bible instructs “Good Works” Doctrine to Preached ALWAYS and NOT once in a while
Real Spiritual Warfare is all about Theological Arguments
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161797506387784
Bible Verses:
“… 1Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. 2But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 3For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4For the WEAPONS of OUR WARFARE ARE NOT [a]CARNAL but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5CASTING DOWN ARGUMENTS and every high thing that exalts itself against the KNOWLEDGE of GOD, bringing EVERY THOUGHT into captivity to the OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST, 6and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. …” (2 Corinthians 10:1 – 6, NKJV)
Another Verse:
“… For WE DO NOT WRESTLE AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness IN THE HEAVENLY PLACES. …” (Ephesians 6:12, NKJV)
In short, the Bible clearly Teaches that for this NEW TESTAMENT, instead of wasting time (and risking your soul) to committing EARTHLY WARS (be it literally killing other families to protect your way of life to protect your family) or FINANCIAL WARS (playing RACISM Business Games to “make your family or race rich” while using the “poor” to your advantage in any way) or even any other “wars“, we should focus on FULFILLING GOD’S COMMANDS especially these #CharityDoctrineLifestyle Commands as we have seen in Galatians 6:6 – 10 itself for REAPING of ETERNAL LIFE CONTEXT by ‘debating such arguments even’ WITH NO STRUGGLE WHATSOEVER with ANY FLESH and BLOOD (i.e. NO FIGHTING with OTHER HUMANS but rather Practice the #CharityDoctrine toward them in any way as the #LawOfChrist Demands this by ‘Relative Measure’) as the TRUE SPIRITUAL WARFARE for “Eternal Life Context” set forth in these Verses. Can you see it?
Lord Jesus Christ Himself was always Speaking Doctrine and Debating the Religious of his time (the “Pharisees“) regarding which Doctrine is right and we ought to “Follow Christ” in this aspect too (Let God Decide who Taught more rightly and have Mercy on our Doctrinal errors).
Peace to you
Holiness to Charity Doctrine and its relation to Salvation and Rewards
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161784796562784
Question
All believers become saints and righteous through BLOOD OF JESUS not institutional declaration nor their own good works. Only Christ the mediator between God and men but the Christianity has created layers of Pope, bishop, pastors and so on! The faith system requires only elders and deacons
Reply
In the Context of Salvation yes but in the Context of Heavenly ranking and reward, your statement is incorrect.
We will look at each claim above with “Bible Verses” at the end.
Let’ begin.
1) Some saved ‘saints’ are only SAVED by FIRE with NO REWARDS based ON YOUR GOOD WORKS vs BAD WORKS (“Works” clearly Written here)
“… 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 3:13 – 15, NKJV)
“… For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. …” (2 Corinthians 5:10, NKJV)
2) Some ‘Saints’ are GREATER as they GET GOLD, SILVER and PRECIOUS STONES type of REWARD based on THEIR WORKS (Good Works vs Bad Works)
“… But LET EACH ONE TAKE HEED HOW HE BUILDS ON IT. 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 3:5 – 15, NKJV)
Please notice that this is how the Original ‘Faith Alone Preacher Blessed Apostle St. Paul’ Taught the meaning of “Salvation” (being Saved“) and its relation of REWARDS (Salvation Level) in His Kingdom. The “Reward” meant allegorically here is “Inheritance of His Kingdom” (Inheritance of Heaven etc.), Verses:
“… 22Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23And WHATEVER YOU DO, DO IT HEARTILY, AS TO THE LORD AND NOT TO MEN, 24knowing that FROM THE LORD YOU WILL RECEIVE THE REWARD OF THE INHERITANCE; for[a] YOU SERVE THE LORD CHRIST. 25But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is NO PARTIALITY. …” (Colossians 3:22 – 25, NKJV)
Note: Yes, “Whatever you do” = “any act” which “benefits others” or of “holiness” can merit a reward of inheritance in His Kingdom and “not” just Church activities even if you work as a “servant” as these Verses Reveal Clearly above in Context.
Conclusion
When we don’t Teach the Concept of Biblical Rewards (Salvation Level), i.e. ‘least vs great in the Kingdom of Heaven’ even (Please see next Verses) we make people ‘small’ in His Kingdom and hence risk becoming “least” likewise for ‘failure’ to teach “THESE COMMANDS” for the KINGDOM:
“… 19Whoever therefore BREAKS one of the LEAST of THESE COMMANDMENTS, and TEACHES men so, shall be called LEAST in the kingdom of HEAVEN; but whoever DOES AND TEACHES them, he shall be called GREAT in the kingdom of HEAVEN. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:19, NKJV)
#CharityDoctrine is at the “heart” of this Context in 1 Corinthians 3’s Reward or Salvation Level too as Apostle St. Paul did “not” Write of any other religious act in 1 Corinthians 3 (if you find one, please show me which Verse):
“… 8Now HE WHO PLANTS AND HE WHO WATERS ARE ONE, and EACH ONE WILL RECEIVE HIS OWN REWARD ACCORDING TO HIS OWN LABOR. 9For we are God’s fellow workers; YOU ARE GOD’s FIELD, YOU ARE GOD’s BUILDING. 10According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But LET EACH ONE TAKE HEED HOW HE BUILDS ON IT. …” (1 Corinthians 3:8 – 10, NKJV)
Christ Himself clearly confirmed and also ONLY MENTIONED the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle when He Taught this “Inheritance or Kingdom of Heaven” Context likewise allegorically as “… Unfailing Treasure in Heaven …” revealing “our HEART” too, 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)
“… ‘Why have WE FASTED,’ they say, ‘and YOU HAVE NOT SEEN? Why have WE AFFLICTED OUR SOULS, and YOU TAKE NO NOTICE?’ …” (Isaiah 58:3, NKJV)
Part of the Answer (God’s Reply):
“… 7Is it not to SHARE YOUR BREAD with the HUNGRY,
And that you bring to your house THE POOR who are cast out;
When you see THE NAKED, that you cover him,
And not hide yourself from YOUR OWN FLESH?
8Then YOUR LIGHT shall break forth like the MORNING,
YOUR HEALING shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
9Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;
You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ …” (Isaiah 58:7 – 9, NKJV)
“… 21“I HATE, I despise your feast days, And I do NOT SAVOR your SACRED ASSEMBLIES.
22Though you offer Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will NOT ACCEPT them, NOR will I regard your fattened peace offerings. 23TAKE AWAY from Me the NOISE of YOUR SONGS, For I will NOT HEAR the MELODY of your STRINGED INSTRUMENTS. 24But let JUSTICE run down like water, And RIGHTEOUSNESS like a mighty stream. …” (Amos 5:21 – 24, NKJV)
Why?
“… 10They HATE the one who REBUKES in the gate,
And they ABHOR the one who SPEAKS UPRIGHTLY.
11Therefore, BECAUSE YOU TREAD DOWN THE POOR
And take grain taxes from him,
Though you have built houses of hewn stone,
Yet you shall not dwell in them;
You have planted pleasant vineyards,
But you shall not drink wine from them.
12For I know YOUR MANIFOLD TRANSGRESSIONS
And YOUR MIGHTY SINS:
AFFLICTING THE JUST and TAKING BRIBES;
DIVERTING THE POOR FROM JUSTICE at the gate. …” (Amos 5:10 – 12, NKJV)
“… 23“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For YOU PAY TITHE of mint and anise and cummin, and have NEGLECTED THE WEIGHTIER MATTERS of the LAW: JUSTICE AND MERCY and FAITH. These you OUGHT TO HAVE DONE, WITHOUT LEAVING THE OTHERS UNDONE. 24BLIND GUIDES, who STRAIN OUT A GNAT AND SWALLOW A CAMEL! 25“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you CLEANSE THE OUTSIDE OF THE CUP and dish, but INSIDE THEY ARE FULL OF EXTORTION and [l]SELF-INDULGENCE. 26Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. 27“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like WHITEWASHED TOMBS which indeed appear BEAUTIFUL OUTWARDLY, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. 28Even so you also OUTWARDLY APPEAR RIGHTEOUS TO MEN, but INSIDE YOU ARE FULL OF HYPOCRISY AND LAWLESSNESS. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 23:23 – 28, NKJV)
“… 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)
Note: The ONLY Religious Act Mentioned as a “Cure” for all this in Verses above BY CHRIST HIMSELF is the CHARITY DOCTRINE as per these Phrases “… 41But rather GIVE ALMS of [l]SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE; then indeed ALL THINGS ARE CLEAN TO YOU. …” (Luke 11:41, NKJV) where ‘ALMS = CHARITY = Giving and Sharing things for FREE to those in need according to our capacity (i.e. by relative Measure, e.g. Luke 12:46 – 48, Luke 21:1 – 3)’.
“… ‘WHEN YOU FASTED AND MOURNED in the fifth and seventh months DURING THOSE SEVENTY YEARS, DID YOU REALLY FAST FOR ME—FOR ME? …” (Zechariah 7:5, NKJV)
Please notice carefully that God Only Asked about this AFTER SEVENTY YEARS they have practicing such “religious observation faithfully” and NEVER CORRECTED THEM EARLIER ALLOWING THEM TO BE IN ERROR FOR SUCH A LONG TIME.
The CHARITY DOCTRINE CORRECTION aspect so that THEIR FASTING AND PRAYERS are ACCEPTED is SEEN WHEN THESE VERSES are quoted in “full” as follows:
“… 4Then THE WORD OF THE LORD of hosts came to me, saying, 5“Say to ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE LAND, and TO THE PRIESTS: ‘WHEN YOU FASTED AND MOURNED in the fifth and seventh months DURING THOSE SEVENTY YEARS, DID YOU REALLY FAST FOR ME—FOR ME? 6When YOU EAT AND WHEN YOU DRINK, DO YOU NOT EAT AND DRINK FOR YOURSELVES? 7Should you not have OBEYED THE WORDS WHICH THE LORD proclaimed through the FORMER PROPHETS when Jerusalem and the cities around it were inhabited and prosperous, and the [f]South and the Lowland were inhabited?’ ”
8Then THE WORD OF THE LORD CAME TO ZECHARIAH, saying, 9“Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘EXECUTE TRUE JUSTICE, Show [g]MERCY AND COMPASSION Everyone to his brother. 10Do not OPPRESS THE WIDOW OR THE FATHERLESS, The ALIEN OR THE POOR.
Let none of you plan evil in his heart Against his brother.’ 11“But they refused to heed, shrugged[h] their shoulders, and stopped[i] their ears so that they could not hear. 12Yes, they made their hearts like flint, REFUSING TO HEAR THE LAW and THE WORDS WHICH THE LORD OF HOSTS had sent by HIS SPIRIT THROUGH THE FORMER PROPHETS. Thus GREAT WRATH came from the Lord of hosts. …” (Zechariah 7:4 – 12, NKJV)
Comment: OPRESSING the POOR or WIDOW or FATHERLESS is “not” just when one does direct harm but also WHEN ONE DOES NOT GIVE GOD’s MONEY or CHURCH MONEY to them as CHRIST HAS WARNED LIKEWISE in Luke 11:39 – 42 as I have discussed at the end of this Book in detail too.
Yes, Last but not least it is GOD HIMSELF WHO Teaches that the ONLY RELIGIOUS ACT mentioned to KNOW HIM (is not prayer, fasting, Church attendance, worship etc.) UNLESS it is WITH THIS #CHARITYDOCTRINELIFESTYLE, Verses:
Those who do “not” know this Charity Doctrine Lifestyle do “not” know God as God Himself scolds a King of Judah likewise 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)
Please notice that the above was SPOKEN by GOD HIMSELF through Prophet Jeremiah in the Context of “KNOWING GOD“.
If there was a ‘better way’ of ‘Knowing God’, God Would have Said it but He did NOT.
Even Judgment Day (in Matthew 25:31 – 46) agrees that HIS SHEEP KNOW HIM by the “Common Ground” of CHARITY DOCTRINE only mentioned likewise in regards to what one did ‘… when I was Hungry, Thirsty, Naked, Homeless, Sick, in Prison …’ etc.
Can you see it as it is Written please?
In comparison please be careful of #Lawlessness (which includes doing against all these Verses especially those directly by CHRIST or GOD here even) where those REJECTED CHRISTIANS ‘thought they knew Him quoting Miracles, Prophecy and Casting out of Demons’ in Matthew 7:20 – 24.
Can you see it?
“… 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 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 7:18 – 24, NKJV)
“no” easy faith exists as Christ already Warned because His Commands are difficult (same Context as He Spoke both Matthew 7:14 and Matthew 7:24 in this same conversation):
“… 14Because NARROW is the gate and DIFFICULT is the way which leads to life, and there are FEW who FIND IT … 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 7:14, 24, NKJV)
Can you see which part is NARROW and DIFFICULT which CHRIST MEANTS that it POINTS ONLY to HIS COMMANDS in HIS OWN WORDS?
How?
As demonstrated in points above with BIBLE VERSES and GOD SPEAKING (not mere human opinions) whether it be Fasting and Prayer or Church Assembly or Worship or even Holiness, if WITHOUT the CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE, GOD DOES NOT VALUE IT.
Relative Measure: I mean, God Values our “Fasting and Prayer or Church Assembly or Worship or even Holiness,” according to the LEVEL OF CHARITY DOCTRINE LIVED as all these Quoted Verses mean.
“… 25And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I DO TO INHERIT ETERNAL LIFE?” 26He said to him, “What is WRITTEN IN THE LAW? What is YOUR READING OF IT?” 27So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ ” 28And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; DO THIS AND YOU WILL LIVE.” 29But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?” 30Then JESUS ANSWERED and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had COMPASSION. 34So he went to him and BANDAGED HIS WOUNDS, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and TOOK CARE OF HIM. 35On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘TAKE CARE OF HIM; and WHATEVER MORE YOU SPEND, when I come again, I WILL REPAY YOU.’ 36So which of these three do you think was NEIGHBOR to him who fell among the thieves? 37And he said, “He who SHOWED MERCY on him.” Then JESUS SAID to him, “GO AND DO LIKEWISE.”…” (Luke 10:25 – 37, NKJV)
Note: Also, CHRIST Said that the “Good Samaritan” got “Eternal Life” as opposed to the “Priest/Levite” (who knew Theology better) in His Parable of the Good Samaritan for missing the Charity Doctrine as God’s Will (Luke 10:25 – 37) as Samaritans depict those with imperfect Theology too by CHRIST too (in John 4:22 – 23).
Luke 10:25 – 37’s Charity Doctrine Command is by CHRIST detailing HOW HE WANTS us TO FULFILL the “… Love your neighbour as yourself …” part for ETERNAL LIFE which in Matthew 19:16 – 30 He didn’t detail out (since no one ask for the details there – Can you see it?).
As to whether the “… Love your neighbour 2nd Greatest Command of God …” can be fulfilled WITHOUT the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle, let’s recall your words of wisdom which is ‘… Who are we to research him …’ because THAT FULFILLING IT IN ANOTHER WAY PART IS NOT WRITTEN in ANY OF CHRIST’S WORDS WHEN HE QUOTED THIS VERSE and so ‘let’s not research His Reply’. Can you see it?
#CharityDoctrine is “Love (Agape, God’s Love) in Action” as 1 John 3:16 – 18 Reveals.
Let’s just DO THE DEFINITION which HE GAVE already for the “… Love your neighbour 2nd Greatest Command of God …” in Luke 10:25 – 37 as the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle in the “Parable of the Good Samaritan” not just toward those of the same race/ same religion / same denomination/ same family only as the “Samaritan” did it toward the “Jew” (who are culturally and religious-wise or denomination-wise enemies) in ‘His Own Description as it is Written’. Can you see it please as it is Written?
So it makes sense now Scripturally why it is Written that this Charity Doctrine is equal to FULFILLING ALL LAW (because without it, Fasting and Prayer or Church Assembly or Worship or even Holiness has little to no value as THESE BIBLE VERSES Quoted (not my opinion) Teaches clearly as it is Written):
“… For the WHOLE LAW is FULFILLED in one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”…” (Galatians 5:14, NASB)
If your Church is doing it, Great! Please remember Relative Measure because God Counts (e.g. Luke 21:1 – 3, Luke 12:46 – 48) and CONDEMNS too based on this aspect of lifestyle as the only literal description of Hell in Scripture in the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus Revealed likewise (Luke 16:19 – 31).
There is “no” fulfilling of the Greatest Commandment without the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle
“… 29JESUS answered him, “The [k]first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ [l]This is the first commandment. 31And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is NO OTHER COMMANDMENT GREATER THAN THESE.” …” (Mark 12:29 – 31, NKJV)
Please notice carefully that when Teaching the Greatest Command Christ does NOT Teach it alone but couples it with the Love your neighbour 2nd Greatest Command.
Why? Because the second is the proof of the first as many Biblical scholars also have attested likewise.
If the first can be fulfilled independently or with another religious command such as praying or worship Christ would have revealed so but HE DID NOT and instead of these CHRIST ONLY COUPLED it with the LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR COMMAND which in CHRIST’S OWN DEFINITION is the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle only in Luke 10:25 – 37’s Parable of the Good Samaritan.
Example Quotes:
“… I know many who fast, pray, sigh, and demonstrate every manner of piety, so long as it costs them nothing, yet would not part with a penny to help those in distress. … When I go into the house of one of these tasteless newly rich individuals, and see it bedecked with every imaginable hue, I know that this person possesses nothing more valuable than what is on display; such people decorate inanimate objects, but fail to beautify the soul. … Care for the needy requires the expenditure of wealth: when all share alike, disbursing their possessions among themselves, they each receive a small portion for their individual needs. Thus, those who love their neighbor as themselves possess nothing more than their neighbor; yet surely, you seem to have great possessions! How else can this be, but that you have preferred your own enjoyment to the consolation of the many? For the more you abound in wealth, the more you lack in love. … For if we all took only what was necessary to satisfy our own needs, giving the rest to those who lack, no one would be rich, no one would be poor, and no one would be in need. … After they have squandered their wealth among so many pursuits, if there is any left over, they hide it in the ground and guard it deep within the earth. “For the future,” they say, “is always uncertain; therefore let us take care, lest some unforeseen need should arise.” Yet while it is uncertain whether you will have need of this buried gold, the losses you incur from your inhuman behavior are not at all uncertain … Had you clothed the naked, had you given your bread to the hungry, had your door been open to every stranger, had you been a parent to the orphan, had you made the suffering of every helpless person your own, what money would you have left, the loss of which to grieve? … What then will you answer the Judge? You gorgeously array your walls, but do not clothe your fellow human being; you adorn horses, but turn away from the shameful plight of your brother or sister; you allow grain to rot in your barns, but do not feed those who are starving; you hide gold in the earth, but ignore the oppressed! … You showed no mercy; it will not be shown to you. You opened not your house; you will be expelled from the Kingdom. You gave not your bread; you will not receive eternal life. …” – Blessed St. Basil the Great, was the bishop of Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia, Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). He was an influential theologian who supported the Nicene Creed and opposed the heresies of the early Christian church, fighting against both Arianism and the followers of Apollinaris of Laodicea. In addition to his work as a theologian, Basil was known for his care of the poor and underprivileged. Basil established guidelines for monastic life which focus on community life, liturgical prayer, and manual labor. Together with Pachomius, he is remembered as a father of communal monasticism in Eastern Christianity, Titles: one of the Three Holy Hierarchs / Great Hierarch, Doctor of the Church, Approved Church Father in the First Lutheran Father’s Book of Concord (c. 329 AD – c. 379 AD)
Source:
https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/7393703-on-social-justice-st-basil-the-great
Based on the Matthew 25’s Parable of The Sheep and the Goats, the early Church saw the love of the poor (periptochias) as the crown jewel of the virtues. Cappadocian father St. Gregory of Nazianzus wrote that [After considering many of the Christian virtues, he concludes that]:
“… It is not at all an easy task to discover the one virtue that surpasses all others and to give it the scepter and palm, just as it is not easy in a meadow fragrant with many blossoms to find the most fragrant and beautiful. FOLLOWING PAUL AND CHRIST HIMSELF, we must regard CHARITY as the FIRST and GREATEST of the COMMANDMENTS since it is the VERY SUM of the LAW and PROPHETS, [and] ITS MOST VITAL PART I FIND IS THE LOVE OF THE POOR …” – Blessed St. Gregory Nazianzus, also known as Gregory the Theologian or Gregory Nazianzen, Archbishop of Constantinople, Theologian, Doctor of the Church, Great Hierarch, Cappadocian Father, Ecumenical Teacher, Approved Church Father in the First Lutheran Father’s Book of Concord (c. 329 AD – c. 390 AD)
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charity_(Christian_virtue)
or
https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt32b306
“… But I wonder that some are so obstinate as to think that repentance is not to be granted to the lapsed, or to suppose that pardon is to be denied to the penitent, when it is written, “REMEMBER WHENCE YOU ARE FALLEN, REPENT, and DO THE FIRST WORKS,” (Rev. 2:5) which certainly is said to him who evidently has fallen, and whom the Lord exhorts to rise up again by his works, because it is written, “ALMS DO DELIVER FROM DEATH,” and not, assuredly, from that death which once the blood of Christ extinguished, and from which the saving grace of baptism and of our Redeemer has delivered us, but from that which subsequently creeps in through sins. …” – Blessed St. Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, a pre-eminent Latin writer of Western Christianity until Jerome and Augustine, Martyr for Christ, Approved Church Father in the First Lutheran Father’s Book of Concord (c. 200 AD – c. 258 AD, [Cyprian of Carthage, Ep. 51.22 ANF v.5])
Source (Section Commentary on this Tobit/Tobias Verse [4:10 Because that alms do deliver from death, and suffer not to come into darkness. 11 For alms is a good gift unto all that give it in the sight of the most High.]):
Please notice that each of the “Church Fathers” quoted here are listed among the “First Lutheran Father’s Book of Concord “, to quote:
“… The Lutheran Church did not start in the 1500s, but is the continuation of the one catholic (universal) Church, including everyone who taught and believed the one catholic faith. In The Book of Concord, the Early Church fathers are referenced and quoted in every confessional document (except the Small Catechism). Here are all the ones mentioned: … Justin Martyr, IRENAEUS, and TERTULLIAN from the second century. ORIGEN, Cyprian, Anthony of Egypt, ATHANASIUS, Basil of Caesarea, Gregory of Nazianzus, Gregory of Nyssa, John Chrysostom, Cyril of Alexandria, HILARY OF POITIERS, Jerome, Ambrose, Augustine, and Leo I covered the third, fourth, and fifth centuries .Gregory I, Bede, and John of Damascus from the sixth, seventh, and eighth centuries. These men taught and wrote throughout . … The Christian faith did not originate with us. The Christian faith is handed on from one generation of saints to the next, as each generation holds to Scripture. There is so much we can learn from the faithful teachers of the ancient Church, for we are all part of the same catholic Church. They should not be strangers to us. If we are truly Lutheran, then they are truly our fathers. …”
Source: https://lutheranreformation.org/history/lutherans-early-church-fathers/
“… Let no one therefore, dearly beloved, flatter himself on any merits of a good life, if works of charity be wanting in him, and let him not trust in the purity of his body, if he be not cleansed by the purification of almsgiving. For “almsgiving wipes out sin,” kills death, and extinguishes the punishment of perpetual fire. (Tobit) …” – Blessed St. Leo I the Great, also known as Pope Leo I, Bishop of Rome, Pope Benedict XVI said that Leo’s papacy “was undoubtedly one of the most important in the Church’s history, Doctor of the Church, a Roman aristocrat, and was the first pope to have been called “the Great”., Approved Church Father in the First Lutheran Father’s Book of Concord (c. 400 – 461 AD)
Source (Sermon 10, On the Collections, V. Chapter IV. And its efficacy, as Scripture proves, is incalculable):
https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/360310.htm
Here’s a Church Father who was a ‘Direct Disciple of the Apostles Type’ who requested that we STANDFAST in this UNCHANGEABLE FAITH (where he specifically highlights this #CharityDoctrine part – can you see it below?):
“… STAND FAST, therefore, in these things, and FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF THE LORD, being firm and UNCHANGEABLE IN THE FAITH, loving the brotherhood, and being attached to one another, joined together in the truth, exhibiting the meekness of the Lord in your intercourse with one another, and despising no one. When YOU CAN DO GOOD, DEFER IT NOT, because “ALMS DELIVERS FROM DEATH.” [Tobit 12:9]” Be all of you subject one to another? having your conduct blameless among the Gentiles,” that YE MAY BOTH RECEIVE PRAISE FOR YOUR GOOD WORKS, and the Lord may not be blasphemed through you. But WOE TO HIM by whom the name of the Lord is blasphemed! Teach, therefore, sobriety to all, and manifest it also in your own conduct. …” – Blessed St. Polycarp, Bishop of Smryna, an Apostolic Father being the Disciple of the Blessed St. John the Apostle who wrote the Book of Revelation (c. 69 AD – c. 155 AD, CHAPTER X.–EXHORTATION TO THE PRACTICE OF VIRTUE, THE EPISTLE OF POLYCARP TO THE PHILIPPIANS)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/polycarp-roberts.html
Here are Two Reformers who Preached the same in essence:
“… Therefore, let each one see to it that he has these two together: the OIL, which is TRUE FAITH and trust in Christ; and the LAMPS, the VESSEL, which is the OUTWARD SERVICE TOWARD YOUR NEIGHBOR. The WHOLE CHRISTIAN LIFE CONSISTS in THESE TWO THINGS things: BELIEVE GOD. HELP YOUR NEIGHBOR. The WHOLE GOSPEL TEACHES this. PARENTS should TELL IT TO THEIR CHILDREN at HOME and EVERYWHERE. Children, too, should CONSTANTLY FOSTER THIS WORD AMONG THEMSELVES. I should really say something about the sleep of the virgins and about the setting out of the Bridegroom for the wedding. But the hour is late. Another time. May God be gracious to us! Amen. …”- The First Champion of the Protestant Faith, Blessed Martin Luther’s Sermon which was translated in 2013 by the Rev. Paul A. Rydecki, On Faith and Good Works, Preached in Erfurt at St. Michaeliskirche on the Day of the 11,000 Virgins (October 21st), 1522)
Source: http://www.godwithuslc.org/luther-sermon-for-trinity-27/
If we Preach the same as even Blessed Martin Luther, the First Protestant that the meaning of this Parable of the 5 Wise and 5 Foolish Virgins is this #CharityDoctrineLifestyle + True Faith in Christ (same meaning in essence with the Church Father quoted here and so ‘most likely right’) how can we be #Heretics? Also this “Prophecy”:
“… How then is it possible that Methodism, that is, the religion of the heart, though it flourishes now as a green bay tree, should continue in this state? For the Methodists in every place grow diligent and frugal; consequently they increase in goods. Hence, they proportionably increase in pride, in the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, and the pride of life. So, although the FORM OF RELIGION REMAINS, THE SPIRIT IS SWIFTLY VANISHING AWAY (2 Timothy 3:5). Is there no way to prevent this? this continual declension of pure in effect, to grow rich! What way then, I ask again, can we take that OUR MONEY may NOT SINK US to the NETHERMOST HELL? There is one way, and there is no other under heaven. If those who gain all they can, and save all they can, will likewise GIVE ALL THEY CAN, then the more they gain, the more they will GROW IN GRACE , and the more treasure they will lay up in heaven,”. …” – Blessed John Wesley, Founder of Methodism
Source:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevin-deyoung/the-pastor-and-the-community-mark-dever/
The are many other Church Fathers’ quotes on this but I think these are “sufficient“:
“… God has no need of your money, but the poor have. You give it to the poor, and God receives it. … Charity is no substitute for justice withheld. … making myself a beggar with the beggars” (Sermon 66, 5) … [presence of the Lord] “in the person of poor people” (Sermon 206, 2; Sermon 113 B, 4) … [The true Christian knows himself to be] “a beggar of God.” “How can you ask of your Lord, when you do not even recognise him in others?” (Sermon 61, 7-8; Sermon 53 A, 10). … [Prayer, fasting and good works are useless without our helping the poor people, mercy and fraternal love. Augustine frequently preached this to his people during the season of Lent. (Sermon 207, 1; Sermon 209, 2; Sermon 389, 2). ] … “Although one gives and another receives, the one who ministers and the one for whom the ministry is performed are joined.” (Sermon 259, 5. PL 38, 1200). … God made the poor to test the rich” (Sermon 39, 4, 6. PL 38, 243), … “It is better that no one should be poor than that you should perform a work of mercy. Anyone who wished them to be miserable so that he or she can show mercy, is possessed by a cruel mercy. A doctor who wished others to be sick, so that he might practice his art, would be a cruel healer.” (Sermon on Psalm 125, 14. PL 37, 1666; Confessions III, 2, 3). … “A true Christian should never set himself up over other human beings. God gave you a place above the beasts. …. If you wish to be better than another person, you will grudge to see that person as your equal. Therefore, you ought to wish all equal to yourself.” (Comm. on the first letter of John 8, 8. PL 35, 2040). … “How many people there are nowadays, who are not yet Christians, who run to church and ask for its assistance. They all want temporal help.” (Sermon on Psalm 46, 5). … “Let us treat them with human decency because they are human beings … take pity on the condition that is common to all.” (S. Lambot 28, Rev. Ben. 66, 1956, 156-158) ” … Possidius wrote: “When the funds of the Church gave out, Augustine announced this to his flock, telling them that he had nothing to bestow upon those in need. It even happened that he ordered the holy vessels of the church to be broken up and melted down, and the proceeds distributed for the benefit of captives and of as many of the poor people as possible. I would not have mentioned this, if I had not seen that it was done against the all too human objections of some people. Ambrose of Milan also said and wrote that this was a thing that ought to be done in such extreme circumstances.” (“Life of Augustine:” Chapter 24) … “It is not the task of a bishop to save up gold and to push away the hand of the beggar. How many poor people come daily to me for money, pouring out their troubles to me and making an appeal to me. It pains me that I must sometimes disappoint their expectations, because I do not have enough to give to all of them” (Sermon 355, 4, 5. PL 39,57 12). … “Christ is needy when a poor person is in need” (Sermon 38, 8., and “Christ is hungry when poor people are hungry” (Sermon 390, 2; Sermon 32, 20). To come to the aid of the poor people, members of Christ, is to come to the aid of Christ the Head who is present and in need within poor people (Sermon 53 A, 6; Sermon 236, 3). God does not demand much of you. He asks back what he gave you, and from him you take what is enough for you. The extra possessions of rich persons are the necessities of poor persons. When you possess more than you need, you possess what belongs to others. (Exposition on Psalm 147, 12). Christ who is rich in heaven chose to be hungry in the poor people of the earth. Yet in your humanity you hesitate to give to your fellow human being. Do you not realise that what you give, you give to Christ, from whom you received whatever you have to give in the first place. Commentary on Psalm 75 ,9). Whenever you did it for one of the least of mine, you did it for me. Christ has received what you have given; it has been received by the one who gave you the means to give it; it has been received by the one who at the end will give you himself. (Sermon 389, 4). You give bread to a hungry person; but it would be better if nobody was hungry, and you could give it to no one. You clothe the naked person. I wish that everyone was clothed already, so that this need did not exist. (Tractate on 1 John 8,8). … Go on making use of your special, expensive foods, because you have got into the habit of them, because if you change your habits you get sick. Go on making use of your superfluities, but give the poor their necessities. He looks to you, you look to God. He looks to a hand that was made as he was, you look to a hand that made you. But it did not only make you, it also made the poor man with you. He gave you both this life as a single road to travel along. You have found yourselves companions, walking along the same road; he is carrying nothing, you have an excessive load. He is carrying nothing with him, you are carrying more than you need. You are overloaded; give him some of what you have. At a stroke, you feed him and lessen your load. So give to the poor; I am begging you, I am warning you, I am commanding you, I am ordering you.Give to the poor people whatever you like. (Sermon 389, 5-6) . Do you think it is a small matter that you are eating the food of some other person? Listen to the apostle: We brought nothing into this world. You have come into the world, you have found a full table spread for you. But the earth and its fullness belongs to the Lord. God bestows the world on the poor people, and He bestows it on the rich people. (Sermon 29, 2) … If it is useless for a farmer to look for a crop where he knows he has not sown any seed, how much worse must it be to look to God to be rich in giving, when you have declined to listen to a poor man asking you for help? It is in the poor person, after all, that Christ has wished to be fed. Let us not, then, reject our God when He is in need in the people who are poor, so that we in our need may be satisfied by Him in His riches. We have people in physical need, and we have spiritual needs ourselves; so let us give, in order to receive. (Sermon 206, 2)” … As God, a rich person; as a human being, a poor person. Truly, that Man rose to heaven already rich, and now sits at the right hand of the Father, but here, among us, He still suffers hunger, thirst and nakedness: here He is a poor person and is in poor people.(Sermon 123, 4) … First and foremost, clearly, please remember the poor people, so that what you withhold from yourselves by living more simply, you may deposit in the treasury of heaven. Let the denial of self of one who undertakes it willingly become the support of the one who has nothing. Let the voluntary want of the person who has plenty become the needed plenty of the person in want. (Sermon 210, 12) … Christ who is rich is in need until the end of the world. He is in need not insofar as he is the Head, but in his members. Let us be gracious to Christ. He is with us in those who are his own, he is with us in ourselves. (Sermon 239) … Fasting punishes you but brings no refreshment to anyone else. Your restriction will be fruitful if it brings amplitude to another. So you have deprived yourself, have you? But to whom do you mean to give what you denied yourself? How do you intend to dispose of what you went without? How many poor people might grow fat on that luncheon we missed? Fast in such a fashion that while another person is fed you may feel the satisfaction of having lunched on your prayers, which are now more likely to win a hearing. Do you want your prayers to fly to God? Then make two wings for it, fasting and alms deeds. (Exposition of Psalm 42, 8.) …
There are two types of persons to whom you must give. Two types of persons hunger; one for bread, the other for what is right. Between these two hungry persons you find yourself as the doer of the good work; if charity motivates the work, it serves the good of both. For the one desires what he may eat, the other desires what he may imitate. You feed the one, and give yourself as a pattern to the other; so you have given to both of them: the one you have given reason to thank you for killing his hunger, the other you have given reason to imitate you by setting him an example. (Homilies on the First Letter of John 8, 9) …” – Blessed St. Augustine of Hippo, Doctor of the Church, who influenced virtually all of subsequent Western philosophy and Catholic theology, as well as a significant amount of Protestant theology (c. 354 AD – c. 430 AD)
Sources for these quotes:
http://www.catholictradition.org/Saints/saintly-quotes2.htm
and
http://www.augnet.org/en/works-of-augustine/his-ideas/2325-the-poor/
or summarised from the official Augustinian international web site http://www.osanet.org
“… ‘7. Therefore in the Gospel, the Lord, the Teacher of our life and Master of eternal salvation, quickening the assembly of believers, and providing for them for ever when quickened, among His divine commands and precepts of heaven, commands and prescribes nothing more frequently than that we should devote ourselves to almsgiving, and not depend on earthly possessions, but rather lay up heavenly treasures. “Sell,” says He, “your goods, and give alms.“(1) And again: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust do corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also.“(2) And when He wished to set forth a man perfect and complete by the observation of the law,(3) He said, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come and follow me.”(4) Moreover, in another place He says that a merchant of the heavenly grace, and a gainer of eternal salvation, ought to purchase the precious pearl–that is, eternal life–at the price of the blood of Christ, from the amount of his patrimony, parting with all his wealth for it. He says: “The kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchantman seeking goodly pearls. And when he found a precious pearl, he went away and sold all that he had, and bought it.”(5) 8. In fine, He calls those the children of Abraham whom He sees to be laborious in aiding and nourishing the poor. For when Zacchaeus said, “Behold, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have done any wrong to any man, I restore fourfold,” Jesus answered and said, “That salvation has this day come to this house, for that he also is a son of Abraham.”(6) For if Abraham believed in God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness, certainly he who gives alms according to God’s precept believes in God, and he who has the truth of faith maintains the fear of God; moreover, he who maintains the fear of God considers God in showing mercy to the poor. For he labours thus because he believes–because he knows that what is foretold by God’s word is true, and that the Holy Scripture cannot lie–that unfruitful trees, that is, unproductive men, are cut off and cast into the fire, but that the merciful are called into the kingdom. He also, in another place, calls laborious and fruitful men faithful; but He denies faith to unfruitful and barren ones, saying, “If ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to you that which is true? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?”(7) … (5) Remembering which precepts, Daniel, when king Nebuchodonosor was in anxiety, being frightened by an adverse dream, gave him, for the turning away of evils, a remedy to obtain the divine help, saying, “Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to thee; and redeem thy sins by almsgivings, and thine unrighteousness by mercies to the poor, and God will be patient(6) to thy sins.”(7) And as the king did not obey him, he underwent the misfortunes and mischiefs which he had seen, and which he might have escaped and avoided had he redeemed his sins by almsgiving. Raphael the angel also witnesses the like, and exhorts that alms should be freely and liberally bestowed, saying, “Prayer is good, with fasting and alms; because alms doth deliver from death, and it purgeth away sins.”(8. He shows that our prayers and fastings are of less avail, unless they are aided by almsgiving; that entreaties alone are of little force to obtain what they seek, unless they be made sufficient(9) by the addition of deeds and good works. The angel reveals, and manifests, and certifies that our petitions become efficacious by almsgiving, that life is redeemed from dangers by almsgiving, that souls are delivered from death by almsgiving.” …”– Blessed St. Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, a pre-eminent Latin writer of Western Christianity until Jerome and Augustine, Martyr for Christ, Approved Church Father in the First Lutheran Father’s Book of Concord (c. 200 AD – c. 258 AD)
Source [On Works and Alms Concerning Works and Almsgiving.]:
“… “Do you see that our practice has more power to do good? By practice I mean, not your fasting, nor yet your strewing sackcloth and ashes under you, but if you despise wealth, as it ought to be despised; if you be kindly affectioned, if you give your bread to the hungry, if you control anger, if you cast out vainglory, if you put away envy. So He Himself used to teach: for, ‘Learn of me,’ says He, ‘for I am meek and lowly in heart.’ [Matthew 11:29] He did not say, ‘for I fasted,’ although surely He might have spoken of the forty days, yet He says not this; but, ‘I am meek and lowly in heart.’ And again, when sending them out, He said not, ‘Fast,’ but, ‘Eat of all that is set before you.’ With regard to wealth, however, He required of them great strictness, saying, ‘Provide not gold, or silver, or brass, in your purses.’ [Matthew 10:9]. And all this I say, not to depreciate fasting, God forbid, but rather highly to commend it. But I grieve when other duties being neglected, you think it enough for salvation, having but the last place in the choir of virtue. For the greatest thing is charity, and moderation, and ALMSGIVING; WHICH HITS A HIGHER MARK EVEN THAN VIRGINITY.” …” – Blessed St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, Doctor of the Church, one of the Three Holy Hierarchs, Approved Church Father in the First Lutheran Father’s Book of Concord (c. 349 AD – c. 407 AD, Homily 46, Homilies on the Gospel of St. Matthew)
Source:
Summary
These are “not” man-made doctrines but what those Bible Verses earlier quoted Reveal First. These First Christianity quotes prove that such an understanding of Doctrine was in the Church all the time.
Best is this:
Christ Himself did “not” point to PERFECTION of CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE as MORE ‘Fasting and Prayer or Church Assembly or Worship or even Holiness’ but ONLY AS THIS #CHARITYDOCTRINELIFESTYLE (perhaps that’s why St. John Chrysosthom’s quote above rings true in that ‘… and ALMSGIVING; WHICH HITS A HIGHER MARK EVEN THAN VIRGINITY.” …’ in last quote above where in VERSES below CHRIST SAYS that CHRISTIAN PERFECTION is SOLELY “… 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.” 22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away SORROWFUL, for he had GREAT POSSESSIONS. …” (Matthew 19:21 – 22), NKJV)
Verses:
“… 16Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good[d] Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17So He said to him, [e]“Why do you call Me good? [f]No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 19‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” 20The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept [g]from my youth. What do I still lack?” 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.” 22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away SORROWFUL, for he had GREAT POSSESSIONS. …” (Matthew 19:16 – 22, NKJV)
So to REALLY HONOUR THE BLOOD OF CHRIST is not just to ‘speak about Him’ and revert to worldly ways but rather to ALSO PREACH and DO WHAT HE COMMANDED here where THE PERFECTION of HIS COMMANDS BEYOND THE 10 COMMANDMENTS even is clearly this #CharityDoctrine Command as Demonstrated in Verses by CHRIST HIMSELF as ‘it is Written’.
The New Covenant is all about “Doing Good Works” for keeping (obeying) “our part of the Covenant“, Verse:
“… 20Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our LORD JESUS, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the BLOOD of the EVERLASTING COVENANT 21MAKE YOU PERFECT in EVERY GOOD WORK to DO HIS WILL, working in you that which is WELL PLEASING in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. …” (Hebrews 13:20 – 21, KJV)
Yes, to do “GOOD” to others is the NEW COVENANT in HIS BLOOD for us to fulfill as the Verses above Describe Beautifully “as it is Written”. So to miss this Doctrine of Good Works, is to miss our part for the “New Covenant“. Comment: One of the Worst False Teaching is one that Does not Teach Good Works as Doctrine because it doesn’t fulfil ‘our part’ to HONOUR CHRIST’S BLOOD for this EVERLASTING COVENANT as these Verses Describe. Pease be careful of #Lawlessness
Please don’t forget “Context” where we have seen that from “Fasting and Prayer or Church Assembly or Worship or even Holiness”, if WITHOUT the CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE, GOD DOES NOT VALUE IT or ONLY VALUES it by RELATIVE MEASURE of CHARITY DOCTRINE LIVED (as Verses quoted earlier at the start clearly Reveals for each claim made) and THAT’S WHY THE #CHARITYDOCTRINELIFESTYLE is at the HEART of the GOSPEL COMMANDS no matter ‘what Other Commands be it 10 Commandment Holiness Commands or anything else one wishes to Practice‘ which is also probably also why the ORIGINAL ‘Sola Fide’ (Faith Alone Preacher) TAUGHT that the “GOOD WORKS” he is referring to as a ‘General Saying‘ (in next Verse below is PRIMARILY the CHARITY DOCTRINE type of “… MEETING URGENT NEEDS of OTHERS …” (Can you please see it how the Bible Agrees Perfectly?) regardless of the fact that we are “not” saved by these “Good Works“, Verses:
“… 14who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself HIS OWN SPECIAL PEOPLE, ZEALOUS FOR GOOD WORKS. … 1Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be READY FOR EVERY GOOD WORK, 2to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men … 4But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH WE HAVE DONE, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, … 8This is a FAITHFUL SAYING, and THESE THINGS I WANT YOU TO AFFIRM CONSTANTLY, that THOSE WHO HAVE BELIEVED IN GOD should be CAREFUL TO MAINTAIN GOOD WORKS. These things are good and profitable to men. … 14And let OUR PEOPLE also LEARN TO MAINTAIN GOOD WORKS, to MEET URGENT NEEDS, that they may NOT BE UNFRUITFUL. …” (Titus 2:14, 3:1, 4 – 5, 8, 14, NKJV)
Peace to you
Can anyone be Saved on Judgment Day?
Question
General mainstream Protestant belief is that Christians are saved when Christ Returns during the “First Resurrection” and Reign with Him for 1000 years (Revelation 20:4 – 6) while all those who are Resurrected during the “Second Resurrection” on “Judgment Day” are thrown into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:10) at the end of this 1000 years.
Reply
Perhaps that’s one way to look at the Bible Verses. But I think there are other “possibilities” here as described below:
1) Matthew 25:31 – 46 Possible Context
Some seemed to be Saved on “Judgment Day”/”Second Resurrection” only based on Matthew 25:31 – 46’s ‘sheep of the nations’ which with the Chiliasm Timeline seems to point that these cannot be Christians (because they are saved 1000 years earlier) and so seems to be some type of non-Elect Salvation toward non-Christians who have Practiced the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle toward “Christians” in their lives prior as I have discussed with St. Irenaeous of Lyons’ quotes using even John 5:28 – 29 too in Pages 593 to 604 in this #SafeRouteScripturallyBook (a lot of details).
2) Romans 2 Possible Context
“… 5But in accordance with YOUR HARDNESS and your [a]impenitent heart you are [b]treasuring up for yourself wrath in the DAY OF WRATH and REVELATION of the RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT OF GOD, 6who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: 7 ETERNAL LIFE to those who by PATIENT CONTINUANCE IN DOING GOOD SEEK FOR GLORY, HONOR and IMMORTALITY; 8but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, 9tribulation and anguish, on EVERY SOUL OF MAN who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the [c]Greek; 10but glory, honor, and peace to EVERYONE WHO WORKS WHAT IS GOOD, TO THE JEW FIRST AND ALSO TO THE GREEK [Gentiles]. 11For there is NO PARTIALITY WITH GOD. 12For as many as have SINNED WITHOUT THE LAW will also PERISH WITHOUT LAW, and as many as have SINNED IN THE LAW WILL BE JUDGED BY THE LAW 13(for NOT THE HEARERS OF THE LAW ARE JUST IN THE SIGHT OF GOD, BUT THE DOERS OF THE LAW WILL BE JUSTIFIED; …” (Romans 2:5 – 13, NKJV)
Can you see it?
“… 5But in accordance with YOUR HARDNESS and your [a]impenitent heart you are [b]treasuring up for yourself wrath in the DAY OF WRATH and REVELATION of the RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT OF GOD, …” (Romans 2:5, NKJV)
“… 6who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: …” (Romans 2:6, NKJV)
“… 6who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: … 8but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, 9tribulation and anguish, on EVERY SOUL OF MAN who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the [c]Greek; … 11For there is NO PARTIALITY WITH GOD. …” (Romans 2:6, 8, 9, 11, NKJV)
“… 6who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: 7 ETERNAL LIFE to those who by PATIENT CONTINUANCE IN DOING GOOD SEEK FOR GLORY, HONOR and IMMORTALITY; … 10but glory, honor, and peace to EVERYONE WHO WORKS WHAT IS GOOD, TO THE JEW FIRST AND ALSO TO THE GREEK [Gentiles]. 11For there is NO PARTIALITY WITH GOD. … BUT THE DOERS OF THE LAW WILL BE JUSTIFIED …” (Romans 2:6, 7, 10, 11,13 NKJV)
“… 12For as many as have SINNED WITHOUT THE LAW will also PERISH WITHOUT LAW, … 14for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel. …” (Romans 2:12, 14 – 16, NKJV)
“… and as many as have SINNED IN THE LAW WILL BE JUDGED BY THE LAW 13(for NOT THE HEARERS OF THE LAW ARE JUST IN THE SIGHT OF GOD, BUT THE DOERS OF THE LAW WILL BE JUSTIFIED; …” (Romans 2:12 – 13, NKJV)
Possible Meaning:
The phrase “… as many as have SINNED IN THE LAW WILL BE JUDGED BY THE LAW 13(for NOT THE HEARERS OF THE LAW ARE JUST IN THE SIGHT OF GOD, BUT THE DOERS OF THE LAW WILL BE JUSTIFIED; …” (Romans 2:12 – 13) = Those who have heard of the LAW/GOSPEL are likewise JUDGED based on what they have heard and if they DO THE LAW/GOSPEL Commands, they have a ‘possibility’ to be JUSTIFIED as Verse 7 here gives the “Context for Justification” as obtaining “Eternal Life” namely, “… ETERNAL LIFE to those who by PATIENT CONTINUANCE IN DOING GOOD SEEK FOR GLORY, HONOR and IMMORTALITY …” (Romans 2:7) where Verse 6 says this is based on “their deeds/works/lifestyle lived prior” as it reads “…6who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: …”(Romans 2:6)
How can this be “not” Salvation by Works then?
God May Grant them Mercy which may be evidenced by the Life of “Good Works” of holiness + #CharityDoctrine which these may have lived as the example of Cornelius being accepted even before he was a Christian in Acts 10 may be “Generalized” as Apostle St. Peter concluded for ‘similar ones like Cornelius’ as follows:
“… But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. …” (Acts 10:35, NKJV)
The fact that they did their acts of Mercy toward Christians in their lives prior whilst being unbelievers may point to God’s Mercy on them as even the Famous Bible Case of King Cyrus of Persia Reveals where Cyrus was used by God as a “Messiah” (the only Gentile ever given this title in the Bible, Isaiah 45:1) to do Acts of Mercy toward the Jews by setting them free from their earthly oppressors (Isaiah 45:1- 6) where the best Context part is that Cyrus did NOT EVEN KNOW THE TRUE GOD at all whilst doing this nor after doing this as per history and as the Verse Reads for this part as, “… THERE IS NO GOD BESIDES ME. I WILL GIRD YOU, THOUGH YOU HAVE NOT KNOWN ME, …” (Isaiah 45:5, NKJV).
So similarly, these “Surprised Sheep or Gentiles who are Saved on Judgment Day” may have done their acts of Mercy toward Christians by giving them business or helping them financially or with this World’s Goods by God’s Move as He Did with Cyrus, King of Persia and thus may be given the chance to believe after seeing the Risen Christ somewhere between now and the Last Day (as John 6:40 can mean this).
I have discussed this in detail in Pages 958 to 968 in this #SafeRouteScripturallyBook.
3) The ONESIPHORUS Case Possible Context
Is there a Verse in the Bible that Directly links the #CharityDoctrine done toward a #Christian to possibly merit MERCY to be SHOWN on JUDGMENT DAY Context? Yes, here are two Verses:
“… 16The LORD GRANT MERCY to the HOUSEHOLD OF ONESIPHORUS, FOR HE OFTEN REFRESHED ME, and was not ashamed of my chain; 17but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me. 18The LORD GRANT TO HIM THAT HE MAY FIND MERCY FROM THE LORD IN THAT DAY—and YOU KNOW VERY WELL HOW MANY WAYS HE MINISTERED [d]TO ME AT EPHESUS. …” (2 Timothy 1:12 – 18, NKJV)
Comments:
1. Please notice that “God’s Mercy” on “that Day (Judgment Day)” is only Quoted in Scripture to refer to “Eternal Life” Context.
“… 10“Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them,
For they shall eat the fruit of their doings.
11Woe to the wicked! It shall be ill with him,
For the reward of his hands shall be [h]given him. …” (Isaiah 3:10 – 11, NKJV)
4) Galatians 6:8 Possible Context
“… 6Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. 7Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he WHO SOWS TO THE SPIRIT WILL OF THE SPIRIT REAP EVERLASTING LIFE. 9And let us NOT GROW WEARY while DOING GOOD, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us DO GOOD TO ALL, ESPECIALLY TO THOSE WHO ARE OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH. …” (Galatians 6:6 – 10, NKJV)
Comments:
iii) Context for Verse 6 reveals the #CharityDoctrine type of DOING GOOD as the main type even or the best type of DOING GOOD toward one who shared GOSPEL THINGS too.
Can you see it?
vii) So in Principle, this REAPING here which is NOT REWARDS only BUT EVERLASTING LIFE too by SOWING into THE SPIRIT’s COMMANDS (Galatians 6:8) based on especially the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle lived toward ALL MEN and not-believers-only (Galatians 6:9, 10) could explain in analogy how the Romans 2:13 earlier’s JUSTIFIED ones may apply likewise toward JUDGMENT DAY Salvation as Romans 2:7 and Romans 2:10 implies based on “Deeds/Works” (Romans 2:6) toward some non-Christians too as Romans 2:11 here seems to agree to this possible generalization as there is “no” partiality with God (by Relative Measure of what Gospel Command they have heard):
“… 6who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: 7 ETERNAL LIFE to those who by PATIENT CONTINUANCE IN DOING GOOD SEEK FOR GLORY, HONOR and IMMORTALITY; … 10but glory, honor, and peace to EVERYONE WHO WORKS WHAT IS GOOD, TO THE JEW FIRST AND ALSO TO THE GREEK [Gentiles]. 11For there is NO PARTIALITY WITH GOD. …12 and as many as have SINNED IN THE LAW WILL BE JUDGED BY THE LAW 13(for NOT THE HEARERS OF THE LAW ARE JUST IN THE SIGHT OF GOD, BUT THE DOERS OF THE LAW WILL BE JUSTIFIED …” (Romans 2:6, 7, 10, 11,12, 13 NKJV)
How about their sins?
Comment: I mean just like for Galatians 6:6 – 10’s Context of “Believers”, this “REAPING unto EVERLASTING LIFE” based on “SOWING (by Doing His Commands)” is imperfect as Christians too have “sins”, likewise I think it is possible that the sins of such non-Christians may thus be forgiven for those saved ones. Where is the threshold? Only God knows (if this interpretation is true).
5) Few Saved Possible Context
The “Narrow Gate to Life” Context clearly seems to refer to this “Context” of attaining to the First Resurrection (being His Bride) and Participating in the Millennial Reign of Christ for 1000 years (as Verses below agree calling it as ‘ENTERING the KINGDOM OF GOD’ when all these Verses are understood collectively):
“… 22And He went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. 23Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there FEW WHO ARE SAVED?” And He said to them, 24“Strive to enter through the NARROW GATE, for many, I say to you, WILL SEEK TO ENTER AND WILL NOT BE ABLE. 25When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know you, where you are from,’ 26then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.’ 27But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.’ 28There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the KINGDOM OF GOD, and YOURSELVES THRUST OUT. 29They will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and SIT DOWN IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD. 30And indeed there are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last.” …” (Luke 13:22 – 30, NKJV)
“… 3For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: “So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest,’ ” although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all His works”; 5and again in this place: “They shall not enter My rest.” …” (Hebrews 4:3 – 5, NKJV)
“… 6Since therefore it remains that some must enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of disobedience, 7again He designates a certain day, saying in David, “Today,” after such a long time, as it has been said: “Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts.” 8For if [b]Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day. 9There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. 10For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. 11Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of DISOBEDIENCE. …” (Hebrews 4:6 – 10, NKJV)
6) Many Saved Possible Context
I have discussed this in detail in Pages 1095 to 1130 in this #SafeRouteScripturallyBook . The idea is that those without ‘faith’ (definition of “faith” is ‘believing without seeing’, Hebrews 11:1) cannot participate in the “First Resurrection” and 1000 years Millennial Reign of Christ (Revelation 20:4 – 6) but these may be saved via ‘Believing after seeing’ (John 6:36 – 40) during the “Second Resurrection on Judgment Day/Last Day” (Revelation 20:10) by God’s Mercy as these Verses may point to become the “… nations who are saved …” (Revelation 21:24) in that Final New Earth without sea even (Revelation 21:1) where some may need the Tree of Life’s LEAVES part only given to them for “… The LEAVES OF THE TREE WERE FOR THE HEALING OF THE NATIONS. …” (Revelation 22:2) or some may drink of the “Water of Life Freely” being the “Thirsty” ones too (Revelation 22:17, Revelation 21:6) where “thirsty” can refer to ‘lack of believing’ (meaning they are “not” completely unbelieving but are in between) based on usage in John 7:37 – 39.
Verses for these:
“… Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. …” (Hebrews 11:1, NKJV)
“… 4And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for [a]a thousand years. 5But the REST OF THE DEAD did not live again until the thousand years were finished. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the FIRST RESURRECTION. OVER SUCH THE SECOND DEATH has NO POWER, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a THOUSAND YEARS. ….” (Revelation 20:4 – 7, NKJV)
“… 34JESUS ANSWERED and said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. 35But those who are counted worthy to attain that AGE (Aeon/Olam), and the resurrection from the dead (Revelation 20:4 – 6), NEITHER MARRY NOR ARE GIVEN IN MARRIAGE; 36NOR CAN THEY DIE ANYMORE, FOR THEY ARE EQUAL TO THE ANGELS and ARE SONS OF GOD, being SONS OF THE RESURRECTION. …” (Luke 20:34 – 36, NKJV)
“… No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. …” (John 6:44, NKJV)
“… And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” …” (John 12:32, NKJV)
Perhaps Christ’s Draws all People to Himself to give them this chance of Believing after seeing Possibility for a non-Elect Salvation Possibility as the “Context” for these Verses around John 6:44 above seems to point to that as follows:
“… 36But I said to you that YOU HAVE SEEN ME and YET DO NOT BELIEVE … 40And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that EVERYONE WHO SEES THE SON and BELIEVES IN HIM may have EVERLASTING LIFE; and I will RAISE HIM UP at the LAST DAY.” …” (John 6:36, 40, NKJV)
“… And as MOSES LIFTED UP the SERPENT in the wilderness, even so must the SON OF MAN BE LIFTED UP, 15that WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM should [c]NOT PERISH but have ETERNAL LIFE. …” (John 3:14 – 15, NKJV)
“… 8Then THE LORD SAID to MOSES “Make a FIERY SERPENT, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he LOOKS AT IT, SHALL LIVE.” 9So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a SERPENT HAD BITTEN ANYONE, when he LOOKED AT THE BRONZE SERPENT, he LIVED. …” (Number 21:8 – 9, NKJV)
“… 37On the LAST DAY, that great day of the feast, JESUS stood and cried out, saying, “IF ANYONE THIRSTS, let him come to Me and drink. 38He WHO BELIEVES IN ME, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those [g]believing in Him would receive; for the [h]Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. …” (John 7:37 – 39, NKJV)
Note: The phrase “Last Day” in John 6 and 7 Verses can also Speak allegorically especially since John 6:40 contains this “Possibility” of “BELIEVING AFTER SEEING” clearly in the Context of the “… ONE WHO THIRSTS. …” till the “… “LAST DAY” …” (John 6:40 & John 7:37) metaphor found in both these Verses which may indicate that such a Hope may be available on Judgment Day for some as these quoted Verses in Revelation here also seem to agree as the “BRIDE” or Christians are mentioned to be different (in Revelation 22:17) mysteriously.
“… 6And He said to me, “IT[C] IS DONE! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the WATER OF LIFE FREELY TO HIM WHO THIRSTS. 7He WHO OVERCOMES [d]SHALL INHERIT ALL THINGS, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 8But the cowardly, [e]unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” …” (Revelation 21:6 – 8, NKJV)
“… 8“Therefore wait for Me,” says the Lord,
“Until the day I rise up [d]for plunder;
My determination is to GATHER THE NATIONS
To My assembly of kingdoms,
To pour on them My indignation,
ALL MY FIERCE ANGER;All the earth shall be devoured With the fire of My jealousy.
9“For then I WILL RESTORE TO THE PEOPLES a PURE [E]LANGUAGE,
That THEY ALL MAY CALL ON THE NAME of the LORD, To SERVE HIM WITH ONE ACCORD. …” (Zephaniah 3:8 – 9, NKJV)
“… And the SPIRIT and the BRIDE say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And LET HIM WHO THIRSTS COME. Whoever desires, let him TAKE THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY. …” – Blessed Apostle St. John (Revelation 22:17, NKJV)
“… But THE REST OF THE DEAD DID NOT LIVE AGAIN until the THOUSAND YEARS WERE FINISHED. This is the first resurrection. …”1Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was NO MORE SEA. ” … Come, I will show you the [g]BRIDE, the LAMB’S WIFE.” 10And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and SHOWED ME THE [H]GREAT CITY, the [I]HOLY JERUSALEM, DESCENDING OUT OF HEAVEN from God, … 24And the NATIONS [N]OF THOSE WHO ARE SAVED shall walk in its light, and the KINGS OF THE EARTH bring their glory and honor [o]into it. 25Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). 26And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into [p]it. 27But there shall by no means enter it anything [q]that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but ONLY THOSE WHO ARE WRITTEN IN THE LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE. …” … In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The LEAVES OF THE TREE WERE FOR THE HEALING OF THE NATIONS. …” (Revelation 20:5, 21:1, 8 – 10, 24 – 27, 22:2, NKJV)
Possible Literal meaning of the “Tree of Life”
1) Tree of Life as a Metaphor to represent the 1000 Years Millennial Reign Timeline
“… Now we have understood that the expression used among these words, ‘According to the days of the tree[of life] shall be the days of my people; the works of their toil shall abound’ obscurely predicts a thousand years. For as Adam was told that in the day he ate of the tree he would die, we know that he did not complete a thousand years. We have perceived, moreover, that the expression, ‘The day of the Lord is as a thousand years,’ is connected with this subject…” – Blessed St. Justin Martyr, a Great Early Christian Apologist who is a Foremost Exponent of the Divine Word, who Influenced Virtually all of subsequent Christian philosophy and Catholic theology, Martyr for Christ (c. 100AD – c. 160 AD, ‘Dialogue with Trypho’, CHAPTER LXXX)
Source:
http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/justinmartyr-dialoguetrypho.htm
”… Also there shall not be there any immature [one], nor an old man who does not fulfil his time: for the youth shall be of a hundred years; and the sinner shall die a hundred years old, yet shall be accursed [Isaiah 65:20]. And they shall build houses, and inhabit them themselves; and shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them themselves, and shall drink wine. And they shall not build, and others inhabit; neither shall they prepare the vineyard, and others eat. For as the days of the tree of life shall be the days of the people in thee; for the works of their hands shall endure. …” – Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons, a Hearer of Blessed St. Polycarp who is an Apostolic Father being the Disciple of Blessed St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation (c. 130 AD – c. 202 AD, ‘Against Heresies’, Point 4, Chapter XXXIV, Book 5)
Source:
http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/irenaeus-book5.html
2) Tree of Life as a literal Tree in some early Christian Prophecies outside the Bible
The Saints will Partake from the Tree of Life First
“… 10 And he shall open the gates of paradise, And shall remove the threatening sword against Adam. 11 And he shall give to the saints to eat from the tree of life, And the spirit of holiness shall be on them. 12 And Beliar shall be bound by him, And he shall give power to His children to tread upon the evil spirits. 13 And the Lord shall rejoice in His children, And be well pleased in His beloved ones for ever. 14 Then shall Abraham and Isaac and Jacob exult, And I will be glad, And all the saints shall clothe themselves with joy. …” – Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs (Reached their Final Form in c. 2nd Century)
Source [ Points 10 – 14, Chapter 18, THE TESTAMENT OF LEVI, THE THIRD SON OF JACOB AND LEAH, Translation by Mr. Charles]:
http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/patriarchs-charles.html
or this
“… 1.And on that day the heart of many will harden and they will flee from him, saying, “This is not the Christ. The Christ does not kill the righteous. He does not pursue men so that he might seek them, but He persuades them with signs and wonders.” 2.On that day the Christ will pity those who are His own. And He will send from heaven his sixty-four thousand angels, each of whom has six wings. 3.The sound will move heaven and earth when they give praise and glorify. 4.Now those upon whose forehead the name of Christ is written and upon whose hand is the seal both the small and the great, will be taken up upon their wings and lifted up before his wrath. 5.Then Gabriel and Uriel will become a pillar of light leading them into the holy land. 6.It will be granted to them to eat from the tree of life. They will wear white garments…and angels will watch over them. They will not thirst, nor will the son of lawlessness be able to prevail over them. …” – Apocalypse of Elijah (Chapter V, Verses 1 – 6)
Source:
http://www.3-in-1.net/Pseudepigrapha/Apocalypse%20of%20Elijah/The%20Apocalypse%20of%20Elijah.htm
3) Example of an Early Christian Commentary attesting to a “Literal Tree of Life”
Will Every Christian Partake of the Tree of Life in the Paradise of God?
Yes if they Practice these traits :
“… [Chapter 2] Indeed, in his first letter he says, I know your suffering and works and your patience, I know you are suffering and see your works and patience: do not think I remain far (or ‘for long’) away from you. And that you cannot bear evil people, and that those who say they are apostles, you discovered them liars, and you have patience according to My name. All these belong to praise, and not mediocre praise. But also such men and of such a kind, and the selection of such men, indicates that every one of them must be admonished so that they are not deprived of good things. He says he has a few things against them, saying: You have abandoned your earlier love: remember from where you have fallen. He who falls, falls from a height, and therefore he says from where, for at all times until the end works of love are to be practiced, with is the greatest commandment. Finally, unless this is done, was threatened to move the lampstand from its place, that is, to scatter the people. For you hate the works of the Nicolaitans which I also hate; you have this, this belongs to praise. For the works of the Nicolaitans: before this time, false and disease-bearing men, ministers in the name of Nicolaus, made for themselves a heresy, (saying) that something devoted (to an idol) may be exorcized and eaten, and that whoever had fornicated could receive the peace on the eighth day. Therefore he praises those to whom he has written, to whom, such and so great men, he has promised that tree of life which is in the garden of God. …” – Blessed St. Victorinus, Bishop of Pettau, the First and Oldest Christian Commentary on the Apocalypse of John or Book of Revelation, Martyr for Christ (c. 303 AD)
[‘Commentary on the Apocalypse’, circa 2nd half of the third century]:
http://www.bombaxo.com/patristic-stuff/victorinus-in-apocalypsin/
Who was he?
“… Victorinus was a firm believer in the millennium.[5] He was also much influenced by Origen.[6] His works were ranked with the apocrypha in the decree, later attributed to Pope Gelasius I, which excluded and anathematized them with that of many other early fathers. That is to say they were not considered free of error.[7] By contrast, St. Jerome gives him an honourable place in his catalogue of ecclesiastical writers. Jerome occasionally cites the opinion of Victorinus (in Eccles. iv. 13; in Ezech. xxvi. and elsewhere), but considered him to have been affected by the opinions of the Chiliasts or Millenarians.[8] According to Jerome, Victorinus died a martyr in 304.[9] He is commemorated in both the Eastern and Western Churches on 2 November. …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victorinus_of_Pettau
4) Bible Verses regarding the “Literal Tree of Life”
“… And out of the ground the LORD God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and GOOD FOR FOOD. The TREE OF LIFE was also in the MIDST of the GARDEN, and the TREE of the KNOWLEDGE of GOOD AND EVIL. …” (Genesis 2:9, NKJV)
“… Then the LORD God said, “Behold, the MAN HAS BECOME LIKE ONE OF US, TO KNOW GOOD AND EVIL. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of THE TREE OF LIFE, AND EAT, AND LIVE FOREVER”— …” (Genesis 3:22, NKJV)
iii) Bible Verse regarding “Literal Tree of Life” pointing to “Banishment away” Context
“… So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to GUARD THE WAY to the TREE OF LIFE. …” (Genesis 3:24, NKJV)
“… 14Blessed are those who WASH THEIR ROBES, so that they will have the RIGHT TO THE TREE OF LIFE, and may ENTER THE CITY by the gates. 15OUTSIDE are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral persons, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying. …” (Revelation 22:14 – 15, NASB)
In the other Manuscript the phrase “wash their robes” is not used but “do His Commandments” is Written where combining both we see that ‘washing robes = doing His Commandments’ and NOT ‘washed in the Lake of Fire’:
“… 14Blessed are those who [g]DO HIS COMMANDMENTS, that they may have the RIGHT TO THE TREE OF LIFE, and may ENTER THROUGH THE GATES INTO THE CITY. 15[h]But OUTSIDE are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. …” (Revelation 22:14 – 15, NKJV)
“… In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was THE TREE OF LIFE, which bore TWELVE FRUITS, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The LEAVES OF THE TREE WERE FOR THE HEALING OF THE NATIONS. …” (Revelation 22:2, NKJV)
“… He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the CHURCHES. To him who overcomes I WILL GIVE TO EAT from the TREE OF LIFE, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God. …” (Revelation 2:7, NKJV)
“… 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 Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” 14BLESSED are those WHO DO HIS COMMANDMENTS, that they may have the RIGHT to THE TREE OF LIFE, and may ENTER through the GATES INTO THE CITY. 15But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. 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 22:12 – 16, NKJV)
Comments:
“… 24And the NATIONS [N]OF THOSE WHO ARE SAVED shall walk in its light, and the KINGS OF THE EARTH bring their glory and honor [o]into it. … In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was THE TREE OF LIFE, which bore TWELVE FRUITS, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The LEAVES OF THE TREE WERE FOR THE HEALING OF THE NATIONS. …” (Revelation 21:24 , 22:2, NKJV)
“… 39ALL FLESH IS NOT THE SAME FLESH, but there is one kind [f]of flesh of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds. 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 15:39 – 42, NKJV)
In 1 Corinthians 15:39 – 42, it’s clear that there are two types of Resurrection bodies mentioned in the Context of the Resurrection of the Dead (1 Corinthians 15:42) namely the “Celestial” (Heavenly) Vs the “Terrestrial” (Earthly) of which I conjecture that the Celestial one refers to Christians only because only they become one flesh with Christ (as Ephesians 5:25 – 27, 31 – 32 Reveals) while the rest are only earthly bodies as Christ does “not” become One Flesh with them as it’s only towards His Bride.
Please also notice very carefully in 1 Corinthians 15:40 that two types of “Glory” are mentioned for the final Resurrection Bodies namely “but the GLORY of the CELESTIAL is one,” Vs ” and the GLORY of the TERRESTRIAL is another.” (in 1 Corinthians 15:40).
Now the word “Glory” in “… GLORY of the TERRESTRIAL is another …” (mentioned clearly in 1 Corinthians 15:40) in this Context of “Resurrection of the Dead” (1 Corinthians 15:42) itself indicates that some of the of the TERRESTRIAL RESURRECTION BODIES are also “Saved” for it doesn’t seem logical for a body raised with “glory” to be “unsaved“. To say that this “Terrestrial Glory” ones refers to some lower Christians contradicts Ephesians 5:25 – 27, 31 – 32 which describes Christ Sharing One Flesh with all Christians in some way and so they must be “CELESTIAL (Heavenly) RESURRECTION GLORY Bodies only“.
5) First Christianity Quote regarding “Tree of Life” linking to “Immortality”
“… As we at once perceive that the Creator (Demiurgo) is in this passage represented as vivifying our dead bodies, and promising resurrection to them, and resuscitation from their sepulchres and tombs, conferring upon them immortality also (He says, “For as the tree of life, so shall their days be” ), He is shown to be the only God who accomplishes these things, and as Himself the good Father, benevolently conferring life upon those who have not life from themselves. …” …” – Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons, a Hearer of Blessed St. Polycarp who is an Apostolic Father being the Disciple of Blessed St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation (c. 130 AD – c. 202 AD, ‘Against Heresies’, Point 1, Chapter XV, Book 5)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/irenaeus-book5.html
6) First Christianity Quote regarding “POSSIBLE” UNIVERSALISM regarding “TREE of LIFE”
“… 6. Wherefore also He drove him out of Paradise, and removed him far from the TREE OF LIFE, NOT because He envied him the TREE OF LIFE, as some venture to assert, but because He pitied him, [and did not desire] that he should CONTINUE a SINNER FOR EVER, NOR that the SIN which SURROUNDED him should be IMMORTAL, and EVIL INTERMINABLE and IRREMEDIABLE. But He set a bound to his [state of] sin, by interposing death, and thus causing sin to cease, Romans 6:7 putting an end to it by the dissolution of the flesh, which should take place in the earth, so that man, ceasing at length to live to sin, and dying to it, might begin to live to God. …” – Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons, a Hearer of Blessed St. Polycarp who is an Apostolic Father being the Disciple of Blessed St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation (c. 130 AD – c. 202 AD, ‘Against Heresies’, Point 6, Chapter XXIII, Book 3)
Source:
This mysterious quote can also be found here:
Source for image: https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0103323.htm
POSSIBLE Summary – Chiliasm Timeline Comments
In support of such a Possible exegesis, please consider these First Christianity Quotes in light of all these:
Some (if not all) may be Saved from the Lake of Fire Judgment eventually as per the Exegesis of these few Ancient Important Authorities of Doctrine in the Christian Faith
‘…Our Saviour has appointed two kinds of resurrection, in accordance with which John says, in the Apocalypse, “Blessed is he that hath part in the first resurrection“; for such come to grace without the judgment. As for those who do not come to the first, but are reserved until the second resurrection, these shall be burnt, until they fulfill their appointed times, between the first and the second resurrection; or, if they should not have fulfilled them then, they shall remain still longer in punishment … ‘ – Blessed Archbishop St. Ambrose of Milan, the first Great Latin Doctor of the Church, Converter, Baptizer &Teacher of St. Augustine of Hippo (c. 340 AD – c. 397 AD)
Source: https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Ambrose
Comment: St. Ambrose of Milan’s quote is so important that it has even affected Roman Catholicism, example quote:
“… In spite of his great status as a Doctor of the Church, however, the theology of Ambrose has at least two unique features that have basically been unacceptable to church dogma for many centuries but which are attracting more attention today. First, it teaches universal salvation. Ambrose was a Christian universalist; he believed that all people would eventually achieve salvation: “For now, since all do not believe, all do not seem to be in subjection. But when all have believed and done the will of God, then Christ will be all and in all.”[5] Perhaps because he was able to read Greek, Ambrose’s theology was significantly influenced by that of Origen (c.185-c.254) and Didymus the Blind (c.313-c.398), two other early Christian universalists. Needless to say, universal salvation is more acceptable to the Catholic Church today, as its new, post-Vatican II Catechism says: “In hope, the Church prays for ‘all men to be saved’.”[6] …”
Source: https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Ambrose
That same quote may be found in link below (in his main Book, not a disputed source):
“… 182. Let us then shortly sum up our conclusion on the whole matter. A unity of power puts aside all idea of a degrading subjection. His giving up of power, and His victory as conqueror won over death, have not lessened His power. Obedience works out subjection. Christ has taken obedience upon Himself, obedience even to taking on Him our flesh, the cross even to gaining our salvation. Thus where the work lies, there too is the Author of the work. When therefore, all things have become subject to Christ, through Christ’s obedience, so that all bend their knees in His name, then He Himself will be all in all. For now, since all do not believe, all do not seem to be in subjection. But when all have believed and done the will of God, then Christ will be all and in all. And when Christ is all and in all, then will God be all and in all; for the Father abides ever in the Son. How, then, is He shown to be weak, Who redeemed the weak?
Source ( Exposition of the Christian Faith, Book V, Chapter 15 ):
https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/34045.htm
This Hope was uttered toward the ‘Novatian Heretics’ as follows:
“… XIX. But these sins were not after Baptism, you will say. Where is your proof? Either prove it — or refrain from condemning; and if there be any doubt, let charity prevail. But Novatus, you say, would not receive those who lapsed in the persecution. What do you mean by this? If they were unrepentant he was right; I too would refuse to receive those who either would not stoop at all or not sufficiently, and who would refuse to make their amendment counterbalance their sin; and when I do receive them, I will assign them their proper place; but if he refused those who wore themselves away with weeping, I will not imitate him. And why should Novatus’s want of charity be a rule for me? He never punished covetousness, which is a second idolatry; but he condemned fornication as though he himself were not flesh and body. What say you? Are we convincing you by these words? Come and stand here on our side, that is, on the side of humanity. Let us magnify the Lord together. Let none of you, even though he has much confidence in himself, dare to say, Touch me not for I am pure, and who is so pure as I? Give us too a share in your brightness. But perhaps we are not convincing you? Then we will weep for you. Let these men then if they will, follow our way, which is Christ’s way; but if they will not, let them go their own. Perhaps in it they will be baptized with Fire, in that last Baptism which is more painful and longer, which devours wood like grass, 1 Corinthians 3:12-19 and consumes the stubble of every evil….” – Blessed St. Gregory Nazianzus, also known as Gregory the Theologian or Gregory Nazianzen, Archbishop of Constantinople, Theologian, Doctor of the Church, Great Hierarch, Cappadocian Father, Ecumenical Teacher, Approved Church Father in the First Lutheran Father’s Book of Concord (c. 329 AD – c. 390 AD)
Source [ Oration 39, Chapter XIX, Oration on the Holy Lights. The Oration on the Holy Lights was preached on the Festival of the Epiphany 381, and was followed the next day by that on Baptism.]: http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/310239.htm
Here’s another quote from him [Page 1091 of the #LakeofFireBook]
Yes, Believing in Eternal Hell, Christ Centered Universalism or Annihilation, i.e. speculating on the Topic of “Judgment” will not save anyone nor will it condemn them (but may make a difference in “rewards” as Blessed St. Gregory the Theologian below has shown):
“… then here too I will provide thee with broad paths. Philosophize about the world or worlds; about matter; about soul; about natures endowed with reason, good or bad; about resurrection, about judgment, about reward, or the Sufferings of Christ. For in these subjects to hit the mark is not useless, and to miss it is not dangerous. But with God we shall have converse, in this life only in a small degree; but a little later, it may be, more perfectly, in the Same, our Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom be glory for ever. Amen. …” – Blessed St. Gregory Nazianzus, also known as Gregory the Theologian or Gregory Nazianzen, Archbishop of Constantinople, Theologian, Doctor of the Church, Great Hierarch, Cappadocian Father, Ecumenical Teacher, Approved Church Father in the First Lutheran Father’s Book of Concord (c. 329 AD – c. 390 AD) Source (First Theological Oration (Oration 27), Point IX): https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/310227.htm
iii. Blessed Ambrosiaster seem to point to “some” (if not all) who will be “saved from Hell” indicating some type of non-Elect Salvation possibly [ Page 44 of the #LakeofFireBook ]
“… The prophet Joel also predicted this phenomenon so that one cannot doubt the fulfillment of a fact attested by several witnesses. “And the sun,” he says, “will be changed into darkness and the moon into blood before the great and terrible DAY of the LORD’s COMING.” (Joel 2:31) . As far as the literal meaning of these words indicates, they seem to be more fitting for the SECOND ADVENT, for then the Lord will manifest himself publicly to ALL MEN, to the testimony of Scripture: “Then every eye will see him, and all the tribes of the earth and those who have crucified him will strike their breast.” (Rev. 1:7) … So the prophet foretold that the Savior would take care of their infirmities, and this prophecy is fulfilled in his time, as we see in the Gospel: “He really has borne our torpor, of our sufferings.” (Isa. 1:4) All these predictions have received their consummation and fulfillment in the Savior’s passion, and thus the SALVATION of the HUMAN RACE has been done in a true way for those who were on EARTH or in HELL, for the prophecy of Zachariah embraces both of them at once. On earth, men have been freed from the oppression of their enemies by the intervention of the mercy of God, and in HELL THEY were DELIVERED from the SORROWS THEY ENDURED. Indeed, all those who hoped in Christ who had been Promised to them awaited the coming of Him Who was to triumph over DEATH and DELIVER THEM from HELL. This is why Zechariah says: “To fulfill His mercies toward our fathers.” (Luke 1:72) But if it is understood that THIS SALVATION must also come in the SECOND ADVENT, … ” – Blessed Ambrosiaster (literally in Latin: “would-be Ambrose”), Roman Clergy active at Rome during the reign of Pope Damasus (c.366 AD – c. 384 AD, Written c. 366 – c. 384, Reply to Question 105, Commentary on the Gospel of Luke)
Source:
I repeat, who is he?
“… Ambrosiaster is the name given to the writer of a commentary on St Paul’s epistles, “brief in words but weighty in matter,” and valuable for the criticism of the Latin text of the New Testament.[1] The commentary itself was written during the papacy of Pope Damasus I, that is, between 366 and 384, and is considered an important document of the Latin text of Paul before the Vulgate of Jerome, and of the interpretation of Paul prior to Augustine of Hippo.[2] This commentary was erroneously attributed for a long time to St Ambrose….”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambrosiaster
So it must be a type of non-Elect Salvation, right? [ Page 40 of the #LakeofFireBook ]
“… And if, like a Thomas, you were left out when the disciples were assembled to whom Christ shews Himself, when you do see Him be not faithless;4674 and if you do not believe, then believe those who tell you; and if you cannot believe them either, then have confidence in the print of the nails. If He DESCEND into HELL,4675 descend with Him. Learn to know the MYSTERIES of CHRIST THERE ALSO, what is the PROVIDENTIAL PURPOSE of the TWOFOLD DESCENT, to SAVE ALL MEN absolutely by His manifestation, OR THERE TOO ONLY THEM THAT BELIEVE ….” – Blessed St. Cyril, ArchBishop of Jerusalem, Doctor of the Church, Venerated in the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Oriental Orthodoxy, Anglican Communion, Lutheran Church (c. 313 AD – c. 386 AD, Point XXIV, Oration XLV. The Second Oration on Easter, via Philip Schaff, Page 641)
Source:
Comment: The Word “MYSTERY” means “not every Christian will know this” while there is nothing limiting that to ‘those of the past only’ as in his sermon here as he seems to apply it to the “present” as though it is ‘still available’ at the time of Preaching.
Maybe it’s this Verse:
“… 40And this is THE WILL OF HIM who sent Me, that EVERYONE WHO SEES THE SON AND BELIEVES IN HIM MAY HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE; and I will RAISE HIM UP at the LAST DAY.” …” (John 6:35 – 40, NKJV)
More regarding him in link here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyril_of_Jerusalem
As usual let God Decide but we can speculate as to whether St. Cyril here is only speaking of a ‘one time event of Christ’s Descent’ or pointing to a Deeper “Mystery” that it occurs till “today”. Difficult and Mysterious indeed.
More Church Fathers’ Quotes on Possible “non-Elect Salvation” may be seen in Pages 74 to 99 in the #UnsolvedMysteryBook. Peace to you
“… 18[i]For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, [j]God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; 19and if anyone TAKES AWAY FROM THE WORDS of the BOOK of THIS PROPHECY, God[k] shall TAKE AWAY HIS PART from the [l]BOOK OF LIFE, FROM THE HOLY CITY, and from the things which are written in this book. …” (Revelation 22:18 – 19, NKJV)
Comments:
1) In light of all these “Possibilities” and explanations, this is why I am very cautious especially when it comes to the ‘Book of Revelation’ interpretation. Why? Because if I say that it must be 100% this or that but if it turns out to be ‘false’ then those Curses described here (in Revelation 22:18 – 19) can apply (Let God Decide).
2) That is why by keeping it as a “POSSIBILITY” only, may God have Mercy if my interpretation is wrong because I already also demonstrate that I do “not” know for sure.
3) Though I am “not” sure, I still write this “POSSIBILITIES” because ‘you could be wrong’ and in such a case unless you admit your doctrine on it was a possibility too, you could risk these same Curses described here if you were wrong (in Revelation 22:18 – 19, let God Decide).
4) This is “not” a playing matter since the WARNING of being TAKEN OUT OF THE BOOK of LIFE and FROM THE HOLY CITY in Revelation 22:19 here means either “tossed into the Lake of Fire” or possibly if saved only on the FINAL NEW EARTH only but CANNOT ENTER HEAVEN or both (Let God Decide):
“… And anyone NOT FOUND WRITTEN in the BOOK OF LIFE was cast into the LAKE OF FIRE. … 10And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and SHOWED ME THE [H]GREAT CITY, the [I]HOLY JERUSALEM, DESCENDING OUT OF HEAVEN from God, … 27But there shall by NO MEANS ENTER IT anything [q]that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but ONLY THOSE WHO ARE WRITTEN IN THE LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE. …” (Revelation 20:15, 21:10, 27, NKJV)
Conclusion
Example of Uncertainty:
Recall: The “Bride” is “All Christians” and “Heavenly Jerusalem” is our common congregational dwelling according to these Verses:
“… 26but the JERUSALEM above is FREE, which is the MOTHER OF US ALL …” (Galatians 4:26, NKJV)
“… just as CHRIST also LOVED the CHURCH and gave Himself for her, 26that He might [g]SANCTIFY and cleanse her with the washing of water BY THE WORD, 27that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. … and the TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH.” 32This is a GREAT MYSTERY, but I speak CONCERNING CHRIST AND THE CHURCH …” (Ephesians 5:25 – 27, 31 – 32, NKJV)
Note: Verse in Ephesians 5:32 above Reveals that the “Celestial/Heavenly Resurrection” Body to only belong to CHRISTIANS on the SOLE REASON that ONLY CHRISTIANS become ONE FLESH (Resurrection Flesh) with the LORD while the “TERRESTRIAL/Earthly Resurrection” seemed to be Promised to those “…. NATIONS [N]OF THOSE WHO ARE SAVED …” (Revelation 21:24, NKJV) which also includes some (or all) who NEED HEALING FIRST from the LEAVES of the TREE OF LIFE as this Verse seems to point as “… The LEAVES OF THE TREE WERE FOR THE HEALING OF THE NATIONS. …” (Revelation 22:2, NKJV).
“… 39ALL FLESH IS NOT THE SAME FLESH, but there is one kind [f]of flesh of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds. 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 15:39 – 42, NKJV)
In 1 Corinthians 15:39 – 42, it’s clear that there are two types of Resurrection bodies mentioned in the Context of the Resurrection of the Dead (1 Corinthians 15:42) namely the “Celestial” (Heavenly) Vs the “Terrestrial” (Earthly) of which I conjecture that the Celestial one refers to Christians only because only they become one flesh with Christ (as Ephesians 5:25 – 27, 31 – 32 Reveals) while the rest are only earthly bodies as Christ does “not” become One Flesh with them as it’s only towards His Bride.
Please also notice very carefully in 1 Corinthians 15:40 that two types of “Glory” are mentioned for the final Resurrection Bodies namely “but the GLORY of the CELESTIAL is one,” Vs ” and the GLORY of the TERRESTRIAL is another.” (in 1 Corinthians 15:40).
Now the word “Glory” in “… GLORY of the TERRESTRIAL is another …” (mentioned clearly in 1 Corinthians 15:40) in this Context of “Resurrection of the Dead” (1 Corinthians 15:42) itself indicates that some of the of the TERRESTRIAL RESURRECTION BODIES are also “Saved” for it doesn’t seem logical for a body raised with “glory” to be “unsaved“. To say that this “Terrestrial Glory” ones refers to some lower Christians contradicts Ephesians 5:25 – 27, 31 – 32 which describes Christ Sharing One Flesh with all Christians in some way and so they must be “CELESTIAL (Heavenly) RESURRECTION GLORY Bodies only“.
The “terrestrial/earthly body salvation” for some other “nations who are saved with kings of the earth” (the word ‘earth’ signifying ‘terrestrial salvation’ with ‘terrestrial body too’) may be revealed in Verses above as they Visit the Heavenly City toward only those who are Written in the Lamb’s Book of Life where ‘His Church/Bride is’ (Who Alone have Celestial Resurrection Heavenly Body).
Also some seemed to be healed only of the “Water of Life” Flowing out into the Final New Earth Possibly so that they can be ‘saved’ too just like those “leaves” from the Tree of Life described earlier (yes particularly only mentioned the ‘leaves part’ where whether it means literal or allegorical it does NOT matter at all since the ‘Principle’ remains the SAME namely for HEALING and RESTORATION to those who are applied to it – can you see it?).
Someone remarked:
‘… Good insight. The bride doesn’t need leaves so there might be another category of ppl saved-like u said… Makes sense …’
I can’t say anything for sure but Let God Decide.
Peace to you
How to Fulfill the Greatest Commandment to Love God then?
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161778676787784
Some Christians think that “Prayer and Worship” means they are LOVING CHRIST and Fulfilling the Greatest Command but while this is partly true it is incomplete because:
1) How much one loves God (The First and Greatest Commandment) is Proven by how much one love’s one’s neighbour i.e. by the Practice of the #CharityDoctrine Commands of Christ as CHRIST defined it such as we have seen prior, Verses:
“… 29JESUS answered him, “The [k]first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ [l]This is the first commandment. 31And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is NO OTHER COMMANDMENT GREATER THAN THESE.” …” (Mark 12:29 – 31, NKJV)
Please notice carefully that when Teaching the Greatest Command Christ does NOT Teach it alone but couples it with the Love your neighbour 2nd Greatest Command.
Why? Because the second is the proof of the first as many Biblical scholars also have attested likewise.
If the first can be fulfilled independently or with another religious command such as praying or worship Christ would have revealed so but HE DID NOT and instead of these CHRIST ONLY COUPLED it with the LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR COMMAND which in CHRIST’S OWN DEFINITION is the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle only in Luke 10:25 – 37’s Parable of the Good Samaritan.
“… 20If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, [d]how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. …” (1 John 4:20 – 21, NKJV)
Which “Love your brother action” is defined here as fulfillment for “LOVE GOD most“? Not feeling nor words but the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle as the Verses from this same letter continues as follows:
“… 10In this the CHILDREN OF GOD and THE CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL are manifest: Whoever DOES NOT PRACTICE RIGHTEOUSNESS is not of God, NOR IS HE WHO DOES NOT LOVE HIS BROTHER. 11For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, 12not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? BECAUSE HIS WORKS WERE EVIL AND HIS BROTHER’S RIGHTEOUS. … 16By this WE KNOW LOVE, because He laid down His life for us. And we also OUGHT TO LAY DOWN OUR LIVES FOR THE BRETHREN. 17But WHOEVER HAS THIS WORLD’S GOODS, and SEES HIS BROTHER IN NEED, AND SHUTS UP HIS HEART FROM HIM, HOW DOES THE LOVE OF GOD ABIDE IN HIM? 18My little children, let us NOT LOVE IN WORD or IN TONGUE, BUT IN DEED AND IN TRUTH …” (1 John 3: 10 – 12, 16 – 18, NKJV)
Even the strict “Apostle St. James” agrees and calls it the “Royal Law” and when he quotes it below he quotes it clearly also in the Context of the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle only for JUDGMENT DAY even (can you see it please as it is Written? as Christ did NOT explain their way to fulfill this command at all proving either that it’s a fallacy of their to assume so or that it’s NOT the best Way as Described as this #CharityDoctrine as the “Fulfillment” of it in Verses quoted, not ‘unwritten opinions’):
“… 8If you really FULFILL the ROYAL LAW according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; … For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. 14What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without [f]your works, and I will show you my faith by [g]my works. …” (James 2:8, 13 – 18, NKJV)
Note: The “Works” Apostle St. James talks about in Verses above for “Faith not to be dead” is NOT your Church attendance nor any other religious act but ONLY REFERRING to the #CHARITYDOCTRINE act of “… but you DO NOT GIVE THEM THE THINGS WHICH ARE NEEDED FOR THE BODY, what does it profit? 17Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. …” meaning either ‘Other Works are secondary or of no value unless if the #CharityDoctrine is also present’. Well Written Scripture cannot be false and so we Preach this likewise only.
Also please notice that Christ knew the ‘Surprised Sheep’ on Judgment Day (Matthew 25:31 – 36) even if that sheep may “not” have known Him fully or they may be theologically imperfect as they asked in Reply, “When did we see you Lord… etc.” but they all did the CHARITY DOCTRINE in response to ‘… when I was Hungry, Thirsty, Homeless, Naked, …’ (which is the “common ground” where Christ Declares that ‘He Knows them as His Sheep’ in those Verses clearly).
In short, the recognition part of the “Sheep” of Christ in Judgment Day Verses is their “Common Act” of “Charity Doctrine” in Matthew 25:31 – 46. Can you see it?
Without a “Doctrine of Love in Action (not words only)”, such “Faith” contradicts these Verses:
“… 6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but FAITH WORKING THROUGH LOVE. 7YOU RAN WELL. Who hindered you from OBEYING THE TRUTH? 8This persuasion DOES NOT come FROM HIM who calls you. 9A little leaven leavens the whole lump. … THROUGH LOVE SERVE ONE ANOTHER. 14For ALL THE LAW IS FULFILLED in one word, even in this: “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR AS YOURSELF.” … AGAINST SUCH THERE IS NO LAW ...” (Galatians 5:6 – 9, 13 – 14, 22, highlighted, NKJV)
Note: the “as yourself” part is the hardest.
The #CharityDoctrine Level Christ Required is as follows:
“… 32“But IF YOU LOVE THOSE WHO LOVE YOU, WHAT CREDIT IS THAT TO YOU? …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:32, NKJV)
“… WHAT DO YOU DO MORE THAN OTHERS? …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:47, NKJV)
“… 33And IF YOU DO GOOD TO THOSE WHO DO GOOD TO YOU, WHAT CREDIT IS THAT TO YOU? …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:33, NKJV)
Yes, this GIVING which CHRIST TAUGHT DIRECTLY also INVOLVES GIVING MONEY as well to THE ENEMIES (in the Context of ‘those unthankful and EVIL too’) as per the phrase “… and LEND …” in Verses below by CHRIST HIMSELF:
“… 34And if YOU LEND to those from whom you HOPE TO RECEIVE BACK, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35But LOVE YOUR ENEMIES, DO GOOD, AND LEND, [h]HOPING FOR NOTHING IN RETURN; and YOUR REWARD WILL BE GREAT, and YOU WILL BE SONS OF THE MOST HIGH. For He is KIND to the UNTHANKFUL AND EVIL. 36Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:27 – 36, NKJV)
Note: If God Himself calls this “Reward” for Doing so as “Great”, isn’t it most valuable? God doesn’t simply call anything as “Great” and this “Reward” is called likewise and conditional to “Loving our enemies“. May He Help us to attain to some of it.
If all these filthy rags righteousness cannot be done even imperfectly, then Christ Wouldn’t have Commanded it and also He “Prophesies” in Luke 6:34 – 36 above that those who do it will be GREATLY REWARDED (so is He lying since you all claim that no one can do it or that all get same reward but Christ Clearly Points to a CONDITIONAL REWARD only if they can do THESE COMMANDS? – Can you see the man-made Doctrines you are following?)
Let’s just DO THE DEFINITION which HE GAVE already for the “… Love your neighbour 2nd Greatest Command of God …” in Luke 10:25 – 37 as the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle in the “Parable of the Good Samaritan” not just toward those of the same race/ same religion / same denomination/ same family only as the “Samaritan” did it toward the “Jew” (who are culturally and religious-wise or denomination-wise enemies) in ‘His Own Description as it is Written’. Can you see it please as it is Written?
So if we Preach and do His Way, how can that be HERESY?
2) Loving God more means Doing more of His Various New Testament Commands
“… IF YOU LOVE ME, KEEP [Obey] MY COMMANDMENTS. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:15, NKJV)
“… 23JESUS ANSWERED and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will KEEP MY WORD; and MY FATHER WILL LOVE HIM, and WE WILL COME TO HIM and MAKE OUR HOME WITH HIM. 24He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. …” (John 14:23 – 24, NKJV)
“… 18And JESUS CAME AND SPOKE TO THEM, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THINGS THAT I HAVE COMMANDED YOU; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. …” (Matthew 28:18 – 20, NKJV)
“… 19Whoever therefore BREAKS one of the LEAST of THESE COMMANDMENTS, and TEACHES men so, shall be called LEAST in the kingdom of HEAVEN; but whoever DOES AND TEACHES them, he shall be called GREAT in the kingdom of HEAVEN. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:19, NKJV)
3) His New Testament Commands includes only Written ones including New Testament Traditions but not man made unwritten rules no matter how sweet it sounds to please God
“… 13MAKING THE WORD OF GOD OF NO EFFECT THROUGH YOUR TRADITION which you have handed down. And many such things you do.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:13, NKJV)
“… If anyone THINKS himself to be a PROPHET or SPIRITUAL, let him ACKNOWLEDGE that the things which I WRITE TO YOU ARE THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD. …” (1 Corinthians 14:37, NKJV)
“… 2that YOU MAY BE MINDFUL OF THE WORDS which were spoken before by the holy prophets, AND OF THE COMMANDMENT OF [a]US, THE APOSTLES OF THE LORD AND SAVIOR, 3knowing this first: THAT SCOFFERS WILL COME IN THE LAST DAYS, …” (2 Peter 3:2,3, NKJV)
“… until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had by the HOLY SPIRIT GIVEN ORDERS to the apostles whom He had chosen. …” (Acts 1:2, NASB)
“… 6Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us NOT TO THINK BEYOND WHAT IS WRITTEN, that none of you may be [c]PUFFED UP ON BEHALF OF ONE AGAINST THE OTHER. 7For who [d]MAKES YOU DIFFER FROM ANOTHER? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? …” (1 Corinthians 4:6 – 7, NKJV)
Self righteousness is doing things what is NOT WRITTEN and also DOING and SPEAKING AGAINST WHAT IS WRITTEN as CHRIST clearly Defined it in Verses below making “their WORSHIP VAIN” for following MAN MADE WAYS (those NOT WRITTEN):
“… Thus you have made the [b]COMMANDMENT OF GOD OF NO EFFECT BY YOUR TRADITION. 7HYPOCRITES! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 8‘These people [c]DRAW NEAR TO ME WITH THEIR MOUTH, And HONOR ME WITH THEIR LIPS, But THEIR HEART IS FAR FROM ME. 9And IN VAIN THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES the COMMANDMENTS OF MEN.’ ” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 15:6 – 9, NKJV)
Conclusion
Christ Himself Emphasized the #Almsgiving or #CharityDoctrineLifestyle as part of the Real Righteousness He Required where even compared to Keeping all the “Holiness” Commands of the 10 Commandments, He Still implied that ALMSGIVING DOCTRINE is BETTER and WITHOUT IT OUTWARD HOLINESS is only a WHITEWASHED TOMB (so believing in Christ and not Teaching or doing this Charity Doctrine is DENYING HIM IN ACTION), Yes, NO CHURCH has the RIGHT TO IGNORE GOD’S WILL for JUSTICE and LOVE of GOD which is the CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE with THEIR COLLECTION MONEY (in God’s Name or personal income by choice), Verses:
“… 25“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you CLEANSE THE OUTSIDE OF THE CUP and dish, but INSIDE THEY ARE FULL OF EXTORTION and [l]SELF-INDULGENCE. 26Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. 27“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like WHITEWASHED TOMBS which indeed appear BEAUTIFUL OUTWARDLY, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. 28Even so you also OUTWARDLY APPEAR RIGHTEOUS TO MEN, but INSIDE YOU ARE FULL OF HYPOCRISY AND LAWLESSNESS. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 23:25 – 28, NKJV)
“… 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)
Comment: That should reveal to us that MONEY SINS are the “Worst there is” and it is also clear in the “lives of the Pharisees likewise” (whom Christ attacked vehemently) where CHRIST DOES NOT point once that the Pharisees committed “adultery, murder, witchcraft, idolatry,” BUT HE POINTED their “PROSPERITY SINS” (Christ’s Phrase “Self Indulgence” in Matthew 23:25) with “Tithe collecting” (for self survival) but NOT CARING for the ALMSGIVING (CHARITY DOCTRINE) and especially “not” with their money as even Luke 11:39 – 42 has clearly Described this Context in Christ’s Most Blessed Words as it is Written calling them “whitewashed tombs” (because ‘outwardly they were religious in praying, fasting and Church Attendance with NO adultery, NO Murder, NO Witchcraft, NO idolatry etc’).
The Phrase “…. These you OUGHT TO HAVE DONE, WITHOUT LEAVING THE OTHERS UNDONE. …” is inclusive of the ONLY RELIGIOUS ACT CHRIST MENTIONS HERE (Context as ‘it is Written) referring to “… 41But rather GIVE ALMS of [l]SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE; then indeed ALL THINGS ARE CLEAN TO YOU. …” which is the CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE which is a MUST for any TRUE CHRISTIAN (according to ‘Relative Measure‘, implied) as CHRIST DIDN’T SAY it is an “option” but a “requirement” as His Phrase here is:
“… These you OUGHT TO HAVE DONE, WITHOUT LEAVING THE OTHERS UNDONE. …”
and from “WHAT YOU HAVE” (meaning NOT money collected in the Name of God only and Neither are the Priests/Pastors exempt from it as the ‘Pharisees were such’).
In short, ‘believing in Christ’ and ‘continuing living like that’ wouldn’t HAVE SAVED the PHARISEES either as “True believing in Christ would do these ALMSGIVING or CHARITY DOCTRINE as CHRIST WARNS here as the LOVE OF GOD and JUSTICE He Refers to” instead of “Prosperity” (Self-Indulgence) as these Pharisees did.
If all these New Testament Verses (many Directly by Christ) did “not” matter, He Wouldn’t have Spoken All these, right?
Please be careful of the #Antichrist Spirit which is all about #Lawlessness where he will seduce you to NOT LISTEN TO CHRIST’S WORDS so one fails to do the FATHER’S WILL and in the end get REEJECTED from ENTERING HEAVEN type of Salvation as CHRIST WARNED, Verses:
“… 14Because NARROW is the gate and DIFFICULT is the way which leads to life, and there are FEW who FIND IT … 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 7:21 – 24, NKJV)
Believing Him is only when we DO HIS WORDS (as Matthew 7:24 above Reveals) and CONVERSIONS of MANY are REJECTED here because ‘converting is not doing His Will’ unless it fulfills HIS COMMANDS.
Where is the threshold?
Let God Decide.
Sounds Difficult?
Yes, “no” easy faith exists as Christ already Warned because His Commands are difficult (same Context as He Spoke both Matthew 7:14 and Matthew 7:24 in this same conversation):
“… 14Because NARROW is the gate and DIFFICULT is the way which leads to life, and there are FEW who FIND IT … 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 7:14,s 24, NKJV)
Can you see which part is NARROW and DIFFICULT which CHRIST MEANTS that it POINTS ONLY to HIS COMMANDS in HIS OWN WORDS?
No one with the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD will complain about the Difficulty of His Commands because HIS SPIRIT HELPS THEM FULFILL it , Verses:
“… 15“If YOU LOVE ME, [d]KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS. 16And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another [e]HELPER, that He may ABIDE WITH YOUR FOREVER— 17the SPIRIT of TRUTH, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:15 – 17, NKJV)
Peace to you
Mystery of COMMANDS for Eternal Life by CHRIST – Conclusion
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161774348742784
Example Question 1
Two things only needed for assured salvation. First faith in holy god as depicted in the first 4 commandments. Second be holy for god is holy as outlined in the remaining 6 commandments. Search god not researching god. Who are we to research him
Reply 1
Your reply is only partly right.
Please consider carefully “what Christ Said in FULL” (let’s not ‘research Him’ as you said rightly but added and removed His Words) as described below:
Details:
“… 16Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good[d] Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17So He said to him, [e]“Why do you call Me good? [f]No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 19‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” 20The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept [g]from my youth. What do I still lack?” 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.” 22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away SORROWFUL, for he had GREAT POSSESSIONS. …” (Matthew 19:16 – 22, NKJV)
1) Removing
Your reply removed the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle as the WAY TO FULFILL “the Love your neighbour as yourself part …” as it is the Reply Christ Gave for “What to DO for ETERNAL LIFE?” because you didn’t mention it claiming the 10 commandments is enough. Verses:
“… 25And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I DO TO INHERIT ETERNAL LIFE?” 26He said to him, “What is WRITTEN IN THE LAW? What is YOUR READING OF IT?” 27So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ ” 28And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; DO THIS AND YOU WILL LIVE.” 29But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?” 30Then JESUS ANSWERED and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had COMPASSION. 34So he went to him and BANDAGED HIS WOUNDS, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and TOOK CARE OF HIM. 35On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘TAKE CARE OF HIM; and WHATEVER MORE YOU SPEND, when I come again, I WILL REPAY YOU.’ 36So which of these three do you think was NEIGHBOR to him who fell among the thieves? 37And he said, “He who SHOWED MERCY on him.” Then JESUS SAID to him, “GO AND DO LIKEWISE.”…” (Luke 10:25 – 37, NKJV)
2) Adding and Removing
You added 9 Commandments which are “not” part of the Greatest Commandment Set and removed the “Love your neighbour” Command quoting only the 10 Commandments.
Indeed, The Two Greatest Commandments are “not” 9 of the 10 commandments excluded and the “non 10 commandment’ but a ‘by law’ called “Love your neighbour as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18) instead is part of it ONLY which Verses above in Luke 10:25 – 37 Reveal it as the #CharityDoctrine only BY CHRIST HIMSELF:
“… 29JESUS answered him, “The [k]first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ [l]This is the first commandment. 31And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is NO OTHER COMMANDMENT GREATER THAN THESE.” …” (Mark 12:29 – 31, NKJV)
So if you could please ‘just Obey Him or Preach what He Said here for Eternal Life’ which is the Commandments mentioned here inclusive of this #CharityDoctrine whether or not we understand it fully, then you can claim to ‘not research Him and Know Him’ because KNOWING HIM is TO DO AND PREACH WHAT HE SAID for THIS CONTEXT (Question) which clearly you only have a “part correct reply” due to indoctrination of your Churches you attend which DO NOT PREACH CHRIST’S WORDS HERE in FULL as IT IS WRITTEN.
Example Question 2
Jesus spoke in the context of Law of Moses that was given to the Jews that is before Grace was manifested
Reply 2
That’s wrong and a common fallacy. Here’s what Christ actually Said:
1) Your own words condemn you. Here’s how:
“…. Jesus spoke in the context of Law of Moses that was given to the Jews that is before Grace was manifested …” excluded the “… love your neighbour part …” for the Reply for Eternal Life, then the “… 10 Commandments part also NO NEED to OBEY …” .
Can you see it?
We either take all of Christ’s Words there for New Testament Obedience as Fruit of Eternal Life or take NONE of it. Christ DID NOT Pick and Choose His Reply there and even in this simple explanation, it reveals how easily you have been deceived.
I mean, if these answers were ONLY for LAW of MOSES context for “Old Testament” as your churches taught you, then the 10 Commandment Keeping Christ Mentioned here is only for that same LAW of MOSES context for “Old Testament” . Can you see it?
So no need to keep the 10 Commandments part which Christ Quoted here either if ‘your Context’ argument is true. See the absurdity?
Luke 10:25 – 37’s Charity Doctrine Command is by CHRIST detailing HOW HE WANTS us TO FULFILL the “… Love your neighbour as yourself …” part for ETERNAL LIFE which in Matthew 19:16 – 30 He didn’t detail out (since no one ask for the details there – Can you see it?).
So all these applies for the New Covenant for ETERNAL LIFE as Mark 12:29 – 32 Reveals further that the Two Greatest Commandments includes this #CharityDoctrine part for it fulfills the “… Love your neighbour as yourself …” part by Relative Measure as even the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus Reveals too (Luke 16:19 – 31).
2) Also, in Matthew 19, the Conversation did “not” end there as detailed below:
“… 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 19:27 – 30, NKJV)
So you can see that His Reply was in the Context of Christian Salvation during the “REGENERATION” (Resurrection, Revelation 20:4 – 6, Luke 20:34 – 36) and so the Context of His Answer earlier in Matthew 19:16 – 30 (all of it) applies for this New Testament.
Please don’t be deceived by “your churches” which pick and choose lest Christ Call it #Lawlessness and Risk getting Denied (as per Matthew 7:20 – 24) despite converting MANY by “… Prophesying, Casting out demons, and miracles ….” since the Context for Obeying these Particular Commands Christ Described including the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle as fulfillment of the 2nd Greatest Command of God ever the “… Love your neighbour as yourself …” as Luke 10:25 – 37 Reveals “clearly” as it is Written is the CONTEXT for #EternalLife whether or not we understand “how” (this part doesn’t matter at all).
It cannot be that the “Second Greatest Command” (Mark 12:29 – 32 Defines it First) referring only to the “… Love your neighbour as yourself …” part as Luke 10:25 – 37 in CHRIST’S DEFINITION Revealed as the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle “for ETERNAL LIFE Context” is ‘skipped’ for “Eternal Life” according to “your pastors/your churches” but the ‘lesser Commands’ (not part of these Two Greatest, i.e. the ‘other 9 Commandments’ are included for Eternal Life’).
#CharityDoctrine is “Love (Agape, God’s Love) in Action” as 1 John 3:16 – 18 Reveals.
See the “absurdity of their theology” and how it “contradicts” CHRIST’S WORDS DIRECTLY?
As to whether the “… Love your neighbour 2nd Greatest Command of God …” can be fulfilled WITHOUT the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle, let’s recall your words of wisdom which is ‘… Who are we to research him …’ because THAT FULFILLING IT IN ANOTHER WAY PART IS NOT WRITTEN in ANY OF CHRIST’S WORDS WHEN HE QUOTED THIS VERSE and so ‘let’s not research His Reply’. Can you see it?
Let’s just DO THE DEFINITION which HE GAVE already for the “… Love your neighbour 2nd Greatest Command of God …” in Luke 10:25 – 37 as the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle in the “Parable of the Good Samaritan” not just toward those of the same race/ same religion / same denomination/ same family only as the “Samaritan” did it toward the “Jew” (who are culturally and religious-wise or denomination-wise enemies) in ‘His Own Description as it is Written’. Can you see it please as it is Written?
So if we Preach and do His Way, how can that be HERESY?
Nonsense. Also, if there was another way of fulfilling this “… Love your neighbour 2nd Greatest Command of God …” can be fulfilled WITHOUT the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle as some of your pastors/churches claim, then why did CHRIST DID NOT EXPLAIN IT?
For they claim also that if anything is important it must be in the Bible and Christ did NOT explain their way to fulfill this command at all proving either that it’s a fallacy of theirs to assume so or that it’s NOT the best Way as Described as this #CharityDoctrine as the “Fulfillment” of it.
Best is, Apostle St. Paul himself has approved that this is equivalent to fulfilling ALL LAW (whatever of the 9 ‘other 10 Commandments’ or your ‘Church’s man-made NOT Written Commands or ways’ too) which are “not” necessary but this is:
“… For the WHOLE LAW is FULFILLED in one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”…” (Galatians 5:14, NASB)
If your Church is doing it, Great! Please remember Relative Measure because God Counts (e.g. Luke 21:1 – 3, Luke 12:46 – 48) and CONDEMNS too based on this aspect of lifestyle as the only literal description of Hell in Scripture in the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus Revealed likewise (Luke 16:19 – 31).
We Preach these as it is Written.
Peace to you
Doctrinal Stance to avoid Division
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161774201507784
Division is part of heresy, Verses (1 Corinthians 11:17 – 19):
New King James Version
17Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse. 18For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are DIVISIONS among you, and in part I believe it. 19For there must also be FACTIONS among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you.
New American Standard Bible
17Now in giving this next instruction I do not praise you, because you come together not for the better, but for the worse. 18For, in the first place, when you come together [m]as a church, I hear that [n]DIVISIONS exist among you; and in part I believe it. . 19For there also have to be FACTIONS among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you.
How do we ensure we are not part of heresy?
Right on. That’s why I don’t separate myself to particular denominations only . On the parts I agree with a denomination I welcome to be with them and with the parts I don’t agree, I leave it to God.
I don’t do “Churchism” because “divisions” is one of the things warned in Scripture and so the proof is to mingle with any Mainstream Denomination especially Protestant Mainstream denominations and especially Church Fathers who did not Pray to Virgin Mary and their writings for possibilities of Doctrine.
Even Church Fathers who Prayed to Virgin Mary could be right on other Doctrinal points as it did not originate with them but from those before them before they added Many new things by the latter ones which if it’s not Written, we cannot be condemned as Scripture already approved the #SafeRouteScripturally to NOT GO BEYOND WHAT IS WRITTEN in Verses below:
“… 6Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us NOT TO THINK BEYOND WHAT IS WRITTEN, that none of you may be [c]puffed up on behalf of one against the other. 7For who [d]MAKES YOU DIFFER FROM ANOTHER? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? … 14I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. 15For 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. 16Therefore I URGE YOU, IMITATE ME. 17For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I TEACH EVERYWHERE IN EVERY CHURCH. …” (1 Corinthians 4:6 – 17, NKJV)
Conclusion
[to quote from Page 29 of the #EternalHellAnnihilationandUniversalismBook]
This is not an opinion but seems more like a “Prophecy” below which may explain this truth which is by St. Clement of Rome himself:
“… Who then among you is NOBLE-MINDED? who compassionate? who FULL OF LOVE? Let him declare, “IF ON MY ACCOUNT SEDITION and DISAGREEMENT AND SCHISMS HAVE ARISEN, I WILL DEPART, I WILL GO AWAY whithersoever you desire, and I WILL DO WHATEVER THE MAJORITY COMMANDS; only let the flock of Christ live on terms of peace with the presbyters set over it.” HE THAT ACTS THUS SHALL PROCURE TO HIMSELF GREAT GLORY IN THE LORD; and EVERY PLACE WILL WELCOME HIM. For “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.” These things they WHO LIVE A GODLY LIFE, that is NEVER TO BE REPENTED OF, BOTH HAVE DONE AND ALWAYS WILL DO. … ” – Blessed St. Clement of Rome, an Apostolic Father being a direct Disciple of the Blessed Apostle St. Peter (c.35 AD – c. 99 AD, 1 Clement Chapter 54)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/1clement-roberts.html
and this “Prophecy” too [from Page 263 of the #SafeRouteScripturallyBook ]:
First Christianity Quote already Prophesied even His Church Ministry will be full of such Bias to quote (but the “sin is not small“):
“… We are of opinion, therefore, that those appointed by them, or afterwards by other eminent men, with the consent of the whole Church, and who have blame-lessly served the flock of Christ in a humble, peaceable, and disinterested spirit, and have for a long time possessed the good opinion of all, cannot be justly dismissed from the ministry. FOR OUR SIN WILL NOT BE SMALL, if we eject from the episcopate those who have blamelessly and holily fulfilled its duties. Blessed are those presbyters who, having finished their course before now, have obtained a fruitful and perfect departure [from this world]; for they have no fear lest any one deprive them of the place now appointed them. But WE SEE THAT YOU HAVE REMOVED SOME MEN OF EXCELLENT BEHAVIOUR FROM THE MINISTRY, WHICH THEY FULFILLED BLAMELESSLY and WITH HONOUR. Ye are fond of contention, brethren, and FULL OF ZEAL ABOUT THINGS which DO NOT PERTAIN TO SALVATION. LOOK CAREFULLY INTO THE SCRIPTURES, which are the TRUE UTTERANCES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Observe that nothing of an unjust or counterfeit character is written in them. …” – Blessed St. Clement of Rome, an Apostolic Father being a direct Disciple of the Blessed Apostle St. Peter (c.35 AD – c. 99 AD, 1 Clement, Chapter 44 – 45)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/1clement-roberts.html
Note: This same “1 Clement” Book quoted above as “Prophecy” was part of the “Book in the Bibles” for many “early Churches” in case you didn’t know where the later guys only were unsure. Example Quote:
“… The epistle was publicly read from time to time in Corinth, and by the 4th century this usage had spread to other churches. It was included in the 5th century Codex Alexandrinus, which contained the entire Old and New Testaments.[18] It was included with the Gospel of John in the fragmentary early Greek and Akhmimic Coptic papyrus designated Papyrus 6. First Clement is listed as canonical in “Canon 85” of the Canons of the Apostles, showing that First Clement had canonical rank in at least some regions of early Christendom. Ibn Khaldun also mentions it as part of the New Testament,[19] suggesting that the book may have been in wide and accepted use in either 14th century Spain or Egypt.[ …” Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Epistle_of_Clement
Peace to you
Non Elect Salvation Possibility after Death via Believing after Seeing
Source for images (Page 10 via ArchBishop Hilarion Alfeyev):
https://stjamesorthodox.org/files/articles/Bishop-Hilarion—Christ-the-Conqueror-of-Hades.pdf
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161771798342784
1) West vs East Christian Traditions
As per the Writing in image by one of the Eastern “Orthodox” Christian Archbishop, it’s the Western Christianity (“Roman Catholic”) which believes that “no” Salvation is possible after death but the “Eastern Orthodox Christianity” believes “some” may have such a hope among those who died “unbelieving”.
Example Quote:
“… Besides, according to the teaching of the Orthodox Church, the fate of a person after death can be changed through the prayer of the Church. Thus, existence after death has its own dynamics … We do not know if every one followed Christ when He rose from hell. Nor do we know if every one will follow Him to the eschatological Heavenly Kingdom when He will become ‘all in all’. But we do know that since the descent of Christ into Hades the way to resurrection has been opened for ‘all flesh’, salvation has been granted to every human being, and the gates of paradise have been opened for all those who wish to enter through them. This is the faith of the Early Church inherited from the first generation of Christians and cherished by Orthodox Tradition. This is the never-extinguished hope of all those who believe in Christ Who once and for all conquered death, destroyed hell and granted resurrection to the entire human race. …” – ArchBishop Hilarion Alfeyev (Russian Orthodox Church from the same source link in image, page 11)
I think that if this Eastern Tradition is true, then such a Salvation must be “non-Elect” as it is “believing after seeing” and could refer to the “nations who are saved” with “earthly bodily resurrection glory” as opposed to the “Elect (Christian) Salvation” which is with “Heavenly Bodily Resurrection” in contrast, example Verses:
“… 39ALL FLESH IS NOT THE SAME FLESH, but there is one kind [f]of flesh of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds. 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 15:39 – 42, NKJV)
Comments:
iii) Also the phrase here in 1 Corinthians 15:42 comparing these two types of Glory of Celestial (Heavenly) Vs Terrestrial (Earthly) as “another” clearly implies that these are speaking of two classes of Resurrection Bodies distinctly where the word “Glory” indicates these are among the “saved” most likely.
“… Come, I will show you the [g]BRIDE, the LAMB’S WIFE.” 10And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and SHOWED ME THE [H]GREAT CITY, the [I]HOLY JERUSALEM, DESCENDING OUT OF HEAVEN from God, … 24And the NATIONS [N]OF THOSE WHO ARE SAVED shall walk in its light, and the KINGS OF THE EARTH bring their glory and honor [o]into it. 25Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). 26And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into [p]it. 27But there shall by no means enter it anything [q]that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but ONLY THOSE WHO ARE WRITTEN IN THE LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE. …” (Revelation 21:8 – 10, 24 – 27, NKJV)
Comments:
Let God Decide as I am “not” sure of this part 100%.
2) Other Bible Verses in support of “Eternal Life” given to those who “DID GOOD [Works]” in their “lifetime” but Saved only on JUDGMENT DAY
“… 28Do not marvel at this; for the HOUR IS COMING in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29and come forth—those who have DONE GOOD, to the RESURRECTION of LIFE, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 5:28 – 29, NKJV)
Note: I have discussed this ‘Possibility’ in Page 594 onward in the #SafeRouteScripturallyBook .
Comments:
“… But THE REST OF THE DEAD DID NOT LIVE AGAIN until the THOUSAND YEARS WERE FINISHED. This is the first resurrection. …” (Revelation 20:5, NKJV)
“… And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt. …”(Daniel 12:2, NKJV)
3) Judgment Day Salvation Context by Blessed Apostle St. Paul
Another Verse for this same Timeline is revealed by Blessed Apostle St. Paul too as he describes “Judgment Day” to include some who only attain Salvation at this end of 1000 years as follows:
“… 5But in accordance with YOUR HARDNESS and your [a]impenitent heart you are [b]treasuring up for yourself wrath in the DAY OF WRATH and REVELATION of the RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT OF GOD, 6who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: ETERNAL LIFE to those who by PATIENT CONTINUANCE IN DOING GOOD SEEK FOR GLORY, HONOR and IMMORTALITY; 8but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, 9tribulation and anguish, on EVERY SOUL OF MAN who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the [c]Greek; 10but glory, honor, and peace to EVERYONE WHO WORKS WHAT IS GOOD, TO THE JEW FIRST AND ALSO TO THE GREEK [Gentiles]. 11For there is NO PARTIALITY WITH GOD. 12For as many as have SINNED WITHOUT THE LAW will also PERISH WITHOUT LAW, and as many as have SINNED IN THE LAW WILL BE JUDGED BY THE LAW 13(for NOT THE HEARERS OF THE LAW ARE JUST IN THE SIGHT OF GOD, BUT THE DOERS OF THE LAW WILL BE JUSTIFIED; …” (Romans 2:5 – 13, NKJV)
Comments:
iii. Verse 9 reveals that some will be condemned on Judgment Day while in contrast Verse 10 reveals that some will be SAVED ONLY on JUDGMENT DAY —> Different from those saved in the First Resurrection 1000 years earlier —> so that’s why I call this the “possible” NON-ELECT SALVATION.
They are not Saved by Works but God’s Mercy as they get a chance to believe after seeing as John 6:40 may point to this Hope being available till the “Last Day or Judgment Day”.
The fact that they did their acts of Mercy toward Christians in their lives prior whilst being unbelievers may point to God’s Mercy on them as even the Famous Bible Case of King Cyrus of Persia Reveals where Cyrus was used by God as a “Messiah” (the only Gentile ever given this title in the Bible, Isaiah 45:1) to do Acts of Mercy toward the Jews by setting them free from their earthly oppressors (Isaiah 45:1- 6) where the best Context part is that Cyrus did NOT EVEN KNOW THE TRUE GOD at all whilst doing this nor after doing this as per history and as the Verse Reads for this part as, “… THERE IS NO GOD BESIDES ME. I WILL GIRD YOU, THOUGH YOU HAVE NOT KNOWN ME, …” (Isaiah 45:5, NKJV).
So similarly, these “Surprised Sheep or Gentiles who are Saved on Judgment Day” may have done their acts of Mercy toward Christians by giving them business or helping them financially or with this World’s Goods by God’s Move as He Did with Cyrus, King of Persia and thus may be given the chance to believe after seeing the Risen Christ somewhere between now and the Last Day (as John 6:40 can mean this; please see end of this write up for this).
“… According to the TEACHING of the ORTHODOX CHURCH, ALL THE DEAD, whether believers or non-believers, appear before God. Therefore, even for THOSE WHO DID NOT BELIEVE DURING THEIR LIFETIME, there is HOPE THAT THEY WILL RECOGNIZE GOD AS THEIR SAVIOR AND REDEEMER IF THEIR PREVIOUS LIFE ON EARTH LED them to this RECOGNITION …” – ArchBishop Hilarion Alfeyev
Source (Page 10):
https://stjamesorthodox.org/files/articles/Bishop-Hilarion—Christ-the-Conqueror-of-Hades.pdf
vii. Possible Bible Verses for ‘Believing after seeing’
“… 35And JESUS said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall NEVER THIRST. 36But I said to you that YOU HAVE SEEN ME and YET DO NOT BELIEVE. 37All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will [f]by no means cast out. 38For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39This is the WILL OF THE FATHER who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should RAISE IT UP at the LAST DAY. 40And this is THE WILL OF HIM who sent Me, that EVERYONE WHO SEES THE SON AND BELIEVES IN HIM MAY HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE; and I will RAISE HIM UP at the LAST DAY.” …” (John 6:35 – 40, NKJV)
“… And as MOSES LIFTED UP the SERPENT in the wilderness, even so must the SON OF MAN BE LIFTED UP, 15that WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM should [c]NOT PERISH but have ETERNAL LIFE. …” (John 3:14 – 15, NKJV)
viii. Verses 11 to 13 in Romans 2 here seem to contrast that only those who DO THE LAW (Actions as Proof) are JUSTIFIED (Saved).
This could be a reason why some Christians are rejected from life based on Matthew 7:20 – 24 or even Hebrews 6:4 – 8 because despite Converting MANY based on “CASTING OUT DEMONS, PROPHESYING, MIRACLES” they did NOT PRACTICE HIS WRITTEN COMMANDS/LAW hence became #lawless in some aspects (let God Decide).
I often wondered (and hope that these ‘fallen Christians’) may at least be saved on Judgment Day likewise in this ‘non-Elect Salvation possibility’ (if true) as the phrase “… APPOINT HIM HIS PORTION WITH THE UNBELIEVERS. …” (Luke 12:46, NKJV) may mean AFTER JUDGMENT first and that’s why we encourage Christians too to Practice this #CharityDoctrineLifestyle to be Scripturally Safe based on all these quoted Verses.
Can you see it?
(Our pointing of their faults is so that they be ‘safe’ which is for their own good only)
A “Possible” Common Fallacy in popular Christian Exegesis is that most view Romans 2:5 – 13 earlier as referring to “only” those who did “not” hear the Gospel before by quoting the next set of Verses in Romans 2:14 – 16 as follows (but is this true?)
“… 14for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel. …” (Romans 2:14 – 16, NKJV)
Comments:
Can you see it? Example Verse quote for emphasis:
“… 11For there is NO PARTIALITY WITH GOD. 12For as many as have SINNED WITHOUT THE LAW will also PERISH WITHOUT LAW, and as many as have SINNED IN THE LAW WILL BE JUDGED BY THE LAW 13(for NOT THE HEARERS OF THE LAW ARE JUST IN THE SIGHT OF GOD, BUT THE DOERS OF THE LAW WILL BE JUSTIFIED; …” (Romans 2:11 – 13, NKJV)
c.i. The phrase “… as many as have SINNED WITHOUT THE LAW will also PERISH WITHOUT LAW …” = Those without the GOSPEL/LAW perish under the CONDITION if they SINNED against it.
c.ii. The phrase “… as many as have SINNED IN THE LAW WILL BE JUDGED BY THE LAW 13(for NOT THE HEARERS OF THE LAW ARE JUST IN THE SIGHT OF GOD, BUT THE DOERS OF THE LAW WILL BE JUSTIFIED; …” = Those who have heard of the LAW/GOSPEL are likewise JUDGED based on what they have heard and if they DO THE LAW/GOSPEL Commands, they have a ‘possibility’ to be JUSTIFIED.
Can you see it?
c.iii. Where is the Threshold for Justification? Let God Decide since even “Christians” with terrible sins may be “saved without reward too” if they likewise have some type of ‘minimum obedience likewise’ as the ‘saved by fire case’ described in Verse below could apply likewise to either Christians or those Generally above simply because as Verse 11 here Reveals that there is NO partiality with God:
“… 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 3:14 – 15, NKJV)
4) Has God ever Accepted the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle of any “Unbeliever“?
Yes here are two examples of “Cornelius” (in the New Testament) before he became a Christian itself and King Nebuchadnezzar (in the Old Testament) who “never” became a believer as far as I know in the CONTEXT of THEIR SINS BEING NOT JUDGED due to the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle lived, VERSES:
“… 1There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian [a]Regiment, 2a devout man and one who FEARED GOD with all his household, who GAVE ALMS GENEROUSLY to the people, and PRAYED to GOD ALWAYS. 3About [c]the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!” 4And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?” So he said to him, “Your prayers and YOUR ALMS [Charity] have come up for a memorial before God. 5Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. 6He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He[d] will tell you what you must do.” 7And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually. 8So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa. 30So Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and YOUR ALMS [Charitable Giving] are remembered in the sight of God. …” (Acts 10:1 – 8, 30 – 31, NKJV)
This Verse about Cornelius seems to be extended ‘generally’ too:
“… 34Then PETER opened his mouth and said: “In TRUTH I perceive that GOD shows no partiality. 35But in EVERY NATION WHOEVER FEARS HIM and WORKS RIGHTEOUSNESS is ACCEPTED BY HIM. …” (Acts 10:34 – 35, NKJV)
Note: The usage of “God” here is in general as Apostle St. Peter is speaking of ‘people who have never heard of the Gospel nor of Christ too’ (Context here in reply to Cornelius).
Which “work of righteousness” does the BIBLE specifically point to that “Cornelius did” (in this Context, the other definitions are possible but this DEFINITION OF FEARING GOD is FIRST as IT IS WRITTEN)?
(The Bible Writes it in order above),
“… 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 and Holy 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 and Holy Prophet Daniel (Daniel 4:27, Brenton Septuagint Translation, based on the Septuagint or LXX)
Source: https://biblehub.com/sep/daniel/4.htm
5) Mystery Part from the Shepherd of Hermas Possible Scripture regarding this Possibility that non-Christians who lived righteous with Good works getting some type of Salvation in the Spirit World even AFTER CHRIST’S DESCENT with the APOSTLES DESCENDING in the SPIRIT WORLD likewise to possible PREACH the GOSPEL in all the WORLD (“Kosmos“) as Mark Records:
“… [15And He said to them], “Go into ALL the WORLD [2889 [e] kosmon κόσμον] and PREACH THE GOSPEL to every creature. 16He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 16:15 – 16, NKJV)
How can such be Saved in the afterlife if they are not Baptized?
To quote from the ‘Scripture’ of the ‘Shepherd of Hermas’ that those being Saved in the Spirit World have Some type of ‘Water Baptism’ (either Symbolically or Allegorically) as Mysteriously put in Verse below toward ‘relatively good non-Christians who are dead’ who BELIEVE AFTER SEEING ONLY:
“… 15[92]:1 “Show me still further, Sir,” say I. “What desirest thou to know besides?” saith he. “Wherefore, Sir,” say I, “did the stones come up from the deep, and wherefore were they placed into the building, though they bore these spirits?” 15[92]:2 “It was necessary for them,” saith he, “to rise up through water, that they might be made alive; for otherwise they could not enter into the kingdom of God, except they had put aside the deadness of their [former] life. 15[92]:3 So these likewise that had fallen asleep received the seal of the Son of God and entered into the kingdom of God. For before a man,” saith he, “has borne the name of [the Son of] God, he is dead; but when he has received the seal, he layeth aside his deadness, and resumeth life. 15[92]:4 The seal then is the water: so they go down into the water dead, and they come up alive. “thus to them also this seal was preached, and they availed themselves of it that they might enter into the kingdom of God.“15[92]:5 “Wherefore, Sir,” say I, “did the forty stones also come up with them from the deep, though they had already received the seal?” “Because,” saith he, “these, the apostles and the teachers who preached the name of the Son of God, after they had fallen asleep in the power and faith of the Son of God, preached also to them that had fallen asleep before them, and themselves gave unto them the seal of the preaching. 15[92]:6 Therefore they went down with them into the water, and came up again. But these went down alive [and again came up alive]; whereas the others that had fallen asleep before them went down dead and came up alive. …” – Shepherd of Hermas (Parable 9, well known scholar Mr. Lightfoot’s Translation)
Source:
http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd-lightfoot.html
Comment: Please read carefully to realize that this Shepherd of Hermas quote clearly Reveals that the “40 Apostles and Teachers” only descended into the SPIRIT WORLD to PREACH the GOSPEL AFTER THEY HAD DIED LIKEWISE to THOSE WHO DIED BEFORE THEM BUT NEVER BELIVED ON EARTH to Relatively “righteous non-Christians” proving that this POST-MORTEM EVENGELIZATION may continue till today too likewise as Described by these Bible Verses too:
“… 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)
“… 4In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking EVIL of you. 5THEY will give an account to Him who is ready to JUDGE the living and THE DEAD. 6For this reason the GOSPEL was PREACHED also to those who are DEAD, that they might be JUDGED according to men in the FLESH, but LIVE according to God in the SPIRIT. …” (1 Peter 4:4 – 6, NKJV)
Note: In Greek, Verse 6 and Verse 5’s “the dead” reads the same but translators add ‘who are dead’.
Example:
Berean Literal Bible
For to this END the GOSPEL was PROCLAIMED even to THE DEAD, so that they might be JUDGED indeed according to men in the FLESH, but they might LIVE in the SPIRIT according to God.
Source: https://biblehub.com/1_peter/4-6.htm
Here is that Shepherd of Hermas quote in another translation:
“… “Explain to me a little further, sir,” I said. “What is it that you desire?” he asked. “Why, sir,” I said, “did these stones ascend out of the pit, and be applied to the building of the tower, after having borne these spirits? “They were obliged,” he answered, “to ascend through water in order that they might be made alive; for, unless they laid aside the deadness of their life, they could not in any other way enter into the kingdom of God. Accordingly, those also who fell asleep received the seal of the Son of God. For,” he continued, “before a man bears the name of the Son of God s he is dead; but when he receives the seal he lays aside his deadness, and obtains life. The seal, then, is the water: they descend into the water dead, and they arise alive. And to them, accordingly, was this seal preached, and they made use of it that they might enter into the kingdom of God.” “Why, sir,” I asked, “did the forty stones also ascend with them out of the pit, having already received the seal?” “Because,” he said, “these apostles and teachers who preached the name of the Son of God, after falling asleep in the power and faith of the Son of God, preached it not only to those who were asleep, but themselves also gave them the seal of the preaching. Accordingly they descended with them into the water, and again ascended. [But these descended alive and rose up again alive; whereas they who had previously fallen asleep descended dead, but rose up again alive. ] By these, then, were they quickened and made to know the name of the Son of God. For this reason also did they ascend with them, and were fitted along with them into the building of the tower, and, untouched by the chisel, were built in along with them. For they slept in righteousness and in great purity, but only they had not this seal. You have accordingly the explanation of these also.” …” – Shepherd of Hermas (CHAPTER XVI, Ninth Similitude, Translated by another Well Known Scholar Mr. Roberts-Donaldson)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd.html
Please notice that the SAME WAY CHRIST SAVED some of those who never heard of the Gospel during His Descent into Hades or how He Will Save some on Judgment Day in regards to those who never heard the Gospel/Law likewise, He can also Save them with/without Baptism like this in the same manner, right?
Example: The “thief on the cross” was saved without baptism and so probably it’s by ‘relative measure’ and/or ‘Elect vs non-Elect salvation’ or even that the “thief on the cross” received this ‘Spirit World Baptism’ which the Shepherd of Hermas Writing Mysteriously Reveals here.
I repeat, please notice that the Shepherd of Hermas Writing is Revealing a Salvation long after Christ’s Resurrection as this involves the Apostles only after they have “died physically” on earth and now evangelize the spirit world toward righteous non-Christians who could be a type of non-elect salvation (let God Decide). Mysterious, isn’t it?
Regarding the reliability of the #ShepherdofHermas Writing, please refer to say Pages 91 to 92 or 234 to 240 in this #SafeRouteScripturallyBook or even more “approval details” Pages 61 to 63 in the free #EternalhellAnnihilationandUniversalismBook likewise.
Conclusion – Does that mean these ‘Judgment Day’ saved ones are saved by works?
Not at all but rather as pointed out they may believe after seeing Christ as the “Eastern Orthodox” Tradition quotes also rings likewise (in point 1) or point 3) vi. earlier at the start) where the #GoodWorks “Fruit” proves that they may be chosen for this non-Elect salvation on Judgment Day of this type by God’s Mercy only.
Since this “Eastern Orthodox” Tradition of views this as a “Possibility“, we can likewise proving that ‘faith can be based on a possibility’ if it is found within Orthodox Church History (and not by quoting heretics and non-Church fathers).
Yes, this “Eastern Orthodox” Tradition of viewing this “Possibility” like this seems to be most clearly supported by these next SET OF VERSES by CHRIST HIMSELF as follows:
“… 37“Then the RIGHTEOUS WILL ANSWER Him, saying, ‘Lord, When Did We See You Hungry And Feed YOU, or THIRSTY AND GIVE YOU DRINK? 38WHEN DID WE SEE YOU A STRANGER and TAKE YOU IN, OR NAKED AND CLOTHE YOU? 39Or WHEN DID WE SEE YOU SICK, OR in PRISON, AND COME TO YOU?’ 40And THE KING WILL ANSWER and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I SAY TO YOU, INASMUCH AS YOU DID IT TO ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE MY BRETHREN, YOU DID IT TO ME.’ …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:37 – 40, NKJV)
Can you see it?
These ‘Surprised Sheep’ of the “Nations” are saved on the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle Reason only which they may have practiced specifically mentioned by LORD JESUS CHRIST to refer to “His Brethren*” (the Elect-Christians of the First Resurrection) and in light of all this, this is WHY we PROMOTE the #CHARITYDOCTRINE to be Preached across all Churches of God where regardless, this is WRITTEN AS CHRIST’S COMMAND for JUDGMENT DAY CONTEXT with NO OTHER RELIGIOUS ACT mentioned proving its UTMOST IMPORTANCE as the FRUIT of MERCY unto SALVATION by GOD’S GRACE regardless.
*Any Christian of the “Elect salvation” is “His Brethren” (or Family), Verses:
“… 46While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, HIS MOTHER AND BROTHERS, seeking to speak with Him. 47Then one said to Him, “Look, YOUR MOTHER AND YOUR BROTHERS are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.” 48But He answered and said to the one who told Him, “WHO IS MY MOTHER and WHO ARE MY BROTHERS?” 49And He stretched out His hand TOWARD HIS DISCIPLES and said, “HERE ARE MY MOTHER AND MY BROTHERS! 50For whoever DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER in heaven is MY BROTHER AND SISTER AND MOTHER.” …” (Matthew 12:46 – 50, NKJV)
More details around Page 625 of this #SafeRouteScripturallyBook too because anyone who ‘accepts a Christian’ (say even within a family or as a friend and practiced the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle toward them may be CONSIDERED as EQUIVALENT TO RECEIVING CHRIST HIMSELF, hence saved by this NON-ELECT SALVATION POSSIBILITY based on these next set of Verses by CHRIST HIMSELF DIRECTLY too):
“…40“He who receives you receives Me, … 41He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:40 – 42, highlighted phrases, NKJV)
Disclaimer (Please allow me to repeat):
I am “not” saying this must be the interpretation but I present it as a “possibility” in light of all these Bible Verses. As I have said, I am “not” a heretic and will accept whichever God Decides One Day but I just present the evidence found within Orthodox and reliable Christianity for these “possibilities”. Peace to you
Mystery of Blessed St. Maximus the Confessor – Can one man be right and all others wrong in a Theological Point?
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161770226777784
Let’s begin.
0) Can Protestants consider him?
Though I do “not” see him listed in the “Book of Concord” but he is “venerated” as a “saint” even in the Protestant “Lutheran” and “Anglican” Churches, example quote:
“… Confessor, theologian, homologetes
Born c. 580
Haspin, Golan Heights[1] or Constantinople
Died 13 August 662
Tsageri, present-day Georgia
Venerated in Eastern Orthodox Church
Catholic Church
Anglican Communion
Lutheranism
Canonized Pre-congregation …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maximus_the_Confessor
I have NEVER SEEN A PRAYER to VIRGIN MARY NOR to the SAINTS by St. Maximus the Confessor as far as I know from HIS WRITINGS. Please consider the write-up below by a “Professor” from even those who pray to Virgin Mary and even by quoting this ‘attributed book to him’ (not the confirmed ones), I do NOT see any Prayers to Mary apart from by addition or supposing so by the author in link below (please consider both sides and decide for yourselves as this might be a reason why both the “Anglican” and “Lutheran” Protestant denominations may have venerated him as their saint too as shown prior):
https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/maximus%E2%80%99s-mary
How do I know that the Book quoted above as “attributed” to St. Maximus but is most likely not his at all even?
“… Life of the Virgin – earliest complete biography of Mary, the mother of Jesus.[35] This is an attributed work and now believed not to be by Maximus the Confessor. Jankowiak and Booth argue that “none of Maximus’ characteristic preoccupations appear in the Life, and in turn none of the Life’ s central themes appear in the fleeting Marian reflections contained within his genuine corpus”. They also write that there is no Greek manuscript witnessing the text, no evidence that any key thinkers who draw on Maximus were aware of the Life’ s existence and that no record of the Life as a work exists prior to the second half of the tenth century.[36] …:” Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maximus_the_Confessor
1) Why is this important?
There was a time when “Orthodox Christian Denomination*” argued an important theological point where ‘one man was right’ while all others were ‘wrong’ —-> to quote (from their ‘own history’, in image too)):
“… As history has demonstrated, Saint Maximus—who was only a simple monk and not even ordained—and his two disciples were the ones who were Orthodox, and all those illustrious, famous and influential Patriarchs and Metropolitans whom the Saint had written against were the ones who were in heresy. When the Sixth Ecumenical Synod was finally convened, among those condemned for heresy were four Patriarchs of Constantinople, one Pope of Rome, one Patriarch of Alexandria, two Patriarchs of Antioch and a multitude of other Metropolitans, Archbishops and Bishops. During all those years, that one simple monk was right, and all those notable bishops were wrong. (pp. 60-62) …”
Source: http://orthodoxinfo.com/ecumenism/ecum_canons.aspx
*Orthodox Christian Denomination refers to the “Churches of the East” as opposed to the “Churches of the West” which are usually “Roman Catholic” in terms of this definition not to be confused by ‘Protestant Orthodox denominations which is different and varied’.
Which doctrine was on “dispute”? Heresy of the Monothelites , example quote:
“… The Monothelite position was promulgated by Patriarch Sergius I of Constantinople and by Maximus’ friend and successor as the Abbot of Chrysopolis, Pyrrhus.[8] Following the death of Sergius in 638, Pyrrhus succeeded him as Patriarch, but was shortly deposed owing to political circumstances. During Pyrrhus’ exile from Constantinople, Maximus and the deposed Patriarch held a public debate on the issue of Monothelitism. In the debate, which was held in the presence of many North African bishops, Maximus took the position that Jesus possessed both a human and a divine will. The result of the debate was that Pyrrhus admitted the error of the Monothelite position, and Maximus accompanied him to Rome in 645.[9] Maximus may have remained in Rome, because he was present when the newly elected Pope Martin I convened the Lateran Council of 649 at the Lateran Basilica in Rome.[10] The 105 bishops present condemned Monothelitism in the official acts of the synod, which some believe may have been written by Maximus.[11] It was in Rome that Pope Martin and Maximus were arrested in 653 under orders from Constans II, who supported the Monothelite doctrine. Pope Martin was condemned without a trial, and died before he could be sent to the Imperial Capital.[12] …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maximus_the_Confessor
Note: His title of “Confessor” means that he suffered for the Christian faith, but was not directly martyred. What happened? Details:
“… Maximus’ refusal to accept Monothelitism caused him to be brought to the imperial capital of Constantinople to be tried as a heretic in 658. In Constantinople, Monothelitism had gained the favor of both the Emperor and the Patriarch of Constantinople. Maximus stood behind the Dyothelite position and was sent back into exile for four more years. During his trial he was accused of aiding the Muslim conquests in Egypt and North Africa, which he rejected as slander.[13][14] . In 662, Maximus was placed on trial once more, and was once more convicted of heresy. Following the trial Maximus was tortured, having his tongue cut out, so he could no longer speak his rebellion, and his right hand cut off, so that he could no longer write letters.[15] Maximus was then exiled to the Lazica or Colchis region of modern-day Georgia and was cast in the fortress of Schemarum, perhaps Muris-Tsikhe near the modern town of Tsageri.[16] He died soon thereafter, on 13 August 662.[17][18] The events of the trials of Maximus were recorded by Anastasius Bibliothecarius.[19] …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maximus_the_Confessor
2) St. Maximus the Confessor believed that 1 Peter 3:16 – 18 or possible 1 Peter 4:6 referred to ‘spirit world’ Salvation by Christ to some:
To quote (from pages 142 to 144 of the #LakeofFireBook ):
“… An elaborate teaching of the descent of Christ into Hades is found in Maximus the Confessor. In his analysis, Maximus takes as a starting point the words of St. Peter: ‘For this cause was the Gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit’[26].
In Maximus’s view, St. Peter does not speak about the Old Testament righteous, but about those sinners who, back in their lifetime, were punished for their evil deeds:
Some say that Scriptures call ‘dead’ those who died before the coming of Christ, for instance, those who were at the time of the flood, at Babel, in Sodom, in Egypt, as well as others who in various times and in various ways received various punishments and the terrible misfortune of divine damnation. These people were punished not so much for their ignorance of God as for the offences they imposed on one another.
It was to them, according to [St Peter] that the great message of salvation was preached when they were already damned as men in the flesh, that is, when they received, through life in the flesh, punishment for crimes against one another, so that they could live according to God by the spirit, that is, being in hell, they accepted the preaching of the knowledge of God, believing in the Saviour who descended into hell to save the dead. So, in order to understand [this] passage in [Holy Scriptures] let us take it in this way: the dead, damned in the human flesh, were preached to precisely for the purpose that they may live according to God by the spirit[27].
Thus, according to Maximus’s teaching, punishments suffered by sinners ‘in the human flesh’ were necessary so that they may live ‘according to God by the spirit’. Therefore, these punishments, whether troubles and misfortunes in their lifetime or pains in hell, had pedagogical and reforming significance. Moreover, Maximus stresses that in damning them, God used not so much a religious as a moral criterion, for people were punished ‘not so much for their ignorance of God as for the offences they imposed on one another’. In other words, the religious or ideological convictions of a particular person were not decisive, but his actions with regard to his neighbours….” – via ArchBishop Hilarion Alfeyev
(Pages 3 and 4 by in the PDF as uploaded by a St. James Orthodox Church, link below):
Source for the Quote & Write Up above (via THE DESCENT OF CHRIST INTO HADES IN EASTERN AND WESTERN THEOLOGICAL TRADITIONS, His Grace, Hilarion, Russian Orthodox Bishop of Vienna):
https://stjamesorthodox.org/files/articles/Bishop-Hilarion—Christ-the-Conqueror-of-Hades.pdf
[26] 1 Pet. 4:6.
[27] Questions-answers to Thalassius 7
Note: I quote a purely “Orthodox Christian denomination” source to show that it’s their own Bishop who is revealing this “possibility” too and not an ‘outsider’ from ‘their point of view too’.
3) St. Maximus the Confessor was possibly a Universalist Christian too of ‘some type’
Example Quotes from his ‘undisputed writings’ (from Pages 990 to 992 of the #LakeofFireBook ):
“… The “gloom” is their complete and total blindness to divine grace, a gloom that wholly pervaded the disposition of their will and separated them from the blessed and all-radiant outpouring of divine light. This is how they squandered all the natural intellective power given to them when they were brought into being out of nothing. What will happen to them on the terrible Day of Judgment is something known only to the Just Judge. He will determine the just and deserved recompence for everyone, assigning a form of punishment equal to the degree of wickedness, and, consistent with His good decrees, will render with justice the eternal sentence. …” – Blessed St. Maximus the Confessor, Christian monk, theologian, and scholar, who was a civil servant, and an aide to the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius before he gave up this life in the political sphere to enter into the monastic life, who is venerated in both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches. He was eventually persecuted for his Christological positions; following a trial, his tongue and right hand were mutilated. (c. 580 AD – c. 662 AD)
Source: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/henrykarlson/2020/01/st-maximos-and-universal-salvation/
“… And the who did not completely acquire perfection but have acquired both sins and good works, come into the court of judgment; there, they are scorched as by a fire by the comparison of their good and evil deeds, and if, in fact, the scale of the good deeds weighs downwards, they are cleansed of punishment …” – Blessed St. Maximus the Confessor, Christian monk, theologian, and scholar, who was a civil servant, and an aide to the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius before he gave up this life in the political sphere to enter into the monastic life, who is venerated in both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches. He was eventually persecuted for his Christological positions; following a trial, his tongue and right hand were mutilated. (c. 580 AD – c. 662 AD)
Source:
https://www.patheos.com/blogs/henrykarlson/2020/01/st-maximos-and-universal-salvation/
St. Maximus seems to Point to some type of “Universalism” where God may be ‘… Completely United to All, at the end of the Ages (Aeons) …’ toward each person according to varying capabilities but he seemed to have been “silent” to ‘explain it further’, example quote:
“… For nature does not contain the characteristics of the super-natural, just as it does not contain the laws of what is against nature. By ‘supernatural’ I mean the divine and inconceivable joy, which God naturally creates when he is united by grace to those who are worthy. By ‘against nature’, I mean the unspeakable anguish which is involved in the deprivation of this (joy), which God naturally creates when He is united with the unworthy against grace. For God is united with all, according to the quality of the fundamental state of each person; in a way that He understands, he supplies sensation to each one, corresponding to the way each is made by Him to receive the One Who is completely united to all, at the end of the ages …” – Blessed St. Maximus the Confessor, Christian monk, theologian, and scholar, who was a civil servant, and an aide to the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius before he gave up this life in the political sphere to enter into the monastic life, who is venerated in both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches. He was eventually persecuted for his Christological positions; following a trial, his tongue and right hand were mutilated. (c. 580 AD – c. 662 AD, Quest. Thal. 59 PG 90, 609B14-C12, Quaestiones ad Thalassium)
Source: https://classicalchristianity.com/2016/03/08/on-universalism-and-st-maximus-the-confessor/
Someone remarked:
‘… Maximus the Confessor hopes that universal salvation may be true, yet he states the horrors of existing outside God’s presence in sad and fearful terms. …’
More Universalism supporting quotes by St. Maximus the Confessor may be found in detail in link below as the author’s aim is, to quote:
“… In this essay I will demonstrate:
that the entire thrust of Maximus’ theology points almost unequivocally in a universalist direction;
that in an often overlooked passage in Ambiguum 42, Maximus supports universalism, while at the same time clueing us in to the actual aim of those mysterious 553 Origenist anathemas;
that the passages of “honorable silence” make the best sense when interpreted as referring to universal salvation—spiritual beginners should never be let in on the “universalist secret,” lest it make them spiritually lazy;
that the terrifying passages in Maximus’ writings must be interpreted within the larger context of his theology.
While it is true that Hans Urs von Balthasar, Ilaria Ramelli, and Andreas Andreopoulos have trod similar ground before me, there are certain nuances of Maximus’ thought that have not yet been sufficiently explored relating to universal salvation. …”
https://afkimel.wordpress.com/2020/04/02/st-maximus-the-universalist/
Conclusion
What if St. Maximus the Confessor was a “Universalist Christian” in some way if “not for all men context” as his quotes here demonstrate and if ‘he was right’ just like he was for the past history example?
Just sharing this “possibility” and as I have repeated many times before (so as not to be misunderstood) ,that I am “not” a heretic and will accept whichever God Decides One Day but I just present the evidence found within Orthodox and reliable Christianity for these “possibilities“.
Source for image:
http://orthodoxinfo.com/ecumenism/ecum_canons.aspx
Peace to you
Unresolved Mystery of Hades via Blessed St. John of Damascus
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161770540327784
Can protestants consider him?
Yes, because he is the “last name” mentioned in order of “time” in the First Protestant Fathers’ “Book of Concord”, to quote:
“… The Lutheran Church did not start in the 1500s, but is the continuation of the one catholic (universal) Church, including everyone who taught and believed the one catholic faith. In The Book of Concord, the Early Church fathers are referenced and quoted in every confessional document (except the Small Catechism). Here are all the ones mentioned: … Justin Martyr, IRENAEUS, and TERTULLIAN from the second century. ORIGEN, Cyprian, Anthony of Egypt, ATHANASIUS, Basil of Caesarea, Gregory of Nazianzus, Gregory of Nyssa, John Chrysostom, Cyril of Alexandria, HILARY OF POITIERS, Jerome, Ambrose, Augustine, and Leo I covered the third, fourth, and fifth centuries .Gregory I, Bede, and JOHN OF DAMASCUS from the sixth, seventh, and eighth centuries. These men taught and wrote throughout . … The Christian faith did not originate with us. The Christian faith is handed on from one generation of saints to the next, as each generation holds to Scripture. There is so much we can learn from the faithful teachers of the ancient Church, for we are all part of the same catholic Church. They should not be strangers to us. If we are truly Lutheran, then they are truly our fathers. …”
Source:
https://lutheranreformation.org/history/lutherans-early-church-fathers/
This is why even in the Roman Catholic or Orthodox Christianity even, St. John of Damascus is called the ‘Last Father of the Church’.
Details, to quote from Pages 994 to 1001 from the #LakeofFireBook:
“… And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day. …” – The KING, Lord Jesus Christ (John 6:40, NKJV)
“… Some say that [Christ delivered from Hades] only those who believed, such as fathers and prophets, judges and together with them kings, local rulers and some others from the Hebrew people, not numerous and known to all. But we shall reply to those who think so that there is nothing undeserved, nothing miraculous and nothing strange in that Christ should save those who believed, for He remains only the fair Judge, and every one who believes in Him will not perish. So they all ought to have been saved and delivered from the bonds of Hades by the descent of God and Master — that same happened by His Disposition. Whereas those who were saved only through [God’s] love of men were, as I think, all those who had the purest life and did all kinds of good works, living in modesty, temperance and virtue, but the pure and divine faith they did not conceive because they were not instructed in it and remained altogether unlearnt. They were those whom the Steward and Master of all drew, captured in the divine nets and persuaded to believe in Him, illuminating them with the divine rays and showing them the true light. (Concerning Those Who Died in Faith PG 95, 257 AC). …” – Blessed St. John of Damascus, the Last Father of the Church who is a revered Father of the Church, and is recognized as a saint. He is sometimes called the last of the Church Fathers by the Roman Catholic Church. In 1890 he was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIII (c. 675 AD – c. 749 AD)
Comment: Again, these non-Christian righteous must be justified by the “Faith of Jesus Christ” (Christ’s Faith) as neither did these non-Christian righteous (the ‘unlearnt’) though rich in good works did have any ‘faith in Christ/God’ as the Shepherd of Hermas mentioned them too. Why can’t such a redemption continue now by God’s Mercy?
“… “And so, with our souls again united to our bodies. which will have become incorrupt and put off corruption, we shall rise again and stand before the terrible judgment seat of Christ. And the devil and his demons, and his man, which is to say, the Antichrist, and the impious and sinners will be given over to everlasting fire, which will not be a material fire such as we are accustomed to, but a fire such as God might know. And those who have done good will shine like the sun together with the angels unto eternal life with our Lord Jesus Christ, ever seeing Him and being seen, enjoying the unending bliss which is from Him, and praising Him together with the Father and the Holy Spirit unto the endless ages of ages. Amen.” …” – Blessed St. John of Damascus, the Last Father of the Church who is a revered Father of the Church, and is recognized as a saint. He is sometimes called the last of the Church Fathers by the Roman Catholic Church. In 1890 he was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIII (c. 675 AD – c. 749 AD, in the final chapter of his Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith)
Source:
http://orthodoxinfo.com/death/excerpts_death.aspx
This agrees with Blessed St. Ambrose of Milan’s quote below too:
“… It is not enough, however, to come if one is invited: one must have the wedding dress, that is to say have faith and charity. Whoever therefore does not bring peace and charity to the altars of Christ will be seized by the feet and the hands, and thrown into the darkness from without. “There will be tears and gnashing of teeth. What are the darkness of the outside? Will there also be prisons and latomias? In no way; but whoever is excluded from the promises of the heavenly commandments is in outer darkness, because the commandments of God are light (Jn, xii, 35); and whoever is without Christ is in darkness, because the inner light is Christ. So it is not a question of the creaking of the material teeth, nor of some eternal fire of material flames, nor of a material worm. …” – Blessed Archbishop St. Ambrose of Milan, the first Great Latin Doctor of the Church, Converter, Baptizer &Teacher of St. Augustine of Hippo (c. 340 AD – c. 397 AD)
Source: https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/luke-commentary/ambrose-on-luke-14
From the above, Blessed St. Ambrose does NOT see that the ‘Final Lake of Fire is literal (material, Revelation 21:8, Revelation 20:11 – 15)’ nor that the ‘Worm is literal’ (Mark 9:48) and Neither that the ‘Gnashing of teeth as literal either’ (Matthew 13:42, Luke 13:28):
“… So it is not a question of the creaking of the material teeth, nor of some eternal fire of material flames, nor of a material worm. …” – Blessed Archbishop St. Ambrose of Milan
This Concept of Understanding that the Final-Hell/Gehenna/Lake of Fire Punishment is not literal (e.g. as per the ‘gnashing of teeth’) but refers to the ‘soul’s thoughts tormenting it’ is expressed even by the Great Saint of Orthodoxy below, to quote:
“…But as to “There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth ,” 54 we must confront them with the objection that, as in this life the creator has made every member of the body for some purpose, so he has made the teeth to chew solid food Why do the damned need teeth, then? Our brethren do not claim that they eat in hell. (2) And it must be pointed out that not everything in scripture is to be taken literally. Scripture says, “Thou hast broken the teeth of sinners, ” 55 and, “The Lord hath crushed the teeth of the lions ,” 56 but who is so foolish as to suppose that, while preserving sinners’ bodies, God breaks only their teeth? (3) Just as whoever wanted the lines to read like that was obliged by his discomfort with them to resort to allegory, so one must look for the gnashing of the teeth of the damned. The soul has the faculty of “chewing [on things],” and when convicted of its sins will “gnash its teeth” by the clashing of its thoughts . 51 16.6 But “Fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell [Gehenna]” 58 perhaps teaches that the soul is incorporeal, or even, perhaps, means that the soul will not be punished apart from the body. …” – Blessed St. Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamis and the ‘Hammer of Heretics’, (c. 310 AD – c. 403 AD, ‘ORIGEN’ , “Panarion or Medicine-Chest”, Points 16.1 – 16., Pages 146 – 147)
Source:
iii. St. John of Damascus clearly believed in the non-Elect Salvation of Some who are non-Christians or Unbaptized Saved by the Prayer of the Christians
To quote:
“… In the life of St. Thecla, the first century martyr and follower of the Apostle Paul, we read of her arrest in Antioch during which time she was kept in the custody of Tryphina, a rich noblewoman who although now a Christian, her daughter Falconilla reposed while they were pagans. One night Tryphina beheld her daughter in a dream, who said:
“My mother, love the stranger, Thecla. Take her as your daughter in my place, for she is the handmaid of God. She can entreat the Lord to place me with the righteous.”
When she awoke she related the matter to Thecla and asked her to pray for her daughter. Straightway, Thecla raised her hands in prayer, and uttered with tears:
“My Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the true and living God, hearken unto Your handmaiden and grant rest to the soul of Falconilla in life eternal, according to Your holy will.”
St. John of Damascus, in his “Homily for Meat-Fare Saturday”, testifies concerning this act of Thecla, saying:
“Did not the Protomartyr save Falconilla after the latter had reposed? Perhaps you may say that her prayer was heard because she was a martyr. To this I reply that it was indeed fitting that her prayer was heard since she was a martyr. But consider also on whose behalf the supplication was made. Was it not for a pagan, an idolater, altogether profane and estranged from the Lord?”
In this same homily, St. John of Damascus goes on to bring up the example of St. Gregory the Dialogist, Pope of Rome, of whom he writes:
“One day, as Gregory the Dialogist, Bishop of Old Rome (a man known to all for his holiness and wisdom, of whom it is said that an angel from heaven served with him when he celebrated the Divine Liturgy), was traveling along a paved stone road, he halted and prayed to God, who loves the souls of men, to forgive the Emperor Trajan his sins. The Saint straightway heard the voice of the most heavenly God, which said to him, ‘I have heard your supplication and shall grant Trajan forgiveness, but I command you to cease your entreaties to Me on behalf of the impure.’ To the veracity of this account East and West alike bear witness.”
Following this, the Damascene mentions Falconilla once more, saying:
“The same is true of Falconilla, of whom we spoke before. She was guilty only of worshipping idols, but Trajan sent numerous martyrs to cruel death. You are wonderful, O Master, and marvelous are Your works, and Your inexpressible compassions do we glorify!”
Thus we know from the trustworthy testimony of the Damascene that Falconilla was granted salvation after her repose by the prayers of the holy Protomartyr Thecla, and Trajan was granted salvation after his repose by the prayers of the holy Gregory, Pope of Rome.
Other examples from the lives of the saints where private prayer made on behalf of those reposed outside the Church are St. Perpetua who prayed for her unbaptized brother Dinocrates, and St. Theodora the Empress who prayed for her iconoclast husband Theophilos the Emperor.
In each of the above instances, through the fervent entreaty of the saint, Christ granted them a vision where their request for the relief of the reposed was granted. It is not possible to make a formal Church doctrine out of these saint’s expressions of love and affection for those that reposed in such precarious spiritual states, but love transcends every barrier.
The following is a model of a private prayer which might be said for a reposed non-Orthodox person as suggested by the Elder Leonid of Optina, one who was experienced in the spiritual life:
Have mercy, O Lord, if it is possible, on the soul of Your servant (name), departed to eternal life in separation from Your Holy Orthodox Church! Unsearchable are Your judgments. Account not this my prayer as sin, but may Your holy will be done! …”
Source: https://arizonaorthodox.com/pray-reposed-non-christians-non-orthodox/
In Short, Blessed St. John of Damascus’ own words are as follows:
“… “Did not the Protomartyr save Falconilla after the latter had reposed? Perhaps you may say that her prayer was heard because she was a martyr. To this I reply that it was indeed fitting that her prayer was heard since she was a martyr. But consider also on whose behalf the supplication was made. Was it not for a pagan, an idolater, altogether profane and estranged from the Lord?” … “One day, as Gregory the Dialogist*, Bishop of Old Rome (a man known to all for his holiness and wisdom, of whom it is said that an angel from heaven served with him when he celebrated the Divine Liturgy), was traveling along a paved stone road, he halted and prayed to God, who loves the souls of men, to forgive the Emperor Trajan his sins. The Saint straightway heard the voice of the most heavenly God, which said to him, ‘I have heard your supplication and shall grant Trajan forgiveness, but I command you to cease your entreaties to Me on behalf of the impure.’ To the veracity of this account East and West alike bear witness.” … “The same is true of Falconilla, of whom we spoke before. She was guilty only of worshipping idols, but Trajan sent numerous martyrs to cruel death. You are wonderful, O Master, and marvelous are Your works, and Your inexpressible compassions do we glorify!” …” – Blessed St. John of Damascus, the Last Father of the Church who is a revered Father of the Church, and is recognized as a saint. He is sometimes called the last of the Church Fathers by the Roman Catholic Church. In 1890 he was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIII (c. 675 AD – c. 749 AD, in the final chapter of his Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith)
Another Source quoting this same fact:
https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2015/09/praying-for-reposed-non-christians-and.html
*St. Gregory the Great mentioned by St. John of Damasus above is the same – Blessed Roman Catholic Pope St. Gregory the Great, Saint Gregory the Dialogist in Eastern Christianity, the Father of Christian Worship, and Protestant Reformer Blessed John Calvin declared in his Institutes that Gregory was the last good Pope.
to quote:
“… How important commemoration at the Liturgy is may be seen in the following occurrence: Before the uncovering of the relics of St. Theodosius of Chernigov (1896), the priest-monk (the renowned Starets Alexis of Goloseyevsky Hermitage, of the Kiev-Caves Lavra, who died in 1916) who was conducting the re-vesting of the relics, becoming weary while sitting by the relics, dozed off and saw before him the Saint, who told him: “I thank you for laboring me. I beg you also, when you will serve the Liturgy, to commemorate my parents”—and be gave their names (Priest Nikita and Maria).* “How can you, O Saint, ask my prayers, when you yourself stand at the heavenly Throne and grant to people God’s mercy?” the priest-monk asked. “Yes, that is true,” replied St. Theodosius, “but the offering at the Liturgy is more powerful than my prayer.”
Therefore, panikhidas and prayer a home for the dead are beneficial for them, as are good deeds done in their memory, such as alms or contributions to the church. But especially beneficial for them is commemoration at the Divine Liturgy. There have been many appearances of the dead and other occurrences which confirm how beneficial is the commemoration of the dead. Many who died in repentance, but who were unable to manifest this while they were alive, have been freed from tortures and have obtained repose. In the Church prayers are ever offered for the repose of the dead, and on the day of the Descent of the Holy Spirit, in the kneeling prayers at vespers, there is even a special petition “for those in hell.”
St. Gregory the Great, in answering in his Dialogues the question, “Is there anything at all that can possibly benefit souls after death?” teaches: “The Holy Sacrifice of Christ, our saving Victim, brings great benefits to souls even after death, provided their sins (are such as) can be pardoned in the life to come. For this reason the souls of the dead sometimes beg to have Liturgies offered for them … The safer course, naturally, is to do for ourselves during life what we hope others will do for us after death. It is better to make one’s exit a free man than to seek liberty after one is in chains. We should, therefore, despise this world with all our hearts as though its glory were already spent, and offer our sacrifice of tears to God each day as we immolate His sacred Flesh and Blood. This Sacrifice alone has the power of saving the soul from eternal death, for it presents to us mystically the death of the Only-begotten Son” (Dialogues IV: 57, 60, pp. 266, 272-3).
St. Gregory gives several examples of the dead appearing to the living and asking for or thanking them for the celebration of the Liturgy for their repose; once, also, a captive whom his wife believed dead and for whom she had the Liturgy celebrated on certain days, returned from captivity and told her how he had been released from his chains on some days—the very days when the Liturgy had been offered for him. (Dialogues IV: 57, 59, pp. 267, 270).
Protestants generally find the Church’s prayer for the dead to be somehow incompatible with the necessity of finding salvation first of all in this life: “If you can be saved by the Church after death, then why bother to struggle or find faith in this Life? Let us eat, drink, and be merry…” Of course, no one holding such a philosophy has ever attained salvation by the Church’s prayer, and it is evident that such an argument is quite artificial and even hypocritical. The Church’s prayer cannot save anyone who does not wish salvation, or who never offered any struggle for it himself during his lifetime. In a sense, one might say that the prayer of the Church or of individual Christians for a dead person is but another result of that person’s life: he would not be prayed for unless he had done something during his lifetime to inspire such prayer after his death.
St. Mark of Ephesus also discusses this question of the Church’s prayer for the dead and the improvement it brings in their state, citing the example of the prayer of St. Gregory the Dialogist for the Roman Emperor Trajan—a prayer inspired by a good deed of this pagan Emperor. …”
Source: http://orthodoxinfo.com/death/excerpts_death.aspx
Source for image (Page 10 via ArchBishop Hilarion Alfeyev):
https://stjamesorthodox.org/files/articles/Bishop-Hilarion—Christ-the-Conqueror-of-Hades.pdf
Peace to you
Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus – what if it is not literal?
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161755868937784
Let’s prepare for this likewise too.
1) Blessed Martin Luther, the First Protestant saw this Parable as “not” literal
“… Martin Luther taught that the story was a parable about rich and poor in this life and the details of the afterlife not to be taken literally:
Therefore we conclude that the bosom of Abraham signifies nothing else than the Word of God, … the hell here mentioned cannot be the true hell that will begin on the day of judgment. For the corpse of the rich man is without doubt not in hell, but buried in the earth; it must however be a place where the soul can be and has no peace, and it cannot be corporeal. Therefore it seems to me, this hell is the conscience, which is without faith and without the Word of God, in which the soul is buried and held until the day of judgment, when they are cast down body and soul into the true and real hell. (Church Postil 1522–23) …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rich_man_and_Lazarus
2) What I believe?
Scripture has two meanings usually (both true) namely the “Allegorical and the Literal“. What Martin Luther has explained above is “allegorical” which I believe also but the difference is I also believe in its “literal” meaning as well.
Is this position Biblical? Of course, here’s a famous example done in the New Testament itself, Verses:
“… When Israel was a child, I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My son. …” (Hosea 11:1, NKJV)
“… 13Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” 14When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, 15and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” [Hosea 11:1] …” (Matthew 2:15, NKJV)
Conclusion
So we accept ‘both’ meanings of this Parable and thus it means two things based on the major WARNING/REASON WHY the Rich Man was sent to HELL in Luke 16:25 itself as follows:
“… 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. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 16:25, NKJV)
Claiming to #BelieveinChrist but living it out the same way as above is “denying Him by these same #ProsperityWorks which led that Rich Man to Hell” as that’s what the “Message of the #Prophets and #Torah is” according to #LordJesusChrist Himself here and so if anyone is a #RealProphetofGod he should likewise teach the “same” AS CHRIST HERE which is Living the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle IN REGARDS TO THE WORLDLY GOOD/THINGS BY GIVING AND SHARING IT FOR FREE TOWARD THE POOR OR INCLUDING THEM IN YOUR CHURCH PROGRAMS and avoiding the #ProsperityLifestyle INSTEAD OF CLAIMING IT AS GOD’S BLESSING WHERE THAT CHURCH COLLECTION MONEY OUGHT TO BE SPENT SAY FOR MORE NEEDS OF THE POOR (EXAMPLE).
Claiming to #BelieveinChrist but living it out the same way as above is “denying Him by these same #ProsperityWorks which led that Rich Man to Hell” as that’s what the “Message of the #Prophets and #Torah is” according to #LordJesusChrist Himself here and so if anyone is a #RealProphetofGod he should likewise teach the “same” AS CHRIST HERE which is Living the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle IN REGARDS TO THE GOSPEL THINGS BY GIVING AND SHARING IT FOR FREE INSTEAD OF MERCHANDISING AND SELLING IT ONLY EVEN EXPENSIVELY ESPECIALLY TOWARD THE POOR and avoiding the #ProsperityLifestyle INSTEAD OF CLAIMING IT AS GOD’S BLESSING WHERE THAT CHURCH COLLECTION MONEY OUGHT TO BE SPENT SAY FOR MORE GOSPEL TRACKS (EXAMPLE).
Because even this “Apostolic Fathers” Writing of the “Didache” Taught this likewise as follows:
“… And when the apostle goes away, let him take nothing but bread until he lodges; but if he ask money, he is a false prophet. AND EVERY PROPHET THAT SPEAKS IN THE SPIRIT YOU SHALL NEITHER TRY NOR JUDGE; for EVERY SIN SHALL BE FORGIVEN, but THIS SIN SHALL NOT BE FORGIVEN. … But whoever SAYS IN THE SPIRIT, GIVE ME MONEY or SOMETHING ELSE, you shall NOT LISTEN to him; but IF he SAYS TO YOU TO GIVE FOR OTHER’S SAKE WHO ARE IN NEED, LET NO ONE JUDGE him. …” – The Didache or the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles to the Nations (Chapter 11)
Source: https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0714.htm
Please notice carefully the last line above too which Reveals that Preaching the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle has “Zero” Risks because it’s for “other’s needs” and not collected by the Preacher.
Can you see the “risks“?
Do you Preach both meanings likewise if you “PREACH HELL using the SAME WORDS AS CHRIST DID HERE”?
At least, please preach the “literal” meaning since Christ cannot be tricking simple believers into non-existent reasons but rather this is what every common Christian to the Church Fathers understood likewise regarding this Parable as demonstrated in that link earlier too.
If really keen on “Preaching Heaven and Hell” we need to Preach this (reason for image):
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161753728452784
“… 19“There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and [h]fared sumptuously every day. 20But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, 21desiring to be fed with [i]the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. 23And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
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.’
27“Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, 28for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ 29Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ 30And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’ ” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 16:19 – 31, NKJV)
Conclusion
1) Reason for “#Hell” for the #RichMan is given as lack of #CharityDoctrineLifestyle and also #Prosperity and #Luxury living
“… 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. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 16:25, NKJV)
2) Claiming to #BelieveinChrist but living it out the same way as above is “denying Him by these same #ProsperityWorks which led that Rich Man to Hell” as that’s what the “Message of the #Prophets and #Torah is” according to #LordJesusChrist Himself here and so if anyone is a #RealProphetofGod he should likewise teach the “same” AS CHRIST HERE which is Living the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle and avoiding the #ProsperityLifestyle
“… ; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’ ” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 16:30 – 31
3) Please notice carefully that nothing else is mentioned by CHRIST HIMSELF in these Verses in this ONLY DESCRIPTION OF HELL literally Found in the Bible (did you know?) Meaning that this must be the NO. 1 REASON PEOPLE GO TO HELL for if not CHRIST WOULD HAVE SAID DIFFERENTLY OR ADDED MORE REASONS BUT DID NOT agreeing even to JUDGMENT DAY VERSES in Matthew 25:31 to 46 likewise where He only Asks likewise regarding what #CharityDoctrine acts one did in regards to ‘… When I was Hungry, Thirsty, Naked, Homeless, etc. …’ as this is what the #SPIRITOFPROPHECY Revealed about #Hell in these “Bible Verses” and best is by #LORDJESUSCHRIST Himself in these Verses as it is Written.
So are we “Preaching these Verses?”
‘… Preaching Christ is not just Speaking about Him but also Preaching what He Spoke …’
Peace to you
Mystery of the Agape-Love Feast as part of WORSHIP to GOD
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161754383272784
Is it taught in the Bible?
Bible Verses Proving its Mysterious Existence in First Christianity:
“… These are spots in your LOVE FEASTS [Agape-Feast]*, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; 13raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. …” (Jude 1:12 – 13, NKJV)
*[Emphasis Mine for the “Original Koine Greek Meaning”]
The only other quote from around that time which I found is in the Mysterious “Epistle of the Apostles Writing” (which was only re-discovered in the 20th Century) which reads as follows:
“… 15 But do ye commemorate my death. Now when the Passover (Easter, pascha) cometh, one of you shall be cast into prison for my name’s sake; and he will be in grief and sorrow, because ye keep the Easter while he is in prison and separated from you, for he will be sorrowful because he keepeth not Easter with you. And I will send my power in the form of mine angel Gabriel, and the doors of the prison shall open. And he shall come forth and come unto you and keep the night-watch with you until the cock crow. And when ye have ACCOMPLISHED THE MEMORIAL WHICH IS MADE OF ME, AND THE AGAPE (LOVE FEAST), he shall again be cast into prison for a testimony, until he shall come out thence and preach that which I have delivered unto you. …” – Attributed to Lord Jesus Christ Speaking
(Verse 15, highlighted, Epistle of the Apostles)
Source: https://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/apostolorum.html
More regarding it can be found in the link below:
“… in Saint Ignatius of Antioch’s Letter to the Smyrnaeans, where the term agape is used, and in a letter from Pliny the Younger to Trajan,[10] (ca. 111 A.D.) in which he reported that the Christians, after having met “on a stated day” in the early morning to “address a form of prayer to Christ, as to a divinity”, later in the day would “reassemble, to eat in common a harmless meal”.[7] Similar communal meals are attested also in the Apostolic tradition often attributed to Hippolytus of Rome, who does not use the term agape, and in works of Tertullian, who does. The connection between such substantial meals and the Eucharist had virtually ceased by the time of Cyprian (died 258), when the Eucharist was celebrated with fasting in the morning and the agape in the evening.[7] The Synod of Gangra in 340 makes mention of lovefeasts in relation to a heretic who had barred his followers from attending them.[11] Though still mentioned in the Quinisext Council of 692, the agape fell into disuse soon after, except among the churches in Ethiopia and India.[7][12] At the end of the 18th century the Carmelite friar Paolino da San Bartolomeo reported that the ancient Saint Thomas Christians of India still celebrated the lovefeast, using their typical dish called appam.[12][13] In addition, Radical Pietist groups originating in the eighteenth-century, such as the Schwarzenau Brethren and the Moravian Church, celebrate the lovefeast. Methodist churches also continue the practice.[8] The practice has been revived more recently among other groups, including Anglicans,[7] as well as the American house church movement.[14] The modern lovefeast has often been used in ecumenical settings, such as between Methodists and Anglicans.[15] …:”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agape_feast
How to Identify “those reserved for Blackness Forever” as Described in this “Bible Verse“?
Note: please notice that it is the “Selfish” called here as “ … looking after themselves …” who are “Revealed” at such #CharityDoctrine “LOVE FEASTS (Agape-Feast)” are reserved for “DARKNESS FOREVER”. Please note that “Agape = Love of God” and so the demonstration of “Agape-Love” is clearly this #CharityDoctrine Agape-Feast. Can you see it as “it is Written”?
Source for below is Page 341 of the #CharityDoctrineBook .
Church History, to quote:
“… If you were to ask the ordinary Christian today what a Christian meeting was like in the days of the apostles, you would probably get different answers. An evangelical Christian would probably answer that it consisted primarily of preaching and singing. A charismatic Christian might reply that it primarily incorporated worship, praise, and the exercise of miraculous gifts. An Anglican might reply that it was principally a celebration of the Eucharist. Of course, all of those responses are partially right. However, a rather dominant part of apostolic worship that few Christians would think of today is that it centered around a meal. That’s right—a meal! The early Christians referred to this meal as the agape. Even after the death of the apostles, the pre-Nicene Church continued to practice the agape or love feast. Yet, within a century or so after Constantine’s conversion, this important part of apostolic worship totally disappeared. …”
Source: https://earlychurch.com/love-feast/
It is a beautiful Scriptural Biblical Practice in light of the #CharityDoctrine too.
Peace to you
Charismatic Christianity Dilemma – Which Speaking in Tongues is Real and Beyond?
Charismatic Speaking in Tongues Christians type sometimes have a poor command of Church History if they start condemning us simply without even understanding what their Founders even said on various theological matters and so this writing should build a bridge of understanding between us and them.
1) Charismatic Gift of Speaking in Tongues – Who was the First?
Ms. Agnes Ozman
“… Agnes Ozman (1870–1937) was a student at Charles Fox Parham’s Bethel Bible School in Topeka, Kansas. Ozman was considered as the first to speak in tongues in the pentecostal revival when she was 30 years old in 1901 (Cook 2008). However, her experience, nevertheless valid, post dates the Shearer Schoolhouse revival of 1896 near Murphy, NC., where the first documented mass outpouring of the Holy Ghost was said to have occurred; they spoke with new tongues there in a “Holy Ghost baptism” type of revival. Her experiences sparked the modern Pentecostal-Holiness movement, which began in the early 20th century. Her parents were farmers, and since childhood, Agnes and her six siblings attended the Methodist Episcopal Church in Nebraska, Wisconsin. As a young woman, Ozman participated in biblical institutions and eventually attended the Bethel Bible School in Kansas. …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnes_Ozman
2) Charismatic Christianity Founder – Charles Fox Parham the ‘Father of the Pentecostal’ Movement (yes his real name has “fox” in it, I am “not” ridiculing him but mentioning this lest anyone misunderstand this word in his name)
“… Charles Fox Parham: Charles F. Parham (June 4, 1873 – c. January 29, 1929) was an American preacher and evangelist. Together with William J. Seymour, Parham was one of the two central figures in the development and early spread of American Pentecostalism. It was Parham who associated glossolalia with the baptism in the Holy Spirit, a theological connection crucial to the emergence of Pentecostalism as a distinct movement. Parham was the first preacher to articulate Pentecostalism’s distinctive doctrine of evidential tongues, and to expand the movement. …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Fox_Parham
Ms. Agnes quoted earlier was his student but she received the ‘gift of speaking tongues’ before he did.
3) Why ‘Charismatics need new denominations’?
Their Founder, Mr. Charles Fox Parham himself did “not” fit in with his ‘local church’ which was ‘Methodist’ and was “never ordained as a pastor/priest/any spiritual leadership by existing Church Leaders” (and so Charismatic Christians shouldn’t say things like ‘would God use someone outside the Church to correct its leaders simply because their Founder himself was a product of such a method which they must approve is God–Led’ to make ‘Parham’s calling a true one’, where I neither affirm nor deny ‘his calling‘ because I don’t know but that’s the “Logic” regardless):
“… Parham began conducting his first religious services at the age of 15. In 1890, he enrolled at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, a Methodist affiliated school. He attended until 1893 when he came to believe education would prevent him from ministering effectively. He then worked in the Methodist Episcopal Church as a supply pastor (he was never ordained).[4] Parham left the Methodist church in 1895 because he disagreed with its hierarchy. He complained that Methodist preachers “were not left to preach by direct inspiration”.[2] Rejecting denominations, he established his own itinerant evangelistic ministry, which preached the ideas of the holiness movement and was well received by the people of Kansas.[5] …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Fox_Parham
Please notice that Parham clearly had problems with “hierarchy” which the Methodists at that time followed the “New Testament Traditions” together with the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle as their Co-Founder Blessed John Wesley was a ‘Penniless Preacher’ for most part (as I have discussed some of these ‘strict Church Rules John Wesley’s Methodist Church Obeyed’ in say in Pages 768 to 771 in this Book).
Perhaps the ‘new way’ of Pentecostal Christianity as Parham Founded it allows ‘his way doing it’. This is ‘why’ I neither Judge nor approve all this simply because I really don’t know if God told him so such new ways but sticking to the ‘old ways’ is certainly okay as I never heard Parham condemning his ‘earlier Methodist Church which adhered to all these hierarchy including the New Testament Traditions’ as heretics and so neither will we be heretics by Parham’s standards if we continue in the ‘old way’.
The opinions of any ‘modern Pentecostals or charismatics’ is NOT important at all since if their spiritual ‘Father of Pentecostalism, Mr. Charles Parham’ has “not” condemned our old ways despite him practicing his ‘new ways’, we are still in the #SafeRouteScripturally even by ‘his standards’.
This is why I only quote the First Christians of a Particular Movement or Theology (from say the earliest Chiliasm Church Fathers to Protestant Founders to now even this Pentecostalism Founders) where if by each of their standards our doctrine or “possible doctrines” (be it human speculations, it’s okay but must be found from among these ones only) is “not” condemned by them to be from the Devil, we are safe Biblically regardless of whatever our sometimes ill-informed modern counterparts falsely accuse neither knowing their own history even.
4) Which Type of Speaking in Tongues did the First Speaking of Tongues were in this Pentecostal Movement itself?
“… The students of Bethel Bible School and their mentor planned a New Year’s eve “watch night” service to pray for the Holy Spirit. After midnight, on the first day of 1901, Agnes asked Parham to lay his hands on her and pray specifically that she might be filled with the Holy Spirit and speak in another tongue as evidence of the filling. According to the others, his prayer was heard. Agnes began speaking in Chinese. Those with her reported that a halo seemed to surround her head and face. Soon afterward, the remaining students also spoke in unknown languages and later Parham himself did too. It is said that Agnes could not speak English for three days and was only able to write in Chinese characters. Coming as a direct result of prayer, her experience convinced the other students that tongues should accompany filling by the Holy Spirit. Many Christian theologians disagree, but Agnes’ New Year’s morning experience was a red letter day in the modern “Pentecostal” movement. …”
Source:
Comments:
“… Wheaton Theology report says: “There were 631 million Pentecostals in 2014, comprising nearly one-fourth of all Christians. There were only 63 million Pentecostals in 1970, and the number is expected to reach 800 million by 2025.” …”
Source:
https://churchandstate.org.uk/2018/05/one-fourth-of-christians-speak-in-tongues/
“… While many renewalists say they attend religious services where speaking in tongues is a common practice, fewer tend to say that they themselves regularly speak or pray in tongues. In fact, in six of the 10 countries surveyed, more than four-in-ten pentecostals say they never speak or pray in tongues. …”
Source: https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2006/10/05/spirit-and-power/
“… Wheaton Theology report says: “There were 631 million Pentecostals in 2014, comprising nearly one-fourth of all Christians. There were only 63 million Pentecostals in 1970, and the number is expected to reach 800 million by 2025.” …”
Source:
https://churchandstate.org.uk/2018/05/one-fourth-of-christians-speak-in-tongues/
Well, strangely it’s “not” the ‘non-Charismatics’ that WARNED of this BUT YOUR OWN PENTECOSTAL Father of SPEAKING IN TONGUES Gift FOUNDER, Mr. Charles Fox Parham himself who GAVE THESE WARNINGS, please compare:
“… Many existing Wesleyan-holiness denominations adopted the Pentecostal message, such as the Church of God in Christ, and the Pentecostal Holiness Church. The formation of new denominations also occurred, motivated by doctrinal differences between Wesleyan Pentecostals and their Finished Work counterparts, such as the Assemblies of God formed in 1914 and the Pentecostal Church of God formed in 1919. An early doctrinal controversy led to a split between Trinitarian and Oneness Pentecostals, the latter founded the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World in 1916 and the United Pentecostal Church in 1945.[33] …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azusa_Street_Revival
The “Assemblies of God” Denomination got their “Speaking in Tongues Gift” NOT from Mr. Charles Parham (NOR from his student the First Person to Speak in Tongues, Ms. Agnes Ozman) but rather from the “Azusa Street Revival”
Here’s an example quote from the official “Assemblies of God” Website in their own words as follows too:
“… April 2016 marks the 110th anniversary of the beginning of the historic revival on Azusa Street in Los Angeles. The Azusa Street Revival served as a major catalyst for the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements around the world. Today, one out of every four Christians worldwide would identify as Pentecostal or Charismatic. … At the turn of the 20th century, saints gathered in another room and were empowered by the Spirit. We know it as the Azusa Street Mission, where the revival that effectively birthed Pentecostalism around the world took place. Most of the members of the Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements can trace their historical roots and spiritual heritage back to that Azusa Street Mission and the revival that lasted night and day for three years. … The presiding elder — a black preacher, blind in one eye — named William J. Seymour, served by divine appointment rather than political manipulation. The Mission had an integrated leadership and congregation and, although it was decades before the American Civil Rights Movement, had an amazing lack of discrimination. … Is it any wonder that, with this love for God’s family, the roots of most Pentecostal denominations and the modern charismatic renewal can be traced back to Azusa Street? From there a torch was passed to the present day. …”
Source: https://news.ag.org/features/what-azusa-had-and-we-need
“… In 1905, William J. Seymour, the one-eyed 34-year-old son of freed slaves, was a student of well-known Pentecostal preacher Charles Parham and an interim pastor for a small holiness church in Topeka, Kansas.[5] Seymour inherited from Parham the belief that baptism with the Holy Spirit was the third work of grace, following the new birth (first work of grace) and entire sanctification (second work of grace).[6][7] …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azusa_Street_Revival
“… By October 1906, Charles Parham was invited to speak for a series of meetings at Azusa Street but was quickly un-invited.
Arriving at Azusa Street, [Parham] recoiled in disgust at the racial intermingling. He was aghast that black people were not in their “place,” and simply could not abide “white people imitating unintelligent, crude negroisms of the Southland, and laying it on the Holy Ghost.”45 Parham made his way through the crowd, stood at the pulpit, and delivered a stinging rebuke: “God is sick at his stomach!” He proceeded to explain that God would not stand for such “animalism.” When it was clear that the majority of the Azusa Street Mission would not accept Parham’s leadership, Parham left with an estimated two to three hundred followers and opened a rival campaign at a nearby Women’s Christian Temperance Union building.[26] …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azusa_Street_Revival
“… But while the Azusa Street Revival weathered the external storm of criticism, it soon began to unravel internally. Perhaps the handwriting was on the wall as early as October 1906, when Parham came to preach. He was shocked by many manifestations being portrayed as from the Holy Spirit, but were really, he believed, of the flesh or demonic. Parham and Seymour split and never reconciled. Although Seymour, from that time forward, eclipsed Parham as the dominant personality in the movement. Shockwaves also came over racial tension. In the early months of Azusa Street, blacks and whites, men and women, shared leadership, although blacks were predominate. But soon Seymour asked all the Hispanics to leave and eventually wrote by-laws that prevented anyone except African-Americans from holding office in the Mission. By 1909 the revival was spent, and eventually faded into history. Even the mission building was razed after Seymour’s death. However, even as the Azusa Street Revival’s fires died out, a movement had ignited that would not die. Pentecostalism had spread all over the world. Denominations such as the Assemblies of God and the United Pentecostal Church had been formed, and a large segment of the American church would forever view Azusa Street as the high water mark of modern Christianity. …”
Source: https://tottministries.org/pentecostalism/?print=print
Should I even comment?
Can you see it?
It is well recorded that the Mr. Parham did “not” agree with Mr. Seymour’s “Speaking in Tongues Gift” Context of “Worship” even calling it some pretty ‘harsh words’ there including ‘racism slurs’ and even ‘potential Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit’ (Let God Decide).
So, if God instituted the “Speaking in Tongues Gift” for entire “modern Christianity” via these two men, their affirmation of each other’s gifts in this area alone (“Context“) looks ‘shaky’, isn’t it?
Well as they say, perhaps God uses imperfect men and so similarly these incidents or words itself should shut the mouths of careless Charismatic Pastors/Prophets since even their “Founders” in the “Context of this Gift of Speaking in Tongues” even may have “Condemned” each other as “fake” or equivalent in the harshest way.
Please bear in mind that these are the “sources” of the “gift of speaking in tongues” which every “speaking in tongue believer” then obtains via the laying of hands in succession into their denominations/individuals in time. Can you see it?
Mr. Parham is the main one as Mr. Seymour got the teaching from him and it is Mr. Parham’s laying of hands which caused the first claim of ‘Speaking in Tongues Gift in Ms. Agnes Ozman’ which is a little strange in one aspect as the accounts by himself even only claims that ‘he got the gift later’.
I mean, he didn’t have that gift but laid hands on Ms. Agnes and she got it and others and only later Mr. Parham got that gift.
Strange but possible and so I am neutral as I have said before.
Example quote in Mr. Parham’s “own words” too for this part:
“… On watch night we had a blessed service, praying that God’s blessing might rest upon us as the New Year came in. During the first day of 1901 the presence of the Lord was with us in a marked way stilling our hearts to wait upon Him for greater things. The spirit of prayer was upon us in the evening. It was nearly seven o’clock on this first of January that it came into my heart to ask Brother Parham to lay his hands upon me that I might receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. It was as his hands were laid upon my head that the Holy Spirit fell upon me and I began to speak in tongues, glorifying God. I talked several languages, and ir was clearly manifest when a new dialect was spoken. I had the added joy and glory my heart longed for and a depth of the presence of the Lord within that I had never known before. it was as if rivers of living waters were preceeding from my innermost being. …” – Ms. Agnes Ozman [ Personal Testimony of being the first person to Receive the Holy Ghost at “Stones Folly” in Topeka, Kansas. (January 1, 1901) Printed in the Apostolic Faith April – 1951 ]
Source:
https://www.apostolicarchives.com/articles/article/8801925/173171.htm
“… On the night of January 3rd, I preached at the Free Methodist Church in the City of Topeka, telling them what had already happened, and that I expected upon returning the entire school to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. On returning to the school with one of the students, we ascended to the second floor, and passing down along the corridor in the upper room, heard most wonderful sounds. The door was slightly ajar, the room was lit with only coal oil lamps. As I pushed open the door I found the room was filled with a sheen of white light above the brightness of the lamps … After praising God for some time, I asked Him for the same blessing. He distinctly made it clear to me that He raised me up and trained me to declare this mighty truth to the world, and if i was willing to stand for it, with all the persecutions, heardships, trials, slander, scandal that it would entail, He would give me the blessing. And I said, “Lord I will, if You will just give me this blessing.” Right then there came a slight twist in my throat, a glory fell over me and I began to worship Gos in the Swedish tongue, which later changed to other languages and continued so until the morning. …” – Mr. Charles Parham, Founder of Pentecostalism and Gift of Speaking in Tongues in Modern Charismatic Christianity (“The Latter Rain”, As Told By The Late Charles F. Parham, Re-printed in The Apostolic Faith – April 1951)
Source:
https://www.apostolicarchives.com/articles/article/8801925/173163.htm
As I said, I am “neutral” about it but some type of false end time Charismatic Christianity or another type of Christianity which does ‘… miracles in His Name, Prophesying, casting out demons …’ which gets denied for “Lawlessness” in some way, Verses:
“… 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: …” (Matthew 7:21 – 24, NKJV)
5) Pentecostal Father and Speaking in Tongues Gift Vessel Mr. Charles Fox Parham never believed in Eternal Conscious Torment (ECT Doctrine)
Yes, this comes as a ‘shock’ to most ‘Charismatic Churches’ simply because their “Source of the Gift of Speaking in Tongues Movement Founder, Mr. Charles Fox Parham” NEVER believed in an ETERNAL HELL but rather believed in ANNIHILATION, to quote:
“… Other beliefs: Parham believed in annihilationism—that the wicked are not eternally tormented in hell but are destroyed. According to this belief, immortality is conditional, and only those who receive Christ as Lord and Savior will live eternally. He stated in 1902, “Orthodoxy would cast this entire company into an eternal burning hell; but our God is a God of love and justice, and the flames will reach those only who are utterly reprobate“.[5] He also believed in British Israelism, an ideology maintaining that the Anglo-Saxon peoples were among the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel.[7] In addition, Parham subscribed to rather unorthodox views on creation. He believed God took two days to create humans—non-whites on the sixth day and whites on the eighth.[37] Parham also supported Theodor Herzl and the struggle for a Jewish homeland, lecturing on the subject often. Oneness Pentecostals would agree with Parham’s belief that Spirit baptized (with the evidence of an unknown tongue) Christians would be taken in the rapture. But his teachings on British Israelism and the annihilation of the wicked were vehemently rejected.[19] …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Fox_Parham
So, how many “Charismatic Christians” have heard their “own Pastor/Bible School” Teaching these “Truths” regarding their Founder, Mr. Charles Fox Parham (from whom the ‘Gift of Speaking in Tongues and the entire Pentecostal and Charismatic’ movement now which amounts to say 500 million people worldwide as some estimate) originates from but also believed in these:
Some Charismatic Churches/Pentecostal Churches like to say that if you don’t believe in “Eternal Conscious Torment”, then you are led by the Devil and will go to Eternal Hell.
If this is true, is Mr. Charles Parham, Father of Pentecostal Christianity on his way to Eternal Hell (since he believed in Annihilation) but God Still Chose him to play some most important role in the conversion of most of the 500 million Pentecostals today (by estimate) somehow tracing their ‘modern ways’ to this man eventually, can you see it?
So that’s why I wrote also the #EternalHellAnnihilationUniversalismBook to present “possible” views for each likewise via the “Apostolic Father’s Writings only“. I believe strongly in “Eternal Hell” but I’m “not” sure whether this conclusively means “Annihilation of Existence”, “Eternal Conscious Torment” or even “Eternal Loss of Heaven/Rewards/Gradation etc.”.
Can you see it?
As I have said many times, whatever God Decides One Day, I accept it.
Before judging us harshly please remember that Mr. Charles Fox Parham (whom every “Tongues Speaking” Charismatic Christian must approve that he is SAVED simply because it was through ‘his laying of hands’ which resulted in the “first” ever Ms. Agnes ‘speaking in tongues’ in this ‘Revival’, remember?) and so if he can err in any one of these doctrines including “annihilation“, then ‘how come the Holy Spirit of God filled that lady through his laying of hands or how come he was NEVER CORRECTED of THESE ERRORS (if any) despite all these’?
So perhaps GOD USES US and FILLS US WITH HIS HOLY SPIRIT by HIS GRACE DESPITE OUR THEOLOGICAL ERRORS for if not, there is “no” way of defending Mr. Parham even without which the entire Charismatic Movement risks being founded on a ‘hoax’.
Can you see it?
iii. He believed God took two days to create humans—non-whites on the sixth day and whites on the eighth
Some scholarly quotes regarding Parham’s belief in these can be seen in example paper below:
https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9780822376873-019/pdf
Would you dare quote Parham’s mistakes in the above (if you as a Charismatic Christian didn’t agree with any of the above) by quoting this Verse below:
“… Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, ,…” (1 Timothy 4:1, NKJV)
So is “… Pentecostal Father and Speaking in Tongues Gift Vessel Charles Fox Parham …” Saved if you didn’t agree with any of his doctrines above or is it okay for him to be doctrinally wrong but myself to be condemned eternally to hell if any of my doctrines were wrong?
Can you imagine that this is the man, Mr. Charles Parham, God Chose to convert 500 million Pentecostals eventually today (but about a 6 in 10 only believe in the ‘speaking in tongues gift’ – estimated) because it is all traced to him eventually (the various branches of Pentecostal Christianity in case you didn’t realize; at least a lot of it). Example Pentecostal supporting Quote for this part:
“… On this day, January 1, 1901, Agnes Ozman did neither. She spoke an unknown language for the first time in her life.
You could say it was Charles Parham’s doing. Parham was convinced that if the church was to meet the challenges of the twentieth century, an outpouring of the Holy Spirit was needed. He expressed his views through a bimonthly paper called Apostolic Faith. Believing that divine healing was possible, he founded the Bethel Healing Home in Topeka where those who were sick could gather to unite in prayer for healing. Around 1900, he left Topeka expressly to hear for himself what the best-known holiness preachers of the day had to say–men such A. B. Simpson, Alexander Dowie, and Frank Standford. On his brief tour, Parham encountered students who spoke in tongues.
Back in Topeka, he founded Bethel Bible School. It opened in October 1900 in a rambling house known as “Stone’s Folly,” because its previous owner had not been able to complete it. Among the forty students who gathered under Parham’s teaching was Agnes Ozman. …”
As I said, instead of these hypocritical games, we shouldn’t simply throw words to attack Christians with Bible Verses unless they say ‘God told them directly that’ (which is the ONLY THING I POINT AS VERY DANGEROUS) and “not” when ‘someone claims their views because the latter is just human opinion which we could err’.
Can you please see the “difference” and stop misinterpreting us as “judgmental in the wrong way”?
6) Scepticism
Firstly, Mr. Charles Parham Testified that Ms. Agnes Spoke and Wrote Chinese upon the First Time Baptism of the Holy Spirit to get the “Gift of Speaking in Tongues” as per his claim in ‘his own words below’:
“… Sister Agnes N. Ozman, (now LaBerge) asked that hands might be laid upon her to receive the Holy Spirit as she hoped to go to foreign fields. At first I refused, not having the experience myself. Then being further pressed to do it humbly in the name of Jesus, I laid my hand upon her head and prayed. I had scarcely repeated three dozen sentences when a glory fell upon her, a halo seemed to surround her head and face, and she began speaking in the Chinese language, and was unable to speak English for three days. When she tried to write in English to tell us of her experience she wrote the Chinese, copies of which we still have in newspapers printed at that time. …” – Mr. Charles Parham, Founder of Pentecostalism and Gift of Speaking in Tongues in Modern Charismatic Christianity (“The Latter Rain”, As Told By The Late Charles F. Parham, Re-printed in The Apostolic Faith – April 1951)
Source:
https://www.apostolicarchives.com/articles/article/8801925/173163.htm
However, some Protestants are “not” so sure if this claim is true simply because as per image (in link above), they say it doesn’t ‘fully look like Chinese’ (as the image is provided by the Charismatic Supporters in link above) but no one knows for sure, example scepticism quote:
“… On New Year’s night, Agnes Ozman was the first student to allegedly speak in tongues. As Parham tells it, “she began speaking in the Chinese language, and was unable to speak English for three days. When she tried to write in English to tell us of her experience she wrote in the Chinese language, copies of which we still have in newspapers printed at that time” (p. 63, emphasis added).
I searched for examples of her writings and found this (see here). That looks like scribble to me, but I don’t know Chinese, so I sent the pic to a Chinese friend from college.
He said, “I have to admit, a number of stroke-clusters here seeming to bear the resemblance to a character—one may argue they are like certain Chinese characters ‘in the making.’”
A Chinese character is made up of identifiable “componential strokes,” he explained. “I’ve to say a lot of those strokes are present, esp on the left-half of your pic.”
He thought the first character bore a resemblance to “Ephesians.”
But when I asked if there was a discernible message, let alone a Biblical one, he said there was not. Ozman’s “Chinese” had no message in Chinese. (Why did Parham claim it was Chinese? Why did she? How did they know? Because it sounded vaguely Chinese?) I have to conclude, then, that if that is one of her writings, then Ozman’s claim of speaking in tongues has been falsified. Based on the only objective evidence left, her experience was not genuine. But what about the others?
As I mentioned, Parham thought the sign was speaking a known language. He thought that was essential for missions. He also thought it was a waste of time and resources for missionaries to learn a foreign language by conventional means:
“And how much better it would be for our modern missionaries to obey the injunction of Jesus to tarry for the same power: instead of wasting thousands of dollars, and often their lives in the vain attempt to become conversant in almost impossible tongues which the Holy Ghost could so freely speak. Knowing all languages, He could as easily speak through us one, as another, were our tongues and vocal cords fully surrendered to His domination” (pp. 71-72).
Many early Pentecostals took this to heart. They truly believed that they spoke Zulu, or Chinese, or Hindi, and went around the world expecting to be able to speak to the natives in their language. How did that work out?
Larry Martin, the editor, adds a telling footnote:
“In the earliest days of the Pentecostal outpouring, it was common to believe that missionaries would go to foreign countries and be able to minister without learning the language of the land. Parham and others believed that the gift of tongues would be sufficient. Unfortunately, many sincere missionaries were disappointed and left their field of labor without the success for which they had hoped” (p. 72, note).
In fact, if this Grace to You article is right, things went very poorly for those early Pentecostal missionaries …”
Source: https://faithalone.org/blog/charles-parham-on-tongues-and-missions/
7) Charity Doctrine in Mr. Charles Fox Parham
Mr. Charles Fox Parham lived out the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle at least at the start of his Bible School and so Preaching this #CharityDoctrine is something done by the Founder of this Pentecostal Movement in an ‘extreme way’ too as per quote below (so if we preach it likewise ‘harshly’ to provoke more good works as per Hebrews 10:24 “no” Charismatics can condemn us either for this as ‘legalism or other man made excuses’ as their FOUNDER himself did & taught this as follows “IN HIS OWN WORDS“):
“… We Opened the Bible School at Topeka, Kansas in October, 1900. To which we invited all ministers and Christians who were willing to forsake all, sell what they had, give it away, and enter the school for study and prayer, where all of us together might trust God for food, fuel, rent and clothing. The purpose of this school was to fit men and women to go to the ends of the earth to preach, “This Gospel of the Kingdom.” Matt. 24:14 as a witness to all the world before the end of the age.
Our purpose in this Bible School was not to learn these things in our heads only but have each thing in the Scriptures wrought out in our hearts. And that every command that Jesus Christ gave should be literally obeyed.
No one paid board ot tuition, the poor were fed, the sick were entertained and healed, and from day to day, week to week, and month to month, with no sect or mission or known source of income back of us, God supplied our every need, and He was our all sufficiency in all things. …” – Mr. Charles Parham, Founder of Pentecostalism and Gift of Speaking in Tongues in Modern Charismatic Christianity (“The Latter Rain”, As Told By The Late Charles F. Parham, Re-printed in The Apostolic Faith – April 1951)
Source: https://www.apostolicarchives.com/articles/article/8801925/173163.htm
8) How about those Christians who do “not” Speak in Tongues?
I will let the “First” person in Modern Christianity to have claimed to “Speak in Tongues“, Ms. Agnes herself show how SHE CLAIMS THAT GOD CORRECTED HER of THIS WRONG THEOLOGY MUCH LATER IN LIFE which proves that ‘Speaking in Tongues Gift (even if true) DOES NOT PROVE any THEOLOGICAL ACCURACY either’ as the “Source” (‘First Person’) ever to Receive this gift as per these claims herself “CONFESSES in HER OWN WORDS BELOW:
“… Later in her life Agnes admitted that she had been wrong to believe that all people would speak in tongues when they were baptized with the Holy Spirit. Writing in The Latter Rain Evangel of January 1909 she wrote, “Some time ago I tried but failed to have an article printed which I wrote calling attention to what I am sure God showed me was error. The article maintained that tongues was not the only evidence of the Spirit’s Baptism. When that article was refused I was much tempted by Satan, but God again graciously showed me He had revealed it to me, and satisfied my heart in praying that He might reveal this truth to others who would spread it abroad. For awhile [sic] after the baptism I got into spiritual darkness, because I did as I see so many others are doing these days, rested and reveled in tongues and other demonstrations instead of resting alone in God.”[8]* …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnes_Ozman
*[8] “When The Latter Rain First Fell: The First One to Speak in Tongues”. In The Latter Rain Evangel, January 1909, p.2. Available online at pentecostalarchives.org
Conclusion – Billy Graham example
As per Quote in Image by “Billy Graham”, we prove yet again that believing in a non-Elect Salvation “Possibility” makes “no” one demonic or satanic but just a “human thought even if it turns out to be wrong” unless one claims that ‘God Told him directly about it’ or by ‘Quoting the Most Blessed Holy Spirit of God Directly’ in which case one better be right 100% as only then the level of Judgment for such ‘claims’ risks to be either true or possible Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:30 – 32 which is Unforgivable if wrong (Let God Decide) or it could be equivalent to talking “His Name in Vain” (Breaking One of the 10 Commandments, No. 3, Exodus 20:7).
The difference is that many of the Speaking in Tongues type of Charismatic Christianity actually carries a ‘way Greater Risk’ (but they don’t realize it) especially since for almost ‘everything uttered by them’ they like to claim ‘the Holy Spirit told me…’ which God has Warned Against and so could be either the ‘Unforgivable Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit if wrong’ (Matthew 12:30 – 3) or ‘Taking His Name in Vain’ (Breaking the 10 Commandments, No. 3, Exodus 20:7), let God Decide (as Discussed in the starting pages of the #IgnoredChristianDoctrineBook), to quote some key parts:
“… 31Behold, I am AGAINST THE PROPHETS,” says the Lord, “WHO USE THEIR TONGUES AND SAY, ‘HE SAYS.’ 32Behold, I am against those who prophesy false dreams,” says the Lord, “and tell them, and cause MY PEOPLE to ERR BY THEIR LIES AND BY THEIR RECKLESSNESS. Yet I did not send them or command them; therefore they shall not profit this people at all,” says the Lord. 33“So when these people or the prophet or the priest ask you, saying, ‘What is the [h]oracle of the Lord?’ you shall then say to them, [i]‘What oracle?’ I WILL EVEN FORSAKE YOU,” says the Lord. 34“And AS FOR THE PROPHET and THE PRIEST and the people who say, ‘The [j]oracle of the Lord!’ I WILL EVEN PUNISH THAT MAN AND HIS HOUSE. …” (Jeremiah 23:31 – 34, NKJV)
Comments:
Solution to counter such “arrogance”?
If a man say ‘his own opinion as oracle’ (implied can be wrong too), these Bible Verses continue and Reveal that he may “not” be punished because ‘his own word is his oracle’ meaning God’s Name was “not” taken in Vain but just Human error where the opposite of taking His Name Vain in this is ‘not’ a temporary shame but a “PERPETUAL / EVERLASTING REPROACH / SHAME” (so is it really worth the risk?) as these Same Verses in Jeremiah earlier, continue consecutively next regarding this same Topic, same Context as follows:
“… 36And the [k]ORACLE OF THE LORD YOU SHALL MENTION NO MORE. For EVERY MAN’S WORD WILL BE HIS ORACLE, for you have perverted the words of the living God, the Lord of hosts, our God. 37Thus you shall say to the prophet, ‘What has the Lord answered you?’ and, ‘What has the Lord spoken?’ 38But since you say, ‘The [l]oracle of the Lord!’ therefore thus says the Lord: ‘Because you say this word, “The oracle of the Lord!” and I have sent to you, saying, “Do not say, ‘The oracle of the Lord!’ ” 39therefore behold, I, even I, WILL UTTERLY FORGET YOU and FORSAKE YOU, and the city that I gave you and your fathers, and will cast you out of My presence. 40And I WILL BRING AN EVERLASTING REPROACH UPON YOU, AND A PERPETUAL SHAME, WHICH SHALL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.’ ” …” (Jeremiah 23:36 – 40, NKJV)
Just like us, if they could have just quoted “we think it’s possible” (showing that we have human opinions which we are not sure if it’s true or not and so we don’t build a doctrine around it but a possibility only even if wrong, I see no risks) as this case of even Blessed Billy Graham (considered the Greatest Evangelist of the modern time) proves so clearly in the following pages next in his own words regarding non-Elect Salvation Possibility for some non-Christians (where video recordings etc. are shown by Christians themselves of him saying all that, so it’s an irrefutable proof and not lies). Can you see it?
Non-Elect Salvation Possibility – Blessed Billy Graham affirmed Hope for good non-Christians too
Example Video: https://youtu.be/drt5VPfnnms
Indeed, late in life, the World Famous Evangelist Blessed Billy Graham himself affirmed that good non-Christians may be Saved (which we understand to be a ‘Non-Elect Salvation’ as we have discussed with First Christianity quotes from Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons to the Shepherd of Hermas Scripture or even St. Athanasius the Great in this #SafeRouteScripturallyBook in Pages 220 to 240, Pages 478 – 483 and Pages 591 to 604.
So, isn’t Blessed Billy Graham one of the most profoundly Anointed Man of God in all of Modern Protestantism?
Is he going to be hearing ‘I never knew you’ or is he revealing Deep Truths from Holy Scripture as he understood it as well from the Bible for example regarding the Mysterious surprised sheep as Matthew 25:31 – 46 describes literally?
As usual, some protestants affirm that Blessed Billy Graham and all Roman Catholics & other denominations of Christianity are going to an eternal Hell too, example in link below:
Here’s an example quote from link above:
“… Billy Graham was undoubtedly an ecumenicalist as he praised the pope as his “brother” and treated Roman Catholicism as a valid expression of the Christian faith. Speaking of Pope John Paul II after his death, Graham stated, I think he’s with the Lord, because he believed. He believed in the Cross. That was his focus throughout his ministry, the Cross, no matter if you were talking to him from personal issue or an ethical problem, he felt that there was the answer to all of our problems, the cross and the resurrection. And he was a strong believer. …”
No Verse in the Bible condemns Christ Centered Universalism as Hoping and Praying for it is God’s Will (1 Timothy 2:1, 1 Timothy 2:4, 1 Timothy 2:6, 1 Timothy 4:10) and thus even if God Decides Eternal-Hell, we can Petition for it and God can Decide into the ages to come whether to let His Mercy to Triumph and End any Judgment Sentence (James 2:13, Romans 11:30 – 32) as that’s what a Christian ought to Try Always & it’s not a Heresy for His Sons to Ask into the ages to come too (Ephesians 2:7), example First Christianity quote:
“… and yet to recognize that His kingdom is ETERNAL, that is to say, the kingdom of the Son, for in the Name of Jesus EVERY KNEE shakes in HEAVEN, on the EARTH, and IN HELL. (Philip. 2) The Apostle St. Peter confirms this truth when he says:” No other name under heaven was given to MEN by which we were to BE SAVED.” (Acts 4) And did not the Lord Himself say to His disciples, “Until now you have not asked anything in my name, ask and I will answer you?” (John. 16:24) The REIGN of the Son therefore consists in the fact that it is in HIS NAME that ALL MEN are SAVED, and that ALL the PRAYERS addressed to Him until the end of the world are ANSWERED. But when ALL CREATURES have confessed Jesus Christ WILLINGLY or by FORCE, and have been subjected to the power against which they have resisted, then the MYSTERY of ONE GOD will be REVEALED to ALL MEN, and all thanksgivings will go back to God the Father, the principle of all things, that ALL PREACHING CEASE, ONE GOD be recognized in the MYSTERY of the TRINITY. … ” – Blessed Ambrosiaster (literally in Latin: “would-be Ambrose”), Roman Clergy active at Rome during the reign of Pope Damasus (c.366 AD – c. 384 AD) (Written c. 366 – c. 384, Reply to Question 26, Commentary on the Gospel of Luke)
Source:
Conclusion – What did Blessed Billy Graham believe as Christian Faith?
To quote:
Quote 1—Are Muslims and Buddhists Saved? (an Interview with Robert Schuller)
Schuller: Tell me, what do you think is the future of Christianity?
Graham: Well, Christianity and being a true believer, you know, I think there’s the body of Christ, which comes from all the Christian groups around the world, or outside the Christian groups. I think everybody that loves Christ, or knows Christ, whether they’re conscious of it or not, they’re members of the body of Christ. And I don’t think that we’re going to see a great sweeping revival that will turn the whole world to Christ at any time. I think James answered that, the apostle James in the first council in Jerusalem, when he said that God’s purpose for this age is to call out a people for His name. And that’s what God is doing today, He’s calling people out of the world for His name, whether they come from the Muslim world, or the Buddhist world, or the Christian world or the nonbelieving world, they are members of the body of Christ because they’ve been called by God. They may not even know the name of Jesus but they know in their hearts that they need something that they don’t have, and they turn to the only light that they have, and I think that they are saved, and that they’re going to be with us in heaven.
Schuller: What I hear you saying is that it’s possible for Jesus Christ to come into human hearts and soul and life even if they’ve been born in darkness and never had an exposure to the Bible. Is that a correct interpretation of what you are saying?
Graham: Yes, it is because I believe that. I’ve met people in various parts of the world in tribal situations, that they have never seen a Bible or heard about a Bible, and never heard of Jesus, but they’ve believed in their hearts that there was a God, and they’ve tried to live a life that was quite apart from the surrounding community in which they lived.
Schuller: That’s fantastic, I’m so thrilled to hear you say that, there’s a wideness in God’s mercy.
Graham: There is. There definitely is.
Quote 2—Salvation without Christ? (an Interview with McCall’s Magazine)
I used to play God, but I can’t do that anymore. I used to believe pagans in far-off countries were lost—were going to hell—if they did not have the Gospel of Jesus Christ preached to them. I no longer believe that. . . . I believe there are other ways of recognizing the existence of God—through nature, for instance—and plenty of other opportunities, therefore, of saying “yes” to God. (Graham later clarified what he meant here.).
Note: Blessed Billy Graham does not believe in other ways of Salvation but only through Christ but Christ can Save them where even He did not Scatter the Seed of the Gospel too as Matthew 25:24 and Matthew 25:26 Reveals (i. e. Possibly the ‘Non-Elect Salvation’ both Blessed Origen and Blessed St. Jerome of the Vulgate have affirmed too) as opposed to the Christian Seed Salvation (i. e. the ‘Elect Salvation’ as it is described in the Parable of the Sower, Matthew 13:1 -8, Matthew 13:18 – 30).
“… Also, by this which this servant dared to say, “Thou reapest where thou sowedst not,” [Matthew 25:26] we understand that the Lord accepts the good life of the Gentiles and of the Philosophers. …” – Blessed St. Jerome of the Vulgate, 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)
Source [ Patristic Bible Commentary, Catena Aurea, Matthew 25:14 – 30, P. 853 ]:
This is an example of “Doctrinal Possibility” because a First Christianity Quote like this was ‘Recorded’ hence was believed by ‘some early Christians or Church Fathers even’.
Quote 3—Should We Link America with the Kingdom of God?
Speaking as an American himself, Graham said: I came close to identifying the American way of life with the kingdom of God. Then I realized that God had called me to a higher kingdom than America. I have tried to be faithful to my calling as a minister of the gospel.4
The above is a short excerpt from ReGrace with the endnotes removed. The rest of the quotes by Graham — including clarifying remarks he made about some of them — are included in the book.
To order the book, go to ReGrace: What the Shocking Beliefs of the Great Christians Can Teach Us Today.
Here is the Back Cover Description:
The church is tired of seeing Christians act ungraciously toward one another when they disagree. Social media has added to the carnage. Christians routinely block each other on Facebook because of doctrinal disagreements. The world watches the blood-letting, and the Christian witness is tarnished.
But what if every Christian discovered that their favorite teacher in church history had blind spots and held to some false–and even shocking–views?
Bestselling author Frank Viola argues that this simple awareness will soften Christians when they interact with each other in the face of theological disagreements.
In ReGrace, he uncovers some of the shocking beliefs held by faith giants like C.S. Lewis, Luther, Calvin, Moody, Spurgeon, Wesley, Graham, and Augustine–not to downgrade or dismiss them, but to show that even “the greats” in church history didn’t get everything right.
Knowing that the heroes of our faith sometimes got it wrong will empower us to treat our fellow Christians with grace rather than disdain whenever we disagree over theology.
Source: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/frankviola/billygraham/
Peace to you
Numbers don’t lie – Christianity Statistics Test
Image taken from Wikipedia on 17 May 2022
Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_denomination
Please remember that “Protestant” in the Picture includes a wide range of denominations who are “not” United with each other even with some “cults” too meaning the “local Church” one attends may be just a ‘fraction’ of it with many other varieties existing.
There are surely errors from one Protestant Denomination to the next when Compared because both claim theological points which “contradict” each other on some doctrinal areas eventually.
So, let God Decide who is right because as all of them have done some of the Great Commission in some way but as for accuracy, only God Knows where some may be more accurate in a theological part whilst another denomination in another area etc. but for me I follow more of the “Church Fathers and Protestant Founders” only as described in the #SafeRouteScripturallyBook for many reasons mentioned therein for both #Doctrine and #PossibilityofDoctrine (because we are “not” arrogant enough to claim that we got all our Doctrines right).
We know that the Roman Catholics and Orthodox denominations did a good job in preserving ancient Christian Writings especially those of the “Chiliasm Fathers of the Church” whom I follow most as they are the ‘earliest whose writings survive’ simply because both of these major denominations do “not” believe the same as them in many areas too as I have demonstrated in the #SafeRouteScripturallyBook.
Simple Logic: If someone wants to “change” an ‘early Christian Writing’ back at that time even, then they would have changed it to be ‘similar to what they believe or add in those things which they believe’ which is clearly absent from all Chiliasm Father’s Endorsed Writing such as they have “no” Prayers to Virgin Mary or Equivalent and also have a heavy focus on the #milleniarism or “chiliasm” #eschatology doctrine too.
Peace to you
Hard Question – The Christian Dilemma
Between 500 AD to 1500 AD (roughly 1000 years) before the Protestant Reformation, there was “only” a Christianity which “Prayed to Virgin Mary”.
So, did the “Great Commission” get Fulfilled by the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Church during that time?
If “no” Christian were saved with the praying to Virgin Mary Practice, then almost “no” one was Saved for 1000 years? If Christians were saved despite Praying to Virgin Mary back then, then some of them could likewise be saved right now even despite this error, right?
So similarly a majority modern Protestant Christianity which evangelized their part of the world say about 100 years or less doing against New Testament Traditions even may be similar likewise as “not” being accurate in this part, right?
Hence I follow the earliest known Christian Writings only as explained in the #SafeRouteScripturallyBook for Doctrine or possible Doctrines likewise. Let God have Mercy on whomever He Wills.
If Truth is proven by money, number of Converts or number of years in existence or who Fulfilled more of the Great Commission, till today it’s still the Roman Catholics + Orthodox.
Perhaps the opposite is true namely the Most accurate Doctrines have the least Christians.
Charismatic Gifts in First Christianity and its History
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161734842517784
This has to be Written because many Protestants who don’t know Church History just “assume” that the “earliest Christians do the things they do”. Let’s see from both points of views how the ‘Charismatic Gifts’ are understood by the Great Christians before us.
Let’s Begin.
1) Martin Luther the First Protestant DID NOT BELIEVE that Charismatic Gifts continue till today
Yes, Blessed Martin Luther the First Protestant who was a cessationist who did NOT BELIEVE even in ANY CHARISMATIC GIFTS to continue in CHURCH TODAY:
“… This visible outpouring of the Holy Spirit was necessary to the establishment of the early Church, as were also the miracles that accompanied the gift of the Holy Ghost… Once the Church had been established and properly advertised by these miracles, the visible appearance of the Holy Ghost ceased …” – Blessed Martin Luther, The First Champion of the Protestant Faith
Source: https://christianityfaq.com/do-lutherans-speak-in-tongues/
The quote above can be found here too but you have to “pay” for it:
https://www.christianity.com/bible/commentary/luth/galatians/4
Comment: As I have explained earlier that I may “not” agree with Martin Luther on this since I do believe some gifts are operational in some Christians but let God Decide who is for real but the main point is this: By those “Charismatic Christians claims“, it looks like Martin Luther himself NEVER HAD THE PRESENCE OF GOD IN HIS LIFE BY THEIR STANDARDS. So is he saved?
Here are other Cessationists in Church History (more in link next), to quote:
“… Martin Luther, from whom we Protestants owe a great deal in his leadership of the 16th century Reformation. His teaching was a mixed bag concerning his statements on the gifts of the Spirit. He wrote of the continuation of gifts: “When you depart lay your hands upon the man again and say, These signs shall follow them that believe; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover‘“.[9] But he also wrote as a cessationist in his commentary on Galatians 4:1-9, “Paul explained the purpose of these miraculous gifts of the Spirit in I Corinthians 14:22, ‘Tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not.’ Once the Church had been established and properly advertised by these miracles, the visible appearance of the Holy Ghost ceased”.[10] Which perspective belongs to Luther’s theology?
Another leader of the Reformation, John Calvin, wrote that “the gift of healing, like the rest of the miracles, which the Lord willed to be brought forth for a time, has vanished away in order to make the new preaching of the Gospel marvelous forever… It now has nothing to do with us, to whom the administering of such powers has not been committed”.[11] In his commentary on the Synoptic Gospels, writing of Mark 16:17[12] (“and these signs shall follow them that believe”), Calvin wrote, “When he says that believers will receive this gift, we must not understand this as applying to every one of them; for we know that gifts were distributed variously, so that the power of working miracles was possessed by only a few persons…. Though Christ does not expressly state whether he intends this gift [of miracles] to be temporary, or to remain perpetually in the Church, yet it is more probable that miracles were promised only for a time, in order to give lustre to the gospel while it was new or in a state of obscurity”.[13]
However, another early church father, Chrysostom (347-407), a name that means “golden mouth” as he was an eloquent speaker, had a cessationist perspective. He was a contemporary of Athanasius’s later life, was Archbishop of Constantinople and defender of orthodoxy. He wrote of spiritual gifts as being obscure in his understanding. In his homily on 1 Cor. 12:1-2, He wrote, “This whole place is very obscure: but the obscurity is produced by our ignorance of the facts referred to and by their cessation, being such as then used to occur but now no longer take place. And why do they not happen now? Why look now, the cause too of the obscurity has produced us again another question: namely, why did they then happen, and now do so no more?[6]
One of the greatest church fathers was St. Augustine, bishop of Hippo in northern Africa. He wrote that “in the earliest times, ‘the Holy Ghost fell upon them that believed: and they spake with tongues’, which they had not learned, ‘as the Spirit gave them utterance’. These were signs adapted to the time. For there behooved to be that betokening of the Holy Spirit in all tongues, to shew that the Gospel of God was to run through all tongues over the whole earth. That thing was done for a betokening, and it passed away”.[7]
In his later life, Augustine returned to a belief in the Lord’s supernatural ability to heal. …”
Source:
https://www.truthchallenge.one/blog/2010/06/20/cessationism-through-church-history/
2) Charles Spurgeon, the ‘Prince of Preachers’ Belief
Example: You can have one pastor preaching for their women in their Church to wear head covering when Praying doing Healing & Deliverance Ministry while on the other hand have another pastor doing the same healing and deliverance saying that women need not cover their heads when they pray in church even. The Bible Verses clearly Write that Women should do it and the earlier pastor is more accurate theologically on this point based on Christ’s Command (1 Corinthians 11 to 14).
Another example: despite teaching all these ‘strict Doctrine’ according to NEW TESTAMENT TRADITIONS, historical records Testify that Blessed Charles Spurgeon was used to do Miracles by God more than others and SO THEIR CLAIMS of HAVING SOME SPECIAL GIFTS only if WE DENY THESE BIBLE VERSES IS BASELESS (and hence the title ‘Prince of Preachers’ was conferred to him on account of his most widespread influence till today in Protestantism too), to quote:
Charles Spurgeon may have been used by GOD to HEAL MORE PEOPLE in MIRACLES despite all these ‘STRICT DOCTRINES he Preached and Believed’, to quote:
“… “Yet, NO MAN PROBABLY, IN ENGLAND or in AMERICA, IN THIS CENTURY, HAS EVER HEALED SO MANY PEOPLE as did MR. SPURGEON, although he was not himself a physician and never wrote prescriptions. He felt that there was UNEXPLAINABLE MYSTERY ABOUT THE WHOLE MATTER. Yet, he asserted that there was SOME POWER CONNECTED WITH PRAYER which ought to be used when persons were in pain and could be relieved by it.” from “The Life of Charles Haddon Spurgeon” by Russell H. Conwell. …”
Source (with more details):
https://www.healingandrevival.com/BioCHSpurgeon.htm
Please note that Charles Spurgeon had his ‘Gift of Healing’ despite Preaching Harshly against ‘other (possible) gifts people claim’ and though he enforced NEW TESTAMENT TRADITIONS such as NO WOMEN PASTORS or that WOMEN MUST WEAR VEIL WHEN PRAYING etc. to quote:
“… But this commitment also meant that in areas where Scripture was clear, Spurgeon dared not trespass, no matter where his enlightened culture was going. In his sermon, “The Head of the Church,” Spurgeon declared,
When we meet together in church-meeting we cannot make laws for the Lord’s kingdom; we dare not attempt it. Such necessary regulations as may be made for carrying out our Lord’s commands, to meet for worship, and to proclaim the gospel, are commendable, because they are acts needful to obedience to his highest laws; but even these minor details are not tolerable if they clearly violate the spirit and mind of Jesus Christ. . . . Law-making in the church was finished in that day when the curse was pronounced on him who should take from or add to the word of God. Christ alone is the legislator of his church—none but he . . . has left to us his Statute-book, sufficient to guide us in every dilemma. …
or
Spurgeon believed that the preaching of the Word in the gathering of the church was restricted to men, along with the office of elders and deacons. At the same time, his predominant emphasis was on calling women to engage in ministry in all the other ways that were available to them.
When it came to the gathering of the church, Spurgeon believed that, according to Scripture, women were not to preach. Preaching on Matthew 8:14, 15, “First Healing and the Service,” Spurgeon commends the example of Peter’s mother-in-law:
But notice that what this good woman did was very appropriate. Peter’s wife’s mother did not get out of bed and go down the street and deliver an address to an assembled multitude. Women are best when they are quiet. I share the apostle Paul’s feelings when he bade women be silent in the assembly. Yet there is work for holy women, and we read of Peter’s wife’s mother that she arose and ministered to Christ. She did what she could and what she should. She arose and ministered to him. Some people can do nothing that they are allowed to do, but waste their energies in lamenting that they are not called on to do other people’s work. Blessed are they who do what they should do. It is better to be a good housewife, or nurse, or domestic servant, than to be a powerless preacher or a graceless talker. …”
Source (via Mr. Alex DiPrima is the Senior Pastor of Emmanuel Church in Winston Salem, NC. He holds a PhD from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in historical theology with an emphasis in the ministry of Charles Spurgeon & Mr. Geoff Chang serves as an assistant professor of church history and historical theology and is also the curator of the Spurgeon Library at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary):
https://www.9marks.org/article/charles-spurgeon-womens-ministry-and-female-preachers/
iii) Charles Spurgeon did NOT believe in the ‘modern version of speaking in tongues way’ NOR in ‘Progressive Revelations’
To quote:
“… “I have heard many fanatical persons say the Holy Spirit revealed this and that to them. Now that is very generally revealed nonsense. The Holy Ghost does not reveal anything fresh now. He brings old things to our remembrance. “He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have told you.” The canon of revelation is closed; there is no more to be added. God does not give a fresh revelation, but he rivets the old one. When it has been forgotten, and laid in the dusty chamber of our memory, he fetches it out and cleans the picture, but does not paint a new one. There are no new doctrines, but the old ones are often revived. It is not, I say, by any new revelation that the Spirit comforts. He does so by telling us old things over again; he brings a fresh lamp to manifest the treasures hidden in Scripture; he unlocks the strong chests in which the truth had long lain, and he points to secret chambers filled with untold riches; but he coins no more, for enough is done. Believer! there is enough in the Bible for thee to live upon for ever.” …” – Blessed Charles Spurgeon (Prince of Preachers)
Source (official Spurgeon Pages):
or
https://www.spurgeon.org/resource-library/sermons/the-comforter/
We can be neutral and not support either Christianity in this Context if we are not sure as discussed in detail in post below to be ‘safe’ and ‘not accidentally speak any Blasphemy to the Holy Spirit’ either way:
There are plenty of other Great Evangelists who ‘actually’ brought the Gospel First Time into many foreign lands (even after the Church Fathers) who NEVER SPOKE IN TONGUES even, example quote:
“… Many among the remainder of the milder ones went on to form the Assembly of God. From that time onward in the United States, many Pentecostals believe that if you do not speak in tongues, you have not received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. To some this also means that you have not been regenerated. However, I have the full assurance that I was regenerated in 1925, even though I had not spoken in tongues. Likewise, many saints who never spoke in tongues have also been regenerated. D. L. Moody, C. H. Spurgeon, and John Nelson Darby never spoke in tongues. Martin Luther did not speak in tongues either. All these great men, although they did not speak in tongues, were regenerated. Hudson Taylor, the founder of China Inland Mission, also did not speak in tongues, yet you cannot say that he was not regenerated …”
Source:
https://www.ministrysamples.org/excerpts/THE-PROBLEM-OF-SPEAKING-IN-TONGUES.HTML
However, it is important to note that Spurgeon speaks primarily of the ‘gift of healing’ or ‘word of knowledge’ etc. but NOT one quote in the above refers to the ‘gift of speaking in tongues (especially as per the modern way)‘ as Charles Spurgeon DID NOT practice that NOR endorsed that phenomena which was beginning to become popular too at that time (Can you see it? If someone says otherwise, please ask for quote and source and I will be corrected).
We know that Spurgeon did not “Speak in Tongues” from quote in iii) earlier and that he doesn’t believe that the Holy Spirit Reveals “new ways” (especially those contrary to the Bible ones) in quote earlier too but don’t most ‘speaking in tongues Christians either do that or endorse someone doing that in some topic/way?’
Yes, Spurgeon does “not” believe in anyone adding ‘new modern ways to the Bible’ (example: could include practicing against New Testament Traditions as well):
“… Never dream that events are revealed to you by Heaven, or you may come to be like those idiots who dare impute their blatant follies to the Holy Spirit. If you feel your tongue itch to talk nonsense, trace it to the devil, not to the Spirit of God! Whatever is to be revealed by the Spirit to any of us is in the Word of God already—He adds nothing to the Bible, and never will. Let persons who have revelations of this, that, and the other, go to bed and wake up in their senses. …” – Blessed Charles Spurgeon (Prince of Preachers)
Source:
https://www.challies.com/quotes/spurgeon-on-mad-caps-and-semi-lunatics/
3) John Wesley Co-Founder of the Methodist Churches
Blessed John Wesley didn’t allow Women Preaching from the Pulpit as sometimes quoted but only during “Divine Move“.
“… The impulses of the Holy Spirit, even in men really inspired, so suit themselves to their rational faculties, as not to divest them of the government of themselves, like the heathen priests under their diabolical possession. Evil spirits threw their prophets into such ungovernable ecstasies, as forced them to speak and act like madmen. But the Spirit of God left his prophets the clear use of their judgment, when, and how long, it was fit for them to speak, and never hurried them into any improprieties either as to the matter, manner, or time of their speaking.
Source: https://www.ccel.org/ccel/wesley/notes.i.viii.xv.html
Note: It is clear that even “Blessed John Wesley” understood these “Corinthians’ New Testament Traditions to apply to all Christians and not the Corinthians Church only” as he remarks beautifully in point 36 above.
It is well known that he held to Male leadership despite his mother disobeying it (which didn’t influence his Theological Stand on it) will be a more appropriate sentence describing this. Please note carefully the highlighted phrase above by Blessed John Wesley’s own words in that unless extraordinary circumstances, it is “unlawful for women to speak in Church” which is taught in both in 1 Corinthians 14:33 – 34 and 1 Timothy 2:12.
Just because he allowed Special circumstances, the Methodist movement took it too far and out of context today claiming that he is the first in the Protestant movement to allow women to become pastors etc. He didn’t ordain her as a pastor and she (Sarah Crosby) preached at an orphanage, not the Church. If anything more he allowed, it’s certainly not based on any Bible Verses. To quote:
“… Methodist founder John Wesley (1703–1791) and Methodist theologian Adam Clarke (1762–1832) both upheld male headship, but allowed that spiritual Christian women could publicly speak in church meetings if they “are under an extraordinary impulse of the Spirit” (Wesley),[38] and that such were to obey that influence, and that “the apostle lays down directions in chap. 11 for regulating her personal appearance when thus employed.” (Clarke)[39] Puritan theologian Matthew Poole (1624–1679) concurred with Wesley, adding, “But setting aside that extraordinary case of a special afflatus, [strong Divine influence] it was, doubtless, unlawful for a woman to speak in the church.”[40]. Matthew Henry (1662–1714) in his commentary, entertains allowing “praying, and uttering hymns inspired” by women, as such “were not teaching”.[41] …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_in_Church_history
How to trust a Church which doesn’t even obey New Testament Verses nor its Founders?
What kind of leadership would have followed?
In other words, if John Wesley was alive, none of those pastors who allow the opposite to the New Testament Traditions would have been ordained and those who adhere to it would have been appointed.
Can you see it?
“… How then is it possible that Methodism, that is, the religion of the heart, though it flourishes now as a green bay tree, should continue in this state? For the Methodists in every place grow diligent and frugal; consequently they increase in goods. Hence, they proportionably increase in pride, in the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, and the pride of life. So, although the FORM OF RELIGION REMAINS, THE SPIRIT IS SWIFTLY VANISHING AWAY (2 Timothy 3:5). Is there no way to prevent this? this continual declension of pure in effect, to grow rich! What way then, I ask again, can we take that OUR MONEY may NOT SINK US to the NETHERMOST HELL? There is one way, and there is no other under heaven. If those who gain all they can, and save all they can, will likewise GIVE ALL THEY CAN, then the more they gain, the more they will GROW IN GRACE , and the more treasure they will lay up in heaven,”. …” – Blessed John Wesley, Founder of Methodism
Source:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevin-deyoung/the-pastor-and-the-community-mark-dever/
iii) John Wesley also “Prophesied” or Revealed that the #CharityDoctrine is the HIGHEST CHRISTIAN SPIRITUAL GIFT as per 1 Corinthians 13 while ‘other spiritual gifts’ have a “risk” of creating “pride filled fanatics” who may lose sight of this “Agape Gift”
To quote:
“… Those who teach that some special phenomena such as speaking with unknown tongues constitutes a witness to the Baptism with the Spirit expose themselves and their hearers to peril of dangerous fanaticism. Perhaps no wiser counsel has been given on this matter then that of John Wesley who wrote long before the modern “tongues” movement appeared: “The grounds of a thousand mistakes is the not considering, deeply that love is the highest gift of God – humble, gentle, patient love – that all visions, revelation, manifestations whatsoever are little things compared to love. It were well you should be thoroughly sensible of this. The heaven of heavens is love. There is nothing higher in religion; there is in effect, nothing else. If you look for anything but more love you are looking wide of the mark, you are getting out of the royal way. And when you are asking others, “Have you received this or that blessing,” if you mean anything but more love you, you mean wrong; you are leading them out of the way, and putting them upon a false scent. Settle it then in your heart, that from the moment God has saved you from all sin, you are to aim at nothing but more of that love described in the thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians. You can go no higher than this till you are carried into Abraham’s bosom.” ―Doctrine, Pilgrim Holiness Church[ the Pentecostal doctrine of a third work of grace accompanied by glossolalia is condemned by some connexions in the Methodist tradition, such as the Pilgrim Holiness Church, which teaches that the state of Christian perfection in which a person is perfect in love is the goal for humans:[48] ]
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charismatic_movement
4) Other Denominations regarding Speaking in Tongues or equivalent
This ‘speaking in tongues’ phenomena is “not” unique to “protestants only” but also “Roman Catholics too have it” (so are these the same source?
Let’s “not” commit any accidental Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit by claiming wrongly either way) but just putting a word of ‘caution” here, example quote:
“… “In 1975, at the International Conference on the Charismatic Renewal held in Rome, Pope Paul VI allowed Cardinal Suenens to concelebrate a charismatic Mass in St. Peter’s. At that Mass, there was most definitely praying in tongues (not ‘speaking in tongues’) along with singing in tongues by the cardinals, bishops, priests and laypeople all gathered together at this Mass, with the Pope’s approval. It was a beautiful time of worship in the heart of the Church. The Pope himself spoke to us after Mass with words of welcome and advice for those involved in the charismatic renewal. It is important to make a distinction, as St. Paul himself does, between speaking in tongues and praying in tongues.” The document I quoted from Brazil clearly made the distinction between praying and speaking in tongues, but finally decided that neither was appropriate in the context of Mass. The fact that in 1975 Pope Paul VI allowed this concelebration in no way suggests an official approval of all charismatic practices during Mass. In 1975 the Catholic charismatic renewal was barely 8 years old and the Pope was offering cautious encouragement to the movement. …”
Source: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/speaking-in-tongues-at-mass-4539
5) Other Protestant’s View regarding Speaking in Tongues
Some Protestants do “not” fully accept it whilst others “reject” it while others embrace it fully, example quote:
“… The Charismatic movement is most known for its acceptance of speaking in tongues (also known as glossolalia), divine healing, and prophecies as evidence of the Holy Spirit. Most meetings are for praying and spirited singing, dancing, shouting “in the spirit,” and raising hands and arms in prayer. Also, anointing the sick with oil is often part of the worship service. These are the primary reasons for the movement’s growth and popularity. While growth and popularity are certainly desirable, they cannot be used as a test for truth. The question remains: is the Charismatic movement scriptural? We can best answer that question this way: we know that since the creation of mankind Satan’s insidious master plan has been simply to put a veil between God’s children and God’s inerrant Word. It began in the Garden of Eden when the serpent asked Eve, “Did God really say . . .?” (Genesis 3:1), thereby raising doubt as to the authority and authenticity of what God had said. Ever since that day, he continues to attack the inerrancy and sufficiency of the Bible. Without question, we know that Satan has stepped up the pace of this strategy (1 Peter 5:8). Today, we are witnessing a growing menace of demonic activity in the realm of the miraculous. Where Satan does not succeed in taking the Bible from us, he works hard at taking us from the Bible. He does this simply by getting Christians to focus their attention on the claims of men and women to some supernatural experience. As a result, those who seek after the experiences of others have neither time nor interest in searching the Scriptures for God’s truth.
There is no denying that God performs miracles. Some of what occurs in the Charismatic movement very well may be a true work of the Holy Spirit. However, the core truth is this: the Body of Christ does not need new apostles, nor new faith healers, nor self-styled miracle workers. What the Church needs is to return to the Word of God and proclaim the whole counsel of God in the power and love of the Holy Spirit. …”
Source:
https://www.gotquestions.org/Charismatic-movement.html
Conclusion – What does First Christianity Say?
No matter how one speaks of ‘Christianity today’, if a phenomenon or spiritual gift is “not” attested by Church Fathers or Practiced in ‘Church History’ by true believers and “not” heretics, then they have “no” history.
In regards to the ‘speaking in tongues in the modern way’, there is “no” Church History because the ‘speaking in tongues’ actually referred to ‘various existing human languages’ as per quote and Bible Verses below:
“… To my knowledge, no Church Father ever connected “Speaking in Tongues” – Glossolalia – with anything other than existing human languages. Dr. Nathan Busenitz wrote a very detailed paper titled The Gift of Tongues: Comparing the Church Fathers with Contemporary Pentecostalism comparing what the Church Fathers believed and wrote regarding glossolalia with contemporary Pentecostal beliefs. His conclusion was that there was no evidence that any Church Fathers ever held that glossolalia involved anything other than real human language. …”
Source (with more discussion regarding this aspect if keen):
“… 1When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all [a]with one accord in one place. 2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3Then there appeared to them [b]divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 7Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? 8And how is it that we hear, each in our own [c]language in which we were born? 9Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11Cretans and [d]Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” 12So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?” …” (Acts 21 – 12, NKJV)
Note: Apostle St. Paul does Speak of the ‘unknown language of Angels’ in 1 Corinthians 13 which some of the Charismatics point to but personally I’m “not” too sure if if they are speaking the ‘language of angels when they do so’ but One Day God Will Reveal and we will see if they were given this gift (good for them then).
Personally, I don’t involve myself with any ‘risky’ Christianity these days and Let God Decide one day if it was so or not.
Regarding these Charismatic Gifts I am certainly a “Charismatic” because I have personal experience of Divine Healing (Personal Testimony of it too) as per Video in link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sE9eDcCT6sk
These Gifts have Actual Church History as even Charles Spurgeon’s Testimony earlier as well and here are others by the First Christianity Greats whom even ‘Charismatic Scholars quote‘ (so I’m quoting their source too to be fair):
‘… Therefore, just as God did not inflict His anger on account of those seven thousand men, even so He has now neither yet inflicted judgment, nor does inflict it, knowing that daily some [of you] are becoming disciples in the name of Christ, and quitting the path of error; who are also receiving gifts, each as he is worthy, illumined through the name of this Christ. For one receives the spirit of understanding, another of counsel, another of strength, another of healing, another of foreknowledge, another of teaching, and another of the fear of God. …’ – Blessed St. Justin Martyr, a Great Early Christian Apologist who is a Foremost Exponent of the Divine Word, who Influenced Virtually all of subsequent Christian philosophy and Catholic theology, Martyr for Christ (c. 100AD – c. 160 AD, Dialogue with Trypho, ch.39)
‘… For the prophetical gifts remain with us, even to the present time. And hence you ought to understand that [the gifts] formerly among your nation have been transferred to us. And just as there were false prophets contemporaneous with your holy prophets, so are there now many false teachers amongst us, of whom our Lord forewarned us to beware; so that in no respect are we deficient, since we know that He foreknew all that would happen to us after His resurrection from the dead and ascension to heaven. …’ – Blessed St. Justin Martyr, a Great Early Christian Apologist who is a Foremost Exponent of the Divine Word, who Influenced Virtually all of subsequent Christian philosophy and Catholic theology, Martyr for Christ (c. 100AD – c. 160 AD, (Dialogue with Trypho, ch.39)
Source (for both quotes above):
https://continuationism.com/2010/05/16/the-charismata-in-church-history/
2) St. Irenaeous of Lyons
“… ‘Wherefore, also, those who are in truth His disciples, receiving grace from Him, do in His name perform [miracles], so as to promote the welfare of other men, according to the gift which each one has received from Him. For some do certainly and truly drive out devils, so that those who have thus been cleansed from evil spirits frequently both believe [in Christ], and join themselves to the Church. Others have foreknowledge of things to come: they see visions, and utter prophetic expressions. Others still, heal the sick by laying their hands upon them, and they are made whole. Yea, moreover, as I have said, the dead even have been raised up, and remained among us for many years. And what shall I more say? It is not possible to name the number of the gifts which the Church, [scattered] throughout the whole world, has received from God, in the name of Jesus Christ, who was crucified under Pontius Pilate, and which she exerts day by day for the benefit of the Gentiles, neither practising deception upon any, nor taking any reward from them [on account of such miraculous interpositions]. For as she has received freely from God, freely also does she minister [to others]. …” – Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons, a Hearer of Blessed St. Polycarp who is an Apostolic Father being the Disciple of Blessed St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation (c. 130 AD – c. 202 AD, Against Heresies, Book 2, ch.32, 4)
Source: https://continuationism.com/2010/05/16/the-charismata-in-church-history/
Note: Even the ‘Charismatic Scholars’ can only quote these two Church Fathers as the “earliest proof of Charisma Gifts of the Spirit” namely St. Justin Martyr and St. Irenaeous of Lyons both of whom are “Chiliasm” or “Millenialism” Doctrine teachers too.
The other two persons quoted are later and “Novatian” is actually a ‘heretic’ as he didn’t allow people to repent again or something like that while the other Church father Gregory Neocaesarea is someone I have quoted before as well.
The “Problem” with ‘Charismatic Christians’ is that they pick and choose quotes to believe from these First Christianity Greats but do “not” show the other writings from these same sources or books belonging to these Church Fathers who are quoted here.
Examples:
“…We have preached before Him as if [He were] a child, as if a root in a dry ground.’ (And what follows in order of the prophecy already quoted.) But when the passage speaks as from the lips of many, ‘We have preached before Him,’ and adds, ‘as if a child, IT SIGNIFIES THAT THE WICKED SHALL BECOME SUBJECT TO HIM, and SHALL OBEY HIS COMMAND, and that ALL SHALL BECOME AS ONE CHILD. … and of those things which would also be done by Christ Himself …” – Blessed St. Justin Martyr, a Great Early Christian Apologist who is a Foremost Exponent of the Divine Word, who Influenced Virtually all of subsequent Christian philosophy and Catholic theology, Martyr for Christ (c. 100 AD – c. 160 AD, CHAPTER XLI & CHAPTER XLII, ‘Dialogue with Trypho’)
“… Such a thing as you may witness in the body: although the members are enumerated as many, all are called one, and are a body. For, indeed, a commonwealth and a church, though many individuals in number, are in fact as one, called and addressed by one appellation … of those who it was foreknown were to believe in Him,…” – Blessed St. Justin Martyr, a Great Early Christian Apologist who is a Foremost Exponent of the Divine Word, who Influenced Virtually all of subsequent Christian philosophy and Catholic theology, Martyr for Christ (c. 100 AD – c. 160 AD, CHAPTER XLI & CHAPTER XLII, ‘Dialogue with Trypho’)
Source for both quotes above:
http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/justinmartyr-dialoguetrypho.html
“… But I and others, who are right-minded Christians on all points, are assured that there will be a resurrection of the dead, and a thousand years in Jerusalem, which will then be built, adorned, and enlarged, the prophets Ezekiel and Isaiah and others declare. For Isaiah spake thus concerning this space of a thousand years: ‘For there shall be the new heaven and the new earth, and the former shall not be remembered, or come into their heart; but they shall find joy and gladness in it, which things I create’…For as Adam was told that in the day he ate of the tree he would die, we know that he did not complete a thousand years. We have perceived, moreover, that the expression, ‘The day of the Lord is as a thousand years,’ is connected with this subject [2 Peter 3:8, Psalm 90:4]. And further, there was a certain man with us, whose name was John, one of the apostles of Christ, who prophesied, by a revelation that was made to him, THAT THOSE WHO BELIEVED IN OUR CHRIST [1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 18, Ephesians 5:25 – 27, 31 – 32 ] would dwell a THOUSAND YEARS in Jerusalem [Revelation 20:4 – 10]; and that thereafter the GENERAL, and in short, the ETERNAL RESURRECTION and JUDGMENT of ALL MEN would LIKEWISE TAKE PLACE [Revelation 20:11 – 15, Matthew 25:31 – 46]. Just as our Lord also said, ‘They shall neither marry nor be given in marriage, but shall be equal to the angels, the children of the God of the resurrection. [Luke 20:35 – 36] …” – Blessed St. Justin Martyr, a Great Early Christian Apologist who is a Foremost Exponent of the Divine Word, who Influenced Virtually all of subsequent Christian philosophy and Catholic theology, Martyr for Christ (c. 100AD – c. 160 AD, Dialogue with Trypho the Jew, CHAPTER LXXXI)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/justinmartyr-dialoguetrypho.html
Note: The Roman Catholics/Orthodox did NOT change these First Christianity Chiliasm quotes because they have denounced it officially too but preserved these quotes intact (do you know that the DIRECT DISCIPLES of the APOSTLES can ONLY be QUOTED to BELIEVE in this CHILIASM in the surviving writings?
NO OTHER “eschatological” POSITION can be proven in them. If anyone claims otherwise, please ask them for the quote and source.
The others quote ‘Church Fathers’ but NOT these direct disciples type of Church Fathers.
“… 4. The Lord also spoke as follows to those who did not believe in Him: “I have come in my Father’s name, and ye have not received Me: when another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive,” calling Antichrist “the other,” because he is alienated from the Lord. This is also the unjust judge, whom the Lord mentioned as one “who feared not God, neither regarded man,” to whom the widow fled in her forgetfulness of God,-that is, the earthly Jerusalem,-to be avenged of her adversary [referring to Luke 18:1 – 8 earlier]. Which also he shall do in the time of his kingdom: he shall remove his kingdom into that [city], and shall sit in the temple of God, leading astray those who worship him, as if he were Christ. To this purpose Daniel says again: “And he shall desolate the holy place; and sin has been given for a sacrifice, and righteousness been cast away in the earth, and he has been active (fecit), and gone on prosperously.” ….” – Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons, a Hearer of Blessed St. Polycarp who is an Apostolic Father being the Disciple of Blessed St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation (c. 130 AD – c. 202 AD, Against Heresies, Book 5, Chapter XXV, Point 4)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/irenaeus-book5.html
“… Christ, who was called the Son of God before the ages, was manifested in the fulness of time, in order that He might cleanse us through His blood, who were under the power of sin, presenting us as pure sons to His Father, if we yield ourselves obediently to the chastisement of the Spirit. AND IN THE END OF TIME HE SHALL COME TO DO AWAY WITH ALL EVIL, AND TO RECONCILE ALL THINGS [Colossians 1:16,20*], in order that there may be AN END OF ALL IMPURITIES. … ” – 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, Fragment XXXIX, FRAGMENTS FROM THE LOST WRITINGS OF IRENAEUS)
Translation Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/irenaeus-fragments.html
To quote (example):
“… Irenaeus and the Shepherd of Hermas
Irenaeus writes in Adversus Haereses:
Truly, then, the Scripture declared, which says, “First of all believe that there is one God, who has established all things, and completed them, and having caused that from what had no being, all things should come into existence. He who contains all things, and is Himself contained by no one.” [Book 2, First Commandment, of the Shepherd of Hermas]. Rightly also has Malachi said among the prophets: “Is it not one God who hath established us? Have we not all one Father?” (4.20.2. of Adversus Haereses)
This passage, where Irenaeus calls the Shepherd of Hermas ‘scripture’, is mentioned by [Grant] p. 153 and [Metzger] p. 155.
…”
Source: http://www.ntcanon.org/Irenaeus.shtml
Note: St. Irenaeous of Lyons’s Writing helped determine which Books of the New Testament are Scripture in early Christianity itself and “Possible” Scripture as the later Christians weren’t sure. Let God Reveal One Day if he was more accurate.
We know that the Roman Catholics and Orthodox denominations did a good job in preserving ancient Christian Writings especially those of the “Chiliasm Fathers of the Church” whom I follow most as they are the ‘earliest whose writings survive’ simply because both of these major denominations do “not” believe the same as them in many areas too as I have demonstrated in the #SafeRouteScripturallyBook.
Simple Logic: If someone wants to “change” an ‘early Christian Writing’ back at that time even, then they would have changed it to be ‘similar to what they believe or add in those things which they believe’ which is clearly absent from all Chiliasm Father’s Endorsed Writing such as they have “no” Prayers to Virgin Mary or Equivalent and also have a heavy focus on the #milleniarism or “chiliasm” #eschatology doctrine too.
Peace to you
Unsolved Mystery of Post-Mortem Salvation Possibility via Blessed Martin Luther First Champion of the Protestant Faith
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161726910617784
I have “not” written about this in detail but here is why this is difficult:
1) Martin Luther did write a mysterious quote regarding whether “faith” can be attained “after death”: here it is as he writes in a letter to “Hans von Rechenberg”:
“… “If God were to save anyone without faith, he would be acting contrary to his own words and would give himself the lie; yes, he would deny himself. And that is impossible for, as St. Paul declares, God cannot deny himself [“II Tim. 2:13”]. It is as impossible for God to save without faith as it is impossible for divine truth to lie. That is clear, obvious, and easily understood, no matter how reluctant the old wineskin is to hold this wine–yes, is unable to hold and contain it.” “It would be quite a DIFFERENT QUESTION WHETHER GOD CAN IMPART FAITH to SOME IN THE HOUR OF DEATH OR AFTER DEATH SO THAT THESE PEOPLE COULD BE SAVED THROUGH FAITH. WHO WOULD DOUBT GOD’S ABILITY TO DO THAT? NO ONE, HOWEVER, CAN PROVE THAT HE DOES THIS. For all that we read is that he has already raised people from the dead and thus granted them faith. But whether he gives faith or not, it is impossible for anyone to be saved without faith. Otherwise every sermon, the gospel, and faith would be vain, false, and deceptive, since the entire gospel makes faith necessary. …” – Blessed Martin Luther, The First Champion of the Protestant Faith (Works, 43, ed. and trans. G. Wienke and H. T. Lehmann [Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1968], 53-54; WA 10.ii, 324.25-325.11), letter to “Hans von Rechenberg“:”
Protestant Source:
https://www.reformation21.org/mos/1517/tim-and-carl-on-love-wins
Comments:
“… He asks if God could give somebody faith after death and justify them on that basis. Yes, he replies, he could do so; but there is absolutely no evidence that he does do so …” – Carl Trueman, a professor of church history at Westminster Theological Seminary
Source:
https://www.reformation21.org/articles/easy-virtues-and-cruel-mistresses.php
iii) So everybody agrees that Martin Luther is speaking of a “post mortem” (or after death) possibility of attaining to ‘faith’. The professor says that Luther is clear that this is “not possible”. However, Luther seems to be saying that “it is POSSIBLE if GOD WILLS it” but so far, “no one (to his knowledge) has proof that GOD HAS DONE SO“. That quote part:
“… “It would be quite a DIFFERENT QUESTION WHETHER GOD CAN IMPART FAITH to SOME IN THE HOUR OF DEATH OR AFTER DEATH SO THAT THESE PEOPLE COULD BE SAVED THROUGH FAITH. WHO WOULD DOUBT GOD’S ABILITY TO DO THAT? NO ONE, HOWEVER, CAN PROVE THAT HE DOES THIS. …” – Blessed Martin Luther, The First Champion of the Protestant Faith
Can you see it?
2) Here is something deeper which the Professor is “not” quoting in his blog link above but is quoted by other scholars as per image too ‘at the start of it’ from this ‘same letter by Martin Luther’ to “Hans von Rechenberg”:
This Context:
“… For the opinion that GOD COULD NOT HAVE CREATED MAN to be REJECTED and CAST AWAY into ETERNAL TORMENT IS HELD AMONG US ALSO, as it was at all times by some of the most renowned people, such as Origen and his kind. …” – Blessed Martin Luther, The First Champion of the Protestant Faith, (letter to “Hans von Rechenberg“)
Source (Page 14):
https://www.amazon.com/Larger-Hope-Universal-Reformation-Nineteenth/dp/1498200400
Comments:
Example link discussing such possibility for this side of the coin, please consider:
“… Our churches condemn the Anabaptists, who think that there will be an end to the punishments of the condemned and devils. ….” – Augsburg Confession, Article 17
Source:
https://kimberlinglutheran.com/2014/06/19/augsburg-confession-article-17/
iii) Think your Church/Denomination is “not” condemned by this same article 17? Please read ‘carefully’:
What they don’t tell you further (which you can see in link above too likewise) is that in this ‘same Article 17 of the Lutheran Augsburg Confession’ any ‘Christian idea of EARTHLY ZIONISM’ (e.g. secretly supporting the “Jews/Israel” for earthly-Zion building) BEFORE THE RESURRECTION (meaning before Christ Returns) is EQUALLY CONDEMNED TO HELL together with such UNIVERSALISM believers (don’t believe me? please “see” it below in “full” from the official “Book of Concord” even) as follows:
“… Article XVII. Of Christ’s Return to Judgment.
1 Also they teach that at the Consummation of the World Christ will appear for judgment, and 2 will raise up all the dead; He will give to the godly and elect eternal life and everlasting joys, 3 but ungodly men and the devils He will condemn to be tormented without end.
4 They CONDEMN the Anabaptists, who think that there will be AN END TO THE PUNISHMENTS OF CONDEMNED MEN AND DEVILS.
5 They CONDEMN ALSO OTHERS who are now spreading certain JEWISH OPINIONS, that BEFORE THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD the GODLY SHALL TAKE POSSESSION OF THE KINGDOM OF THIS WORLD, the ungodly being everywhere suppressed. …”
– Lutheran Book of Concord (Augsburg Confession, Article 17)
Source: https://bookofconcord.org/augsburg-confession/
Comments:
Can you see it?
iii. If the authours of this Lutheran Augsburg Confession were led by God to do it, then many of the Prosperity Christians are going to “Hell” or be “Condemned also” (same words used) together with the “Christian Universalists likewise” as they did “not” see one as a lighter theological error than the other here in this same article.
Can you see it?
So we either accept the condemnation of “both” or “neither” to be “honest”.
3) There is another “possibility” which Martin Luther may be referring to which is “not” discussed by the Professor nor by the forum much which is based on St. Athanasius’ quote below:
“… And if a man has gone down even to HADES, and stands awestruck before the heroes who have descended thither, regarding them as gods, still he may see the fact of Christ’s resurrection and His victory over death, and reason from it that, of all these, He alone is very Lord and God. For the Lord touched all parts of creation, and freed and undeceived them all from every deceit. As St. Paul says, “Having put off from Himself the principalities and the powers, He triumphed on the cross,”(Col. 2. 15) so that no one could possibly be any longer deceived, but EVERYWHERE MIGHT FIND THE VERY WORD OF GOD. For thus MAN, enclosed on every side by the works of creation and everywhere-in heaven, in HADES, in men and on the earth, BEHOLDING the UNFOLDED GODHEAD of the WORD, is NO LONGER DECEIVED CONCERNING GOD, but WORSHIPS CHRIST ALONE, and THROUGH HIM RIGHTLY KNOWS THE FATHER. On these grounds, then, of reason and of principle, we will fairly silence the Gentiles in their turn. But if they think these arguments insufficient to confute them, we will go on in the next chapter to prove our point from facts. … ” – Blessed St. Athanasius the Great, the Father of Orthodoxy, Patriarch of Alexandria and Champion of Trinity, Doctor of the Church and Confessor, Coptic Pope (c. 296 AD – c. 373 AD, ‘On the Incarnation’, , Ibid, Chapter 7/ Section 45)
Translation Source:
https://www.worldinvisible.com/library/athanasius/incarnation/incarnation.7.htm
Yes, it’s the “same Athanasius“.
Please also note that this is Quote “not” from an obscure writing attributed to Athanasius but on the very Book titled “… On the Incarnation …” (which he wrote) upon which the Most Glorious Doctrine of Trinity was Defended where it contains such even non-Elect salvation Possibility quotes like this where upon such beliefs was the Doctrine of Trinity defended by St. Athanasius – can you see it?
And all of Mainstream Christianity be it Protestants to Catholics to Orthodox admit St. Athanasius as being used by God to Defend this).
Mysterious, isn’t it?
St. Athanasius’ Quote is related to include the “Post Mortem” (AFTER DEATH) non-Elect Salvation “Possibility” since he clearly writes above to include “HADES in Greek = SHEOL in Hebrew (Spirit World Realm of the Dead)” clearly as some may “BEHOLD (“See”) GOD” which ‘word’ sounds similar to CHRIST’S BELIEVING AFTER SEEING POSSIBILITY next (which could be the “faith AFTER DEATH to ‘some/not all’ as Martin Luther, the First Protestant may have been saying that is “possible” if God Wills it), Verses:
“… 35And JESUS said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall NEVER THIRST. 36But I said to you that YOU HAVE SEEN ME and YET DO NOT BELIEVE. 37All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will [f]by no means cast out. 38For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39This is the WILL OF THE FATHER who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should RAISE IT UP at the LAST DAY. 40And this is THE WILL OF HIM who sent Me, that EVERYONE WHO SEES THE SON AND BELIEVES IN HIM MAY HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE; and I will RAISE HIM UP at the LAST DAY.” …” (John 6:35 – 40, NKJV)
“… And as MOSES LIFTED UP the SERPENT in the wilderness, even so must the SON OF MAN BE LIFTED UP, 15that WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM should [c]NOT PERISH but have ETERNAL LIFE. …” (John 3:14 – 15, NKJV)
Comment: John 3:14 – 15 and John 6:36 – 40 above seem to point strongly to the ‘Believing after Seeing case’ which could be available till the LAST DAY as both John 6:40 and the Shepherd of Hermas quote earlier seem to point for this ‘non-Elect Salvation Possibility’. In the Context of John 3:14, it is Christ Who is quoting the phrase “… which in the past literally referred to those ‘who saw the Serpent on the Bronze stick’ and those who ‘LITERALLY SEE it and BELIEVE’ was HEALED which Christ seems to Hint likewise to Himself as the ‘Believing after Seeing Possibility’ toward those who were ‘bitten by the serpent (indicating Satan metaphorically)’ as per the past incident Christ refers to below:
“… 8Then THE LORD SAID to MOSES “Make a FIERY SERPENT, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he LOOKS AT IT, SHALL LIVE.” 9So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a SERPENT HAD BITTEN ANYONE, when he LOOKED AT THE BRONZE SERPENT, he LIVED. …” (Number 21:8 – 9, NKJV)
As I said, I am “not” a false teacher or teaching this as a doctrine but as a “possibility” due to these strong quotes and Bible Verses which may point to this (“maybe“).
Whatever God Decides, I submit to it as I just present to you what I read and see so you can contemplate carefully and be careful with your words lest when we are wrong doctrinally on these points or others, the “same judgment meted back to us” could be equally “condemning” as Christ Warned in Matthew 7:1 – 3.
4) Augsburg Confession regarding New Testament Traditions
If we truly follow this Augsburg confession, the New Testament Traditions are to be kept where “not’” keeping them is called as “sin of OFFENDING ONE ANOTHER” but not to the point that Salvation is lost and gathering on a Sunday is NOT to observe Sabbath (as that is Annulled) but just so that a ‘gathering day can be made for Christians’ which is described in this ‘same Augsburg Confession’ as follows in the ‘other parts of Doctrine’, to quote:
“… 53 What, then, are we to think of the Sunday and like rites in the house of God? To this we answer that it is lawful for bishops or pastors to make ordinances that things be done orderly in the Church, not that thereby we should merit grace or make satisfaction for sins, or that consciences be bound to judge them necessary services, and to think that IT IS A SIN TO BREAK THEM 54 WITHOUT OFFENSE TO OTHERS. So PAUL ORDAINS, 1 Cor. 11:5, that WOMEN SHOULD COVER THEIR HEADS IN THE CONGREGATION, 1 Cor. 14:30, that interpreters be heard in order in the church, etc.
55 It is PROPER THAT THE CHURCHES SHOULD KEEP SUCH ORDINANCES FOR THE SAKE OF LOVE AND TRANQUILITY, so far that ONE DO NOT OFFEND ANOTHER, that all things be done in the churches in order, and without confusion, 1 Cor. 14:40; comp. Phil. 2:14 . 56 but so that consciences be not burdened to think that they are necessary to salvation, or TO JUDGE THAT THEY SIN WHEN THEY BREAK THEM WITHOUT OFFENSE TO OTHERS; as no one will say that a woman sins who goes out in public with her head uncovered provided only that no offense be given.
57 Of this kind is the observance of the Lord’s Day, Easter, Pentecost, and like holy-days and 58 rites. For those who judge that by the authority of the Church the observance of the Lord’s Day instead of the Sabbath-day was ordained as a thing necessary, 59 do greatly err. Scripture has abrogated the Sabbath-day; for it teaches that, since the Gospel has been revealed, all the ceremonies of Moses can be omitted. And 60 yet, because it was necessary to appoint a certain day, that the people might know when they ought to come together, it appears that the Church designated the Lord’s Day for this purpose; and this day seems to have been chosen all the more for this additional reason, that men might have an example of CHRISTIAN LIBERTY, and might know that the KEEPING NEITHER OF THE SABBATH NOR OF ANY OTHER DAY IS NECESSARY …” – Lutheran Book of Concord (Augsburg Confession, Article XXVIII. Of Ecclesiastical Power.)
Source: https://bookofconcord.org/augsburg-confession/
5) Augsburg Confession regarding “False Prophets”
Strangely, when quoting “False Prophets” or a “Different Gospel” this same Augsburg Confession points to even “TITHE PAYING CHURCHES or even SABBATH OBSERVING CHURCHES where these are TREATED as OBLIGATORY“, to quote:
“… 23 But when they teach or ordain anything against the Gospel, then the congregations have a commandment of God prohibiting obedience, Matt. 7:15: BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS; 24 Gal. 1:8: Though an angel from heaven PREACH ANY OTHER GOSPEL, LET HIM BE ACCURSED; 25 2 Cor. 13:8: We can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. 26 Also: The power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction. 27 So, also, the Canonical Laws command (II. Q. VII. Cap., Sacerdotes, and Cap. Oves). 28 And Augustine (Contra Petiliani Epistolam): Neither must we submit to Catholic bishops if they chance to err, or hold anything contrary to the Canonical Scriptures of God.
29 If they have any other power or jurisdiction, in hearing and judging certain cases, as of matrimony or OF TITHES, etc., they have it by human right, in which matters princes are bound, even against their will, when the ordinaries fail, to dispense justice to their subjects for the maintenance of peace. 30 Moreover, it is disputed whether bishops or pastors have the right to introduce ceremonies in the Church, and to make laws concerning meats, holy-days and grades, that is, orders of ministers, etc. 31 They that give this right to the bishops refer to this testimony John 16:12-13: I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth. 32 They also refer to the example of the Apostles, who commanded to abstain from blood and from things strangled, Acts 15:29. 33 They refer to the Sabbath-day as having been changed into the Lord’s Day, CONTRARY TO THE DECALOG, AS IT SEEMS. Neither is there any example whereof they make more than concerning the changing of the Sabbath-day. Great, say they, is the power of the Church, since it has dispensed with one of the Ten Commandments!
34 But concerning this question it is taught on our part (as has been shown above) that BISHOPS HAVE NO POWER TO DECREE ANYTHING AGAINST THE GOSPEL. The Canonical Laws teach the same thing (Dist. IX). 35 Now, IT IS AGAINST SCRIPTURE TO ESTABLISH OR REQUIRE THE OBSERVANCE OF ANY TRADITIONS, to THE END THAT BY SUCH OBSERVANCE WE MAY MAKE SATISFACTION FOR SINS, OR MERIT GRACE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS. 36 For the glory of Christ’s merit suffers injury when, by such observances, 37 we undertake to merit justification. But it is manifest that, by such belief, traditions have almost infinitely multiplied in the Church, the doctrine concerning faith and the righteousness of faith being meanwhile suppressed. For gradually more holy-days were made, fasts appointed, new ceremonies and services in honor of saints instituted, because the authors of such things thought that by these works they were meriting 38 grace. Thus in times past the Penitential Canons increased, whereof we still see some traces in the satisfactions. …” – Lutheran Book of Concord (Augsburg Confession, Article XXVIII. Of Ecclesiastical Power.)
Source: https://bookofconcord.org/augsburg-confession/
So we either take all of it or none of it, right? well at least we should take the parts which are “clearly” Written in “New Testament Scripture” such as these “Traditions” first.
Evangelism to Heavenly Rewards – Quality over Quantity
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161730008127784
Comment for Quote in image: The closer a Church is to the ‘World’s Ways’ against Scripture even, easier the evangelism because it will advocate “Prosperity” (Covetousness) to “Feminism” (Temptation in which Eve fell via the Snake to try to usurp authority to become like a ‘god’).
Example: There’s “no” such thing that the “Love of God” leads you to love “earthly things nor #Prosperity Lifestyle which are “things of this world” as it CONTRADICTS this Verse clearly
“… 15Do not love the world or the THINGS IN THE WORLD. If ANYONE LOVES THE WORLD, THE LOVE OF THE FATHER IS NOT IN HIM. …” (1 John 2:15, NKJV)
So the more the LOVE of the FATHER abides in us, we will feel more to NOT love earthly things.
The “Founders of Protestantism” approved these as Correct Doctrine likewise, to quote:
“… 5 They CONDEMN ALSO OTHERS who are now spreading certain JEWISH OPINIONS, that BEFORE THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD the GODLY SHALL TAKE POSSESSION OF THE KINGDOM OF THIS WORLD, the ungodly being everywhere suppressed. …”
– Lutheran Book of Concord (Augsburg Confession, Article 17)
Source: https://bookofconcord.org/augsburg-confession/
Example:
“… , and to think that IT IS A SIN TO BREAK THEM 54 WITHOUT OFFENSE TO OTHERS. So PAUL ORDAINS, 1 Cor. 11:5, that WOMEN SHOULD COVER THEIR HEADS IN THE CONGREGATION, 1 Cor. 14:30, that interpreters be heard in order in the church, etc. 55 It is PROPER THAT THE CHURCHES SHOULD KEEP SUCH ORDINANCES FOR THE SAKE OF LOVE AND TRANQUILITY, so far that ONE DO NOT OFFEND ANOTHER, that all things be done in the churches in order, and without confusion, 1 Cor. 14:40; comp. Phil. 2:14 . 56 but so that consciences be not burdened to think that they are necessary to salvation, or TO JUDGE THAT THEY SIN WHEN THEY BREAK THEM WITHOUT OFFENSE TO OTHERS; as no one will say that a woman sins who goes out in public with her head uncovered provided only that no offense be given…., it appears that the Church designated the Lord’s Day for this purpose; and this day seems to have been chosen all the more for this additional reason, that men might have an example of CHRISTIAN LIBERTY, and might know that the KEEPING NEITHER OF THE SABBATH NOR OF ANY OTHER DAY IS NECESSARY …” – Lutheran Book of Concord (Augsburg Confession, Article XXVIII. Of Ecclesiastical Power.)
Source: https://bookofconcord.org/augsburg-confession/
Note: The “Augsburg Confession” is “not” one of many statements of faith but the very “First” Protestant Confession of Faith. In other words, if you are a Protestant, then you must believe that these “Founders” with “Martin Luther” (the First Champion of the Protestant faith) were chosen by God for the Gospel and so following this Way with “Scripture” for ‘each claim’ as they compiled it thus is the #SafeRouteScripturally with “no” condemnation.
Example quote:
“…The Augsburg Confession, also known as the Augustan Confession or the Augustana from its Latin name, Confessio Augustana, is the primary confession of faith of the Lutheran Church and one of the most important documents of the Protestant Reformation. The Augsburg Confession was written in both German and Latin and was presented by a number of German rulers and free-cities at the Diet of Augsburg on 25 June 1530. …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augsburg_Confession
or
“… Early Protestants inherited the late mediaeval devotion to the Athanasian Creed, and it was considered to be authoritative in many Protestant churches. The statements of Protestant belief (confessional documents) of various Reformers commend the Athanasian Creed to their followers, including the Augsburg Confession, the Formula of Concord, the Second Helvetic Confession, the Belgic Confession, the Bohemian Confession and the Thirty-nine Articles …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athanasian_Creed
Conclusion
Heaven’s Ranking and Rewards is “not” based on “number of converts” as a congregation may be a big number of thirtyfold as opposed to sixtyfold or hundredfold levels of obedience too, as the Bible doesn’t call all Christian Salvation the same even in Matthew 13:8 nor in other Verses (Quoted below):
“… 8But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a HUNDREDFOLD, SOME SIXTY, SOME THIRTY. 9He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” 10And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” 11He answered and said to them, “Because it has been GIVEN TO YOU to KNOW the [a]MYSTERIES OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, but to THEM IT HAS NOT BEEN GIVEN. …” (Matthew 13:8 – 11, NKJV)
“… 19Whoever therefore BREAKS one of the LEAST of THESE COMMANDMENTS, and TEACHES men so, shall be called LEAST in the kingdom of HEAVEN; but whoever DOES AND TEACHES them, he shall be called GREAT in the kingdom of HEAVEN. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:19, NKJV)
“… 46“But WHY DO YOU CALL ME ‘LORD, LORD,’ and NOT DO THE THINGS WHICH I SAY? 47Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: 48He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:46 – 48, NKJV)
“… 18And JESUS CAME AND SPOKE TO THEM, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THINGS THAT I HAVE COMMANDED YOU; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. …” (Matthew 28:18 – 20, NKJV)
Logic: Martyrs are generally considered “Hundredfolds” regardless (based say on Revelation 20:4 – 6) and to have the ‘same reward level’ as them, we can’t be living a “life of #Prosperity” with “ease” type of ‘faith’ (even if saved) as it wouldn’t be ‘fair to them’, right?
Then, how do we “KNOW GOD’S LOVE (Agape)”?
Not by ‘spiritual positions, prosperity or money blessings’ but by this #CharityDoctrineLifestyle as “no” other Verse uses this phrase “KNOW GOD’S LOVE (AGAPE)” with any other religious act directly like this (if you find one please let me know but even so it does “not” remove this meaning either but adds to it only if it exists, can you see it?):
“… 16By this WE KNOW LOVE (Agape, God’s Love*), because He laid down His life for us. And we also OUGHT TO LAY DOWN OUR LIVES FOR THE BRETHREN. 17But WHOEVER HAS THIS WORLD’S GOODS, and SEES HIS BROTHER IN NEED, AND SHUTS UP HIS HEART FROM HIM, HOW DOES THE LOVE OF GOD ABIDE IN HIM? 18My little children, let us NOT LOVE IN WORD or IN TONGUE, BUT IN DEED AND IN TRUTH …” (1 John 3:16 – 18, NKJV)
Notice that the Bible Verse above Teaches this Equivalence:
Charity Doctrine = Martyrdom (Because it risks you financially and in other ways) by this phrase above:
“… He laid down His life for us. And we also OUGHT TO LAY DOWN OUR LIVES FOR THE BRETHREN …” (1 John 3:16, NKJV)
Which is equivalent to the ‘Christ’s Greatest Love’ emulation to #FollowHim in this too to #CarryourCross likewise even if we are “not” called to the actual #Martyrdom (now imagine the early Apostles and Church Fathers who lived out both the ‘Charity Doctrine Lifestyle’s Martyrdom Equivalent and the Actual Martyrdom’, oh the Level of Love of Christ in them is highest!, Praise God!’):
“… 12This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13GREATER LOVE HAS NO ONE THAN THIS, THAN TO LAY DOWN ONE’S LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS. 14You are My friends IF YOU DO WHATEVER I COMMAND YOU IF YOU DO WHATEVER I COMMAND YOU. …” (John 15:6 – 14, NKJV)
The deception that ‘sacrifice is love’ is offset by this Verse by CHRIST HIMSELF (mostly here too) which Says that “Obedience to HIS COMMANDS is the Fruit of Love” (Can you see it?)
“… IF YOU LOVE ME, KEEP [Obey] MY COMMANDMENTS. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:15, NKJV)
How about this Verse then which even ‘seems to speak lowly of some type martyrdom even’?
All Martyrdom of giving one’s body to burned for Christ even or the Charity Done if it’s without GOD’S LOVE (Agape) is also nothing
“… 3And though I bestow ALL MY GOODS TO FEED THE POOR, and though I give MY BODY [A]TO BE BURNED, but HAVE NOT LOVE [AGAPE*], it PROFITS ME NOTHING. …” (1 Corinthians 13:3, NKJV)
Comment: Is it a contradiction then that earlier the Verse Said the Charity Doctrine may not fulfill it?
Not at all.
The Verses combined here means that you can do a fake giving of “this World’s Goods” with the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle without love or live a #True #CharityDoctrineLifestyle with God’s Love where the former is condemned while the latter is Praised.
In short, you cannot live out God’s Love without the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle but not every #CharityDoctrineLifestyle may be God’s Love.
Since no one can read hearts except God Alone, we can safely skip the judging part to Him.
Please remember that ‘God does NOT look at efforts but accuracy’ (so claiming that inaccurate ministries are great is a false position) based on Christ’s Words below where He is NOT impressed by the EFFORTS of TRAVELLING LAND AND SEA TO MAKE A CONVERT (did you notice that even the Pharisees’ false teachings can ‘make a convert’ and so number of converts is NOT a sign of “Truth“), Verse:
“… “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you TRAVEL LAND AND SEA to WIN ONE PROSELYTE, and when he is won, you make him TWICE as much a SON OF HELL as yourselves. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 23:15, NKJV)
Comment: Please notice that Christ did NOT Say, ‘… at least by your efforts, the previously unsaved convert (proselyte) worships YHWH now even if such variant of Judaism was achieved here at that time in analogy of an “inaccurate Christianity” today …’.
Can you see it?
Last but not least, the Idea that the modern Christianity had to change its ways or ignore some of the New Testament Commands or Traditions so that they can have more converts is inaccurate because even so, the Roman Catholics and Orthodox did much “more conversions” by obeying these “New Testament Traditions”. The latter’s problem is they added even “more unwritten traditions” (e.g. Praying to Virgin Mary or to the Saints etc.) and yet ‘converted more’.
To say that a Christian would “not” have been converted unless a ‘woman pastor was there’ or ‘if these New Testament Traditions must be disobeyed’ proves at least four things namely:
They cannot say the reverse because the Biblical Faith is accepting ‘no woman pastor’ and ‘New Testament Traditions are upheld‘ as even the Founders of Protestantism including Martin Luther to Church Fathers earlier have held and so there is “no” condemnation in this way.
In other words, they claim that if we preach these New Testament Traditions for example, the ‘lost souls’ may “not” come to Church as they ‘may not like it’.
Can you see it?
So to make them ‘like church’, they ignore these New Testament Traditions and think that they are doing a ‘great thing’ for the sake of ‘salvation of those souls’.
iii. Think about it: So God’s New Testament Tradition Rules (1 Corinthians 14:37‘s “from the LORD“) are ‘pushing away people from the Gospel’ while ‘opposite ways are attracting people to be saved in their church’.
So God’s Written Scripture Method doesn’t Work is it?
If God told them so, then why didn’t God just allow it back then itself so that “even more” could be converted than making all these Rules and Preserving it in the “New Testament Bible” to “not” be used again 1900 years later?
Someone’s wife or husband or father or mother or brother or sister or relative could have been practicing against New Testament Traditions in some way and so that Christian does “not” agree and follows modern ways.
Perhaps then such Christians may love their “… wife, husband, father, mother, children, brother, sister …” more than Christ (knowingly or unknowingly) since when confronted with such Scripture, they prefer their ‘family members’:
“… 36and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ 37He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:36 – 39, NKJV)
Please read these again.
So Christians are going to be converted based on ‘what’s available in the closest Church to them‘.
So if you present a Christianity without New Testament Traditions, some will choose that and vice versa.
Conclusion
So number of converts are like voting in an election toward a political party where people vote for a person of their own race or someone who promises more money to them etc. (which are usually ‘earthly bias’) and that’s why God’s Word has “harder” New Testament Traditions to ‘filter harder obedience’ to give ‘greater rewards for those who obey’ even among the saved as even Matthew 5:19 earlier in principle by Christ Himself Reveals.
Can you see it?
“Rules” determine “not” Salvation but “Crowning” or “Level of Crowning” in the ‘Race of Faith‘, Verse:
“… And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. …” (2 Timothy 2:5, NKJV)
Comment: The ‘Race of Faith’ is not arbitrary but based on “Bible Rules” and “Traditions” (to be fair to all) as the Verse above Speaks of “Crowning“.
So if we failed to be “Crowned” for breaking these rules, is it worth it?
We cannot make a “Doctrine” based on “what is NOT Written” or pick & choose Christians based on “Unwritten man-made rules” as the condemnation is for those who do that as per Verses below:
“… 6Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us NOT TO THINK BEYOND WHAT IS WRITTEN, that none of you may be [c]PUFFED UP ON BEHALF OF ONE AGAINST THE OTHER. 7For who [d]MAKES YOU DIFFER FROM ANOTHER? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? …” (1 Corinthians 4:6 – 7, NKJV)
Note: The Verse above condemns those CHRISTIANS or CHRISTIANITY which DIFFERS FROM ONE ANOTHER based on PRACTICES WHICH ARE NOT WRITTEN.
‘… If we are not united by what is Written in Scripture, we will be divided by what is not Written in Scripture …’
Here’s something to think about:
If “your calling” into “ministry” is filtered based on ‘accepting unwritten things as the benchmark’, would that same Christianity (knowingly or unknowingly) REJECT those WHO ARE ACTUALLY CALLED by GOD and ACCEPT others by ‘unwritten man made opinions’ since it is NOT BY OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT (with Scripture) but “subjective” with ‘anything goes according to the human opinion of the pastor(s) in charge of such Churches?”
This has been “Prophesied” to happen in “First Christianity” itself as follows:
Yes, First Christianity Quote already Prophesied even His Church Ministry will be full of such Bias to quote (but the “sin is NOT small“):
“… We are of opinion, therefore, that those appointed by them, or afterwards by other eminent men, with the consent of the whole Church, and who have blame-lessly served the flock of Christ in a humble, peaceable, and disinterested spirit, and have for a long time possessed the good opinion of all, cannot be justly dismissed from the ministry. FOR OUR SIN WILL NOT BE SMALL, if we eject from the episcopate those who have blamelessly and holily fulfilled its duties. Blessed are those presbyters who, having finished their course before now, have obtained a fruitful and perfect departure [from this world]; for they have no fear lest any one deprive them of the place now appointed them. But WE SEE THAT YOU HAVE REMOVED SOME MEN OF EXCELLENT BEHAVIOUR FROM THE MINISTRY, WHICH THEY FULFILLED BLAMELESSLY and WITH HONOUR. Ye are fond of contention, brethren, and FULL OF ZEAL ABOUT THINGS which DO NOT PERTAIN TO SALVATION. LOOK CAREFULLY INTO THE SCRIPTURES, which are the TRUE UTTERANCES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Observe that nothing of an unjust or counterfeit character is written in them. …” – Blessed St. Clement of Rome, an Apostolic Father being a direct Disciple of the Blessed Apostle St. Peter (c.35 AD – c. 99 AD, 1 Clement, Chapter 44 – 45)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/1clement-roberts.html
Please notice how even St. Clement of Rome calls the “written Scripture” as “TRUE UTTERANCES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT” including these “New Testament Tradition Verses” and so Speaking against it can risk the unforgivable Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, right? (Matthew 12:30 – 32)? The “Risk” is there but let God Decide whether it is so or not.
Here’s a “possibility” based on all these Bible Verses to the “Augsburg Confession” even:
“… 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 7:21 – 24, NKJV)
A Converting “MANY” Lawless Christianity is DENIED at the END TIME on ‘THAT DAY when HE RETURNS’ for the REASON of “LAWLESSNESS” (NOT doing “His Commands’ type of “CONVERSIONS“) where could it even include disobeying these parts?
Not sure but “possible” since BIBLE VERSES PROVE THAT discarding even NEW TESTAMENT TRADITIONS (as the last few posts we showed clearly) that the JUDGMENT for breaking a ‘new testament tradition’ [e.g. in pages 473 to 477 or Pages 564 to 579 or even Pages 640 to 644] clearly is described as “… having CONDEMNATION [Judgment] for having CAST OFF THEIR FIRST FAITH …” [1 Timothy 5:12] to “… DENIED the FAITH ... WORSE than an UNBELIEVER …” [1 Timothy 5:8] as these ‘Bible Verses’ (“not” me) WARN using such HARSH WORDS even with “no” other sin mentioned apart from ‘breaking just a New Testament Tradition’ (i.e. all other factors held constant, even without even a 10 Commandment mentioned to broken by ‘such Christian Converts‘) as “it is Written“.
Can you see it?
That’s why I prefer to Preach Harsh regarding Keeping these New Testament Traditions even so that regardless I never risked your “fruit to no maturity” for such “Commands” and also by obeying it it is you who gain “these fruits” (hence heavenly rewards too) which ‘many other Christian converts may have ignored and hence may not attain to such rewards’ even if saved.
Being Saved also includes “Saved by Fire” case and so ‘converting many‘ is “not” a big deal either if it is of these type, right?:
“… 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 3:14 – 15, NKJV)
Comment: This “Saved by Fire” case can include some of those whom are included in John 3:16’s “whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life” and so it’s “not” as honourable as the Salvation of other Christians who adorn their Faith with Works accordingly to HONOUR GOD in ACTION as the other part of these Verses Describe as “Gold, Silver and Precious Stones” type of Reward (1 Corinthians 3:11 – 13).
Indeed, the Preaching about Christ is incomplete if we do “not” Preach “His New Testament Commands”.
Charity Doctrine – Many Prophets and Kings too did “NOT” see “NOR” Hear
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161721277827784
Common Fallacy: A “Prophet” of God knows everything God Wants to Say. In these Verses next (in image too), it is LORD JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF Who is Teaching that “NOT” even “PROPHETS” of God Know everything and so it’s okay if we don’t understand everything accurately as well.
In fact, regarding one of the things which they “HEARD” which “MANY” (not few) “PROPHETS AND KINGS DID NOT HEAR”, as per the Original Koine Greek Bible it INCLUDES KNOWING ABOUT THIS CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE as the FRUIT UNTO ETERNAL LIFE as CHRIST HIMSELF TAUGHT this Context clearly in “Consecutive Verses” below (if we remove the usual Bible headings/separation of verses* as Done by the much later purely Roman Catholic leader) as follows:
“… 21In that hour JESUS REJOICED IN THE SPIRIT and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have HIDDEN THESE THINGS from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. 22All[g] things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and NO ONE KNOWS WHO THE SON is EXCEPT THE FATHER, and who the Father is except the Son, and THE ONE TO WHOM THE SON WILLS TO REVEAL HIM.” 23Then HE TURNED TO HIS DISCIPLES and SAID PRIVATELY, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see; 24for I TELL YOU that MANY PROPHETS AND KINGS have desired to see what you see, and HAVE NOT SEEN IT, and to HEAR WHAT YOU HEAR, and HAVE NOT HEARD IT.” 25And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I DO TO INHERIT ETERNAL LIFE?” 26He said to him, “What is WRITTEN IN THE LAW? What is YOUR READING OF IT?” 27So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ ” 28And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; DO THIS AND YOU WILL LIVE.” 29But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?” 30Then JESUS ANSWERED and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had COMPASSION. 34So he went to him and BANDAGED HIS WOUNDS, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and TOOK CARE OF HIM. 35On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘TAKE CARE OF HIM; and WHATEVER MORE YOU SPEND, when I come again, I WILL REPAY YOU.’ 36So which of these three do you think was NEIGHBOR to him who fell among the thieves? 37And he said, “He who SHOWED MERCY on him.” Then JESUS SAID to him, “GO AND DO LIKEWISE.”…” (Luke 10:21 – 37, NKJV)
In short, regardless if (Verses 21 to 24) and (Verses 25 to 37) are part of one continuous speech or not, the Truth is this Parable of the Good Samaritan as the Answer to “… “Teacher, what shall I DO TO INHERIT ETERNAL LIFE?” …” (Luke 10:25) is part of the “…MANY PROPHETS AND KINGS have desired to HEAR WHAT YOU HEAR, and HAVE NOT HEARD IT.” …” (Luke 10:24) simply because ANYTHING WHICH CHRIST has SAID (and is RECORDED/WRITTEN) QUALIFIES for this as Any True Christian would admit likewise whether or not they understand His Intended Meaning in full just like the “Many Prophets and Kings” before them did “not” Understand “nor” heard some of these things either.
Can you please “see” and “hear” it “as it is Written”?
* In case you did not know, this Roman Catholic did these Verse/Chapter separations which is followed by even ‘protestant Bibles including the KJV for the most part’, example quote:
‘…The chapter divisions commonly used today were developed by Stephen Langton, an Archbishop of Canterbury. Langton put the modern chapter divisions into place in around A.D. 1227. …’
Protestant Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/divided-Bible-chapters-verses.html
Spirit of Christ and the Fear of the LORD to the Charity Doctrine Mystery
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161705339302784
Verses:
“… 1There shall come forth a [a]Rod from the [b]stem of Jesse,
And a Branch shall [c]grow out of his roots.
2The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him,
The Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
The Spirit of counsel and might,
The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
3His DELIGHT IS IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD,
And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes,
Nor decide by the hearing of His ears;
4But WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS HE shall JUDGE THE POOR, And DECIDE WITH EQUITY FOR THE MEEK of THE EARTH; He shall strike the earth with the rod ofHis mouth, And with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked. …” (Isaiah 11:1 – 4, NKJV)
These Verses are the most Prophetic Bible Verses regarding the “Spirit of the LORD” upon CHRIST in the Context of the “Fear if the LORD” too where it’s clearly described only as the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle acts of “… WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS HE shall JUDGE THE POOR, …” and “… And DECIDE WITH EQUITY FOR THE MEEK of THE EARTH …”.
So if we really have the “Spirit of the LORD” He Will arouse us to be concerned about these Doctrines likewise.
Can you see it please as “it is Written“? (Please notice carefully that “no” other religious act is mentioned either proving its Primary Importance or Independent God’s Will regarding this #CharityDoctrine yet again as many Bible Verses Testify likewise).
Perhaps that’s why the Blessed Apostles of the Lamb Testified likewise as follows:
“… 10They DESIRED ONLY that we should REMEMBER the POOR, the very thing which I also was eager to do. …” – Blessed St. Paul the Great Apostle of Christ (Galatians 2:10, NKJV)
This was not some hit and run statement but the very statement of “APOSTLESHIP” (“no” higher calling exists for men) into which this ONLY RELIGIOUS ACT was SPOKEN, Verses in “Full“:
“… 7But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter 8(for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles), 9and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10They DESIRED ONLY that we should REMEMBER the POOR, the very thing which I also was eager to do. …” – Blessed St. Paul the Great Apostle of Christ (Galatians 2:7 – 10, NKJV)
Note: The Original Koine Greek Bible’s Inspired Words is Inspiring because it mentions
“only” (3440 [e] monon μόνον )
“The” (3588 [e] tōn τῶν)
“Poor” (4434 [e] ptōchōn πτωχῶν)
“that” (2443 [e] hina ἵνα)
“we should remember” (3421 [e] mnēmoneuōmen μνημονεύωμεν)
Source: https://biblehub.com/interlinear/galatians/2-10.htm
In the New Testament, the only time an Angel of God was sent Physically even to a non-believer at that time, Cornelius was because it is Written that “he feared God” which only meant two things namely, “Giving Alms/Charity generously” (not giving tit bits lifestyle) + “Prayer Lifestyle“, Verses:
“… 1There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian [a]Regiment, 2a DEVOUT MAN and ONE WHO FEARED GOD with all his household, who GAVE ALMS GENEROUSLY to the people, and PRAYED TO GOD ALWAYS …” (Acts 10:1 – 2, NKJV)
Comment: So a True “Fear God Doctrine” will likewise Teach both aspects above namely:
Now it’s clear why Angels were sent to Blessed Cornelius’ Rescue to become a #Christian.
So the best Churches are “not” just where the “poor” attend but are “Helped” via the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle of the #Pastors and #ChurchMembers by “Relative Measure” because “loving them as yourself” is the highest Way of Fulfilling God’s Commands to Love in Action as many Verses Testify likewise as “it is Written“.
Despite being used by God to do Miracles which “no” Christian living can even do nor experience a fragment of it, yet the Blessed Apostles of the Lamb never Spoke of ‘… Doing miracles is the only thing we want to do or equivalent …’ but rather WROTE THIS UNDER THE INSPIRATION OF THE MOST BLESSED HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD upon the SEAL OF APOSTLESHIP TO BOTH THE JEWS AND GENTILES in this Verse which came ONLY WITH THIS #CharityDoctrine Command.
It must be linked to the SPIRIT OF CHRIST Verse by Prophecy in Isaiah 11 earlier at the start too.
Oh, the Heart of God Revealed in Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ Himself and also in Scripture and in the lives of the Chosen Apostles of the Lamb too as Testified here (where the “highest” Ministry call of an “Apostle” even DID NOT leave this “REMEMBER THE POOR” or #CharityDoctrineLifestyle part as an option or other people’s calling but was the ONLY DESIRE EVEN which BURNED in the HEARTS OF GOD’S Number 1’s, HIS APOSTLES even), I repeat:
“… 10They (Apostles) DESIRED ONLY that we should REMEMBER the POOR, the very thing which I also was eager to do. …” – Blessed St. Paul the Great Apostle of Christ (Galatians 2:10, NKJV)
“… 27Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28And God has appointed these in the church: FIRST APOSTLES, SECOND PROPHETS, THIRD TEACHERS, AFTER THAT MIRACLES, THEN GIFTS OF HEALINGS, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are ALL WORKERS OF MIRACLES? 30DO ALL HAVE GIFTS OF HEALINGS? DO ALL SPEAK WITH TONGUES? Do all interpret? 31But earnestly desire the [i]best gifts. And YET I SHOW YOU A MORE EXCELLENT WAY [of AGAPE/LOVE]*. …” (1 Corinthians 12:27 – 30, NKJV)
“… And though I have the GIFT OF PROPHECY, and understand all mysteries and ALL KNOWLEDGE, and though I have ALL FAITH, so that I could remove mountains, but HAVE NOT LOVE [AGAPE*], I AM NOTHING. …” (1 Corinthians 13:2, NKJV)
“… 3And though I bestow ALL MY GOODS TO FEED THE POOR, and though I give MY BODY [A]TO BE BURNED, but HAVE NOT LOVE [AGAPE*], it PROFITS ME NOTHING. …” (1 Corinthians 13:3, NKJV)
iii) There’s “no” such thing that the “Love of God” leads you to love “earthly things nor #Prosperity Lifestyle which are “things of this world” as it CONTRADICTS this Verse clearly
“… 15Do not love the world or the THINGS IN THE WORLD. If ANYONE LOVES THE WORLD, THE LOVE OF THE FATHER IS NOT IN HIM. …” (1 John 2:15, NKJV)
So the more the LOVE of the FATHER abides in us, we will feel more to NOT love earthly things.
Not by ‘spiritual positions, prosperity or money blessings’ but by this #CharityDoctrineLifestyle as “no” other Verse uses this phrase “KNOW GOD’S LOVE (AGAPE)” with any other religious act directly like this (if you find one please let me know but even so it does “not” remove this meaning either but adds to it only if it exists, can you see it?):
“… 16By this WE KNOW LOVE (Agape, God’s Love*), because He laid down His life for us. And we also OUGHT TO LAY DOWN OUR LIVES FOR THE BRETHREN. 17But WHOEVER HAS THIS WORLD’S GOODS, and SEES HIS BROTHER IN NEED, AND SHUTS UP HIS HEART FROM HIM, HOW DOES THE LOVE OF GOD ABIDE IN HIM? 18My little children, let us NOT LOVE IN WORD or IN TONGUE, BUT IN DEED AND IN TRUTH …” (1 John 3:16 – 18, NKJV)
Comment: Is it a contradiction then that earlier the Verse Said the Charity Doctrine may not fulfill it?
Not at all.
The Verses combined here means that you can do a fake giving of “this World’s Goods” with the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle without love or live a #True #CharityDoctrineLifestyle with God’s Love where the former is condemned while the latter is Praised.
In short, you cannot live out God’s Love without the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle but not every #CharityDoctrineLifestyle may be God’s Love.
Since no one can read hearts except God Alone, we can safely skip the judging part to Him and focus on the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle as the call of the SPIRIT OF CHRIST IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD to the call He Carved in the Hearts of the Blessed Apostles of the Lamb cried out in Unity to likewise “Only Desire to Remember the Poor” in whatever #Ministry that you do by “Relative Measure” (Remember the Poor Widow with 2 Coins in Luke 21:1 – 3 or the Judgment Verses in Luke 12:46 – 48 or even JUDGMENT DAY VERSES are all about the #CharityDoctrine of what one did ‘… When I was Hungry, Thirsty, Homeless, Naked, Sick, in Prison etc…’ in Matthew 25:31 – 46 likewise?) and Doing so may we fulfill #GodsWill for The Gospel in this by #GodsGraceonly and not by our human efforts.
“… Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them WERE THE NAMES OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES OF THE LAMB. …” (Revelation 21:14, NKJV)
Peace to you
Who were the First Women Priests or Women Pastors known in Christianity?
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161723647632784
Here’s something Deep worth thinking about
1) The earliest known ‘Woman Priest” practice in Christianity was done by a man called “Marcion” who is often called an ‘arch-heretic’ and attacked in the writings of many Great Church Fathers.
2) If some ‘Christian history professor’ claims otherwise, please ask them to show proof of Church History quote of someone earlier than Marcion within Christianity to have a ‘woman priest/pastor’. I couldn’t find any (please let me know if you did).
3) This may be very important simply because the idea of a “woman priest/pastor” in Christianity can so far be traced only to “Marcion” being the earliest apart from ‘other Christian-Gnostic sects which even St. Ephihanius a few hundred years later records likewise’.
4) In other words, this ‘woman pastor/priest’ practice has only been done by “Gnostic-Christian heretics” and never by the “Orthodox Church”. Is it a coincidence or a pattern? That’s why we don’t take such risks.
If God Wanted to Institute Women Pastors/Priests why is it firstly NOT DONE BY LORD JESUS CHRIST in the GOSPELS or EARLY CHURCH and “not” done in New Testament Scripture nor via any Church Father nor via any Protestant Founder even?
5) Here’s an example quote regarding Marcion’s Christian-Gnostic sect having “Women pastors/priests”:
“… In contrast to the typical Gnostic claim to a SPECIAL REVELATORY gnosis, MARCION and his followers emphasized faith in the effect of Christ’s act. They practiced stern asceticism to restrict contact with the creator’s world while looking forward to eventual salvation in the realm of the extra-worldly God. They admitted WOMEN to the PRIESTHOOD and BISHOPRIC. The Marcionites were considered the most dangerous of the Gnostics by the established church. When Polycarp met Marcion at Rome he is said to have identified Marcion as “the firstborn of Satan.” …”
Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Marcionites
Note: Please notice that “Marcion” claims “special revelation” (claiming God gave him to do these “new ways” back then itself) but at the same time ’emphasizes Faith in Christ’ in some way (so does Preaching Christ even matter if from such risky claims?).
6) Regarding “Marcion” (in image too) here are some Church Father Quotes against this very early ‘arch-heretic’:
“… According to a remark by Origen (Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew 15.3), Marcion “prohibited allegorical interpretations of the scripture”. Tertullian disputed this in his treatise against Marcion.
Tertullian, along with Epiphanius of Salamis, also charged that Marcion set aside the gospels of Matthew, Mark and John, and used Luke alone. Tertullian cited Luke 6:43-45 (a good tree does not produce bad fruit)[26] and Luke 5:36-38 (nobody tears a piece from a new garment to patch an old garment or puts new wine in old wineskins),[27] in theorizing that Marcion set about to recover the authentic teachings of Jesus. Irenaeus claimed,
[Marcion’s] salvation will be the attainment only of those souls which had learned his doctrine; while the body, as having been taken from the earth, is incapable of sharing in salvation.[28]
Tertullian also attacked this view in De Carne Christi.[citation needed]
Polycarp, according to Irenaus in his work, Adversus Haereses, had an encounter with Marcion:
And Polycarp himself replied to Marcion, who met him on one occasion, and said, “Dost thou know me?” “I do know thee, the first-born of Satan.”
Hippolytus reported that Marcion’s phantasmal (and Docetist) Christ was “revealed as a man, though not a man”, and did not really die on the cross.[29] However, Ernest Evans, in editing this work, observes:
This may not have been Marcion’s own belief. It was certainly that of Hermogenes (cf. Tertullian, Adversus Hermogenem) and probably other gnostics and Marcionites, who held that the intractability of this matter explains the world’s many imperfections …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcionism
7) I Repeat (St. Polycarp is not a normal Church Father but one who is Filled with the Most Blessed Holy Spirit of God directly being appointed by Blessed Apostle St. John who wrote the Bible Book of Revelation even) to quote:
An Example from Church History by St. Polycarp himself regarding ‘new teachings’ not found in Scripture nor from endorsed Church Fathers, rephrased:
Question
‘… Do you know me? …’ – Marcion (Arch-Heretic)
Reply
“… “I do know thee, the first-born of Satan.” …” – Blessed St. Polycarp, Bishop of Smryna, an Apostolic Father being the Disciple of the Blessed St. John the Apostle who wrote the Book of Revelation (c. 69 AD – c. 155 AD)
Source (Polycarp, according to St. Irenaus of Lyons in his work, Adversus Haereses):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcionism
Even St. Justin Martyr wrote a Book AGAINST MARCION specifically targeting this women priest practice too, to quote:
“… This type of sexual slander often included a charge of deliberately “upsetting the lamp” during an evening service so that an orgy could take place in the dark. Justin Martyr of Rome is the first known to have used this particular sexual slander against other Jesus followers. He described it as “the upsetting of the lamp, and promiscuous intercourse.”19 This kind of “lies about debauchery and adultery” was probably what the Acts of Philip’s author was complaining about, and indeed, Justin appears to have had in mind communities which had both men and women clergy. In any case, Justin leveled this slander against the followers of two men, Simon and Marcion , both of whom were known to have evangelized with a woman. Without question Justin knew that Simon evangelized with a woman, because in the same passage that he reported that Simon and Helena evangelized together, he sexually slandered Helena, calling her a prostitute.20 Although Justin did not mention the woman who worked with Marcion in Rome, he probably also knew about her, because Jerome (374–420), who lived in Rome, knew Marcion had worked with her.21 Suggesting that Justin Martyr likely knew that women in their community performed priestly duties, including baptism, and that was why he sexually slandered them, only a few decades later, Tertullian , writing in Latin North Africa, apparently knew this.22 …” (Women Apostles: Preachers and Baptizers, Sexual Slander as Evidence of Women in the Clergy)
Source:
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-11111-3_3#Sec3
Comment: Notice how the authour in post in link above speaks against the Great Church Father “Justin Martyr” and supports “Marcion” and other heretics specifically in this “Woman Priest/Woman Pastor” Topic. Can you see it? (image from that book below)
Who is more reliable: St. Justin Martyr or “Marcion”? You decide.
“… In HIS BOOK AGAINST MARCION, JUSTIN DOES WELL SAY: “I would not have believed the Lord Himself, if He had announced any other than He who is our framer, maker, and nourisher. But because the only-begotten Son came to us from the one God, who both made this world and formed us, and contains and administers all things, summing up His own handiwork in Himself, my faith towards Him is steadfast, and my love to the Father immoveable, God bestowing both upon us.” …” …” – Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons, a Hearer of Blessed St. Polycarp who is an Apostolic Father being the Disciple of Blessed St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation (c. 130 AD – c. 202 AD, ‘Against Heresies’, Book 4, Chapter VI, Point 2)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/irenaeus-book4.html
How reliable is St. Justin Martyr? Example other First Christianity quote:
” … And Justin of Neapolis, a man who was not far separated from the apostles either in age or excellence, says that that which is mortal is inherited, but that which is immortal inherits; and that the flesh indeed dies, but the kingdom of heaven lives. …” — From METHODIUS On the Resurrection, in Photius. (Fragment V, St. Justin Martyr’s Lost Writings)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/justinmartyr-fragments.html
Note: Justin of Neapolis = Blessed St. Justin Martyr
Also, Tertullian Warned that some of the early Christian Writing such as Thecla’s was “changed” to support “women priests baptizing etc.”, for example:
“… Tertullian’s complaint, in his treatise On Baptism 17, was that women were using Thecla’s example as a license to justify their own teaching and baptizing:
‘… But the woman of pertness, who has usurped the power to teach, will of course not give birth for herself likewise to a right of baptizing, unless some new beast shall arise like the former; so that, just as the one abolished baptism, so some other should in her own right confer it! But if the writings which wrongly go under Paul’s name, claim Thecla’s example as a license for women’s teaching and baptizing [exemplum Theclae ad licentiam mulierum docendi tinguendique defendant], let them know that, in Asia, the presbyter who composed that writing, as if he were augmenting Paul’s fame from his own store, after being convicted, and confessing that he had done it from love of Paul, was removed from his office.84 …” – Blessed Tertullian, Father of Latin Christianity, Founder of Western Theological Scholarship (c. 155 AD – c. 240 AD, treatise On Baptism 17)
Source: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-11111-3_3#Sec3
Note: The ‘same source’ admits this but doesn’t believe Tertullian’s account that this particular writing was ‘modified’ on ‘those women pastor supporting part’ as he writes above clearly. Who do you believe? Also “no” New Testament Scripture supports their position but only Tertullian’s even Church History till the 20th Century too supports only “Male Priests and Male Pastors”.
Also please notice how the authour in that source quotes multiple heretics just to support ‘women pastor/priest practice’ for example:
“… The Greek Acts of Philip (Acta Philippi) is an episodic gnostic apocryphal book of acts from the mid-to-late fourth century,[1] originally in fifteen separate acta,[2] that gives an accounting of the miraculous acts performed by the Apostle Philip, with overtones of the heroic romance. … The Acts of Philip is most completely represented by a text[3] discovered in 1974 by François Bovon and Bertrand Bouvier in the library of Xenophontos monastery on Mount Athos in Greece.[4] The manuscript dates from the fourteenth century but its language identifies it as a copy of a fourth-century original … Bovon at first suggested that the text’s character named Mariamne may be identical to Mary Magdalene … The narrative recounts that Jesus sent out a group of followers to spread his message. The followers were Philip, Bartholomew, and a woman named Mariamne, who is identified in the text as Philip’s sister, and is a leading figure in the second half of the text. They form a community that seemes to practice vegetarianism and celibacy,[4] and uses a form of the eucharist where vegetables and water were consumed in place of bread and wine.[7] Mariamne wears men’s clothes and holds positions of authority comparable to men, serving as a priest and a deacon.[4] Due to this, the Acts have been proposed to be an Encratite text with Gnostic influences,[8] with Mariamne’s clothings reaffirming her resistance against the snake of Eden’s seduction of Eve …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acts_of_Philip
Comment: If your modern Bible Scholars want to quote the “Acts of Philip” for “women priest/pastor ordination”, are they also ready to be “celibate” and become a “vegetarian” which is also recorded together with that in this text? If not, why believe it for that part even?
Please also notice that these heretical writing records that the “Holy Communion Practice/Eucharist” can be done with “vegetable and water” instead of “bread and wine” and so, does your Church with female pastors follow this too?
Why not if this account is reliable as it reads ‘…eucharist where vegetables and water were consumed in place of bread and wine …’. At least using some grape-based juice is okay in place of wine due to common origin.
“… After this Penelope refused marriage, accepted Baptism from the hands of the Disciple Timothy, – who was a disciple of the holy Apostle Paul, and she was named Irene. She began even to urge her own parents to accept the Christian faith. … Over 10,000 pagans were converted by Saint Irene. The saint went from her native city Migdonia to Kallipolis, and there she continued to preach about Christ. The governor of the city by the name of Babadonos subjected the martyress to new punishments, but seeing that the saint remained unharmed, he came to his senses and believed in Christ. A large number of pagans believed together with him, all whom received holy Baptism from the Disciple Timothy. …”
Source: https://www.holytrinityorthodox.com/calendar/los/May/05-01.htm
Please notice that “she Preached Christ” which is allowed (not over Church Assembly) and regarding baptism it is clearly Written that “… all whom received holy Baptism from the Disciple Timothy. …” i.e. from a man since she as a woman cannot perform such Priestly Duties.
Can you see what was ‘actually Written’ instead of the claim in that link earlier?
This misquote is identified by the authour in that link itself where she admits that the ACTUAL TEXT RECORDS the RE-BAPTISM of anyone whom “Irene Baptized” or even “Nino Baptized” even “BEGGING Blessed TIMOTHY (supposedly the Timothy of the Bible) to RE-BAPTIZE whomever SHE BAPTIZED first“, to quote:
“… Although the text states that Irene baptized the people in her city, a subsequent passage describes the “holy priest” Timothy coming back and Irene begging him to baptize the people in her city—the very people, including her family, whom she had already baptized!42 This pair of seemingly contradictory passages—both Irene and Timothy baptizing the same people in the same city—is similar to contradictory passages found in a manuscript about the life of Nino , the woman who evangelized Iberia (Georgia) in the early fourth century.43 …” (Male Re-Baptizers and the Apostle Nino)
Source: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-11111-3_3#chapter-info
Note: If both Irene and Nino were “Apostles”, then why was there a need for ‘Re-Baptism by MALE PRIESTS’ since this part exists in BOTH the accounts (as she herself admits in her own quote above) but then denies its truth plainly. In other words, dating clearly shows that the sentences of these accounts contained ALL THOSE WORDS TOGETHER meaning we either take ‘all the text with it or none’ despite it being ‘true or not’ even for just an analysis.
One way to understand it is that she knew she erred knowing that she as a woman cannot baptize and thus tried to correct her mistake or who knows since she had visions from God directly so God Told her to correct it.
Either way, in the end, even both Irene and Nino (whom only the authour calls as ‘apostles’ NOT the Orthodox Tradition which preserved these writings even as the other link shared earlier) finally shows that WOMEN can PREACH the GOSPEL but NOT PERFORM PRIESTLY DUTIES despite being able to do miracles etc. as claimed in their lives even.
Women can Preach the Gospel and quoting that to claim women priest/pastor role is not the same as the Church Fathers to Church History to even Protestant Founders have concluded likewise as discussed in the #SafeRouteScripturallyBook in pages prior.
I can understand why Conservative Christians attack Women Pastor Practice vehemently (example in image) especially in light of these Church History Quotes.
Repeating our position on this Topic as follows
At least I do “not” condemn #womenpastors from Salvation as I always still maintain a room of “possibility” that “what if God told them new ways in the 20th century onward” letting God Decide that in the end but even so, no one is Condemned for following what is Written as God Already Said and Approved that 100% as these Verses Testify as it is Written.
If I can be condemned for this, even Blessed Martin Luther (the First Protestant) to Blessed John Calvin, Blessed John Wesley to even Blessed Charles Spurgeon all are condemned since they Preached more “harshly” using these same set of Verses as I have quoted in earlier chapters in the free pdfs.
Note: I will only Quote “Martin Luther, the First Protestant” because any Protestant Christian must agree that ‘he is saved’ and if we preach ‘harshly’ like him even in regards to this Topic (there is “no” Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit Risk at all) and so please consider his following example quotes:
‘… In his great treatise ‘On the Councils and the Church’ (1539) Luther sets out seven external marks of the church. He has this to say about the fifth mark, ‘the fact that the church consecrates or calls ministers, or has offices that it is to administer’. After a wonderful paragraph in which he quotes Ephesians 4:8-11 (‘he gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers’) and speaks of the need to entrust the pastoral ministry to one person, he goes on:
“… It is, however, true that the Holy Spirit has excepted women, children, and incompetent people from this function, but chooses (except in emergencies) only competent males to fill this office, as one reads here and there in the epistles of St. Paul that a bishop must be pious, able to teach, and the husband of one wife – and in 1 Corinthians 14:34 he says, ‘The women should keep silence in the churches’. In summary, it must be a competent and chosen man. Children, women, and other persons are not qualified for this office, even though they are able to hear God’s word, to receive baptism, the sacrament, absolution, and are also true, holy Christians, as St. Peter says …” – Blessed Martin Luther, The First Champion of the Protestant Faith (1 Pet 3:7 – Luther’s Works, American Edition 41:154, 155).
“… But in the New Testament the Holy Spirit, speaking through St. Paul, ordained that women should be silent in the churches and assemblies (1 Cor 14:34), and said that this is the Lord’s commandment. Yet he knew that previously Joel (2:28,29) had proclaimed that God would pour out his Spirit also on handmaidens. Furthermore, the four daughters of Philip prophesied (Acts 21:9). But in the congregations or churches where there is a ministry women are to be silent and not preach (1 Timothy 2:12). Otherwise they may pray, sing, praise, and say ‘Amen’, and read at home, teach each other, exhort, comfort and interpret the Scriptures as best they can (LW 40:390, 391). …” – Blessed Martin Luther, The First Champion of the Protestant Faith (treatise on ‘Infiltrating and Clandestine Preachers’ from 1532, where his discussion runs through several pages (LW 40:388-391).)
“… The four daughters of Philip were prophetesses. A woman can do this – not preach in public, but console and teach – a woman can do this just as much as a man. There are certainly women and girls who are able to comfort others and teach true words, that is to say, who can explain Scripture and teach and console other people…this all counts as prophesying, not preaching …” – Blessed Martin Luther, The First Champion of the Protestant Faith (Sermon on Joel 2:28 (1531) Weimar Ausgabe [Weimar Edition] XXXIV, p 483).
Protestant “Lutheran” Source:
https://thetruthinlove.net/martin-luther-on-women-pastors/
Here’s another famous one:
“… Where THERE IS A MAN, THERE NO WOMAN SHOULD TEACH OR HAVE AUTHORITY. Where there is no man, Paul has allowed that they can do this, because it happens by a man’s command. He wants to save the order preserved by the world—that a man be the head of the woman, as 1 Cor. 11:3 tells us. … Then comes the teaching, and PAUL DOES NOT ENTRUST THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD TO HER. He CONSIDERS THIS THE GREATEST THING THAT GOES ON IN THE CHURCH. You must always understand this with the condition that men are present. Paul says this that there may be peace and harmony in the churches when the Word is taught and people pray. There would be a disturbance if some woman wished to argue against the doctrine that is being taught by a man. The method of 1 Cor. 14 has now perished. I could wish it were still in effect, but it causes great strife. Where a man teaches, there is a wellrounded argument against a man. If she wishes to be wise, let her argue with her husband at home. …” – Blessed Martin Luther, The First Champion of the Protestant Faith (Martin Luther, “Lectures on 1 Timothy” [1528], Luther’s Works, Vol. 28 [Saint Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1973], pp. 276-77)
Protestant Source (Page 12, with much more in detail in pdf in link below):
https://www.angelfire.com/ny4/djw/LutherGenderMinistry.pdf
or this source too:
https://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/5/25/commentary-on-1-timothy-29-14
Our Position: “… Judge not and you won’t be judged …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:1 – 2).
Details (I repeat for clarification):
This does not necessarily mean that the opposite positions to what we propose as the Safe Route Scripturally in this Book must we wrong but rather in some cases it could be so if God permitted it.
However the risk of the opposite positions is still there because we prove our position with Bible Verses and the opposite positions usually pertain to New Modern Ways which some Christians have claimed that God told them do so especially based on the Progressive Revelation Movement which we do not support.
Since only God Knows whether their claims are true or not, we do not judge those Christians letting God Judge them alone.
However, we also point out to them to have respect for these First Ways of the Church especially which are Written in Bible Verses because the Doctrinal Position we demonstrate is already Plainly Written in Holy Scripture and so it is already 100% Approved by New Testament Scripture and the First Churches which obeyed it are already Saved by Practicing it and that’s why we seek to Imitate Scripture likewise.
Peace to you
Any Friend of Christ is a Friend of Mine Way – Church Fathers Mystery
Quote in image: A Reason why we Quote the Earliest Church Fathers as it was done even by the Original First Protestant Fathers in their Book of Concord, link:
The ‘Church Fathers’ Quotes in the Book of Concord are Primarily in the “Testimonies” Section in link below, example quote:
“… 1 Since, especially in the article of the Person of Christ, some have without reason asserted that in the Book of Concord there is a deviation from phrasibus and modis loquendi, that is, the phrases and modes of speech of [received and approved by] the ancient pure Church and fathers, and that, on the contrary, new, strange, self-devised, unusual and unheard-of expressions are introduced; and since the testimonies of the ancient Church and fathers to which this book appeals proved somewhat too extended to be incorporated in it, and having been carefully excerpted, were afterwards delivered to several electors and princes, …”- Book of Concord by the First (“Original”) Protestant Fathers
Source: https://bookofconcord.org/testimonies/
The “Church Fathers” referred to are within mostly by the 6th Century which we quote heavily too, example quote from this same link:
“… 17 But since we must not only know and firmly believe that the assumed human nature in the person of Christ has and retains to all eternity its essence and the natural essential attributes of the same, but it is a matter of especial importance, and the greatest consolation for Christians is comprised therein, that we also know from the revelation of the Holy Scriptures, and without doubt believe the majesty to which this His human nature has been elevated in deed and truth by the personal union, and of which it thus has become personally participant, as has been extensively explained in the Book of Concord; accordingly, and in order that likewise every one may see that also in this part the book mentioned has introduced no new, strange, self-devised, unheard-of paradoxes and expressions into the Church of God, the following Catalog of Testimonies – first of all from the Holy Scriptures, and then also of the ancient, pure teachers of the Church, especially, however, of those fathers who were most eminent and leaders in the first four Ecumenical Councils – will clearly show, from which it may be understood how they have spoken concerning this subject. …” – Book of Concord by the First (“Original”) Protestant Fathers
Source: https://bookofconcord.org/testimonies/
Note: Please see how the Book of Concord Mentions the “Church Fathers” with respect as the ‘Friends of Christ before us’.
Another Example Quote from the same link above, please notice how they call the Church Fathers as “Holy Fathers” (proving such usage of terms is okay by the “First (Original) Protestants” Standard as well):
“… 8 And the decree of the Council of Chalcedon, as cited by Evagrius, lib. 2, cap 4, reads thus: “Following, then, the HOLY FATHERS,, we confess one and the same Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and we all set forth with one voice that the same is perfect in deity and the same perfect in humanity; that the same is truly God and truly man, consisting of a rational soul and a body; …” – Book of Concord by the First (“Original”) Protestant Fathers
Source: https://bookofconcord.org/testimonies/
Another example quote where they use the phrase “Blessed Virgin” (meaning we can use it on Church Fathers too indicating their ‘Blessedness’ of being Chosen by God honouring God’s Anointing and Calling on them First before we existed even), to quote (even using the term “Catholic” which just means “Universal“):
“… 175 The same, in Discourse 3, On the Passion: “This the CATHOLIC faith teaches, this it requires, that we know that in our Redeemer two natures have united, and that, while their properties remained, such a union of both substances has occurred that, from the time in which the Word became flesh in the womb of the BLESSED VIRGIN, we are not to think of God without this, that He is man; nor of the man without this, that He is God. …” Book of Concord by the First (“Original”) Protestant Fathers
Source: https://bookofconcord.org/testimonies/
Since we can be corrected in Doctrine (teachable spirit), that’s why we changed our Doctrines and Possibilities of Doctrine according to the Writings of the most Authoritative First Fathers of the Church. We quote the Church Fathers for almost every quote made to prove that the Bible Verses are “not” just understood like that by us but mainly by them first too.
Only arrogant Preaching quote themselves with “no” Church History quotes from Protestant Founders nor Church Fathers. Why they don’t quote Church History? Because they have none other than the modern 20th century times.
Another Reason:
“…40“He who receives you receives Me, … 41He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:40 – 42, highlighted phrases, NKJV)
Note: Some of the Church Fathers we are quoting didn’t just quote the Bible but also were used by God to Decide which Books are to be in the Bible together with ‘which Manuscript variant even’ and also to ‘preserve them’ meaning in any Church or where the Gospel is Preached, including in any ‘modern churches too’, they have a touch on your Bible too in some way since theirs was the ‘Original Hebrew + Original Koine Greek Bible’.
So, we certainly esteem the ‘Church Fathers’ ‘better’ than us to fulfill this Verse (not by arbitrarily quoting some unconfirmed spiritual achievements but rather what even the very Founders of Protestantism have endorsed wholeheartedly even if they don’t see eye to eye on each Doctrine with every Church Father), Verse:
“… Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind LET EACH ESTEEM OTHERS BETTER THAN HIMSELF. …” (Philippians 2:3, NKJV)
To quote from Page 93 from the #MysteryoftheKingdomofHeavenBook:
The first Lutherans in general had more respect for the “Church Fathers” (even if the Church Fathers could be doctrinally wrong from their view point) and must certainly view them as “saved” despite “differences in doctrine”, to quote regarding the ‘Lutheran Book of Concord‘:
“… The Lutheran Church did not start in the 1500s, but is the continuation of the one catholic (universal) Church, including everyone who taught and believed the one catholic faith. In The Book of Concord, the Early Church fathers are referenced and quoted in every confessional document (except the Small Catechism). Here are all the ones mentioned: Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, and Tertullian from the second century. Origen, Cyprian, Anthony of Egypt, Athanasius, Basil of Caesarea, Gregory of Nazianzus, Gregory of Nyssa, John Chrysostom, Cyril of Alexandria, Hilary of Poitiers, Jerome, Ambrose, Augustine, and Leo I covered the third, fourth, and fifth centuries .Gregory I, Bede, and John of Damascus from the sixth, seventh, and eighth centuries. These men taught and wrote throughout the Roman Empire: from Judea to England; from northern Africa to Italy and Asia Minor. They are the leading teachers of the whole Church throughout the first eight centuries of Christian history, and the Lutherans claim them as their fathers in the faith. … Quoting the Early Church fathers does not imply that Christian teaching is founded on the authority of men (Catalog of Testimonies, Conclusion). Lutherans hold the Scriptures to be “the only true standard or norm by which all teachers and doctrines are to be judged” (Formula, Solid Declaration, Summary, 3). But those teachers and doctrines that are judged true should also be appreciated and used. The Christian faith did not originate with us. The Christian faith is handed on from one generation of saints to the next, as each generation holds to Scripture. There is so much we can learn from the faithful teachers of the ancient Church, for we are all part of the same catholic Church. They should not be strangers to us. If we are truly Lutheran, then they are truly our fathers. …”
Source:
https://lutheranreformation.org/history/lutherans-early-church-fathers/
Note: If you see carefully, many of the “Church Fathers” here are the ‘same ones’ I quote frequently in many of my writings. The argument of ‘who could be right is open’ but condemning each other due to these doctrinal differences may be a “Prideful” attitude rather than an edifying one (because one could be wrong on other doctrinal points too). For me, if a ‘possibility of doctrine’ is taught which is “not” found in any of these “listed Church Fathers” here, then it’s most likely a “Christian cult”.
Please don’t worry about modern churches which teach new things or if they don’t accept the Church Fathers simply because ‘if they teach you to disrespect Written New Testament Traditions or even Church Fathers’, then why you respect them?
If they claim new ways, let God deal with them (whether God told them so) but we don’t need to respect their disrespect toward all these approved ancient ways of Christianity.
In other words, when you respect their ways say against New Testament Tradition verses (example 1 Corinthians 11 to 14), you are at the same time disrespecting actual Bible Verses found here whether knowingly or unknowingly which such “Risk” or error is “not” Found among “Church Fathers” nor the “Protestant Founders” even. So that’s why I choose this safe path.
Indeed, this might be the safest way Scripturally as per Verse below to OBEY to “SPEAK the SAME THING” (where the ‘Church Fathers differ, it may be forgivable if wrong since even Protestant Founders affirm that they are saved’) in 1 Corinthians 1:10 in a few translations:
King James Bible
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, THAT YE ALL SPEAK THE SAME THING, and that there be NO DIVISIONS among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
New King James Version
Now I plead with you, brethren, by the NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, THAT YOU ALL SPEAK THE SAME THING, and that there be NO DIVISIONS among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
New American Standard Bible
Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that YOU ALL AGREE and that there be NO DIVISIONS among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.
Source: https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/1-10.htm
Please always ask (example questions for self-check):
1) Who was the First Person in Church History whom you can quote for your ‘Doctrinal Claim’? If not you are disobeying 1 Corinthians 1:10. Can you see it?
2) Is the person you quoted a ‘Church Father’?
3) Is there a Church Father who claimed differently from what you claimed? If so, who is earlier and more authoritative or more likely to be true?
This is the #SafeRouteScripturally for “Sound Doctrine” or “Possibilities of Doctrine“.
Peace to you!
Good Soil as the Number of Converts and not the Seed – Further Mysteries
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161704440952784
Verse:
“… But HE THAT RECEIVED SEED INTO GOOD GROUND IS HE THAT that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 13:23,KJV)
Details:
1) “… HE THAT RECEIVED SEED INTO GOOD GROUND IS HE THAT …” = Seed (Word of God) is sown into the “Good Ground” (Christian Convert)
2) “… INTO GOOD GROUND IS HE THAT …” = “Good Ground” refers to the “Christian Convert” and so “how many Good Grounds?” = “number of converts“.
3) “… Seed …” = “Word of God” (Luke 8:11)
4) “… Fruit to Maturity …” = “Amount of Word of GOD from the NEW TESTAMENT BELIEVED (Beliefs) and those COMMANDS which are OBEYED in ACTION (Rules) & That’s why we don’t discard NEW TESTAMENT TRADITIONS either as these are COMMANDS OF THE LORD according to 1 Corinthians 14:37”
In comparison,
“… Fruits NOT to Maturity …” = “Amount of Word of GOD from the NEW TESTAMENT BELIEVED but not fully nor accurately (Beliefs) and those COMMANDS which are OBEYED in ACTION (Rules) & That’s why we don’t discard NEW TESTAMENT TRADITIONS either as these are COMMANDS OF THE LORD according to 1 Corinthians 14:37 where these are not fully obeyed either could cause some fruits not to be borne to maturity either” as Christ Warned in this Parable as follows:
“… 14Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are CHOKED with CARES, RICHES, and pleasures of life, and BRING NO FRUIT TO MATURITY. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 8:14, NKJV)
What is the Real Meaning of ‘Christian Maturity’ based on Christ’s Words here?
Risk Element: Please notice that ‘earthly cares’ (e.g. #Prosperity thinking) and #Riches too (busy thinking about making money or acquiring earthly possessions to enjoy life as even unbelievers focus much on this) are the PRIME REASONS CHRIST HIMSELF WARNS here that causes even SUCH REJECTED CHRISTIAN CONVERTS because they will “… BRING NO FRUIT TO MATURITY. …” indicating ‘they may HAVE FRUITS’ but ‘NOT MATURED FRUITS’ which can mean “have obedience but not matured obedience” = ‘obey some commands but ignore the rest of the New Testament Commands’ (That’s why to avoid this risk, we do “not” discard NEW TESTAMENT TRADITIONS either as the last few posts we showed clearly how even JUDGMENT for breaking a ‘new testament tradition’ [e.g. in pages 473 to 477 or Pages 564 to 579 or even Pages 640 to 644] clearly is described as “… having CONDEMNATION [Judgment] for having CAST OFF THEIR FIRST FAITH …” [1 Timothy 5:12] to “… DENIED the FAITH … WORSE than an UNBELIEVER …” [1 Timothy 5:8] as these ‘Bible Verses’ (“not” me) WARN using such HARSH WORDS even with “no” other sin mentioned apart from ‘breaking just a New Testament Tradition’ (i.e. all other factors held constant, even without even a 10 Commandment mentioned to broken by ‘such Christian Converts’) as “it is Written“.
Can you see it? That’s why I prefer to Preach Harsh regarding Keeping these New Testament Traditions even so that regardless I never risked your “fruit to no maturity” for such “Commands” and also by obeying it it is you who gain “these fruits” (hence heavenly rewards too) which ‘many other Christian converts may have ignored and hence may not attain to such rewards’ even if saved (as per the Principle based on HIS NEW TESTAMENT COMMANDS only now according to this Verse even):
“… 19Whoever therefore BREAKS one of the LEAST of THESE COMMANDMENTS, and TEACHES men so, shall be called LEAST in the kingdom of HEAVEN; but whoever DOES AND TEACHES them, he shall be called GREAT in the kingdom of HEAVEN. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:19, NKJV)
Can you see that CHRIST ASKS us to BOTH DO AND TEACH HIS NEW TESTAMENT COMMANDS here in this Verse above? Now even the New Testament Traditions are part of His Commands based in 1 Corinthians 14:37, and so best is to do and Preach that too, right?
Also, please note that Christ Didn’t Say ‘Preach Prosperity and easy life and enjoy life or get more money in My Name’ though something like that is resounded more, isn’t it?
Comment: Please remember that say for every modern man/woman you quote who disobeys ‘some of these New Testament Traditions’, if you read Church History, you can also find great men and women of God who OBEYED these New Testament Traditions even. Since “Obedience is better than Sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22), the better choice is to obey, right?
5) Here’s Matthew 13:23 in a few translations to understand this same meaning
Source: https://biblehub.com/matthew/13-23.htm
New International Version
But the seed falling on GOOD SOIL REFERS TO SOMEONE WHO hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”
New Living Translation
The seed that fell on GOOD SOIL REPRESENTS THOSE who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
English Standard Version
As for what was sown on GOOD SOIL, THIS IS THE ONE who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
New King James Version
But he who received seed on the GOOD GROUND IS HE WHO HEARS the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”
New American Standard Bible
But the one sown with seed on the GOOD SOIL, THIS IS THE ONE WHO HEARS the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces, some a hundred, some sixty, and some thirty times as much.”
6) ThirtyFold vs SixtyFold vs HundredFold Fruits
Here’s an Analogy to understand this better
I see it like this: the earliest Church Leaders (e. g. the “Church Fathers” to the “Protestant Founders” are the “Ferari’s of Faith” – ‘the rarest faiths’, the “Hundredfold ones”).
The multitude of converts like you and I are just “kancils of faith” (the “thirtyfold ones”, using the analogy a cheap car to illustrate how pointless our opinions are when we Speak AGAINST BIBLE VERSES and especially with NO CHURCH HISTORY PROOF QUOTES) which can refer to the THIRTYFOLD vs SIXTYFOLD vs HUNDREDFOLD Fruit Harvest.
So, a Church with “big numbers” can just be a gathering of many “thirtyfolds” with a lesser “sixtyfolds” among them and the least “hundredfolds” too if any.
This is the Deep Theology regarding “Number of Converts”
Example: Christ Himself had only “12 Apostles” at the highest levels or the “Firstfruit” of Salvation refers to purely “144 000 unmarried Jewish Virgin Men only” (Revelation 7:1 – 10, Revelation 14:1 – 5) as the “Firstfruits” indicates the holiest lot which has nothing to do with number of converts as ‘how many unmarried Jewish Virgin Men from history even are known to have big number of converts or pastor mega churches’?
Well this is what the Bible clearly Teaches in the Quoted Verses “as it is Written“.
Details Example:
Can you see how important these 144,000 were? I am “not” Jewish or fulfill any of these qualifications but I am fascinated by how close they were to God that God Reveals them like that further in Revelation 14 as follows:
“… 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)
Just because you and I cannot become these closest Friend of Christ till they can “WORSHIP GOD with a unique song which NO OTHER BELIEVER CAN LEARN EVEN” (phrase here: ‘… NO ONE COULD LEARN THAT SONG except the HUNDRED AND FORTY-FOUR THOUSAND …’) but yet we should Preach such Beautiful Truths because the Bible does!
7) First Christianity Quotes regarding the Thirtyfold vs Sixtyfold vs Hundredfold Fruits of the Gospel
I learnt that the “number of converts” = “good soil” from Matthew 13:23 earlier but only realized this accuracy and possibly mysteries beyond when I read the “Church Fathers” regarding this Topic a few years ago. Here’s an example from St. Jerome only (please don’t discard St. Jerome so easily because his Bible stood as the only Bible used in Churches and missionary work for 1000 years! (between about 500 AD to 1500 AD) where even the KJV Bible or Protestant Bibles haven’t even reached half that years & are “not’ the only translation used and so he may be recording Various Scriptural Traditions understanding of these Thirtyfold vs Sixtyfold vs Hundredfold Mysteries of the Gospel some of which may have “not” been Written intentionally in Bible Verses since in this Parable itself Christ Said that “not” everyone would know these “Secrets (Mysteries) regarding the “Kingdom of Heaven” e.g. Matthew 13:11 or Luke 8:10 and so if it’s Written everyone would know it & thus we can look for the Unwritten part for ‘This Topic of Thirtyfold vs Sixtyfold vs Hundredfold Mysteries of the Gospel’ as #SolaScriptura approach itself allows this “Possibility” as no one knows for sure but one can prepare for it with “no” condemnation if keen), to quote:
“… And it is to be noted, that as in the bad ground there were three degrees of difference, to wit, that by the way side, the stony and the thorny ground; so in the good soil there is a three-fold difference, the hundred-fold, the sixty-fold, and the thirty- fold. And in this as in that, not the substance but the will is changed, and the hearts as well of the unbelieving as the believing receive seed; as in the first case He said, “Then cometh the wicked one, and carrieth off that which is sown in the heart;” and in the second and third case of the bad soil He said, “This is he that heareth the word.” So also in the exposition of the good soil, “This is he that heareth the word.” Therefore we ought first to hear, then to understand, and after understanding to bring forth the fruits of teaching, either an hundred-fold, or sixty, or thirty. [p. 493] … vid. Cyp. Tr. iv. 12: The hundred-fold fruit is to be ascribed to virgins, the sixty-fold to widows and continent persons, the thirty-fold to chaste wedlock. … Hieron. Ep. 48, 2: For the joining together of the hands, as it were in the soft embrace of a kiss, represents husband and wife. The sixty-fold refers to widows, who as being set in narrow circumstances and affliction are denoted by the depression of the finger; for by how much greater is the difficulty of abstaining from the allurements of pleasure once known, so much greater is the reward. The hundredth number passes from the left to the right, and by its turning round with the same fingers, not on the same hand, it expresses the crown of virginity. [ed. note: ~ This alludes to the method of notation by the fingers described by Bede (with reference to this passage of S. Jerome,) in his treatise ‘De Indigitatione,’ vol i. 131. The expression, ‘atque suos jam dextra computat annos,’ Juv. will occur immediately to the classical reader.] …”– 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)
Source:
8.) How about where the “Gospel Seed” is “not” Sown?
Mystery Part regarding where the “Gospel SEED was NOT SOWN“: Possible Hope for non-Christians who were Merciful toward Christians with the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle
“… Also, by this which this servant dared to say, “Thou reapest where thou sowedst not,” [Matthew 25:26] we understand that the Lord accepts the good life of the Gentiles and of the Philosophers. …” – Blessed St. Jerome of the Vulgate, 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)
Source [ Patristic Bible Commentary, Catena Aurea, Matthew 25:14 – 30, P. 853 ]:
This is an example of “Doctrinal Possibility” because a First Christianity Quote like this was ‘Recorded’ hence was believed by ‘some early Christians of Church Fathers even’.
Since we are “not” sure whether this interpretation is true or not, so we let God Decide on Judgment Day and whatever He Decides we accept it either way Honouring God’s Sovereignty.
Peace to you
I just discovered Blessed Martin Luther, the First Protestant’s Preaching regarding the meaning of this Parable the same. Example Quotes:
The First Protestant Martin Luther’s Parable of the Sower Sermon
“… 1. This Gospel treats of the DISCIPLES and THE FRUITS, which the WORD OF GOD DEVELOPS in the world. It does NOT SPEAK OF THE LAW NOR OF HUMAN INSTITUTIONS; but, as CHRIST HIMSELF SAYS, of the WORD OF GOD, which he himself the SOWER PREACHES, for THE LAW BEARS NO FRUIT, just as LITTLE as DO THE INSTITUTIONS OF MEN. Christ however sets forth here four kinds of DISCIPLES OF THE DIVINE WORD. 7. The fourth class are those who lay hold of and KEEP THE WORD in a good and honest heart, and BRING FORTH FRUIT with patience, THOSE WHO HEAR THE WORD and STEADFASTLY RETAIN IT, MEDITATE UPON IT and ACT IN HARMONY WITH IT. …” – Blessed Martin Luther, the First Champion of the Protestant Faith (Points 1 & 7 – partial, Parable of the Sower, THE SERMONS OF MARTIN LUTHER, VOL. II, PAGE 113 THE DISCIPLES & THE FRUITS OF GOD’S WORD)
Source: https://www.sacred-texts.com/chr/luther/sower.htm
Comment: ANY WORD (Doctrinal Belief or Command from CHRIST in the NEW TESTAMENT ONLY & that’s why we don’t set aside the New Testament Traditions either which are “Commands of the Lord too” according to 1 Corinthians 14:37) and all these Qualifies to be the “Seed” upon which one beliefs, meditates and acts as Martin Luther himself Teaches this ‘same meaning’. Can you see it?
“… 7. The fourth class are those who lay hold of and KEEP THE WORD in a good and honest heart, and BRING FORTH FRUIT with patience, THOSE WHO HEAR THE WORD and STEADFASTLY RETAIN IT, MEDITATE UPON IT and ACT IN HARMONY WITH IT. The devil does not snatch it away, nor are they thereby led astray, moreover the heat of persecution does not rob them of it, and the thorns of pleasure and the avarice of the times do not hinder its growth; but they bear fruit by teaching others and by developing the kingdom of God, hence they also do good to their neighbor in love; and therefore Christ adds, “they bring forth fruit with patience.” For these must suffer much on account of the Word, shame and disgrace from fanatics and heretics, hatred and jealousy with injury to body and property from their persecutors, not to mention what the thorns and the temptations of their own flesh do, so that it may well be called the Word of the cross; for he who would keep it must bear the cross and misfortune, and triumph. field, 8. He says: “In honest and good hearts.” Like a field that is without a thorn or brush, cleared and spacious, as a beautiful clean place: so a heart is also cleared and clean, broad and spacious, that is without cares and avarice as to temporal needs, so that the Word of God truly finds lodgment there. But the field is good, not only when it lies there cleared and level, but when it is also rich and fruitful, possesses soil and is productive, and not like a stony and gravelly field. Just so is the heart that has good soil and with a full spirit is strong, fertile and good to keep the Word and bring forth fruit with patience. …” – Blessed Martin Luther, the First Champion of the Protestant Faith (Points 1,7 and 8, Parable of the Sower, THE SERMONS OF MARTIN LUTHER, VOL. II, PAGE 113 THE DISCIPLES & THE FRUITS OF GOD’S WORD)
Source: https://www.sacred-texts.com/chr/luther/sower.htm
Peace to you
Mystery of the Seed in the Parable of the Sower – Word of God
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161700013452784
Popular Fallacy: The “Seed” sown on “Good Ground” refers to “number of converts“.
Biblical Truth: The “Seed” sown on “Good Ground” refers to “How many Word of God (be it Commands to Doctrine) which gets sown in us (meaning we obey it)” + “how much of #CharityDoctrineLifestyle we Practice toward each other“. In fact, can you see that the “number of converts” is equal to the “number of Good Grounds” because each ‘good ground’ refers to a ‘convert in Christianity’. So, the ‘Seed’ is the ‘Word of God’ sown in each “Good Ground or Convert”. So more “Seed/Word of God” is sown, “more Fruits” be it in terms of “Doctrinal accuracy (beliefs) and Commands” has a potential to be formed.
Let’s look at Bible Verses to learn this Truth accurately.
1) “SEED” = “Word of God” ONLY in the “Parable of the Sower”
“… 9Then His disciples asked Him, saying, “What does this parable mean?” 10And He said, “To you it has been given to know the [f]mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables, that ‘Seeing they may not see, And hearing they may not understand.’11“Now the parable is this: The SEED is THE WORD OF GOD. 12Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. 13But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of [g]temptation fall away. 14Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. 15But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 8:9 – 15, NKJV)
Note: Please notice that some “Seed” fell on “Good Ground” while others on bad ground even some where there is “no” maturity of fruit meaning “no” full obedience is achieved. So, the quote in image is true in that the duty of the Preacher is Done with sowing the WRITTEN WORD of GOD = “SEED” (as it cannot have human origins or human words but purely from CHRIST ALONE, GOD’S WORD) as Romans 10:17 in two translations below Reveal clearly too:
New King James Version
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
New American Standard Bible
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
Please notice that “FAITH” is ONLY formed when it is the “WORD of GOD” = “WORD of CHRIST” (where Written Bible Verses are Primarily meant).
Since the “Seed” is the “Word of God” (Written Bible Verses only), so whoever is “Good Ground” it will grow into the “Fruit of Obedience” producing the “Fruit according to His Command” which is “Obeyed”.
More Commands Obeyed, More Fruits. Why must it be Written Verses only? Because the ‘same Seed’ must exist from First Christianity to today’s Christianity as per the COMMAND to SPEAK the SAME in Verses below:
“… Now I plead with you, brethren, by the NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, THAT YOU ALL SPEAK THE SAME THING, and that there be NO DIVISIONS among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. …” (1 Corinthians 1:10, NKJV)
2) The “SEED” = “Charity Doctrine Lifestyle” mainly
“… 6But this I say: HE WHO SOWS SPARINGLY WILL ALSO REAP SPARINGLY, and HE WHO SOWS BOUNTIFULLY WILL ALSO REAP BOUNTIFULLY. 7So let EACH ONE GIVE as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of [f]necessity; FOR GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER. 8And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all SUFFICIENCY IN ALL THINGS, may have an ABUNDANCE FOR EVERY GOOD WORK. 9As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has GIVEN TO THE POOR; His RIGHTEOUSNESS endures FOREVER.” 10Now [g]may He who supplies SEED TO THE SOWER, and bread for food, [h]supply and multiply the SEED YOU HAVE SOWN and INCREASE THE FRUITS OF YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS, 11while you are enriched in everything for ALL LIBERALITY, which causes THANKSGIVING THROUGH US TO GOD. 12For the ADMINISTRATION OF THIS SERVICE not only SUPPLIES THE NEEDS OF THE SAINTS, but also is ABOUNDING THROUGH MANY THANKSGIVINGS TO GOD, 13while, through the PROOF OF THIS MINISTRY, THEY GLORIFY GOD for the OBEDIENCE OF YOUR CONFESSION to the GOSPEL OF CHRIST, and for YOUR LIBERAL SHARING WITH THEM and ALL MEN, …” (2 Corinthians 9:6 – 13, NKJV)
Comments:
“… HE WHO SOWS BOUNTIFULLY WILL ALSO REAP BOUNTIFULLY …” = “…FOR GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER. …” = “… He has GIVEN TO THE POOR; …” = “… supplies SEED TO THE SOWER, and bread for food, [h]supply and multiply the SEED YOU HAVE SOWN and INCREASE THE FRUITS OF YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS …” = “… SUPPLIES THE NEEDS OF THE SAINTS …” = “… PROOF OF THIS MINISTRY, THEY GLORIFY GOD for the OBEDIENCE OF YOUR CONFESSION to the GOSPEL OF CHRIST, and for YOUR LIBERAL SHARING WITH THEM and ALL MEN, …”.
It doesn’t get any clearer than this that the “SEED” includes the Primary Definition or COMMANDS (from the Word of God) as referring to the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle to Christians and non-Christians according to our willingness. Can you see it as it is Written please? So any #TrueChurch must have this as an essential Doctrine as it’s linked directly to the PARABLE of the SOWER’s SEED where the PRIMARY SEED is HIS #CharityDoctrineLifestyle COMMANDS as we can see it #SolaScriptura by viewing these Verses based on this ‘same word’ or Context (‘Topic’) likewise.
3) Obeying or Keeping God’s New Testament Commands = part of Everlasting Life to Know Him (or get closer to Him) = Another type of Gospel “Seed” too
“… 48He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. 49For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. 50And I KNOW THAT HIS COMMAND IS EVERLASTING LIFE. Therefore, WHATEVER I SPEAK, JUST AS THE FATHER HAS TOLD ME, SO I SPEAK.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 12:48 – 50, NKJV)
“… 3And THIS IS ETERNAL LIFE, that THEY MAY KNOW YOU, the ONLY TRUE GOD, and JESUS CHRIST whom You have sent. 4I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. 5And now, O Father, glorify Me together [b]with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.6“I have [c]manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and THEY HAVE KEPT YOUR WORD. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:3 – 6, NKJV)
“… IF YOU LOVE ME, KEEP [Obey] MY COMMANDMENTS. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:15, NKJV)
“… 23JESUS ANSWERED and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will KEEP MY WORD; and MY FATHER WILL LOVE HIM, and WE WILL COME TO HIM and MAKE OUR HOME WITH HIM. 24He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. …” (John 14:23 – 24, NKJV)
“… 46“But WHY DO YOU CALL ME ‘LORD, LORD,’ and NOT DO THE THINGS WHICH I SAY? 47Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: 48He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:46 – 48, NKJV)
4) Righteousness Increases when more New Testament Commands (even Traditions) are OBEYED in Principle of Verses below
“… Oh, that YOU HAD HEEDED MY COMMANDMENTS! Then your peace would have been like a river, And YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS like the WAVES OF THE SEA. …” (Isaiah 48:18, NKJV)
“… 18And JESUS CAME AND SPOKE TO THEM, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THINGS THAT I HAVE COMMANDED YOU; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. …” (Matthew 28:18 – 20, NKJV)
Yes, New Testament Traditions are part of the “ALL THAT I COMMANDED YOU” through HIS APOSTLES:
“… If anyone THINKS himself to be a PROPHET or SPIRITUAL, let him ACKNOWLEDGE that the things which I WRITE TO YOU ARE THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD. …” (1 Corinthians 14:37, NKJV)
“… 2that YOU MAY BE MINDFUL OF THE WORDS which were spoken before by the holy prophets, AND OF THE COMMANDMENT OF [a]US, THE APOSTLES OF THE LORD AND SAVIOR, 3knowing this first: THAT SCOFFERS WILL COME IN THE LAST DAYS, …” (2 Peter 3:2 – 3, NKJV)
“… 19Whoever therefore BREAKS one of the LEAST of THESE COMMANDMENTS, and TEACHES men so, shall be called LEAST in the kingdom of HEAVEN; but whoever DOES AND TEACHES them, he shall be called GREAT in the kingdom of HEAVEN. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:19, NKJV)
Comment: This is “not” self righteousness which Christ Scolded the Pharisees because ‘the Pharisees’ righteousness was based on UNWRITTEN man made rules and commandments while IGNORING ACTUAL WRITTEN WORD OF GOD making it to NO EFFECT’, Verses in Comparison:
“… 13MAKING THE WORD OF GOD OF NO EFFECT THROUGH YOUR TRADITION which you have handed down. And many such things you do.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:13, NKJV)
“… 5But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God”— 6then he need not honor his father [a]or mother.’ Thus you have made the [b]COMMANDMENT OF GOD OF NO EFFECT by YOUR TRADITION. 7HYPOCRITES! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 8‘These people [c]DRAW NEAR TO ME WITH THEIR MOUTH, And HONOR ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR FROM ME. 9And IN VAIN THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE COMMANDMENTS OF MEN.’ ” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 15:5 – 9, NKJV)
Note: Self righteousness is doing things what is NOT WRITTEN and also DOING and SPEAKING AGAINST WHAT IS WRITTEN as CHRIST clearly Defined it in Verses above making “their WORSHIP VAIN” for following MAN MADE WAYS as per Verses above BY CHRIST.
This Gives Full Glory to Christ Alone because “Preaching Christ is Preaching what He Commanded too” and thus it is not us but He Who Works His Commands in us, Verses:
“…for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. …” (Philippians 2:13, NKJV)
Indeed, Self Righteousness is claiming ‘Good Works comes naturally to them or that they do it to be saved’ while “Good Works” Done Truthfully is acknowledging that it is Done Solely on the Command of God Alone by HIM WORKING in US and NOT BY OURSELVES.
The #SolaFide Preacher Apostle St. Paul is the one Taught all these “New Testament Traditions” to be kept and Preached the other New Testament Commands which are the “SEED” where only the abolished Torah’s parts are to be rejected:
“… Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the KEEPING OF THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD. …” (1 Corinthians 7:19, KJV)
“… 16Therefore I URGE YOU, IMITATE ME. 17For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and FAITHFUL son in the Lord, who will remind you of MY WAYS IN CHRIST, AS I TEACH EVERYWHERE IN EVERY CHURCH. …” (1 Corinthians 4:16 – 17, NKJV)
“… Now I PRAISE YOU, BRETHREN, that you remember me in all things and KEEP THE TRADITIONS JUST AS I DELIVERED THEM TO YOU. …” (1 Corinthians 11:2, NKJV)
“… Therefore, brethren, STAND FAST AND HOLD THE TRADITIONS which YOU WERE TAUGHT, WHETHER BY WORD OR OUR EPISTLE. …” (2 Thessalonians 2:15, NKJV)
“… But we COMMAND YOU, BRETHREN, in the NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, that you WITHDRAW FROM EVERY BROTHER who walks DISORDERLY and NOT ACCORDING TO THE TRADITION which he received from us. …” (2 Thessalonians 3:6, NKJV)
Please be careful of any Christianity which downplays God’s New Testament Commands calling it human tradition as this Verse Warns to “not view Bible Verses” as ‘human words’ but as “GOD’S WORDS”:
“… 13For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because WHEN YOU RECEIVED THE WORD OF GOD which you heard from us, YOU WELCOMED IT NOT AS the WORD OF MEN, but AS IT IS IN TRUTH, the WORD OF GOD, which also effectively works in you who believe. …” (1 Thessalonians 2:13, NKJV)
So, just like Blessed Apostle St. Paul, if we teach the CORRECT type of SOLA FIDE DOCTRINE, we will likewise TEACH ALL THESE VERSES as he himself did (including the New Testament Traditions/Rules too, e.g. 1 Corinthians 11:1 – 2, 1 Corinthians 14:37). Can you see it please ‘as it is Written’?
Why do these need to be Preached?
Similarly, in analogy, just like “Holiness Commands” (e.g. Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not Murder, Honour your Parents etc.) needs to be Taught, likewise Practice the “Charity Doctrine” Good Works of “GIVE and SHARE” commands by Christ or New Testament Verses needs to be Preached likewise.
Since the “Seed” is the “Word of God” (Written Bible Verses only), so whoever is “Good Ground” it will grow into the “Fruit of Obedience” producing the “Fruit according to His Command” which is “Obeyed”.
More Commands Obeyed or Gospel Preached, More Fruits, Verse:
“… 13Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I MIGHT HAVE SOME FRUIT AMONG YOU ALSO, just as among the other Gentiles. 14I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. 15So, as much as is in me, I AM READY TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO YOU WHO ARE IN ROME ALSO. …” (Romans 1:13, NKJV)
Comment: Please notice carefully that “… that I MIGHT HAVE SOME FRUIT AMONG YOU ALSO, …” = “… I AM READY TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO YOU WHO ARE IN ROME ALSO. …”. So more Gospel Word/Command is Preached, more FRUIT.
Another Verse where the “GOSPEL” includes PREACHING to PRODUCE OBEDIENCE in both WORD and ACTION (or “DEED”):
“…For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in WORD AND DEED, to make the GENTILES OBEDIENT— …” (Romans 15:18, NKJV)
or in another translation
“… For I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, RESULTING IN THE OBEDIENCE of the GENTILES BY WORD AND DEED, …” (Romans 15:18, NASB)
So may God Help us to Reap the Fruit of His Commands unto Eternal Life (includes the Rewards etc.):
“… 36And he who reaps receives wages, and GATHERS FRUIT FOR ETERNAL LIFE, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 4:36, NKJV)
Here are the #CharityDoctrine “Seed” referred to in the Word of God as “Obedience to the Gospel (“Good News”) of Christ” in an easier English Translation (so teaching this doctrine is ‘not legalism’ but “SEED” of the “WORD of GOD” – please look for words such as “seed” etc. in Verses below or in earlier translation which is more word to word carefully):
“… 6Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” 10For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 11Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 12So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. 13As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. …” (2 Corinthians 9:6 – 13, NLT)
Peace to you
Heavenly Rewards – Thirty, Sixty and Hundredfold Mystery
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161695475822784
Popular Fallacy: Every Reward in Heaven is Equal for every believer.
Biblical Truth: Salvation is a Free Gift but there are three Harvests of the Gospel based on our works be it Thirty-fold, Sixty-fold or Hundredfold accordingly. Example Christ Describes the Hundredfold as per Matthew 19:29. May God Help us to attain to the Works that we can.
The only #Hundredfold” Description Verse found in Scripture by CHRIST HIMSELF doesn’t (does “NOT“) point to number of Converts, Church Attendance nor long prayers but one of these SIGNIFICANT LETTING GO of the dearest things to humans for HIS SAKE OR GOSPEL’S SAKE, Verses:
“… 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 19:27 – 30, NKJV)
Brief Comments:
1) Please notice the Word “HUNDREDFOLD” carefully and differently from the word “ETERNAL LIFE” (both mentioned by CHRIST DISTINCTLY in these Verses and so we ought to likewise for any Complete Preaching of the Gospel likewise) where the former is the “REWARD OF HEAVENLY INHERITANCE LEVEL” while the latter is the “FREE SALVATION GIFT” respectively.
2) It’s a Particular Type of #FollowChrist namely, as Apostle Peter declares here as “… LEFT ALL and FOLLOWED YOU …” Which merits this “HUNDREDFOLD” Reward Level. So since Matthew 13:8 Speaks of Thirty-fold Vs Sixty-fold Vs Hundredfold Harvests of the GOSPEL, we can infer proportionately that a lesser reward of Thirty-fold and Sixty-fold may thus refer to “NOT LEAVING ALL” type which the HUNDREDFOLD type merits to be fair to all. Let God Alone Measure by His Word.
“… 8But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a HUNDREDFOLD, SOME SIXTY, SOME THIRTY. 9He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” 10And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” 11He answered and said to them, “Because it has been GIVEN TO YOU to KNOW the [a]MYSTERIES OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, but to THEM IT HAS NOT BEEN GIVEN. …” (Matthew 13:8 – 11, NKJV)
Note: If these “SECRETS” (Koine Greek: Same as “Mystery“) of the “Kingdom of Heaven” in the Context of “Thirty-fold Vs Sixty-fold Vs Hundredfold Rewards” are plainly Written in the Gospels, then it’s no more a secret as anyone can read and know. That’s why it’s Written Mysteriously and we understand it better with First Christianity Quotes too (please see at the end).
3) These “HUNDREDFOLD” Rewards are “not” on earth now at all (not inclusive of this as some #ProsperityGospel fallacies err) because CHRIST CLEARLY Points to this to HAPPEN only at the RESURRECTION as signified by the phrase “… that in the REGENERATION …” Where these are to take place in the First Resurrection (Revelation 20:5) where the Blessed Apostles of the Lamb sit on TWELVE THRONES as Described specially for them only too because no one else can beat them in that.
4) “… LEFT LANDS and LEFT HOUSES …” for the Gospel Sake Signified by CHRIST in these Verses can mean leaving those things because one became a Christian and could not inherit those from unbelieving parents (e.g. chased out of the house) or also can mean to refer to the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle by sharing the residence with other believers in living together as the First Church did (e.g. Acts 2:44 – 46, Acts 4:32) to do Gospel Work or Commands.
5) “… LEFT WIFE …” for the Gospel Sake Signified by CHRIST in these Verses above can mean leaving marriage but more so not marrying at all to do Gospel Work or Commands. Logic: If leaving wife after marrying is meant by Christ here to have a “HUNDREDFOLD” Reward, how much more not marrying at all to do the same Gospel Work (all other factors held constant, e.g. Matthew 19:12, 1 Corinthians 7:7 – 9, 28, 32 – 33, 38, please see below later)
6) Other Bible Verses in support of these two highlighted points:
“… 44Now all who BELIEVED were together, and had ALL THINGS in COMMON, 45and SOLD their POSSESSIONS and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46So continuing DAILY with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and SIMPLICITY of HEART, 47praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. …” (Acts 2:44 – 47, NKJV)
Note: They did this #CharityDoctrineLifestyle living DAILY and not once a week meeting at Church or few times a week (lower way) as per the phrase “… 46So continuing DAILY … in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house …”.
“… 32Now the multitude of those who BELIEVED were of ONE HEART and ONE SOUL; neither did anyone say that ANY of the THINGS he POSSESSED was HIS OWN, but they had ALL THINGS in COMMON. … 34Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for ALL who were POSSESSORS of LANDS or HOUSES SOLD them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they DISTRIBUTED to each as ANYONE had NEED. 36And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. …” (Acts 4:32, 34 – 37, NKJV)
“… For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves EUNUCHS FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN’S SAKE. He who is ABLE TO ACCEPT IT, LET HIM ACCEPT IT.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:12, NKJV)
Note: The phrase by CHRIST HIMSELF here namely ‘… He who is ABLE TO ACCEPT IT, LET HIM ACCEPT IT.” …’ in regards to ‘… EUNUCHS FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN’S SAKE …’ indicates that God’s Will here is a “Choice” which sounds similar to Apostle Paul’s Quote by the Inspiration of the Most Blessed Holy Spirit of God next as to why ‘… He WISHED ALL MEN were UNMARRIED …’ likewise to attain to this “HUNDREDFOLD” Level Rewards most likely.
Is that the Reason why Blessed Apostle St. Paul himself echoed that “… He WISHED ALL MEN were LIKE THAT? …” Verses (for if there was “no” difference in a Heavenly or Spiritual Perspective, he may not have wished it):
“… 7For I WISH THAT ALL MEN WERE EVEN as I MYSELF. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that. 8But I say to the UNMARRIED AND TO THE WIDOWS: IT IS GOOD FOR THEM IF THEY REMAIN EVEN AS I AM; 9but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. … 28 But even if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Nevertheless such will have TROUBLE IN THE FLESH, but I WOULD SPARE YOU. … 32But I want you to be without care. He who is UNMARRIED CARES FOR THE THINGS OF THE LORD—how he may PLEASE THE LORD. 33But HE WHO IS MARRIED CARES about the THINGS OF THE WORLD—how he may PLEASE HIS WIFE. … 38So then he who GIVES HER IN MARRIAGE DOES WELL, but he WHO DOES NOT GIVE HER IN MARRIAGE DOES BETTER. …” (1 Corinthians 7:7 – 9, 28, 32 – 33, 38, NKJV)
Written in the ‘Context of Final Salvation‘ and ‘God’s Righteousness to be Revealed’:
… 1Thus SAYS THE LORD:
“Keep justice, and do righteousness,
For MY SALVATION IS ABOUT TO COME,
And My RIGHTEOUSNESS TO BE REVEALED.
2Blessed is the man who does this,
And the son of man who lays hold on it;
Who keeps from defiling the Sabbath,
And keeps his hand from doing any evil.”
3Do not let the son of the foreigner
Who has joined himself to the Lord
Speak, saying,
“The Lord has utterly separated me from His people”;
NOR LET THE EUNUCH SAY,
“Here I am, a dry tree.”4For THUS SAYS THE LORD:
“TO THE EUNUCHS who keep my sabbaths,
And CHOOSE WHAT PLEASES ME,
And hold fast My covenant,
5Even to them I WILL GIVE IN MY HOUSE
And WITHIN MY WALLS A PLACE AND A NAME
BETTER THAN THAT OF SONS AND DAUGHTERS;
I will give [a]them AN EVERLASTING NAME
That SHALL NOT BE CUT OFF. …” (Isaiah 56:1 – 5, NKJV)
Note: The Promises in these particular Set of Verses is “not” for every believer at that time even but only toward “EUNUCHS”.
The phrase “… I WILL GIVE IN MY HOUSE And WITHIN MY WALLS A PLACE …” = Seem to Point to a “special Level of Heavenly Inheritance” above the usual one given to other saved “… SONS AND DAUGHTERS; …”
The phrase “… I WILL GIVE IN MY HOUSE And WITHIN MY WALLS … And A NAME …” = Seem to Point to a “special Level of Title/Rank” above the usual one given to other saved “… SONS AND DAUGHTERS; …”
The phrase “… I will give [a]them AN EVERLASTING NAME That SHALL NOT BE CUT OFF. …” means their above than usual Reward and Name in His Kingdom than the usual “… Sons and daughters …” is “not” a temporary reward nor a temporary “NAME GIVEN BY GOD” but a permanent and “EVERLASTING” one.
Please also notice the first Verse where God Instructs NOT just Holiness but “JUSTICE” too in this phrase “… 1Thus SAYS THE LORD: “Keep justice, and do righteousness, …”(Isaiah 56:1) which is the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle according to CHRIST’S OWN DEFINITION in Verses below since #ALMS = #CHARITY = #FREE #GIVING or #SHARING NOT from #ChurchMoney or #Donation only but from #WhatYouHave (#Personal Possessions too) likewise, Verses:
“… 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)
Comment: These Highlighted Phrases from the above “… GIVE ALMS of [l]SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE; … YOU TITHE mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and PASS BY JUSTICE …” = ALMS/#CharityDoctrineLifestyle Fulfills “JUSTICE” while faithfully paying TITHES DID NOT. No other religious act is mentioned nor reprimanded by Christ here for them to “do more” meaning this is ‘what is missing’, namely the #CharityDoctrine.
Focus Phrase here by Christ Himself:
“… GIVE ALMS of [l]SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE; then indeed ALL THINGS ARE CLEAN TO YOU. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ
Note: #Alms (which Christ Refers to here) = only things which we #SHARE or #GIVE for #FREE not from other people’s donation only but FROM WHAT WE HAVE (as Christ Clearly Emphasizes this part as the Pharisees were good in donations with Church/Temple money in analogy but do NOT include their personal money/wealth thinking they are exempt being religious leaders).
These are not options based on your “personal calling or opinions” because Christ’s Phrase here is clear regarding these (including this #CharityDoctrine part) namely:
“… These you OUGHT TO HAVE DONE, WITHOUT LEAVING THE OTHERS UNDONE. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ
So ANY TRUE CHURCH of CHRIST Ought to Teach and Do both “Justice and Righteousness” and “not righteousness only” as “DOCTRINE” in the CONTEXT of FINAL SALVATION (Isaiah 56:1 – 5). Can you see it as it is Written, please?
Recap: Which “Justice“? Not “rich man politics games under that name” but rather the ONLY JUSTICE GOD is Referring to in Scripture as I have pointed in many Verses in earlier pages is ONLY THAT WHICH BENEFITS the POOR and the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle lived, example Verse:
“… 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)
iii) Please read ‘carefully’ and see that GOD HIMSELF did “not” Say that “righteousness is enough to KNOW HIM” but rather POINTS to BOTH “… JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS …” to KNOW HIM. So, are we really KEEN to KNOW GOD? then we must seek for both “Justice” and “Righteousness” in our “Doctrine and Lifestyle” as Revealed here directly by God Himself in Verses above “as it is Written“.
7) Example First Christianity Quotes Proving this ‘Same Meaning’
“… Now any one may object to this interpretation, and may give another which harmonizes with the rule of faith. For as the ark was to have rooms not only on the lower, but also on the upper storeys, which were called ” third storeys,” that there might be a habitable space on the third floor from the basement, some one may interpret these to mean the three graces commended by the apostle, — ^faith, hope, and charity. Or even more suitably they may be supposed to represent those THREE HARVESTS IN THE GOSPEL, THIRTYFOLD, SIXTYFOLD, AN HUNDREDFOLD, — CHASTE MARRIAGE DWELLING IN THE GROUND FLOOR, CHASTE WIDOWHOOD IN THE UPPER, AND CHASTE VIRGINITY IN THE TOP STOREY. Or any better interpretation may be given, so long as the reference to this city is maintained…” – Blessed St. Augustine of Hippo, Doctor of the Church, who influenced virtually all of subsequent Western philosophy and Catholic theology, as well as a significant amount of Protestant theology (c. 354 AD – c. 430 AD, Book XV, ‘City of God’, Page 99)
Source: https://archive.org/stream/cityofgodvolumet009439mbp/cityofgodvolumet009439mbp_djvu.txt
“… For there are TWO WAYS IN LIFE, as touching these matters. The one the more moderate and ordinary, I mean MARRIAGE; THE OTHER ANGELIC AND UNSURPASSED, NAMELY VIRGINITY. Now if a man choose the way of the world, namely marriage, he is not indeed to blame; yet HE WILL NOT RECEIVE SUCH GREAT GIFTS AS THE OTHER. For he will receive, since he too BRINGS FORTH FRUIT, NAMELY THIRTYFOLD. But if a man embrace the holy and unearthly way, even though, as compared with the former, it be rugged and hard to accomplish, yet it has the more wonderful gifts: for IT GROWS THE PERFECT FRUIT, NAMELY AN HUNDREDFOLD…” – Blessed St. Athanasius the Great, the Father of Orthodoxy, Patriarch of Alexandria and Champion of Trinity, Doctor of the Church and Confessor, Coptic Pope (c. 296 AD – c. 373 AD, Letter XLVIII.—Letter to Amun4583. Written before 354 AD via Philip Schaff, Pages 971 – 972)
Source:
http://www.documentacatholicaomnia.eu/03d/1819-1893,_Schaff._Philip,_3_Vol_04_Athanasius,_EN.pdf
Note: the quote above is by the “same Athanasius” used by God to Defend the Most Important Doctrine of Trinity against Arianism.
These are not some isolated quotes but what even other Church Fathers Taught likewise from independent Orthodox Traditions proving that this meaning (or Common Ground) is maintained, Example First Christianity Reference quote on this:
“… And brings forth some an hundredfold, &c. “We must observe,” says S. Jerome, “that like as in the bad ground there were three different sorts—namely, by the wayside, the rocky, and the thorny places—so in the good ground there is a threefold diversity. And in the one as well as in the other, it is not the substance which is changed, but the will; and so it is the heart of the unbelieving as well as of the believing which receives the seed.” Moreover, the greatest fruit of God’s Word, as it were the greatest fruit of seed is a hundredfold, as if from a single grain a harvest of a hundred grains were gathered, as was Isaac’s case (Gen. xxvi. 12). The medium fruit is called sixtyfold; the lowest thirtyfold. A definite number is put for an indefinite; otherwise He might have added, brings forth some fortyfold, some twenty fold, and so on. Whence, in opposition to Jovinian and Calvin, the inequality of merit and consequently of the reward, of good works in Heaven is rightly proved. So S. Chrysostom (Hom. 45), S. Augustine (de S. Virgin. c. 46), Nazianzen (Orat. 28), and others. For the Fathers, however Calvin may deride and exclaim, apply these words especially to diverse states. 1. S. Jerome, on this passage (lib. 1, contra Jovin), and S. Athanasius (Epist. ad Ammon.), and others assign the hundredfold fruit to virgins; the sixtyfold to widows; the thirtyfold to those who live in honest and holy wedlock. 2. S. Cyprian (l. de Hab. Virg.) and S. Augustine (l. 1, de quest. Evang. quest. 9, tom 4) assign the hundredfold to martyrs, the sixty to virgins, the thirtyfold to those who are married. Hear what S. Augustine says: “I assert that the hundredfold belongs to martyrs, on account of their holiness of life, or contempt of death; the sixty fold to virgins, on account of interior quiet, because they do not need to fight against fleshly habits—for rest is wont to be granted to soldiers who are past sixty years of age; the thirtyfold to the married, because thirty is the age of warriors—for those have a sharper conflict, that they may not be overcome of lust.”3. Euthymius and Theophylact assign the thirtyfold to beginners, the sixty to those who have made some progress, the hundredfold to the perfect. So also Nazianzen (Orat. 28.) When a man proceeds, saith he, from thirty to sixty, he finishes with a hundred, as Isaac did (Gen. xxvi.) And he sings the Psalms of Degrees, going from strength to strength, and placing the Ascensions in his heart (Ps. 84.)…” – Cornelius Bible Commentary
Source: http://www.corneliusbiblecommentary.faithweb.com/13matth.htm
Other Examples:
Despite the fact that neither Blessed St. Augustine nor Blessed St. Jerome were virgins, St. Jerome says this Bold Declaration in that as a Repentant non-Virgin, he stands a chance to attain even the highest HUNDREDFOLD rewards too, to quote:
“… My seed shall produce fruit a hundredfold – the reward of virginity is hundredfold; of widowhood, sixtyfold, and of married life, thirtyfold. “All cannot receive the Word of God but only they to whom it is given” (Mt 19:11). Let others be eunuchs of necessity, but I [am chaste] of my own will. … Let them sew robes who have previously lost the unsown robe…” ….” – 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, ‘Quotes on Marriage & Viginity’)
Source:
https://www.traditioninaction.org/religious/n093_Virginity.htm
How do I know Roman Catholics Orthodox have “not” tampered with these quotes? Please consider St. Epiphanius’ Writing below in this Topic and a quote against iconography which Protestants always quote in support of their points too:
Furthermore I do “not” think that the Roman Catholics or Orthodox persons tampered with St. Epiphanius’ writings because they also preserved say this quote next which actually supports the Protestant position of “not” praying to any man “nor” to any man-made “iconography even if it’s an idol or image of Christ”, to quote:
“… 9. Moreover, I have heard that certain persons have this grievance against me: When I accompanied you to the holy place called Bethel, there to join you in celebrating the Collect, after the use of the Church, I came to a villa called Anablatha and, as I was passing, saw a lamp burning there. Asking what place it was, and learning it to be a church, I went in to pray, and found there a curtain hanging on the doors of the SAID CHURCH, dyed and embroidered. IT BORE AN IMAGE EITHER OF CHRIST OR OF ONE OF THE SAINTS; I do not rightly remember whose the image was. Seeing this, and being loth that AN IMAGE OF A MAN SHOULD BE HUNG UP IN CHRIST’S CHURCH CONTRARY to the TEACHING OF THE SCRIPTURES, I TORE IT ASUNDER AND ADVISED the custodians of the place to use it as a WINDING SHEET FOR SOME POOR PERSON. They, however, murmured, and said that if I made up my mind to tear it, it was only fair that I should give them another curtain in its place. As soon as I heard this, I promised that I would give one, and said that I would send it at once. …” – Blessed St. Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamis and the ‘Hammer of Heretics’, (c. 310 AD – c. 403 AD, Letter LI in Jerome’s letters gives Jerome’s Latin translation, made at Epiphanius’ request, of his letter, originally in Greek from c. 394, “From Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamis, in Cyprus, to John, Bishop of Jerusalem”)
Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphanius_of_Salamis
So if Protestants can easily accept the quote above by St. Epiphanius as truth, perhaps they should likewise agree to his other preserved quotes of his likewise too such as the one before this and the next one too regarding “Continence Doctrine”; So, Can a Christian who was a non-Virgin repent and be part of this Continence Contest of Faith?
Yes. In such cases, his ‘continence’ is called his ‘second dignity’ but he has to ‘labor in penance’ in some way first, to quote:
“… (8.) And as one who has fallen from virginity has continence for a second dignity, so he who has fallen into major sin after baptism has < reform > for a second healing — not as virtuous as the first, but he has the second healing he has received, one not thrust out from life. God’s word, then, does not deny the reward of those who labor in penance…” – Blessed St. Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamis and the ‘Hammer of Heretics’, (c. 310 AD – c. 403 AD, ‘Cathari’, “Panarion”, Points 2.6 – 2.8, Pages 105 – 106)
Source:
Note: ” labor in penance” = punishment inflicted as an outward expression of repentance for wrongdoing. Please note that both St. Jerome of the Vulgate and St. Augustine of Hippo themselves were not virgins having lost it in their sinful lives prior and thus fit into this category too.
and
“… If one drops out of the race it is better to take a lawful wife openly, and in place of virginity do penance for a long time, and be readmitted to the church as one who has strayed and wept, and is in need of reinstatement — and not be wounded every day by the secret darts of wickedness which the devil launches at him. …” – Blessed St. Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamis and the ‘Hammer of Heretics’, (c. 310 AD – c. 403 AD, ‘Apostolics’, “Panarion”, Points 7.6, Page 122)
Source:
Please also notice carefully in CHRIST’S OWN MOST BLESSED WORDS that the Heavenly Ranking for CHRISTIANS in regards to rewards in this context (Matthew 19:27 – 30) is so important for ANY TRUE CHURCH OF CHRIST because He PROPHESIES here that this is how “… 30But MANY who are FIRST will be LAST, and the LAST FIRST. …” . Please notice that “MANY” (referring to Christians) will be last or first according to whether they live out this #Doctrinal aspect as “it is Written”.
Since this is CHRIST’S ONLY “HUNDREDFOLD” Reward command #SolaScriptura in the entire Bible, the Principle in Verse below certainly applies too:
“… 19Whoever therefore BREAKS one of the least of THESE COMMANDMENTS, and teaches men so, shall be called LEAST in the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN; but whoever DOES AND TEACHES THEM, he shall be called GREAT in the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:19, NKJV)
Last but not least, Perhaps the absolute Free Grace applies to those “Saved by Fire” with “no” rewards or lesser rewards
“… 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 3:14 – 15, NKJV)
This “Saved by Fire” case may account for “being Saved OUTSIDE Heaven” but on the FINAL New Earth as these Verses may point to such a “possibility” (no one knows for sure but Let God Decide One Day), Verses:
“… Come, I will show you the [g]BRIDE, the LAMB’S WIFE.” 10And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and SHOWED ME THE [H]GREAT CITY, the [I]HOLY JERUSALEM, DESCENDING OUT OF HEAVEN from God, … 24And the NATIONS [N]OF THOSE WHO ARE SAVED shall walk in its light, and the KINGS OF THE EARTH bring their glory and honor [o]into it. 25Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). 26And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into [p]it. 27But there shall by no means enter it anything [q]that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but ONLY THOSE WHO ARE WRITTEN IN THE LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE. …” (Revelation 21:9 – 10, 24 – 27, NKJV)
Comment: These Verses seem to indicate that some may be saved on the final NEW EARTH only but among them only those whose name’s are WRITTEN in the LAMB’S BOOK of LIFE may ENTER HEAVEN to VISIT HIS BRIDE (or “CHURCH/CHRISTIANS” there) implying the “possibility” that these “saved on Judgment Day ones” may “not” be “His Bride” as these are ‘distinctly mentioned and compared in these Verses’. I can’t say for sure and being honest I let you know what I see even as a “possibility” but I whatever God Decides One Day, I accept it.
“… And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. …” – apostle John (Revelation 22:17, NKJV)
Where possibly:
The Spirit = God
The Bride = Christians
“who thirsts” = Perhaps “those saved by Fire” hence thirsty? (1 Corinthians 3:15 earlier)
Biblical Logic: The life we live to do His “Written” COMMANDS will determine how much we VALUE CHRIST’S FREE GIFT OF SALVATION and in Return manifests as the HEAVENLY REWARD RECEIVED:
“… DO NOT BE DECEIVED, GOD IS NOT MOCKED; for whatever a MAN SOWS, THAT HE WILL ALSO REAP. …” (Galatians 6:7, NKJV)
How is God Fair to all Christians even?
“Whatever you do” affects one’s personal Reward Inheritance Level in the Kingdom.
Yes, “Whatever you do” = “any act” which “benefits others” or of “holiness” can merit a reward of inheritance in His Kingdom and “not” just Church activities even if you work as a “servant” as these Verses Reveal Clearly below in Context:
“… 22Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23And WHATEVER YOU DO, DO IT HEARTILY, AS TO THE LORD AND NOT TO MEN, 24knowing that FROM THE LORD YOU WILL RECEIVE THE REWARD OF THE INHERITANCE; for[a] YOU SERVE THE LORD CHRIST. 25But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is NO PARTIALITY. …” (Colossians 3:22 – 25, NKJV)
Comment: so you are “not” at any disadvantage if you work a “secular job” (as even Blessed Apostle St. Paul who wrote the Verse above did) instead of ‘full time ministry even’ as God has “… NO PARTIALITY. …” (please notice this phrase in last line above) even in this context of “… YOU WILL RECEIVE THE REWARD OF THE INHERITANCE …” even if you work the secular job as a servant/slave as these Verses Describe clearly in “Context” proving that Biblical Good can never be defeated (from “Heaven’s Perspective” as it only increases your heavenly inheritance whenever the more discriminated or harder in relative measure you have to do that work”… whatever you do …”).
Peace to you
Possibilities of Doctrine – Why Read Church Fathers?
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161690901372784
Example: To possibly learn the “Secret” (Greek: same word as “Mystery” too) of the “Kingdom of Heaven” as CHRIST HIMSELF Reveals here:
“… “Because it has been given to you to KNOW THE MYSTERIES OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, but TO THEM IT HAS NOT BEEN GIVEN. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 13:11, NKJV)
Details:
0) Common Fallacy: If it’s important, then it will definitely be in the Bible and so we have no need to look into these First Christianity Writings as God Would have preserved it within the 66 Books.
Example explanation: In verses below, we see that an “Epistle” (or “Letter” of Blessed Apostle St. Paul) being “Commanded” in these “Bible Verses” to be “Read” in the “Colossian Church” and in turn the “Epistle to the Church at Laodicea” to be read in return in this Church. Verses:
“… Now when THIS EPISTLE IS READ AMONG YOU, see that IT IS READ ALSO in the CHURCH OF THE LAODICEANS, and that YOU LIKEWISE READ THE EPISTLE FROM LAODICEA. …” (Colossians 4:16, NKJV)
The PROBLEM is that this “Epistle to the Laodicean Church by Apostle St. Paul” has been “lost”. So why is “God Commanding in Bible Verses” above that such a “reading for Doctrine” to take place but in the end He DID NOT PRESERVE this MYSTERIOUS LAODICEAN EPISTLE which is LOST IN TIME? So the typical #SolaScriptura argument that if it is important, it must be preserved in the 66 Books is clearly a “false” position based on this Verse alone as we see that a “Command to Read the LAODICEAN EPISTLE exists” though this Epistle eventually will be lost in Church History.
In short, this “Mysterious” disappearance of an Epistle containing “equivalent Inspired Scripture Verses” can actually be “lost” even from Church History as God has Willed it such and so it shows that God Doesn’t always preserve every Word which ought to be in the Bible and only allows it to be preserved or Revealed according to “whom He Wills to Reveal it to” as this Verse proves clearly as “it is Written”.
Word of Caution: However, personally I do not subscribe to prayers to Virgin Mary tradition (because the oldest writing of it is by an anonymous author who is not even a church father and late, 3rd century where knowing this comes as a shock to most Catholics/Orthodox even) while in comparison any tradition or “Possibility” of “Doctrine” which we consider, it’s certainly from “Church Fathers” and more so preferring those of the “Direct Disciples of the Apostles’ type or their immediate successors“. Also, we do not quote heretics but only those of the Church Fathers type only as the Lutheran Father’s Book of Concord itself lists many of them as true Christians according to their opinion too.
Since no one knows for sure how true some quotes are or even how to interpret it correctly, we consider them as “possibilities” of Doctrine only and whatever God Reveals One Day, we accept it.
1) Not everything is Written in the Bible
So, “not” everything is Written in the Bible so that ‘not everyone’ can know these “Secrets/Mysteries” Which Christ Speaks in Matthew 13:11.
Simple example proof (ESCHASTHALOGY Context): the direct disciples of the Apostles can only be quoted to believe in Millennialism or Chiliasm Doctrine as scholars call it today. The other theological positions are held by some Church Fathers but “not” the “Direct Disciples of the Apostles type” (If anyone says otherwise, please ask them to prove it with quotes and source as well).
We know that these quotes are most likely true because they are preserved by the various Catholic and Orthodox Traditions to be the same from among these surviving Chiliasm Church Fathers’ Surviving Copies of Writings which both the Roman Catholics and Orthodox “do NOT BELIEVE anymore” (especially due to Origen, St. Clement of Alexandria and St. Augustine of Hippo following their eschasthalogy instead) which for example talks about the 1000 years Millennial Reign of Christ happening now (for more than 1000 years because it’s just a figure of speech based on Revelation 20) which we do “not” subscribe to such symbolism but point to a literal reign only which is symbolised after the First Resurrection Bodily (Revelation 20:4 – 6) after the Second Coming of Christ (Revelation 19) where this Reign includes even the Bodily Resurrection of those who never submitted to the Last Antichrist even Dying for Christ as Revelation 20:4 – 6 specifies clearly but those who oppose it take it symbolically to mean something else.
2) Church Fathers
That’s why we look at Church Fathers’ Writings too because it could contain some Secrets which Christ may have shared to the Disciples which in turn is Found in these. We do not quote heretics or non-Church Fathers to avoid any false teachings.
Example: the Mysterious “Agrapha” Quotes as well where “Agrapha” signifies the “Quotes attributed to CHRIST but not Written in the Bible“.
Even in the Bible, we find this interesting Quote by Christ regarding the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle which is NOT found in any “Gospels” but rather by Apostle St. Paul who never walked with Christ literally on earth even:
“… I have shown you in every way, by LABORING like this, that you must SUPPORT THE WEAK. And REMEMBER THE WORDS OF THE LORD JESUS, that He said, ‘It is MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE.’ ” …” (Acts 20:35, NKJV)
Comment: These Words are so important but yet not recorded in the Gospels.
3) Example Quotes
“… Millennialism was taught by various earlier writers such as Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Commodian, Lactantius, Methodius, and Apollinaris of Laodicea in a form now called premillennialism.[9] According to religious scholar Rev. Dr. Francis Nigel Lee,[10] “Justin’s ‘Occasional Chiliasm’ sui generis which was strongly anti-pretribulationistic was followed possibly by Pothinus in A.D. 175 and more probably (around 185) by Irenaeus”. … Melito of Sardis is frequently listed as a second century proponent of premillennialism.[12] The support usually given for the supposition is that “Jerome [Comm. on Ezek. 36] and Gennadius [De Dogm. Eccl., Ch. 52] both affirm that he was a decided millenarian.”[13] In the early third century, Hippolytus of Rome … Around 220, there were some similar influences on Tertullian, although only with very important and extremely optimistic (if not perhaps even postmillennial) modifications and implications. On the other hand, “Christian Chiliastic” ideas were indeed advocated in 240 by Commodian; in 250 by the Egyptian Bishop Nepos in his Refutation of Allegorists; in 260 by the almost unknown Coracion; and in 310 by Lactantius. Into the late fourth century, Bishop Ambrose of Milan had millennial leanings (Ambrose of Milan. Book II. On the Belief in the Resurrection, verse 108). Lactantius is the last great literary defender of chiliasm in the early Christian church. …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millennialism
“… But I and others, who are right-minded Christians on all points, are assured that there will be a resurrection of the dead, and a thousand years in Jerusalem, which will then be built, adorned, and enlarged, the prophets Ezekiel and Isaiah and others declare. For Isaiah spake thus concerning this space of a thousand years: ‘For there shall be the new heaven and the new earth, and the former shall not be remembered, or come into their heart; but they shall find joy and gladness in it, which things I create’…For as Adam was told that in the day he ate of the tree he would die, we know that he did not complete a thousand years. We have perceived, moreover, that the expression, ‘The day of the Lord is as a thousand years,’ is connected with this subject [2 Peter 3:8, Psalm 90:4]. And further, there was a certain man with us, whose name was John, one of the apostles of Christ, who prophesied, by a revelation that was made to him, THAT THOSE WHO BELIEVED IN OUR CHRIST would dwell a THOUSAND YEARS in Jerusalem [Revelation 20:4 – 10]; and that thereafter the general, and, in short, the eternal resurrection and judgment of all men would likewise take place [Revelation 20:11 – 15]. Just as our Lord also said, ‘They shall neither marry nor be given in marriage, but shall be equal to the angels, the children of the God of the resurrection. [Luke 20:35 – 36] …” – Blessed St. Justin Martyr, a Great Early Christian Apologist who is a Foremost Exponent of the Divine Word, who Influenced Virtually all of subsequent Christian philosophy and Catholic theology, Martyr for Christ (c. 100AD – c. 160 AD, Dialogue with Trypho the Jew, CHAPTER LXXXI)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/justinmartyr-dialoguetrypho.html
False Teachings can lead to Hell as some Christians Propose which is true but as long as Holiness + Faith + Good Works is there, getting wrong on Eschatology doesn’t affect salvation at all. Here’s an example authoritative First Christianity Quote:
“… I admitted to you formerly, that I and many others are of this opinion, and [believe] that such will take place, as you assuredly are aware; but, on the other hand, I signified to you that many who belong to the pure and pious faith, and are true Christians, think otherwise. …” – Blessed St. Justin Martyr, a Great Early Christian Apologist who is a Foremost Exponent of the Divine Word, who Influenced Virtually all of subsequent Christian philosophy and Catholic theology, Martyr for Christ (c. 100AD – c. 160 AD, Dialogue with Trypho the Jew, Chapter 110)
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millennialism
I repeat: The Roman Catholics/Orthodox did NOT change these First Christianity Chiliasm quotes because they have denounced it officially too but preserved these quotes intact (do you know that the DIRECT DISCIPLES of the APOSTLES can ONLY be QUOTED to BELIEVE in this CHILIASM in the surviving writings? NO OTHER “eschatological” POSITION can be proven in them. If anyone claims otherwise, please ask them for the quote and source. The others quote ‘Church Fathers’ but NOT these direct disciples type of Church Fathers*)
“… As the presbyters say, then those who are deemed worthy of an abode in heaven shall go there, others shall enjoy the delights of Paradise, and others shall possess the splendour of the city; for everywhere the Saviour will be seen, according as they shall be worthy who see Him. But that there is this distinction between the habitation of those who produce an hundredfold, and that of those who produce sixty-fold, and that of those who produce thirty-fold; for the first will be taken up into the heavens, the second class will dwell in Paradise, and the last will inhabit the city; and that on this account the Lord said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions:” …” – Blessed St. Papias, Bishop of Hierapolis, an Apostolic Father being the Disciple of the Blessed St. John the Apostle (c. 60 AD – c. 163 AD)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/papias.html
St. Irenaeous of Lyons clearly affirms that this Position is Taught by the ‘Prebysters’ whom he refers below as the DIRECT DISCIPLES of the APOSTLES ONLY:
“… And as the presbyters* say, Then those who are deemed worthy of an abode in heaven shall go there, others shall enjoy the delights of paradise, and others shall possess the splendour of the city; for everywhere the Saviour shall be seen according as they who see Him shall be worthy. [They say, moreover], that there is this distinction between the habitation of those who produce an hundred-fold, and that of those who produce sixty-fold, and that of those who produce thirty-fold [Matthew 13:1 – 8, Matthew 13:18 – 23]: for the first will be taken up into the heavens, the second will dwell in paradise, the last will inhabit the city; and that was on this account the Lord declared, “In My Father’s house are many mansions.” For all things belong to God, who supplies all with a suitable dwelling-place; even as His Word says, that a share is allotted to all by the Father, according as each person is or shall be worthy. And this is the couch on which the guests shall recline, having been invited to the wedding. The presbyters, the disciples of the apostles, affirm that this is the gradation and arrangement of those who are saved, and that they advance through steps of this nature… For in the TIMES of the KINGDOM, the righteous man who is upon the earth shall then forget to die. … John, therefore, did distinctly foresee the FIRST “RESURRECTION of the JUST,” [Revelation 20:4 – 6, 1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 18, Luke 14:14] and the inheritance in the kingdom of the earth; and what the prophets have prophesied concerning it harmonize [with his vision, e.g. Isaiah 65:20 – 23, Isaiah 11, Revelation 20:7 – 10]. For the Lord also taught these things, when He promised that He would have the mixed cup new with His disciples in the kingdom. …” – Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons, a Hearer of Blessed St. Polycarp who is an Apostolic Father being the Disciple of Blessed St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation (c. 130 AD – c. 202 AD, ‘Against Heresies’, Book 5, Chapter Chapter XXXVI, Points 1 – 2, 3-partial)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/irenaeus-book5.html
Roman Catholic “Chiliasm” Rejection example Quote:
“… One popular Catholic apologetic resource states, “As far as the millennium goes, we [Catholics] tend to agree with Augustine and, derivatively, with the amillennialists… . In the 1940s the Holy Office judged that premillennialism ‘cannot safely be taught,’ though the Church has not dogmatically defined this issue.”1 On the other hand, one writer commenting on the history of millennial thought notes, “Following Augustine, the Church had long believed that the reign of the saints foretold by Revelation was already in operation through its own good offices, and shown little enthusiasm for the idea that Christ would return imminently to set up an earthly kingdom: indeed, the Council of Ephesus declared such a belief heretical in 431 …”
Source:
https://bible.org/article/phantom-heresy-did-council-ephesus-431-condemn-chiliasm
Example First Christianity Quotes
“… Now any one may object to this interpretation, and may give another which harmonizes with the rule of faith. For as the ark was to have rooms not only on the lower, but also on the upper storeys, which were called ” third storeys,” that there might be a habitable space on the third floor from the basement, some one may interpret these to mean the three graces commended by the apostle, — ^faith, hope, and charity. Or even more suitably they may be supposed to represent those THREE HARVESTS IN THE GOSPEL, THIRTYFOLD, SIXTYFOLD, AN HUNDREDFOLD, — CHASTE MARRIAGE DWELLING IN THE GROUND FLOOR, CHASTE WIDOWHOOD IN THE UPPER, AND CHASTE VIRGINITY IN THE TOP STOREY. Or any better interpretation may be given, so long as the reference to this city is maintained…” – Blessed St. Augustine of Hippo, Doctor of the Church, who influenced virtually all of subsequent Western philosophy and Catholic theology, as well as a significant amount of Protestant theology (c. 354 AD – c. 430 AD, Book XV, ‘City of God’, Page 99)
Source: https://archive.org/stream/cityofgodvolumet009439mbp/cityofgodvolumet009439mbp_djvu.txt
Or
“… For there are TWO WAYS IN LIFE, as touching these matters. The one the more moderate and ordinary, I mean MARRIAGE; THE OTHER ANGELIC AND UNSURPASSED, NAMELY VIRGINITY. Now if a man choose the way of the world, namely marriage, he is not indeed to blame; yet HE WILL NOT RECEIVE SUCH GREAT GIFTS AS THE OTHER. For he will receive, since he too BRINGS FORTH FRUIT, NAMELY THIRTYFOLD. But if a man embrace the holy and unearthly way, even though, as compared with the former, it be rugged and hard to accomplish, yet it has the more wonderful gifts: for IT GROWS THE PERFECT FRUIT, NAMELY AN HUNDREDFOLD…” – Blessed St. Athanasius the Great, the Father of Orthodoxy, Patriarch of Alexandria and Champion of Trinity, Doctor of the Church and Confessor, Coptic Pope (c. 296 AD – c. 373 AD, Letter XLVIII.—Letter to Amun4583. Written before 354 AD via Philip Schaff, Pages 971 – 972)
Source:
http://www.documentacatholicaomnia.eu/03d/1819-1893,_Schaff._Philip,_3_Vol_04_Athanasius,_EN.pdf
Note: the quote above is by the “same Athanasius” used by God to Defend the Most Important Doctrine of Trinity against Arianism.
Or
“… 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 the “Agrapha ” Quote above (Agrapha Quote refers to ‘not’ in Bible Quote but attributed to Christ especially via Church Fathers):
https://web.archive.org/web/20080215124232/http://www.textexcavation.com/agrapha.html
Bible Verses in support of this:
Written in the ‘Context of Final Salvation‘ and ‘God’s Righteousness to be Revealed’):
“… 1Thus SAYS THE LORD:
“Keep justice, and do righteousness,
For MY SALVATION IS ABOUT TO COME,
And My RIGHTEOUSNESS TO BE REVEALED.
2Blessed is the man who does this,
And the son of man who lays hold on it;
Who keeps from defiling the Sabbath,
And keeps his hand from doing any evil.”
3Do not let the son of the foreigner
Who has joined himself to the Lord
Speak, saying,
“The Lord has utterly separated me from His people”;
NOR LET THE EUNUCH SAY,
“Here I am, a dry tree.”4For THUS SAYS THE LORD:
“TO THE EUNUCHS who keep my sabbaths,
And CHOOSE WHAT PLEASES ME,
And hold fast My covenant,
5Even to them I WILL GIVE IN MY HOUSE
And WITHIN MY WALLS A PLACE AND A NAME
BETTER THAN THAT OF SONS AND DAUGHTERS;
I will give [a]them AN EVERLASTING NAME
That SHALL NOT BE CUT OFF. …” (Isaiah 56:4 – 5, NKJV)
Comments:
0) Context: The Promises in these particular Set of Verses is “not” for every believer at that time even but only toward “EUNUCHS” (i.e. those who have Renounced Marriage for God in some way to Serve Him or some via Castrations) as God Himself Sets this Context in the Opening Lines here as “… 4For thus says the Lord: TO THE EUNUCHS …”
“… And the PRIEST ANSWERED David and said, “There is NO COMMON BREAD on hand; but there is HOLY BREAD, if the young men have AT LEAST KEPT THEMSELVES FROM WOMEN.” …” (1 Samuel 21:4, NKJV)
Does it apply in the New Covenant?
This applied in the “Old Covenant” and similarly may be echoed in Principle in the New Covenant too (“not” according to the abolished parts of course but in obedience to the New Testament Verses) as Christ Himself may have Pointed to such a case in Verses below:
“… For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves EUNUCHS FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN’S SAKE. He who is ABLE TO ACCEPT IT, LET HIM ACCEPT IT.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:12, NKJV)
Is that the Reason why Blessed Apostle St. Paul himself echoed that “… He WISHED ALL MEN were LIKE THAT? …” Verses (for if there was “no” difference in a Heavenly or Spiritual Perspective, he may not have wished it):
“… 7For I WISH THAT ALL MEN WERE EVEN as I MYSELF. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that. 8But I say to the UNMARRIED AND TO THE WIDOWS: IT IS GOOD FOR THEM IF THEY REMAIN EVEN AS I AM; 9but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. … 28 But even if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Nevertheless such will have TROUBLE IN THE FLESH, but I WOULD SPARE YOU. … 32But I want you to be without care. He who is UNMARRIED CARES FOR THE THINGS OF THE LORD—how he may PLEASE THE LORD. 33But HE WHO IS MARRIED CARES about the THINGS OF THE WORLD—how he may PLEASE HIS WIFE. … 38So then he who GIVES HER IN MARRIAGE DOES WELL, but he WHO DOES NOT GIVE HER IN MARRIAGE DOES BETTER. …” (1 Corinthians 7:7 – 9, 28, 32 – 33, 38, NKJV)
The “Firstfruits” of Salvation (Holiest lot) itself belongs to a particular 144000 “unmarried Jewish Virgin Men” likewise proving this Context for such “Eunuchs” too:
“… 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)
The “Septuagint” reads the “same” meaning this Scripture is 100% True and Preserved
“… 4Thus SAITH THE LORD TO THE EUNUCHS, as many as shall keep my sabbaths, and CHOOSE THE THINGS WHICH I TAKE PLEASURE IN, and take hold of my covenant; 5I will GIVE TO THEM IN MY HOUSE and WITHIN MY WALLS AN HONOURABLE PLACE, BETTER THAN SONS AND DAUGHTERS: I will give them AN EVERLASTING NAME, and IT SHALL NOT FAIL. …” (Isaiah 56:4 – 5, Brenton Septuagint Translation)
Source: https://biblehub.com/sep/isaiah/56.htm
iii) Non-Elect Salvation “Possibility” for a Second Badge of Righteous after First Resurrection of Christians only followed by the 1000 Years Millennial Reign of Christ via Chiliasm Father’s Quotes
“… In his book against Marcion, JUSTIN DOES WELL SAY: “I would not have believed the Lord Himself, if He had announced any other than He who is our framer, maker, and nourisher. But because the only-begotten Son came to us from the one God, who both made this world and formed us, and contains and administers all things, summing up His own handiwork in Himself, my faith towards Him is steadfast, and my love to the Father immoveable, God bestowing both upon us.” …” …” – Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons, a Hearer of Blessed St. Polycarp who is an Apostolic Father being the Disciple of Blessed St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation (c. 130 AD – c. 202 AD, ‘Against Heresies’, Book 4, Chapter VI, Point 2)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/irenaeus-book4.html
How reliable is St. Justin Martyr? Example other First Christianity quote:
” … And Justin of Neapolis, a man who was not far separated from the apostles either in age or excellence, says that that which is mortal is inherited, but that which is immortal inherits; and that the flesh indeed dies, but the kingdom of heaven lives. …” — From METHODIUS On the Resurrection, in Photius. (Fragment V, St. Justin Martyr’s Lost Writings)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/justinmartyr-fragments.html
Note: Justin of Neapolis = Blessed St. Justin Martyr
What does this have to do with the discussion here?
I will show with a quote by St. Justin Martyr himself (who believes the same ‘Chiliasm’ Doctrine as St. Irenaeous) that “ALL CHRISTIANS/ALL the ELECT” are Saved in the Second Coming of Christ and Reign together in the 1000 years Millennial Reign of Christ next.
“… “… But I and others, who are right-minded Christians on all points, are assured that there will be a resurrection of the dead, and a thousand years in Jerusalem, which will then be built, adorned, and enlarged, the prophets Ezekiel and Isaiah and others declare. For Isaiah spake thus concerning this space of a thousand years: ‘For there shall be the new heaven and the new earth, and the former shall not be remembered, or come into their heart; but they shall find joy and gladness in it, which things I create’…For as Adam was told that in the day he ate of the tree he would die, we know that he did not complete a thousand years. We have perceived, moreover, that the expression, ‘The day of the Lord is as a thousand years,’ is connected with this subject [2 Peter 3:8, Psalm 90:4]. And further, there was a certain man with us, whose name was John, one of the apostles of Christ, who prophesied, by a revelation that was made to him, THAT THOSE WHO BELIEVED IN OUR CHRIST [1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 18, Ephesians 5:25 – 27, 31 – 32 ] would dwell a THOUSAND YEARS in Jerusalem [Revelation 20:4 – 10]; and that thereafter the GENERAL, and in short, the ETERNAL RESURRECTION and JUDGMENT of ALL MEN would LIKEWISE TAKE PLACE [Revelation 20:11 – 15, Matthew 25:31 – 46]. Just as our Lord also said, ‘They shall neither marry nor be given in marriage, but shall be equal to the angels, the children of the God of the resurrection. [Luke 20:35 – 36] …” – Blessed St. Justin Martyr, a Great Early Christian Apologist who is a Foremost Exponent of the Divine Word, who Influenced Virtually all of subsequent Christian philosophy and Catholic theology, Martyr for Christ (c. 100AD – c. 160 AD, Dialogue with Trypho the Jew, CHAPTER LXXXI)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/justinmartyr-dialoguetrypho.html
[Emphasis Mine throughout for clarity]
Comments:
iii. St. Justin does “not” say that after this 1000 years in the “General Resurrection” or “Second Resurrection” that ‘all are tossed into the Lake of Fire’ as ‘some Christians today believe’ —> “…and that thereafter the GENERAL, and in short, the ETERNAL RESURRECTION and JUDGMENT of ALL MEN would LIKEWISE TAKE PLACE [Revelation 20:11 – 15, Matthew 25:31 – 46]. …”
Before that, please also notice that just like St. Justin calls Christians as equal to “Angels” (based on Luke 20:34 – 36) it can also mean that since Christ only becomes “One Flesh” with “All Christians” (Ephesians 5:25 – 27, 31 – 32) so “only Christians/the Elect” have “Celestial/Heavenly Glory Resurrected Bodies” (“Heavenly Man” in 1 Corinthians 15:49 too) vs the “General Resurrection Bodies may be Terrestrial only” where some may be “saved” as per the word “Terrestrial Glory” is used on ‘some’ of these in 1 Corinthians 15:39 – 42.
To strengthen this claim, did St. Irenaeous of Lyons point to the usage of Matthew 25:31 – 46 to refer to this “Second Resurrection Timeline” for a “Possible Second Badge of Righteous to be Saved” on ‘Judgment Day’ only? It’s “Possible” based his own quote below:
iii) St. Irenaeous’ Judgment Day Quote that it involves the “WHOLE HUMAN RACE”
“… the same Lord has pointed out that the WHOLE HUMAN RACE SHALL BE DIVIDED AT JUDGMENT, ” AS A SHEPHERD DIVIDETH THE SHEEP FROM THE GOATS,” [Matthew 25:32] and that to some He will say, “Come, ye blessed of My Father, receive the kingdom which has been prepared for you,” [Matthew 25:34] but to others, “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, which My Father has prepared for the devil and his angels,” [Matthew 25:41] one and the same Father is manifestly declared [in this passage], “making peace and creating evil things,” preparing fit things for both; …” – Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons, a Hearer of Blessed St. Polycarp who is an Apostolic Father being the Disciple of Blessed St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation (c. 130 AD – c. 202 AD, ‘Against Heresies’, Book IV, Chapter XL, Points 2-partial)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/irenaeus-book4.html
Comments:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161409652112784
Based on this possibility, the following Verses may be “literal” and pointing to the “Second Resurrection”
“… 28Do not marvel at this; for the HOUR IS COMING in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. …” (John 5:28 – 29, NKJV)
“… And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt. …”(Daniel 12:2, NKJV)
I have discussed this “Possibility” in detail at the end of this Book but please allow me to elaborate one particular point “further” as follows here with Verse below:
“… the HOUR IS COMING, and NOW IS, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear WILL LIVE. …” (John 5:25, NKJV)
Please notice carefully that Christ Uses two Different phrases here namely:
Now, since the “Context” here is “Resurrection” which only happens in the “LAST DAY” referring to the 7th Day (Sabbath) or this 1000 years Millennial Reign of Christ Timeline (as discussed in Pages 328 onward in this Book) based on Verses below too as both the First and Second Resurrections must happen within this Last Day being separated by 1000 years as Revelation 20:5 clearly points too, Verses:
“… 35And JESUS said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall NEVER THIRST. 36But I said to you that YOU HAVE SEEN ME and YET DO NOT BELIEVE. 37All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will [f]by no means cast out. 38For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39This is the WILL OF THE FATHER who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should RAISE IT UP at the LAST DAY. 40And this is THE WILL OF HIM who sent Me, that EVERYONE WHO SEES THE SON AND BELIEVES IN HIM MAY HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE; and I will RAISE HIM UP at the LAST DAY.” …” (John 6:35 – 40, NKJV)
“… But THE REST OF THE DEAD DID NOT LIVE AGAIN until the THOUSAND YEARS WERE FINISHED. This is the first resurrection. …” (Revelation 20:5, NKJV)
Why does it matter? Combining these Verses, it may open up the “possibility” below:
John 5:24 – 25 = Christians who Rise at the “hour now is” (START hour of the LAST DAY without Judgment) to be part of the First Resurrection
John 5:28 – 29 = some non-Christians saved while some non-Christians condemned when they ‘rise simultaneously’ in the Second Resurrection at the “hour which is coming” on the ‘Last day’ (END HOUR of this LAST DAY, separated by 1000 years).
If each word is to have a meaning, the phrase ” in “… the hour is coming, and now is,…” in the Verse “… the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. …” (John 5:25, NKJV) could refer to ‘those who live or saved‘ as:
The similar phrase “… the hour is coming, and now is,…” in John 4:23 in the Context of Worshipping God in “Spirit and Truth” may thus actually point to when we are Resurrected as these two badges of righteous only fully know the truth on ‘after their Resurrection’ as ‘no one knows everything fully from here as even Blessed Apostle St. Paul himself said he sees dimly only’ (in 1 Corinthians 13:12).
This ‘matches well’ because in John 5:28 Christ didn’t Say “… the HOUR IS COMING, and NOW IS, …” (as He did in John 5:25, “TWO HOURS” = “TWO RESURRECTIONS”) but only “… 28Do not marvel at this; for the HOUR IS COMING …” (“ONE HOUR” = “Second Resurrection” only).
So, the phrase “… the HOUR IS COMING, and NOW IS, …” (in John 5:25) may thus mean “TWO RESURRECTIONS of the RIGHTEOUS to be SAVED in TWO DIFFERENT TIMES separated by 1000 years on this LAST DAY/Millennial Reign”.
Similarly, the phrase “… 28Do not marvel at this; for the HOUR IS COMING …” (in John 5:28) may thus mean the Second Resurrection hour which has a “Badge of Righteous vs Wicked” rising simultaneously.
Does St. Irenaeous have a quote using this “same phrases”? yes as quoted next.
“… Again, He called Lazarus “with a loud voice, saying, Lazarus, come forth; and HE that WAS DEAD came forth bound with bandages, feet and hands.” This was SYMBOLICAL of that MAN who had been BOUND in SINS. And therefore the Lord said, “Loose him, and let him depart.” As, therefore, THOSE who were HEALED were MADE WHOLE in THOSE MEMBERS which had in TIMES PAST been AFFLICTED; and the DEAD ROSE in the IDENTICAL BODIES, their limbs and bodies receiving health, and that life which was granted by the Lord, who prefigures eternal things by temporal, and shows that it is He who is Himself able to extend BOTH HEALING and LIFE to HIS HANDIWORK, that His words concerning its [future] RESURRECTION may also be believed; so also at the END, when the Lord utters His voice “by the LAST TRUMPET,” [1 Corinthians 15:52] the dead shall be raised, as He Himself declares: “The HOUR SHALL COME, in which ALL THE DEAD which are in the TOMBS shall hear the voice of the Son of man, and shall come forth; those that have DONE GOOD to the RESURRECTION of LIFE, and those that have DONE EVIL to the RESURRECTION of JUDGMENT.” [John 5:28 – 29] – Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons, a Hearer of Blessed St. Polycarp who is an Apostolic Father being the Disciple of Blessed St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation (‘Against Heresies’, Book 5, Chapter XIII, Point 1)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/irenaeus-book5.html
St. Irenaeous’ quote of John 5:28 – 29 seem to point to the “Last Trumpet” (“Second Resurrection”) pointing to “hour is coming or HOUR SHALL COME” referring to John 5:28 – 29 literal simultaneous resurrection of a ‘Second Badge of Righteous to be Saved’ which is clearly 1000 YEARS AFTER the FIRST RESURRECTION of CHRISTIANS (Revelation 20:5).
The phrase “Last Trumpet” in St. Irenaeous’ usage above points to this “General Resurrection/Judgment of all Men on Judgment Day” where the word “last” also means that there must be an “earlier trumpet” blown not in the Context of Judgment but “Resurrection” purely to which it is compared which may be seen in Verses below:
“… 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)
“… 51Behold, I tell you a [m]mystery: We shall not all sleep, but WE SHALL ALL BE CHANGED— 52in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, AT THE LAST TRUMPET. For the trumpet will sound, and THE DEAD WILL BE RAISED INCORRUPTIBLE, and WE SHALL BE CHANGED. …” (1 Corinthians 15:51 – 52, NKJV)
Is 1 Thessalonians 4:15 – 18 and 1 Corinthians 15:51 – 52 Speaking of the ‘same trumpet’ as many Christians assume? Let’s discuss this mystery part in next page.
iii. This “FIRST and LAST” TRUMPET are separated by “1000 years” in the Context of Resurrection on this LAST DAY (Millennial Reign Timeline)
“… But THE REST OF THE DEAD DID NOT LIVE AGAIN until the THOUSAND YEARS WERE FINISHED. This is the first resurrection. …” (Revelation 20:5, NKJV)
Firstly, we consider this “possibility” because St. Irenaeous’ quote earlier points to the usage of this Verse as referring to the Second Resurrection which is 1000 years after the First Resurrection. Common Assumption: the “Last trumpet” here is referring to the “Rapture” since “we shall be changed” during the “First Resurrection” but is it talking about that change or something deeper? Is St. Irenaeous’ quote earlier using it on the Second Resurrection timeline as evidenced by his quoting of John 5:28 – 29 with it wrong instead?
Let’s Discuss this fascinating Mystery as follows assuming St. Irenaeous of Lyons is correct and that the Last Trumpet refers to the Second Resurrection:
“… 50Now this I say, brethren, that FLESH AND BLOOD cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51Behold, I tell you a [m]mystery: We shall not all sleep, but WE SHALL ALL BE CHANGED— 52in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, AT THE LAST TRUMPET. For the trumpet will sound, and THE DEAD WILL BE RAISED INCORRUPTIBLE, and WE SHALL BE CHANGED. …” (1 Corinthians 15:50 – 52, NKJV)
“… But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being TRANSFORMED into the SAME IMAGE FROM GLORY TO GLORY, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. …” (2 Corinthians 3:18, NKJV)
Sounds nice but is it supported by any authoritative First Christianity quote from this “Chiliasm” Camp? Yes, this legendary saint himself reveals this mystery likewise:
“… , AFTER THE SPACE OF A THOUSAND YEARS, CHANGED FROM A HUMAN AND CORRUPIBLE FORM INTO ANGELIC SIZE AND BEAUTY, where at last we virgins, when the FESTIVAL OF THE RESURRECTION IS CONSUMMATED, shall pass from the wonderful place of the tabernacle to greater and better things, ascending into the very house of God above the heavens, …” – Blessed St. Methodius of Olympus
Please consider his quote below in “full” which clearly Speaks of the “Christian/Elect Resurrection only” to undergo this “CHANGE” which ONLY TAKES PLACE at the END of the 1000 years i.e. at the “LAST TRUMPET” when “WE SHALL BE CHANGED” as Written Twice in 1 Corinthians 15:51 and 1 Corinthians 15:52, to quote:
“… For I also, taking my journey, and going forth from the Egypt of this life, CAME FIRST TO THE RESURRECTION, which is the true Feast of the Tabernacles, and there having set up my tabernacle, ADORNED WITH THE FRUITS OF VIRTUE, ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE RESURRECTION, which is the DAY OF JUDGMENT, CELEBRATE WITH CHRIST THE MILLENNIUM OF REST, WHICH IS CALLED THE SEVENTH DAY, EVEN THE TRUE SABBATH. Then again from thence I, a follower of Jesus, who has entered into the heavens, Hebrews 4:14 as they also, after the rest of the Feast of Tabernacles, came into the laud of promise, come into the heavens, not continuing to remain in tabernacles — that is, my body not remaining as it was before, but, AFTER THE SPACE OF A THOUSAND YEARS, CHANGED FROM A HUMAN AND CORRUPIBLE FORM INTO ANGELIC SIZE AND BEAUTY, where at last we virgins, when the FESTIVAL OF THE RESURRECTION IS CONSUMMATED, shall pass from the wonderful place of the tabernacle to greater and better things, ascending into the very house of God above the heavens, as, says the Psalmist, in the voice of praise and thanksgiving, among such as keep holy day. …” – Blessed St. Methodius of Olympus, bishop in Lycia. Little is known of his life. He was apparently put to death in the Diocletianic persecution. Only a small part of his extensive writing survives. The ‘Symposium [Banquet], or On Chastity’, also known as the ‘Banquet of the Ten Virgins’, extols virginity. In a treatise on the Resurrection, he took issue with Origen and upheld the identity of the resurrection body with that worn in this life. His work on Free Will is a defence of human liberty against the fatalism of the Gnostics (died c. 311 AD, Banquet of the Ten Virgins, Discourse 9, Chapter 5) Source: https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/062309.htm
“… 36Now as they said these things, JESUS HIMSELF stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “PEACE TO YOU.” 37But they were terrified and frightened, and SUPPOSED THEY HAD SEEN A SPIRIT. 38And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, FOR A SPIRIT DOES NOT HAVE FLESH AND BONES AS YOU SEE I HAVE. 40[j]When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. 41But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, “Have you ANY FOOD HERE?” 42So they gave Him a piece of a BROILED FISH [k]and SOME HONEYCOMB. 43And HE TOOK IT AND ATE IN THEIR PRESENCE. …” (Luke 24:36 – 43, NKJV)
In the Context of the First Resurrection, we (Christians) will have a Resurrected Body with FLESH and BONES (BLOOD too) though we CANNOT DIE as Described above where as Christ Himself Demonstrated that we will EAT FOOD and Likewise.
So combining these Verses, we see that to “… inherit the kingdom of God; …” referring to the FINAL “NEW Earth and NEW Heavens” (Revelation 21:1) we may “not” have this “FLESH AND BLOOD” part anymore “BEING CHANGED” into “ANGELIC” Beauty of some sort at that time when the Second Resurrection happens.
Luke 20:34 – 36 may be Summarising this Change as a whole that within that AGE (AEON) of 1000 years, Christians by the end of it WILL BE CHANGED into ANGELIC BEAUTY as CHRIST HIMSELF Reveals below:
“… 34JESUS ANSWERED and said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. 35But those who are counted worthy to attain that AGE (Aeon/Olam), and the resurrection from the dead (Revelation 20:4 – 6), NEITHER MARRY NOR ARE GIVEN IN MARRIAGE; 36NOR CAN THEY DIE ANYMORE, FOR THEY ARE EQUAL TO THE ANGELS and ARE SONS OF GOD, being SONS OF THE RESURRECTION. …” (Luke 20:34 – 36, NKJV)
So Christ must be Describing this Process as a ‘whole’ as in His Resurrection He also looked Human with “FLESH and BONES” as He Himself Said (in Luke 24:39 so we will be likewise first) but could walk through walls too (John 20:24 – 29) but in the end of that AEON/AGE (referring to the 1000 years Millennial reign Context) WILL BE EQUAL TO ANGELS and ARE SONS OF GOD (in Luke 20:34 – 36 above).
The phrase “… and THE DEAD WILL BE RAISED INCORRUPTIBLE …” = Second Resurrection while in comparison “WE” (Christians/Elect/Bride) are “NOT” Raised now as we are already Raised 1000 years earlier but are compared here to undergo that change from “no” more “flesh and blood” into “angelic beauty” when all these related Verses are taken together to see this more fully.
So, St. Ireanaeous’ quote here might be “CORRECT” all along in that this LAST TRUMPET Verse refers to the “SECOND RESURRECTION” and hence has a unique Second Badge of Righteous to be saved in a non-Elect Salvation as he quotes John 5:28 – 29 for this Timeline which means it is “LITERAL” (and since we may miss knowing it, and that’s why Christ may have pointed the “DO NOT MARVEL” part for this), Verses:
“… 28Do not marvel at this; for the HOUR IS COMING in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. …” (John 5:28 – 29, NKJV)
This agrees well to these set of Verses next too (which we consider as a “possibility” too because St. Irenaeous’ quote seem to point Generally and hence we may “speculate” the details), Verses:
“… 39ALL FLESH IS NOT THE SAME FLESH, but there is one kind [f]of flesh of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds. 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 15:39 – 42, NKJV)
Note: Now the word “Glory” in “… GLORY of the TERRESTRIAL is another …” (mentioned clearly in 1 Corinthians 15:40) in this Context of “Resurrection of the Dead” (1 Corinthians 15:42) itself indicates that some of the of the TERRESTRIAL RESURRECTION BODIES are also “Saved” for it doesn’t seem logical for a body raised with “glory” to be “unsaved“. To say that this “Terrestrial Glory” ones refers to some lower Christians contradicts Ephesians 5:25 – 27, 31 – 32 which describes Christ Sharing One Flesh with all Christians in some way and so they must be “CELESTIAL (Heavenly) RESURRECTION GLORY Bodies only“.
Also, in this Same Chapter the word “we” in “… WE SHALL ALSO BEAR THE IMAGE of the HEAVENLY MAN. …” (1 Corinthians 15:49) refers only to “Christians” who are called here as “Heavenly Man” meaning “CELESTIAL (Heavenly) RESURRECTION GLORY Bodies only” again so if some Christians have only “… GLORY of the TERRESTRIAL is another …” (1 Corinthians 15:40) type of Resurrection Body (1 Corinthians 15:42), it’s a clear contradiction.
Also the phrase here in 1 Corinthians 15:42 comparing these two types of Glory of Celestial (Heavenly) Vs Terrestrial (Earthly) as “another” clearly implies that these are speaking of two classes of Resurrection Bodies distinctly where the word “Glory” indicates these are among the “saved” most likely.
Am I stretching these “possibilities” too far?
I am “not” sure but I discussed more like a brief summary in link below (or in Pages 571) of this #MysteryoftheKingdomofHeavenBook
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161404805337784
I repeat, I could be wrong but reading these Verses literally seem to point this as a “possibility” (“not Doctrine”) and when God Reveals it One Day I accept it either way.
Peace to you
#WomenPastors .
Rebellion of Korah “Risk” Mystery – Possibility not Doctrine
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161686421292784
0) Firstly I am “not” creating a possibility out of thin air but rather something risky as the example post discussed in link below Speaks of Verses strongly condemning even those who put away “New Testament Traditions” (Page 473 in this book so how much more other more serious New Testament Traditions when broken could merit similar risks?)
https://www.facebook.com/651792783/posts/10161640884237784/
1) Apostle Jude Warns of it within Christianity of the “New Testament” so we better understand it lest we perish likewise
“… Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the REBELLION OF KORAH. …” (Jude 1:11, NKJV)
2) What did Korah and his gang desire?
Basically they think that anyone in the Christian assembly is fit to do the work of the priest (“Christian” being the general metaphor here permitted by Apostle Jude’s usage to the New Testament in analogy above)
“… 1Now KORAH the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, with Dathan and Abiram the sons of Eliab, and On the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men; 2and they rose up before Moses with some of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty leaders of the congregation, representatives of the congregation, men of renown. 3They gathered together AGAINST MOSES AND AARON, and said to them, “You [a]take too much upon yourselves, for ALL THE CONGREGATION IS HOLY, EVERY ONE OF THEM, AND THE LORD is AMONG THEM. Why then DO YOU EXALT YOURSELVES ABOVE THE ASSEMBLY OF THE LORD?” …” (Numbers 16:1 – 3, NKJV)
3) What was Prophet Moses’ Warning?
Moses’ clearly Warns that only the “sons” of Levi can be priests and not anyone in the Christian congregation (“no” women priests and “no” priests outside of Levi’s Descendants):
“… 8Then MOSES SAID TO KORAH, “Hear now, you SONS OF LEVI: 9Is it a SMALL THING to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to DO THE WORK OF THE TABERNACLE of the Lord, and to stand before the congregation to serve them; 10and that He has brought you near to Himself, you and all your brethren, THE SONS OF LEVI, with you? And ARE YOU SEEKING THE PRIESTHOOD ALSO? …” (Numbers 16:8 – 10, NKJV)
3) What Happened to KORAH? Korah and those with him were swallowed alive into Hell
“… 31Now it came to pass, as he finished speaking all these words, THAT THE GROUND SPLIT APART UNDER them, 32and the EARTH OPENED ITS MOUTH and SWALLOWED THEM UP, WITH THEIR HOUSEHOLDS and ALL THE MEN WITH KORAH, with all their goods. 33So THEY AND ALL THOSE WITH THEM WENT DOWN ALIVE INTO THE PIT; the EARTH CLOSED OVER THEM, and THEY PERISHED FROM AMONG THE ASSEMBLY. 34Then all Israel who were around them fled at their cry, for they said, “Lest the earth swallow us up also!” 35And a FIRE CAME OUT FROM THE LORD and CONSUMED THE TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY MEN who were OFFERING INCENSE. …” (Numbers 16:31 – 35, NKJV)
4) What is it? Why was God so Angry with Korah?
“… 40to be a [f]memorial to the children of Israel that NO OUTSIDER, WHO IS NOT A DESCENDANT of AARON, should COME NEAR TO OFFER INCENSE BEFORE THE LORD, that he might NOT BECOME LIKE KORAH AND HIS COMPANIONS, just as the Lord had said to him through Moses. …”
Conclusion
Since Apostle St. Jude quotes this “REBELLION of KORAH” Context in the “New Testament“, though the Levitical PRIESTHOOD has ENDED making way for the Melchizedek Priesthood, the analogy of “Church Order” seems to be implied.
I mean we cannot say for sure what Apostle St. Jude means in full but basically it deals with “Church Order” and the Church Order Commands of the New Testament are clearly Found in New Testament Traditions which are largely ignored by modern Churches.
Just because Judgment doesn’t happen immediately to those who disobey like it did for Korah (who on the surface just seemed to be asking for an innocent thing namely, anyone in the Church to be able to serve at the altar and do incense or even priest work during Old Testament times) but even this merited a straight ticket to “Hell Alive”.
So what if any REBELLION AGAINST NEW TESTAMENT TRADITIONS OF CHURCH ORDER is considered a REBELLION OF KORAH likewise?
I am “not” saying that it must be so but POSSIBLE, Right? So as long as a “Risk” is there, I rather not do it against these Verses.
For those who do Opposite to the Bible Verses next, I don’t judge but let God Decide as any Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit by speaking or quoting Him Wrongly here either way can merit the Unforgivable Sin if we are not careful, Matthew 12:30 – 32.
Example of New Testament Traditions regarding Church Order which may come into Context in analogy of Obedience Required as God Established these Rules in Churches which was even followed by First Christianity, the Church Fathers and even by the Protestant Founders themselves as I have demonstrated in previous chapters (posts too):
“… 16But if anyone seems to be CONTENTIOUS, we have NO SUCH CUSTOM, NOR DO THE CHURCHES OF GOD. … 32And the SPIRITS OF THE PROPHETS are SUBJECT TO THE PROPHETS. 33For GOD IS NOT THE AUTHOR OF [I]CONFUSION but of PEACE, as in ALL THE CHURCHES OF THE SAINTS. 34Let [j]YOUR WOMEN KEEP SILENT IN THE CHURCHES, for they are NOT PERMITTED TO SPEAK; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. 35And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is SHAMEFUL FOR WOMEN TO SPEAK IN CHURCH. 36Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached? 37If ANYONE THINKS HIMSELF TO BE a PROPHET or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things WHICH I WRITE to you are the COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD. …” (1 Corinthians 14:16, 32 – 37, NKJV)
“… And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. …” (1 Timothy 2:12, NKJV)
Comment: This means that women can be bosses in the secular world be it being CEO’s or bosses in companies etc. but not in Church Order as 1 Timothy 2:12 to 1 Corinthians 14:34 prohibit all that.
“… 1IMITATE ME, JUST AS I ALSO IMITATE CHRIST. 2Now I PRAISE YOU, BRETHREN, that you REMEMBER me in all things and KEEP THE TRADITIONS just as I delivered them to you. 3But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 4Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. 5But EVERY WOMAN WHO PRAYS OR PROPHESIES with HER HEAD UNCOVERED DISHONORS her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved. … (1 Corinthians 11:1 – 5, NKJV)
The hair is not the covering spoken of here but drawn in analogy of nature, Verses:
“… 7For a MAN INDEED OUGHT NOT TO COVER HIS HEAD, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man … 10For THIS REASON THE WOMAN OUGHT to have a SYMBOL OF AUTHORITY on HER HEAD, BECAUSE OF THE ANGELS …13Judge among yourselves. Is it PROPER FOR A WOMAN TO PRAY TO GOD WITH HER HEAD UNCOVERED? 14Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him? 15But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given [a]to her for a covering. 16But if ANYONE SEEMS TO BE CONTENTIOUS, WE HAVE NO SUCH CUSTOM, NOR DO THE CHURCHES OF GOD. …” (1 Corinthians 11:7, 10, 13 – 16, NKJV)
Context: If the “covering” in Verse 13 refers to hair for women as sufficient, then the same word used in Verse 7 Speaks of men “not to be covered” whilst praying thus must mean that every man must be “bald with no hair” when they “pray“.
This is absurd but some believe such modern interpretations. Truth is the “covering or no covering” for prayer in Verses 13 and 7 for women and men respectively refers to the ‘same covering’ which is a “veil or equivalent put on the head” during prayer.
Please also remember that Verse 10 said the reason for this is “angels” and if “hair” was sufficient then even with or without prayer, a woman has her hair all the time so why need to write about any specific covering on her head for prayer then?
I mean a woman’s hair is always on her head even with or without praying and so if nothing extra needs to be put on the head for covering (as her hair is enough as modern interpreters teach), then what’s the point these Bible Verses are Written since after reading them too, IF these women did not put anything else on the head as veil but just their hair? See the absurdity?
It was Written because they had to put something extra namely a veil or equivalent to cover their heads during prayer or prophesying (not all the time) which is why these Verses were Written.
Since the reason is angels and they exist back then and now, this ought to be done today as well.
Additional Context: Please notice carefully that observing these New Testament Traditions (1 Corinthians chapters 11 to 14 is “not” called a cultural adjustment but the “Commands of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 14:37) and also as the way “we OUGHT to IMITATE/FOLLOW CHRIST” which the BIBLE PRAISES NOT CONDEMNS (1 Corinthians 11:1 – 2) at the start of this listing of these Traditions itself.
Verse in 1 Corinthians 11:16 here mentions clearly that this was not a Corinthian Church observation but for CHURCHES EVERYWHERE WITH NO ALTERNATE CUSTOMS either in ANY CHURCH OF GOD (please notice phrases such as “NO SUCH CUSTOM” or “NOR DO THE CHURCHES OF GOD” or “ALL CHURCHES OF THE SAINTS” carefully in quoted Verses to ‘realize’ this).
Claiming that their women’s prayers were answered without this practice is equivalent in analogy for Roman Catholics to claim likewise that their women’s prayers are also answered when they “pray to virgin Mary“.
In fact, the Roman Catholic Church has way more money or answered prayers or converts to claim that if ‘one’s seemingly answered prayer’ is proof of truth, then theirs is it as they have more testimonies of that than anyone else with “prosperity” even.
Comment: If some of the Modern Churches are “not” afraid to do AGAINST these WRITTEN VERSES based on their new modern ways, why should we be afraid to FOLLOW THIS APPROVED SCRIPTURAL WAY?
“… 27If ANYONE SPEAKS IN A TONGUE, LET THERE BE TWO OR AT THE MOST THREE, EACH IN TURN, AND LET ONE INTERPRET. 28But if there is NO INTERPRETER, LET HIM KEEP SILENT IN CHURCH, and let him speak to himself and to God. 29Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. 30But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, LET THE FIRST KEEP SILENT. 31For YOU CAN ALL PROPHESY ONE BY ONE, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 32And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33For GOD IS NOT THE AUTHOR OF [I]CONFUSION but OF PEACE, AS IN ALL THE CHURCHES OF THE SAINTS. …” (1 Corinthians 14:27 – 33, NKJV)
Remember
“… 19yet IN THE CHURCH I would RATHER SPEAK FIVE WORDS with MY UNDERSTANDING, that I may TEACH OTHERS ALSO, than TEN THOUSAND WORDS IN A TONGUE. …” (1 Corinthians 11:19, NKJV)
Note: So these “Verses” (not me) Teach of no Speaking in Tongues publicly at Church unless there are two or three at most with interpreters and “in turn” (1 Corinthians 14:26 – 33). These Verses do “not” support a simultaneous speaking in tongues (as it’s “not in turn“) and of more than 3 either (if the Bible Specifies a number, it is best to follow it as wouldn’t God Administer His Gift according to His Own Rule here?)
Risk
If disobeying these Church Order Commands can be considered as part of the “Rebellion of KORAH” type which merited Hell straight for those believers of the past (possible because their sin was just trying to help to do God’s Ministry but NOT ACCORDING TO HIS RULE at that Old Testament time with NO BIG SIN MENTIONED SUCH as Breaking the 10 Commandments or equivalent mentioned), then what makes you think that such a Risk is not possible in ANALOGY of NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH ORDER VERSES as Jude 1:11 Reveals Mysteriously?
Could this be the one of the reasons the following Christians are Denied due to #Lawlessness in these aspects despite converting MANY based on “Prophesying, Casting out of Demons and Miracles too” in THAT DAY (Referring to an End-Time Popular Christianity When HE RETURNS?), Verses:
“… 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: …” (Matthew 7:21 – 24, NKJV)
Example Protestant Founders’ Quote regarding New Testament Traditions
Note: I will only Quote “Martin Luther, the First Protestant” because any Protestant Christian must agree that ‘he is saved’ and if we preach ‘harshly’ like him even in regards to this Topic (there is “no” Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit Risk at all) and so please consider his following example quotes:
1) In his great treatise ‘On the Councils and the Church’ (1539) Luther sets out seven external marks of the church. He has this to say about the fifth mark, ‘the fact that the church consecrates or calls ministers, or has offices that it is to administer’. After a wonderful paragraph in which he quotes Ephesians 4:8-11 (‘he gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers’) and speaks of the need to entrust the pastoral ministry to one person, he goes on:
“… It is, however, true that the Holy Spirit has excepted women, children, and incompetent people from this function, but chooses (except in emergencies) only competent males to fill this office, as one reads here and there in the epistles of St. Paul that a bishop must be pious, able to teach, and the husband of one wife – and in 1 Corinthians 14:34 he says, ‘The women should keep silence in the churches’. In summary, it must be a competent and chosen man. Children, women, and other persons are not qualified for this office, even though they are able to hear God’s word, to receive baptism, the sacrament, absolution, and are also true, holy Christians, as St. Peter says …” – Blessed Martin Luther, The First Champion of the Protestant Faith (1 Pet 3:7 – Luther’s Works, American Edition 41:154, 155).
[Comment: In the first line Martin Luther, the First Protestant’s phrase is against ANY WOMAN PASTOR as he SAYS THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT NEVER MAKES WOMAN PASTORS in the phrase here ‘… true that the Holy Spirit has excepted women, …’. Is this True or a possible Unforgivable Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit by Martin Luther? I just reveal the facts, you decide]
[Notice that Martin Luther also calls Apostle Peter as “Saint Peter = St. Peter” (so this usage is approved too) in the last line].
Those who claim the women’s ordination issue is merely a matter of pastoral practice, not church doctrine, should take note of where the above paragraph is located. Luther’s comments form a sub-section of his treatment of the fifth essential mark of the church, its consecration and calling of pastors. This fifth mark follows other weighty topics of Christian teaching: ‘possession of the holy word of God’, ‘the holy sacrament of baptism’, ‘the holy sacrament of the altar’, and ‘the office of the keys exercised publicly’.
2) The second place is the Reformer’s treatise on ‘Infiltrating and Clandestine Preachers’ from 1532, where his discussion runs through several pages (LW 40:388-391). Here Luther discusses in detail the role of women prophets in both the Old and the New Testaments (390). Nonetheless, he goes on to say:
“… But in the New Testament the Holy Spirit, speaking through St. Paul, ordained that women should be silent in the churches and assemblies (1 Cor 14:34), and said that this is the Lord’s commandment. Yet he knew that previously Joel (2:28,29) had proclaimed that God would pour out his Spirit also on handmaidens. Furthermore, the four daughters of Philip prophesied (Acts 21:9). But in the congregations or churches where there is a ministry women are to be silent and not preach (1 Timothy 2:12). Otherwise they may pray, sing, praise, and say ‘Amen’, and read at home, teach each other, exhort, comfort and interpret the Scriptures as best they can (LW 40:390, 391). …” – Blessed Martin Luther, The First Champion of the Protestant Faith
3) In a sermon on Joel 2:28 (‘I will pour out my Spirit…; your sons and your daughters shall prophecy’) Luther comments:
“… The four daughters of Philip were prophetesses. A woman can do this – not preach in public, but console and teach – a woman can do this just as much as a man. There are certainly women and girls who are able to comfort others and teach true words, that is to say, who can explain Scripture and teach and console other people…this all counts as prophesying, not preaching …” – Blessed Martin Luther, The First Champion of the Protestant Faith (Sermon on Joel 2:28 (1531) Weimar Ausgabe [Weimar Edition] XXXIV, p 483).
4) Luther addresses the issue in a similar vein in a number of other places: ‘Lectures on 1 Timothy’ (Luther’s Works 28:276,77); ‘Sermons on the First Epistle of Peter (LW 30:54,55, 88); ‘The misuse of the mass’ (LW 36:151,52). There can be no doubt concerning his firm adherence to the apostolic teaching of 1 Corinthians 14:34. For Luther, God’s will regarding women’s ordination is made crystal clear in the Scriptures. If it was so clear to him and to the Christian church through nearly two millennia, we may well ask: Why is it now widely claimed that these passages are unclear?
Protestant Source: https://thetruthinlove.net/martin-luther-on-women-pastors/
Comment: If any Protestant Church accepts Martin Luther, the First Protestant even if he preaches the above, then similarly they should accept us too if they are “not” hypocrites if we ‘preach the same as him’. Can you see it? (That’s why they must be careful or will be judged by their own harsh judgments toward those who follow all this as “with the Judgment you judge it will be measured back to you” as Christ Warned in Matthew 7:1 – 2).
Here’s another famous one:
“… Where THERE IS A MAN, THERE NO WOMAN SHOULD TEACH OR HAVE AUTHORITY. Where there is no man, Paul has allowed that they can do this, because it happens by a man’s command. He wants to save the order preserved by the world—that a man be the head of the woman, as 1 Cor. 11:3 tells us. … Then comes the teaching, and PAUL DOES NOT ENTRUST THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD TO HER. He CONSIDERS THIS THE GREATEST THING THAT GOES ON IN THE CHURCH. You must always understand this with the condition that men are present. Paul says this that there may be peace and harmony in the churches when the Word is taught and people pray. There would be a disturbance if some woman wished to argue against the doctrine that is being taught by a man. The method of 1 Cor. 14 has now perished. I could wish it were still in effect, but it causes great strife. Where a man teaches, there is a wellrounded argument against a man. If she wishes to be wise, let her argue with her husband at home. …” – Blessed Martin Luther, The First Champion of the Protestant Faith (Martin Luther, “Lectures on 1 Timothy” [1528], Luther’s Works, Vol. 28 [Saint Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1973], pp. 276-77)
Protestant Source (Page 12, with much more in detail in pdf in link below):
https://www.angelfire.com/ny4/djw/LutherGenderMinistry.pdf
or this source too:
https://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/5/25/commentary-on-1-timothy-29-14
Summary
Why?
Our Position: “… Judge not and you won’t be judged …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:1 – 2).
Details (I repeat for clarification):
This does not necessarily mean that the opposite positions to what we propose as the Safe Route Scripturally in this Book must we wrong but rather in some cases it could be so if God permitted it.
However the risk of the opposite positions is still there because we prove our position with Bible Verses and the opposite positions usually pertain to New Modern Ways which some Christians have claimed that God told them do so especially based on the Progressive Revelation Movement which we do not support.
Since only God Knows whether their claims are true or not, we do not judge those Christians letting God Judge them alone. However, we also point out to them to have respect for these First Ways of the Church especially which are Written in Bible Verses because the Doctrinal Position we demonstrate is already Plainly Written in Holy Scripture and so it is already 100% Approved by New Testament Scripture and the First Churches which obeyed it are already Saved by Practicing it and that’s why we seek to Imitate Scripture likewise.
Big number of Christians following a Doctrine or believing in something is not necessarily a sign of Truth which is easy to prove for any Protestants since no matter what blessing or evangelism they claim, the Roman Catholics beat them in financial blessings to number of souls and so by that logic, does it justify Praying to Virgin Mary?
So claiming such proofs is not Biblical but rather we point to Bible Verses only for each claim.
Peace to you
Not Faith only but “Faith + His Commandments” are uniquely mentioned for Salvation into the “Heavens” type.
Which Christianity – Legalism vs Obedience by Love – How to know the Difference?
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161683528007784
1) There is no legalism in what we do and teach.
2) Obeying what is “not” Written (or Practicing man-made ways against New Testament Traditions is what “legalism” actually” is because it’s ‘man-made rules or ways’) as Christ Taught that’s the “hypocrisy” which the Pharisees did
“… 5But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God”— 6then he need not honor his father [a]or mother.’ Thus you have made the [b]COMMANDMENT OF GOD OF NO EFFECT by YOUR TRADITION. 7HYPOCRITES! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 8‘These people [c]DRAW NEAR TO ME WITH THEIR MOUTH, And HONOR ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR FROM ME. 9And IN VAIN THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE COMMANDMENTS OF MEN.’ ” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 15:5 – 9, NKJV)
3) His Burden is light only if you love Him not that it’s “not difficult”
“… 27All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. 28Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am [f]gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 11:27 – 30, NKJV)
“… 20The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept [g]from my youth. What do I STILL LACK?” 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.” 22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away SORROWFUL, for he had GREAT POSSESSIONS.23Then JESUS said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is HARD for a RICH MAN TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. 24And AGAIN I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. …” (Matthew 19:20 – 24, NKJV)
“… 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: …” (Matthew 7:21 – 24, NKJV)
Our Doctrine is based on Verse 24 above “…4“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: …” where if anyone loves Him, will do likewise.
Note: Not just for today but for all time, we Preach the same as points above as the Church Fathers to the Protestant Founders did till the 20th Century. As I said, if you want to follow new ways, I don’t stop you as Let God Decide in the end.
iii) Why did He Ask for “His Will to be Done on earth as it is in Heaven”?
Here’s “God’s Will Example for Finance” by “Christ Himself”. Because His Will is not making earthly Kingdom but His Commandments which includes this for example:
“… 20The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept [g]from my youth. What do I STILL LACK?” 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.” . …” (Matthew 19:20 – 21, NKJV)
We cannot do that perfectly that’s why He allowed the follows for example:
“5And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up [a]and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, [b]make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6So he [c]made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. 7But when they saw it, they all [d]complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest WITH A MAN WHO IS A SINNER.” 8Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “LOOK, LORD, I GIVE HALF OF MY GOODS TO THE POOR; AND IF I HAVE TAKEN ANYTHING FROM ANYONE BY FALSE ACCUSATION, I RESTORE FOURFOLD.” 9And JESUS SAID TO HIM, “TODAY SALVATION HAS COME TO THIS HOUSE, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10for THE SON OF MAN has come TO SEEK AND TO SAVE THAT WHICH WAS LOST.” …” (Luke 19:5 – 10, NKJV)
If we don’t do that He Even allows this as Apostle Paul wrote this “Command” (not option):
“… 17COMMAND THOSE WHO ARE RICH … . 18Let THEM DO GOOD, that they be RICH IN GOOD WORKS, READY TO GIVE, WILLING TO SHARE, … that THEY MAY LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE. …” (1 Timothy 6:17 – 19, NKJV)
That’s what it means for example “financially” if we are to do “His Will in Heaven on Earth” because that’s Who God is in the Heavens as well according to this Verse:
“… A FATHER OF THE FATHERLESS, a DEFENDER OF WIDOWS, Is GOD IN HIS HOLY HABITATION. …” (Psalm 68:5, NKJV)
“Give to Charity” is part of the “Full Seek His Kingdom Meaning” as per these 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)
The Prosperity Preachers are speaking against Christ when they say you can have a lot of money but don’t let it be in your heart as Christ Says the opposite namely if your heart is in the Heavens, you will Give to Charity and vice versa.
We do “not” deny Justification by Faith but point clearly that not all Salvation/Rewards in Heaven is the same and that depends only on “Keeping His Commandments = not the abolished Torah parts but only any Command of the New Testament ONLY”
“… 19Whoever therefore BREAKS one of the LEAST of THESE COMMANDMENTS, and TEACHES men so, shall be called LEAST in the kingdom of HEAVEN; but whoever DOES AND TEACHES them, he shall be called GREAT in the kingdom of HEAVEN. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:19, NKJV)
“… 46“But WHY DO YOU CALL ME ‘LORD, LORD,’ and NOT DO THE THINGS WHICH I SAY? 47Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: 48He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:46 – 48, NKJV)
“… 13MAKING THE WORD OF GOD OF NO EFFECT THROUGH YOUR TRADITION which you have handed down. And many such things you do.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:13, NKJV)
Please remember that “Justification by Faith” also has this very low level Salvation due to “not” Keeping enough of God’s Commands, Verse:
“… 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 3:14 – 15, NKJV)
So, Preaching to Save sinners from Hell is “not” the most glorious type of conversion if you understand these “SAVED BY FIRE BUT WITH LOSS” as per Verses above. This Gives Full Glory to Christ Alone because “Preaching Christ is Preaching what He Commanded too” and thus it is not us but He Who Works His Commands in us, Verses:
“…for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. …” (Philippians 2:13, NKJV)
Comment: This “Saved by Fire” case can include some of those whom are included in John 3:16’s “whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life” and so it’s “not” as honourable as the Salvation of other Christians who adorn their Faith with Works accordingly to HONOUR GOD in ACTION as the other part of these Verses Describe as “Gold, Silver and Precious Stones” type of Reward (1 Corinthians 3:11 – 13).
“… 13For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because WHEN YOU RECEIVED THE WORD OF GOD which you heard from us, YOU WELCOMED IT NOT AS the WORD OF MEN, but AS IT IS IN TRUTH, the WORD OF GOD, which also effectively works in you who believe. …” (1 Thessalonians 2:13, NKJV)
Apostle St. Paul did “not” Speak against God’s Commands but Taught these likewise as I have quoted in earlier chapters as he only spoke of the abolished Torah part to be unobserved (anything which you don’t find re-enforced in New Testament Verses) because in the end nothing else matters, Example Verse:
“… Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the KEEPING OF THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD. …” (1 Corinthians 7:19, KJV)
Just like Blessed Apostle St. Paul, if we teach the CORRECT type of SOLA FIDE DOCTRINE, we will likewise TEACH ALL THESE VERSES as he himself did (including the New Testament Traditions/Rules too, e.g. 1 Corinthians 11:1 – 2, 1 Corinthians 14:37). Can you see it please ‘as it is Written’?
Why do these need to be Preached?
Similarly, in analogy, just like “Holiness Commands” (e.g. Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not Murder, Honour your Parents etc.) needs to be Taught, likewise Practice the “Charity Doctrine” Good Works of “GIVE and SHARE” commands by Christ or New Testament Verses needs to be Preached likewise.
Since the “Seed” is the “Word of God” (Written Bible Verses only), so whoever is “Good Ground” it will grow into the “Fruit of Obedience” producing the “Fruit according to His Command” which is “Obeyed”. More Commands Obeyed, More Fruits.
Conclusion
So how much we love Him back, will prove by us doing His Commands including all of these as it is Written. Let each judge themselves against these Verses and not each other. Here’s a “First Christianity” Quote Revealing this Biblical Truth:
St. Irenaeous of Lyons clearly affirms that this Position is Taught by the ‘Prebysters’ whom he refers below as the DIRECT DISCIPLES of the APOSTLES ONLY:
“… And as the presbyters* say, Then those who are deemed worthy of an abode in heaven shall go there, others shall enjoy the delights of paradise, and others shall possess the splendour of the city; for everywhere the Saviour shall be seen according as they who see Him shall be worthy. [They say, moreover], that there is this distinction between the habitation of those who produce an hundred-fold, and that of those who produce sixty-fold, and that of those who produce thirty-fold [Matthew 13:1 – 8, Matthew 13:18 – 23]: for the first will be taken up into the heavens, the second will dwell in paradise, the last will inhabit the city; and that was on this account the Lord declared, “In My Father’s house are many mansions.” For all things belong to God, who supplies all with a suitable dwelling-place; even as His Word says, that a share is allotted to all by the Father, according as each person is or shall be worthy. And this is the couch on which the guests shall recline, having been invited to the wedding. The presbyters, the disciples of the apostles, affirm that this is the gradation and arrangement of those who are saved, and that they advance through steps of this nature… For in the TIMES of the KINGDOM, the righteous man who is upon the earth shall then forget to die. … John, therefore, did distinctly foresee the FIRST “RESURRECTION of the JUST,” [Revelation 20:4 – 6, 1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 18, Luke 14:14] and the inheritance in the kingdom of the earth; and what the prophets have prophesied concerning it harmonize [with his vision, e.g. Isaiah 65:20 – 23, Isaiah 11, Revelation 20:7 – 10]. For the Lord also taught these things, when He promised that He would have the mixed cup new with His disciples in the kingdom. …” – Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons, a Hearer of Blessed St. Polycarp who is an Apostolic Father being the Disciple of Blessed St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation (c. 130 AD – c. 202 AD, ‘Against Heresies’, Book 5, Chapter Chapter XXXVI, Points 1 – 2, 3-partial)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/irenaeus-book5.html
Note: “*presbyters” usage here St. Irenaeous refers to those who were direct disciples of the Apostles only as he writes in the above “…The presbyters, the disciples of the apostles, affirm that this is the gradation and arrangement of those who are saved …”.
The same way some don’t believe in St. Irenaeous’ writing, I don’t believe in their modern preachings either. For me, this is more likely to be True. Since no one can say for sure, let God Decide One Day.
Peace to you
False Prophets Risk in Words and Doctrine
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161678916367784
Firstly, is Idle Word Spoken a small sin if wrong?
Not according to Christ (so this is an important “Doctrine” based on this Verse itself):
“… But I SAY TO YOU that for EVERY IDLE WORD MEN MAY SPEAK, THEY WILL GIVE ACCOUNT of it in the DAY OF JUDGMENT. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 12:36, NKJV)
Comment: If any “idle word” risks such a “Judgment” on the future “Day of Judgment” as CHRIST HIMSELF WARNS HERE, then the MOST DANGEROUS IDLE WORDS OF ALL are those CLAIMED IN HIS NAME than among each other Right?
Also, the Greatest Sin of all is not an action or unholiness physically but the “Unforgivable Blasphemy against the HOLY SPIRIT“, Verses:
“… 31“Therefore I SAY TO YOU, EVERY SIN AND BLASPHEMY WILL BE FORGIVEN MEN, but the BLASPHEMY AGAINST THE SPIRIT will NOT BE FORGIVEN MEN. 32Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but WHOEVER SPEAKS AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRIT, it will NOT BE FORGIVEN HIM, EITHER in THIS AGE OR IN THE AGE TO COME. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 12:31 – 32, NKJV)
Please notice that both these Verses are part of the Mysterious ‘… I SAY TO YOU …’ Verses by LORD JESUS CHRIST.
Comments:
1) Today, we have some Christians claiming the Holy Spirit told them this and that especially in regards to “money/blessings” and if “they lied” likewise, could they be considered to have committed the Unforgivable Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit likewise? So the Safe Route Scripturally is to avoid all this and stick to the Written Commands instead as it is Written which is 100% approved in Holy Scripture.
2) In other words, if one claims the “Holy Spirit told me or equivalent”, they must be 100% correct or if not can risk this case as Scripture has Warned. As for me, that’s why I just prefer to quote Bible Verses as it is Written for these Commands.
3) Example: Most of these Christians who approve the “PROSPERITY GOSPEL” and “women pastors” usually also like to claim “… The Holy Spirit told me this and that directly …”. How do you know the “Holy Spirit” told them? If He did they are safe but if not, can you see the risk?
Remember, taking His Name in Vain is breaking one of the 3rd highest 10 Commandments, Verse (so it’s not a ‘small sin’):
“… “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. …” (Exodus 2:7, NKJV)
Note: Taking “His Name in Vain” (example claiming that God Told something against what is Written in New Testament Scripture not as a possibility but as doctrine risks this).
4) That’s why in the #SafeRouteScripturallyBook , I endeavour to show clearly that each “possibility of theology” or more so the “Doctrines” which we consider or Teach has “Bible Verses” first and “Church Fathers + First Christianity Writings in support of it” too as much as possible to ensure that we don’t speak something which is “idle” or “not found in Scripture” or worse still, “something AGAINST New Testament Verses even“.
5) What if the Church Fathers and I were wrong on some of my Theological points?
The difference is none of the Church Fathers and Protestant Founders quoted “the Holy Spirit told me directly against Scripture or New Testament Traditions” and so even if they are wrong, there is no the unforgivable blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31 – 32) but the reverse “risks it”.
Before Judging the Church Fathers, please also remember that if they are right on some points or all, the “Judgment” falls on your modern Churches likewise for these “idle word teachings” likewise so Let God Decide ‘which was right’.
6) Safe Route Scripturally
That’s why CHRIST HIMSELF Teaches THE SAFE ROUTE SCRIPTURALLY CONCEPT here to us to have a “Choice” namely to NOT JUDGE SO THAT WE ARE NOT JUDGED, in Verses here:
“… 1“JUDGE[A] NOT, THAT YOU BE NOT JUDGED. 2For WITH WHAT [B]JUDGMENT YOU JUDGE, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, IT WILL BE MEASURED BACK TO YOU. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:1 – 2, NKJV)
Example: You cannot emptily claim ‘you are not judging’ if you expel people from your Churches or denominations based on your “modern man made rules” (if it’s NOT A NEW TESTAMENT VERSE) because you will BE JUDGED IN THE SAME MEASURE BACK as you did first as this Verse clearly implies as “it is Written“. That’s why personally I work with any Church regarding things which are WRITTEN IN NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE even if I don’t agree with their other Theological Doctrines so as not to judge them based on things which are “not Written” (1 Corinthians 4:6 – 7 also Warned of this Way likewise below):
“… 6Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us NOT TO THINK BEYOND WHAT IS WRITTEN, that none of you may be [c]PUFFED UP ON BEHALF OF ONE AGAINST THE OTHER. 7For who [d]MAKES YOU DIFFER FROM ANOTHER? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? …” (1 Corinthians 4:6 – 7, NKJV)
Please remember that NEW TESTAMENT TRADITIONS were Preached even by Blessed Martin Luther, Blessed John Cavin, Blessed Charles Spurgeon, Blessed John Wesley or even the Church Fathers Taught? (Are all these great man of God “Prideful” for obeying and teaching “Written New Testament Traditions“?) I have discussed some quotes in detail by each Protestant Founder or Saint above in several pages in the #SafeRouteScripturallyBook.
What the Bible has “Praised” no man can condemn (for example obeying these “New Testament Traditions”) even beyond the Corinthian Church even at the Thessalonian Church too, Verses:
“… 1IMITATE ME, just as I also IMITATE CHRIST. 2Now I PRAISE you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and KEEP the TRADITIONS just as I delivered them to you. …” (1 Corinthians 11:1 – 2, NKJV)
“… Therefore, brethren, STAND FAST AND HOLD THE TRADITIONS which YOU WERE TAUGHT, WHETHER BY WORD OR OUR EPISTLE. …” (2 Thessalonians 2:15, NKJV)
In fact, when we “withdraw” from any “Church” which does “not” obey even these New Testament “Traditions“, we are “Obeying this Command“:
“… But we COMMAND YOU, BRETHREN, in the NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, that you WITHDRAW FROM EVERY BROTHER who walks DISORDERLY and NOT ACCORDING TO THE TRADITION which he received from us. …” (2 Thessalonians 3:6, NKJV)
No one is “ever ruined” by Teaching and Obeying New Testament “Traditions/Rules” and in fact may be “Crowned“, Verse:
“… 5And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is NOT CROWNED unless he COMPETES ACCORDING to THE RULES. … 14REMIND them of THESE THINGS, charging them before the Lord not to [d]strive about words to no profit, to the RUIN OF THE HEARERS. … ” (2 Timothy 2:5, 14, NKJV)
7) First Christianity Quote in support of this “Safe Route Scripturally” position on such difficult theological matters
Please remember that as long as you never said ‘… The Holy Spirit told me this and that directly especially for things which you do AGAINST WRITTEN SCRIPTURE …’ you have “not” committed any Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.
In regards to ‘pastors who claim otherwise’, please don’t judge them but just know that if God Really told them otherwise, they will be safe but if not, taking the Name of God in vain itself is a higher 10 Commandment which could risk the Unforgivable Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit too if we are not careful.
As usual, I just point to the known facts and risks and you decide for yourselves which is suitable for you and as for me, I prefer “WRITTEN SCRIPTURE” as the Safe Route Scripturally.
Why don’t judge option is better in these cases both ways (Matthew 7:1 – 2)?
Because even this “Apostolic Fathers” Writing of the “Didache” Taught this likewise as follows:
“… And when the apostle goes away, let him take nothing but bread until he lodges; but if he ask money, he is a false prophet. AND EVERY PROPHET THAT SPEAKS IN THE SPIRIT YOU SHALL NEITHER TRY NOR JUDGE; for EVERY SIN SHALL BE FORGIVEN, but THIS SIN SHALL NOT BE FORGIVEN. … But whoever SAYS IN THE SPIRIT, GIVE ME MONEY or SOMETHING ELSE, you shall NOT LISTEN to him; but IF he SAYS TO YOU TO GIVE FOR OTHER’S SAKE WHO ARE IN NEED, LET NO ONE JUDGE him. …” – The Didache or the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles to the Nations (Chapter 11)
Source: https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0714.htm
Please notice carefully the last line above too which Reveals that Preaching the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle has “Zero” Risks because it’s for “other’s needs” and not collected by the Preacher.
Peace to you
Mystery of a Faithful Christian to a Faithful Church by Christ’s Words only
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161673415337784
Interesting Quote in image but not so accurate – Why?
Example: Did you notice that in the Gospels itself, NOT ONCE did CHRIST HIMSELF do any PUBLIC PRAYER GATHERING WITH HIS DISCIPLES NOR BROKE INTO any PUBLIC WORSHIP by SINGING SONGS OF PRAISE TO THE FATHER? If these are what it means to be a ‘perfect Christian’, why is it NOT DONE ONCE BY CHRIST IN THE GOSPELS ITSELF? Please don’t get me wrong as I am “not” against worship nor prayer but Christ Taught to do these “secretly” and “not publicly” (example: Matthew 6:1 – 7 for “secret practice ONLY” of ANY RIGHTEOUSNESS including “prayer or worship” and the “Charity Doctrine“).
So we are to “FOLLOW CHRIST”, not men in these aspects too, right? So even if any public prayer, gathering of worship is done, the “best” way is still in “secret” as Christ Sealed that Context in Matthew 6:1 – 7, Verses:
“… 1“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2Therefore, WHEN YOU DO A CHARITABLE DEED, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites DO IN THE SYNAGOGUES [Churches] and IN THE STREETS, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3But WHEN YOU DO A CHARITABLE DEED, DO NOT LET YOUR LEFT HAND KNOW WHAT YOUR RIGHT HAND IS DOING, 4that YOUR CHARITABLE DEED MAY BE IN SECRET; and YOUR FATHER WHO SEES IN SECRET will Himself reward you [a]openly. 5“And when you pray, you shall not be like the [b]hypocrites. For they LOVE TO PRAY STANDING IN THE SYNAGOGUES [Churches] and ON THE CORNERS OF THE STREETS, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6But you, WHEN YOU PRAY, GO INTO YOUR ROOM, AND when YOU HAVE SHUT YOUR DOOR, PRAY TO YOUR FATHER WHO IS IN THE SECRET PLACE; AND YOUR FATHER WHO SEES IN SECRET will reward you [c]openly. 7And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8“THEREFORE DO NOT BE LIKE THEM …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:1 – 8, NKJV)
The above is “God’s Will for Prayer, Charity Doctrine or any other Righteousness too” as do it in “Secret” only by CHRIST. Can you see it as “it is Written” please? In the ‘other manuscript’, the word “alms” is “righteousness” in Matthew 6:1 as some scholars contest, but regardless the ‘meaning’ is the same in essence, right? namely do it in “secret only” or “do most of it in SECRET”, example translation:
“… “Take care not to PRACTICE YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS in the sight of people, to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. …” (Matthew 6:1, NASB)
Why doing “God’s Will” Way for any of these righteousness is important? It’s the “secret” of “entering Heaven” by exceeding the “righteousness of the Pharisees” too (a human measure which Christ Compares in Quoted Verses above too so it’s the correct context and can be exceeded by anyone obeying Christ’s Way as He Compares in each Verse here), Verses for this (also by CHRIST HIMSELF only directly as follows):
“… 21“NOT EVERYONE who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ SHALL ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEVAEN, BUT HE WHO DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER IN HEAVEN. … 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: …” (Matthew 7:21, 24, NKJV)
“… 19Whoever therefore BREAKS one of the least of THESE COMMANDMENTS, and teaches men so, shall be called LEAST in the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN; but whoever DOES AND TEACHES THEM, he shall be called GREAT in the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. 20For I say to you, that unless YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS EXCEEDS THE RIGHTEOUSNESS of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by NO MEANS ENTER THE KINGDOM of HEAVEN. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:19 – 21, NKJV)
Also, please consider what is “actually Written” carefully as follows regarding being a “Faithful Christian” in CHRIST’S WORDS ONLY in Verses as follows:
1) “Faithful” in Judgment Day Verses Context by Christ
The “Well Done Good and Faithful Servant” from Matthew 25 also has these Verses immediately next which means CHRIST NEVER MENTIONED once that the “Faithfulness” He Referred to is say ‘attending Church’ but rather pointed to these CHARITY DOCTRINE ACTS:
Even in “Judgment Day” Verses, Christ only Asks about what one did to the “… Hungry, Thirsty, Naked, Homeless etc. …” which are Çharity Doctrine Acts without which any idealogy/conversions doesn’t work or don’t matter in Matthew 25:31 – 46 clearly. Christ also clearly defines “His Sheep” to possess these Çharity Doctrine Act Qualities clearly.
Here’s a little deeper mystery for you to ponder: Some of the “Righteous (sheep)” did NOT EVEN KNOW the Lord much and that’s why they ask back as follows (but yet THE LORD KNOWS ALL THESE CHARITY DOCTRINE SHEEP as opposed to the “… Converting MANY based on Prophesying, Casting out Demons, Miracles in His Name ones whom HE DENIES as I NEVER KNEW YOU due to LAWLESSNESS …” in Matthew 7:20 – 24), Surprised Sheep Verses:
“… 23His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ … 37“Then the RIGHTEOUS WILL ANSWER Him, saying, ‘Lord, When Did We See You Hungry And Feed YOU, or THIRSTY AND GIVE YOU DRINK? 38WHEN DID WE SEE YOU A STRANGER and TAKE YOU IN, OR NAKED AND CLOTHE YOU? 39Or WHEN DID WE SEE YOU SICK, OR in PRISON, AND COME TO YOU?’ 40And THE KING WILL ANSWER and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I SAY TO YOU, INASMUCH AS YOU DID IT TO ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE MY BRETHREN, YOU DID IT TO ME.’ …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:23, 37 – 40, NKJV)
2) “Faithful” in other Verses by Christ
Regarding the word being “Faithful” in another passage CHRIST clearly explains that this refers primarily or only to the CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE as He mentions “no other religious act” when using that word (if you find Christ using the Word “Faithful” whilst teaching any other religious act, please show me the Verse and I would be grateful to add to context), Verses:
Doctrine: How to Serve God and “not” Money?
Blessed Matthew does “not” record Christ Explaining the “how” part in Matthew 6:24 but fortunately Blessed Luke Records CHRIST CLEARLY TEACHING the “HOW TO SERVE GOD and NOT MONEY” in Verses below as the “CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE ONLY“, Verses:
“… 9“And I say to you, MAKE FRIENDS FOR YOURSELVES by UNRIGHTEOUS [D]MAMMON, that when [e]you fail, they may receive you into an EVERLASTING HOME. 10He who is FAITHFUL in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. 11Therefore IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN FAITHFUL IN THE UNRIGHTEOUS MAMMON, WHO WILL COMMIT TO YOUR TRUST THE TRUE RICHES? 12And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own? 13“No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. YOU CANNOT SERVE GOD AND MAMMON.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 16:9 – 13, NKJV)
Let’s also look at an ‘easier to understand’ English translation for these ‘same Verses’ as follows (please notice the word “Faithful” in these Verses for the Context of Discussion too):
“… 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. 10“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. 11And IF YOU ARE UNTRUSTWORTHY ABOUT WORLDLY WEALTH, who will trust you with the TRUE RICHES OF HEAVEN? 12And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own? “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. YOU CANNOT SERVE GOD AND BE ENSLAVED TO MONEY.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 16:9 – 13, NLT)
3) “Faithful” in Seek His Kingdom Context by Christ
When Christ Taught to “Seek the Kingdom of God”, the only religious act He Mentioned with it was the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle of “Give to Charity” as part of it, 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)
4) “Faithful” in Attending Church by the First New Testament Pentecostal Church
The “attending Church” Verses post His Resurrection does “not” support your type of Church attendance either unless it is the “living together type”. In other words, the “Church Attendance” Verses in the New Testament after His Resurrection actually referred to groups of believers “living together in groups” which is the “BEST TYPE OF CHURCH ATTENDANCE DAILY” with the CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE and not meeting once in a while type as these Verses prove:
“… 1When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all [a]with one accord in one place. 2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3Then there appeared to them [b]divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. … 38Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the [k]remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” 40And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this [l]perverse generation.” … 44Now all who BELIEVED were together, and had ALL THINGS in COMMON, 45and SOLD their POSSESSIONS and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46So continuing DAILY with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and SIMPLICITY of HEART, 47praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. …” (Acts 2:1 – 4, 38 – 40, 44 – 47, NKJV)
Note: The FIRST CHURCH example of #CharityDoctrineLifestyle after the Day of Pentecost being FILLED with the HOLY SPIRIT looked like the above. Also, I am quoting these Bible passages as it was originally Written without ‘the Roman Catholic made separations of passages by chapters or sections even sometimes which even your KJV follows these roman catholic section separations’ to demonstrate a “clear and continuous meaning of Context more accurately”. In case you did not know, this Roman Catholic did it which is followed by even ‘protestant Bibles including the KJV for the most part’, example quote:
‘…The chapter divisions commonly used today were developed by Stephen Langton, an Archbishop of Canterbury. Langton put the modern chapter divisions into place in around A.D. 1227. …’
Protestant Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/divided-Bible-chapters-verses.html
“… 32Now the multitude of those who BELIEVED were of ONE HEART and ONE SOUL; neither did anyone say that ANY of the THINGS he POSSESSED was HIS OWN, but they had ALL THINGS in COMMON. … 34Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for ALL who were POSSESSORS of LANDS or HOUSES SOLD them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they DISTRIBUTED to each as ANYONE had NEED. 36And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. …” (Acts 4:32, 34 – 37, NKJV)
5) “Perfect” Faithfulness as a Christian – what did Christ Really mean in His Own Most Blessed Words?
I did “not” make up some new false teaching but something that has been Taught from the earliest Church Fathers based on Scripture too but is ignored largely in some modern prosperity seeking Churches only. Here’s Proof of it from Christ’s Words Directly. Can they teach “their carry your cross” Doctrine by Quoting Christ Directly like this? If not, why do you believe it WITHOUT Christ Saying it even? Isn’t it your personal bias?
Here’s a Mystery: Some say that Christ Didn’t Say “Sell ALL you have” but just “part of it” but they don’t know Scripture accurately if they say so. For “PERFECTION“, Christ Actually Said Sell “ALL” you have as “Mark” Records this clearly as follows:
“… Looking at him, Jesus showed love to him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and SELL ALL YOU POSSESS and GIVE TO THE POOR, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, FOLLOW ME.” …” (Mark 10:21, NASB)
The NASB’s Manuscript is ‘missing’ one key phrase which the “Majority Manuscript” (used by say the King James Translation and most in Church History too ) Testifies of the “CARRY YOUR CROSS” phrase too in THIS CONTEXT, Verse:
“… Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, SELL WHATSOEVER THOU HAST, and GIVE TO THE POOR, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, TAKE UP THE CROSS, and FOLLOW ME. …” (Mark 10:21, KJV)
Note: Personally I did “not” sell all and give to the poor either meriting only a least piece of heaven even if saved by His Mercy but that does “not” stop me from Preaching this Truth as Christ Taught it. Many of the Church Fathers did it.
or in an easier English Translation for clarity (yes What is True Biblical Love? Love Looks at you in the eye and Tells you this):
“… Then JESUS, LOOKING at him, LOVED him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, SELL WHATEVER YOU HAVE and GIVE TO THE POOR, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, TAKE UP THE CROSS, and FOLLOW ME.” …” (Mark 10:21, NKJV)
Comment: only Mark Records this Conversation in full (for this part) namely that the “FOLLOW ME” which CHRIST MEANT (not human twisting) requires the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle of “… SELL WHATEVER YOU HAVE and GIVE TO THE POOR, …” and by Doing this #CharityDoctrineLifestyle is part of the requirement for “…. and come, TAKE UP THE CROSS, …” as “it is Written” here.
Can you see it?
So “Carry your Cross” is DIRECTLY tied up to this #CharityDoctrineLifestyle Command as Christ Himself never pointed out any other religious act here. Please also remember the “Context” here that this Rich Young Ruler has “Kept the 10 Commandments to the other Torah’s Commands from his youth” but yet “lacked” (missed) this part only meaning Keeping all the 10 Commandments itself did “not” count as “Carry your Cross” fully NOR did it imply the “most Faithful Christian” either without this Charity Doctrine Lifestyle.
Conclusion
From Judgment Day Verses (Matthew 25:31 – 46) to Pentecost Day Verses (Acts 2:44, Acts 4:32) or to “Seek His Kingdom” (Luke 12:31 – 35) or even in the Context of becoming a “Perfect Christian” toward Doing things which affects our “Eternal Life” and “Inheritance of the Kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:16 – 30, Luke 10:25 – 37) the “Charity Doctrine Lifestyle” is at the Heart of the Description of what it really means to be a “Faithful” Christian not by ‘human opinions’ but ONLY BY CHRIST’S OWN MOST BLESSED WORDS IN EACH QUOTED SET OF VERSES HERE DIRECTLY.
So, if your Church doesn’t teach these Context for being a “Faithful” Christian, how is it “Preaching what CHRIST ACTUALLY TAUGHT ABOUT BEING A FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN then?”
Please don’t be deceived. Also, don’t follow me but please “FOLLOW CHRIST” based on “WHAT HE SAID” (Quoted Verses only) and “not any men” to be a “Faithful Christian to do the Will of the Father” and “enter Heaven“. Also, you cannot simply claim with ’empty words’ that ‘you believe in Christ’ but IGNORE ALL of these QUOTED CHRIST’S ACTUAL WORDS or DO AGAINST “What is Written in BIBLE VERSES”.
Peace to you
Evangelism Excuse vs I never knew you Risk
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161666959262784
Some Christians have the mindset that if people are “converted” into Christianity via “their teachings of their Church or denomination” which are “NOT Written” in “New Testament Scripture” and sometimes even in Practices “AGAINST it”, then they think that they will be justified due to the “conversions made” as being “safety in numbers”.
However the “opposite” is Warned clearly in Scripture as follows toward “MANY” and “in THAT DAY” (referring to an end-time Christianity when He Returns), Verses:
“… 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: …” (Matthew 7:21 – 24, NKJV)
Comments:
1) Inability to Obey (“Keep” His Words or Keep “His Sayings”) may cause “Many” to be “Denied” from the “First Resurrection” as it’s LAWLESSNESS despite “Converting that same Many based on Casting out Demons, Prophesying and Miracles in His Name”, in Verses above.
2) Some Christians think that the Verses above refers to “non-believers” but it actually most likely refers to “within Christianity” simply because Christ clearly Says here “IN HIS NAME = Jesus” that these “MANY” will do “conversions” based on “casting out of demons, prophesying and miracles” but are REJECTED due to “LAWLESSNESS“.
3) Though Lawlessness chiefly refers to “not” keeping the Holiness Commands (e.g. Matthew 19:16 – 20), it can also refer to “Covetousness” which is ‘hardest’ to detect as one having it “seeks prosperity always even from God” as Christ Himself Warned against it (e.g. Matthew 19:21 – 30) and CHRIST HIMSELF Revealed that “ALMS/CHARITY from WHAT YOU HAVE” (personal money/possessions and “not” donation money nor church money “only”) is the CURE (in Luke 11:39 – 42) and Apostle Paul made it clear that such “covetous” will “not” inherit the “Kingdom of God” (Ephesians 5:5 – 6, Colossians 3:5).
Back to the “Denial Verses Context” Spoken it can refer “not” doing anything which Christ has Commanded as Consecutive Verses in 23 to 24 here itself Reveals namely
“… 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, …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ
Personally, my favourite Churches are those that are involved in some type of Charity Work or Charity Giving especially those which give much in “Relative Measure” and not ‘tit bits from abundance of prosperity hoarded first for self financial security’ (Luke 21:1 – 4, Luke 12:46 – 48).
That’s why we do “not” even dare to Teach against “New Testament Traditions” as these are called “Commands of the Lord” (Which “Lord”? LORD JESUS CHRIST) and not because of ‘cultural opinions’ as God is no Respecter of any persons nor has any partiality for cultural reasons either (Romans 2:11, Acts 10:34), Verses:
“… If anyone THINKS himself to be a PROPHET or SPIRITUAL, let him ACKNOWLEDGE that the things which I WRITE TO YOU ARE THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD. …” (1 Corinthians 14:37, NKJV)
These “COMMANDS” even via “HIS APOSTLES” seem to be told to be kept till the “LAST DAYS” as per this Verse too:
“… 2that YOU MAY BE MINDFUL OF THE WORDS which were spoken before by the holy prophets, AND OF THE COMMANDMENT OF [a]US, THE APOSTLES OF THE LORD AND SAVIOR, 3knowing this first: THAT SCOFFERS WILL COME IN THE LAST DAYS, …” (2 Peter 3:2,3, NKJV)
4) Can Christians ‘lose their Salvation’? I believe so according to not just the Verses above by Christ Directly but also in these Verses:
“… 4For it is IMPOSSIBLE for THOSE WHO WERE ONCE ENLIGHTENED, and HAVE TASTED THE HEAVENLY GIFT, and HAVE BECOME PARTAKERS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, 5and HAVE TASTED THE GOOD WORD OF GOD and the POWERS OF THE AGE TO COME, 6[c]IF THEY FALL AWAY, to RENEW THEM AGAIN TO REPENTANCE, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. 7For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; 8but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to BEING CURSED, WHOSE END IS TO BE BURNED. …” (Hebrews 6:4 – 8, NKJV)
Comments:
iii) Here’s another Key Reason why we Preach the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle Commands because when warning of these ‘false Christians and fallen Christians’ in HEBREWS 6 here, the Bible in this same Chapter compares and preaches those with the #charitydoctrine as part of the major trait of “True Christians” in Verses FROM THIS SAME HEBREWS 6 CHAPTER as follows (so if ‘we Preach the same, how can we be false teachers?’):
“… 1Therefore, LEAVING THE DISCUSSION OF THE ELEMENTARY PRINCIPLES OF CHRIST, let us GO ON TO [a]PERFECTION, NOT laying again the FOUNDATION of REPENTANCE FROM DEAD WORKS and OF FAITH TOWARD GOD, 2of the DOCTRINE OF BAPTISMS, of LAYING OF HANDS, of RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD, and of ETERNAL JUDGMENT. 3And THIS [b]we will do IF GOD PERMITS. … 9But, beloved, we are confident of BETTER THINGS CONCERNING YOU, YES, THINGS THAT ACCOMPANY SALVATION, though we speak in this manner. 10For God is not unjust to forget YOUR WORK and [d]LABOR OF LOVE which you have shown toward His name, IN THAT YOU HAVE MNISTERED TO THE SAINTS, and DO MINISTER. 11And WE DESIRE THAT EACH ONE OF YOU SHOW THE SAME DILLIGENCE TO THE FULL ASSURANCE OF HOPE UNTIL THE END, 12that you do not become [e]sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience INHERIT the promises. …” (Hebrews 6:1 – 3, 9 – 12, NKJV)
Comment: Surprising to most, the “only” Doctrine Toward “Perfection” mentioned immediately next (after Hebrews 6:1 – 3) after Warning of some backsliding Christians who will “not” even pass this Basic/Elementary Doctrines (in Hebrews 6:4 – 8.), not quoted here to focus on this core part) which turns out to be … (you guessed it) … chiefly of the CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE in Verses above clearly with “no” other religious action mentioned (Hebrews 6:9 – 12).
“… “Now the other stones which you saw cast far away from the tower, and falling upon the public road and rolling from it into pathless places, are those who have indeed believed, but through doubt have abandoned the true road. Thinking, then, that they could find a better, they wander and become wretched, and enter upon pathless places. But those which fell into the fire and were burned? are those who have departed for ever from the living God; nor does the thought of repentance ever come into their hearts, on account of their devotion to their lusts and to the crimes which they committed. Do you wish to know who are the others which fell near the waters, but could not be rolled into them? THESE ARE THEY WHO HAVE HEARD THE WORD, and WISH TO BE BAPTIZED in the name of the Lord; but when the chastity demanded by the truth comes into their recollection, they draw back, and AGAIN WALK AFTER THEIR OWN WICKED DESIRES.” She FINISHED her EXPOSITION of the TOWER. But I, shameless as I yet was, asked her, “IS REPENTANCE POSSIBLE FOR ALL THOSE STONES WHICH HAVE BEEN CAST AWAY and DID NOT FIT INTO THE BUILDING of the TOWER, AND WILL THEY YET HAVE A PLACE IN THIS TOWER?” “REPENTANCE,” said she, “IS YET POSSIBLE, BUT IN THIS TOWER [of Repentance*] THEY CANNOT FIND A SUITABLE PLACE. But in another and MUCH INFERIOR PLACE THEY WILL BE LAID, and that, too, ONLY WHEN THEY HAVE BEEN TORTURED AND COMPLETED THE DAYS OF THEIR SINS. And on this account will they be transferred, because they have PARTAKEN of the RIGHTEOUS WORD. And then only will they be removed from their punishments when the THOUGHT of REPENTING of the evil deeds which they have done has come into their hearts. But if it does not come into their hearts, they will not be saved, on account of the hardness of their heart.” …” – Shepherd of Hermas (Chapter VII, Third Vision, Translated by another Well Known Scholar Mr. Roberts-Donaldson)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd.html
The part in quote above which proves non-Elect salvation Outside the “Tower = Church” here: “… “REPENTANCE,” said she, “IS YET POSSIBLE, BUT IN THIS TOWER THEY CANNOT FIND A SUITABLE PLACE. But in another and MUCH INFERIOR PLACE THEY WILL BE LAID, and that, too, ONLY WHEN THEY HAVE BEEN TORTURED AND COMPLETED THE DAYS OF THEIR SINS. …”.
“… “Many indeed shall hear, and hearing, some shall be glad, and some shall weep. But even these, if they hear and repent, shall also rejoice. Hear, then, the PARABLES of the TOWER; for I will reveal all to you, and give me no more trouble in regard to revelation: for these revelations have an end, for they have been completed. But you will not cease praying for revelations, for you are shameless. The TOWER which you see building is myself, THE CHURCH, who have appeared to you now and on the former occasion. Ask, then, whatever you like in regard to the tower, and I will reveal it to you, that you may rejoice with the saints.” …” – Shepherd of Hermas (Chapter III, Third Vision, Translated by another Well Known Scholar Mr. Roberts-Donaldson)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd.html
Comment: I won’t be a “false teacher” nor a “heretic” for considering such a “possibility” (NOT Doctrine as I am “not sure”) because all of these First Christianity Greats of Faith even called this “Shepherd of Hermas” Writing as “Scripture” or “Approved” it as Authentic in some way as I have discussed say in Pages 234 to Pages 240 in the #saferoutescripturallybook or even Pages 91 to 92 or Pages 232 to 233 too for such approval quotes from “First Christianity” :
Example Quote: Shepherd of Hermas which was considered Scripture-Level in First Christianity by even St. Irenaeous of Lyons (Hearer/Disciple of St. Polycarp an apostolic father being the direct disciple of Apostle St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation) , Tertullian (father of Latin Christianity), Pope Callixtus I (Head of the entire Roman Catholic Church in his time in First Christianity), St. Clement of Alexandria (head of the Cathecatical School of Alexandria) and even the First Bibles of Christianity (the Muratorian or Roman Canon in the West & the Codex Claromontanus Canon in the East) while Eusebius (father of Church History) and St. Athanasius the Great (father of orthodoxy & Champion of Trinity) approved of its use for catechumens.
4) Actual Example of a Possible Believer/Elect/God’sAnointed who was later most likely unsaved from the Old Testament = The case of “King Saul, the first king of Israel”
“… But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a distressing spirit from the LORD troubled him. … Now Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, but had departed from Saul. … 15Now Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” And Saul answered, “I am deeply distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God has departed from me and does not answer me anymore, neither by prophets nor by dreams. Therefore I have called you, that you may reveal to me what I should do.” 16Then SAMUEL SAID: “So why do you ask me, SEEING THE LORD has DEPARTED FROM YOU and HAS BECOME YOUR ENEMY? 17And the Lord has done for [b]Himself as He spoke by me. For the Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, David. 18BECAUSE YOU DID NOT OBEY THE VOICE OF THE LORD nor execute His fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore the Lord has done this thing to you this day. 19Moreover the Lord will also deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines. And TOMORROW YOU AND YOUR SONS will BE WITH ME. The Lord will also deliver the army of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.” …” (1 Samuel 16:14, 18:12, 28:15 – 19, NKJV)
Comment: Please notice carefully that “King Saul” was “Anointed of God” but yet God became his ENEMY in the end (as per Verses above) which Proves in analogy of the Hebrews 6 Verses earlier that one can have the “Anointing to TASTE the HEAVENLY GIFTS” (be it healing, prophesying, miracles, casting out demons etc.) but in the end still be “unsaved” if end up going “AGAINST God’s VOICE/Commands/Word”. Regardless, best is not to touch the Lord’s Anointed even the ‘fallen ones’, Verses:
“… 5Now it happened afterward that David’s heart troubled him because he had cut Saul’s robe. 6And he said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord.” 7So David restrained his servants with these words, and did not allow them to rise against Saul. And Saul got up from the cave and went on his way. …” (1 Samuel 24:5 – 7, NKJV)
“… 14So David said to him, “How was it you were not afraid to put forth your hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed? [referring to King Saul]*” 15Then David called one of the young men and said, “Go near, and execute him!” And he struck him so that he died. 16So David said to him, “Your blood is on your own head, for your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I have killed the Lord’s anointed.’ ” …” (2 Samuel 1:14 – 16, NKJV)
*[Emphasis Mine]
5) Actual Example of a Possible Believer/Christian/Elect who were later most likely unsaved from the New Testament = The case of “Demas”, “Ananias and Sapphira”
“… for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. …” (2 Timothy 4:10, NKJV)
“… 3But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” 5Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. 6And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. 7Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.” 9Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. 11So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things. …” (Acts 5:3 – 11 NKJV)
Peace to you
Righteous vs Righteous Example in Scripture – Wisdom of King Solomon
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161667038012784
Verses:
“… Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, fall upon him.” 30So Benaiah came to the tent of the LORD and said to him, “Thus the king has said, ‘Come out.’” But he said, “No, for I will die here.” And Benaiah brought the king word again, saying, “Thus spoke Joab, and thus he answered me.” 31The king said to him, “Do as he has spoken and fall upon him and bury him, that you may remove from me and from my father’s house the blood which Joab shed without cause. 32“The LORD will return his blood on his own head, BECAUSE he fell upon TWO MEN MORE RIGHTEOUS AND BETTER THAN HE and KILLED THEM WITH THE SWORD, while MY FATHER DAVID DID NOT KNOW IT: Abner the son of Ner, commander of the army of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, commander of the army of Judah. 33“So shall their blood return on the head of Joab and on the head of his descendants forever; but to David and his descendants and his house and his throne, may there be peace from the LORD forever.” 34Then Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went up and fell upon him and put him to death, and he was buried at his own house in the wilderness. 35The king appointed Benaiah the son of Jehoiada over the army in his place, and the king appointed Zadok the priest in the place of Abiathar. …” (1 Kings 2:29 – 35, KJV)
Comments:
1) Background: “Joab” (one of King David’s mightiest “War General”) went and killed two ‘physically weaker men’ in his camp for some personal grudge (of fear that his position as general may be given to them) and even Blessed King David (the man “after God’s Own Heart and Prophet too”, Acts 13:22) did “not” know about it as per Verses above.
2) Can you see that even “King David the Prophet and Man after God’s Own Heart did NOT know about his General “Joab” committing these wicked murders and NEITHER did God Reveal it to him but rather only to his son, King Solomon?” This itself shows that “not” everything is revealed to the ‘best prophets of God even’.
3) King Solomon (the wise one*) orders “Benaiah” to “Kill Joab” for this even though “Joab” has done some good deeds in the past. Why? Because “Joab” (as righteous as he is even in a higher position as “King David’s General even”) but yet the “lower” ranking captains of King David namely, ” Abner the son of Ner” and “Amasa the son of Jether” are called MORE RIGHTEOUS than JOAB, focus phrase here:
“… BECAUSE he fell upon TWO MEN MORE RIGHTEOUS AND BETTER THAN HE and KILLED THEM WITH THE SWORD, while MY FATHER DAVID DID NOT KNOW IT: …”
4) This also Proves that “lower” ranking people in God’s Camp (such as Abner and Amasa) even if they were “physically inferior” when compared against “General Joab” (more powerful hence he killed them and had higher ranking) but yet both ABNER and AMASA were MORE RIGHTEOUS and BETTER than JOAB, can you see it? Focus phrase here:
“… TWO MEN MORE RIGHTEOUS AND BETTER THAN HE …”
Hence in analogy, a ‘bigger pastor’ or ‘higher ranking religious official even within Christianity’ does NOT necessarily mean that they are “better” nor necessarily “more righteous” in GOD’s EYES as this example of Comparison between “Joab” (the earthly higher ranking God’s General here) vs “Abner and Amasa” (the earthly lower ranking God’s officials here) prove that the LATTER TWO were MORE RIGHTEOUS and BETTER. Can you see it?
*The reason why King Solomon was “Wise” is because it was “God’s Gift to him”, Verses:
“…. 10The speech PLEASED THE LORD, that SOLOMON had asked this thing. 11Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself UNDERSTANDING TO DISCERN JUSTICE, 12behold, I have done according to your words; see, I HAVE GIVEN YOU A WISE AND UNDERSTANDING HEART, so that there has NOT BEEN ANYONE LIKE YOU BEFORE YOU, NOR SHALL ANY LIKE YOU ARISE AFTER YOU. …” (1 Kings 3:12, NKJV)
Comments:
“… 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)
iii) Please read ‘carefully’ and see that GOD HIMSELF did “not” Say that “righteousness is enough to KNOW HIM” but rather POINTS to BOTH “… JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS …” to KNOW HIM. So, are we really KEEN to KNOW GOD? then we must seek for both “Justice” and “Righteousness” in our “Doctrine and Lifestyle” as Revealed here directly by God Himself in Verses above “as it is Written“.
“… 1The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. 2“Vanity[a] of vanities,” says the Preacher; “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity. … 12I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13And I set my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven; …” (Ecclesiastes 1:1 -2, 12 – 13 NKJV)
“… And I will also give you what you did not ask for—riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life! …” – God’s Promise to King Solomon, son of King David (1 Kings 3:13, NLT)
Please don’t be deceived.
Peace to you
The “Noble Bereans” checked whether Apostle St. Paul’s Teaching was True with available “Written Scripture”
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161664831622784
Please notice that Apostle St. Paul is Responsible for many “New” New Testament Scripture but yet was checked by Previous “Written” Scripture First and they did this “DAILY” (not once in a while). Verse:
“… These were MORE NOBLE than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and SEARCHED THE SCRIPTURES DAILY, whether those things were so. …” (Acts 17:11, KJV)
Peace to you
Charity Doctrine Lifestyle and “Carry your Cross” link by CHRIST
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161655903222784
Good Points in Image.
Indeed, the #RealGospel must include the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle Commands together with #Holiness Commands as Christ Taught both for the “Answer” to “What shall I do to inherit Eternal Life?” Context directly meaning it can affect the “least Vs greatest type of Heavenly Salvation too” even ‘among the saved’ (e.g. Luke 10:25 – 37, Matthew 19:21 – 30, Matthew 5:19 – 20) as I have discussed extensively in the #SafeRouteScripturallyBook and others.
For the quote in image, in one of His Last Judgment Words against the Pharisees, Christ Clearly Pointed out the following where Luke records the details missing from Matthew and vice versa:
“… 25“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you CLEANSE THE OUTSIDE OF THE CUP and dish, but INSIDE THEY ARE FULL OF EXTORTION and [l]SELF-INDULGENCE. 26Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. 27“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like WHITEWASHED TOMBS which indeed appear BEAUTIFUL OUTWARDLY, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. 28Even so you also OUTWARDLY APPEAR RIGHTEOUS TO MEN, but INSIDE YOU ARE FULL OF HYPOCRISY AND LAWLESSNESS. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 23:25 – 28, NKJV)
“… 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)
Comment: These Highlighted Phrases from the above “… GIVE ALMS of [l]SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE; … YOU TITHE mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and PASS BY JUSTICE …” = ALMS/#CharityDoctrineLifestyle Fulfills “JUSTICE” while faithfully paying TITHES DID NOT. No other religious act is mentioned nor reprimanded by Christ here for them to “do more” meaning this is ‘what is missing’, namely the #CharityDoctrine.
Focus Phrase here by Christ Himself:
“… GIVE ALMS of [l]SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE; then indeed ALL THINGS ARE CLEAN TO YOU. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ
Note: #Alms (which Christ Refers to here) = only things which we #SHARE or #GIVE for #FREE not from other people’s donation only but FROM WHAT WE HAVE (as Christ Clearly Emphasizes this part as the Pharisees were good in donations with Church/Temple money in analogy but do NOT include their personal money/wealth thinking they are exempt being religious leaders).
These are not options based on your “personal calling or opinions” because Christ’s Phrase here is clear regarding these (including this #CharityDoctrine part) namely:
“… These you OUGHT TO HAVE DONE, WITHOUT LEAVING THE OTHERS UNDONE. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ
Since Christ Said #FollowMe and He has “Zero Money/Prosperity“, that’s the “Perfect” Will of the Father to becoming #ChristLike but we being imperfect find our place accordingly with respect to His Command here, Verses:
“… 20The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept [g]from my youth. What do I STILL LACK?” 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.” . …” (Matthew 19:20 – 21, NKJV)
There is NO “following Christ” truly without “letting go of our earthly possessions” in some way especially for the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle as these Commands by CHRIST DIRECTLY implies.
Example Context argument for Verses above is Revealed in the “only #Hundredfold” Description Verse found in Scripture which points to literal leaving of LANDS and HOUSES too (please notice these Words carefully in Verses below together with the Word “Hundredfold“) meaning that it’s not the same even for those saved as there is thirtyfold and sixtyfold reward type too (Matthew 13:8), Verses:
“… 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 19:27 – 30, NKJV)
The FIRST CHURCH example of #CharityDoctrineLifestyle after the Day of Pentecost being FILLED with the HOLY SPIRIT looked like this:
“… 44Now all who BELIEVED were together, and had ALL THINGS in COMMON, 45and SOLD their POSSESSIONS and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46So continuing DAILY with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and SIMPLICITY of HEART, 47praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. …” (Acts 2:44 – 47, NKJV)
“… 32Now the multitude of those who BELIEVED were of ONE HEART and ONE SOUL; neither did anyone say that ANY of the THINGS he POSSESSED was HIS OWN, but they had ALL THINGS in COMMON. … 34Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for ALL who were POSSESSORS of LANDS or HOUSES SOLD them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they DISTRIBUTED to each as ANYONE had NEED. 36And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. …” (Acts 4:32, 34 – 37, NKJV)
May God Help us not to lose Eternal Rewards based on temporary earthly prosperity which fades away. He Commanded these too in this Context:
“… 19“DO NOT LAY UP FOR YOURSELVES TREASURES ON EARTH, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20but LAY UP FOR YOURSELVES TREASURES IN HEAVEN, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE YOUR HEART WILL BE ALSO. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:19 – 20, NKJV)
Matthew doesn’t record the details but on this same Topic, Luke records that the CHARITY DOCTRINE is the RIGHT HEART GOD INTENDS IN HIS WILL in regards to EARTHLY WEALTH to attain to HEAVENLY TREASURE, 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)
Conclusion – #CharityDoctrineLifestyle and the #CarryYourCross Link by CHRIST HIMSELF
Firstly, I did “not” make up some new false teaching but something that has been Taught from the earliest Church Fathers based on Scripture too but is ignored largely in some modern prosperity seeking Churches only. Here’s Proof of it from Christ’s Words Directly. Can they teach “their carry your cross” Doctrine by Quoting Christ Directly like this? If not, why do you believe it WITHOUT Christ Saying it even? Isn’t it your personal bias?
Here’s a Mystery: Some say that Christ Didn’t Say “Sell ALL you have” but just “part of it” but they don’t know Scripture accurately if they say so. For “PERFECTION“, Christ Actually Said Sell “ALL” you have as “Mark” Records this clearly as follows:
“… Looking at him, Jesus showed love to him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and SELL ALL YOU POSSESS and GIVE TO THE POOR, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, FOLLOW ME.” …” (Mark 10:21, NASB)
The NASB’s Manuscript is ‘missing’ one key phrase which the “Majority Manuscript” (used by say the King James Translation and most in Church History too ) Testifies of the “CARRY YOUR CROSS” phrase too in THIS CONTEXT, Verse:
“… Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, SELL WHATSOEVER THOU HAST, and GIVE TO THE POOR, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, TAKE UP THE CROSS, and FOLLOW ME. …” (Mark 10:21, KJV)
Note: Personally I did “not” sell all and give to the poor either meriting only a least piece of heaven even if saved by His Mercy but that does “not” stop me from Preaching this Truth as Christ Taught it. Many of the Church Fathers did it.
or in an easier English Translation for clarity (yes What is True Biblical Love? Love Looks at you in the eye and Tells you this):
“… Then JESUS, LOOKING at him, LOVED him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, SELL WHATEVER YOU HAVE and GIVE TO THE POOR, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, TAKE UP THE CROSS, and FOLLOW ME.” …” (Mark 10:21, NKJV)
Comment: only Mark Records this Conversation in full (for this part) namely that the “FOLLOW ME” which CHRIST MEANT (not human twisting) requires the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle of “… SELL WHATEVER YOU HAVE and GIVE TO THE POOR, …” and by Doing this #CharityDoctrineLifestyle is part of the requirement for “…. and come, TAKE UP THE CROSS, …” as “it is Written” here. Can you see it?
So “Carry your Cross” is DIRECTLY tied up to this #CharityDoctrineLifestyle Command as Christ Himself never pointed out any other religious act here. Please also remember the “Context” here that this Rich Young Ruler has “Kept the 10 Commandments to the other Torah’s Commands from his youth” but yet “lacked” (missed) this part only meaning Keeping all the 10 Commandments itself did “not” count as “Carry your Cross” fully.
Can you see CHRIST’S REPLY in “FULL” here to understand the link between the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle and #CarryYourCross by “Christ’s First Definition here” (not mere human man-made unverified opinions not found in Scripture) and so this must be a DOCTRINE for any True Christian, right?
Without a “Carry your Cross” Doctrine, there is “no” ‘Disciple of Christ’ as Christ Warned as follows:
“… And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. …” (Luke 14:27, NKJV)
“… Because narrow is the gate and DIFFICULT is the way which leads to life, and there are FEW WHO FIND IT. …” (Matthew 7:14, NKJV)
Someone Said: ‘… We go for what is not Written in Scripture when we cannot do what is Written in Scripture …’
“… So likewise, whoever of you DOES NOT FORSAKE ALL that he has CANNOT BE MY DISCIPLE …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 14:33, NKJV)
“… So then, NONE OF YOU CAN BE MY DISCIPLE who does NOT GIVE UP ALL HIS OWN POSSESSIONS …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 14:33, NASB)
In short, the level we give it up can determine whether we are “Thirty-fold, Sixty-fold or Hundredfold” type of Heavenly Rewards if saved. Verse:
“… But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 13:8, NKJV)
The “Gospel” – Christ’s First Sermon was “as it is Written” and was Luke 4:18 – 19
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161654934692784
A Great Reminder, Verses (this is what the “Anointing of Christ is”):
“… 18“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has ANOINTED ME
To PREACH the GOSPEL TO THE POOR;
He has sent Me [i]to heal the brokenhearted,
To PROCLAIM LIBERTY TO THE CAPTIVES
And RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND,
To SET AT LIBERTY THOSE WHO ARE [J]OPPRESSED;
19To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” …”
– The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 4:18 – 19, NKJV)
Focus Phrase: “… ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR [πτωχοῖς (ptōchois)] …”
Note: This Verse has “no” Poor in spirit equivalent but just “the poor” where the Greek is very clear and literally means the “financially poor” as the exact same word in all sense is found only in these 9 Verses in the Original Koine Greek Bible. Verses below (proving this FIRST PRIORITY):
πτωχοῖς (ptōchois) = THE POOR — 9 Occurrences
Matthew 19:21 Adj-DMP
GRK: δὸς τοῖς πτωχοῖς καὶ ἕξεις
NAS: and give to [the] poor, and you will have
KJV: give to the poor, and
INT: give the to poor and you will have
Matthew 26:9 Adj-DMP
GRK: καὶ δοθῆναι πτωχοῖς
NAS: and [the money] given to the poor.
KJV: and given to the poor.
INT: and have been given to [the] poor
Mark 10:21 Adj-DMP
GRK: δὸς τοῖς πτωχοῖς καὶ ἕξεις
NAS: and give to the poor, and you will have
KJV: give to the poor, and
INT: give to the poor and you will have
Mark 14:5 Adj-DMP
GRK: δοθῆναι τοῖς πτωχοῖς καὶ ἐνεβριμῶντο
NAS: and [the money] given to the poor. And they were scolding
KJV: have been given to the poor. And
INT: to have been given to the poor And they grumbled
Luke 4:18 Adj-DMP
GRK: με εὐαγγελίσασθαι πτωχοῖς ἀπέσταλκέν με
NAS: ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT
KJV: to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent
INT: me to preach good news to [the] poor he has sent me
Luke 18:22 Adj-DMP
GRK: καὶ διάδος πτωχοῖς καὶ ἕξεις
NAS: and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have
KJV: distribute unto the poor, and
INT: and distribute to [the] poor and you will have
Luke 19:8 Adj-DMP
GRK: κύριε τοῖς πτωχοῖς δίδωμι καὶ
NAS: I will give to the poor, and if
KJV: goods I give to the poor; and if
INT: Lord to the poor I give and
John 12:5 Adj-DMP
GRK: καὶ ἐδόθη πτωχοῖς
NAS: denarii and given to poor [people]?
KJV: and given to the poor?
INT: and given to [the] poor
John 13:29 Adj-DMP
GRK: ἢ τοῖς πτωχοῖς ἵνα τι
NAS: something to the poor.
KJV: he should give something to the poor.
INT: or to the poor that something
Source: https://biblehub.com/greek/pto_chois_4434.htm
Note: No one can change what is Written nor what God has Ordained.
#Gospel
#GospelOfChrist
Peace to you
New Testament Tradition Serious Judgment Example in the Bible
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161640884237784
Mysterious Verses – 1 Timothy 5:11 – 12. Please read it in your favourite translation as these Verses should read the “same meaning”.
Please notice carefully that “Widows” remarrying is “not sin” (1 Corinthians 7:8 – 9). However, something about these Verses seem to point that “remaining unmarried” for such widows if they change it (Perhaps a Celibacy Decision?) it is considered some type of “damnation” or “casting off of faith” should they decide to marry later.
Verses:
“… 9Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, 10Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. 11But the younger widows refuse: for when they have BEGUN TO WAX WANTON AGAINST CHRIST, THEY WILL MARRY; 12HAVING DAMNATION, because they have CAST OFF THEIR FIRST FAITH. …” (1 Timothy 5:9 – 12, KJV)
Comment: please notice that the “desire to MARRY” for such “widows” is called as “sin” as “… 12HAVING DAMNATION, …” type for the sole reason of “… because they have CAST OFF THEIR FIRST FAITH. …”.
I am “not” forbidding to marry as that’s a false teaching.
But please consider this carefully: if a widow decides to “not” marry and receive the “Church help money” (Context here), and later she changes her mind & she marries, the Verses here don’t seem to point to a “simple forgiveness but rather brushes her straight into some type of DAMNATION and calls it as CASTING OFF HER FIRST FAITH” for doing something which is NOT SIN (based on 1 Corinthians 7:8 – 9) if done without being ENROLLED WITH CHURCH NUMBER FOR RECEIVING FINANCIAL HELP WITH CHURCH MONEY (as that’s the “only context” here with “no” other rules broken).
My point is this: Please think carefully about these points:
1) If a widow (who are generally considered unfortunate as even in those societies find it hard to find work as a woman), the FINANCIAL HELP given FROM CHURCH MONEY has the NEW TESTAMENT TRADITION or Rule here that she MUST REMAIN A WIDOW NOT MARRYING AGAIN, then how about doing “Prosperity” with “Church Money” instead of channelling it to the “Poor”?
2) A simple NEW TESTAMENT TRADITION here (which is “not” a 10 Commandment NOR from the Law/Torah and NOT even by Christ in the Gospels) can incur such a SERIOUS JUDGMENT when DISOBEYED, then what do you think awaits those modern Christianity which IGNORES THE REST OF NEW TESTAMENT TRADITIONS likewise?
3) NEW TESTAMENT TRADITION here = ‘… A Widow who takes help of living with CHURCH MONEY CANNOT DECIDE TO MARRY LATER as doing so is considered DAMNATION and CASTING OFF THE FIRST FAITH …’ (Rephrased)
4) So even a “widow” when living with “Church Money” is required to be “that strict” in living to qualify for it, how about simply spending “Church Money” for “Prosperity Salaries” to “in house luxuries” to even “not” Giving to the Poor much may lead to?
I am “not” judging those who do it like this but letting them know of the “possible risk only” because only God can Decide.
5) However, if God has been that strict with a “widow” who “receives CHURCH MONEY” for a living in that she CANNOT MARRY AGAIN, then what makes us think that THE SAME GOD WON’T BE STRICT LIKEWISE WITH HOW THE CHURCH MONEY IS SPENT and also in regards to HOW STRICT HE MAY REQUIRE A JUDGMENT FOR DISOBEYING NEW TESTAMENT TRADITIONS which are often considered as a ‘small thing even if wrong by those who disobey it’.
6) Please allow me to repeat: This ‘small New Testament Tradition’ itself namely a widow shouldn’t marry again if she received Church Money (and that’s why younger widows are automatically banned from taking any help with Church Money) here if DISOBEYED is considered DAMNATION and CASTING OFF FIRST FAITH, then how about SPEAKING AND DOING AGAINST ALL THE OTHER NEW TESTAMENT TRADITIONS (for example 1 Corinthians 11 to 14 Which certainly SOUNDS MORE SERIOUS THAN THIS, RIGHT?)
7) Judgment is not now on earth but on “Judgment Day“. So for protestants, can’t you see that even the Roman Catholics are not judged for any error and are more prosperous than any of your denomination on earth? So having more converts or financial prosperity whilst doing so is NOT a sign of God’s Affirmation. Can you see it?
8.) Example in other translations meaning the same
“… 11But [c]refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry, 12having condemnation because they have cast off their first [d]faith. …” (1 Timothy 5:11 – 12, NKJV)
“… 11But refuse to register younger widows, for when they feel physical desires alienating them from Christ, they want to get married, 12thereby incurring condemnation, because they have [c]ignored their previous pledge. …”(1 Timothy 5:11 – 12, NASB)
Note: The NASB is a little off too because the Original Koine Greek Word here is “4102 [e] pistin πίστιν faith” = FAITH unless their manuscript says differently which I doubt.
Comment: Please be careful of “non-Word to Word translations” which “TWIST” the meaning to soften it. Example: The Word “2917 [e]krima κρίμα” in Original Koine Greek here translated as “DAMNATION / CONDEMNATION / JUDGMENT” here is the EXACT SAME KOINEGREEK WORD in ALL SENSE used say in these examples:
“… who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater CONDEMNATION [“2917 [e]krima κρίμα”].” …”(Luke 20:47, NKJV)
“… And Jesus said, “For JUDGMENT [“2917 [e]krima κρίμα”] I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.” …”(John 9:39, NKJV)
“… 2But we know that the JUDGMENT [“2917 [e]krima κρίμα”] of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. 3And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the JUDGMENT [“2917 [e]krima κρίμα”] of God? …”(Romans 2:2 – 3, NKJV)
“… My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter JUDGMENT [“2917 [e]krima κρίμα”]. …”(James 3:1, NKJV)
Many more examples in these Links if keen:
https://biblehub.com/interlinear/1_timothy/5-12.htm
https://biblehub.com/greek/krima_2917.htm
Conclusion
Let God Decide but the Risk is Real and this is a clear proof or example from New Testament Scripture itself where a NEW TESTAMENT TRADITION when DISOBEYED is CONSIDERED A DAMNATION of some sort and CASTING OFF THE FIRST FAITH. It also indirectly implies something deeper intrinsically too, namely that the TYPE OF FAITH WITHOUT MARRYING is considered very SACRED TOO and that’s why doing against it is JUDGED SO HARSHLY in these “New Testament Verses” as “it is Written”.
Peace to you
Understanding the Presence of God via the First Protestant Martin Luther himself
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161640130852784
Firstly, every Protestant must agree that Martin Luther must have done what he did by the Presence of God in his life, right?
Some Charismatic Christians are very fond of insulting other Christians by claiming that they have the Presence of God due to spiritual gift claims while those who don’t have it are ridiculed to not have Presence of God. However, is this claim Biblical?
Let’s see with Blessed Martin Luther the First Protestant who was a cessationist who did NOT BELIEVE even in ANY CHARISMATIC GIFTS to continue in CHURCH TODAY:
“… This visible outpouring of the Holy Spirit was necessary to the establishment of the early Church, as were also the miracles that accompanied the gift of the Holy Ghost… Once the Church had been established and properly advertised by these miracles, the visible appearance of the Holy Ghost ceased …” – Blessed Martin Luther, The First Champion of the Protestant Faith
Source: https://christianityfaq.com/do-lutherans-speak-in-tongues/
The quote above can be found here too but you have to “pay” for it:
https://www.christianity.com/bible/commentary/luth/galatians/4
Comment: As I have explained earlier that I may “not” agree with Martin Luther on this since I do believe some gifts are operational in some Christians but let God Decide who is for real but the main point is this: By those “Charismatic Christians claims”, it looks like Martin Luther himself NEVER HAD THE PRESENCE OF GOD IN HIS LIFE BY THEIR STANDARDS. So is he saved?
Biblical Truth asserts that the “Presence of God” is Found in “Obeying His Commands only”. The more Commandments obeyed, the greater the Presence of God, example Verses:
“… 21He WHO HAS MY COMMANDMENTS and KEEPS THEM, it is HE WHO LOVES ME. And he who loves Me will be LOVED BY MY FATHER, and I will LOVE HIM AND [F]MANIFEST MYSELF TO HIM.” 22Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID TO HIM, “If ANYONE LOVES ME, HE WILL KEEP MY WORD; and My FATHER WILL LOVE HIM, and WE WILL COME TO HIM AND MAKE OUR HOME WITH HIM. 24He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:21 – 24, NKJV)
Please remember that “His Commands” are different from “Spiritual Gifts” as explained in detail in previous post below for edification:
https://www.facebook.com/651792783/posts/10161637513002784/
Peace to you
Prosperity can cause a person not to hear correction nor God’s Laws
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161640352607784
Why?
Human Logic: I already did the faith this way and have more money and converts and all that having a “prosperity life”. Why should I listen to “poor” Christians? Probably they are “cursed” and that’s why they are jealous of my prosperity and speak of sharing it as “justice” or “love of God” or try to enforce New Testament Commands to try to find fault in my modern ways (though unwritten and sometimes against Written New Testament Traditions).
Verses (Jeremiah 22:21) in a few translations:
New International Version
I warned you when you felt secure, but you said, ‘I will not listen!’ This has been your way from your youth; you have not obeyed me.
New Living Translation
I warned you when you were prosperous, but you replied, ‘Don’t bother me.’ You have been that way since childhood— you simply will not obey me!
English Standard Version
I spoke to you in your prosperity, but you said, ‘I will not listen.’ This has been your way from your youth, that you have not obeyed my voice.
Berean Study Bible
I warned you when you were secure. You said, ‘I will not listen.’ This has been your way from youth, that you have not obeyed My voice.
King James Bible
I spake unto thee in thy prosperity; but thou saidst, I will not hear. This hath been thy manner from thy youth, that thou obeyedst not my voice.
New King James Version
I spoke to you in your prosperity, But you said, ‘I will not hear.’ This has been your manner from your youth, That you did not obey My voice.
New American Standard Bible
“I spoke to you in your prosperity; But you said, ‘I will not listen!’ This has been your way from your youth, That you have not obeyed My voice
Source: https://biblehub.com/jeremiah/22-21.htm
Should we Preach then if they don’t listen?
Yes, as these Blessed Prophets of God all did the same:
“… ’ 5As for them, whether they hear or whether they refuse—for they are a rebellious house—yet they will know that a prophet has been among them. 6“And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you dwell among scorpions; do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their looks, though they are a rebellious house. You shall speak My words to them, whether they hear or whether they refuse, for they are rebellious. …” (Ezekiel 2:5 – 7, NKJV)
“… Therefore you shall speak all these words to them, but they will not obey you. You shall also call to them, but they will not answer you. …” (Jeremiah 7:27, NKJV)
These Verses also disprove the “popular myth” of mega churches where they “claim” that “if more Christians follow a certain message” it means that “they are speaking God’s Message“. Can you see it?
In short, it is clearly Written here that “number of people” agreeing to a message especially those NOT WRITTEN and WORSE STILL, THOSE AGAINST WHAT IS WRITTEN in HOLY SCRIPTURE does “not” disprove the “Message in Holy Scripture” especially “New Testament Verses” as “it is Written”.
Peace to you
The Best Way to Honour God is to Do and Teach His Commandments
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161630505602784
Verses:
1) Conversions without God’s Commandments but claiming “.. doing Prophecy, Casting out Demons or even miracles …” (Spiritual Gifts Claims) Risks being denied toward MANY in an end time Christianity on THAT DAY, Verses:
“… 14Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. … 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: …” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:14, 21 – 23, 24, NKJV)
2) What is #Lawlesness?
Preaching and Doing things AGAINST which CHRIST COMMANDED Risks this (where the threshold is, let God Decide and that’s why we do “not” even dare teach against #NewTestamentTraditions nor against His #CharityDoctrineLifestyle Commands which are throughout the #NewTestament ) as the similar phrase found in the Denial Verses above namely “… Lord, Lord …” may be explained by CHRIST HIMSELF as follows:
“… 46“But WHY DO YOU CALL ME ‘LORD, LORD,’ and NOT DO THE THINGS WHICH I SAY? 47Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: 48He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:46 – 48, NKJV)
3) The Greatest Honour men can give God is to “Worship” Him by “Teaching and Doing” His New Testament Commandments first and NOT Practice any man made Commands which are “not” Found in Scripture
Verses (in image too):
“… Thus you have made the [b]COMMANDMENT OF GOD OF NO EFFECT BY YOUR TRADITION. 7HYPOCRITES! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 8‘These people [c]DRAW NEAR TO ME WITH THEIR MOUTH, And HONOR ME WITH THEIR LIPS, But THEIR HEART IS FAR FROM ME. 9And IN VAIN THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES the COMMANDMENTS OF MEN.’ ” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 15:6 – 9, NKJV)
“… 19Whoever therefore BREAKS one of the least of THESE COMMANDMENTS, and teaches men so, shall be called LEAST in the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN; but whoever DOES AND TEACHES THEM, he shall be called GREAT in the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. 20For I say to you, that unless YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS EXCEEDS THE RIGHTEOUSNESS of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by NO MEANS ENTER THE KINGDOM of HEAVEN. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:19 – 21, NKJV)
Comment: However we cannot simply quote an ‘Old Testament abolished part of the Torah’ and claim likewise because only what Christ Has Commanded and Re-Enforced for these New Testament times is to be Obeyed and we learn this from “HIS APOSTLES” as doing this part is “not” optional but part of the “GREAT COMMISSION without OMISSION“, Verses:
“… 18And JESUS CAME AND SPOKE TO THEM, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THINGS THAT I HAVE COMMANDED YOU; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. …” (Matthew 28:18 – 20, NKJV)
These Verses and more are discussed in the #SafeRouteScripturallyBook .
Peace to you
Free Grace Fallacies
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161630318477784
Question
Salvation has no conditions just FREE GRACE.
Reply
Not quite all true. If someone argues otherwise, then ask them to teach their children to visit prostitutes to do drugs and continue in it as long as they “believe in Christ is enough“. See the absurdity?
0) Firstly an Analogy with “Holiness” will do to explain this “Biblically”
“… Therefore we conclude that a MAN IS JUSTIFIED by FAITH apart from the DEEDS OF THE LAW. …” – Blessed St. Paul the Great Apostle of Christ (Romans 3:28, NKJV)
“… 17COMMAND THOSE WHO ARE RICH … . 18Let THEM DO GOOD, that they be RICH IN GOOD WORKS, READY TO GIVE, WILLING TO SHARE, … that THEY MAY LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE. …” – Blessed St. Paul the Great Apostle of Christ (1 Timothy 6:17 – 19, NKJV)
How to Understand it Biblically and Correctly? Here’s a Simple Analogy using “Holiness”:
Just like “Holiness” (e.g. do NOT commit adultery NOR murder and honour your parents) are “Works of Law” also (Matthew 19:16 – 20) but yet a Christian will do it though it does NOT contribute anything to Salvation, similarly these #CharityDoctrineLifestyle Acts of GIVING and SHARING are likewise Commanded in the New Testament (Matthew 19:21 – 30) even though it does NOT contribute anything to Salvation but yet a Christian will do it as well by Relative Measure.
Relative Measure means if one is poor or like the beggar Lazarus who was saved (Luke 16:19 – 31) or even like the thief on the cross who couldn’t do anything more, they are excused and saved as only where “more is given (even earthly finance), more is required” (these Charity Doctrine Acts, Luke 21:1 – 3, Luke 12:46 – 48).
Just like Blessed Apostle St. Paul, if we teach the CORRECT type of SOLA FIDE DOCTRINE, we will likewise TEACH both THESE VERSES as he himself did. Can you see it please ‘as it is Written’?
1) Free Grace is a most abused word because excessive alcohol or drunkenness is a criteria to lose salvation, example Verse:
“… nor thieves, nor covetous, nor DRUNKARDS, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. …” (1 Corinthians 6:10, NKJV)
“… envy, murders, DRUNKENNESS, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. …” (Galatians 5:21, NKJV)
2) Another Example: Covetousness (Love of Money) is also a criteria to lose salvation but this is the hardest to know (let each examine himself), Verses:
“… For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, NOR COVETOUS MAN, WHO IS AN IDOLATER, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. …” (Ephesians 5:5, NKJV)
3) Opposite of “Covetousness” is the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle which is “Perfection” of God’s Will according to Christ, Verses:
Please notice carefully the word “Perfect” in Verses below:.
“… “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.” 22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away SORROWFUL, for he had GREAT POSSESSIONS. …” (Matthew 19:16 – 22, NKJV)
“… 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)
4) Doctrine of “Perfection” is doing “Every Good Work” which one is able by Relative Measure for this New Covenant
Example (please notice the words “Perfect” and “Every Good Work” carefully in Verses below):
“… 20Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our LORD JESUS, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the BLOOD of the EVERLASTING COVENANT 21MAKE YOU PERFECT in EVERY GOOD WORK to DO HIS WILL, working in you that which is WELL PLEASING in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. …” (Hebrews 13:20 – 21, KJV)
“… 15And that from a child thou hast known the HOLY SCRIPTURES, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16ALL SCRIPTURE is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That THE MAN OF GOD may be PERFECT, throughly furnished unto ALL GOOD WORKS. …” (2 Timothy 3:15 – 17, KJV)
Note: The Purpose of “Holy Scripture” itself is to produce “Men of God” who are Equipped/Complete/Perfect for doing every “GOOD WORK” as per Verses above.
5) Perhaps the absolute Free Grace applies to those “Saved by Fire” with “no” rewards or lesser rewards
Indeed, perhaps there’s a “being saved by Fire” which may account to “being Saved OUTSIDE Heaven” but on the FINAL New Earth as these Verses may point to such a “possibility” (no one knows for sure but Let God Decide One Day), Verses:
“… 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 3:14 – 15, NKJV)
“… Come, I will show you the [g]BRIDE, the LAMB’S WIFE.” 10And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and SHOWED ME THE [H]GREAT CITY, the [I]HOLY JERUSALEM, DESCENDING OUT OF HEAVEN from God, … 24And the NATIONS [N]OF THOSE WHO ARE SAVED shall walk in its light, and the KINGS OF THE EARTH bring their glory and honor [o]into it. 25Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). 26And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into [p]it. 27But there shall by no means enter it anything [q]that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but ONLY THOSE WHO ARE WRITTEN IN THE LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE. …” (Revelation 21:9 – 10, 24 – 27, NKJV)
Comment: These Verses seem to indicate that some may be saved on the final NEW EARTH only but among them only those whose name’s are WRITTEN in the LAMB’S BOOK of LIFE may ENTER HEAVEN to VISIT HIS BRIDE (or “CHURCH/CHRISTIANS” there) implying the “possibility” that these “saved on Judgment Day ones” may “not” be “His Bride” as these are ‘distinctly mentioned and compared in these Verses’. I can’t say for sure and being honest I let you know what I see even as a “possibility” but I whatever God Decides One Day, I accept it.
“… And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. …” – apostle John (Revelation 22:17, NKJV)
Where possibly:
The Spirit = God
The Bride = Christians
“who thirsts” = Perhaps “those saved by Fire” hence thirsty? (1 Corinthians 3:15 earlier)
Compare with “Entering Heaven” type of Salvation Described by CHRIST HIMSELF:
“… 19Whoever therefore BREAKS one of the least of THESE COMMANDMENTS, and teaches men so, shall be called LEAST in the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN; but whoever DOES AND TEACHES THEM, he shall be called GREAT in the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. 20For I say to you, that unless YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS EXCEEDS THE RIGHTEOUSNESS of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by NO MEANS ENTER THE KINGDOM of HEAVEN. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:19 – 21, NKJV)
Peace to you
Test the Spirits – Who could be a False Prophet?
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161627950287784
Someone said: ‘… Even Satan can quote Scripture …’
If the Bible Says to “Test”, that means with “Scripture” we can see which is most likely True or Vice Versa. Let’s see a brief discussion here.
1) This is how Satan Quoted Scripture
iii) Satan quoted Scripture saying that all the wealth and “Prosperity” of the world he will give if you worship him and Christ Rebuked him Saying “Serve God Alone” (Matthew 4:8 – 11) implying even if it ‘costs you losing prosperity’.
2) Some Christians even accuse us as ‘satan’ just because we “Preach Obeying New Testament Traditions”
New Tradition Examples: such as Women must keep silent in the Churches (1 Corinthians 14:34) or that they cannot have Authority or Teach over men in Church-Leadership-Context (1 Timothy 2:12) or that Women must wear a veil over her head when Praying because of angels (1 Corinthians 11:1 – 16) or even that no Speaking in Tongues publicly at Church unless there are two or three at most with interpreters and “in turn” (1 Corinthians 14:26 – 33) and many others.
So if we Preach the above are ‘satan’, then are all these Protestant Founders Satan too because each Preach New Testament Traditions too likewise (not to mention all the earliest Church Fathers as well)? to quote:
NEW TESTAMENT TRADITIONS were Preached even by Blessed Martin Luther, Blessed John Cavin, Blessed Charles Spurgeon, Blessed John Wesley or even the Church Fathers Taught? (Are all these great man of God “Prideful” for obeying and teaching “Written New Testament Traditions“?)
I have discussed some quotes in detail by each Protestant Founder or Saint above in several pages in the #SafeRouteScripturallyBook. So, are they all ‘satan’ for Preaching thus?
3) Women Pastors and Prophets
Do you know the most anointed women pastor in modern times was “Kathryn Kuhlman” by those who believe in such Christianity itself will testify?
However, do you know that we have “Video Proof Recorded” (since the video camera was already invented by the 1970s) which shows a “POSSIBLE FALSE PROPHECY” by Kathryn Kuhlman as I have pointed out in detail in Page 40 in the #saferoutescripturallybook
The Problem is “she quotes her gift of Prophecy” (possibly the Holy Spirit) when she claimed that prophecy which did “not” come to pass (I do “not” want to repeat the details here as it’s already quoted there).
If you quote “Kathryn Kuhlman’s miracles“, I quote to you Blessed “Charles Spurgeon’s Miracles” as it is rumored to be even more, example quote:
“… “Yet, NO MAN PROBABLY, IN ENGLAND or in AMERICA, IN THIS CENTURY, HAS EVER HEALED SO MANY PEOPLE as did MR. SPURGEON, although he was not himself a physician and never wrote prescriptions. He felt that there was UNEXPLAINABLE MYSTERY ABOUT THE WHOLE MATTER. Yet, he asserted that there was SOME POWER CONNECTED WITH PRAYER which ought to be used when persons were in pain and could be relieved by it.” from “The Life of Charles Haddon Spurgeon” by Russell H. Conwell. …”
Source (with more details):
https://www.healingandrevival.com/BioCHSpurgeon.htm
Conclusion – What if Karthryn Kuhlman and these modern Christianity were right and these Protestant Founders and Church Fathers were wrong?
If they and Kathryn Kuhlman turn out to be right and God Spoke to her, then “NEITHER DID I COMMIT any BLASPHEMY of the HOLY SPIRIT” as on this cases I often take the NEUTRAL STAND and JUDGE NOT (Matthew 7:1 – 2).
How about if you were wrong?
The difference is none of the Church Fathers and Protestant Founders quoted “the Holy Spirit told me directly against Scripture or New Testament Traditions” and so even if they are wrong, there is no the unforgivable blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31 – 32) but the reverse “risks it”. Let God Decide.
Peace to you
Fat Sheep = Prosperity Sheep seems to be Destroyed in Judgment
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161623586382784
Image from Page 450 of the #CharityDoctrineBook (free pdf)
Verses:
“… 16“I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick; but I WILL DESTROY THE FAT AND THE STRONG, and FEED THEM IN JUDGMENT.” … ‘Therefore thus says the Lord GOD to them: “Behold, I Myself will JUDGE BETWEEN THE FAT AND THE LEAN SHEEP. … 22therefore I will save My flock, and they shall no longer be a prey; and I WILL JUDGE BETWEEN SHEEP AND SHEEP. 23I will establish one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them—My servant David. He shall feed them and be their shepherd. 24And I, the Lord, will be their God, and My servant David a prince among them; I, the Lord, have spoken. …” (Ezekiel 34:16, 20, 22 – 24, NKJV)
Note: Doesn’t these Verses of Judgment between “Sheep vs Sheep” itself prove how Important the #CharityDoctrine is? Doesn’t “Sheep” means “they are holy/righteous at least outwardly”?
Comment: God doesn’t even view “Sheep Vs Sheep” the same but rather is AGAINST the #FatSheep (Prosperity Sheep) and is on the Protecting Side of the #LeanSheep (literally poor sheep on earth) which was sidelined financially to possibly ministry or other aspects too (in analogy) on “Judgment Day” as His Principles do “not” Change.
So, “Fat Sheep” (Rich Christians) without the “#CharityDoctrineLifestyle” toward the “Lean Sheep” (Poor Christians) by Relative Measure and enjoying “Prosperity” may end up “Destroyed in God’s Judgment” as God’s Principles never change.
Here’s a Biblical Mystery: Did you know that when Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ Himself Said that He came to “Seek and Save His Lost Sheep”, He is particularly only referring to this Ezekiel 34 passage? The context in Ezekiel 34 is very clear in that God Favours the “Lean Sheep” (poor believers) who suffered on earth and Destroys the “Fat Sheep” even (Rich believers) for not helping them with this earth’s goods (implied as the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle in these Verses clearly).
So could the “Fat Sheep” that is “Destroyed in Judgment” on Judgment Day (Ezekiel 34:16) still be Saved? Only God Knows. Perhaps the “Saved by Fire” with losses of rewards (1 Corinthians 3:15) or completely destroyed? Only God Knows. Only thing is for sure is that please don’t skip the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle commands of Christ because “Preaching Christ includes Preaching what He Commanded“.
“… Because NARROW is the gate and DIFFICULT is the way which leads to life, and there are FEW WHO FIND IT. …” (Matthew 7:14, NKJV)
“… 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: …” (Matthew 7:21 – 24, NKJV)
#FatSheep
#LeanSheep
#FatSheepvsLeanSheep
Peace to you
Self Test – Do we understand “Justice” by God’s Definition in Bible Verses?
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161620060297784
Firstly, a weekend at the Charity is not necessarily “Justice”. Here’s “Why”.
1) Why is this important?
The Verse below Declares a self-test too which states that “Evil” men do “not” understand “Justice”. So if we do not understand what God Requires as Justice nor have a serious Doctrine for it, then we may be evil or according to the Level we don’t understand it, we may be less inclined to God likewise as this Verse implies:
“… EVIL MEN DO NOT UNDERSTAND JUSTICE, But those who seek the LORD understand all. …” (Proverbs 28:5, NKJV)
2) Self Test again: Are we doing Real Justice or Faking it?
So a false prophet can ‘fake a charity work’ (like the Pharisees did) for a show but it is only not a show if it is a lifestyle. For a show means the act of Charity is little by ‘relative measure’ (Luke 21:1 – 3, Luke 12:46 – 48) and for real means it is a lifestyle (for example living like the poor in some aspects). This lifestyle needs to be secret but one day, God Will Judge each and we will know.
In short, if we take “prosperity” at the side becoming financially rich by doing Charity or equivalent (God Knows) and do “not” put much from our own money into it we risk faking it.
Also, if it’s “not” a lifestyle meaning for example we obtain our money by exploiting the poor foreign workers or by charging superior profits (though Legal) and then spend a tiny bit of it at Charities in the weekend, it may not count as Justice.
Also, say if we are racists within and hire people based on that or give salary based on that or even receive such racial advantage in work & business when it benefits us and then spend a small time at the weekend at Charity, it may not be real Justice either.
We don’t need to judge anyone but state the possible scenarios arbitrarily so that others can “understand Justice” Biblically and repent as God Will Judge as He is Perfect.
So whatever “#Justice” or #CharityDoctrineLifestyle which is not done as a “Lifestyle” risks being fake as discussed even in this post in link below with CHRIST’S WORDS DIRECTLY:
https://www.facebook.com/651792783/posts/10161615029032784/
3) Does Being Holy (“Righteousness”) Work without “Justice”?
No. Because both “Righteousness (being Holy) and Justice (Charity Doctrine Lifestyle)” are the “Foundations” of “God’s Throne” even meaning a True Believer must have both, Verse:
“… RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JUSTICE are the FOUNDATION OF YOUR THRONE; Mercy and truth go before Your face. …” (Psalm 89:14, NKJV)
Comments: How much are we living out “Justice” by “God’s Definition” here with “what we have” (i.e. in our time, money, possession, lifestyle)?
Let each man examine himself as this is the very “Foundation” of “God’s Throne” and no wonder Christ Himself DEFINED JUSTICE the SAME as “ALMS / CHARITY“. (Including Giving/Sharing with what WE OWN/HAVE FREELY) in Luke 11:41 – 42 which we shall see at the end too.
Conclusion – What is God’s Definition of #Justice in the Bible?
Even CHRIST HIMSELF TAUGHT clearly that the “JUSTICE” He Referred to is the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle of “ALMS” from “WHAT YOU HAVE” (not money collected in the Name of God only) is mentioned in Luke 11:41 – 42 clearly where even a careful observation of the “Doctrine of Tithes” which the Pharisees practiced did “NOT” fulfill this as discussed in detail in example post in link below:
https://www.facebook.com/651792783/posts/10161618709342784/
Note: Even “JUDGMENT DAY” Verses AGREE as it ONLY Describes what one did in RESPONSE to “… When I was HUNGRY, THIRSTY, NAKED, HOMELESS …” (i.e. in Principle only the SHARING/GIVING type of ACTION/not Words) with NO OTHER RELIGIOUS ACTS mentioned at all in Matthew 25:31 – 46 too meaning #Justice is a Primary “Foundation” of “God’s Throne” itself without which God may “not” accept “our righteousness” even as the example of the Pharisees prove (as they only did Charity with God’s Money-Matthew 6:1 – 4 and lived in “Self-Indulgence” or “Prosperity” collected in God’s Money-Matthew 23:25 – 28 though being “Outwardly Holy” Christ Still called them “Whitewashed Tombs” for the sole Reason Recorded in Luke 11:41 – 42, same Topic/Context as missing this #CharityDoctrineLifestyle of “Alms” from “what you have” (not God’s Money only) which means they did NOT do the “Justice” with “one’s own money & possessions”.
So if God’s Word for this New Testament even by CHRIST DIRECTLY Requires us to do “Justice” in this way, we ought to do and Teach likewise.
That should reveal to us that MONEY SINS are the “Worst there is” and it is also clear in the “lives of the Pharisees likewise” (whom Christ attacked vehemently) where CHRIST DOES NOT point once that the Pharisees committed “adultery, murder, witchcraft, idolatry,” BUT HE POINTED their “PROSPERITY SINS” (Christ’s Phrase “Self Indulgence” in Matthew 23:25) with “Tithe collecting” (for self survival) but NOT CARING for the ALMSGIVING (CHARITY DOCTRINE) and especially “not” with their money as even Luke 11:39 – 42 has clearly Described this Context in Christ’s Most Blessed Words as it is Written calling them “whitewashed tombs” (because ‘outwardly they were religious in praying, fasting and Church Attendance with NO adultery, NO Murder, NO Witchcraft, NO idolatry etc’). To quote:
“… 25“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you CLEANSE THE OUTSIDE OF THE CUP and dish, but INSIDE THEY ARE FULL OF EXTORTION and [l]SELF-INDULGENCE. 26Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. 27“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like WHITEWASHED TOMBS which indeed appear BEAUTIFUL OUTWARDLY, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. 28Even so you also OUTWARDLY APPEAR RIGHTEOUS TO MEN, but INSIDE YOU ARE FULL OF HYPOCRISY AND LAWLESSNESS. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 23:25 – 28, NKJV)
“… 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)
Comment: These Highlighted Phrases from the above “… GIVE ALMS of [l]SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE; … YOU TITHE mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and PASS BY JUSTICE …” = ALMS/#CharityDoctrineLifestyle Fulfills “JUSTICE” while faithfully paying TITHES DID NOT. No other religious act is mentioned nor reprimanded by Christ here for them to “do more” meaning this is ‘what is missing’, namely the #CharityDoctrine.
‘… When we are not interested in What’s Written in Scripture, we will be interested in things which are not Written in Scripture …’
Perhaps there’s a “being saved by Fire” which may account to “being Saved OUTSIDE Heaven” but on the FINAL New Earth as these Verses may point to such a “possibility” (no one knows for sure but Let God Decide One Day), Verses:
“… 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 3:14 – 15, NKJV)
“… Come, I will show you the [g]BRIDE, the LAMB’S WIFE.” 10And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and SHOWED ME THE [H]GREAT CITY, the [I]HOLY JERUSALEM, DESCENDING OUT OF HEAVEN from God, … 24And the NATIONS [N]OF THOSE WHO ARE SAVED shall walk in its light, and the KINGS OF THE EARTH bring their glory and honor [o]into it. 25Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). 26And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into [p]it. 27But there shall by no means enter it anything [q]that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but ONLY THOSE WHO ARE WRITTEN IN THE LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE. …” (Revelation 21:9 – 10, 24 – 27, NKJV)
Comment: These Verses seem to indicate that some may be saved on the final NEW EARTH only but among them only those whose name’s are WRITTEN in the LAMB’S BOOK of LIFE may ENTER HEAVEN to VISIT HIS BRIDE (or “CHURCH/CHRISTIANS” there) implying the “possibility” that these “saved on Judgment Day ones” may “not” be “His Bride” as these are ‘distinctly mentioned and compared in these Verses’. I can’t say for sure and being honest I let you know what I see even as a “possibility” but I whatever God Decides One Day, I accept it.
“… And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. …” – apostle John (Revelation 22:17, NKJV)
Where possibly:
The Spirit = God
The Bride = Christians
“who thirsts” = Perhaps “those saved by Fire” hence thirsty? (1 Corinthians 3:15 earlier)
However, the “ENTERING HEAVEN” Type of SALVATION certainly requires us to exceed the “Pharisees’ righteousness above’ (a human measure, so it’s possible for anyone with Christ) and that’s why CHRIST REVEALS how in the QUOTED VERSES above too and beyond as “Righteousness + Justice Lifestyle” which is the “Foundation of God’s Throne even” (Psalm 89:14) which means we need to be #Holy and live the #CHarityDOctrineLifestyle (both of it) to do God’s Will as even Matthew 19:16 – 30 Speaks likewise with Christ’s Answer for “Eternal Life” Likewise (as discussed in the First Chapter of this Book also, please see Luke 10:25 – 37 and Matthew 25:31 – 46 for the #CharityDoctrine to fulfill “God’s Will” for #Justice as well) , Verses:
“… 19Whoever therefore BREAKS one of the least of THESE COMMANDMENTS, and teaches men so, shall be called LEAST in the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN; but whoever DOES AND TEACHES THEM, he shall be called GREAT in the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. 20For I say to you, that unless YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS EXCEEDS THE RIGHTEOUSNESS of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by NO MEANS ENTER THE KINGDOM of HEAVEN. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:19 – 21, NKJV)
Peace to you
Mystery of Elect of God – Poor or Rich or both?
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161602955547784
Bible Verses:
“… 20Then He lifted up His eyes TOWARD HIS DISCIPLES, and said: “BLESSED ARE YOU POOR, For yours is the kingdom of God. … 24“But WOE TO YOU WHO ARE RICH, For you have received your consolation. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:20, 24, NKJV)
Comments:
1) The above was Spoken to “His Disciples” (the “Chosen”)
Phrase here: “… TOWARD HIS DISCIPLES, and said: …”
2) Christ Referred to the “Poor on earth Literally” to be “Blessed” in the Heavenly Sense while to the “Rich on earth literally” to be “Woe” in the same Heavenly Sense (implied) from among “His Disciples” (Context here)
Phrase here: “… “BLESSED ARE YOU POOR, … 24“But WOE TO YOU WHO ARE RICH, …”
3) This “Woe” to the “Rich Disciples” perhaps when compared with Matthew 19:21 – 30’s “easier for a camel to go through eye of the needle” than for a “rich man to enter God’s Kingdom” but “can be saved“, is that such persons may be saved but “not” attain to great rewards or perhaps not even inherit the Kingdom or even the “saved by fire” case since this is a “woe” as 1 Corinthians 3:15 Reveals. We don’t know which but these are some ‘possibilities with Scripture’. Let God Decide but either way, it doesn’t look good.
4) What about the “Poor in Spirit” phrase?
“… BLESSED are the POOR IN SPIRIT For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. …” (Matthew 5:3, NKJV)
Comment: It is possible that Christ also Spoke of “Poor in Spirit” as different from “Poor” earlier (Luke 6:20) as the ending phrases for each Verse here is different namely, “… Kingdom of God …” (Luke 6:20) vs “… Kingdom of Heaven …” (Matthew 5:3). We know Christ can Repeat the Same thing “twice” within the same sentence even as per example Verse below too:
“… 23Then JESUS SAID TO HIS DISCIPLES, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is HARD for a RICH MAN TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. 24And AGAIN I say to you, it is EASIER for a CAMEL to go through the EYE of a NEEDLE than for a RICH MAN to enter the kingdom of God. …” (Matthew 19:23 – 24, NKJV)
Can you see how Christ Repeats almost the same message “twice” in Verses above? Also please note that He Said this to “His Disciples” (Context).
5) Which Rich Man can be Saved then?
To understand the “Context” correctly, we need to Learn from His Actual Apostles who wrote about this same Topic likewise as follows:
“… 1Come now, YOU RICH, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! 2Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. 3Your GOLD and SILVER are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will EAT YOUR FLESH LIKE FIRE. You have HEAPED up TREASURE in the LAST DAYS. … 5You have lived on the earth in PLEASURE and LUXURY; you have fattened your hearts as in a DAY of SLAUGHTER. …” – Blessed St. James the Just, First Bishop of Jerusalem (James 5:1 – 3, 5, NKJV)
Comment: Where is the “Threshold” for Hoarding? Only God Knows.
We also know that in this ‘same letter’ (Context), Apostle St. James compared that the “literally financially poor on earth ones” are the “CHOSEN” (Elect of God) to be “RICH in FAITH” in Verse below:
“… 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)
Christ Affirms this Truth in this Church in Revelation which was “poor financially on earth (in “poverty“)” but RICH in the HEAVENLY CONTEXT, Verse:
“… 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)
“… 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)
Comment: Please notice that the CHARITY DOCTRINE ACTS of “Do Good” in the Context of “GIVING for FREE (implied)” and “SHARING for FREE (implied too)” is not to be done in ‘moderation level’ but they are COMMANDED to be “RICH” in such “GOOD WORKS” (Relative Measure meant).
This is clear that the ‘Level of Good Works of this Charity Doctrine type’ required of them is the “RICH” level as how they are “rich” in material wealth as opposed to those around them. Can you see it as it is Written please? “Command” means this is “not” an option and it’s Written Clearly here that it is a “Commands unto ETERNAL LIFE (Context)” by the “Sola Fide Preacher Apostle St. Paul himself revealing this Correct Understanding“. We cannot measure this Threshold but God Will as implied by these Verses.
Conclusion
If a “Rich Christian” ends up in “Hell” or ‘least in the Kingdom even if saved’ (Matthew 5:19 – 20) because of the “Prosperity Gospel” (which is entirely possible based on these Quoted Verses as it is Written), at least they will know that we Preached the Truth and Warned them. This was the First Christianity Position of Exegesis likewise as demonstrated by these Ancient Saint who even opposed Iconography which was becoming prevalent at that time:
“… 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:
Christ Taught this Clearly in Verses below likewise as it affects your “Eternal Home” (Reward Level, as the same Word “Aeonian” translated as “Eternal” here in Luke 16:9 below is also used in the ‘Eternal Life’ Vs ‘Eternal Punishment’ in Matthew 25:46 too):
“… 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. 10“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. 11And IF YOU ARE UNTRUSTWORTHY ABOUT WORLDLY WEALTH, who will trust you with the TRUE RICHES OF HEAVEN? 12And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own? …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 16:9 – 12, NLT)
In short, CHRIST DECLARES (“not” me) that the FAITHFULNESS of a CHRISTIAN is “not” measured by ‘… how many hours he prays, fasts, attends church, worships etc. …’ (if someone says so, please ask them FOR A BIBLE VERSE where CHRIST SAYS it DIRECTLY and you will find “none“) in comparison to as much as one LIVES and DOES this CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE as Christ Clearly Asks in Verses above as follows:
“… 11And IF YOU ARE UNTRUSTWORTHY ABOUT WORLDLY WEALTH, who will trust you with the TRUE RICHES OF HEAVEN? …” (Luke 16:11, NLT) where the JUDGMENT for this is ONLY BASED on “… 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. 10“IF YOU ARE FAITHFUL IN LITTLE THINGS, YOU WILL BE FAITHFUL IN LARGE ONES. …” (Luke 16:9 – 10, NLT) by CHRIST HIMSELF.
Being Holy – Did it really Impress God in Flesh, Lord Jesus Christ?
If you think Keeping the Holiness Commands, is a Great thing, please remember Christ’s Own Most Blessed Words below which Proves that the “Rich Young Ruler” obeyed these Holiness Commands even WITHOUT BELIEVING NOR FOLLOWING CHRIST EVEN and the only thing WHICH HE LACKED (couldn’t do, implied) was CHRIST’S COMMAND to “GIVE to the POOR” (Charity Doctrine Lifestyle) and come and FOLLOW HIM (i.e. Believe in Him), Verses:
“… 16Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good[d] Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17So He said to him, [e]“Why do you call Me good? [f]No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
18He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 19‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” 20The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept [g]from my youth. What do I still lack?” 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.” 22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away SORROWFUL, for he had GREAT POSSESSIONS. …” (Matthew 19:16 – 22, NKJV)
Comment: Every act of righteousness can be faked (either knowingly or unknowingly) except “GIVING/SHARING from one’s OWN MONEY (not money collected in the Name of God only) as Christ Himself Taught this Secret of Lawlessness within and its cure via ALMS (CHARITY = Free Giving and Sharing from “WHAT WE HAVE”, losing our possessions/money, implied) in Verses below (as a ‘must’ where even ‘tithes’ is compared to “not” fulfilling this “Justice and Love of God part” unless ALMS is DONE):
“…. 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. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:41 – 42, NKJV)
“… So likewise, whoever of you DOES NOT FORSAKE ALL that he has CANNOT BE MY DISCIPLE …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 14:33, NKJV)
“… So then, NONE OF YOU CAN BE MY DISCIPLE who does NOT GIVE UP ALL HIS OWN POSSESSIONS …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 14:33, NASB)
In short, the level we give it up can determine whether we are “Thirty-fold, Sixty-fold or Hundredfold” type of Heavenly Rewards if saved.
Yes the True Church = those with GOOD WORKS especially the CHARITY DOCTRINE to MEET URGENT needs as these Verses clearly Prove as it is Written even when “Good Works does not save us”:
“… 14who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself HIS OWN SPECIAL PEOPLE, ZEALOUS FOR GOOD WORKS. ... 1Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be READY FOR EVERY GOOD WORK, 2to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men … 4But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH WE HAVE DONE, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, … 8This is a FAITHFUL SAYING, and THESE THINGS I WANT YOU TO AFFIRM CONSTANTLY, that THOSE WHO HAVE BELIEVED IN GOD should be CAREFUL TO MAINTAIN GOOD WORKS. These things are good and profitable to men. … 14And let OUR PEOPLE also LEARN TO MAINTAIN GOOD WORKS, to MEET URGENT NEEDS, that they may NOT BE UNFRUITFUL. …” (Titus 2:14, 3:1, 4 – 5, 8, 14, NKJV)
Isn’t it beautiful that to know that Good Works does not save us in any way but doing it knowing that makes the Good Works to come from God’s Commands Alone?
Indeed, Self Righteousness is claiming ‘Good Works comes naturally to them or that they do it to be saved’ while “Good Works” Done Truthfully is acknowledging that it is Done Solely on the Command of God Alone.
Here’s an example of a “Saved Rich Christian” whom CHRIST HIMSELF describes as having the CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE (without mentioning any of his other religious traits be it if he prays much or fasts much or attends church (synagogue) much etc.) because only this “Love your neighbour as yourself” is with the Greatest Command (Mark 12:29 – 31) which Fulfills ALL 613 TORAH’s COMMANDS (Galatians 5:14) as Christ Referred to its Definition as the “Charity Doctrine Lifestyle” in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25 – 37) likewise:
“… [12Then He also said to him who invited Him], “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. 13But WHEN YOU GIVE A FEAST, INVITE THE POOR, the [d]MAIMED, THE LAME, THE BLIND. 14And YOU WILL BE BLESSED, BECAUSE THEY CANNOT REPAY YOU; FOR YOU SHALL BE REPAID AT THE RESURRECTION OF THE JUST.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 14:12 – 14, NKJV)
Also the ‘popular prosperity myth’ that you can have your heart not on earthly money but have lots of it “contradicts” Christ’s Direct Words below where He Says Clearly that “your heart” is exactly where “your treasure is whether on earth (if you hoard much money) or in the Heavens (if you share and give it) via the Charity Doctrine of Give to Charity” in Christ Most Blessed Words 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)
The Prosperity Preachers are speaking against Christ when they say you can have a lot of money but don’t let it be in your heart as Christ Says the opposite namely if your heart is in the Heavens, you will Give to Charity and vice versa.
Note: Some of these quotes are taken from the free pdf Books such as #SafeRouteScripturallyBook and #MysteryoftheKingdomofHevenBook too.
#CharityDoctrine #SolaFide
Please don’t be deceived by “not” understanding in “full” what is Written lest we risk Hell or lower Rewards in Heaven as the “loss” of these is “Eternal”.
May God Help us to be Wise Indeed and if these are “not” important, these New Testament Bible Verses would not exist either.
Peace to you
Earning Salvation Fallacy and God’s Commands by Faith Mystery
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161595117247784
1) Are we earning Salvation when we try to Obey God’s New Testament Commands?
Example accusation:
‘… When you Teach the CHARITY DOCTRINE COMMANDS of CHRIST for this New Testament, you cannot teach it as an “OBLIGATION” or else it becomes a type of ‘EARNING SALVATION by WORKS’ which can cost you your Salvation …’
This is a common fallacy. Please consider the following equivalent statements Biblically as these same persons who accuse the above falsely also accuse themselves ‘by their own words’ (mostly ‘unknowingly’) as follows:
‘… When you Teach the HOLINESSS COMMANDS of CHRIST for this New Testament, you cannot teach it as an “OBLIGATION” or else it becomes a type of ‘EARNING SALVATION by WORKS‘ which can cost you your Salvation …’
‘… When you Teach the DO NOT MURDER COMMAND of CHRIST for this New Testament, you cannot teach it as an “OBLIGATION” or else it becomes a type of ‘EARNING SALVATION by WORKS’ which can cost you your Salvation …’
‘… When you Teach the DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY COMMAND of CHRIST for this New Testament, you cannot teach it as an “OBLIGATION” or else it becomes a type of ‘EARNING SALVATION by WORKS‘ which can cost you your Salvation …’
‘… When you Teach the PRAY ALWAYS COMMAND of CHRIST for this New Testament, you cannot teach it as an “OBLIGATION” or else it becomes a type of ‘EARNING SALVATION by WORKS‘ which can cost you your Salvation …’
‘… When you Teach the FASTING COMMAND of CHRIST for this New Testament, you cannot teach it as an “OBLIGATION” or else it becomes a type of ‘EARNING SALVATION by WORKS’ which can cost you your Salvation …’
‘… When you Teach the DO NOT FORSAKE the ASSEMBLING TOGETHER (or CHURCH for ministering to each other) COMMAND of CHRIST for this New Testament, you cannot teach it as an “OBLIGATION” or else it becomes a type of ‘EARNING SALVATION by WORKS’ which can cost you your Salvation …’
‘… When you Teach the PAY TITHES COMMAND of CHRIST for this New Testament, you cannot teach it as an “OBLIGATION” or else it becomes a type of ‘EARNING SALVATION by WORKS‘ which can cost you your Salvation …’
Can you see the “FALLACY” here?
When it comes to ‘any New Testament Command/Tradition’ which ‘they practice’, it is considered “not” earning Salvation but if it’s the “Charity Doctrine Commands“, they claim it is “earning Salvation“.
Please also notice that “Holiness Commands from do not murder to do not commit adultery” and all that are called “Works of the Law” by Christ Himself in Matthew 19:16 – 20 before Christ Introduces the “Charity Doctrine Command of Give to the Poor” toward the “Perfection of Following Him” in the next continuing Verses of Matthew 19:21 – 30 likewise which is “not” for the Old Testament times but now as Verse 28 – 30 refers to these for the Context of “Regeneration” (First Resurrection, Revelation 20:4 – 6) with its associated “Rewards” (be it thirty-fold, sixty-fold or hundred-fold, Matthew 13:8) as the “Hundredfold” only is Described in Matthew 19:29 in the Context on top of inheriting “Eternal Life” and how ‘many who are first will be last and the last first’ (Matthew 19:30) referring to the “Least vs Greatest” based on “Speaking against His Commands and teaching others to disobey these least of these” or “Obeying and Teaching” His Commands respectively (seen with Matthew 5:19 – 20).
Such is the major flaw in their Theology if they claim so.
Truth is, ANY NEW TESTAMENT COMMAND can be TAUGHT as DOCTRINE including the most number of Commands (by occurrence itself) which is the “Charity Doctrine Commands” and mostly by Christ simply because 2 Timothy 3:16 allows for ALL NEW TESTAMENT Scripture even to be used for DOCTRINE.
The Danger is making up “New Commands/Ways which is NOT WRITTEN” and/or “Speaking or Doing AGAINST these WRITTEN NEW TESTAMENT COMMANDS” as discussed next in detail.
2) Woe to those who call “God’s Law/Commands” as evil and the opposites as good and vice versa
Verse (in image too):
“… WOE TO THOSE WHO CALL EVIL GOOD, and GOOD EVIL; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight! … 24Therefore, as the [l]fire devours the stubble, And the flame consumes the chaff, So their root will be as rottenness, And their blossom will ascend like dust; BECAUSE THEY HAVE REJECTED the LAW of the LORD of HOSTS, and DESPISED the WORD of the HOLY ONE of ISRAEL. 25Therefore the ANGER of the Lord is aroused AGAINST HIS PEOPLE; …” (Isaiah 5:20 – 21, 24 – 25, NKJV)
Comments:
“… Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets. …” (Amos 3:7, NKJV)
“… 27Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are ALL WORKERS OF MIRACLES? 30DO ALL HAVE GIFTS OF HEALINGS? DO ALL SPEAK WITH TONGUES? Do all interpret? 31But earnestly desire the [i]best gifts. And YET I SHOW YOU A MORE EXCELLENT WAY [of AGAPE/LOVE]*. …” (1 Corinthians 12:27 – 30, NKJV)
“… And though I have the GIFT OF PROPHECY, and understand all mysteries and ALL KNOWLEDGE, and though I have ALL FAITH, so that I could remove mountains, but HAVE NOT LOVE [AGAPE*], I AM NOTHING. …” (1 Corinthians 13:2, NKJV)
iii) The Judgment for this is on Judgment Day as Verse 24 contains the words like “fire”, “chaff” and all that which can be paralleled to Verses such as Luke 3:17 and Matthew 3:12 which uses such similar phrases.
3) Danger of Speaking against God’s “Law” (“Commands”) for these New Testament times
There is a type of modern Christianity which picks and chooses certain New Testament Commands but ignores many others claiming all kinds of man made excuses. No matter what they say, 2 Timothy 3:16 (the “other 3:16” apart from John 3:16) clearly Reveals that ALL SCRIPTURE (including the New Testament “Tradition” Verses which many ignore today) can be USED FOR both CORRECTION and DOCTRINE, Verse:
“… ALL SCRIPTURE is given by INSPIRATION of GOD, and is profitable for DOCTRINE, for reproof, for CORRECTION, for instruction in righteousness, …” (2 Timothy 3:16, NKJV)
Comment: So since any New Testament Tradition even is part of Scripture for New Testament times (e.g. 1 Corinthians 11 to 14), we can use it for DOCTRINE as Verse above allows It clearly.
However we cannot simply quote an ‘Old Testament abolished part of the Torah’ and claim likewise because only what Christ Has Commanded and Re-Enforced for these New Testament times is to be Obeyed and we learn this from “HIS APOSTLES” as doing this part is “not” optional but part of the “GREAT COMMISSION without OMMISSION“, Verses:
“… 18And JESUS CAME AND SPOKE TO THEM, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THINGS THAT I HAVE COMMANDED YOU; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. …” (Matthew 28:18 – 20, NKJV)
“… 46“But WHY DO YOU CALL ME ‘LORD, LORD,’ and NOT DO THE THINGS WHICH I SAY? 47Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: 48He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:46 – 48, NKJV)
“… 13MAKING THE WORD OF GOD OF NO EFFECT THROUGH YOUR TRADITION which you have handed down. And many such things you do.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:13, NKJV)
“… 2that YOU MAY BE MINDFUL OF THE WORDS which were spoken before by the holy prophets, AND OF THE COMMANDMENT OF [a]US, THE APOSTLES OF THE LORD AND SAVIOR, 3knowing this first: THAT SCOFFERS WILL COME IN THE LAST DAYS, … 7But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved BY THE SAME WORD, are RESERVED FOR FIRE until THE DAY OF JUDGMENT and [b]PERDITION OF UNGODLY MEN. …” (2 Peter 3:2,3, 7, NKJV)
“… If anyone THINKS himself to be a PROPHET or SPIRITUAL, let him ACKNOWLEDGE that the things which I WRITE TO YOU ARE THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD. …” (1 Corinthians 14:37, NKJV)
“… IF YOU LOVE ME, KEEP [Obey] MY COMMANDMENTS. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:15, NKJV)
“… 23JESUS ANSWERED and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will KEEP MY WORD; and MY FATHER WILL LOVE HIM, and WE WILL COME TO HIM and MAKE OUR HOME WITH HIM. 24He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. …” (John 14:23 – 24, NKJV)
“… 19Whoever therefore BREAKS one of the LEAST of THESE COMMANDMENTS, and TEACHES men so, shall be called LEAST in the kingdom of HEAVEN; but whoever DOES AND TEACHES them, he shall be called GREAT in the kingdom of HEAVEN. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:19, NKJV)
Please notice the words “Obey His Commands” in Verses below which is what the HOLY SPIRIT of God HELPS us to OBEY, Verses:
“… 15“If YOU LOVE ME, [d]KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS. 16And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another [e]HELPER, that He may ABIDE WITH YOUR FOREVER— 17the SPIRIT of TRUTH, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:15 – 17, NKJV)
Comment: Please notice how Christ Describes the “Spirit of Truth” to be a “Helper” in the Context of HELPING US OBEY HIS COMMANDMENTS. Gifts are an option and not a Command.
Peace to you
Is Giving a Command/Law for this New Testament or an Option only?
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161591096722784
Question
You add to scripture in trying to prove a point. Jesus was obligated to do everything possible to convince the Jews He was the Messiah. I’m not against giving, especially out of our needs, but it’s not a law. Anything done out of obligation is paramount to earning our way into God’s favor and being rewarded. Only giving out of love with no expectations is favorable
Reply
I didn’t add to Scripture but only Wrote what Christ Said. Christ wants us to seek heavenly treasure whilst doing so but expect nothing on earth to have the right heart and intention. That’s what love is which is to Give and Share and that’s why to “Love Another” itself is a “Command” and earning Heavenly treasures is good but no earthly treasures should be expected from it.
It’s a Law for the New Testament because Loving others in action is a command as only a fake faith will not have it (1 John 3:18 – 19). It needs to be a command because in our natural self nothing good remains and so only by God’s Command we can do it. To do Good without God’s Command but naturally is to say that you are good without God naturally which is self righteousness.
The obligation to obey God’s Command is not different from earning our way by “obeying His Command to believe in Him” or even in “Obeying His Commands to keep Holy”.
Can you see it?
I mean if you can believe in Keeping holy (example: don’t commit adultery, don’t commit murder etc.) and consider that as “not” earning salvation similarly the Charity Doctrine Commands of Christ are likewise to be observed in this New Testament without it being considered as earning Salvation in any way.
#NewTestamentCommands
#EarningSalvationFallacy
Peace to you
Between Devils and Christians – What’s the Difference? “Good Works”
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161592596107784
Fact 1: Even the “Demons believe in One God” but the difference is they DO NOT have GOOD WORKS, Verse:
“… 19You believe that THERE IS ONE GOD. You do well. EVEN THE DEMONS BELIEVE—and tremble! 20But do you want to know, O foolish man, that FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD? … 24You see then that a man is JUSTIFIED BY WORKS, and NOT BY FAITH ONLY. …” (James 2:19 – 20, 24, NKJV)
Comment: How do I know that the “Works” in James 2 above refers Primarily to the “Charity Doctrine Lifestyle Works”? Apostle James himself defined first the “faith with works” refers primarily to the “Charity Doctrine Works” as per Verses below in this same chapter first (a few verses earlier) as follows ‘clearly as it is Written’:
“… 8If you really FULFILL the ROYAL LAW according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; … For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. 14What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without [f]your works, and I will show you my faith by [g]my works. …” (James 2:8, 13 – 18, NKJV)
Fact 2: Did Apostle Paul Teach Differently? Of course not!
He taught the same thing, Verses:
“… 8This is a FAITHFUL SAYING, and THESE THINGS I WANT YOU TO AFFIRM CONSTANTLY, that THOSE WHO HAVE BELIEVED IN GOD should be CAREFUL TO MAINTAIN GOOD WORKS. These things are good and profitable to men. … 14And let OUR PEOPLE also LEARN TO MAINTAIN GOOD WORKS, to MEET URGENT NEEDS, that they may NOT BE UNFRUITFUL. …” (Titus 3:8, 14, NKJV)
Comments:
1) “Good Works” are to be done by “anyone believing in God” (Context here – remember the “Demons believe in God too argument by apostle James earlier? but the demons “do not have Good Works”).
2) Verse 8 and 14 are directly tied up to the ‘Same Context’ because both use the same phrase ‘… MAINTAIN GOOD WORKS …’ which refers Primarily to the “only Good Work” mentioned here which is the “CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE” to “MEET NEEDS“.
Can you see it as ‘it is Written’ please?
May God Help us to have the ‘Faith with this Work of the Charity Doctrine which is the Royal Law of Scripture’ by His Grace. More details were discussed in earlier post in link below:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161582986162784
Please don’t be deceived by things “not” Written.
#SolaFide
#PaulvsJames
#CharityDoctrine
Peace to you
Within A Covenant, God’s Word never Changes
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161518752262784
Verse:
“… MY COVENANT I WILL NOT BREAK, NOR ALTER THE WORD THAT HAS GONE OUT OF MY LIPS. …” (Psalm 89:34, NKJV)
This is why the “Safe Route Scripturally” would be to obey the “New Testament Commands and Traditions as it is Written”.
If someone says that God showed them a “new way” against New Testament Verses/Tradition, if one day God Says He Told them so they’re safe but if He Says that He Never Commanded any new way, what are they going to answer then? That’s why we never make a “Doctrine” out of “Unwritten ways”.
Also, as long as our speculations are “not Doctrine” but a “possibility” only which does “not” contradict any of the New Testament Commands, it is safe and any error is “human error” only because we “never claimed God told it or equivalent”.
Please remember that claiming “God told me is very dangerous as even the case of Ananias just lying about keeping some money back went to Hell straight for lying to the Holy Spirit”, Verses:
“… 3But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” 5Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. …” (Acts 5:3 – 5, NKJV)
Comment: The “thief on the cross was saved but Ananias and Sapphira wasn’t” even though the latter’s sin seemed only with words because of “LYING to the HOLY SPIRIT”.
“… 31“Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. 32Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come. …” (Matthew 12:31 – 32, NKJV)
Comment: Today, we have some Christians claiming the Holy Spirit told them this and that especially in regards to “money/blessings” and if “they lied” likewise, could they be considered to have committed the Unforgivable Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit likewise? So the Safe Route Scripturally is to avoid all this and stick to the Written Commands instead as it is Written which is 100% approved in Holy Scripture.
In other words, if one claims the “Holy Spirit told me or equivalent”, they must be 100% correct or if not can risk this case as Scripture has Warned. As for me, that’s why I just prefer to quote Bible Verses as it is Written for these Commands.
Endless Beauty of His Written Word in the Bible
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161595020852784
Best Way is to always Stick to what is Written. Why?
I heard their opinions and saw their numbers but when I went back in time and looked at Church History I saw that ‘their new ways’ did ‘not” exist and God has Saved those even before their 100 year old Churches existed. I checked Scripture and I saw it unchanged even after those who practice against it or differently died.
Indeed, the “Written Word of God is Forever and Breathed by the Most Blessed Holy Spirit of God”. This is the Anchor for Doctrine, the Safest Route with no condemnation and the Most Beautiful Route because “Obedience is better than Sacrifice” always.
“… If you Love Me, Keep My Commands …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:15, NKJV)
Also I checked the martyrs across Christianity before 1900 and all of them believed and died for Christ as missionaries to stand alone faiths but did uphold even the “New Testament Traditions” because they longed to obey ‘every Word of Christ’ as that’s how Deep their love for Him was and was a Reciprocal of His Love First Toward them as it is Written also that, “… We Love Him because He First Loved us …” (1 John 4:19).
So we can model our faith based on those who obeyed all these New Testament Traditions too as 1900 years of Christianity is full of them too!
(The Great “Cloud of Witnesses!”)
“His Words” that will “Never Pass Away” refers to the “Written” New Testament Words (Matthew 24:35) because if His “New Testament Commands” (e.g. Matthew 5:19 – 20) or His New Testament Tradition Commands (e.g. 1 Corinthians 14:37, 2 Peter 3:2) can be “changed” in time, then it has “Passed away”, right? That’s why I prefer “not” new ways even if God can have Mercy on whomever He Wills and save some Christians despite errors like this.
Peace to you
Following Christ and the Charity Doctrine Link Mystery
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161590112427784
Interestingly, Christ Did “not” Say you can “Follow Me” and “Keep those Wealth without Giving”
But rather He Said to “Give that Wealth First to FOLLOW HIM” as a Condition for Perfection which refers to the “Hundredfold” type as He Explained in full below:
“… 20The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept [g]from my youth. What do I still lack?”
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.”
22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
23Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
25When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”
26But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
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 [h]or wife or children or [i]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 19:20 – 30, NKJV)
Comments:
1) The “Being Saved” in Verses 25 to 26 can refer to “Thirty-fold, sixty-fold or Hundredfold” Heavenly Reward levels (Matthew 13:8) or even the “Saved by Fire” case of 1 Corinthians 3:15 as well.
2) Christ Describes the “Perfection” of “Following Him” as inclusive of the “Charity Doctrine Lifestyle” of “Give to the Poor” as the Transaction required for “Treasure in Heavens” (Verse 21 here).
3) Christ Explains the “Hundredfold” Highest Heavenly Reward (Verse 29) for Eternal Life mentioning even the Apostles to be highest recipients of it (Verse 28) as they will sit on Thrones.
4) Yes, the “Hundredfold” Reward is described here (Verse 29) to be in the Context of “leaving” (“not” gaining) something significant in our lives for the Gospel’s Sake or Christ’s Sake (“His Commands”, implied) which includes even leaving earthly possessions or relationships from “houses, lands” to “parents, brothers” even being “unmarried, or married but left wife” for Gospel Commands or Gospel Work.
5) The “Hundredfold” is for each of those who can do these as He doesn’t point to number of Converts or any other things simply because those things are not within your control but if you do what you can willingly by relative measure, one will reap what he has sown accordingly.
6) “Follow Me” which Christ Himself Teaches here (Verse 21) equals to “Believing Him” and includes the “Charity Doctrine Lifestyle” of “Give to the Poor” as Christ Himself Teaches here as it is Written.
7) Perhaps the “Thirty-fold, sixty-fold or Hundredfold” Heavenly Reward levels (Matthew 13:8) are also accordingly proportioned based on how much we follow Christ’s Perfect exhortation to live out this Charity Doctrine Lifestyle of “Give to the Poor” (Verse 21) accordingly by Relative Measure as First Christianity Taught this too. This means if we give little and are saved, we may get Thirty-fold in comparison to others who gave more and thus may merit a Sixty-fold or Hundredfold accordingly as the Context Matches as Christ did mention leave “House/Lands” in Verse 29’s Description of the “Hundredfold” type of Rewards. Nothing else is Written and if it was important for the Hundredfold Reward, Christ Would have Said it.
7) Please also notice carefully that based on these aspects is how “many” (not few) will be first or last accordingly (reward levels of the Kingdom from Thirty-fold to Hundredfold accordingly) as Verse 30 concludes.
Conclusion
This Verse might be closely related since without sacrificing one own personal wealth/possessions for the Gospel in some way, such faith can be fake as it seeks to save itself without being used to Save others too, Verses:
“… So likewise, whoever of you DOES NOT FORSAKE ALL that he has CANNOT BE MY DISCIPLE …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 14:33, NKJV)
“… So then, NONE OF YOU CAN BE MY DISCIPLE who does NOT GIVE UP ALL HIS OWN POSSESSIONS …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 14:33, NASB)
In short, the level we give it up can determine whether we are “Thirty-fold, Sixty-fold or Hundredfold” type of Heavenly Rewards if saved.
Also the ‘popular prosperity myth’ that you can have your heart not earthly money but have lots of it “contradicts” Christ’s Direct Words below where He Says Clearly that “your heart” is exactly where “your treasure is whether on earth (if you hoard much money) or in the Heavens (if you share and give it) via the Charity Doctrine of Give to Charity” in Christ Most Blessed Words 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)
The Prosperity Preachers are speaking against Christ when they say you can have a lot of money but don’t let it be in your heart as Christ Says the opposite namely if your heart is in the Heavens, you will Give to Charity and vice versa.
Peace to you
When? “In that Day” – Possible Special Mercy for some somewhere into the First Resurrection Wedding Feast?
“… 18IN THAT DAY the DEAF shall HEAR THE WORDS OF THE BOOK, And the EYES OF THE BLIND SHALL SEE out of obscurity and out of darkness. 19The humble also shall increase their joy in the Lord, And THE POOR AMONG MEN shall rejoice In the Holy One of Israel. …” (Isaiah 29:18 – 19, NKJV)
I often wondered if this is a special mercy of God to the Poor as Christ Himself Said something similar in Verses below (we can contemplate but Let God Decide):
1) Those with “Charity Doctrine Lifestyle” are Saved in this First Resurrection
“… [12Then He also said to him who invited Him], “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. 13But WHEN YOU GIVE A FEAST, INVITE THE POOR, the [d]MAIMED, THE LAME, THE BLIND. 14And YOU WILL BE BLESSED, BECAUSE THEY CANNOT REPAY YOU; FOR YOU SHALL BE REPAID AT THE RESURRECTION OF THE JUST.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 14:12 – 14, NKJV)
2) Those “POOR, MAIMED, BLIND” may be shown special Mercy too as these Verses continue parabolically as follows:
“… 21So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and BRING IN HERE THE POOR AND THE [f]MAIMED AND THE LAME AND THE BLIND.’ 22And the servant said, ‘Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is room.’ 23Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 24For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.’ ” …” (Luke 14:21 – 24, NKJV)
Mystery of the New Covenant and Good Works for True Christians
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161582986162784
Firstly, have you seen this Verse where it says that “Good Works” is “our part” of fulfilling the “New Covenant” and not ‘faith only’?
“… 20Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our LORD JESUS, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the BLOOD of the EVERLASTING COVENANT 21MAKE YOU PERFECT in EVERY GOOD WORK to DO HIS WILL, working in you that which is WELL PLEASING in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. …” (Hebrews 13:20 – 21, KJV)
Indeed, The New Covenant is all about “Doing Good Works” for keeping (obeying) “our part of the Covenant”, as per Verses above.
Yes, to do “GOOD” to others is the NEW COVENANT in HIS BLOOD for us to fulfill as the Verses above Describe Beautifully “as it is Written”. So to miss this Doctrine of Good Works, is to miss our part for the “New Covenant”.
Which Good Works are considered “FRUITS WORTHY of REPENTANCE?”
Let’s hear from the Actual FORE-RUNNER for CHRIST HIMSELF, John the Baptist in as shown in image (from Page 427 of the #CharityDoctrine Book) which starts off with the CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE of SHARING and GIVING FOOD + TUNIC (this world’s goods because it is equivalent to fulfill ALL LAW/TORAH itself when we love our neighbour via such giving as both Galatians 5:14, Luke 10:25 – 37’s Parable of the Good Samaritan and even 1 John 3:16 – 18 prove likewise as well).
Image next page.
Please notice carefully that even Blessed St. John the Baptist did “not” point to ‘prayer or fasting as fruits of repentance but these are helpful for repentance indeed’. This is because we can pray & fast all we want but it’s all for “self” whereas the FRUITS of REPENTANCE is best when IT BENEFITS OTHERS in SOME WAY and then, our prayers and fasting makes more sense too as many Verses testify (e.g. Zechariah 7:4 -12 too).
So, in light of these ‘Actual Bible Verses’, are we keeping our part of the NEW COVENANT?
Please remember relative measure too as some good is done out of abundance and luxury as it has little value though it seems much in amount as Christ Himself Taught in Luke 12:1 – 3 and also He Warned that “more is given, more is required” (in Luke 12:46 – 48) likewise which puts the BURDEN of DOING MORE GOOD (free giving and sharing to others) on THOSE WHO HAVE MORE as ‘not doing the good we can itself is sin’ (James 4:17).
May God Help us to Keep “HIS COVENANT” by these GOOD WORKS in RELATIVE MEASURE because converting MANY without it may also account for LAWLESSNESS (Let God Decide each case as He is Fair to all):
“… 14Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. … 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: …” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:14, 21 – 23, 24, NKJV)
May God also Help us to DO GOOD not just toward Church members or family members or even those of the same race only but to ALL as Christ Himself Remarked Beautifully as follows:
“… 32“But IF YOU LOVE THOSE WHO LOVE YOU, WHAT CREDIT IS THAT TO YOU? …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:32, NKJV)
“… WHAT DO YOU DO MORE THAN OTHERS? …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:47, NKJV)
“… 33And IF YOU DO GOOD TO THOSE WHO DO GOOD TO YOU, WHAT CREDIT IS THAT TO YOU? …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:33, NKJV)
Doing this Charity Doctrine Lifestyle is Called “OBEYING the GOSPEL of Christ”, Verses:
“… 9As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad,He has GIVEN TO THE POOR; His RIGHTEOUSNESS endures FOREVER.” 10Now [g]may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, [h]supply and multiply the seed you have sown and INCREASE THE FRUITS OF YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS, 11while you are enriched in everything for ALL LIBERALITY, which causes THANKSGIVING THROUGH US TO GOD. 12For the ADMINISTRATION OF THIS SERVICE not only SUPPLIES THE NEEDS OF THE SAINTS, but also is ABOUNDING THROUGH MANY THANKSGIVINGS TO GOD, 13while, through the PROOF OF THIS MINISTRY, THEY GLORIFY GOD for the OBEDIENCE OF YOUR CONFESSION to the GOSPEL OF CHRIST, and for YOUR LIBERAL SHARING WITH THEM and ALL MEN, …” (2 Corinthians 9:9 – 13, NKJV)
Please notice the last line above which describes this “LIBERAL SHARING” as “not” just to “fellow Christians” but to “ALL MEN” too.
Yes, if our Teaching and Learning of Scripture does NOT PRODUCE GOOD WORKS especially for FREE toward our FELLOW MEN in some way, we have FAILED in this PURPOSE of SCRIPTURE itself as per Verses below:
“… 15And that from a child thou hast known the HOLY SCRIPTURES, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16ALL SCRIPTURE is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That THE MAN OF GOD may be PERFECT, throughly furnished unto ALL GOOD WORKS. …” (2 Timothy 3:15 – 17, KJV)
Note: The Purpose of “Holy Scripture” itself is to produce “Men of God” who are Equipped/Complete/Perfect for doing every “GOOD WORK” as per Verses above.
So this is how a group of CHRISTIANS KEEPING the NEW COVENANT looks like as these Bible Verses Describe “as it is Written” (please be very careful of ‘business ideas’ run by churches these days instead of FREE GIVING and SHARING which is not done much nowadays but was done BY ALL GREAT MISSIONARY WORKS of the PAST regardless of denominations as they GAVE FREE SCHOOL, FREE HOSPITALS, FREE BIBLES to many things ALL FREE while the Church Members Paid for it. This are the TRUE CHURCHES of CHRIST).
Yes the True Church = those with GOOD WORKS especially the CHARITY DOCTRINE as these Verses clearly Prove as it is Written, Verses:
“… 14who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself HIS OWN SPECIAL PEOPLE, ZEALOUS FOR GOOD WORKS. … 1Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be READY FOR EVERY GOOD WORK, 2to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men … 4But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH WE HAVE DONE, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, … 8This is a FAITHFUL SAYING, and THESE THINGS I WANT YOU TO AFFIRM CONSTANTLY, that THOSE WHO HAVE BELIEVED IN GOD should be CAREFUL TO MAINTAIN GOOD WORKS. These things are good and profitable to men. … 14And let OUR PEOPLE also LEARN TO MAINTAIN GOOD WORKS, to MEET URGENT NEEDS, that they may NOT BE UNFRUITFUL. …” (Titus 2:14, 3:1, 4 – 5, 8, 14, NKJV)
These last set of Verses Describe the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle Church = True Christians in a nutshell. Comments and Phrases from the above for each claim made:
“…HIS OWN SPECIAL PEOPLE, ZEALOUS FOR GOOD WORKS. …”
“… subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be READY FOR EVERY GOOD WORK, …”
“… 5NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH WE HAVE DONE, but according to His mercy He saved us, …”
“… 8This is a FAITHFUL SAYING, and THESE THINGS I WANT YOU TO AFFIRM CONSTANTLY, that THOSE WHO HAVE BELIEVED IN GOD should be CAREFUL TO MAINTAIN GOOD WORKS. These things are good and profitable to men. …”
“… 14And let OUR PEOPLE also LEARN TO MAINTAIN GOOD WORKS, to MEET URGENT NEEDS, that they may NOT BE UNFRUITFUL. …”
So, the Proper Attitude for a True Christian after Doing all this is:
“… So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’ ” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 17:10, NKJV)
Peace to you
Mystery of the Heart of Worship
Firstly, why is this important?
“… God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” …” (John 5:24, NKJV)
Example: Just like some Christians think that ‘praying with many words (or many hours)’ is what God Seeks, Christ Doesn’t point to that unless it’s naturally genuine (unplanned) and not a religious repetition, Verse:
“… And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For THEY THINK that THEY WILL BE HEARD for THEIR MANY WORDS. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:7, NKJV)
Comment: Similarly, “Worshipping God” for many hours but NOT according to the TRUTH and SPIRIT of ‘WHAT IS WRITTEN IN SCRIPTURE’ regarding it may likewise be in VAIN too.
God’s Principles do “not” change. So, unless we see “WHAT HE WANTS for WORSHIP”, we may NOT “WORSHIP HIM” in “SPIRIT and TRUTH”. God is not looking for fancy music or number of people in worship but a sincere heart and “OBEDIENCE”.
Since “OBEDIENCE” is the “Key for Worship”, please consider these ACTS of OBEDIENCE which are DIRECTLY LINKED TO WORSHIP:
1) WORSHIP is Accepted according to how much of God’s Commands or God’s New Testament Traditions We Obey and also how much of MAN MADE TRADITIONS which we DO NOT OBEY
2) CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE Produces GENUINE WORSHIP as it comes from Hearts which have BENEFITTED DIRECTLY causing MANY THANKSGIVINGS to GOD
3) WORSHIP is Accepted only if we fulfil JUSTICE and LOVE of GOD in ACTION which is GIVING and SHARING earthly and spiritual things for FREE (“ALMS” = “Charity”) to each other by Relative Measure first
Here are each of the Points above with “BIBLE VERSES as it is WRITTEN”:
1) Worship is Accepted according to how much of God’s Commands or God’s New Testament Traditions We Obey and also how much of MAN MADE TRADITIONS which we DO NOT OBEY
[Page 16 from the #SafeRouteScripturallyBook]
Even the only thing we Christians sometimes focus on which is “WORSHIP” becomes “VAIN” (i.e. has “NO VALUE” or though it is “heard by many Christians” but yet GOD NEVER HEARD IT NOR ACCEPTS IT AT ALL), Verses:
“… Thus you have made the [b]COMMANDMENT OF GOD OF NO EFFECT BY YOUR TRADITION. 7HYPOCRITES! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 8‘These people [c]DRAW NEAR TO ME WITH THEIR MOUTH, And HONOR ME WITH THEIR LIPS, But THEIR HEART IS FAR FROM ME. 9And IN VAIN THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES the COMMANDMENTS OF MEN.’ ” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 15:6 – 9, NKJV)
Context: Christ was “not” correcting the Pharisees’ ESCHATOLOGY or some FINE HIDDEN WISDOM IN THE WORD OF GOD when He Spoke the above but rather was referring to the “Corban” practice (Matthew 15:3 – 5) which means that it is HIS WRITTEN COMMANDS which ARE IGNORED for the SAKE OF MAN MADE TRADITIONS that Puts forth the JUDGMENT IN HIS WORDS AS —> “They WORSHIP ME IN VAIN”.
In short, the Safe Route Scripturally is that “if we want OUR WORSHIP TO BE HEARD BY GOD”, we must TEACH AND DO HIS NEW TESTAMENT COMMANDS. Which ones? Please allow me to repeat:
Yes, ‘Saved by Grace must promote His Commands’ which is a True Faith in Christ. To “avoid LAWLESSNESS”, The “LAW” part Christ Refers to is “not the abolished Torah Observances as some Christian err” but ONLY THE THINGS WHICH CHRIST SAID (either those He Re-enforced from the TORAH or NEW TESTAMENT COMMANDS such as the CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE of GIVING and SHARING which is the ‘most number of Commands by Christ Himself in the New Testament’ even in this Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 to Matthew 7)
The “House on the Rock of Christ” is only built when it is built upon “His Commands” and NOT on man made traditions:
“… 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 7:24, NKJV)
“… making the WORD OF GOD OF NO EFFECT THROUGH YOUR TRADITION which you have handed down. And MANY SUCH THINGS YOU DO.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 7:13, NKJV)
Safe Route Scripturally approach: If someone says something which is “not” a Bible Verse, we shouldn’t be alarmed by it. However if someone Points to a New Testament Verse, we should consider obeying it seriously as that’s the Way which has been endorsed by Scripture 100% and hence has “no” condemnation as God is “not” going to Ask, “Oh, you tried to follow and preach New Testament Verses instead of the modern ways ah?” Or equivalent.
[From Pages 273 and 274]
“… If anyone THINKS himself to be a PROPHET or SPIRITUAL, let him ACKNOWLEDGE that the things which I WRITE TO YOU ARE THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD. …” (1 Corinthians 14:37, NKJV)
So the best is to keep away from any Christianity which teaches against Written New Testament Traditions as that could be the ‘real pride’ as even by history they disobeyed all the Original Protestant Founders and made ways against it. So what’s wrong in disobeying their new ways and returning back to the NEW TESTAMENT TRADITIONS which even Blessed Martin Luther, Blessed John Cavin, Blessed Charles Spurgeon, Blessed John Wesley or even the Church Fathers Taught? (Are all these great man of God “Prideful” for obeying and teaching “Written New Testament Traditions”?)
New Testament Tradition Commands and Prophet Link:
For those obeying and upholding CHRIST’S COMMANDS in these NEW TESTAMENT TRADITIONS (1 Corinthians 14:37, 2 Peter 3:2), this CONTEXT of the Verse below can be applied ‘as it’s HIS COMMANDS’ (not ‘human culture’):
“… 11Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:11 – 12, NKJV)
Note: The Context of a “Prophet” (Matthew 5:12 above) also matches here as 1 Corinthians 14:37 has the word “PROPHET” quoted in the CONTEXT of OBEYING FIRST ANY NEW TESTAMENT “WRITTEN” COMMANDS of the Lord. Can you see it please as it is “Written”? So the “Church Fathers” to “early Protestant Leaders” who Taught the same could be the “Real Prophets“.
2) CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE Produces GENUINE WORSHIP as it comes from Hearts which have BENEFITTED DIRECTLY causing MANY THANKSGIVINGS to GOD
[Page 922 from the #CharityDoctrineBook]
In full, this ‘Grace’ (of God) is Described as follows):
“… 7So let EACH ONE GIVE as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of [f]necessity; FOR GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER. 8And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all SUFFICIENCY IN ALL THINGS, may have an ABUNDANCE FOR EVERY GOOD WORK. 9As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, HE HAS GIVEN TO THE POOR; His righteousness ENDURES FOREVER.” 10Now [g]may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, [h]supply and multiply the seed you have sown and INCREASE THE FRUITS OF YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS, 11while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes THANKSGIVING THROUGH US TO GOD. 12For the administration of this service not only supplies the NEEDS OF THE SAINTS, but also is abounding through MANY THANKSGIVINGS TO GOD, 13while, through the PROOF OF THIS MINISTRY, they glorify God for the OBEDIENCE of your CONFESSION to the GOSPEL OF CHRIST, and for YOUR LIBERAL SHARING WITH THEM and ALL MEN …” (2 Corinthians 9:7 – 13, NKJV)
Indeed, we are Created to “Worship God” and can we see it with Scripture how this links too with the “Charity Doctrine Lifestyle”?
So, Bigger the Worship, Bigger the Giving for the NEEDS of others and vice versa as these Verses clearly prove.
Our Giving may not be that Great in light of “Relative Measure”. That is why I am “not” fond of Prosperity Christianity which Gives so little when measured in “Relative Measure” (as they receive far more than what they give/share, God Counts as per the case of the Poor Widow with 2 coins, in Luke 21:1 – 4 or the early church examples in 2 Corinthians 8:1 – 7 and so big giving in amount may not be much when given out of great abundance as Christ Himself remarked as follows):
“… 1And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, 2and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. 3So He [The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ] said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in MORE THAN ALL; 4for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of HER POVERTY put in ALL THE LIVELIHOOD THAT SHE HAD. …” (Luke 21:1 – 4, NKJV)
Since God Counts our Giving based on what we receive or in Christ’s Own Most Blessed Words “… 4for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, …”, we ought to take note too if we truly seek to “Please Him” in “this Grace” (2 Corinthians 8:7). Being imperfect we cannot do a little bigger giving all the time but at least once would suffice at a deeper level while if other times lesser too so that we can experience true giving & also at least we know this which should humble us.
3) WORSHIP is Accepted only if we fulfil JUSTICE and LOVE of GOD in ACTION which is GIVING and SHARING earthly and spiritual things for FREE (“ALMS” = “Charity”) to each other by Relative Measure first
[Pages 303 and 304 of the #MysteryoftheKingdomofHeavenBook]
Prophet Amos clearly Declared that Doing “Justice” and “Helping the Poor” must be done first before doing any ‘Church Gathering or Singing Songs to Worship God which God DOES NOT Hear unless these are fulfilled’, Verses:
“… 21“I HATE, I despise your feast days, And I do NOT SAVOR your SACRED ASSEMBLIES.
22Though you offer Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will NOT ACCEPT them, NOR will I regard your fattened peace offerings. 23TAKE AWAY from Me the NOISE of YOUR SONGS, For I will NOT HEAR the MELODY of your STRINGED INSTRUMENTS. 24But let JUSTICE run down like water, And RIGHTEOUSNESS like a mighty stream. …” (Amos 5:21 – 24, NKJV)
Next, What “justice” and “righteousness” is God Referring to in Verses above, political parties & their rich men or hidden racist agendas? Nope.
Only JUSTICE and RIGHTEOUSNESS to the POOR is Written in these Consecutive Verses prior (“Context“) – yes, on Judgment Day itself Christ is only interested with how we treat the poor (Matthew 25:31-46’s When I was hungry, thirsty, naked…):
“… 10They HATE the one who REBUKES in the gate,
And they ABHOR the one who SPEAKS UPRIGHTLY.
11Therefore, BECAUSE YOU TREAD DOWN THE POOR
And take grain taxes from him,
Though you have built houses of hewn stone,
Yet you shall not dwell in them;
You have planted pleasant vineyards,
But you shall not drink wine from them.
12For I know YOUR MANIFOLD TRANSGRESSIONS
And YOUR MIGHTY SINS:
AFFLICTING THE JUST and TAKING BRIBES;
DIVERTING THE POOR FROM JUSTICE at the gate. …” (Amos 5:10 – 12, NKJV)
Isn’t this the ‘Same , JUSTICE and the LOVE of GOD which was passed by (not fulfilled) by these TITHE paying Pharisees likewise’? Verses:
“… 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. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:39 – 45, NKJV)
Comment: “Tithe Paying” did “not” fulfil this “Justice and Love of God” part which refers to this “GIVE ALMS/CHARITY = Giving or sharing with each other too” which Christ Doesn’t Give as an ‘option for some Christians to do’ but all (by Relative Measure, implied) as His Phrase here is clearly “… These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. …”.
Conclusion
Please notice carefully how the “Charity Doctrine” is at the “Heart of Worship” itself when these Verses are taken together and I often wondered is that the Reason why Christ Remarked Beautifully that “Give to Charity” determines “our Heart” based on whether “our Treasure is in the Heavens or earth” to have the Proper Attitude to “Seek His Kingdom” according to What “He Commanded” below (“not” my opinion), Verses (please notice carefully the phrases such as “SEEK HIS KINGDOM”, “33“SELL YOUR POSSESSIONS and GIVE TO CHARITY” and “34“For WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE YOUR HEART WILL BE ALSO.”):
“… 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)
In light of all these “Bible Verses”, are we doing the “Worship” which “God Wants?”
Peace to you
P/S: In an unrelated note, I was once stopped from Church Ministry for “not” taking their “membership class” which required a “public oath in front of Church Members” as part of “swearing in”. At that time I was fond of Christ Centered Universalism but though I have begun to take the middle ground that time itself, I dared not Oath myself to a Church Belief list as it could contain some errors too. So I refrained but I had to stop from music ministry at that Church. In fact even if a Church has 100% correct doctrine, these New Testament Verses still does “not” allow an “Religious Oath” to be made, can you see it as it is Written please?
Martyrdom Mystery in the Bible and First Christianity’s Shepherd of Hermas
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161605236172784
1) Charity Doctrine = Martyrdom (Because it risks you financially and in other ways)
In Verses below, the “Charity Doctrine” Acts of “Giving & Sharing these World’s Good be it earthly or spiritual ones” is possibly hinted as ‘equal to Martyrdom’ as the phrase ‘lay down our lives’ is tied up to it in Verses below:
“… 16By this WE KNOW LOVE, because He laid down His life for us. And we also OUGHT TO LAY DOWN OUR LIVES FOR THE BRETHREN. 17But WHOEVER HAS THIS WORLD’S GOODS, and SEES HIS BROTHER IN NEED, AND SHUTS UP HIS HEART FROM HIM, HOW DOES THE LOVE OF GOD ABIDE IN HIM? 18My little children, let us NOT LOVE IN WORD or IN TONGUE, BUT IN DEED AND IN TRUTH …” (1 John 3:16 – 18, NKJV)
The “Love” (Agape in Greek here refers to the ‘Love of God’) which is ‘not a feeling only nor in words only’ but a TANGIBLE LOVE in ACTION with THIS WORLD’S GOODS which can be called the ‘Charity Doctrine Lifestyle’ as it is Described in Verses above.
There is a type of ‘Charity Work’ or ‘Martyrdom’ (the phrase ‘give my body [a]to be burned’ below) which is NOT Love-based and hence is ‘not counted’ as described here:
“… 3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body [a]to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. …” (1 Corinthians 13:3, NKJV)
My point is this: The Bible Describes that ‘all faith’ and ‘all accurate prophecy & knowledge’ (100% correct Bible Doctrine) CANNOT save you either unless one has ‘Agape’ (Love of God) in Action toward others.
If such a case (of having all faith but being unsaved) cannot happen, then the Bible Verses here (in 1 Corinthians 13:2 – 3) will NOT describe such an impossibility, right? In other words, it is possible to have faith and accurate Bible Doctrine but not have love in action either too.
2) Dying for Christ – Literal Martyrdom Mystery
Not every martyrdom is great as some Christians had to die as martyrs because that’s the only way they could have borne the “fruit” unto salvation as their sins were too great as these phrases from below clearly means for “some cases” as they’re compared with the ‘Great Martyrdom of those Willingly too’:
“… And FROM THE ELEVENTH MOUNTAIN, where were trees full of fruits, adorned with fruits of various kinds, THEY WHO BELIEVED were the following: THEY WHO SUFFERED FOR THE NAME of THE SON OF GOD, and who also SUFFERED CHEERFULLY with their whole heart, and laid down their lives.” “Why, then, sir,” I said, “do all these trees bear fruit, and SOME OF THEM FAIRER THAN THE REST? “Listen,” he said: “all who once suffered for the name of the Lord are honourable before God; and of all these the sins were remitted, because they suffered for the name of the Son of God. And why their fruits are of various kinds, and some of them superior, listen. All,” he continued, “who were brought before the authorities and were examined, and did not deny, BUT SUFFERED CHEERFULLY–THESE ARE HELD IN GREATER HONOUR WITH GOD, AND OF THESE THE FRUIT IS SUPERIOR; but ALL WHO WERE COWARDS, AND IN DOUBT, and who REASONED IN THEIR HEARTS WHETHER THEY WOULD DENY OR CONFESS, AND YET SUFFERED, OF THESE THE FRUIT IS LESS, BECAUSE THAT SUGGESTION CAME INTO THEIR HEARTS; for that suggestion–that a servant should deny his Lord–IS EVIL. Have a care, therefore, ye who are planning such things, lest that suggestion remain in your hearts, and ye perish unto God. And ye who suffer for His name ought to glorify God, because He deemed you worthy to bear His name, that all your sins might be healed. [Therefore, rather deem yourselves happy], AND THINK THAT YE HAVE DONE A GREAT THING, IF ANY OF YOU SUFFER on account of God. The Lord bestows upon you life, and YE DO NOT UNDERSTAND, FOR YOUR SINS WERE HEAVY; BUT IF YOU HAD NOT SUFFERED FOR THE NAME OF THE LORD, YE WOULD HAVE DIED TO GOD ON ACCOUNT OF YOUR SINS. These things I say to you who are hesitating about denying or confessing: acknowledge that ye have the Lord, lest, denying Him, ye be delivered up to prison. If the heathen chastise their slaves, when one of them denies his master, what, think ye, will your Lord do, who has authority over all men? Put away these counsels out of your hearts, that you may live continually unto God. …” – Shepherd of Hermas (Ninth Similitude, CHAPTER XXVIII)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd.html
3) Lot’s Wife Cases of not Willing to Lose her life of Prosperity
To quote ( from Pages 20 onward from the #SafeRouteScripturallyBook ):
“… 32REMEMBER LOT’S WIFE. 33WHOEVER SEEKS TO SAVE HIS LIFE WILL LOSE IT, AND WHOEVER LOSES HIS LIFE WILL PRESERVE IT. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 17:32 – 33, NKJV)
The Context of “… 32Remember Lot’s wife. …” in Christ’s Exhortation itself points that the Context of “… seeks to save his life will lose it, …” refers to ‘Prosperity Gospel’ type of desires as ‘Lot’s Wife was “not” accused by Scripture to be doing any sin except that she loved a luxurious life and thus ‘turned back’ and looked at Sodom turning to a pillar of salt.
Please also notice carefully that though Lot practiced Hospitality with family income, the wife was “not” considered to be part of it as her heart still loved ‘Prosperity’ and was unsaved which is only Revealed on the Day it Rains Fire and Brimstone as none can fake their urge within anymore as ‘they will turn likewise’ as the First Christianity quote above agrees too. You cannot say you don’t love ‘prosperity’ or equivalent but want it all the time (self contradiction & self deception).
“… He who LOVES HIS LIFE WILL LOSE IT, and he who HATES HIS LIFE IN THIS WORLD WILL KEEP IT FOR ETERNAL LIFE. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 12:25, NKJV)
Example: Lose one’s life for Fulfilling the Gospel Commands in some way (which takes away your time and especially money) such as the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle Commands of Christ:
“… For whoever DESIRES TO SAVE HIS LIFE WILL LOSE IT, but whoever LOSES HIS LIFE FOR MY SAKE and THE GOSPEL’S WILL SAVE IT. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 8:35, NKJV)
“Doctrine of Renunciation” in some way according to whether our renunciation level is Thirty-fold, Sixty-fold or Hundredfold accordingly, Verses:
“… So likewise, whoever of you DOES NOT FORSAKE ALL that he has CANNOT BE MY DISCIPLE …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 14:33, NKJV)
In the ‘other manuscript’, it’s even more clear that the context is “leaving possessions” (not gaining them as the error of the Prosperity Gospel Teaches):
“… So then, NONE OF YOU CAN BE MY DISCIPLE who does NOT GIVE UP ALL HIS OWN POSSESSIONS …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 14:33, NASB)
“… So is he who LAYS UP TREASURE FOR HIMSELF, and is NOT RICH TOWARD GOD.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:21, NKJV)
Conclusion ( from Page 646 of the #MysteryoftheKingdomofHeavenBook ):
The Shepherd of Hermas Quote regarding the Eleventh Mountain seem to point not just to martyrdom but also the general “suffering” for Christ to be categorised into two categories namely, those that willingly suffer (great fruits/rewards/glory) Vs those who are forced to or have to to be saved (lesser fruits/lesser glory/lesser rewards) because the latter is said to be “with much sin” and thus “without such suffering” they “cannot be saved” since they have “no” willing “fruits” in their lives implying for example that these could be living “selfish lifestyles prior”.
Please also note that a willing “laying down of life” which is the opposite of the “selfish lifestyle” is clearly revealed as the “Charity Doctrine Lifestyle” in 1 John 3:16 – 18 which marks it to be possibly equal to the willing martyrdom as 1 John 3:16 clearly calls it as “laying down our lives” = “willing martyrdom”.
Based on 1 John 3:16 – 18 itself, it’s best to self test again to see that a person who would willingly die in martyrdom type would generally be the same Christian who would love the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle suffering for the benefit of others willingly likewise (please remember “Relative Measure” as per the case of the Poor Widow with Two coins (Luke 21:1 – 4) and also that to him “more is given, more is required” (Luke 12:46 – 48) before flattering oneself unduly).
Peace to you
Contributions to Secular Society or God’s Ministry – Is it more by the Rich or Poor? How does God Measure it?
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161607760082784
Question
Rich in the time of Jesus had all the power, authority and oppressive. Not all rich these days are like them and also these days any one with motivation, knowledge and creativity can become financially rich.
On the flip side its the rich that contributes to the society much more than the poor.
Thanks
Reply
Not quite the right statement that the rich contributes the most to society. Truth is, many of the rich’s contribution actually comes from the employee’s work from which they own by organisational laws and profit from it, that’s all. Example: the poor work as labourers and build an entire building in a construction with lowest salaries but the rich get the name.
This Principle is Taught by Christ Himself and it’s called “Relative Measure”. In Verses next, we see that the rich give more money and the money could feed more people but yet Christ Did NOT view it based on the amount of people affected because it’s little from out of the abundance which they hoard for themselves first and also we see Christ Praising the giving of a poor Widow’s 2 Coins which may not of fed any (if few) but yet He Says this is Greater. Christ did “not” give the reason for this as the ‘heart of the widow is better or that if she is more sincere’ (which could be true in addition to this but it is not Written hence remains a speculation only) but what’s Written here is certainly true 100% which Christ Clearly Gives the Reason as “Relative Measure” as she “gave from her livelihood” (risking it) as she had “little” (in Relative Measure):
“… 1And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, 2and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites.[a] 3So He said, “TRULY I say to you that this POOR widow has put in MORE THAN ALL; 4for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings [b]for God, but she OUT OF HER POVERTY PUT IN ALL THE LIVELIHOOD THAT SHE HAD.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 21:1 – 4, NKJV)
Yes, God Only Measures with “Relative Measure” as “more is Given, more is Required” as that’s Fair to All, “Judgment” Verses in “General” for this too:
“… 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, 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 12:47 – 48, NKJV)
Even Contributions to “God’s Ministry” can be judged “likewise” as His Principles do “not” change. We Trust Christ’s Words in this and Believe Likewise as “it is Written”.
Peace to you
Rule of Wealth – is it by Faith or by Probability or something else?
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161610141277784
“Probability” = “Time and Chance”
Explanation
1) The Rule of Probability
There is no such thing that Wealth comes to those who are best or hardworking as “time and chance” happens to all and usually the best don’t get it as the worst and racists and abusers get it, Verse:
“… 11I returned and saw under the sun that—
The race is not to the swift,
Nor the battle to the strong,
Nor bread to the wise,
NOR RICHES to MEN OF UNDERSTANDING,
Nor favor to men of skill;
But TIME AND CHANCE HAPPEN to THEM ALL. …” (Ecclesiastes 9:11, NKJV)
How is God Fair then? “Relative Measure” as Luke 21:1 – 3 and Luke 12:46 – 48 Testify as “more is given, more is required” as it was discussed in earlier example post below:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161607760082784
2) Wealth is also distributed via the Fallen Angels controlling it
Verses:
“… 1God stands in the congregation of [a]the mighty; HE JUDGES AMONG THE [B]GODS.
2How long will you judge unjustly,
And show partiality to the wicked? Selah
3[c]DEFEND THE POOR and FATHERLESS;
Do justice to the AFFLICTED AND NEEDY.
4Deliver the POOR AND NEEDY;
Free them from the hand of the wicked
5They do not know, nor do they understand;
They walk about in darkness;
All the foundations of the earth are [d]unstable.
6I said, “YOU ARE [E]GODS,
And all of you are children of the Most High.
7BUT YOU SHALL DIE LIKE MEN,
And fall like one of the princes.”
8Arise, O God, judge the earth;
For You shall inherit all nations. …” (Psalm 82:1 – 8, NKJV)
Please notice the phrase “… you shall die like men, …” (Psalm 82:7 above) proves that the ones God Calls them as “… You are [e]gods, And all of you are children of the Most High. …” (Psalm 82:6 above) are most likely not humans but angelic powers.
The Judgment of “… they will die like men …” (Psalm 82:7 above) because they tried to block and not support this “Charity Doctrine” causing the “poor” and “needy” to starve to death or suffer in many ways is equivalently they will literally “.. starve to death …” too on that day as “men” as Promised in Verse above as Prophesied in Verse below in front of their own worshippers, to quote:
“… The LORD will be terrifying to them, for He will STARVE ALL THE GODS OF THE EARTH; and all the coastlands of the nations will bow down to Him, everyone from his own place …” (Zephaniah 2:11, NKJV)
If the Devil and his fallen angels cannot influence wealth distribution on earth, then even this temptation of Christ is not based on reality then which is absurd. In other words, it is only a temptation if it can really happen proving that this control over wealth distribution (“unfairly” be it via racism to other money-games is rooted from control of their mind from these demons), Verses:
“… 8Again, THE DEVIL took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him ALL THE KINGDOMS OF THE WORLD and THEIR GLORY. 9And he said to Him, “ALL THESE THINGS I WILL GIVE YOU IF YOU FALL DOWN AND WORSHIP ME.” 10Then Jesus said to him, [b]“Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” …” (Matthew 4:8 – 10, NKJV)
Comments:
Just like Christ, Christians will be tempted for this in many ways usually to either deny Christ completely or in DENYING SOME OF HIS COMMANDMENTS so to PLEASE WOMEN or MEN or anyone for ‘earthly reasons of PROSPERITY or SUPPORT’.
3) Some Good People (the “Righteous”) get Wealth by God’s Will but they are always Great in the “Charity Doctrine Lifestyle” of “Giving and Sharing”
Verses:
“… 1Praise[a] the Lord! Blessed is the man who FEARS the LORD, Who delights greatly in HIS COMMANDMENTS. … 3WEALTH and RICHES will be in his house, And his righteousness [b]endures forever. 4Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. 5A GOOD MAN DEALS GRACIOUSLY and LENDS; He will guide his affairs with discretion. … 9He has dispersed abroad, He HAS GIVEN TO THE POOR; His RIGHTEOUSNESS EDNURES FOREVER ; His [c]HORN WILL BE EXALTED WITH HONOR. 10The wicked will see it and be grieved; He will gnash his teeth and melt away; The desire of the wicked shall perish. ...” (Psalm 112:1, 3 – 5, 9 – 10, NKJV)
Comments:
“…. 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. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:41 – 42, NKJV)
Note: even ‘tithes’ is compared to “not” fulfilling this “Justice and Love of God part” unless ALMS is DONE in Verses above clearly.
“… FREELY YOU HAVE RECEIVED, FREELY GIVE. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:8, NKJV)
“… Unlike so many, WE DO NOT PEDDLE the WORD OF GOD for PROFIT. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God. …” (2 Corinthians 2:17, NIV)
“… 6But this I say: HE WHO SOWS SPARINGLY WILL ALSO REAP SPARINGLY, and HE WHO SOWS BOUNTIFULLY WILL ALSO REAP BOUNTIFULLY. 7So let EACH ONE GIVE as he PURPOSES in HIS HEART, not grudgingly or of [f]necessity; for GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER. 8And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for EVERY GOOD WORK. 9As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad,He has GIVEN TO THE POOR; His RIGHTEOUSNESS endures FOREVER.” 10Now [g]may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, [h]supply and multiply the seed you have sown and INCREASE THE FRUITS OF YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS, 11while you are enriched in everything for ALL LIBERALITY, which causes THANKSGIVING THROUGH US TO GOD. 12For the ADMINISTRATION OF THIS SERVICE not only SUPPLIES THE NEEDS OF THE SAINTS, but also is ABOUNDING THROUGH MANY THANKSGIVINGS TO GOD, 13while, through the PROOF OF THIS MINISTRY, THEY GLORIFY GOD for the OBEDIENCE OF YOUR CONFESSION to the GOSPEL OF CHRIST, and for YOUR LIBERAL SHARING WITH THEM and ALL MEN, …” (2 Corinthians 9:6 – 13, NKJV)
4) Most of the Evil people will be rich or financial hoarders as they will not have justice nor be good in “Helping the Poor” from “their money” genuinely
Verses:
“… But RUTHLESS men RETAIN RICHES …” (Proverbs 11:16, NKJV)
Yes, Strangely, these Bible Verses also describe that the “WICKED” have “NO PANGS in their DEATH” meaning they “die peacefully” and “have healthy bodies prior too“, Verses:
“… 3For I was envious of the boastful,
When I saw the PROSPERITY OF THE WICKED.
4For there are NO [A]PANGS IN THEIR DEATH,
But their strength is firm.
5They are not in trouble as other men,
Nor are they plagued like other men.
6Therefore pride serves as their necklace;
Violence covers them like a garment.
7Their [b]eyes bulge with abundance;
THEY HAVE MORE THAN HEART COULD WISH. …” (Psalm 73:3 – 7, NKJV)
Conclusion (from Pages 949 and 950 of the #CharityDoctrineBook )
So these Verses clearly prove that “having a healthy body or dying in the sleep or without illness” is NOT necessarily a sign that ‘God is with them or healing them’ but rather are “time and chance” order so that “none” can “predict” who is the “RIGHTEOUS Vs WICKED” based on these “OUTWARD LIFE CIRCUMSTANCES” as these Verses further clarify:
“… There is a vanity which occurs on earth, that THERE ARE JUST MEN TO WHOM IT HAPPENS ACCORDING TO THE WORK OF THE WICKED; again, THERE ARE WICKED MEN TO WHOM IT HAPPENS ACCORDING TO THE WORK OF THE RIGHTEOUS. I said that this also is vanity. …” (Ecclesiastes 8:14, NKJV)
Please notice carefully from Verse above the following:
“… THERE ARE WICKED MEN TO WHOM IT HAPPENS ACCORDING TO THE WORK OF THE RIGHTEOUS. …” (Ecclesiastes 8:14, 2nd part)
“… THERE ARE JUST MEN TO WHOM IT HAPPENS ACCORDING TO THE WORK OF THE WICKED …” (Ecclesiastes 8:14, 1st part)
So, are we “Righteous” based on these “Bible Verses“?
Let each man examine himself as God’s Word is the Definition.
This also proves that the Bible’s Righteous Rich Men like Blessed Abraham to Blessed Job or others must have “lived likewise” in a “Charity Doctrine Lifestyle” as these are “General Verses” (“Context”) and God’s Rule of Life or Commandment in these aspects is the same.
We see that the “Rule of Wealth to be used in the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle” for the Rich can also be seen in these New Testament Verses for confirmation:
(even as a Gentile and before believing in Christ Himself was approved as “Fearing God” which included this Definition of the extensive Charity Doctrine Lifestyle + Prayer”),
Verses:
“… 1There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian [a]Regiment, 2a DEVOUT MAN and ONE WHO FEARED GOD with all his household, who GAVE ALMS GENEROUSLY to the people, and PRAYED TO GOD ALWAYS …” (Acts 10:1 – 2, NKJV)
Comment: So a True “Fear God Doctrine” will likewise Teach both aspects above namely:
Nothing else is mentioned in these Verses meaning these are the “First Definitions” of “Fearing God” which the “Bible has approved its Meaning as it is Written“.
“… 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)
Comment: Please notice that the CHARITY DOCTRINE ACTS of “Do Good” in the Context of “GIVING for FREE (implied)” and “SHARING for FREE (implied too)” is not to be done in ‘moderation level’ but they are COMMANDED to be “RICH” in such “GOOD WORKS” (Relative Measure meant).
This is clear that the ‘Level of Good Works of this Charity Doctrine type’ required of them is the “RICH” level as how they are “rich” in material wealth as opposed to those around them. Can you see it as it is Written please? “Command” means this is “not” an option and it’s Written Clearly here that it is a “Command unto ETERNAL LIFE (Context)” by the “Sola Fide Preacher Apostle St. Paul himself revealing this Correct Understanding“. We cannot measure this Threshold but God Will as implied by these Verses.
Summary
If a “Rich Christian” ends up in “Hell” or ‘least in the Kingdom even if saved’ (Matthew 5:19 – 20) because of the “Prosperity Gospel” (which is entirely possible based on these Quoted Verses as it is Written), at least they will know that we Preached the Truth and Warned them.
Peace to you
Spiritual Leadership in Church – Is it Male or Woman or Both?
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161611463287784
Can Women Teaching over men a Church?
Note: Secular teaching is allowed as God’s Word doesn’t prohibit that.
Someone said, ‘a woman can give birth to Christ means a woman can preach’.
Indeed, sharing the Gospel can but not from a position of authority (explained below). But what the person couldn’t see is that the very woman he is quoting Blessed Virgin Mary herself “never preached” nor became an apostle nor a leader over any assembly of men even though she herself was the most blessed among women. Can you see it? So quoting virgin Mary to Preach the Gospel as a Pastor or Church Leader is quoting her to do something which she herself never did. Isn’t the contradiction obvious?
Indeed, if someone wants to quote Virgin Mary correctly why not quote the part where she never became an apostle nor a Church Leader as Christ never appointed her to do any of that and by quoting this Truth, the Christian women likewise can do the Charity Doctrine Deeds which she did such as providing for Christ and so these women can do such ministry likewise?
Indeed, Church Leadership under women is not allowed according to 1 Timothy 2:11 – 12 (Verses in image at the end). But no Verse stops women to teach with authority over other women or children.
Also Preaching is different from Teaching with Authority over a Church Gathering. Preaching the Gospel is allowed as it’s declaring the Good News but Church Leadership and Order Verses such as these do “not” permit these positions to women.
The women returned from His Resurrection and shared what they saw. That’s allowed but we don’t see these same women later mentioned anywhere in the same Gospels nor in the Book of Acts becoming Pastors nor becoming leaders over the males of the Church as neither does 1900+ years of Church History show any evidence of such occurrences even within Protestant Christianity itself. Some Protestant Churches uphold this till today as well. Please remember that Christ Himself never appointed any women be it before His Resurrection nor after His Resurrection to become Apostles or pastors or leaders even.
Even Protestant Christianity and its Founders obeyed it till after the 20th century we see these “new” Modern Ways against this even.
So whether God showed them these new ways in this 20th Century, I cannot say but what I can say is obeying Church Male Leadership according to 1 Timothy 2:12 (Verses in image) has “no” condemnation and we follow that to be Safe Scripturally.
Please remember that even in Heaven there is order and we cannot do as we like. Here’s a gender based order even based on even whether one was married or not too which refers not to some normal salvation but the very “FIRSTFRUITS OF SALVATION” (Kind of like the very TITHES OF SALVATION, THE PUREST ONES), Verses:
“… 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)
Comments: The “Firstfruits” of Salvation (Holiest lot) itself belongs to a particular 144000 “unmarried Jewish Virgin Men” likewise proving this Context for such “Eunuchs” too above. So can any of your woman pastors in all of Christianity take a place among these 144000? Even we as males cannot unless they were chosen for this being “unmarried Jewish Virgin Men” only. So we don’t “covet” that which is not ours.
#WomenPastors
Peace to you
FAQ – Women Rule in Churches – Can a Modern Prophet teach otherwise?
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161612619132784
‘… When we are not interested in What’s Written, we will be interested with What’s not Written …’
Note: This is from a real conversation from women who claim to be prophetesses.
Question 1
1 Timothy 2:12 is a paraphrase of Genesis 3:16 –> talking about marriage hierchy. There’s not a single law prohibiting women from preaching or being in a position of authority which is why God choose Devorah over her husband to rule Israel. Marriage hierchy does NOT extend beyond marriage. Just because you’re an authority over your wife & children does NOT mean you’re an authority over any other woman. Please cease with the nonsense of taking text out of context to promote ancient sexism.
Reply 1
1 Timothy 2:12 is “not” a marriage hierarchy. It’s a general rule for men and women and Church order. It Speaks of men women generally as Adam Vs Eve. Also if God doesn’t allow a woman to teach her own husband (for argument sake if your argument is true), then how can God allow that same woman to teach or correct a man outside? Leadership if allowed begins at home.
Question 2
For your argument to stand you would have to prove that you as a man has authority over women outside of your family and there’s no proof of that in the Torah itself. I think the very notion that Jesus choose Mary Magdalene to be the first witness and then share these news with the male apostles rendering her by the early church fathers the honorfic title of apostle to the apostles… shows that these sexist interpretations aren’t valid. This was in a time, society & culture where the witness account of a woman didn’t mean much. The idea that redemption will come not only through the Messiah but also through women is deeply Jewish. Jesus was extremely pro-women & the early congregation was as well until certain church fathers very sexist opinions were adopted.
Reply 2
Simple Fact: God does not allow a woman to correct a husband means He doesn’t allow a woman to correct any man outside (you have no proof from the Torah itself). There are plenty of Verses where male Prophets or male Spiritual leaders can correct the Israelite Women as a whole or even individually. Here’s a passage where your favourite prophetess Miriam quotes similarly like you saying ‘… does God Speak to Moses only and not to us? …’ kind of attitude and please hear “what God Says to her in reply” (clue: she became leprous in the end):
“… 1Then Miriam and Aaron [a]spoke against Moses because of the [b]Ethiopian woman whom he had married; for he had married an Ethiopian woman. 2So they said, “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us also?” And the Lord heard it. 3(Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.) 4Suddenly the Lord said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, “Come out, you three, to the tabernacle of meeting!” So the three came out. 5Then the Lord came down in the pillar of cloud and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam. And they both went forward. 6Then He said,
“Hear now My words:
If there is a prophet among you,
I, the Lord, make Myself known to him in a vision;
I speak to him in a dream.
7Not so with My servant Moses;
He is faithful in all My house.
8I speak with him face to face,
Even plainly,[c] and not in [d]dark sayings;
And he sees the form of the Lord.
Why then were you not afraid
To speak against My servant Moses?” …
… 10And when the cloud departed from above the tabernacle, suddenly Miriam became leprous, as white as snow. Then Aaron turned toward Miriam, and there she was, a leper. … 13So Moses cried out to the Lord, saying, “Please heal her, O God, I pray!” 14Then the Lord said to Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, would she not be shamed seven days? Let her be shut[f] out of the camp seven days, and afterward she may be received again.” 15So Miriam was shut out of the camp seven days, and the people did not journey till Miriam was brought in again. …” (Numbers 12:1 – 8, 10, 13 – 15, NKJV)
Comment: So just because “Miriam was a Prophetess” or had Prophesied before doesn’t mean anything special or that ‘her doctrine cannot be wrong’ as these Verses clearly prove as it is Written even though ‘she claimed that she heard from God’ (at the start of these Verses itself).
Christ was “not” Pro-Woman as He never sent out one woman to Preach nor selected one woman as an apostle or leader (all men only). Also, I already explained that Christ Spoke to Women doesn’t make those women ‘spiritual leaders’ as that’s not Written anywhere and that they can share the Gospel as the Resurrection narrative shows but Christ did “not” afterward appoint Mary Magdalene as a leader to be co-equal among the apostles nor anything like that as the Book of Acts itself records the Risen Christ with His Male Apostles only for 40 days after His Resurrection before His Ascension.
Question 3
St. Thomas Aquinas himself. In his Lectura super Ioannis, we find this passage in caput 20, lectio 3: “Note the three privileges given to Mary Magdalene. First, she had the privilege of being a prophet because she was worthy enough to see the angels, for a prophet is an intermediary between angels and the people. Second, she had the dignity or rank of an angel insofar as she looked upon Christ, on whom the angels desire to look. Third, she had the office of an apostle; indeed, she was an apostle to the apostles insofar as it was her task to announce our Lord’s resurrection to the disciples. Thus, just as it was a woman who was the first to announce the words of death, so it was a woman who would be the first to announce the words of life.” (2519)
Reply 3
No Bible Verse says she is a Prophet. Calling Mary Magdalene that doesn’t make her a Prophet nor an apostle nor anything. That’s an opinion not found in Scripture nor in the early Church Fathers nor the Protestant leaders. There is “not” one Prophecy of Mary Magdalene in the Bible nor in Church History. Also, St. Thomas Quinas was a much later saint (AD1225 – 1274 AD) who Prayed to Virgin Mary too.
Question 4
Monarch/ruler
Priest
Prophet
Judge
These are the 4 highest offices of authority in the Bible.
A woman can hold 2 or 3 (depending on opinion) of these offices.
Miryam (Moses sister) was a co-ruler next to Moses & Aaron as well as a prophetess (Mika 6:4). Deborah was a ruler of Israel as well as a legal decisor & advisor and prophetess (Judges 4:4). NOTHING in the NT was made up out of thin air. It is all rooted in the Mosaic Law and it’s order and the Pharisaic tradition –> which was the community standard of the day among Jews (Mark 7:3). The office of elder is simply referring to a prayer leader & a man should be that because of Jewish custom not to offend men, that could risk lusting if they heard a woman’s voice & saw her at the same time. Therefore women scholars among Jews sometimes taught men from behind a veil. Context is key to understand scriptures.
Reply 4
Firstly, the Jewish Female Rabbis was only after the New Testament was given (not in the Biblical Judaism but an apostate one) as per detailed in Wikipedia too:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_rabbis_and_Torah_scholars
In short, such a tradition was man-made and not found in the Torah nor the Prophets.
Deborah was a judge not priest. Miriam too was a prophetess and not a co-ruler. Only Aaron the High Priest and Moses the Prophet doubled as “Spiritual” leaders. Judges were replaced with kings a secular position. Remember the time King Saul tried to play priest by doing something good (offering sacrifices) which is not lawful unless a priest to do it? Prophet Samuel cursed King Saul for this and said that he will be a king no more even though it was something “good” (offering sacrifices”). So the order of things must be done according to what God’s Law Says or there is Risk and how far God wants to Judge is His Decision. But what is Safe is following His Written Rules in this just like the Old Covenant now we follow the Written Rules in the New Testament likewise.
Woman can be a secular ruler as Judges was replaced by Kings and not a spiritual ruler as that’s only for males primarily priests and male prophets chosen throughout the Old Testament.
There was “no” female prophetess ever chosen to rule Israel after Deborah even. Priests are spiritual leader analogy for pastors in the New Testament and not prophets.
Prophecy is a gift and not a spiritual leadership position.
The only female ruler (monarch) after Deborah as you quoted was this: ‘… If there were no male heirs a woman would take over the throne as was the case with Athaliah after she had killed of her oppenants. She reigned Judah for 7 years (2 Kings 11:3-4). Jezebel became the ruler over the Northern Kingdom Israel after her husband and the male heir had died. …’
Explanation: There was “no” male heir. No other option. Can you see it? These women would have never been chosen to rule even in that secular position of “kinghood” (i.e. as a “queen” equivalently) if there was a “male heir” (implied). To allow for the “lineage to continue” (a special case) this was permitted. Same reason for Jezebel here, “no” male heir was available and that lineage was to be preserved.
Judges were replaced by kings. And look at the first “King Saul” when he tried to play the “Priest Role” of Spiritual Leadership in doing the “Offering Sacrifices” or making his own counsel before Prophet Samuel arrived as 1 Samuel 13 describes the Curse clearly.
Deborah’s position as a judge is the same as King Saul’s position (a secular leader despite being a Prophetess, which is a gift of prophecy) but that does NOT give her the right to do “priestly duties” which only males and chosen ones can as in the New Testament “pastors” are the analogy of “levite priests” (for example only Levite priests can take tithes money).
This means that women can be bosses in the secular world be it being CEO’s or bosses in companies etc. but not in Church Order as 1 Timothy 2:12 to 1 Corinthians 14:34 prohibit all that.
Question 5
The reason Paul is strict on the veil for women prophecying (1 Corinthians 11) is because he knows per law that he can’t hinder the authority of a woman prophet but he wants to make sure that she covers her hair. A Jewish man is not allowed to see the hair of a married Jewish woman that isn’t part of his immediate family.
So he’s allowing prophetesses to preach in the church. This is further proven in Revelation 2:20 and the prophetess Isebel. Note that her being a woman teaching men is NOT what’s criticised but that she leads them astray through teaching idolatrous practices.
Reply 5
Revelation 2:20 doesn’t allow Jezebel to teach at all. As I said a women Prophetess can give prophecy that’s all. Prophetess is not a spiritual leadership position. It’s a gift of prophecy. We have Anna the Prophetess in the time of Christ to the Daughters of Philip but none are Written to lead the Church or chosen to perform leadership duties or even to speak during any assembly of men in the New Testament. A male prophet can double as a spiritual leader.
Question 6
A prophet is one of the most authoritive offices, if your wife is a prophet even the husband must heed to this voice of his wife as the law says (Deuteronomy 18:15).
Reply 6
Firstly, Deuteronomy 18:15 Speaks of Christ and not a woman and neither it is a general prophecy nor a rule for prophets but a specific one referring to CHRIST ONLY (how are you a “prophetess” without knowing this?)
“… “The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear, …” (Deuteronomy 18:15, NKJV)
Prophetess is not a spiritual leadership position. A woman Prophet gives prophecy that’s all. No women were priests in the Old Testament (that’s the Order of Authority Spoken of here). 1 Corinthians 14:34 – 37 seems to Speak that even a “Prophet” cannot change this Women keep silent Rule in the Churches. And so if a modern prophet claims God told them otherwise, is this Scripture Wrong, then?
“… 16But if anyone seems to be CONTENTIOUS, we have NO SUCH CUSTOM, NOR DO THE CHURCHES OF GOD. … 32And the SPIRITS OF THE PROPHETS are SUBJECT TO THE PROPHETS. 33For GOD IS NOT THE AUTHOR OF [I]CONFUSION but of PEACE, as in ALL THE CHURCHES OF THE SAINTS. 34Let [j]YOUR WOMEN KEEP SILENT IN THE CHURCHES, for they are NOT PERMITTED TO SPEAK; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. 35And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is SHAMEFUL FOR WOMEN TO SPEAK IN CHURCH. 36Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached? 37If ANYONE THINKS HIMSELF TO BE a PROPHET or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things WHICH I WRITE to you are the COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD. …” (1 Corinthians 14:16, 32 – 37, NKJV)
Please notice these parts carefully:
“… SPIRITS OF THE PROPHETS are SUBJECT TO THE PROPHETS …33For GOD IS NOT THE AUTHOR OF [I]CONFUSION but of PEACE, as in ALL THE CHURCHES OF THE SAINTS. …34Let [j]YOUR WOMEN KEEP SILENT IN THE CHURCHES, for they are NOT PERMITTED TO SPEAK … it is SHAMEFUL FOR WOMEN TO SPEAK IN CHURCH. … 37If ANYONE THINKS HIMSELF TO BE a PROPHET … acknowledge that the things WHICH I WRITE to you are the COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD. …”
Now, the only “Rule” Apostle St. Paul is emphasizing in these Verses is “Women Keep silent in Churches” (apart from other New Testament Traditions of course from 1 Corinthians 11 to 14) and can you see the word “Prophet” carefully in these Verses which seem to point that God Will “not” send a “Prophet” to Speak against these Rules set forth in these Verses via some “Divine Word of God” (as Written beforehand here)?
If it can be changed and God approved the new ways, then this Verse doesn’t apply anymore, right?
Please notice carefully also that it doesn’t seem to apply to the Corinthian Church only but “as in all other Churches of the saints” (referring to these New Testament Traditions from 1 Corinthians 11 to 14 including these rules listed here), focus phrase for this part:
“… 6But if anyone seems to be CONTENTIOUS, we have NO SUCH CUSTOM, NOR DO THE CHURCHES OF GOD … 33For GOD IS NOT THE AUTHOR OF [I]CONFUSION but of PEACE, as in ALL THE CHURCHES OF THE SAINTS. …”
Since I know that following these Written Verses has no condemnation (“as in all Churches of the saints” proven even within Protestant Christianity till today even as #womenpastors only came into the picture in the 20th century), so I won’t be Condemned for following these “Written” Verses.
If I can be condemned for this, even Blessed Martin Luther (the First Protestant) to Blessed John Calvin, Blessed John Wesley to even Blessed Charles Spurgeon all are condemned since they Preached more “harshly” using these same set of Verses as I have quoted in earlier chapters in the free pdfs.
At least I do “not” condemn #womenpastors from Salvation as I always still maintain a room of “possibility” that “what if God told them new ways in the 20th century onward” letting God Decide that in the end but even so, no one is Condemned for following what is Written as God Already Said and Approved that 100% as these Verses Testify as it is Written.
Conclusion – Why are all these important?
1) Risk of Blasphemy to the Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit if one is not careful
Bible Verses:
“… Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 12:32, NKJV)
Comment: How is the risk linked here? Most of these Christians who approve women pastors usually also like to claim “… The Holy Spirit told me …”.
How do you know the “Holy Spirit” told them? If He did they are safe but if not, can you see the risk?
“… “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. …” (Exodus 2:7, NKJV)
Comment: Taking “His Name in Vain” (example claiming that God Told something against what is Written in New Testament Scripture not as a possibility but doctrine risks this).
Please remember that this 10 Commandment is higher than even “do not steal”, “do not murder” or even “do not commit adultery” because it deals directly with the Most High.
How serious can this risk be? Verses:
“… 31Behold, I am AGAINST THE PROPHETS,” says the Lord, “WHO USE THEIR TONGUES AND SAY, ‘HE SAYS.’ 32Behold, I am against those who prophesy false dreams,” says the Lord, “and tell them, and cause MY PEOPLE to ERR BY THEIR LIES AND BY THEIR RECKLESSNESS. Yet I did not send them or command them; therefore they shall not profit this people at all,” says the Lord. 33“So when these people or the prophet or the priest ask you, saying, ‘What is the [h]oracle of the Lord?’ you shall then say to them, [i]‘What oracle?’ I WILL EVEN FORSAKE YOU,” says the Lord. 34“And AS FOR THE PROPHET and THE PRIEST and the people who say, ‘The [j]oracle of the Lord!’ I WILL EVEN PUNISH THAT MAN AND HIS HOUSE. …” (Jeremiah 23:31 – 34, NKJV)
Comments:
2) Loss of Rewards
“… And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. …” (2 Timothy 2:5, NKJV)
Comment: The ‘Race of Faith’ is not arbitrary but based on “Bible Rules” and “Traditions” (to be fair to all) as the Verse above Speaks of “Crowning“. So if we failed to be “Crowned” for breaking these rules, is it worth it? No condemnation is Written in Scripture for those who obey these New Testament Verses or Traditions as even we recently saw in Point 6 earlier, re-emphasized as follows:
“… 6But if anyone seems to be CONTENTIOUS, we have NO SUCH CUSTOM, NOR DO THE CHURCHES OF GOD … 33For GOD IS NOT THE AUTHOR OF [I]CONFUSION but of PEACE, as in ALL THE CHURCHES OF THE SAINTS. …” (1 Corinthians 11:6, 33, NKJV)
Comment: Even in regards to these “CUSTOMS” (“Traditions”) mentioned from 1 Corinthians 11 to 14, the Bible doesn’t seem to allow ‘alternate practices based on human culture’ but that all should follow it as “not only this was applied to the Corinthians Church” but to ALL CHURCHES of the SAINTS or other CHURCHES of GOD (can you see it?)
“… 19Whoever therefore BREAKS one of the LEAST of THESE COMMANDMENTS, and TEACHES men so, shall be called LEAST in the kingdom of HEAVEN; but whoever DOES AND TEACHES them, he shall be called GREAT in the kingdom of HEAVEN. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:19, NKJV)
3) Case of King Saul trying to play “Priest” and Blessed Prophet Samuel’s Curse of Damnation – Risk of Loss of Salvation in Analogy
Verses:
“… As for Saul, he was still in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. 8Then he waited seven days, according to the time set by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. 9So Saul said, “Bring a burnt offering and peace offerings here to me.” And he offered the burnt offering. 10Now it happened, as soon as he had finished presenting the burnt offering, that Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might [d]greet him. 11And Samuel said, “What have you done?” Saul said, “When I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered together at Michmash, 12then I said, ‘The Philistines will now come down on me at Gilgal, and I have not made supplication to the Lord.’ Therefore I felt compelled, and offered a burnt offering.” 13And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you. For now the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. 14But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.” …” (1 Samuel 13:7 – 14, NKJV)
Comments: In Verses here, King Saul tried to play priest by doing something good (offering sacrifices) which is not lawful unless a priest to do it? Prophet Samuel cursed King Saul for this and said that he will be a king no more even though it was something “good” (offering sacrifices”). S
o the order of things must be done according to what God’s Law Says or there is Risk and how far God wants to Judge is His Decision. But what is Safe is following His Written Rules in this just like the Old Covenant now we follow the Written Rules in the New Testament likewise.
4) Did God allow Female Priests in the Old Testament in analogy? (in the “Law = Torah”)
God never endorsed even female priests in the Levitical Priesthood but only males (so are you blaming God to be a sexist?) Verse:
“… Therefore you and your sons with you shall attend to your priesthood for everything at the altar and behind the veil; and you shall serve. I give your priesthood to you as a gift for service, but the outsider who comes near shall be put to death.” …” (Numbers 18:7, NKJV)
Comment: To speak or do against this ‘male only priesthood rule’ in the Old Testament was “not” a small sin as the last line here Reveals it to be “… but the outsider who comes near shall be put to death.” …”.
So as a Prophetess, did God tell you now can? Levitical Priesthood quoting is not out of Context because this Levitical Priest is an order by God in analogy. So the New testament Verses quoted prove similarly as the same God Who Ordained that can Ordain this Likewise with these same gender based criteria.
In this Melchizedek Order there is only One Priest and Mediator between God and Man, Lord Jesus Christ. Also Verses such as 1 Peter 2:9 or Revelation 5:10 which speaks of all believers to be “Priests” (no more male-female, Galatians 3) refers to after the First Resurrection in the 1000 years Millennial Reign (Revelation 20:4 – 6). Also, 1 Peter 2:9 doesn’t make a woman priest greater as the believing Christian man is also a priest according to that same Verse which is for the “future” not now.
Summary – Linguistic Proof from the Original Koine Greek that all New Testament Church Leadership Positions refers to ‘males only” (“Gender sensitive Commands”):
Good that you are quoting “it is Written” for Ephesians 4:11 and 1 Corinthians 12:28. Why not obey “1 Timothy 2:12” and “1 Corinthians 14:34” as these are Written too?
For the Proof you asked, here it is linguistically even:
Comment: Each word here is gender sensitive and refers to “male only”. Details:
iii) Evangelists = 2099 [e] euangelistas εὐαγγελιστάς (N-AMP, Noun – Accusative MASCULINE Plural)
Source: https://biblehub.com/interlinear/ephesians/4-11.htm
iii) Teachers = 1320 [e] didaskalous διδασκάλους (N-AMP, Noun – Accusative MASCULINE Plural)
AFTER THAT (these positions can be female too as the gender is female-neutral)
Comment: This does “not” mean that miracles are to be done by females only. Miracles is “not” a leadership position but a “gift” being described here. Please notice the phrase “AFTER THAT” in this Verse (1 Corinthians 12:28 itself) which separates the “Spiritual Leadership Positions first discussed above as all males” and not only describing AFTER THAT the “gifts” part which females can participate too). Koine Greek’s male-female for the former is gender specific as those words mean that as we will see below for proof in Scripture itself*.
Note: Neuter = Neutral gender word. Example source to understand this fine things, to quote:
vii) Helping = 484 [e] antilēmpseis ἀντιλήμψεις (N-AFP, Noun – Accusative FEMININE Plural)
viii) Administration = 2941 [e] kybernēseis κυβερνήσεις (N-AFP, Noun – Accusative FEMININE Plural)
Source: https://biblehub.com/interlinear/1_corinthians/12-28.htm
However, the “Leadership Position words” are Gender-Sensitive as per the Koine Greek Grammar at that time even because for example just like in English “a male prophet” means differently than “a female prophet”. Now here is the comparison proof with “Verses” too for this simple Grammar Rule:
“… And he gave some, apostles; and some, PROPHETS [ 4396 [e] prophētas προφήτας (N-AMP, Noun – Accusative MASCULINE Plural) ]; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; …” (Ephesians 4:11, NKJV)
“… And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second PROPHETS [ 4396 [e] prophētas προφήτας (N-AMP, Noun – Accusative MASCULINE Plural) ], third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. …” (1 Corinthians 12:28, NKJV)
“… Now there was one, Anna, a PROPHETESS, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; …” (Luke 2:36, NKJV)
PROPHETESS = 4398 [e] prophētis προφῆτις (N-NFS, Noun – Nominative FEMININE Singular)
Source: https://biblehub.com/interlinear/luke/2-36.htm
Repeat with Emphasis:
“… Now there was one, Anna, a PROPHETESS [ 4398 [e] prophētis προφῆτις (N-NFS, Noun – Nominative FEMININE Singular) ], the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; …” (Luke 2:36, NKJV)
*[Emphasis-Mine from earlier]
or
“… 8On the next day we [b]who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9Now this man had four virgin DAUGHTERS who PROPHESIED. …” (Acts 21:8 – 9, NKJV)
PROPHESIED = 4395 [e] prophēteuousai προφητεύουσαι (V-PPA-NFP Verb Present Participle Active Nominative FEMININE Plural)
Source: https://biblehub.com/interlinear/acts/21-9.htm
Repeat with Emphasis:
“… 8On the next day we [b]who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9Now this man had four virgin DAUGHTERS who PROPHESIED [ 4395 [e] prophēteuousai προφητεύουσαι (V-PPA-NFP Verb Present Participle Active Nominative FEMININE Plural ] …” (Acts 21:8 – 9, NKJV)
Meaning: The Bible is clear in using the Gender Sensitive Word for “Prophets” (Male) vs “Prophetess” (Female) in this New Testament but only the MALE PROPHET Word is used for the CHURCH LEADERSHIP Verses which you quoted even.
“… The final passage for us to consider is Paul’s qualifications for the offices of elder and deacon, given in 1 Timothy 3:1-13. When Paul states that an elder must be “the husband of one wife” (1 Tim. 3:2), he again uses the noun andros, signifying a male adult. The same wording is used for deacons in verse 12, showing that the office of deacon is likewise restricted for males. Those who would urge us to consider women deacons will note that when 1 Timothy 3:11 says that “their wives must likewise be dignified,” that it is conceivable for this to be taken as deaconesses. Much is also made of Paul’s description of Phoebe as a “deaconess,” despite the conventional interpretation of this word in its common meaning of “servant” (Rom. 16:1). …”
Source: https://www.reformation21.org/blogs/a-survey-of-maleonly-ordinatio.php
Peace to you
False Prophets Mystery
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161615029032784
“… 2And MANY will follow their destructive ways, …” (2 Peter 2:2, NKJV)
Conclusion
I am “not” writing a biased thing to support this #CharityDoctrine but what Christ Himself just Said in each of the Verses later which is:
Details (each Taught by CHRIST HIMSELF):
“… 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. 10“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. 11And IF YOU ARE UNTRUSTWORTHY ABOUT WORLDLY WEALTH, who will trust you with the TRUE RICHES OF HEAVEN? 12And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own? “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. YOU CANNOT SERVE GOD AND BE ENSLAVED TO MONEY.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 16:9 – 13, NLT)
“… 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)
“… 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. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:41 – 42, NKJV)
“… 16Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good[d] Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17So He said to him, [e]“Why do you call Me good? [f]No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 19‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” 20The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept [g]from my youth. What do I still lack?” 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.” 22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away SORROWFUL, for he had GREAT POSSESSIONS. …” (Matthew 19:16 – 22, NKJV)
Summary
Bible Verses (Please notice that when the Bible Points to False Prophets it immediately points to “their money” not only in this Verse but others too e.g. 2 Corinthians 2:17, 1 Timothy 6:5 – 8):
“… 1But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction [a]does not slumber. …” (2 Peter 2:1 – 3, NKJV)
Comments:
“… 9As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad,He has GIVEN TO THE POOR; His RIGHTEOUSNESS endures FOREVER.” 10Now [g]may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, [h]supply and multiply the seed you have sown and INCREASE THE FRUITS OF YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS, 11while you are enriched in everything for ALL LIBERALITY, which causes THANKSGIVING THROUGH US TO GOD. 12For the ADMINISTRATION OF THIS SERVICE not only SUPPLIES THE NEEDS OF THE SAINTS, but also is ABOUNDING THROUGH MANY THANKSGIVINGS TO GOD, 13while, through the PROOF OF THIS MINISTRY, THEY GLORIFY GOD for the OBEDIENCE OF YOUR CONFESSION to the GOSPEL OF CHRIST, and for YOUR LIBERAL SHARING WITH THEM and ALL MEN, …” (2 Corinthians 9:9 – 13, NKJV)
“… 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)
Focus Phrase: “…. “… 2And MANY will follow their destructive ways, …”
So there will never be a time where many follow the ‘accurate truths’. This Verse itself proves that a ‘big church’ or ”big number’ is not an indication of anything but usually points to some false elements. As for Protestants, the Roman Catholic Church is proof of it and even some ‘Prosperity Gospel type’ too which do against many Verses.
Focus phrase: “… 3By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words …”
Please notice that a covetous person cannot see that he is covetous. A good self test would be Christ’s Own Words of “Give to Charity” from “what you have” (not from money collected in God’s Name only as the religious leaders of old such as the Pharisees were fond of), Verses:
“… 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. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:41 – 42, NKJV)
The whole idea of being “a false prophet” is for “money“. If “money” is not there, then what is the “false prophet” false about? That’s why no matter what in the end, the money factor will reveal who we ‘really are’ as Christ Taught this as our whole life will be either ‘serving God or Money’ (no middle ground) based on ‘how much we use our own money (possessions, not money collected in God’s Name or donations only) to benefit others affecting our Eternal Home’ as He Himself Taught this Doctrine in Verses below:
“… 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. 10“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. 11And IF YOU ARE UNTRUSTWORTHY ABOUT WORLDLY WEALTH, who will trust you with the TRUE RICHES OF HEAVEN? 12And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own? “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. YOU CANNOT SERVE GOD AND BE ENSLAVED TO MONEY.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 16:9 – 13, NLT)
So if we are enslaved to money, Christ’s Words point that we will be untrustworthy with our worldly wealth exhibiting “no” Charity Doctrine Lifestyle of giving and sharing for free what we have (by Relative Measure) to others and Vice Versa. Of course the degree we do it will determine whether we obtain the thirty, sixty or hundredfold rewards (Matthew 13:8, Matthew 19:29).
Please notice that carefully that it is CHRIST HIMSELF who DEFINES “SERVE GOD” (not as keeping holy singing songs, prayers, fasting, or worship or anything else) but ONLY Pointing to this CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE with YOUR MONEY & POSSESSIONS as I have discussed extensively in the recent books.
Why? Because “keeping holy, singing songs, prayers, fasting, or worship or anything else” can be done well by false prophets too as the case of the Pharisees prove or even by the Rich Young Ruler even WITHOUT CHRIST, Verses:
“… 16Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good[d] Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17So He said to him, [e]“Why do you call Me good? [f]No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 19‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” 20The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept [g]from my youth. What do I still lack?” 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.” 22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away SORROWFUL, for he had GREAT POSSESSIONS. …” (Matthew 19:16 – 22, NKJV)
If you think Keeping the Holiness Commands, is a Great thing, please remember Christ’s Own Most Blessed Words above which Proves that the “Rich Young Ruler” obeyed these Holiness Commands even WITHOUT BELIEVING NOR FOLLOWING CHRIST EVEN and the only thing WHICH HE LACKED (couldn’t do, implied) was CHRIST’S COMMAND to “GIVE to the POOR” (Charity Doctrine Lifestyle) and come and FOLLOW HIM (i.e. Believe in Him).
So a false prophet can ‘fake a charity work’ (like the Pharisees did) for a show but it is only not a show if it is a lifestyle. For a show means the act of Charity is little by ‘relative measure’ (Luke 21:1 – 3, Luke 12:46 – 48) and for real means it is a lifestyle (for example living like the poor in some aspects).
This lifestyle needs to be secret but one day, God Will Judge each and we will know.
Erring on eschasthalogy is not a big deal as even Blessed Martin Luther (the first protestant) erred say in “Soul Sleep Doctrine” and did “not” do miracles nor spoke in tongues proving that these things are optional as only those gifted in that (as there is “Gift of Healing” vs “Gift of Knowledge/Prophecy” to understand these things but “not” all Christians would exhibit it either as 1 Corinthians 12:28 proves next) but he did not err on the #charitydoctrinelifestyle as even he pointed that to the meaning of the “Parable of the 5 Wise and 5 Foolish Virgins*” as being the #ChairtyDoctrineLifestyle which needs to be Preached “constantly” and “everywhere” (as I have discussed in previous books – quoted below) meaning if we preach the same, we are not condemned either (as Martin Luther the first protestant must be saved, right?):
“… 27Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are ALL WORKERS OF MIRACLES? 30DO ALL HAVE GIFTS OF HEALINGS? DO ALL SPEAK WITH TONGUES? Do all interpret? 31But earnestly desire the [i]best gifts. And YET I SHOW YOU A MORE EXCELLENT WAY [of AGAPE/LOVE]. …” (1 Corinthians 12:27 – 30, NKJV)
* to quote Blessed Martin Luther the First Protestant to Preach the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle as part of the Meaning of the Parable of the 5 Wise and 5 Foolish Virgins [from pages 16 and 15 from the #ParableoftheWiseandFoolishVirginsBook ]:
“… Therefore, let each one see to it that he has these two together: the OIL, which is TRUE FAITH and trust in Christ; and the LAMPS, the VESSEL, which is the OUTWARD SERVICE TOWARD YOUR NEIGHBOR. The WHOLE CHRISTIAN LIFE CONSISTS in THESE TWO THINGS things: BELIEVE GOD. HELP YOUR NEIGHBOR. The WHOLE GOSPEL TEACHES this. PARENTS should TELL IT TO THEIR CHILDREN at HOME and EVERYWHERE. Children, too, should CONSTANTLY FOSTER THIS WORD AMONG THEMSELVES. I should really say something about the sleep of the virgins and about the setting out of the Bridegroom for the wedding. But the hour is late. Another time. May God be gracious to us! Amen. …”- The First Champion of the Protestant Faith, Blessed Martin Luther’s Sermon which was translated in 2013 by the Rev. Paul A. Rydecki, On Faith and Good Works, Preached in Erfurt at St. Michaeliskirche on the Day of the 11,000 Virgins (October 21st), 1522)
Source: http://www.godwithuslc.org/luther-sermon-for-trinity-27/
We cannot make a “Doctrine” based on “what is NOT Written” or pick & choose Christians based on “Unwritten man-made rules” as the condemnation is for those who do that as per Verses below:
“… 6Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us NOT TO THINK BEYOND WHAT IS WRITTEN, that none of you may be [c]PUFFED UP ON BEHALF OF ONE AGAINST THE OTHER. 7For who [d]MAKES YOU DIFFER FROM ANOTHER? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? …” (1 Corinthians 4:6 – 7, NKJV)
Note: The Verse above condemns those CHRISTIANS or CHRISTIANITY which DIFFERS FROM ONE ANOTHER based on PRACTICES WHICH ARE NOT WRITTEN.
‘… If we are not united by what is Written in Scripture, we will be divided by what is not Written in Scripture …’
Comment: As long as we keep the “unwritten speculations of ours” not to become “Doctrine” or a “denomination” even and that we do “not” reject any Christians based on whether they accept or reject our speculations, the Verse above does “not” apply.
Indeed, the Warning in Verse above only applies if “we do or preach differently from What is Written” as the “Context” here is “Christian Denominations” (as Apostle Paul vs Apollos is set figuratively here).
Please be careful of Churches which “not” only refuse to follow “What is Written” but also kicks out from Church or ministry those who “Preach or Follow What is Written” (referring to New Testament Traditions too, context 1 Corinthians 4:16′ “imitate me as I imitate Christ verse” is almost exactly repeated at the start of 1 Corinthians 11:1’s Traditions up to 1 Corinthians 14 – so this was the ‘main Context’ meant).
As for quote in image, “profits” = “Prosperity” beyond “needs” (and being imperfect, we can err in this but let it not be till it is covetousness as that’s equal to ‘idolatry’), Verses:
“… FREELY YOU HAVE RECEIVED, FREELY GIVE. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:8, NKJV)
“… Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and COVETOUSNESS, WHICH IS IDOLATRY. …” (Colossians 3:5, NKJV)
“… 5For [a]this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, NOR COVETOUS MAN, WHO IS AN IDOLATER, has ANY INHERITANCE IN THE KINGDOM of CHRIST AND GOD. 6Let NO ONE DECEIVE YOU WITH EMPTY WORDS, …” (Ephesians 5:5 – 6, NKJV)
“… 5[b]useless wranglings of men of CORRUPT MINDS and DESTITUTE OF THE TRUTH, who suppose that GODLINESS IS A MEANS OF GAIN. [c]FROM SUCH WITHDRAW YOURSELF. 6Now GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT IS GREAT GAIN. 7For we brought nothing into this world, [d]and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And HAVING FOOD AND CLOTHING, WITH THESE WE SHALL BE CONTENT. …” (1 Timothy 6:5 – 8, NKJV)
“… Unlike so many, WE DO NOT PEDDLE the WORD OF GOD for PROFIT. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God. …” (2 Corinthians 2:17, NIV)
If it sounds “HARD/DIFFICULT“, you are on the right Christianity as only “FEW” will find it as Prophesied below (and each claim at the start regarding the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle itself was by CHRIST HIMSELF – so never forget that and to Speak against it is to speak against Christ, which I would “not” advise):
“… Because NARROW is the gate and DIFFICULT is the way which leads to life, and there are FEW WHO FIND IT. …” (Matthew 7:14, NKJV)
The “We” in John 14:23 is the Most Holy Trinity
Pride = “Going beyond what is written in Scripture” as Verse in image proves.
Please be very careful of this sin of #Pride.
Peace to you
Mystery of True Prayer Request – Only for Needs
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161617854757784
This Verse Reveals that asking for “poverty” or “riches” is part of “falsehood” & “lying” while the only “truth” here (implied) is Praying for “Needs only”, Verse:
“… Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches— Feed me with the food allotted to me; …” (Proverbs 30:8, NKJV)
Note: The KING, Lord Jesus Christ Himself Taught to “Pray” for “Needs only” and Apostle Paul echoed likewise, Verse:
Matthew 6:11
Give us this day our daily bread.
1 Timothy 6:8
But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.
So this means if riches come, it’s NOT because any man of God Asks for it. Example: From Blessed Abraham to Blessed Job, they never asked for the riches they got but God Blessed them and THEY SHARED EXTRAVAGANTLY as evidenced by “Bible Verses” and “Jewish Tradition” as well as “Church Father’s Writings” of which I have discussed in the free pdf Books. In short, they never “lived the Prosperity Lifestyle” despite being rich. Example:
“…4And his sons would go and feast in their houses, each on his appointed day, and would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. 5So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and [c]sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed[d] God in their hearts.” Thus Job did regularly. …:” (Job 1:4 – 5, NKJV)
Comment: Please observe how the Bible does “not” record “Blessed Job” partying with “his sons and daughters” who were doing it with “his money/wealth”.
What was Job busy with? Blessed Job lived out the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle as Described vividly in Verses below:
“… 16“If I have kept the POOR from their desire,
Or caused the eyes of the WIDOW to fail,
17Or EATEN MY MORSEL BY MYSELF,
So that the FATHERLESS could not eat of it
18(But from my youth I REARED HIM AS A FATHER,
And from my mother’s womb I GUIDED [D]THE WIDOW);
19If I have seen ANYONE PERISH FOR LACK OF CLOTHING,
Or ANY POOR MAN WITHOUT COVERING;
20If his [e]heart has not blessed me,
And if he was not WARMED WITH THE FLEECE OF MY SHEEP;
21If I have RAISED MY HAND AGAINST THE FATHERLESS,
When I saw I had help in the gate;
22Then let my arm fall from my shoulder,
Let my arm be torn from the socket.
23For destruction from God is a terror to me,
And because of His magnificence I cannot endure. …” – Blessed Job, a Favourite of God (Job 31:16 – 23, NKJV)
This is how a #RighteousRich or a #SavedRichMan or #ChristianRich would be like.
If we don’t Preach these righteous traits, it is the same as “not” Preaching God’s Will. We learn ‘what Pleases God’ from the “Lifestyles of True and Best men of God in the Bible“.
Well, God Himself declared Job as His Favourite as follows, example Verses:
“… 8Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you [g]considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and [h]shuns evil?” …” (Job 1:8, NKJV)
So if it’s in the Bible, we ought to Learn and Preach from it as well.
Peace to you
The Way of the KING of Kings – Special Focus: “Justice” and “Equity”
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161618709342784
1) Equity
Some worldly thoughts are prevalent where they claim helps that make “equity” is not fair but the Word of God Declares the Opposite Majestically, Verse (in image too):
“… The KING’S STRENGTH also LOVES JUSTICE; YOU HAVE ESTABLISHED EQUITY; You have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob. …” (Psalm 99:4, NKJV)
So where’s there’s no “equity“, God may not have established it. Simply put, “Equity” is the “as yourself” part in “Love your neighbor as yourself” which is equal to FULFILLING ALL 613 COMMANDMENTS of the LAW (TORAH), Verse:
“… For ALL THE LAW IS FULFILLED in one word, even in this: “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” …” (Galatians 5:14, NKJV)
So “ALL THE LAW [Torah’s 613 Commandments] IS FULFILLED” = “… LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” …” = CHARITY DOCTRINE
How do I know that the Context of “… LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” …” refers to the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle? Because CHRIST HIMSELF gave this definition as follows in the Context of Answer to “what shall I DO TO INHERIT ETERNAL LIFE?”, Verses:
“… 25And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I DO TO INHERIT ETERNAL LIFE?” 26He said to him, “What is WRITTEN IN THE LAW? What is YOUR READING OF IT?” 27So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ ” 28And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; DO THIS AND YOU WILL LIVE.” 29But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?” 30Then JESUS ANSWERED and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had COMPASSION. 34So he went to him and BANDAGED HIS WOUNDS, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and TOOK CARE OF HIM. 35On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘TAKE CARE OF HIM; and WHATEVER MORE YOU SPEND, when I come again, I WILL REPAY YOU.’ 36So which of these three do you think was NEIGHBOR to him who fell among the thieves? 37And he said, “He who SHOWED MERCY on him.” Then JESUS SAID to him, “GO AND DO LIKEWISE.”…” (Luke 10:25 – 37, NKJV)
Here’s a Great Mystery: Simple but Great. In both Matthew 19:16 – 30 and Luke 10:25 – 37, the Question was the same namely, “What shall I do to Inherit Eternal Life?” and to both CHRIST RESPONDED by POINTING to WHAT IS WRITTEN first in Scripture. Can you find the phrase where Christ Asks first “What is WRITTEN IN THE LAW? What is YOUR READING OF IT?” (Luke 10:26, NKJV) and “if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” (Matthew 19:17, NKJV). So that’s why we are very careful to Preach and Teach “What is Written” only.
For example: If you buy yourself food today, imagine you buy for another person too. That’s “equity“.
2) Justice
God doesn’t dwell in any Worship which doesn’t have “Justice” First because “His Throne” is only where “Justice” is found, Verse:
“… RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JUSTICE are the FOUNDATION OF YOUR THRONE; Mercy and truth go before Your face. …” (Psalm 89:14, NKJV)
What “Worship” is there if the “Foundation” of “His Throne” which is “Justice” is not lived out first?
3) Justice Definition
The Justice God is Interested is about the “Poor” and “Oppressed” not the fake rich man political games to attain to “Prosperity”, Verses:
“… He will JUDGE Your people with righteousness, And YOUR POOR WITH JUSTICE. …” (Psalm 72:2, NKJV)
“… Defend the POOR and FATHERLESS; Do JUSTICE TO THE AFFLICTED AND NEEDY. …” (Psalm 82:3, NKJV)
“… You shall not pervert JUSTICE DUE THE STRANGER or the FATHERLESS, nor take a WIDOW’S garment as a pledge. …” (Deuteronomy 24:14, NKJV)
“… To rob the needy of justice, And to take what is right from the poor of My people, That widows may be their prey, And that they may rob the fatherless. …” (Isaiah 10:2, NKJV)
“… ‘CURSED is the one who PERVERTS THE JUSTICE due the STRANGER, the FATHERLESS, and WIDOW.’ “And all the people shall say, ‘AMEN!’ …” (Deuteronomy 27:19, NKJV)
4) Final Justice
Even in the Final Judgment, God Will Judge all based on “how equally one treated others as equal to oneself“. Much can be said about this. For example: from the pay one gives or receives based in racial sentiments to how much one shares one’s “own money” with another treating him as equal proves this, Verse:
“… before the LORD, For He is COMING TO JUDGE THE EARTH. With righteousness He shall judge the world, And THE PEOPLES WITH EQUITY. …” (Psalm 98:9, NKJV)
Conclusion – What’s the Proof of Justice if a Church or Christian has Practiced it by “Relative Measure” as “more is given, more is required” (Luke 12:46 – 48, Luke 21:1 – 3)?
Justice is Done if and only if the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle Acts are seen as a Result, Verse:
“… He ADMINISTERS JUSTICE FOR THE FATHERLESS and the WIDOW, and LOVES THE STRANGER, GIVING HIM FOOD and CLOTHING. …” (Deuteronomy 10:18, NKJV)
“… Learn to DO GOOD; SEEK JUSTICE, REBUKE the OPPRESSOR; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow. …” (Isaiah 1:17, NKJV)
“… PURE AND UNDEFILED RELIGION BEFORE GOD and the FATHER is this: to VISIT ORPHANS AND WIDOWS in their TROUBLE, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. …” (James 1:27, NKJV)
“… Your princes are REBELLIOUS, And COMPANIONS OF THIEVES; Everyone loves bribes, And FOLLOWS AFTER REWARDS. They DO NOT DEFEND THE FATHERLESS, Nor does the CAUSE OF THE WIDOW COME BEFORE THEM. …” (Isaiah 1:23, NKJV)
This is “Who God is” in the Heavens:
“… A FATHER OF THE FATHERLESS, a DEFENDER OF WIDOWS, Is GOD IN HIS HOLY HABITATION. …” (Psalm 68:5, NKJV)
How much are we living out “Justice” by “God’s Definition” here with “what we have” (i.e. in our time, money, possession, lifestyle)? Let each man examine himself as this is the very “Foundation” of “God’s Throne” and no wonder Christ Himself DEFINED JUSTICE the SAME as “ALMS / CHARITY”. (Including Giving/Sharing with what WE OWN/HAVE FREELY) in Verses below:
“… 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. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:41 – 42, NKJV)
Note: #CharityDoctrineLifestyle proves how much we Seek to do God’s Will for “Justice” and “Love of God” which even “Tithes” does “not” fulfill in verses above (Luke 11:41 – 42).
More related details in recent post titled “False Prophets Mystery” in link below:
https://www.facebook.com/651792783/posts/10161615029032784/
“… 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: …” (Matthew 7:21 – 24, NKJV)
Peace to you
Better to Help the Poor than Pray for the Poor – Quote on image is Biblical
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161627432457784
Example Verses:
“… 13For JUDGMENT IS WITHOUT MERCY to the ONE WHO HAS SHOWN NO MERCY. MERCY TRIUMPHS OVER JUDGMENT. 14What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? CAN FAITH SAVE HIM? 15If a BROTHER OR SISTER IS NAKED AND DESTITUTE OF DAILY FOOD, 16and one of you says to them, “DEPART IN PEACE, BE WARMED AND FILLED,” but you do NOT GIVE THEM THE THINGS WHICH ARE NEEDED FOR THE BODY, WHAT DOES IT PROFIT? 17Thus also faith by itself, if it does NOT HAVE WORKS, IS DEAD. …” (James 2:13 – 17, NKJV)
Prayer type of Quote in above with “no” Charity Doctrine: “… 16and one of you says to them, “DEPART IN PEACE, BE WARMED AND FILLED,” but you do NOT GIVE THEM THE THINGS WHICH ARE NEEDED FOR THE BODY, WHAT DOES IT PROFIT? …”.
Best is to do both namely to Help the Poor and Pray for the Poor. This would be a true “Prayer Lifestyle” by the #CharityDoctrine. There are other Bible Verses hinting these same facts from Amos 5 to Zechariah 7 which the Great Prophets of God have highlighted.
Regarding Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, I can if the quote is Biblical just like Apostle St. Paul himself quoted Zeus’ Poets (religious poets in the New Testament, in case you didn’t realize). At least Mahatma Gandhi’s quote here is contemporary not religious specific.
#Prayer
#PrayerLifestyle
#CharityDoctrineLifestyle
#PrayerintheBible
Real #Brotherhood involves the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle together
Returning to God = Observe Mercy + Justice = #CharityDoctrineLifestyle
Example Verses:
“… So you, by the help of your God, return; OBSERVE MERCY AND JUSTICE, And wait on your God continually. …” (Hosea 12:6, NKJV)
“… He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But TO DO JUSTLY, TO LOVE MERCY, And to walk humbly with your God? …” (Micah 6:8, NKJV)
“… 2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. 3TO DO JUSTICE and JUDGMENT is MORE ACCEPTABLE to the LORD THAN SACRIFICE. …” (Proverbs 21:2 – 3, KJV)
Context for Verse in image includes the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle because it refers to the Context of “Servitude” when it was Quoted in Principle of this, Verses:
“… 12So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you [b]know what I have done to you? 13You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17IF YOU KNOW THESE THINGS, BLESSED ARE YOU IF YOU DO THEM. …” (John 13:12 – 17, NKJV)
Peace to you
Focus on His Commandments more than Spiritual Gifts – Why?
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161637513002784
Firstly, for every person you pity who do opposite to New Testament Traditions , you don’t see the opposite namely, you are not pitying nor being fair to a person who advocates these New Testament Traditions. And so, in that both are “equally not pitying each other”. So Let God Decide. Let’s begin.
1) Denial Verses Context toward “MANY”
In the End, the #BibleProphecy regarding those DENIED as “… I NEVER KNEW YOU …” is Directed clearly toward those with “Spiritual Gift Claims” and NOT toward those who don’t have it (Can you see it?), Verses:
Yes, “.. doing Prophecy, Casting out Demons or even miracles …” (Spiritual Gifts Claims) Risks being denied toward MANY in an end time Christianity on THAT DAY due to LAWLESSNESS, Verses:
“… 14Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. … 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: …” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:14, 21 – 23, 24, NKJV)
Comment: Please don’t get me wrong. I am “not” saying everyone claiming such spiritual gifts are going to be denied nor am going to judge who. However, what I point as Scripture Says is that “MANY” from “among those with such spiritual gift claims” are the ones who will be DENIED due to LAWLESSNESS.
That’s why we Teach HIS COMMANDMENTS be it the #holiness ones from the 10 Commandments (Matthew 19:16 – 20) to the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle Commands (Matthew 19:21 – 30, Luke 12:30 – 35, Luke 10:25 – 37) or even the least ones such as “#newtestamenttraditions” even (1 Corinthians 14:37, 1 Corinthians 11:1 – 2, 2 Peter 3:2) which are all “COMMANDS of the LORD” as “it is Written” following which there is “zero” risks.
2) Gifts are Good but without Obeying His Commands it may “not” be good or reaching to its highest rewards
Here’s the Verse for Gifts which proves that these are “optional” and the aim is to facilitate obeying His Commands and not do against it.
“… 27Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are ALL WORKERS OF MIRACLES? 30DO ALL HAVE GIFTS OF HEALINGS? DO ALL SPEAK WITH TONGUES? Do all interpret? 31But earnestly desire the [i]best gifts. And YET I SHOW YOU A MORE EXCELLENT WAY [of AGAPE/LOVE]. …” (1 Corinthians 12:27 – 30, NKJV)
Spiritual Gifts are “not” commands because commands are what each Christian ought to obey (which must be same for every Christian be it 2000 years ago or today as God has no Partiality nor a Respecter of human culture nor any other reason).
Yes, not even a “Prophet” nor a “Spiritual” person (no matter how holy he is) was allowed to even dare change NEW TESTAMENT TRADITIONS (and God’s Principle does “not” change), Verses:
“… If anyone THINKS himself to be a PROPHET or SPIRITUAL, let him ACKNOWLEDGE that the things which I WRITE TO YOU ARE THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD. …” (1 Corinthians 14:37, NKJV)
Which New Testament Tradition was specifically referred to when this was Written? Please consider:
“… 16But if anyone seems to be CONTENTIOUS, we have NO SUCH CUSTOM, NOR DO THE CHURCHES OF GOD. … 32And the SPIRITS OF THE PROPHETS are SUBJECT TO THE PROPHETS. 33For GOD IS NOT THE AUTHOR OF [I]CONFUSION but of PEACE, as in ALL THE CHURCHES OF THE SAINTS. 34Let [j]YOUR WOMEN KEEP SILENT IN THE CHURCHES, for they are NOT PERMITTED TO SPEAK; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. 35And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is SHAMEFUL FOR WOMEN TO SPEAK IN CHURCH. 36Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached? 37If ANYONE THINKS HIMSELF TO BE a PROPHET or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things WHICH I WRITE to you are the COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD. …” (1 Corinthians 14:16, 32 – 37, NKJV)
Please notice these parts carefully:
“… SPIRITS OF THE PROPHETS are SUBJECT TO THE PROPHETS …33For GOD IS NOT THE AUTHOR OF [I]CONFUSION but of PEACE, as in ALL THE CHURCHES OF THE SAINTS. …34Let [j]YOUR WOMEN KEEP SILENT IN THE CHURCHES, for they are NOT PERMITTED TO SPEAK … it is SHAMEFUL FOR WOMEN TO SPEAK IN CHURCH. … 37If ANYONE THINKS HIMSELF TO BE a PROPHET … acknowledge that the things WHICH I WRITE to you are the COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD. …”
Now, the only “Rule” Apostle St. Paul is emphasizing in these Verses is “Women Keep silent in Churches” (apart from other New Testament Traditions of course from 1 Corinthians 11 to 14) and can you see the word “Prophet” carefully in these Verses which seem to point that God Will “not” send a “Prophet” to Speak against these Rules set forth in these Verses via some “Divine Word of God” (as Written beforehand here)?
So if God sent them now to change it in the 20th Century, we don’t judge it but leave it to God (but what are the chances of this happening?)
3) Testimony of Church History
I have Written earlier itself that NEW TESTAMENT TRADITIONS were Preached even by Blessed Martin Luther, Blessed John Cavin, Blessed Charles Spurgeon, Blessed John Wesley or even the Church Fathers Taught likewise till the 20th Century.
So following this way has 0% condemnation. Example, the First Protestant Martin Luther’s case will suffice as all Protestants agree that he is saved. To quote:
“… Martin Luther, from whom we Protestants owe a great deal in his leadership of the 16th century Reformation. His teaching was a mixed bag concerning his statements on the gifts of the Spirit. He wrote of the continuation of gifts: “When you depart lay your hands upon the man again and say, These signs shall follow them that believe; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover‘“.[9] But he also wrote as a cessationist in his commentary on Galatians 4:1-9, “Paul explained the purpose of these miraculous gifts of the Spirit in I Corinthians 14:22, ‘Tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not.’ Once the Church had been established and properly advertised by these miracles, the visible appearance of the Holy Ghost ceased”.[10] Which perspective belongs to Luther’s theology? …”
Source:
https://www.truthchallenge.one/blog/2010/06/20/cessationism-through-church-history/
or
“… ‘Whoever comes forward, and wants to read, teach, or preach, and yet speaks with tongues, that is, speaks Latin instead of German, or some unknown language, he is to be silent and preach to himself alone. For no one can hear it or understand it, and no one can get any benefit from it. Or if he should speak with tongues, he ought, in addition, to put what he says into German, or interpret it in one way or another, so that the congregation may understand it …” – Blessed Martin Luther, The First Champion of the Protestant Faith
Source:
https://beggarsallreformation.blogspot.com/2006/09/luther-spoke-in-tongues.html
“… This visible outpouring of the Holy Spirit was necessary to the establishment of the early Church, as were also the miracles that accompanied the gift of the Holy Ghost… Once the Church had been established and properly advertised by these miracles, the visible appearance of the Holy Ghost ceased …” – Blessed Martin Luther, The First Champion of the Protestant Faith
Source: https://christianityfaq.com/do-lutherans-speak-in-tongues/
The quote above can be found here too but you have to “pay” for it:
https://www.christianity.com/bible/commentary/luth/galatians/4
Comment: This means even if a Christian is a Cessationist he cannot be condemned to Hell because if so, then Martin Luther the First Protestant together with these too are unsaved (perhaps all of Christianity before the 20th century too, which is absurd):
“… In my Contending Earnestly for the Faith[2] letter (March 2010, p. 25), I wrote that the following Christian leaders were cessationists (the gifts of the Spirit ceased when the Scriptures were complete). These include Athanasius, Luther, Calvin, Matthew Henry, C.H. Spurgeon, Charles Hodge, and a multitude of current leaders such as John MacArthur & Norman Geisler. …”
Source:
https://www.truthchallenge.one/blog/2010/06/20/cessationism-through-church-history/
What is my position of it?
I do believe God can allow for such Gifts as my healing itself was from a Divine Voice (back in 2010 supernaturally with no human beings around) which told me to “… Get on your knees and Declare that Jesus is Lord/God …” (I did and was Healed a little immediately and as I had to Repent, in time I was healed in full). Till today, I’m 100% healed and that was about 12 years ago (today is 2022). However, I do “not” believe that every Christian claiming such gifts could be true but I don’t judge to avoid any possible blasphemy of the Holy Spirit and so let God Judge One Day.
4) Keeping His Commandments Gives God’s Presence with us
“… IF YOU LOVE ME, KEEP [Obey] MY COMMANDMENTS. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:15, NKJV)
“… 23JESUS ANSWERED and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will KEEP MY WORD; and MY FATHER WILL LOVE HIM, and WE WILL COME TO HIM and MAKE OUR HOME WITH HIM. 24He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. …” (John 14:23 – 24, NKJV)
A life without God’s Presence with His Commands could be “pointless”.
5) Heavenly Ranking / Rewards are based on “His Commands” only
“… 19Whoever therefore BREAKS one of the LEAST of THESE COMMANDMENTS, and TEACHES men so, shall be called LEAST in the kingdom of HEAVEN; but whoever DOES AND TEACHES them, he shall be called GREAT in the kingdom of HEAVEN. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:19, NKJV)
Conclusion
Apostle St. Paul did “not” Speak against God’s Commands but Taught these likewise as I have quoted in earlier chapters as he only spoke of the abolished Torah part to be unobserved (anything which you don’t find re-enforced in New Testament Verses) because in the end nothing else matters, Example Verse:
“… Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the KEEPING OF THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD. …” (1 Corinthians 7:19, KJV)
Peace to you
New Testament Traditions Mystery
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161637132617784
“Relative Measure” in Image.
(God is Fair to all by His Rules, Luke 21:1 – 3, Luke 12:46 – 48; the only ones who will “not” follow Written Rules of the Bible are the same ones who like to cheat).
God has no partially. For example if the Corinthian Church had to obey it, all other Churches had too as well (as Apostle St. Paul never quoted the imaginary reason of culture which is proven in his own words here that the “other Churches” (not Corinthian Churches only to whom these letters were directed) all OBEYED THE SAME RULES), Example Verses:
“… 6But if anyone seems to be CONTENTIOUS, we have NO SUCH CUSTOM, NOR DO THE CHURCHES OF GOD … 33For GOD IS NOT THE AUTHOR OF [I]CONFUSION but of PEACE, as in ALL THE CHURCHES OF THE SAINTS. …” (1 Corinthians 14:6, 33, NKJV)
“… 6Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us NOT TO THINK BEYOND WHAT IS WRITTEN, that none of you may be [c]PUFFED UP ON BEHALF OF ONE AGAINST THE OTHER. 7For who [d]MAKES YOU DIFFER FROM ANOTHER? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? …” (1 Corinthians 4:6 – 7, NKJV)
Please remember that NEW TESTAMENT TRADITIONS were Preached even by Blessed Martin Luther, Blessed John Cavin, Blessed Charles Spurgeon, Blessed John Wesley or even the Church Fathers Taught? (Are all these great man of God “Prideful” for obeying and teaching “Written New Testament Traditions“?) I have discussed some quotes in detail by each Protestant Founder or Saint above in several pages in the #SafeRouteScripturallyBook. So, are they all ‘satan’ for Preaching thus?.
What the Bible has “Praised” no man can condemn (for example obeying these “New Testament Traditions”) even beyond the Corinthian Church even at the Thessalonian Church too, Verses:
“… 1IMITATE ME, just as I also IMITATE CHRIST. 2Now I PRAISE you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and KEEP the TRADITIONS just as I delivered them to you. …” (1 Corinthians 11:1 – 2, NKJV)
“… Therefore, brethren, STAND FAST AND HOLD THE TRADITIONS which YOU WERE TAUGHT, WHETHER BY WORD OR OUR EPISTLE. …” (2 Thessalonians 2:15, NKJV)
In fact, when we “withdraw” from any “Church” which does “not” obey even these New Testament “Traditions“, we are “Obeying this Command“:
“… But we COMMAND YOU, BRETHREN, in the NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, that you WITHDRAW FROM EVERY BROTHER who walks DISORDERLY and NOT ACCORDING TO THE TRADITION which he received from us. …” (2 Thessalonians 3:6, NKJV)
No one is “ever ruined” by Teaching and Obeying New Testament “Traditions/Rules” and in fact may be “Crowned“, Verse:
“… 5And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is NOT CROWNED unless he COMPETES ACCORDING to THE RULES. … 14REMIND them of THESE THINGS, charging them before the Lord not to [d]strive about words to no profit, to the RUIN OF THE HEARERS. … ” (2 Timothy 2:5, 14, NKJV)
“… Obedience is better than Sacrifice …” (1 Samuel 15:22)
Converting MANY is not anything great if it’s lesser obedience to What is Written.
God doesn’t reward ‘no of converts’ because that’s by ‘relative measure’ as a big number will usually be for ‘easier levels of faith’ or lesser levels such as the thirty-fold as opposed to Christ Commanding the “Hundredfold Perfection” (in Matthew 19:21 – 24, Matthew 19:27 – 30) as Christ Himself only had “Twelve Apostles” at the Highest Levels.
Example: Christ Himself had only “12 Apostles” at the highest levels or the “Firstfruit” of Salvation refers to purely “144 000 unmarried Jewish Virgin Men only” (Revelation 7:1 – 10, Revelation 14:1 – 5) as the “Firstfruits” indicates the holiest lot which has nothing to do with number of converts as ‘how many unmarried Jewish Virgin Men from history even are known to have big number of converts or pastor mega churches’?
Well this is what the Bible clearly Teaches in the Quoted Verses “as it is Written“.
Peace to you
Different Levels of the Kingdom of Heaven are Represented in His Parables
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161640172727784
Example (Verse in image):
“… Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and SELLS ALL THAT HE HAS and buys that field. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 13:44, NKJV)
So, does that mean that we have to “…. Sell all that we have …”?
Not necessarily (certainly I did NOT do it), because:
1) Sell all you have type of Christianity referred to in this Parable talks about the Hundredfold Perfect ones as Christ Explains elsewhere
“… 20The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept [g]from my youth. What do I STILL LACK?” 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.”…” (Matthew 19:20 – 21, NKJV)
“… 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 19:27 – 30, NKJV)
2) For the Rest, we do what we can and obtain an inheritance based on what we Give
Verses:
“… 5And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up [a]and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, [b]make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6So he [c]made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. 7But when they saw it, they all [d]complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest WITH A MAN WHO IS A SINNER.” 8Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “LOOK, LORD, I GIVE HALF OF MY GOODS TO THE POOR; AND IF I HAVE TAKEN ANYTHING FROM ANYONE BY FALSE ACCUSATION, I RESTORE FOURFOLD.” 9And JESUS SAID TO HIM, “TODAY SALVATION HAS COME TO THIS HOUSE, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10for THE SON OF MAN has come TO SEEK AND TO SAVE THAT WHICH WAS LOST.” …” (Luke 19:5 – 10, NKJV)
“… 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)
iii) There is NO DISCIPLESHIP without the DOCTRINE of GIVING from one’s OWN POSSESSIONS (not donation money nor Church Money only)
“Doctrine of Renunciation” in some way according to whether our renunciation level is Thirty-fold, Sixty-fold or Hundredfold accordingly, Verses:
“… So likewise, whoever of you DOES NOT FORSAKE ALL that he has CANNOT BE MY DISCIPLE …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 14:33, NKJV)
In the ‘other manuscript’, it’s even more clear that the context is “leaving possessions” (not gaining them as the error of the Prosperity Gospel Teaches):
“… So then, NONE OF YOU CAN BE MY DISCIPLE who does NOT GIVE UP ALL HIS OWN POSSESSIONS …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 14:33, NASB)
“… So is he who LAYS UP TREASURE FOR HIMSELF, and is NOT RICH TOWARD GOD.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:21, NKJV)
3) “Whatever you do” affects one’s personal Reward Inheritance Level in the Kingdom
Yes, “Whatever you do” = “any act” which “benefits others” or of “holiness” can merit a reward of inheritance in His Kingdom and “not” just Church activities even if you work as a “servant” as these Verses Reveal Clearly below in Context:
“… 22Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23And WHATEVER YOU DO, DO IT HEARTILY, AS TO THE LORD AND NOT TO MEN, 24knowing that FROM THE LORD YOU WILL RECEIVE THE REWARD OF THE INHERITANCE; for[a] YOU SERVE THE LORD CHRIST. 25But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is NO PARTIALITY. …” (Colossians 3:22 – 25, NKJV)
Comment: so you are “not” at any disadvantage if you work a “secular job” (as even Blessed Apostle St. Paul who wrote the Verse above did) instead of ‘full time ministry even’ as God has “… NO PARTIALITY. …” (please notice this phrase in last line above) even in this context of “… YOU WILL RECEIVE THE REWARD OF THE INHERITANCE …” even if you work the secular job as a servant/slave as these Verses Describe clearly in “Context” proving that Biblical Good can never be defeated (from “Heaven’s Perspective” as it only increases your heavenly inheritance whenever the more discriminated or harder in relative measure you have to do that work/”… whatever you do …”).
4) Tithing doesn’t fulfill this “Justice and Love of God” part which can only be fulfilled via the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle
Yes, from “WHAT YOU HAVE” as CHRIST WARNED the Pharisees (analogy for ‘religious leaders’ who sometimes think they don’t need to give but receive ‘blessings only’), Verses:
“… 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. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:41 – 42, NKJV)
5) Your Final “Eternal Home” is based on ‘how you share your worldly wealth here first’ (not church money or donation money or other people’s money but your own) as CHRIST Himself Taught this again in Verses below
“… 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. 10“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. 11And IF YOU ARE UNTRUSTWORTHY ABOUT WORLDLY WEALTH, who will trust you with the TRUE RICHES OF HEAVEN? 12And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own? “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. YOU CANNOT SERVE GOD AND BE ENSLAVED TO MONEY.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 16:9 – 13, NLT)
So if we are enslaved to money, Christ’s Words point that we will be untrustworthy with our worldly wealth exhibiting “no” Charity Doctrine Lifestyle of giving and sharing for free what we have (by Relative Measure) to others and Vice Versa. Of course the degree we do it will determine whether we obtain the thirty, sixty or hundredfold rewards (Matthew 13:8, Matthew 19:29).
6) Relative Measure
“… 1And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, 2and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites.[a] 3So He said, “TRULY I say to you that this POOR widow has put in MORE THAN ALL; 4for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings [b]for God, but she OUT OF HER POVERTY PUT IN ALL THE LIVELIHOOD THAT SHE HAD.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 21:1 – 4, NKJV)
Note: The only reason Christ Gave above is “RELATIVE MEASURE” via ‘Willing Giving’ (nothing else He Pointed to). Mysterious, isn’t it?
Yes, God Only Measures with “Relative Measure” as “more is Given, more is Required” as that’s Fair to All, “Judgment” Verses in “General” for this too:
“… 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, 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 12:47 – 48, NKJV)
Even Contributions to “God’s Ministry” can be judged “likewise” as His Principles do “not” change. We Trust Christ’s Words in this and Believe Likewise as “it is Written”.
Conclusion
There is NO Gospel “Obedience” without the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle
“… 6But this I say: HE WHO SOWS SPARINGLY WILL ALSO REAP SPARINGLY, and HE WHO SOWS BOUNTIFULLY WILL ALSO REAP BOUNTIFULLY. 7So let EACH ONE GIVE as he PURPOSES in HIS HEART, not grudgingly or of [f]necessity; for GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER. 8And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for EVERY GOOD WORK. 9As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad,He has GIVEN TO THE POOR; His RIGHTEOUSNESS endures FOREVER.” 10Now [g]may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, [h]supply and multiply the seed you have sown and INCREASE THE FRUITS OF YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS, 11while you are enriched in everything for ALL LIBERALITY, which causes THANKSGIVING THROUGH US TO GOD. 12For the ADMINISTRATION OF THIS SERVICE not only SUPPLIES THE NEEDS OF THE SAINTS, but also is ABOUNDING THROUGH MANY THANKSGIVINGS TO GOD, 13while, through the PROOF OF THIS MINISTRY, THEY GLORIFY GOD for the OBEDIENCE OF YOUR CONFESSION to the GOSPEL OF CHRIST, and for YOUR LIBERAL SHARING WITH THEM and ALL MEN, …” (2 Corinthians 9:6 – 13, NKJV)
All these I have discussed in the #SafeRouteScripturallyBook and #MysteryoftheKingdomofHeavenBook .
These are “not” strange doctrines but plainly What Christ Himself Teaches in the Quoted Verses “as it is Written“.
Peace to you
“Scripture”
No condemnation in doing #Doctrine or #Correction by using #SolaScriptura .
Gifts of the Spirit are Good but why not Focus on His New Testament Traditions as well?
That’s why we need to Focus on “His Commands” and not use gifts as a justification of doing against say New Testament Traditions.
Simple Question: Didn’t the Holy Spirit give the New Testament Traditions? Then if so, could speaking against it be considered the Unforgivable Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit? Why not? Let God Decide but as long as the “Risk” is there, why take the chances?
In other words, why can’t we consider the New Testament Traditions as something sacred because the Most Blessed Holy Spirit of God did Inspire those New Testament Bible Verses, right? And if we consider so, what’s wrong? It was so till the 20th Century Christianity (please remember that).
Peace to you
Unsolved Mystery of Christ’s Last Word – It is Finished – is a non-Elect Salvation Possible?
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161647072002784
Disclaimer: This is “not” Doctrine but a “Possibility” study by looking at the quoted Verses literally as it is Written. Whatever God Reveals One Day, I accept it regardless. Let’s Begin.
1) The phrase “It is Finished!”
Verse:
“… So when JESUS had received the sour wine, HE SAID, “IT IS FINISHED!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. …” (John 19:30, NKJV)
Mystery part: In the Book of Revelation we find a Final Prophecy also containing these similar or same Words Declared by Christ (in the Future of more than 2000 years apart at the end of the age) as “IT IS DONE (Finished)” as follows:
“… 6And He said to me, “IT[C] IS DONE! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the WATER OF LIFE FREELY TO HIM WHO THIRSTS. …” (Revelation 21:6, NKJV)
2) Can there be a non-Elect Salvation “Possibility“?
Definition:
3) Bride Vs “Nations of those who are Saved”
“… Come, I will show you the [g]BRIDE, the LAMB’S WIFE.” 10And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and SHOWED ME THE [H]GREAT CITY, the [I]HOLY JERUSALEM, DESCENDING OUT OF HEAVEN from God, … 24And the NATIONS [N]OF THOSE WHO ARE SAVED shall walk in its light, and the KINGS OF THE EARTH bring their glory and honor [o]into it. 25Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). 26And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into [p]it. 27But there shall by no means enter it anything [q]that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but ONLY THOSE WHO ARE WRITTEN IN THE LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE. …” (Revelation 21:8 – 10, 24 – 27, NKJV)
Note: The “terrestrial/earthly body salvation” for some other “nations who are saved with kings of the earth” (the word ‘earth’ signifying ‘terrestrial salvation’ with ‘terrestrial body too’) may be revealed in Verses above as they Visit the Heavenly City toward only those who are Written in the Lamb’s Book of Life where ‘His Church/Bride is’ (Who Alone have Celestial Resurrection Heavenly Body; please see end of this write-up).
4) Bride Vs “Thirsty ones”
Another Comment: The ‘Bride of Christ’ and God seem to call out to ‘thirsty ones (on that Day)’ to be given the ‘Water of Life’ and be saved as a possible non-Elect Salvation in Verse below
“… And the SPIRIT and the BRIDE say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And LET HIM WHO THIRSTS COME. Whoever desires, let him TAKE THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY. …” – Blessed Apostle St. John (Revelation 22:17, NKJV)
Where possibly:
The Spirit = God
The Bride = Christians (those with Elect Salvation)
“who thirsts” = those with non-Elect Salvation Possibility?
5) The “Overcomers” Vs the “Thirsty” ones Vs the “Damned”
“… I will give of the fountain of the WATER OF LIFE FREELY TO HIM WHO THIRSTS. …” (Revelation 21:6, NKJV)
Let’s see this related Verse in full:
“… 6And He said to me, “IT[C] IS DONE! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the WATER OF LIFE FREELY TO HIM WHO THIRSTS. 7He WHO OVERCOMES [d]SHALL INHERIT ALL THINGS, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 8But the cowardly, [e]unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” …” (Revelation 21:6 – 8, NKJV)
Possibility:
iii) The “Damned” = Unsaved in the Lake of Fire = “… 8But the cowardly, [e]unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” …”
I find it hard to see that Revelation 21:6 and Revelation 21:7 Speak of the ‘same’ People especially with Revelation 22:17 above which seem more likely to Speak of Saved-Christians calling out to some recently saved non-Christians as per details next. Three groups of people seem to mentioned distinctly and compared here namely:
In comparison, the ‘thirsty ones’ given the ‘water of life freely’ in Revelation 21:6 most likely cannot be the same ones who “overcome” as mentioned in Revelation 21:7 as the thirsty ones sounds like they are much lower whilst the one who “overcomes must have faith” in comparison of the word “Thirsty” which indicates lack of believing as per John 7:37 – 39 too and thus may not be the same group either.
6) Believing after seeing Possibility for a non-Elect Salvation Possibility
“… 36But I said to you that YOU HAVE SEEN ME and YET DO NOT BELIEVE … 40And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that EVERYONE WHO SEES THE SON and BELIEVES IN HIM may have EVERLASTING LIFE; and I will RAISE HIM UP at the LAST DAY.” …” (John 6:36, 40, NKJV)
“… And as MOSES LIFTED UP the SERPENT in the wilderness, even so must the SON OF MAN BE LIFTED UP, 15that WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM should [c]NOT PERISH but have ETERNAL LIFE. …” (John 3:14 – 15, NKJV)
Comment: John 3:14 – 15 and John 6:36 – 40 above seem to point strongly to the ‘Believing after Seeing case’ which could be available till the LAST DAY as both John 6:40 and the Shepherd of Hermas quote earlier seem to point for this ‘non-Elect Salvation Possibility’. In the Context of John 3:14, it is Christ Who is quoting the phrase “… which in the past literally referred to those ‘who saw the Serpent on the Bronze stick’ and those who ‘LITERALLY SEE it and BELIEVE’ was HEALED which Christ seems to Hint likewise to Himself as the ‘Believing after Seeing Possibility’ toward those who were ‘bitten by the serpent (indicating Satan metaphorically)’ as per the past incident Christ refers to below:
“… 8Then THE LORD SAID to MOSES “Make a FIERY SERPENT, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he LOOKS AT IT, SHALL LIVE.” 9So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a SERPENT HAD BITTEN ANYONE, when he LOOKED AT THE BRONZE SERPENT, he LIVED. …” (Number 21:8 – 9, NKJV)
The phrase “Lifted Up” in John 3:14 – 15 above can refer to ‘after Christ is Glorified’ as it points to a time after ‘Christ has Died’ and Resurrected ‘from the earth’ (implied clearly in Verse below) which strengthens this claims for ‘Believing after Seeing the RISEN CHRIST Possibility’ as they’re Saved by Christ like that (if God Wills it):
“… 32And I, if I am [e]LIFTED UP FROM THE EARTH, will DRAW ALL PEOPLES to Myself.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 12:32, NKJV)
7) Terrestrial Resurrection Body (Earthly) Vs Celestial Resurrection Body (Heavenly)
“… 39ALL FLESH IS NOT THE SAME FLESH, but there is one kind [f]of flesh of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds. 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 15:39 – 42, NKJV)
In 1 Corinthians 15:39 – 42, it’s clear that there are two types of Resurrection bodies mentioned in the Context of the Resurrection of the Dead (1 Corinthians 15:42) namely the “Celestial” (Heavenly) Vs the “Terrestrial” (Earthly) of which I conjecture that the Celestial one refers to Christians only because only they become one flesh with Christ (as Ephesians 5:25 – 27, 31 – 32 Reveals) while the rest are only earthly bodies as Christ does “not” become One Flesh with them as it’s only towards His Bride.
Please also notice very carefully in 1 Corinthians 15:40 that two types of “Glory” are mentioned for the final Resurrection Bodies namely “but the GLORY of the CELESTIAL is one,” Vs ” and the GLORY of the TERRESTRIAL is another.” (in 1 Corinthians 15:40).
Now the word “Glory” in “… GLORY of the TERRESTRIAL is another …” (mentioned clearly in 1 Corinthians 15:40) in this Context of “Resurrection of the Dead” (1 Corinthians 15:42) itself indicates that some of the of the TERRESTRIAL RESURRECTION BODIES are also “Saved” for it doesn’t seem logical for a body raised with “glory” to be “unsaved“. To say that this “Terrestrial Glory” ones refers to some lower Christians contradicts Ephesians 5:25 – 27, 31 – 32 which describes Christ Sharing One Flesh with all Christians in some way and so they must be “CELESTIAL (Heavenly) RESURRECTION GLORY Bodies only“.
Note: Most of these quotes are from the various pages of the #MysteryoftheKingdomofHeavenBook.
Peace to you
Here are some interesting Facts regarding the “Athanasian Creed”
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161676673362784
1) Do Protestants accept it?
Absolutely and by all Major Denominations, example quotes:
“… Early Protestants inherited the late mediaeval devotion to the Athanasian Creed, and it was considered to be authoritative in many Protestant churches. The statements of Protestant belief (confessional documents) of various Reformers commend the Athanasian Creed to their followers, including the Augsburg Confession, the Formula of Concord, the Second Helvetic Confession, the Belgic Confession, the Bohemian Confession and the Thirty-nine Articles …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athanasian_Creed
2) Who wrote it?
“… though Athanasius did not write the Nicene Creed, he was its chief champion against the heretics who followed after Arius, who argued that Christ was an exalted creature but that He was less than God. Athanasius died in 373 a.d., and the epithet that appeared on his tombstone is now famous, as it captures the essence of his life and ministry. It read simply, “Athanasius contra mundum,” that is, “Athanasius against the world.” This great Christian leader suffered several exiles during the embittered Arian controversy because of the steadfast profession of faith he maintained in Trinitarian orthodoxy. Though the name “Athanasius” was given to the creed over the centuries, modern scholars are convinced that the Athanasian Creed was written after the death of Athanasius. Certainly, Athanasius’ theological influence is embedded in the creed, but in all likelihood he was not its author. …”
Source: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/athanasian-creed
Or
https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/the-athanasian-creed-11578448.html
3) What’s a Mystery regarding Athanasius?
This “Doctrine of Trinity” in these Words was Championed by Blessed St. Athanasius the Great without which Arianism would have prevailed. So, “God chose Athanasius” for this most important Doctrine which Unites almost all mainstream Christianity, this same Athanasius” is the one who tells us of the Approval of the “Shepherd of Hermas” too from antiquity which has the “non-Elect Salvation Possibility” as I have discussed say in Pages 234 to Pages 240 in the #saferoutescripturallybook or even Pages 91 to 92 or Pages 232 to 233 too from First Christianity.
So, that’s why I keep these “possibilities” open as it was held by the Greatest Champions of Faith who existed before any of the modern churches existed even (I mean, God did not start saving Christians only about 400 years ago).
4) Here’s an Example Quote of St. Athanasius believing the “believing after seeing possibility” or “non-Elect Salvation type” even in “Hades (Hell)” now (there are other quotes but I just give an example here):
“… And if a man has gone down even to HADES, and stands awestruck before the heroes who have descended thither, regarding them as gods, still he may see the fact of Christ’s resurrection and His victory over death, and reason from it that, of all these, He alone is very Lord and God. For the Lord touched all parts of creation, and freed and undeceived them all from every deceit. As St. Paul says, “Having put off from Himself the principalities and the powers, He triumphed on the cross,”(Col. 2. 15) so that no one could possibly be any longer deceived, but everywhere might find the very Word of God. For thus man, enclosed on every side by the works of creation and everywhere-in heaven, in HADES, in men and on the earth, beholding the unfolded Godhead of the Word, is no longer deceived concerning God, but worships Christ alone, and through Him rightly knows the Father. On these grounds, then, of reason and of principle, we will fairly silence the Gentiles in their turn. But if they think these arguments insufficient to confute them, we will go on in the next chapter to prove our point from facts. … ” – Blessed St. Athanasius the Great, the Father of Orthodoxy, Patriarch of Alexandria and Champion of Trinity, Doctor of the Church and Confessor, Coptic Pope (c. 296 AD – c. 373 AD, ‘On the Incarnation’, , Ibid, Chapter 7/ Section 45)
Translation Source:
https://www.worldinvisible.com/library/athanasius/incarnation/incarnation.7.htm
Yes, it’s the “same Athanasius”.
Please also note that this is Quote “not” from an obscure writing attributed to Athanasius but on the very Book titled “… On the Incarnation …” (which he wrote) upon which the Most Glorious Doctrine of Trinity was Defended where it contains such even non-Elect salvation Possibility quotes like this where upon such beliefs was the Doctrine of Trinity defended by St. Athanasius – can you see it?
And all of Mainstream Christianity be it Protestants to Catholics to Orthodox admit St. Athanasius as being used by God to Defend this).
Mysterious, isn’t it?
Peace to you
Example Possible Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit Example in Image by Kenneth Copeland
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161678639582784
Explanation
1) Kenneth Copeland’s quote in image (the top one) is a dangerous one because you cannot simply exalt oneself as “god” using names which are exclusive to “Him Alone” as it could be a “possible” Unforgivable Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:30 – 32, as to whether God Judges it as that serious or not, let Him Decide but as long as the risk is there, let’s be very careful).
Please note that Kenneth Copeland is a “Prosperity Pastor” and he is the ‘richest Protestant in the world’ (in case you didn’t realize) and he built his ministry claiming ‘… God told him this and that weekly or daily …’ with ‘… Prosperity promises such as God is Going to make you rich or equivalent …’ etc. as many typical Charismatic Churches do. This is important because if you judge things based on number of Converts or number of Christians following such things or even by how much money he made by “collecting tithes and offerings in the name of God”, then he beats flat all your other “prosperity pastors” even by relative measure being the “No. 1 in their camp for a long time”.
Example information about him:
“… Kenneth Max Copeland (born December 6, 1936) is an American televangelist, and author associated with the charismatic movement. The organization he founded in 1967, Eagle Mountain International Church Inc. (EMIC), is based in Tarrant County, Texas. … He has been identified as preaching the prosperity gospel and as part of the Word of Faith movement. Copeland has written that parishioners will get a “hundredfold” return on their investment through giving to God.[3] He has been criticized for his use of donations and tax exempt status to finance a mansion, private jets, an airport and other lavish purchases. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Copeland claimed that the pandemic had ended or would soon end and that his followers would be healed from the virus. He stated that followers should continue paying tithes if they lost their jobs in the economic crisis that the pandemic caused. He later made claims to have destroyed the virus and to have ended the ongoing pandemic. … He has claimed in an interview that the ministry has “brought over 122 million people to the Lord Jesus Christ” … Copeland has been married three times. [Divorced and remarried] …”
Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_Copeland
How rich is he? Even richer than Joel Osteen (who has America’s biggest Church or than David Cho of Assemblies of God Korea who has the biggest Church in the world), example quote:
“… America’s wealthiest pastor Kenneth Copeland – who is worth $770m – dodges $150K property tax on his $7m mansion home by claiming it’s a ‘clergy residence’ … Televangelist Kenneth Copeland, the richest pastor in America, avoids paying an annual property tax bill of $150,000 by claiming that his massive lakeside mansion is a clergy residence, which qualifies it for a complete tax break. Copeland, 85, enjoys the spoils of his six-bed, six-bath house – with a sweeping spiral staircase, crystal chandeliers and a tennis court – without contributing a single dime to the area’s schools and first responders. …”
Source:
Example of other “Possible” Blasphemies and “Prophecies” which ‘failed to come to pass’ by Kenneth Copeland (as many are recorded via video by his own ministry even, you can Google it if keen), example link:
https://www.apprising.org/2008/09/06/arrogance-and-blasphemy-the-faith-of-kenneth-copeland-2/
Comments:
Example Quote:
“… If you have been asking who the worlds richest pastors are, then we have the list here for you. Below is the list of the top ten wealthiest pastors in the world and their Net Worth. Forbes richest pastors in the world are;
Kenneth Copeland ($300 Million)
David Oyedepo ($200 Million)
T.D Jakes ($147 Million)
Chris Oyakhilome ($50 Million)
Joel Osteen ($40 Million)
Enoch Adeboye ($39 Million)
Creflo Dollar ($27 Million)
Benny Hinn ($25 Million)
T.B. Joshua ($10 Million)
Joseph Prince ($5 Million) …”
Source: https://richupdates.com/richest-pastors-in-the-world/
2) In contrast, Paul Washer’s quote (bottom in image) is Biblically True.
Source for image:
https://www.facebook.com/1380583325290273/posts/5502085449806686/
At least, Paul Washer has a lot of respect for “Written Scripture” and regardless of points of theology where I may see “possibilities” differently based on Church Fathers even, it doesn’t matter much because the heart is right in God in that it seeks to honour “the Written Word of God” as CHRIST HIMSELF TAUGHT this PRINCIPLE both in “HIS FIRST SERMON” (Luke 4) and also in “HIS TEMPTATION against the DEVIL” (Matthew 4) where HE ONLY READ WHAT IS WRITTEN IN SCRIPTURE or QUOTED WHAT IS WRITTEN IN SCRIPTURE for both these instances unlike many of Kenneth Copeland’s ways which are “not” found in Scripture and even AGAINST MANY NEW TESTAMENT VERSES even.
Please remember that as long as you never said ‘… The Holy Spirit told me this and that directly especially for things which you do AGAINST WRITTEN SCRIPTURE …’ you have “not” committed any Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.
In regards to ‘pastors who claim otherwise’, please don’t judge them but just know that if God Really told them otherwise, they will be safe but if not, taking the Name of God in vain itself is a higher 10 Commandment which could risk the Unforgivable Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit too if we are not careful.
As usual, I just point to the known facts and risks and you decide for yourselves which is suitable for you and as for me, I prefer “WRITTEN SCRIPTURE” as the Safe Route Scripturally.
Why don’t judge option is better in these cases both ways (Matthew 7:1 – 3)?
Because even this “Apostolic Fathers” Writing of the “Didache” Taught this likewise as follows:
“… And when the apostle goes away, let him take nothing but bread until he lodges; but if he ask money, he is a false prophet. And every prophet that speaks in the Spirit you shall neither try nor judge; for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven. …” – The Didache or the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles to the Nations (Chapter 11)
Source: https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0714.htm
What do the “I AM” statements by CHRIST actually mean and WHY they are EXCLUSIVELY ONLY referring to HIM ALONE? Please refer to Image.
Peace to you
Someone said ‘… It’s just a figure of speech we cannot take the ‘no beginning of days’ phrase literally’ …’ (rephrased)
Reply: To mean such shallow things the Inspired Writer of Hebrews need not use phrases like “no beginning of days” but just every day description used on other human beings. The Fact that such unique and terms denoting the “INFINITE” or Words which imply “BEYOND COMPREHENSION” such as “NO BEGINNING of DAYS” used here (which we cannot grasp fully with our ‘human mind’), thus it means MORE THAN JUST A HUMAN or CREATED THING when SPEAKING of CHRIST here in ALLEGORY too.
Why Preach the #charitydoctrine ? – Did Christ Teach it?
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161685560222784
The Hierarchy of Which is the “Greatest Commandment” was not all the 10 Commandments which was Hidden and Revealed by Christ to be:
“… 29JESUS answered him, “The [k]first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ [l]This is the first commandment. 31And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is NO OTHER COMMANDMENT GREATER THAN THESE.” …” (Mark 12:29 – 31, NKJV)
So this means that the ‘love your neighbour as yourself’ command (which was not a 10 commandment at all) turned out to be more important than even other 10 commandments except the First One. It also means that no one can keep the First Commandment Perfectly without fulfilling this Command either as Apostle John Revealed as follows:
“… 20If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, [d]how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. …” (1 John 4:20 – 21, NKJV)
The Most interesting part is that this ‘Love your neighbour’ Command is not some abstract feeling in words or some shallow type but rather Christ Revealed it as nothing else than the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle as He Mentions no other religious act nor any other meaning in “His Own Definition” as follows “only”:
“… 25And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I DO TO INHERIT ETERNAL LIFE?” 26He said to him, “What is WRITTEN IN THE LAW? What is YOUR READING OF IT?” 27So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ ” 28And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; DO THIS AND YOU WILL LIVE.” 29But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?” 30Then JESUS ANSWERED and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had COMPASSION. 34So he went to him and BANDAGED HIS WOUNDS, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and TOOK CARE OF HIM. 35On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘TAKE CARE OF HIM; and WHATEVER MORE YOU SPEND, when I come again, I WILL REPAY YOU.’ 36So which of these three do you think was NEIGHBOR to him who fell among the thieves? 37And he said, “He who SHOWED MERCY on him.” Then JESUS SAID to him, “GO AND DO LIKEWISE.”…” (Luke 10:25 – 37, NKJV)
Hence #CharityDoctrine is a must for any #TrueChurch of God because it is part of the ‘Greatest Commandment’. Not even the ‘Great Commission’ is the Greatest Commandment (please take note) as Christ Himself Revealed.
If Christ Measures which Commandment is Greater and which is not, we ought to as well to #FollowChrist and that’s why further details are discussed especially in the #SafeRouteScripturallyBook to #ObeyChrist in this too.
Judgment Day Agrees itself Christ is only interested with how we treat the poor (Matthew 25:31-46’s When I was hungry, thirsty, naked…) likewise.
Peace to you
Greatest Love Mystery and the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle link as Taught by CHRIST HIMSELF
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161685834277784
In the Parable of the Good Samaritan quoted by Christ (Luke 10:25 – 37), Jews and Samaritans were different races and cultural enemies. In other words Christ Chose to Describe the “Love your neighbor as yourself” to point to the “Love beyond the same race” and toward “cultural enemies” too via the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle. A question to ask: Has our enemies benefitted anything for free via our lifestyle?
That’s why when Describing the “God’s Greatest Love”, CHRIST HIMSELF Described it using a “Friend” and not ‘mother, father, son, daughter, or any other relationship type etc.’, Verses:
“… 12This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13GREATER LOVE HAS NO ONE THAN THIS, THAN TO LAY DOWN ONE’S LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS. 14You are My friends IF YOU DO WHATEVER I COMMAND YOU. …” (John 15:6 – 14, NKJV)
And since only His Love is Greatest, He Teaches us to #followhim by Living the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle to ‘live out this #greatestlove which we can do as humans’ in Verses below in ‘action and not in sweet empty words’, Verses:
“… 16By this WE KNOW LOVE, because He laid down His life for us. And we also OUGHT TO LAY DOWN OUR LIVES FOR THE BRETHREN. 17But WHOEVER HAS THIS WORLD’S GOODS, and SEES HIS BROTHER IN NEED, AND SHUTS UP HIS HEART FROM HIM, HOW DOES THE LOVE OF GOD ABIDE IN HIM? 18My little children, let us NOT LOVE IN WORD or IN TONGUE, BUT IN DEED AND IN TRUTH …” (1 John 3:16 – 18, NKJV)
Comment: In short, the ‘CONTEXT of LAYING DOWN OUR LIVES’ (same Topic/Meaning) which is the CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE of SHARING and GIVING this WORLD’S GOODS. No other ‘religious act’ and Nothing else is Written for if anything else was important for this ‘Greatest Love Definition’, His Word would have included it but that’s not the case.
Please remember that “Love” (Agape) Described as the ##CharityDoctrineLifestyle in 1 John 3:16 – 18 here is the ‘Greatest’ even Greater than “Faith” too (as the Bible Compares so must we) in Verse below, 1 Corinthians 13:13 in a few translations:
King James Bible
And now abideth FAITH, HOPE, CHARITY, these three; but the GREATEST of THESE IS CHARITY.
New King James Version
And now abide FAITH, HOPE, LOVE these three; but the GREATEST of THESE IS LOVE.
New American Standard Bible
But now FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE remain, these three; but the GREATEST of THESE IS LOVE.
Indeed, in this Context of ‘Greatest Faith or Perfect Faith or Following Him’ also we find this Mystery as follows where He Put the Greatest Treasure in the things we cannot do or can do little of it only (yes What is True Biblical Love? Love Looks at you in the eye and Tells you this):
“… Then JESUS, LOOKING at him, LOVED him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, SELL WHATEVER YOU HAVE and GIVE TO THE POOR, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, TAKE UP THE CROSS, and FOLLOW ME.” …” (Mark 10:21, NKJV)
Fuller Details:
“… 20The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept [g]from my youth. What do I STILL LACK?” 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.” 22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away SORROWFUL, for he had GREAT POSSESSIONS.23Then JESUS said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is HARD for a RICH MAN TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. 24And AGAIN I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. …” (Matthew 19:20 – 24, NKJV)
Peace to you
Kingdom of Heaven Mystery
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161685831802784
Not only St. Irenaous of Lyons had that quote (in image) as per earlier post (Page 552 in this book) or in link below but also St. Papias too (as shown in image) making it even most likely true. Earlier post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161683528007784
“… A fragment from the early 2nd century of one of the lost volumes of Papias, a Christian bishop, expounds that “heaven” was separated into three distinct layers. He referred to the first as just “heaven”, the second as “paradise”, and the third as “the city”. Papias taught that “there is this distinction between the habitation of those who produce a hundredfold, and that of those who produce sixty-fold, and that of those who produce thirty-fold”. In the 2nd century AD, Irenaeus (a Greek bishop) wrote that not all who are saved would merit an abode in heaven itself. …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heaven_in_Christianity
Related Details (brief, from the #MysteryoftheKingdomofHeavenBook ):
Kingdom of Heaven definition in First Christianity explains that the thirtyfold gets a dwelling in the New Jerusalem City (Lowest Heaven which connects to the New Earth as Revelation 21 describes), followed by the Paradise inheritance Level for the Sixty-fold and thereafter the “Heavens” Inheritance for the “Hundredfold” (where these can surely VISIT each other across the three just like some saved ones only inherit the ‘new earth’ but may VISIT the lowest Heaven, the New Jerusalem City as Revelation 21:24 – 27 records clearly)
“…. 24And the NATIONS [n]of THOSE WHO ARE SAVED shall walk in its light, and the KINGS OF THE EARTH bring their glory and honor [o]into it. 25Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). 26And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into [p]it. 27But there shall by no means enter it anything [q]that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. …” (Revelation 21: 24 – 27, NKJV)
Note: The fact that they’re saved to VISIT it only means they must “inherit the earth” but ‘not’ inherit the CITY (I could be wrong or this ‘possibility’ could be true).
Peace to you
Mystery of Justice and Righteousness in the Context of Final Salvation
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161697585262784
Revisited Quotes from the #SafeRouteScripturallyBook (Pages 610 to 612):
Please also notice the first Verse where God Instructs NOT just Holiness but “JUSTICE” too in this phrase (in image too)
“… 1Thus SAYS THE LORD: “Keep justice, and do righteousness, …”(Isaiah 56:1)
which is the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle according to CHRIST’S OWN DEFINITION in Verses below since #ALMS = #CHARITY = #FREE #GIVING or #SHARING NOT from #ChurchMoney or #Donation only but from #WhatYouHave (#Personal Possessions too) likewise, Verses:
“… 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)
Comment: These Highlighted Phrases from the above “… GIVE ALMS of [l]SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE; … YOU TITHE mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and PASS BY JUSTICE …” = ALMS/#CharityDoctrineLifestyle Fulfills “JUSTICE” while faithfully paying TITHES DID NOT. No other religious act is mentioned nor reprimanded by Christ here for them to “do more” meaning this is ‘what is missing’, namely the #CharityDoctrine.
Focus Phrase here by Christ Himself:
“… GIVE ALMS of [l]SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE; then indeed ALL THINGS ARE CLEAN TO YOU. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ
Note: #Alms (which Christ Refers to here) = only things which we #SHARE or #GIVE for #FREE not from other people’s donation only but FROM WHAT WE HAVE (as Christ Clearly Emphasizes this part as the Pharisees were good in donations with Church/Temple money in analogy but do NOT include their personal money/wealth thinking they are exempt being religious leaders).
These are not options based on your “personal calling or opinions” because Christ’s Phrase here is clear regarding these (including this #CharityDoctrine part) namely:
“… These you OUGHT TO HAVE DONE, WITHOUT LEAVING THE OTHERS UNDONE. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ
So ANY TRUE CHURCH of CHRIST Ought to Teach and Do both “Justice and Righteousness” and “not righteousness only” as “DOCTRINE” in the CONTEXT of FINAL SALVATION (Isaiah 56:1 – 5). Can you see it as it is Written, please?
Recap: Which “Justice”? Not “rich man politics games under that name” but rather the ONLY JUSTICE GOD is Referring to in Scripture as I have pointed in many Verses in earlier pages is ONLY THAT WHICH BENEFITS the POOR and the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle lived, example Verse:
“… 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)
iii) Please read ‘carefully’ and see that GOD HIMSELF did “not” Say that “righteousness is enough to KNOW HIM” but rather POINTS to BOTH “… JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS …” to KNOW HIM. So, are we really KEEN to KNOW GOD? then we must seek for both “Justice” and “Righteousness” in our “Doctrine and Lifestyle” as Revealed here directly by God Himself in Verses above “as it is Written“.
Conclusion
This Context is True within the Book of Isaiah itself because in Chapter 1, God Defined which “Justice” He meant as follows which refers to the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle only (yet again ‘In His Own Words’ be it in the Old Testament or in the New Testament too), Verses:
“… Learn to DO GOOD; SEEK JUSTICE, REBUKE the OPPRESSOR; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow. …” (Isaiah 1:17, NKJV)
“… Your princes are REBELLIOUS, And COMPANIONS OF THIEVES; Everyone loves bribes, And FOLLOWS AFTER REWARDS. They DO NOT DEFEND THE FATHERLESS, Nor does the CAUSE OF THE WIDOW COME BEFORE THEM. …” (Isaiah 1:23, NKJV)
“… PURE AND UNDEFILED RELIGION BEFORE GOD and the FATHER is this: to VISIT ORPHANS AND WIDOWS in their TROUBLE, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. …” (James 1:27, NKJV)
The idea that the #FoolishVirgins had #Holiness but ignored #Justice namely the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle is what the early #ChurchFathers and even Blessed Martin Luther, the First Protestant Taught likewise (in some way when quoting this Parable of the 5 Wise Vs 5 Foolish Virgins in Matthew 25) where “Virgins signifies Holiness” which I have discussed in the free pdf Book #ParableoftheWiseandFoolishVirginsBook.
Peace to you
Worse than an Unbeliever Mystery – How important is the Charity Doctrine?
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161702101297784
1) #CharityDoctrineLifestyle Begins at Home
Charity begins at Home and no amount of “believing” can save a person if they do not have the Charity Doctrine according to this Verse which calls them “Worse than an Unbeliever”:
“…But if anyone DOES NOT PROVIDE for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has DENIED THE FAITH and is WORSE THAN AN UNBELIEVER. …” (1 Timothy 5:8, NKJV)
Comment: Some may ask, if you give money already but the people at home waste it on “non needs”, who is to blame? If you provided, your part is over where if they do “non needs” purchase and chase “#Prosperity” or equivalent, no Verse supports this type of attitude and you are not to blame.
Example: I know of a man who gave his parents a sum of money which could last say about RM 900 per month for more than 20+ years and was given at old age after a house sale. He specifically told that this money was to be used for “needs only”.
However, a parent decided to try do business or invest to make more money so that an undisciplined son (who is too pampered and never went to work for years despite being in mid thirties) can have a his own house and the desire to provide for him led the money to be blown away! Please be wise! The parent should have let that son stay with other brothers (especially even mentioned by the brother through whom the house sale profit was possible) but the parents turned a deaf ear and now pays the consequence of such an undisciplined child whom they pampered as their own punishment.
Personally, I think that son who gave the sum of money after the house sale has done his part to fulfill this Verse.
Food for thought
If anyone says these Bible Verses are too harsh or my statements on the case study given, then please pray for your children to be exactly like that one day where they won’t work till their thirties and don’t even help an aging parent but just receive only. I tell this harshly to show the ‘reality’ that this is ‘not love’ as that guy can watch even the parent suffer and ‘do nothing’, so how much more watch strangers suffer and ‘do nothing’ likewise?
2) #CharityDoctrine expected out of a widow even (not man only)
Surprising when pointed out, the Verses here in 1 Timothy 5:8 (quoted earlier and in image too) is NOT referring to A MAN but A MOTHER or more specifically a WIDOW but since it’s a general statement, it applies to MAN TOO, here it is a little bit fuller:
“… 3Honor WIDOWS who are really widows. 4But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is [a]good and acceptable before God. 5Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. 6But she who lives in [b]pleasure is dead while she lives. 7And these things command, that they may be blameless. 8But if anyone DOES NOT PROVIDE for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has DENIED THE FAITH and is WORSE THAN AN UNBELIEVER. 9Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man, 10WELL REPORTED FOR GOOD WORKS: if she has BROUGHT UP CHILDREN, if SHE HAS LODGED STRANGERS, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has RELIEVED THE AFFLICTED, IF SHE HAS DILIGENTLY FOLLOWED EVERY GOOD WORK. 11But [c]refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry, 12having condemnation because they have CAST OFF THEIR FIRST [D]FAITH. …” (1 Timothy 5:3 – 12, NKJV)
Can you see it?
Yes even WIDOWS who receive help from “Church Money” later when they need it due to old age are NOT exempt from living the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle earlier, highlight for this part from above:
“… 9Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man, 10WELL REPORTED FOR GOOD WORKS: if she has BROUGHT UP CHILDREN, if SHE HAS LODGED STRANGERS, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has RELIEVED THE AFFLICTED, IF SHE HAS DILIGENTLY FOLLOWED EVERY GOOD WORK. 11But [c]refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry, 12having condemnation because they have CAST OFF THEIR FIRST [D]FAITH. …” (1 Timothy 5:9 – 12, NKJV)
If this is expected out of a “Widow”, how much more from a REAL MAN OF GOD by Relative Measure by God’s Perfect Standards?
Conclusion
No #CharityDoctrineLifestyle is being “Worse than an unbeliever“, please remember that.
The best is after doing one’s part for Family which even unbelievers do, the Perfection of Christianity demands that it is done toward non-Christians and enemies too, Verses:
“… 13GREATER LOVE HAS NO ONE THAN THIS, THAN TO LAY DOWN ONE’S LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS. 14You are My friends IF YOU DO WHATEVER I COMMAND YOU. …” (John 15:13 – 14, NKJV)
“… 16By this WE KNOW LOVE, because He laid down His life for us. And we also OUGHT TO LAY DOWN OUR LIVES FOR THE BRETHREN. 17But WHOEVER HAS THIS WORLD’S GOODS, and SEES HIS BROTHER IN NEED, AND SHUTS UP HIS HEART FROM HIM, HOW DOES THE LOVE OF GOD ABIDE IN HIM? 18My little children, let us NOT LOVE IN WORD or IN TONGUE, BUT IN DEED AND IN TRUTH …” (1 John 3:16 – 18, NKJV)
Yes, this GIVING which CHRIST TAUGHT DIRECTLY also INVOLVES GIVING MONEY as well to THE ENEMIES (in the Context of ‘those unthankful and EVIL too’) as per the phrase “… and LEND …” in Verses below by CHRIST HIMSELF:
“… 34And if YOU LEND to those from whom you HOPE TO RECEIVE BACK, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35But LOVE YOUR ENEMIES, DO GOOD, AND LEND, [h]HOPING FOR NOTHING IN RETURN; and YOUR REWARD WILL BE GREAT, and YOU WILL BE SONS OF THE MOST HIGH. For He is KIND to the UNTHANKFUL AND EVIL. 36Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:27 – 36, NKJV)
Note: If God Himself calls this “Reward” for Doing so as “Great”, isn’t it most valuable? God doesn’t simply call anything as “Great” and this “Reward” is called likewise and conditional to “Loving our enemies“. May He Help us to attain to some of it.
No one can keep (obey) these HARDEST Commands unless the Holy Spirit Enables them:
“… 13HOLD FAST The PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14That good thing which was committed to you, KEEP BY THE HOLY SPIRIT who dwells in us. …” (2 Timothy 1:13 – 14, NKJV)
iii) Smallest Love is toward Family only or equivalent
“… [And He said to them] , “You are THOSE WHO JUSTIFY YOURSELVES before men, but GOD KNOWS YOUR HEARTS. For WHAT IS HIGHLY ESTEEMED AMONG MEN IS AN ABOMINATION IN THE SIGHT OF GOD. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 16:15, NKJV)
“… 32“But IF YOU LOVE THOSE WHO LOVE YOU, WHAT CREDIT IS THAT TO YOU? …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:32, NKJV)
“… WHAT DO YOU DO MORE THAN OTHERS? …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:47, NKJV)
“… 33And IF YOU DO GOOD TO THOSE WHO DO GOOD TO YOU, WHAT CREDIT IS THAT TO YOU? …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:33, NKJV)
Why?
The ‘Highest’ Perspective is when you can see another person who is “not” blood related to you as your equal in Christ even to #FollowChrist in this aspect too as He Demonstrates in Verses next:
“… 46While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, HIS MOTHER AND BROTHERS, seeking to speak with Him. 47Then one said to Him, “Look, YOUR MOTHER AND YOUR BROTHERS are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.” 48But He answered and said to the one who told Him, “WHO IS MY MOTHER and WHO ARE MY BROTHERS?” 49And He stretched out His hand TOWARD HIS DISCIPLES and said, “HERE ARE MY MOTHER AND MY BROTHERS! 50For whoever DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER in heaven is MY BROTHER AND SISTER AND MOTHER.” …” (Matthew 12:46 – 50, NKJV)
Please be careful of things “not” Written in “Verses”. May there be a Bible Verse for each “Doctrine” (if we are sure of its interpretation) or “Possibility of Doctrine” (if we are not so sure of its interpretation) especially with “First Christianity” Quotes in support of it.
We must Teach all of “1 Timothy’s Doctrine/Rules/Instructions” to attain to this (Verse in image next) by God’s Grace. Please don’t forget 1 Timothy 2:12 either for a complete Doctrine which even 1900 years of Christianity including Protestantism has held as the ‘only the position on this matter’ and are “saved“.
When some Preach against “1 Timothy’s Doctrines” or Don’t want to follow it, this is what the Bible Tells about them (“not” me) within this letter itself (in 1 Timothy 1:6, image) when this was Written:
It’s a Command/Instruction for every believer (the Contents of 1 Timothy’s letter) especially since this was Written to the Great Evangelist (“Blessed Timothy”) and anything Preached or Instructed to an Evangelist applies to “ALL CHURCHES“.
Here’s another 1 Timothy Letter’s Essential Doctrine for Eternal Life
The ‘Greatest Useless Wrangling’ (1 Timothy 6:5 – 8.) is Probably “#Prosperity Talk” (note that “Desire to be Rich” is different from the “Love of Money” as both lead to “Destruction/Perdition” according to 1 Timothy 6:9 – 10 here) while the Most Useful Doctrine for the Believing Rich to attain to “Eternal Life” is the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle (in 1 Timothy 6:17 – 19 in comparison is Taught here) as these Verses in “1 Timothy” (yet again) Reveal as the True #FightTheGoodFightofFaith Context (1 Timothy 6:12) meant in Scripture (which is only seen when these consecutive Verses are quoted in “full”):
“… 5[b]useless wranglings of men of CORRUPT MINDS and DESTITUTE OF THE TRUTH, who suppose that GODLINESS IS A MEANS OF GAIN. [c]FROM SUCH WITHDRAW YOURSELF. 6Now GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT IS GREAT GAIN. 7For we brought nothing into this world, [d]and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And HAVING FOOD AND CLOTHING, WITH THESE WE SHALL BE CONTENT. 9But THOSE WHO DESIRE TO BE RICH fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the LOVE OF MONEY is a ROOT OF ALL KINDS OF EVIL, for which some have STRAYED FROM THE FAITH in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH, LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. “… 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 6:5 – 12, 17 – 19 NKJV) Peace to you
Christian Zionism Fallacy – Do you REALLY know about the Antichrist?
I have to write about this because a lot pastors think wrongly that if they support Israel, then they are on God’s side and vice versa. Let’s look at real Christian History and Doctrine from some key Church Fathers to even Protestant Founders lest we be deceived likewise.
1) Parable of Christ regarding Christian Zionism
Christ Spoke in Parables so that “not” everyone can understand
“… Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 13:13, NKJV)
So to understand the Parable of Christ always ask first, who is the First Christian you can quote who believed the same as you because the ‘same meaning’ must be Communicated by God to them back then and us now as “Christians”, right?
As for me, this Parable of Christ hides its meaning for this Context of Christian Zionism (as the First Christianity Quote next will prove) where this is VERY IMPORTANT since CHRIST PROPHESIES DIRECTLY that an END TIME CHRISTIANITY WHEN HE RETURNS will LACK FAITH (meaning ‘accurate faith’ where this cannot refer to the #ProsperityGospel faith nor the #ChristianZionism faith which is “plenty” today):
“… 1Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, 2saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor [a]regard man. 3Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, [b]‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ 4And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 5yet because this widow troubles me I will [c]avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ ” 6Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. 7And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, WHEN THE SON OF MAN COMES, WILL HE REALLY FIND FAITH ON THE EARTH?” …” (Luke 18:1 – 8, NKJV)
What’s the meaning of this Parable and what has this got to do with #ChristianZionism Prophecy? to quote:
Israel (the Widow) will be helped and deceived by the antichrist
“… He then, having gathered to himself the unbelieving everywhere throughout the world, comes at their call to persecute the saints, their enemies and antagonists, as the apostle and evangelist says: “There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: and there was a widow in that city, who came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her.” [Luke 18: 2 – 5]. By the unrighteous judge, who fears not God, neither regards man, he means without doubt Antichrist, as he is a son of the devil and a vessel of Satan. For when he has the power, he will begin to exalt himself against God, neither in truth fearing God, nor regarding the Son of God, who is the Judge of all. And in saying that there was a widow in the city, he refers to Jerusalem itself, which is a widow indeed, forsaken of her perfect, heavenly spouse, God. She calls Him her adversary, and not her Saviour; for she does not understand that which was said by the prophet Jeremiah: “Because they obeyed not the truth, a spirit of error shall speak then to this people and to Jerusalem.” …” – Blessed St. Hippolytus of Rome, Bishop and Martyr for Christ, Hearer of Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons (170–235 AD, TREATISE ON CHRIST AND ANTICHRIST, Point 56, Point 57, Page 33)
Source:
https://archive.org/stream/refutationofallh02hipp/refutationofallh02hipp_djvu.txt
Warning: for every Christian who ‘suffers’ because of this ‘Christian Zionism Movement’ due to their ‘enemies’ killing or hurting Christians back in their revenge be it economically, socially, physically, racially etc.’, their suffering and blood will be upon the heads of these ‘careless pastors & their churches who preach or support such Zionism secretly which was never a Christian doctrine in any denomination till the 19th or 20th century only’ (please read more to see this next).
Note: Here’s something you may “not” know about Hippolytus of Rome:
“… Hippolytus of Rome (/həˈpɑːlɪtəs/, Greek: Ἱππόλυτος; c. 170 – c. 235 AD) was one of the most important second-third century Christian theologians, whose provenance, identity and corpus remain elusive to scholars and historians. Suggested communities include Rome, Palestine, Egypt, Anatolia and other regions of the Middle East. The best historians of literature in the ancient church, including Eusebius of Caesarea and Jerome, openly confess they cannot name where Hippolytus the biblical commentator and theologian served in leadership. They had read his works but did not possess evidence of his community. Photios I of Constantinople describes him in his Bibliotheca (cod. 121) as a disciple of Irenaeus, who was said to be a disciple of Polycarp, and from the context of this passage it is supposed that he suggested that Hippolytus so styled himself.[ …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippolytus_of_Rome
“… One older theory asserts he came into conflict with the popes of his time and seems to have headed a schismatic group as a rival to the bishop of Rome, thus becoming an antipope. In this view, he opposed the Roman Popes who softened the penitential system to accommodate the large number of new pagan converts. However, he was reconciled to the Church before he died as a martyr.[2] …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippolytus_of_Rome
iii) Hippolytus was declared a Saint by some in the Church of Rome (not that this matters for Protestants but just letting you in the facts) where even his writings has “no” Prayers to Virgin Mary or any other ‘added traditions’ NOT found in Scripture making him a reliable witness for many Protestant Scholars who ‘actually study real Church History’.
“… Pope Pius IV [16th Century only, so ‘late’] identifies him as “Saint Hippolytus, Bishop of Pontus” who was martyred in the reign of Severus Alexander through his inscription on a statue found at the Church of Saint Lawrence in Rome and kept at the Vatican as photographed and published in Bunsen.[3] …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippolytus_of_Rome
“… Little is known for certain about his community of origin. One Victorian theory suggested that as a presbyter of the church at Rome under Pope Zephyrinus (199–217 AD), Hippolytus was distinguished for his learning and eloquence. It was at this time that Origen, then a young man, heard him preach. … In this view, Hippolytus accused Pope Zephyrinus of modalism, the heresy which held that the names Father and Son are simply different names for the same subject. Hippolytus championed the Logos doctrine of the Greek apologists, most notably Justin Martyr, which distinguished the Father from the Logos (“Word”). An ethical conservative, he was scandalized when Pope Callixtus I (217–222 AD) extended absolution to Christians who had committed grave sins, such as adultery.[5] Some suggest Hippolytus himself advocated a pronounced rigorism.[6] At this time, he seems to have allowed himself to be elected as a rival Bishop of Rome, and continued to attack Pope Urban I (222–230 AD) and Pope Pontian (230–235 AD).[2] G. Salmon suggests that Hippolytus was the leader of the Greek-speaking Christians of Rome.[7] Allen Brent sees the development of Roman house-churches into something akin to Greek philosophical schools gathered around a compelling teacher …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippolytus_of_Rome
“… The so-called Chronography of 354 (more precisely, the Liberian Catalogue) reports that on August 13, probably in 236, the two bodies were interred in Rome, that of Hippolytus in a cemetery on the Via Tiburtina,[9] his funeral being conducted by Justin the Confessor. This document indicates that, by about 255, Hippolytus was considered a martyr and gives him the rank of a priest, not of a bishop, an indication that before his death the schismatic was received again into the Church …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippolytus_of_Rome
“… Hippolytus is an important figure in the development of Christian eschatology. In his biblical compendium and topical study On Christ and the Antichrist and in his Commentary on the Prophet Daniel Hippolytus gave his interpretation of the second advent of Christ.[19]
With the onset of persecutions during the reign of Septimius Severus, many early Christian writers treated topics of apocalyptic eschatology. On Christ and the Antichrist is one of the earliest works. It is thought Hippolytus was generally influenced by Irenaeus.[20] However, unlike Irenaeus, Hippolytus focuses on the meaning of prophecy for the Church in his own time. Of the dogmatic works, On Christ and the Antichrist survives in a complete state and was probably written about 202.
Hippolytus follows the long-established usage in interpreting Daniel’s seventy prophetic weeks to be weeks of literal years. Hippolytus gave an explanation of Daniel’s paralleling prophecies of chapters 2 and 7, which he, as with the other fathers, specifically relates to the Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans. His interpretation of events and their significance is Christological.[21]
Hippolytus did not subscribe to the belief that the Second Coming was imminent.[22] In his commentary on Daniel he criticizes those who predict the Second Coming in the near future, and then says that six thousand years must pass from Creation before the Second Coming. He also says that Christ was born 5500 years after Adam, so 500 years have to pass from the birth of Christ “to the consummation of the six thousand years, and in this way the end will be” …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippolytus_of_Rome
Have you encountered those Modern Bible Scholars teaching on the “Antichrist” subject calculating the Daniel’s 70 weeks Prophecy with the last 1 week representing the Antichrist Reign etc.?
And not to mention they “sell” those ‘scholarly work’ claiming it theirs? Truth is Hippolytus of Rome’s Work is the FIRST KNOWN OLDEST SAME CALCULATIONS for these PROPHET DANIEL’S 70 Weeks calculations. Can you see it?
So knowingly or unknowingly, these modern Bible scholars are just quoting Hippolytus of Rome when they interpret the 70 Weeks Daniel prophecies together with the last 1 Week Antichrist Prophecy. So, they are ‘selling it’ while ‘his first original work is available for free’ as I quoted at the start, can you see it?
Another example quote:
“… In the EARLY THIRD CENTURY C.E., HIPPOLYTUS WROTE THE FIRST KNOWN CHRISTIAN COMMENTARY ON DANIEL . For him, Dan 9:24-27 originally pertained to the Antiochene crisis during the second century B.C.E., but the symbolic depth of these verses allowed later readers to expect a recapitulation of Antiochus IV in a FUTURE ANTICHRIST…. .6 HIPPOLYTUS EVIDENTLY observed the typological hermeneutic of Jesus and the Gospel writers and then REASONED HIS WAY from Antiochus IV to a FUTURE ANTICHRIST who would LIVE LONG AFTER the fall of Jerusalem in 70 C.E. …”
Source: http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1010-99192014000300016
2) Protestant Founders
Protestant Founders Agree to “no” Christian Zionism as “JEWISH OPINIONS such as EARTHLY ZIONISM” are REJECTED for they wish that the GODLY TAKE OVER the KINGDOMS of this WORLD BEFORE THE RESURRECTION (before the Messiah Comes) including “Israel”
“… 5 They CONDEMN ALSO OTHERS who are now spreading certain JEWISH OPINIONS, that BEFORE THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD the GODLY SHALL TAKE POSSESSION OF THE KINGDOM OF THIS WORLD, the ungodly being everywhere suppressed. …”
– Lutheran Book of Concord (Augsburg Confession, Article 17)
Source: https://bookofconcord.org/augsburg-confession/
Comments:
“… Christian Zionism is a belief among some Christians that the return of the Jews to the Holy Land and the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 were in accordance with Bible prophecy. The term began to be used in the mid-20th century in place of Christian restorationism.[1][2] Christian advocacy in support of the restoration of the Jews grew after the Protestant Reformation and has its roots in seventeenth century England.[3] Contemporary Israeli historian Anita Shapira suggests that evangelical Christian Zionists in England of the 1840s “passed this notion on to Jewish circles”,[4] while Jewish nationalism in the early 19th century was widely regarded with hostility by British Jews.[5] Some Christian Zionists believe that the gathering of the Jews in Israel is a prerequisite for the Second Coming of Jesus.[3][6] The idea has been common in Protestant circles since the Reformation that Christians should actively support a Jewish return to the Land of Israel, along with the parallel idea that the Jews ought to be encouraged to become Christians as a means of fulfilling biblical prophecy …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Zionism
This is the only position the Protestant Founders believed with “no” Zionism at all:
“… The first wave of Protestant leaders, including MARTIN LUTHER AND JOHN CALVIN, DID NOT MENTION any special eschatological views which included a RETURN OF THE JEWS TO PALESTINE (converted to Christianity or otherwise).[12] More generally, LUTHER had hoped that the Jews would convert to his brand of Christianity once he had broken with the Catholic Church, but LATER HE HARSHLY DENOUNCED THE JEWS. Like the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church, Luther and Calvin saw the Christian Church as being the “spiritual Israel” and since Jesus Christ, the covenant with God as being with faithful Christians exclusively as the “people of God”, with no special privileges or role based on ancestral descent (in later times this has been called supersessionism). …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Zionism
So for those pastors who call me ‘antichrist’ (secretly at the back, just in case), so are they calling both MARTIN LUTHER (the First Protestant) and John Calvin (Founder of the Reformed Churches and Calvinism Doctrine) as ‘led by the devil’ if they don’t support this ‘Zionism’ Agenda likewise?
Can you see it? Do you quote this Verse to condemn them too?:
“… I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” …” (Genesis 12:3, NKJV)
By the way, here’s the “real explanation” of the Verse above which is that it is “only” to be applied in the Future 1000 years Millennial Reign of Christ AFTER the RESURRECTION as First Christianity’s Chiliasm or Millennialism Church Fathers Taught (as the only eschatological position which can be proven in the surviving writings of the direct disciples of the Apostles and their immediate successors which includes St. Irenaeous of Lyons too whom we quote next and at the end later):
“… CURSED SHALL BE HE WHO SHALL CURSE THEE, and BLESSED SHALL BE HE WHO SHALL BLESS THEE .” [Genesis 12:3] If any one, then, DOES NOT ACCEPT THESE THINGS AS REFERRING TO THE APPOINTED KINGDOM, he must fall into much CONTRADICTION and CONTRARIETY, as is the CASE WITH THE JEWS, who are INVOLVED IN ABSOLUTE PERPLEXITY. For not only did not the nations in this life serve this Jacob; but even after he had received the blessing, he himself going forth [from his home], served his uncle Laban the Syrian for twenty years; and not only was he not made lord of his brother, but he did himself bow down before his brother Esau, upon his return from Mesopotamia to his father, and offered many gifts to him. Moreover, in what way did he inherit much corn and wine here, he who emigrated to Egypt because of the famine which possessed the land in which he was dwelling, and became Subject to Pharaoh, who was then ruling over Egypt? The PREDICTED BLESSING, therefore, BELONGS UNQUESTIONABLY TO THE TIMES OF THE KINGDOM, when the righteous shall bear rule UPON THEIR RISING FROM THE DEAD; when also the creation, having been renovated and set free, shall fructify with an abundance of all kinds of food, from the dew of heaven, and from the fertility of the earth: as the ELDERS WHO SAW JOHN, the DISCIPLE OF THE LORD, related that they had heard from him how THE LORD USED TO TEACH in regard to these times, and say: …” – Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons, a Hearer of Blessed St. Polycarp who is an Apostolic Father being the Disciple of Blessed St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation (c. 130 AD – c. 202 AD, ‘Against Heresies’, Book 5, Chapter XXXIII, Points 3-highlight)
Source:
http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/irenaeus-book5.html
3) Bible Verses
Yes, False Prophets of Judaism & Christianity Declare a “Holy War” for Israel (a. k. a. “Zionism”), Bible Verses below:
“… Thus says the LORD concerning the prophets who lead my people astray; When they have something to bite with their teeth, They cry, “Peace,” But against him who puts nothing in their mouths they declare holy war. …” (Micah 3:5, NASB)
[For these section please view the #SafeRouteScripturallyBook as too much to put here]
4) A Greater First Christianity Witness to this Interpretation than even St. Hippolytus of Rome who heard him Preach – St. Ireneaous of Lyons
[For these section please view the #SafeRouteScripturallyBook as too much to put here]
Peace to you
Antichrist’s Daniel 9:27’s Last week Prophecy with Christ Explaining it in Matthew 24
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161734707732784
A lot of Christians are unaware regarding how the “Antichrist” spirit actually works and how he deceives. They look at it in a tame way and that’s why they get deceived.
I only learnt from the Church Fathers who were successors of the “direct disciples of the Apostles” themselves such as St. Irenaeous of Lyons and St. Hippolytus of Rome who have quoted that the “Antichrist” based on Luke 18:1 – 4 itself (as discussed in Pages 702 to 732) Reveals the following methodology:
The “Antichrist” does both to ‘fulfill the Great Commission’ and also to be against the ‘Great Commission’. Confusing?
Indeed, Satan is a master of confusion:
“… 13For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. …” (2 Corinthians 11:13 – 15, NKJV)
Comments:
1) The Verses above clearly points that “Satan’s Workers” won’t be of a ‘different religion’ but rather will be claiming to be ‘apostles of Christ’. Can you see it?
2) That means Satan’s work will also be mingled inside Christianity to fulfill the ‘Great Commission’ or anything else with ‘righteousness’ even.
3) Early Christianity has a lot heretics who were ‘holy’. In fact, the “Arch-Heretic” (the No. 1 most dangerous heretic in early Christianity) namely “Marcion” was so successful because he heavily “Preached Faith in Christ Emphasis” and his followers were mostly “holy” (‘bodily’) and had were ‘the first Christian group to have women priests even in an organized setting’ (as I have discussed in pages 687 to 699), example quote:
“… In contrast to the typical Gnostic claim to a SPECIAL REVELATORY gnosis, MARCION and his followers emphasized faith in the effect of Christ’s act. They practiced stern asceticism to restrict contact with the creator’s world while looking forward to eventual salvation in the realm of the extra-worldly God. They admitted WOMEN to the PRIESTHOOD and BISHOPRIC. The Marcionites were considered the most dangerous of the Gnostics by the established church. When Polycarp met Marcion at Rome he is said to have identified Marcion as “the firstborn of Satan.” …”
Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Marcionites
Note: Please notice the phrase “stern asceticism” which proves that they were ‘bodily holy’ just like the Pharisees of old whom Christ rebuked but CHRIST HIMSELF never once pointed that the Pharisees were secretly doing adultery, or murder or other major sins meaning that “holiness” can be attained “without Christ” even (as did the ‘rich young ruler’ likewise in Matthew 19:16 – 30 who could NOT DO only the CHARITY DOCTRINE – can you see it?).
4) Holiness within Christianity even is “not” necessarily a Proof of Right Christianity
‘… A Christian will bear the fruit to be holy but not every Christian who is holy is true either …’
If you don’t believe me, please look at CHRIST’S OWN DIRECT WORDS below where HE HIMSELF Points to a “Pharisee” in general to be “SOMEONE HOLY with NO BODILY SINS type” in His Famous Parable below as compared to a “SINNER” as follows:
“… 9Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ 13And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ 14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be [d]humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” …” (Luke 18:9 – 14, NKJV)
Note: So a “Pharisee” can be “holy without Christ” practicing these ‘… ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ …’ = ‘self righteousness’ by Christ’s Definition here.
So holiness is “not” a proof of a ‘man of God’ as even this ‘self righteous Pharisee’ can do it ‘without Christ’ as CHRIST HIMSELF REVEALS.
So please don’t be “deceived” by the “holiness” of others thinking that it must be God’s Chosen especially if with that just like the “Pharisees” they “REJECT WRITTEN BIBLE VERSES” to uphold “HUMAN TRADITION” as that’s what the ‘Definition of HYPOCRISY is’ according to CHRIST, Verses:
“… 5But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God”— 6then he need not honor his father [a]or mother.’ Thus you have made the [b]COMMANDMENT OF GOD OF NO EFFECT by YOUR TRADITION. 7HYPOCRITES! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 8‘These people [c]DRAW NEAR TO ME WITH THEIR MOUTH, And HONOR ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR FROM ME. 9And IN VAIN THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE COMMANDMENTS OF MEN.’ ” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 15:5 – 9, NKJV)
Since Christ Directly Speaks against ‘human culture or human traditions’ done when it contradicts the “Word of God”, that’s why in Principle we do “NOT” teach against NEW TESTAMENT TRADITIONS even to avoid such ‘risks’.
Can you see it?
5) The Antichrist Supports Christian Zionism and it is his main goal because without the Temple rebuilt, he cannot achieve his ultimate purpose which is to ‘claim himself as god there’
Comment: Talking about ‘Context’, is it a ‘coincidence’ that Luke 18:9 – 14 above is just after the Parable of Christ regarding ‘Christian-Jewish Zionism’ (Luke 18:1 – 8.) as both St. Irenaeous of Lyons and St. Hippolytus of Rome has pointed out as the meaning (as I have shown in Page 731 earlier), to quote the ‘highlighted parts only’:
“… 4. The LORD ALSO SPOKE as follows to THOSE WHO DID NOT BELIEVE IN HIM: “I have come in my Father’s name, and ye have not received Me: when another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive,” calling Antichrist “the other,” because he is alienated from the Lord. This is also the unjust judge, whom the Lord mentioned as one “who feared not God, neither regarded man,” to whom the widow fled in her forgetfulness of God,-that is, the earthly Jerusalem,-to be avenged of her adversary [referring to Luke 18:1 – 8 earlier]. Which also he shall do in the time of his kingdom: he shall remove his kingdom into that [city], and shall sit in the temple of God, leading astray those who worship him, as if he were Christ. …” – Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons, a Hearer of Blessed St. Polycarp who is an Apostolic Father being the Disciple of Blessed St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation (c. 130 AD – c. 202 AD, Against Heresies, Book 5, Chapter XXV, Point 4)
Source:
http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/irenaeus-book5.html
” … 3Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of [b]sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. …” (2 Thessalonians 2:3 – 4, NKJV)
So the Antichrist will definitely be with a “Christianity” which “supports Christian-Judaism Zionism” because without it, he cannot reach his final goal to ‘make himself as god instead’ in the ‘rebuilt temple’.
Can you see it?
That is why in the #SafeRouteScripturallyBook we reveal these details (as per Pages 702 to 733) and keep away from any Christian Denomination or Christian Church for the Christian Zionism Agenda part if they support it to avoid such “risks”.
However, it does “not” mean that every Christian in such denominations are ‘antichrist supporting’ because deception means ‘they were well meaning Christians’ but are ‘deceived’.
Regarding Salvation, only God Decides to have Mercy on whomever He Wills (Romans 9:15, Romans 9:18) but the #SafeRouteScripturally is to “not” join any of these Christian Zionism Agenda part (but I may join them say to do the #CharityDoctrine part because this is 100% Biblical) to be “clean” of its “bloodshed & Lord-Jesus-Christ-rejecting-not-filled-with-the-Holy-Spirit-their-unbelieving-Jewish-counterpart agendas“.
I am also “not” fond of Christianity which Denies the Trinity because even this “Antichrist Verses in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 -4” declares “himself as God” and since the Antichrist Tries to usurp that which belongs to Lord Jesus Christ and make a ‘counterfeit version of it’, the Antichrist’s intention to make himself as god proves that LORD JESUS CHRIST IS GOD. Believing the Classical Doctrine of Trinity has “no” Risks for if so entire Christianity will be in Hell including Church Fathers which is absurd nonsense.
Please notice that the “Christians may acknowledge Lord Jesus” but their “Jewish counterparts reject Lord Jesus as their Messiah” and the ‘Rebuilding Temple idea comes from the unbelieving-Jews part‘ which is Prophesied in the Bible but Prophecy doesn’t mean it is “God’s Will” but rather that “it will be done” where this Prophecy is Described as the “Antichrist’s Agenda” (NOT God’s Agenda) and so we should “not” be rushing to do it, Verse:
“… And he [Antichrist] will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate. …” (Daniel 9:27, NASB)
Can you see it?
6) Christ Reveals the True Meaning of the 70 Weeks Daniel Prophecy in that the Temple Rebuilding cannot be Completed without Him
“… 1Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple. 2And Jesus said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” …” (Matthew 24:1 – 2, NKJV)
Did you notice that Christ Himself is the one who Prophesied a “New Prophecy” (in Verses above) which is “not” Found in any ‘Old Testament Verse’ namely, that the 2nd Temple Rebuilding effort by the “Jews” via “human effort” (after 69 Weeks which relates to 69 x 7 = 483 years which is Taught in any standard Protestant Bible Course* even on this Topic) is ‘completely just thrown away by Christ’?
*Example Quote:
“… Some of the early church fathers also saw another reference to Christ in the “prince who is to come” (verse 26b), but this figure is more often identified with either the Antichrist or one of the Roman officials that oversaw the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE (e.g. Titus or Vespasian).[75] The seven and sixty-two-week “weeks” are most frequently understood for the purpose of Christological interpretation as consecutive, making up a period of 69 weeks (483 years) beginning with the decree given to Ezra by Artaxerxes I in 458/7 BCE (the terminus a quo) and terminating with the baptism of Jesus …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prophecy_of_Seventy_Weeks
Verses:
“… 24Seventy weeks are decreed for your people and your holy city: to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most holy place.
25Know therefore and understand: from the time that the word went out to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the time of an anointed prince, there shall be seven weeks; and for sixty-two weeks it shall be built again with streets and moat, but in a troubled time.
26After the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off and shall have nothing, and the troops of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end shall come with a flood, and to the end there shall be war. Desolations are decreed.
27He shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall make sacrifice and offering cease; and in their place shall be an abomination that desolates, until the decreed end is poured out upon the desolator. …” — [Daniel 9:24–27 (NRSV)]
Comments (This is what we see from ‘actual History’ in retrospect):
iii. History clearly Proves that God Allowed the Israelites to build the Temple for 69 weeks (483 years) just to destroy it at 70 AD by CHRIST HIMSELF to show that it’s “not” the Temple that saves nor abolishes sins but CHRIST HIMSELF.
A ‘hard lesson’ indeed to learn.
7) The Missing 1 Week Mystery – what about the ‘missing 70th week’ of this Prophecy then?
Firstly, please notice that these calculations are standard (and I’m not going into the details as other scholars have done a good job at it), example quote:
“… The passage states that the time from the start date of the prophecy, “the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem,” to the end date, “Messiah will be cut off,” is “seven weeks and sixty-two weeks” or sixty-nine weeks total. This is equal to 483 biblical years (69 x 7 years) since Daniel’s weeks should be understood as ‘seven” …”
Source (with more details):
Please read this part ‘again’ carefully above in Verses below:
“… until the time of an anointed prince, there shall be seven weeks; and for sixty-two weeks … 26After the sixty-two weeks, an ANOINTED ONE shall be cut off and shall have nothing, and the troops of the PRINCE WHO IS TO COME shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end shall come with a flood, and to the end there shall be war. Desolations are decreed. 27HE SHALL MAKE A STRONG COVENANT with MANY FOR ONE WEEK, and for HALF OF THE WEEK HE SHALL MAKE SACRIFICE AND OFFERING CEASE; and in their place shall be an ABOMINATION THAT DESOLATES, until the DECREED END is poured out upon the DESOLATOR. …” — [Daniel 9:25, 26 –27 (NRSV)]
Comments (please consider these phrases from verses above and their explanations):
This means that the last 1 Week of ‘Rebuilding Temple effort’ (called the 3rd Temple Rebuilding Effort commonly) is NOT involving the REAL MESSIAH (“Anointed One”) LORD JESUS CHRIST as these Verses Reveal so clearly ‘as it is Written’.
Can you see it?
“… the PRINCE WHO IS TO COME [Antichrist] … 27HE [Antichrist] SHALL MAKE A STRONG COVENANT with MANY FOR ONE WEEK, and for HALF OF THE WEEK HE [Antichrist] SHALL MAKE SACRIFICE AND OFFERING CEASE; and in their place shall be an ABOMINATION THAT DESOLATES, until the DECREED END is poured out upon the DESOLATOR. …”
Can you see it?
In short, Daniel’s 70 Weeks Prophecy actually reveals that this ‘last 1 Week’ is fully described to be done by the “Antichrist” only and we know this interpretation is correct (not just because it was attested by both St. Ireneaous of Lyons and St. Hippolytus of Rome earlier) but more so because CHRIST HIMSELF may be POINTING to this in Verses below:
“… 14And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then THE END WILL COME. 15“Therefore when YOU SEE THE ‘ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION,’ SPOKEN OF BY DANIEL THE PROPHET, STANDING IN THE HOLY PLACE” (WHOEVER READS, LET HIM UNDERSTAND, Daniel 9:27), 16“THEN let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21For then there will be GREAT TRIBULATION, such as has NOT BEEN SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD until this time, no, NOR EVER SHALL BE. 22And unless THOSE DAYS were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the [c]ELECT’S SAKE those days will be shortened. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:14 – 22, NKJV)
Comments:
iii. Lord Jesus Christ calls the “… ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION …” as “… STANDING IN THE HOLY PLACE …” which refers to the “Antichrist” or his idol or equivalent” referring to Daniel 9:27.
“… And he [Antichrist] shall CONFIRM THE COVENANT with many for ONE WEEK: and in the MIDST OF THE WEEK he [Antichrist] shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he [Antichrist] shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. …” (Daniel 9:27, KJV)
So the missing 1 Week from Daniel’s Prophecy (the last week or this 70th Week) Described above Speaks of the ANTICHRIST (not the real God) making a (fake COVENANT) with the “many” for that ONE WEEK (please notice these phrases/words carefully in the above) where in the MIDST (MIDDLE) of the WEEK the Antichrist causes the “abominations of desolations” to be placed after which only CHRIST SAYS that the FINAL GREAT TRIBULATION such as never occurred before nor shall ever be (referring that this is the end of the world timeline not 70 AD yet again) takes place in Matthew 24:16 – 22 Describes.
Christ Uses the Phrases “… (WHOEVER READS, LET HIM UNDERSTAND) …” in Matthew 24:15 to refer to this Verse in Daniel 9:27 because many are “not” going to understand unless they link both Verses with the ‘Topic’ Christ is talking about as Described around Matthew 24:14 – 22 as we see her to “UNDERSTAND” that this refers not to the 70 AD timeline but the end of the World “after the Gospel is Preached to all nations first” (Matthew 24:14) and that the Great Tribulation occurs at midweek (of final 3.5 years) which is the Worst time ever never again (Matthew 24:21) where during this Final Tribulation Timeline, the Elect do “not” undergo “Pre-Tib Rapture” but must endure this till He Returns (Matthew 24:22) .
‘… Is this final 1 week of the Antichrist the fulfillment of the last week (or 70th Week) of Daniel’s prophecy or is the REAL FINAL 1 WEEK of Daniel’s Prophecy refers to the Millennial Reign (or 7th Day/Sabbath of the Righteous) but not Written in Daniel but in Revelation 20:4 – 6 or other Verses? …’
I cannot say for sure but it does “NOT” matter since the sure thing is that Daniel 9:27 Speaks of either the “counterfeit 1 Week (7 years) attempt of fulfillment by the Antichrist to rebuild the Temple (at the 70th week, Written)” or Daniel 9:27 Speaks only of the counterfeit 1 week but kept the “Real 1 Week” (referring to the Millennial Reign Prophecies thereafter after Christ returns as ‘Hidden’ which we see from other Bible Verses, but not written in Daniel).
Conclusion
Regardless, with Christ’s Words Confirming it in Matthew 24:14 – 22 earlier quoting this same Daniel 9:27’s only description of the 70th Week (missing ‘last week’) to refer to the ANTICHRIST Rebuilding the 3rd Temple efforts, let’s “not” be deceived and be part of it as “Christians“.
However, what is Written will come to pass as “MANY” (Christians + Jews + Others) with whom the “ANTICHRIST” makes that “Covenant ” with for that LAST ONE WEEK (70th Week) in Daniel 9:27 will be DECEIVED and realize it “Midweek” (or 3.5 years into that only) as these last Worst 3.5 years of human history (never to be again, such Tribulation as Christ Remarked in Matthew 24:21 – 22 with the ELECT to endure it as well) is Described further in the Book of Revelation as follows:
“… 1Then [a]I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having [b]seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. 2Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. 3And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. 4So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” 5And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to [c]continue for forty-two months. 6Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. 7It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every [d]tribe, tongue, and nation. 8All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9If anyone has an ear, let him hear. 10He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the [e]patience and the faith of the saints. … 11Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. 12And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. 14And he deceives [f]those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. 15He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. 16He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17and that no one may buy or sell except one who has [g]the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666. …” (Revelation 13:1 – 18, NKJV)
Please don’t think Satan is “not” that strong to deceive as without CHRIST HIMSELF PRAYING for OUR FAITH TO NOT FAIL, it may fail, Verses:
“… 31[d]And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” …” (Luke 22:31 – 32, NKJV)
Re-emphasized
Peace to you
Epistle of the Apostles – Possible Doctrinal Mysteries
0) Why is this Important?
Details: Can Christians ‘lose their Salvation’?
I believe so especially since the Verses below have the phrase “… BECOME PARTAKERS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT …” which refers to “Christians” under the “Free Choice” of “…IF THEY FALL AWAY, [IMPOSSIBLE] to RENEW THEM AGAIN TO REPENTANCE …”, these Verses:
“… 4For it is IMPOSSIBLE for THOSE WHO WERE ONCE ENLIGHTENED, and HAVE TASTED THE HEAVENLY GIFT, and HAVE BECOME PARTAKERS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, 5and HAVE TASTED THE GOOD WORD OF GOD and the POWERS OF THE AGE TO COME, 6[c]IF THEY FALL AWAY, to RENEW THEM AGAIN TO REPENTANCE, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. 7For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; 8but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to BEING CURSED, WHOSE END IS TO BE BURNED. …” (Hebrews 6:4 – 8, NKJV)
Details are in the Latest Updated #SafeRouteScripturallyBook .
Examples:
10) Mystery of becoming Fathers, Labourers and Ministers for the Gospel based on this Epistle of Apostles Writing
How?
“… [41 He answered and said unto us]: Go and preach, and ye shall be labourers, and fathers, and ministers. [We said unto him: Thou art he (or, Art thou he) that shalt preach by us. (Lord, thou art our father. Eth.) Then answered he us, saying]: Be not (or, Are not ye) all fathers or all masters. (Are then all fathers, or all servants, or all masters? Eth.) [We said unto him: Lord, thou art he that saidst unto us: Call no man your father upon earth, for one is your Father, which is in heaven, and your master. Wherefore sayest thou now unto us: Ye shall be fathers of many children, and servants and masters? He answered and said unto us]: According as ye have said (Ye have rightly said, Eth.). For verily I say unto you: whosoever shall hear you and believe on me, shall receive of you the light of the seal through me, and baptism through me: ye shall be fathers and servants and masters. [42 But we said unto him: Lord, how may it be that every one of us should be these three? He said unto us]: Verily I say unto you: Ye shall be called fathers, because with praiseworthy heart and in love ye have revealed unto them the things of the kingdom of heaven. And ye shall be called servants, because they shall receive the baptism of life and the remission of their sins at my hand through you. And ye shall be called masters, because ye have given them the word without grudging, and have admonished them, and when ye admonished them, they turned themselves (were converted). Ye were not afraid of their riches, nor ashamed before their face, but ye kept the commandments of my Father and fulfilled them. And ye shall have a great reward with my Father which is in heaven, and they shall have forgiveness of sins and everlasting life, and be partakers in the kingdom of heaven.
[And we said unto him: Lord, even if every one of us had ten thousand tongues to speak withal, we could not thank thee, for that thou promisest such things unto us. Then answered he us, saying]: Only do ye that which I say unto you, even as I myself also have done it. …” – Attributed to Lord Jesus Christ Speaking (Verses 41, 42 – highlighted, Epistle of the Apostles) Source: https://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/apostolorum.html
Comments (remember that this Writing was only rediscovered in the 20th century):
“… I say unto you: Ye shall be called fathers, because with praiseworthy heart and in love ye have revealed unto them the things of the kingdom of heaven. …” – Attributed to Lord Jesus Christ Speaking (Verses 42 – highlighted, Epistle of the Apostles)
The Context above agrees with Apostle St. Paul’s usage likewise for the existence of ‘Church Fathers for the Gospel’ for this ‘same reason’, Verses:
“… 6Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us NOT TO THINK BEYOND WHAT IS WRITTEN, that none of you may be [c]puffed up on behalf of one against the other. 7For who [d]MAKES YOU DIFFER FROM ANOTHER? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? … 14I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children. 15Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I BECAME YOUR FATHER THROUGH THE GOSPEL. 16Therefore I URGE YOU TO IMITATE ME. 17For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with WHAT I TEACH EVERYWHERE IN EVERY CHURCH. …” (1 Corinthians 4:6 – 7, 14 – 17, NIV)
So if we combine the Bible Verses above with the Ancient Writing’s Verse here, regardless we see the same meaning in agreement namely that those that are worthy to be “Church Fathers” are those who FREELY SHARE the KNOWLEDGE of the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN and also DO NOT GO BEYOND WHAT IS WRITTEN as even 1 Corinthians 4:16’s I URGE YOU TO IMITATE ME is Written in the Context of OBEYING NEW TESTAMENT TRADITIONS as well as it is repeated in 1 Corinthians 11:1 – 2 which refers to all the way to 1 Corinthians 14:37 – 40 likewise. Can you see it? Be careful of Christianity WHICH SELLS GOSPEL things.
So, Other Christianity which even if saved may “not” be the fathers type but either servants or masters only according to their work as the quote from this Epistle of Apostles continues as follows:
“… And ye shall be called servants, because they shall receive the baptism of life and the remission of their sins at my hand through you. …” – Attributed to Lord Jesus Christ Speaking (Verses 42 – highlighted, Epistle of the Apostles)
iii. How to become “Masters” of the Gospel?
“… And ye shall be called masters, because ye have given them the word without grudging, and have admonished them, and when ye admonished them, they turned themselves (were converted). …” – Attributed to Lord Jesus Christ Speaking (Verses 42 – highlighted, Epistle of the Apostles)
Speak up against the errors of the “rich-Christians even” because the rich are the hardest to repent since they will think in their mind that they are “rich” because they must be “right theologically” and that’s why they are blessed or equivalent even when they do AGAINST NEW TESTAMENT COMMANDS or TRADITIONS . (Can you see it?)
“… Ye were not afraid of their riches, nor ashamed before their face, but ye kept the commandments of my Father and fulfilled them. And ye shall have a great reward with my Father which is in heaven, …” – Attributed to Lord Jesus Christ Speaking (Verses 42 – highlighted, Epistle of the Apostles)
11) Epistle of the Apostles Writing Reveals the Parable of the 5 Wise and 5 Foolish Virgins Primarily to refer to the neglect of the #CharityDoctrine agreeing with #ChurchFathers and Blessed Marin Luther the First Protestant’s Teaching of this Parable likewise as I have discussed in details in the #ParableoftheWiseandFoolishVirginsBook
“… 43 And ye shall be like the wise virgins which watched and slept not, but went forth unto the lord into the bridechamber: but the foolish virgins were not able to watch, but slumbered. [And we said unto him: Lord, who are the wise and who are the foolish? He said unto us]: Five wise and five foolish; for these are they of whom the prophet hath spoken: Sons of God are they. Hear now their names.
[But we wept and were troubled for them that slumbered. He said unto us]: The five wise are Faith and Love and Grace and Peace and Hope. Now they of the faithful which possess this (these) shall be guides unto them that have believed on me and on him that sent me. For I am the Lord and I am the bridegroom whom they have received, and they have entered in to the house of the bridegroom and are laid down with me in the bridal chamber rejoicing. But the five foolish, when they had slept and had awaked, came unto the door of the bridal chamber and knocked, for the doors were shut. Then did they weep and lament that no man opened unto them.
[We said unto him: Lord, and their wise sisters that were within in the bridegroom’s house, did they continue without opening unto them, and did they not sorrow for their sakes nor entreat the bridegroom to open unto them? He answered us, saying]: They were not yet able to obtain favour for them. We said unto him: Lord, on what day shall they enter in for their sisters’ sake? [Then said he unto us]: He that is shut out, is shut out. And we said unto him: [Lord, is this word (determined?)]. Who then are the foolish? He said unto us]: Hear their names. They are Knowledge, Understanding (Perception), Obedience, Patience, and Compassion. These are they that slumbered in them that have believed and confessed me but have not fulfilled my commandments. 44 On account of them that have slumbered, they shall remain outside the kingdom and the fold of the shepherd and his sheep. But whoso shall abide outside the sheepfold, him will the wolves devour, and he shall be (condemned?) and die in much affliction: in him shall be no rest nor endurance, and (Eth.) although he be hardly punished, and rent in pieces and devoured in long and evil torment, yet shall he not be able to obtain death quickly.
[45 And we said unto him: Lord, well hast thou revealed all this unto us. Then answered he us, saying: Understand ye not (or, Ye understand not) these words? We said unto him: Yea, Lord. By five shall men enter into thy kingdom <and by five shall men remain without>: notwithstanding, they that watched were with thee the Lord and bridegroom, even though they rejoiced not because of them that slumbered (yet will they have no pleasure, because of, Eth.). He said unto us]: They will indeed rejoice that they have entered in with the bridegroom, the Lord; and they are sorrowful because of them that slumbered, for they are their sisters. For all ten are daughters of God, even the Father. [Then said we unto him: Lord, is it then for thee to show them favour on account of their sisters? (It becometh thy majesty to show them favour, Eth.) He said unto us]: <It is not mine,> but his that sent me, and I am consenting with him (It is not yours, &c., Eth.).
46 But be ye upright and preach rightly and teach, and be not abashed by any man and fear not any man, and especially the rich, for they do not my commandments, but boast themselves (swell) in their riches. [And we said unto him]: Lord, tell us if it be the rich only. He answered, saying unto us]: If any man who is not rich and possesseth a small livelihood giveth unto the poor and needy, men will call him a benefactor.
47 But if any man fall under the load <because> of sin that he hath committed, then shall his neighbour correct him because of the good that he hath done unto his neighbour. And if his neighbour correct him and he return, he shall be saved, and he that corrected him shall receive a reward and live for ever. For a needy man, if he see him that hath done him good sin, and correct him not, shall be judged with severe judgement. Now if a blind man lead a blind, they both fall into a ditch: and whoso respecteth persons for their sake, shall be as the two <blind>, as the prophet hath said: Woe unto them that respect persons and justify the ungodly for reward, even they whose God is their belly. Behold that judgement shall be their portion. For verily I say unto you: On that day will I neither have respect unto the rich nor pity for the poor. …” – Attributed to Lord Jesus Christ Speaking (Verses 43 – 47, highlighted, Epistle of the Apostles)
Source: https://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/apostolorum.html
Comments:
“… These are they that slumbered in them that have believed and confessed me but have not fulfilled my commandments …” – Attributed to Lord Jesus Christ Speaking (Verses 43, highlighted, Epistle of the Apostles)
“… 44 On account of them that have slumbered, they shall remain outside the kingdom and the fold of the shepherd and his sheep. But whoso shall abide outside the sheepfold, him will the wolves devour, and he shall be (condemned?) and die in much affliction …” – Attributed to Lord Jesus Christ Speaking (Verses 44, highlighted, Epistle of the Apostles)
iii. Yes, even the UNSAVED CHRISTIANS were CHRISTIANS
“… They will indeed rejoice that they have entered in with the bridegroom, the Lord; and they are sorrowful because of them that slumbered, for they are their sisters. For all ten are daughters of God, even the Father …” – Attributed to Lord Jesus Christ Speaking (Verses 45, highlighted, Epistle of the Apostles)
Please be careful of the “Eternal Security’ Gospel of Calvinism which risks a Christian to be “not” alert on doing Commands because they think the works of faith is believing only part (i.e. in work of faith as believing in theological details) and hence may “risk this slumber” and be unsaved in the end. Can you see it?
Please recall at the start of this chapter I showed this Verse which may point to “Unsaved Christians” (hence ‘no Eternal Security’) but only SALVATION to THOSE WHO ENDURE till the END are SAVED (Matthew 24:13),
and many other points (these are points 10 and 11 only)
Peace to you
God’s Will, human will and Satan’s will
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161751223717784
1) God has Willed the “Choice”
“… 19For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of [f]corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. …” (Romans 8:19 – 22, NKJV)
“…15“See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, 16in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess. … I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; … ” (Deuteronomy 30:15 – 16, 19, NKJV)
“… “Now you shall say to this people, ‘Thus says the LORD: “Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death. …” (Jeremiah 21:8, NKJV)
Yes, even in this Context of Prophecy of CHRIST REMOVING OUR SINS, it seems to be based on “choice” under the conditions “… 19If you are willing and obedient, …” vs “… 20But if you refuse and rebel, ..” uttered by GOD HIMSELF, Verses:
“… 18“Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the Lord,
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.
19If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the good of the land;
20But if you refuse and rebel,
You shall be devoured by the sword”;
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. …” (Isaiah 1:18 – 20, NKJV)
2) God’s Will influences a ‘human will’s choice’
“… 14for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel. …” (Romans 2:14, NKJV)
“… But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. …” (Acts 10:35, NKJV)
3) Satan’s will also is allowed to influence ‘human will’s choice’
“… and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. …” (2 Timothy 2:26, NKJV)
“… 42Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. 43Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. 44You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. …” (John 8:42 – 44, NKJV)
“… We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. …” (1 John 5:19, NKJV)
4) Human will is ‘not’ entirely “free” (in the absolute sense) as it is influenced either by God’s Will or by ‘Satan’s will’ by ‘Relative Measure’ meaning God makes it “Fair choice” (and that’s why we are judged whether we choose evil or good)
“… No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. …” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NKJV)
“… For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. …” (2 Corinthians 5:10, NKJV)
5) Some may be Saved but “not” enter Heaven nor inherit it type of Salvation is possible based on these Bible Verses (let God Decide as I am “not” sure of this part 100%)
“… Come, I will show you the [g]BRIDE, the LAMB’S WIFE.” 10And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and SHOWED ME THE [H]GREAT CITY, the [I]HOLY JERUSALEM, DESCENDING OUT OF HEAVEN from God, … 24And the NATIONS [N]OF THOSE WHO ARE SAVED shall walk in its light, and the KINGS OF THE EARTH bring their glory and honor [o]into it. 25Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). 26And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into [p]it. 27But there shall by no means enter it anything [q]that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but ONLY THOSE WHO ARE WRITTEN IN THE LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE. …” (Revelation 21:8 – 10, 24 – 27, NKJV)
Note: The “terrestrial/earthly body salvation” for some other “nations who are saved with kings of the earth” (the word ‘earth’ signifying ‘terrestrial salvation’ with ‘terrestrial body too’) may be revealed in Verses above as they Visit the Heavenly City toward only those who are Written in the Lamb’s Book of Life where ‘His Church/Bride is’ (Who Alone have Celestial Resurrection Heavenly Body; please see end of this write-up).
Another Comment: The ‘Bride of Christ’ and God seem to call out to ‘thirsty ones (on that Day)’ to be given the ‘Water of Life’ and be saved as a possible non-Elect Salvation in Verse below
“… And the SPIRIT and the BRIDE say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And LET HIM WHO THIRSTS COME. Whoever desires, let him TAKE THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY. …” – Blessed Apostle St. John (Revelation 22:17, NKJV)
Where possibly:
The Spirit = God
The Bride = Christians (those with Elect Salvation)
“who thirsts” = those with non-Elect Salvation Possibility?
iii. The “Overcomers” Vs the “Thirsty” ones Vs the “Damned”
“… I will give of the fountain of the WATER OF LIFE FREELY TO HIM WHO THIRSTS. …” (Revelation 21:6, NKJV)
Let’s see this related Verse in full:
“… 6And He said to me, “IT[C] IS DONE! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the WATER OF LIFE FREELY TO HIM WHO THIRSTS. 7He WHO OVERCOMES [d]SHALL INHERIT ALL THINGS, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 8But the cowardly, [e]unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” …” (Revelation 21:6 – 8, NKJV)
Possibility:
iii) The “Damned” = Unsaved in the Lake of Fire = “… 8But the cowardly, [e]unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” …”
I find it hard to see that Revelation 21:6 and Revelation 21:7 Speak of the ‘same’ People especially with Revelation 22:17 above which seem more likely to Speak of Saved-Christians calling out to some recently saved non-Christians as per details next. Three groups of people seem to mentioned distinctly and compared here namely:
In comparison, the ‘thirsty ones’ given the ‘water of life freely’ in Revelation 21:6 most likely cannot be the same ones who “overcome” as mentioned in Revelation 21:7 as the thirsty ones sounds like they are much lower whilst the one who “overcomes must have faith” in comparison of the word “Thirsty” which indicates lack of believing as per John 7:37 – 39 too and thus may not be the same group either.
In light of these Verses, the “thirsty ones” could be ‘believing a little’ but not considered faith-level while the “unbelievers” mentioned in Revelation 21:8 cast into the Lake of Fire could be those who absolutely reject everything God has Said in Christ. I mean, some could be believing some parts or WORDS of CHRIST who could come under the category of these “thirsty ones” or “those who only fully believe after seeing THE RISEN CHRIST CONTEXT” as Apostle Thomas example shows even, Verses:
“… JESUS SAID TO HIM, “Thomas, because you have SEEN ME, YOU HAVE BELIEVED. BLESSED ARE THOSE who have NOT SEEN and YET HAVE BELIEVED.” …” (John 20:29, NKJV)
“… And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” …” (John 12:32, NKJV)
Perhaps Christ’s Draws all People to Himself to give them this chance of Believing after seeing Possibility for a non-Elect Salvation Possibility as the “Context” for these Verses around John 6:44 above seems to point to that as follows:
“… 36But I said to you that YOU HAVE SEEN ME and YET DO NOT BELIEVE … 40And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that EVERYONE WHO SEES THE SON and BELIEVES IN HIM may have EVERLASTING LIFE; and I will RAISE HIM UP at the LAST DAY.” …” (John 6:36, 40, NKJV)
“… And as MOSES LIFTED UP the SERPENT in the wilderness, even so must the SON OF MAN BE LIFTED UP, 15that WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM should [c]NOT PERISH but have ETERNAL LIFE. …” (John 3:14 – 15, NKJV)
Comment: John 3:14 – 15 and John 6:36 – 40 above seem to point strongly to the ‘Believing after Seeing case’ which could be available till the LAST DAY as both John 6:40 and the Shepherd of Hermas quote below seem to point for this ‘non-Elect Salvation Possibility’. Here it is in two translations:
“… For the Lord has sworn by His glory, in regard to His elect, that if any one of them sin after a certain day which has been fixed, he shall not be saved. For the repentance of the righteous has limits. Filled up are the days of repentance to all the saints; but to the heathen, REPENTANCE will be POSSIBLE even to the LAST DAY. You will tell, therefore, those who preside over the Church, to direct their ways in righteousness, that they may receive in full the promises with great glory. …” – Shepherd of Hermas (Chapter II, Second Vision, Translated by another Well Known Scholar Mr. Roberts-Donaldson)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd.html
Comment: The “Elect Salvation” seems to have limits while the “heathen’s repentance” which must refer to a “non-Elect Salvation type” as compared and contrasted above (as even the other quote from this same Shepherd of Hermas Writing may point (please see Pages 234 to 240 in this Book if keen), seems to be available even to the LAST DAY; or am I misreading it?)
Or in another translation:
“… 2[6]:4 After that thou hast made known unto them all these words, which the Master commanded me that they should be revealed unto thee, then all their sins which they sinned aforetime are forgiven to them; yea, and to all the saints that have sinned unto this day, if they repent with their whole heart, and remove double-mindedness from their heart. 2[6]:5 For the Master sware by His own glory, as concerning His elect; that if, now that this day has been set as a limit, sin shall hereafter be committed, they shall not find salvation; for repentance for the righteous hath an end; the days of repentance are accomplished for all the saints; whereas for the GENTILES there is REPENTANCE UNTIL THE LAST DAY. 2[6]:6 Thou shalt therefore say unto the elders of the Church, that they direct their paths in righteousness, that they may receive in full the promises with abundant glory. …” – The Shepherd of Hermas (Vision 2, Mr. Lightfoot’s Translation)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd-lightfoot.html
In the Context of John 3:14, it is Christ Who is quoting the phrase “… which in the past literally referred to those ‘who saw the Serpent on the Bronze stick’ and those who ‘LITERALLY SEE it and BELIEVE’ was HEALED which Christ seems to Hint likewise to Himself as the ‘Believing after Seeing Possibility’ toward those who were ‘bitten by the serpent (indicating Satan metaphorically)’ as per the past incident Christ refers to below:
“… 8Then THE LORD SAID to MOSES “Make a FIERY SERPENT, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he LOOKS AT IT, SHALL LIVE.” 9So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a SERPENT HAD BITTEN ANYONE, when he LOOKED AT THE BRONZE SERPENT, he LIVED. …” (Number 21:8 – 9, NKJV)
The phrase “Lifted Up” in John 3:14 – 15 above can refer to ‘after Christ is Glorified’ as it points to a time after ‘Christ has Died’ and Resurrected ‘from the earth’ (implied clearly in Verse below) which strengthens this claims for ‘Believing after Seeing the RISEN CHRIST Possibility’ as they’re Saved by Christ like that (if God Wills it):
“… 32And I, if I am [e]LIFTED UP FROM THE EARTH, will DRAW ALL PEOPLES to Myself.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 12:32, NKJV)
I repeat, this part I am “not” 100% sure of its interpretation but what God Decides One Day, I accept it.
Conclusion
Christ Taught it Directly in this Phrase “… YOU WERE UNWILLING …” in Verses below Generally in the Context of “not” Obeying “nor” Receiving the Message of the Prophets of God, Verses:
“… Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and YOU WERE UNWILLING. “Behold, your house is being left to you desolate! “For I say to you, from now on you will not see Me until you say, ‘BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!’ …” – Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 23:37 – 39, NASB)
Even if Christ Taught it in ”öne” Verse, it’s “not” less important as even the Virgin Birth of Christ is Taught in one verse only likewise (Isaiah 7:14). The Context in Verse above is ‘General’ especially that Jerusalem is judged like that because it was ”ünwilling” by “choice” to listen to the ‘real Prophets of God sent to her and Finally Rejected Lord Jesus Christ Himself’ which is a Curse which lasts UNTIL CHRIST’S SECOND COMING as signified by the ending phrase here as “… “For I say to you, from now on you will not see Me until you say, ‘BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!’ …” .
Church Fathers all Taught likewise, plenty of example quotes in link below:
The Idea is Simple: God Wills the “Choice“.
Also, when compared to Christ’s Righteousness for Salvation, “no” human righteousness can merit salvation no matter how holy because it is always stained with sin within, Verses:
“… 9What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. 10As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; 11There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God …” (Romans 3:9 – 11, NKJV)
Please notice that Verses above put the “Christians with faith” in the same level (“not” any better despite having faith even) in this Context of “none righteous” (even with faith) as this phrase above rings “… 9What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. …”.
The Reward-Level for “Heaven” etc. is based on ‘human righteousness of the Pharisees’ which CHRIST HIMSELF ASKS US TO EXCEED, Verses:
“… For I say unto you, That except YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS [1343 dikaiosynē] shall EXCEED the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in NO CASE ENTER into the kingdom of HEAVEN. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:20, KJV)
Matthew 5:20 means if “your FRUIT/OBEDIENCE TO HIS NEW TESTAMENT COMMANDS” did “not exceed the Pharisees’ Level (human level)’, then YOU WILL NEVER ENTER HEAVEN.
To bear the “fruit of Obeying His Commands“, you don’t need to be perfect but only obey/bear as much as you are given by measure of your faith by His Grace in His Mercy.
“… 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. …”
The Context above in Matthew 7:18 – 24 is about ENTERING HEAVEN (Matthew 7:21) and God’s Will for ITS FRUIT meant is clearly “not” the abolished ritualistic parts of the Torah (as some Christians err) but ONLY WHATEVER COMMANDS CHRIST RE-ENFORCED or MADE NEW FOR THIS COVENANT in any New Testament Verses as Matthew 7:24 earlier Calls it as “CHRIST’S SAYINGS” agreeing to Verses below too which also Speak likewise that the CONTEXT OF ENTERING HEAVEN IS THE FRUIT OF OBEYING AND TEACHING CHRIST’S DIRECT COMMANDS ONLY (“not” Eschatology of end time Prophecy “nor” knowing hidden Bible mystery or anything like that is referred to in any of HIS OWN MOST BLESSED WORDS WHEN HE SPOKE OF “FRUIT”), Verses:
“… 19Whoever therefore BREAKS ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE COMMANDMENTS, and TEACHES MEN SO, shall be called LEAST IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN; but WHOEVER DOES AND TEACHES THEM, he shall be called GREAT IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. 20For I say to you, that unless YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS EXCEEDS the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES, YOU WILL BY NO MEANS ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:19 – 20, NKJV)
Risk: If you teach men to “break His Commands“, even if you are saved you will be LEAST so it DOESN’T MATTER HOW MANY PEOPLE YOU CONVERT TO BREAK HIS NEW TESTAMENT COMMANDS/TRADITIONS as it’s your heavenly loss to bear according to Matthew 5:19 clearly and vice versa and so, please don’t lose it “eternally“.
The Greatest Gift of all is Communion with God Himself and it is only “conditional” to “KEEPING (OBEYING) HIS COMMANDS” (nothing else), so “more Commands Obeyed, Greater the Mystical Union with God” as Christ Himself Reveals as follows:
“… 21He WHO HAS MY COMMANDMENTS and KEEPS THEM, it is HE WHO LOVES ME. And he who loves Me will be LOVED BY MY FATHER, and I will LOVE HIM AND [F]MANIFEST MYSELF TO HIM.” 22Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID TO HIM, “If ANYONE LOVES ME, HE WILL KEEP MY WORD; and My FATHER WILL LOVE HIM, and WE WILL COME TO HIM AND MAKE OUR HOME WITH HIM. 24He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. …” (John 14:21 – 24, NKJV)
Example Church Father Quote
17. Blessed Eusebius, Bishop of Caesarea and Father of Church History
(c. 260/265 – 30 May 339), also known as Eusebius Pamphili
Here’s a Mystery regarding why he is known as “Eusebius Pamphili” which means “Son of Pamphilus”, example quote:
“… Eusebius was baptized and ordained at Caesarea, where he was taught by the learned presbyter Pamphilus, to whom he was bound by ties of respect and affection and from whom he derived the name “Eusebius Pamphili” (the son or servant of Pamphilus). Pamphilus came to be persecuted by the Romans for his beliefs and died in martyrdom in 310. After the death of Pamphilus, Eusebius withdrew to Tyre and later, while the Diocletian persecution was still raging, went to Egypt, where he seems to have been imprisoned but soon released. …”
Source: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eusebius-of-Caesarea
Here’s more regarding Blessed Pamphilus of whom even Blessed Eusebius (the Father of Church History) is so fond who not only was a Martyr for Christ but also believed in some type of Christ Centred Universalism:
“… Saint Pamphilus of Caesarea Priest and Martyr, died about 309 AD,… Eusebius’ Martyrs of Palestine attests that Pamphilus was of a rich and honorable family of Beirut. This work also asserts that he gave all his property to the poor and attached himself to the “perfect men”. Photius,[1] quotes Pamphilus’s Apology for Origen to the effect that Pamphilus went to Alexandria, where his teacher was Pierius, the head of the famous catechetical school there, before settling in Caesarea Maritima, where he was ordained a priest. In Alexandria, Egypt, Pamphilus became devoted to the works of Origen of Alexandria. Photius says that Pamphilus was a Phoenician born at Berytus, and a scholar of Pierius, who collected sacred literature. According to Eusebius, he suffered martyrdom in the third year of the Diocletian persecution, after spending two years in prison. While he was in prison, Pamphilus and Eusebius worked together on five books in defense of Origen … While defending Origen from accusations that he held and taught certain heterodox doctrines, Pamphilus endorses universal reconciliation as the orthodox understanding of apokatastasis…”
Source:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pamphilus_of_Caesarea
Please note that St. Pamphilus was not influenced by Origen as it is well known that his ‘Defense for Origen’ opened up with passages speaking bitterly of Origen at first for probably deviating from certain Orthodox Teachings but being Fair, he also defends Origen on the points which he was right & one of it is that St. Pamphilus points that Hell is not eternal, to quote:
“… Of the Apology for Origen only the first book is extant, in a Latin version made by Rufinus. It begins with describing the extravagant bitterness of the feeling against Origen. He was a man of deep humility, of great authority in the Church of his day, and honoured with the priesthood. He was above all things anxious to keep to the rule of faith that had come down from the Apostles. The soundness of his doctrine concerning the Trinity and the Incarnation is then vindicated by copious extracts from his writings…”
Source:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pamphilus_of_Caesarea
And
“… Pamphilus refutes accusations concerning Origen’s thought on the Trinity, the incarnation, the historicity of Scripture, the resurrection, punishment, the soul and metempsychosis. In the process of defending Origen, Pamphilus affirmed his denial of eternal punishment, therefore the Apology itself was controversial. Pamphilus and Eusebius refuted the accusations made against their hero and defended his views with many passages quoted from his own works….” – History of Coptic Orthodoxy
Source:
http://www.copticchurch.net/topics/patrology/schoolofalex2/chapter04.html
Note: Blessed St. Pamphilus of Caesarea’s Student Eusebius becomes Bishop of Caesarea & the Father of Church History as he is known today.
Even the Roman Catholic Church’s Best feel the Zeal of both Origen and Pamphilus for the Gospel, to quote:
“… Origen, most modest of writers, hardly ever alludes to himself in his own works; but Eusebius has devoted to him almost the entire sixth book of “Ecclesiastical History”. Eusebius was thoroughly acquainted with the life of his hero; he had collected a hundred of his letters; in collaboration with the martyr Pamphilus he had composed the “Apology for Origen”; he dwelt at Caesarea where Origen’s library was preserved, and where his memory still lingered; if at times he may be thought somewhat partial, he is undoubtedly well informed. We find some details also in the “Farewell Address” of St. Gregory Thaumaturgus to his master, in the controversies of St. Jerome and Rufinus, in St. Epiphanius (Haeres., LXIV), and in Photius (Biblioth. Cod. 118)… ”
Source:
http://catholicencyclopedia.newadvent.com/cathen/11306b.htm
Blessed Eusebius himself may have believed in Christ Centered Universalism, example quote:
“… Eusebius characterizes the final apokatastasis as unity. [18] He writes that “the times of universal restoration” will be when humanity attains unity (ἡνῶσθαι) with the Logos and in the future aeon all will receive complete restoration. It is significant that Eusebius uses ἀποκατάστασις again here, and thrice at that, to claim that “the apokatastasis of all” will be when all are finally liberated from captivity and can enjoy “the freedom of the glory of the children of God” (with the aforementioned quotation of Rom 8:21): The expression “until the times of restoration” [. . .] indicates to us the world to come, in which all beings [πάντα] must receive the perfect restoration [τῆς τελείας ἀποκαταστάσεως] [. . .] on the occasion of the restoration of all beings [τῆς ἀποκαταστάσεως ἁπάντων] creation itself will be transformed [. . .] from the slavery of corruption to the freedom of the glory of the children of God. C. Marc. 2.4.11 (emphasis mine) …”
Plenty of his quotes in support of Christ Centered Universalism as the Ancient First Christianity is found in link below:
Continued… Other Great First Christianity Defenders of Christ Centered Universalism:
“… Pamphilius, and Eusebius, the first Church historian, also defended Origen’s doctrines from charges brought against them by the Western Church, and in answering the complaint that he denied all future punishment they quote from his writings in contradiction thereof, not only his positive assurances of future and severe punishment, but his equally positive assertion that such correction is purifying and salutary….” “… In A.D. 364, Titus, bishop of Bostra, wrote in advocacy of Universalism, contending that, although there are torments in the abyss of hell, they are not eternal, but that their great severity will lead the wicked to repentance and so to salvation…” “… Gregory of Nyssa, A.D. 380, also advocated Universalism on the same grounds. Contemporary with him was the justly celebrated defender of orthodoxy, Didymus the Blind, a successor of Origen in the school at Alexandria, and a zealous Universalist. Prominent among his scholars was Jerome, eminent alike for his abilities, his inconsistencies, and instability. Universalism as taught by Origen is clearly and ably set forth by Jerome in his commentaries on the epistles, and in his letters…” “… John, bishop of Jerusalem at this period, was also an advocate of Universalism on Origen’s theory. Another contemporary, Diodorus, a teacher of great repute in the school at Antioch, and afterwards bishop of Jerusalem, was also a Universalist, who, in opposition to the then general prevalence of allegorical interpretation, strictly adhered to the natural import of the text in his many commentaries on the Scriptures. He defended Universalism on the ground that the divine mercy far exceeds all the effects and all the deserts of sin. His pupil and successor in the school, Theodore of Mopsuestia, A.D. 420, called “the crown and climax of the school of Antioch,” and by the Nestorians, whose sect he founded, “the interpreter of the Word of God,” and whose writings were text-books in the schools of Eastern Syria, was a prominent and influential Universalist…”
Source: https://www.biblicalcyclopedia.com/U/universalism-(2).html
Here are some possible Strange “Universalism” Quotes by Church Fathers greater than the ones quoted here:
i) The Phrase “Saves all men” is contrasted against the word “Church” meaning difference:
“… And undoubtedly the preaching of the Church is true and stedfast, in which one and the same way of salvation is shown throughout the whole world. For to her is entrusted the light of God; and therefore the “wisdom” of God, by means of which she SAVES ALL MEN, “is declared in [its] going forth; it uttereth [its voice] faithfully in the streets, is preached on the tops of the walls, and speaks continually in the gates of the city.” For the Church preaches the truth everywhere, and she is the seven-branched candlestick which bears the light of Christ…” – 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’, Book V)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/irenaeus-book5.html
Note: St. Ireaneous of Lyons may have understood “the many” saved as ‘all men’ in ‘his own words’ as follows:
The Many many sinners in Adam is the same Many which will be Made Righteous by Lord Jesus Christ (POSSIBLE Context for Romans 5:18 – 19)
Under the Equation:
‘Adam + the Many’ = All Men = All Human Beings Ever Existed
Lord Jesus Christ is exempt from the equation above simply because He is God in Flesh and not a mere Man only & Alone is never affected by Adam’s sin in any way.
That quote:
“… For as by the disobedience of the one man [Adam] who was originally moulded from virgin soil, the many [all other humans] were made sinners, and forfeited life; so was it necessary that, by the obedience of one man [Lord Jesus Christ], who was originally born from a virgin, [the] many [same all other humans by earlier definition/context here] should be justified and receive salvation. Thus, then, was the Word of God made man, as also Moses says: “God, true are His works.” But if, not having been made flesh, He did appear as if flesh, His work was not a true one. But what He did appear, that He also was: God recapitulated in Himself the ancient formation of man, that He might kill sin, deprive death of its power, and vivify man; and therefore His works are true.” – St. Irenaeous of Lyons (‘Against Heresies’, Chapter XVIII, Book III)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/irenaeus-book3.html
*[Emphasis mine] – or am I reading St. Irenaeous’ explanation wrongly here? I don’t know.
“… For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. …” (1 Timothy 4:10, KJV)
“… All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, And they shall glorify Your name. …” (Psalm 86:9, NASB)
“… Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. …” (1 Timothy 2:4, KJV)
“… and once more, “If I be lifted up from the earth, I will DRAW ALL MEN UNTO ME [John 12:32].” The Word therefore did dwell in flesh, for “Wisdom built herself an house.” The Word raised up again His own temple on the third day, when it had been destroyed by the Jews fighting against Christ. The Word, when His flesh was lifted up, after the manner of the brazen serpent in the wilderness [John 3:14], DREW ALL MEN to Himself for their ETERNAL SALVATION [John 12:32]…” – Blessed St. Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, nicknamed ‘God-Bearing’, An Apostolic Father being the direct Disciple of the Blessed Apostle St. John, Martyr for Christ (c. 35 AD – c. 108 AD, Epistle to the Smyrnaeans, Chapter II)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/ignatius-smyrnaeans-longer.html
“… ” You ought therefore to “hate those that hate God, and to waste away [with grief] on account of His enemies.” I do not mean that you should beat them or persecute them, as do the Gentiles “that know not the Lord and God; ” but that you should regard them as your enemies, and separate yourselves from them, while yet you admonish them, and exhort them to repentance, if it may be they will hear, if it may be they will submit themselves. For our God is a LOVER OF MANKIND, and “WILL HAVE ALL MEN TO BE SAVED, and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” [1 Timothy 2:4] Wherefore “He makes His sun to rise upon the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust; ” of whose kindness the Lord, wishing us also to be imitators, says, “Be ye perfect, even as also your Father that is in heaven is perfect.” [Matthew 5:44 – 48]…” – Blessed St. Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, nicknamed ‘God-Bearing’, An Apostolic Father being the direct Disciple of the Blessed Apostle St. John, Martyr for Christ (c. 35 AD – c. 108 AD, Epistle to the Philadelphians, Chapter III)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/ignatius-philadelphians-longer.html
Example Bible Verses In full for this part:
“… 1I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made FOR ALL MEN; … 3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 WHO WILL HAVE ALL MEN TO BE SAVED, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6Who GAVE HIMSELF A RANSOM FOR ALL, to be testified in due time. 7Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. … 9This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. 10For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the SAVIOUR OF ALL MEN, SPECIALLY OF THOSE THAT BELIEVE. 11These things COMMAND and TEACH. … (1 Timothy 2:1, 3 – 7, 4:9 – 11, KJV)
The Verse below Speaks that NO PROPHECY is of any Private interpretation and that’s why in light of these First Christianity Quotes even, I find it very hard to understand whether Eternal Hell, Annihilation or Universalism in some way will be true eventually with Gradations etc.
“… knowing this first, that NO PROPHECY of SCRIPTURE is of ANY PRIVATE INTERPRETATION, …” (2 Peter 1:20, NKJV)
And so I take the Middle Ground in these and Preach all three and let God Decide One Day and whatever He Decides, I agree with it respecting God’s Sovereignty. Example in Verses below in Daniel 12:8 – 9, even the Great Blessed Prophet Daniel did NOT understand some aspects of the Words Spoken to him but that didn’t make him any less a prophet of God:
Free Choice and its Relation to Salvation
1) The Principle Verse used to sometimes prove “Unconditional Election” actually proves “Conditional Election“, please consider it in “full”
“… 10He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11He came to His [c]own, and His [d]own DID NOT RECEIVE HIM. 12But AS MANY AS RECEIVED HIM, TO THEM HE GAVE THE [e]RIGHT TO BECOME CHILDREN OF GOD, to THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN HIS NAME: 13who WERE BORN, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, BUT OF GOD. …” (John 1:10 – 13, NKJV)
Comments:
“… and His [d]own DID NOT RECEIVE HIM. 12But AS MANY AS RECEIVED HIM …”
Note: It is “Free Choice” because ‘some received Him while others did not’ (the existence of “opposite choices“).
“… TO THEM HE GAVE THE [e]RIGHT TO BECOME CHILDREN OF GOD, to THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN HIS NAME …”
iii) The “Believing Choice” cannot make you “Born Again” because God Decides that part and bestows it as a “Gift” thereafter (Order which Gives Full Glory to God without contradicting the fact that we are Created in God’s Image to have “choice” so that He Didn’t make ‘programmed robots’ and making our Union with Him as “Real” from our part or limited ability of “choice” too)
“… 3who WERE BORN, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, BUT OF GOD. …”
Can you see it?
Unconditional Election Theology may have erred (as almost ALL Church Fathers Taught what I am essentially explaining here as quoted in the subsequent pages in this book) where the BORN AGAIN part is what is mentioned as the WILL of GOD and NOT of men putting Sovereignty on God Alone as He Decides this by His Mercy.
This in “no” way refutes the “FREE CHOICE” part earlier which these ‘same set of Verses’ (“Context“) also Reveal as “it is Written“.
In other words, though “our human will” is “not” absolutely “free” but it has to make a “choice” toward “following Christ” according to the “Fair Choice” which is given to it by ‘relative measure’ without which there is “no” real relationship” formed with God but a programmed or robotic one.
A common fallacy done by our dear Calvinist brothers is that they use Verses like Apostle St. Paul’s Conversion or even Prophet Jonah’s case as examples of “no” choice. Actually, these Verses prove that “our choice” is “limited” indeed and that “God’s Will can override all these choices” and in some Cases He Does that based on the Principle “… Many are called but Few Chosen …” to Fulfill His Purpose (Matthew 22:14) whereas for the general case, it’s based on these ‘General Verses with Choice’.
2) Is everything happening according to God’s Will as extreme Calvinism claims?
No. Here’s the “General Verses” which Prove that “God’s Will is the #CharityDoctrine while the Opposite happens BY CHOICE of the “gods” even and whom they influence but yet GOD DOES NOT EXERT HIS SOVEREIGNTY to CORRECT it to make it REAL but He Will Judge it a Detailed out here on ‘Judgment Day’” Verses:
“… 1God stands in the congregation of [a]the mighty; HE JUDGES AMONG THE [B]GODS.
2How long will you judge unjustly,
And show partiality to the wicked? Selah
3[c]DEFEND THE POOR and FATHERLESS;
Do justice to the AFFLICTED AND NEEDY.
4Deliver the POOR AND NEEDY;
Free them from the hand of the wicked
5They do not know, nor do they understand;
They walk about in darkness;
All the foundations of the earth are [d]unstable.
6I said, “YOU ARE [E]GODS,
And all of you are children of the Most High.
7BUT YOU SHALL DIE LIKE MEN,
And fall like one of the princes.”
8Arise, O God, judge the earth;
For You shall inherit all nations. …” (Psalm 82:1 – 8, NKJV)
In short, if “God’s Will is always done”, then it will be Perfection everywhere on earth with “no” murders, “no” robbers, “no” rich exploiters of the poor of their financial circumstances, “no” rapists, “no” drunkards etc.
Here’s a Mystery: Even in such a ‘General Verse’ the ONLY RELIGIOUS ACT GOD points as HIS GENERAL WILL FOR MANKIND (even the “gods“) is the #CharityDoctrine (if you find any other religious act or good work mentioned here, please let me know as I find “none“) as these Verses from this Verse prove:
“… 2How long will you judge unjustly,
And show partiality to the wicked? Selah
3[c]DEFEND THE POOR and FATHERLESS;
Do justice to the AFFLICTED AND NEEDY.
4Deliver the POOR AND NEEDY; …” (Psalm 82:2 – 3, NKJV)
Did you also notice that “partiality to the wicked” and “judging unjustly” are evidenced by “lack of #CharityDoctrine only” as GOD HIMSELF TEACHES here “as it is Written“?
That’s why I keep away from any branch of Christianity even if it does “not” have the #CharityDoctrine as that’s God’s Primary Will for Mankind as a whole as Revealed in these Verses even.
3) But didn’t God Create Evil?
“… I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. …” (Isaiah 45:7, NKJV)
Yes, the Verse above is often quoted in a shallow manner by some Calvinists. Truth is the Verse above Speaks of the Context of “Evil Created” and so we must go to the “Source Bible Verse” to understand correctly ‘how God Created that evil’ (as His Principles does “not” change) for if not, we may end up Blaspheming Him, Verses:
“… 15Then the Lord God took [d]the man and put him in the garden of Eden to [e]tend and keep it. 16And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you[f] shall surely die.” … 1Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” 2And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” 4Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was [a]pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. 7Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves [b]coverings. …” (Genesis 2:15 – 17, 3:1 – 7, NKJV)
Comments:
iii. However God didn’t stop the “Serpent” (Satan/Devil) from having ‘his will influence’ on Adam and Even as God allows Satan to “tempt” them by “Fair Choice”.
“… For He foreknows that some are to be saved by repentance, some even that are perhaps not yet born. In the beginning He made the human race with the power of thought and of choosing the truth and doing right, so that all men are without excuse before God; for they have been born rational and contemplative. And if any one disbelieves that God cares for these things, he will thereby either insinuate that God does not exist, or he will assert that though He exists He delights in vice, or exists like a stone, and that neither virtue nor vice are anything, but only in the opinion of men these things are reckoned good or evil. And this is the greatest profanity and wickedness. (Chapter 28 of Justin’s 1st Apology).
For as in the beginning He created us when we were not, so do we consider that, in like manner, those who choose what is pleasing to Him are, on account of their choice, deemed worthy of incorruption and of fellowship with Him. For the coming into being at first was not in our own power; and in order that we may follow those things which please Him, choosing them by means of the rational faculties He has Himself endowed us with, He both persuades us and leads us to faith. (Ante-Nicene Fathers vol.1 pg.165)
In the beginning He made the human race with the power of thought and of choosing the truth and doing right, so that all men are without excuse before God; for they have been born rational and contemplative. (Ante-Nicene Fathers vol.1 pg.172)
. Now, if this is not so, but all things happen by fate, then neither is anything at all in our own power. For if it is predetermined that this man will be good, and this other man will be evil, neither is the first one meritorious nor the latter man to be blamed. And again, unless the human race has the power of avoiding evil and CHOOSING GOOD BY FREE CHOICE, they are not accountable for their actions (Ante-Nicene Fathers vol.1 pg. 177) …”
Source (with more relevant quotes from ‘Church Fathers’):
Note that “foreknowing” concerns knowing something ahead of time, rather than predestining/forcing something to occur.
vii. God Created “Evil” for two things namely as a “Choice” against “Good” (so that we may make a “Real” Relationship with Him by “Fair Choice and Relative Measure“) and so that He Will “Judge” them later for those who “Choose Evil” (no one escapes).
“… For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, Nor shall evil dwell with You. …” (Psalm 5:4, NKJV)
4) Free Choice in Believing in Christ explained by Lord Jesus Christ Himself
Verses:
“… 19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.[l] Therefore be [m]zealous and repent. 20Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 3:19 – 22, NKJV)
Comments:
“… 20Behold, I stand at the door and knock. …”
“… If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. …”
Here’s another Verse by Christ which Proves clearly the distinction of “Human Will” and “God’s Will” in the same Context of “Choice“:
“… IF ANY MAN WILL DO HIS WILL, he shall know of the DOCTRINE, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 7:17, KJV)
“… IF ANYONE IS WILLING TO DO HIS WILL, he will know about the teaching, whether it is of God, or I am speaking from Myself. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 7:17, NASB)
Comments:
“… IF ANY MAN WILL …” (KJV)
“… IF ANYONE IS WILLING …” (NASB)
“… DO HIS WILL …:” (KJV)
“… TO DO HIS WILL, …” (NASB)
Please note that Christ cannot be inviting them to do “God’s Will” if they cannot do it by “Choice” as that’s a fallacy as God only allows a “Choice” if it is in our “human will power” limited or imperfectly to do “His Will” and that’s why the “condition” for entering “Heaven” type of Salvation is to do “His Will” and the relative measure for it is just the ‘Pharisees’s human measure’ for us to ‘exceed’, Verses by Christ Himself again:
“… 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 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 7:18 – 24, NKJV)
“… 19Whoever therefore BREAKS ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE COMMANDMENTS, and TEACHES MEN SO, shall be called LEAST IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN; but WHOEVER DOES AND TEACHES THEM, he shall be called GREAT IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. 20For I say to you, that unless YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS EXCEEDS the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES, YOU WILL BY NO MEANS ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:19 – 20, NKJV)
5) Salvation vs Reward Heaven
“… 21But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all [f]and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24being justified [g]freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, … 27Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28Therefore we conclude that a man is [i]justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. … (Romans 3:21 – 24, 27, NKJV)
“… Come, I will show you the [g]BRIDE, the LAMB’S WIFE.” 10And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and SHOWED ME THE [H]GREAT CITY, the [I]HOLY JERUSALEM, DESCENDING OUT OF HEAVEN from God, … 24And the NATIONS [N]OF THOSE WHO ARE SAVED shall walk in its light, and the KINGS OF THE EARTH bring their glory and honor [o]into it. 25Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). 26And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into [p]it. 27But there shall by no means enter it anything [q]that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but ONLY THOSE WHO ARE WRITTEN IN THE LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE. …” (Revelation 21:8 – 10, 24 – 27, NKJV)
iii) Romans 9 vs 1 Corinthians 3 – is there a conradiction?
Not at all.
iii. a) Romans 9
Romans 9 is Speaking of “Free Gift of Salvation” by CHRIST’S RIGHTEOUSNESS IMPUTED upon us ONLY which is 100% God’s Will with NO HUMAN element, example Verse (this part Calvinism got right for sure):
“… 15For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.” 16So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy. 17For the Scripture says to the Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.” 18Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens. …” (Romans 9:15 – 18, NKJV)
iii. b) 1 Corinthians 3
1 Corinthians 3 Speaks “not” of the Free Salvation Gift but what happens ‘after you are chosen to be saved’, namely by “your works” you get the “level of Reward and Inheritance” in His Kingdom by “Relative Measure” (Luke 21:1 – 3, Luke 12:46 – 48).
Some seem to be SAVED only BY FIRE while others BASED ON THEIR WORKS (NOT FAITH, please notice this ‘carefully’) may merit the “GOLD, SILVER or PRECIOUS STONES” (figurative) level of IHERITANCE OF HEAVEN among Christians even indicating Gradation and “not” all of the Christian Salvation is the same even
“… 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 3:13 – 15, NKJV)
So the “Work Quality” is very important to build on “CHRIST” where the Christians are called “God’s Field” here:
“… 5Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6I PLANTED, APOLLOS WATERED, but GOD GAVE THE INCREASE. 7So then NEITHER HE WHO PLANTS IS ANYTHING, NOR HE WHO WATERS, BUT GOD WHO GIVES THE INCREASE. 8Now HE WHO PLANTS AND HE WHO WATERS ARE ONE, and EACH ONE WILL RECEIVE HIS OWN REWARD ACCORDING TO HIS OWN LABOR. 9For we are God’s fellow workers; YOU ARE GOD’s FIELD, YOU ARE GOD’s BUILDING. 10According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But LET EACH ONE TAKE HEED HOW HE BUILDS ON IT. …” (1 Corinthians 3:5 – 10, NKJV)
The “Building on Christians” is by “Relative Measure” and “Charity Doctrine” as we build on other Christians “benefitting them in some way” (which opens up even the possibility that some non-Christians who Practiced the Charity Doctrine toward Christians could be saved on the Second Resurrection as Judgment Day Verses in Matthew 25:31 – 46 also point to what one did when these least brethren of Christ (Christians) were ‘… hungry, naked, homeless, thirsty, in prison, sick …’ etc. So regardless, this interpretation of “Work” referring to “Works of Mercy of Giving and Sharing toward Christians” freely is meant as the “Building on God’s Field” which is the “Charity Doctrine Lifestyle” by “Relative Measure” (Luke 12:46 – 48, Luke 21:1 – 4). If it’s “not” a free service but expensive courses sold by one Christian to another (for example), the value may drop from Gold to Silver to even becoming wood/hay which will be burnt by that Fire (Let God Decide).
In Full:
“… 5Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6I PLANTED, APOLLOS WATERED, but GOD GAVE THE INCREASE. 7So then NEITHER HE WHO PLANTS IS ANYTHING, NOR HE WHO WATERS, BUT GOD WHO GIVES THE INCREASE. 8Now HE WHO PLANTS AND HE WHO WATERS ARE ONE, and EACH ONE WILL RECEIVE HIS OWN REWARD ACCORDING TO HIS OWN LABOR. 9For we are God’s fellow workers; YOU ARE GOD’s FIELD, YOU ARE GOD’s BUILDING. 10According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But LET EACH ONE TAKE HEED HOW HE BUILDS ON IT. 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 3:5 – 15, NKJV)
6) Free Choice in Faith Bible Examples
Biblical Examples of “Faith” Shipwrecked (“Failed“) due to FREE CHOICE part proving FREE CHOICE under conditional Election and “no” Eternal Security Doctrine as Calvinism errs (can you see it?)
“… 18This [f]charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, CONCERNING THE FAITH HAVE SUFFERED SHIPWRECK, 20of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme. …” (1 Timothy 1:18 – 20, NKJV)
Please notice that “Shipwreck faith” means the ‘faith type of salvation’ is not available for both “Hymenaeus and Alexander“.
[ Please remember that claiming “God told me is very dangerous as even the case of Ananias just lying about keeping some money back went to Hell straight for lying to the Holy Spirit” ], Verses:
“… 3But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” 5Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. …” (Acts 5:3 – 5, NKJV)
iii) STRAYING AWAY from FAITH due to the #ProsperityGospel Risk
Cases of the “no” #CharityDoctrine in the “Rich” level by “Rich Christians” can be one of the key factors of “STRAYING AWAY from FAITH” (possibly indicating being ‘unsaved’) which is only seen when these famous Verses are quoted in “full” to understand this “context” because it is “not” a true faith unless it has this #CharityDoctrineLifestyle for the “rich christians“:
“… 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. 20O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and [f]idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge— 21by PROFESSING IT SOME HAVE STRAYED CONCERNING THE FAITH. Grace be with you. Amen …” (1 Timothy 6:17 – 21, NKJV)
“… I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good. …” (Psalm 54:6, KJV)
“… Accept, I beseech thee, the FREEWILL [5071 [e] niḏ·ḇō·wṯ נִדְב֣וֹת ]offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments. …” (Psalm 119:108, KJV)
Please notice the word “Freewill” carefully in this “KJV translation” too which proves that it is a “Scriptural Word/Meaning“. It is not a single or weird occurrence but it occurs in “many other Bible Verses” such as listed in link below (that ‘exact same word meaning FREEWILL in HEBREW’):
https://biblehub.com/hebrew/5071.htm
One interesting occurrence is that the “FREEWILL” Hebrew word here is also used in the Context of “GOD’S LOVE for US” meaning it’s FREE CHOICE which is SOOOOO REAL meant in these Verses which GOD is LOOKING FOR in us (though we are imperfect and fall short of it when compared to GOD’S FREEWILL – Can you see it?), Verse:
“… “I will heal their backsliding, I will love them FREELY [5071 [e] nə·ḏā·ḇāh; נְדָבָ֑ה ], Ffor mine anger is turned away from him.. …” (Hosea 14:4, KJV)
[Emphasis Mine throughout]
“… 7Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. …” (James 4:7 – 8, NKJV)
Comments:
“… 7Therefore submit to God …”
“… Resist the devil and he will flee from you. …”
“… 8Draw near to God and He will draw near to you …”
“… 4For it is IMPOSSIBLE for THOSE WHO WERE ONCE ENLIGHTENED, and HAVE TASTED THE HEAVENLY GIFT, and HAVE BECOME PARTAKERS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, 5and HAVE TASTED THE GOOD WORD OF GOD and the POWERS OF THE AGE TO COME, 6[c]IF THEY FALL AWAY, to RENEW THEM AGAIN TO REPENTANCE, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. 7For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; 8but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to BEING CURSED, WHOSE END IS TO BE BURNED. …” (Hebrews 6:4 – 8, NKJV)
Comments:
iii) Here’s another Key Reason why we Preach the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle Commands because when warning of these ‘false Christians and fallen Christians’ in HEBREWS 6 here, the Bible in this same Chapter compares and preaches those with the #charitydoctrine as part of the major trait of “True Christians” in Verses FROM THIS SAME HEBREWS 6 CHAPTER as follows (so if ‘we Preach the same, how can we be false teachers?’):
“… 1Therefore, LEAVING THE DISCUSSION OF THE ELEMENTARY PRINCIPLES OF CHRIST, let us GO ON TO [a]PERFECTION, NOT laying again the FOUNDATION of REPENTANCE FROM DEAD WORKS and OF FAITH TOWARD GOD, 2of the DOCTRINE OF BAPTISMS, of LAYING OF HANDS, of RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD, and of ETERNAL JUDGMENT. 3And THIS [b]we will do IF GOD PERMITS. … 9But, beloved, we are confident of BETTER THINGS CONCERNING YOU, YES, THINGS THAT ACCOMPANY SALVATION, though we speak in this manner. 10For God is not unjust to forget YOUR WORK and [d]LABOR OF LOVE which you have shown toward His name, IN THAT YOU HAVE MNISTERED TO THE SAINTS, and DO MINISTER. 11And WE DESIRE THAT EACH ONE OF YOU SHOW THE SAME DILLIGENCE TO THE FULL ASSURANCE OF HOPE UNTIL THE END, 12that you do not become [e]sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience INHERIT the promises. …” (Hebrews 6:1 – 3, 9 – 12, NKJV)
Comment: Surprising to most, the “only” Doctrine Toward “Perfection” mentioned immediately next (after Hebrews 6:1 – 3) after Warning of some backsliding Christians who will “not” even pass this Basic/Elementary Doctrines (in Hebrews 6:4 – 8.), not quoted here to focus on this core part) which turns out to be … (you guessed it) … chiefly of the CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE in Verses above clearly with “no” other religious action mentioned (Hebrews 6:9 – 12).
Peace to you
Charismatics Quote Gregory of Neocaesarea or Gregory the Miracle-Worker – but do they really know him?
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161761740457784
I write about him here because the Charismatics Quote him (example in image).
Source for image:
https://continuationism.com/2010/05/16/the-charismata-in-church-history/
1) His name and nickname meaning
“… Gregory Thaumaturgus or Gregory the Miracle-Worker (Ancient Greek: Γρηγόριος ὁ Θαυματουργός, Grēgórios ho Thaumatourgós; Latin: Gregorius Thaumaturgus; c. 213 – 270), also known as Gregory of Neocaesarea, was a Christian bishop of the 3rd century. He has been canonized as a saint in the Catholic and Orthodox Churches …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_Thaumaturgus
2) Miracles of God through his life
“… Gregory returned to Pontus and pursued the philosophical life of an ascetic monk. A true student of Origen, Gregory aspired to a life of contemplation and renunciation. However, against his preference, Gregory was appointed bishop of Pontus. He accepted church ordination after receiving a vision of the Virgin Mary and the apostle John. Gregory’s supernatural ministry garnered him the nickname “Wonder-Worker” (Greek, Thaumaturgus). Gregory began his ministry with only 17 Christians in Pontus. However, by the end of his ministry, all but 17 people in Pontus had become Christian. His more famous miracles include stopping the raging Lycus River with his staff, drying up a lake to resolve a dispute, and smashing the gods in a pagan temple. One aspect of Gregory’s missionary strategy for attracting pagan Greeks was instituting martyr-feasts as public celebrations—a common practice in early Christianity. …”
Source:
https://www.cappadociahistory.com/post/gregory-thaumaturgus-wonder-worker
3) Who Baptized and Taught him?
The Great Blessed Origen of Alexandria himself where despite Origen had some weird doctrine later on Blessed St. Gregory the Miracle Worker defended his master to the end:
“… Gregory was born to a pagan family in Neocaesarea in Pontus (northeastern Asia Minor, modern Turkey). He took the name Gregory after his conversion and baptism at Caesarea in Palestine under the influence of Origen, an outstanding early theologian and teacher of the Church. After a time as a student of Origen, he returned to his hometown, and around AD 240 became bishop of the city. He gained a reputation as a miracle worker and was known by the name Thaumaturgus (“wonder-worker“).
As a pupil of Origen, Gregory continued to expound Origen’s ideas. This third century creed by Gregory of Neocaesarea is preserved in a biography of him written by Gregory of Nyassa. It emphasizes the eternal divinity of Jesus as the Son of God, without addressing what exactly distinguishes the Son from the Father. Origen had strongly affirmed the eternity of Jesus as the Son of God while at the same time tending to subordinate the Son to God the Father. Gregory follows Origen on the first point, but does not deal with the subordination theme. …”
Source: https://www.crivoice.org/creedgregory.html
or
“… In his panegyric on Origen, Gregory describes the method employed by that master to win the confidence and esteem of those he wished to convert; how he mingled a persuasive candour with outbursts of temper and theological argument put cleverly at once and unexpectedly. Persuasive skill rather than bare reasoning, and evident sincerity and an ardent conviction were the means Origen used to make converts. … Before leaving Palestine, Gregory delivered in presence of Origen a public farewell oration in which he returned thanks to the illustrious master he was leaving. This oration is valuable from many points of view. As a rhetorical exercise it exhibits the excellent training given by Origen, and his skill in developing literary taste and the amount of adulation then permissible towards a living person in an assembly composed mostly of Christians, and Christian in temper. …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_Thaumaturgus
4) Mystery of the phrase “Shadow of Death” to possibly mean “Hell regions” and ‘Possible Salvation from there by Christ’
“… Let us twine, as with a wreath, the souls (or selves) [of them that love the festival and love to hearken] 3 with golden blossoms, fain to be crowned with wreaths from the unfading gardens; and offering in our hands the fair-fruited flowers of Christ, let us gather [them]. For the God-like temple of the Holy Virgin is meet to be glorified with such a crown; because the ILLUMINING PEARL cometh forth, to the END that it may RAISE UP AGAIN into the EVER-STREAMING LIGHT THEM that were GONE DOWN into DARKNESS and the SHADOW of DEATH…” – St. Gregory Thaumaturgus, the ‘Miracle-Worker’ (c. 213 AD – c. 270 AD, Point 11, Homily)
Source: http://www.tertullian.org/fathers/gregory_thaumaturgus_homily.htm
Compare:
“… For as the Lord “WENT AWAY in the midst of the SHADOW of DEATH” [Ps. 23:4, Ps 107:10 – 15], WHERE the SOULS of the DEAD were, …” – Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons, a Hearer of Blessed St. Polycarp who is an Apostolic Father being the Disciple of Blessed St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation (c. 130 AD – c. 202 AD, ‘Against Heresies’, Book 5, Chapter XXXI:2).
Source: http://www.regels.org/Irenaeus-Millennarism.htm
Possible Salvation from there for “Some?” based on these Bible 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 lovingkindness, And for His wonders to the sons of men!. …” (Psalm 107:10 – 15, NASB)
5) St. Gregory the Miracle Worker is often quoted by both Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox persons as one who prays or venerates Mary, the Mother of Jesus
This is an “extrapolation” (“adding”) done as in ‘his original writing in his own words – omitting the subtitles added by others in link below’, he only explains that he has seen Mary the Mother of Jesus in a Heavenly Vision but he does not introduce nor practice any praying to her for his powers, to quote:
There is NO prayer to Mary in the entire Homily. If anyone says otherwise, please quote from the Homily which he wrote in his own words only, please? (not interpretations, nor adding are welcome)
In fact, the word “Pray or Prayer” only occurs once in his Homily and it does NOT show any role of Mary as a mediator nor does it show any prayer to Mary, please read ‘word by word’ carefully to realize this accurate truth, to quote:
“… Therefore, O ye fair-fruited and comely branches of Christ’s teaching, ye shall in this place bring to us the |173 fruits of blessing (= εὐλογίας). Here, where is all purity and fragrance, LET US OFFER TO GOD with holy conscience the incense of PRAYER. Here, where virginity and temperance dance together, bearing for fruit the life-giving cluster of grapes. Here, where they . . . unto us the . . . of victorious power and the treasure of love.9 Here, where the mystery of the Holy Trinity was revealed by the archangel to the Holy Virgin according to the gospel: “The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee and the power of the most High shall overshadow thee. For Holy is that which is born of thee, Son of God.” To whom be glory and honour for ever and ever…” – St. Gregory the Miracle Worker (Point 35, Homily)
Source:
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/pearse/morefathers/files/gregory_thaumaturgus_homily.htm
Focus Quote proving our claim from the above (where the Prayer is offered to God directly and NOT via Mary):
“… LET US OFFER TO GOD with holy conscience the incense of PRAYER …”
Note (a different Topic): Mary’s Virginity is celebrated prior to her Giving Birth to Christ as the quote above also easily proves this Context as St. Gregory the Miracle Worker speaks of the time before she was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit capturing that moment beautifully timelessly in his revealing words above.
“… And the lambs which in faith browse upon this shoot forth the light-like rod of the Trinity. But we, O my friends, resorting to the garden of the Saviour, let us praise the Holy Virgin; saying along with the angels in the language of Divine grace, “Rejoice thou and be glad.” For from her first shone forth the eternally radiant light, that lighteth us with its goodness …” – St. Gregory the Miracle Worker (Point 12, Homily)
Source:
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/pearse/morefathers/files/gregory_thaumaturgus_homily.htm
What did St. Gregory the Miracle Worker mean by “Praise Mary” in ‘his own words’ (context)? – to quote from the above:
“… let us praise the Holy Virgin; saying along with the angels in the language of Divine grace, “Rejoice thou and be glad.” …”
Finer Focus:
“… let us praise the Holy Virgin; … saying along … “Rejoice thou and be glad.” …”
Can you see it?
“… let us praise the Holy Virgin; … ” = “… saying along … “Rejoice thou and be glad.” …”
Which means that the ‘Praise to the Holy Virgin’ is Spoken in the Context that Mary can ‘rejoice and be glad’ because she Bore Him, God in Flesh, the Redeemer.
St. Gregory the Miracle Worker does NOT break into any exclamation of ‘Praise to Mary’ after saying the above (please take note ‘Carefully’ in ‘his own words’ – no extrapolation, no adding).
6) St. Gregory the Miracle Worker – Miracle Examples
To quote (Stories from Eastern Orthodox Source):
“… The ascetic life of St Gregory, his continence, purity and lack of covetousness aroused envy among his conceited and sin-loving peers, pagans that they were, and they decided to slander St Gregory. Once, when he was conversing with philosophers and teachers in the city square, a notorious harlot came up to him and demanded payment for the sin he had supposedly committed with her. At first St Gregory gently remonstrated with her, saying that she perhaps mistook him for someone else. But the profligate woman would not be quieted. He then asked a friend to give her the money. Just as the woman took the unjust payment, she immediately fell to the ground in a demonic fit, and the fraud became evident. St Gregory said a prayer over her, and the devil left her. This was the beginning of St Gregory’s miracles. …”
Source:
http://full-of-grace-and-truth.blogspot.com/2009/11/st-gregory-wonderworker-bishop-of.html?m=1
To quote:
“… Gregory was a great and conspicuous lamp, illuminating the church of God,” wrote Basil. “He possessed, from the co-operation of the Spirit, a formidable power against the demons, that he turned the course of rivers by giving them orders in the name of Christ; and that his predictions of the future made him the equal of other prophets.” By both his friends and his enemies, Basil concludes, Gregory was regarded “as another Moses.” Legends or no, Gregory’s leadership must have been great, because during his ministry, most of the city of Pontus converted to Christianity…”
Source:
https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/people/evangelistsandapologists/gregory-thaumaturgus.html
Who is “Basil” or Blessed St. Basil the Great who is quoted here and Testifies of St. Gregory the Miracle Worker?
Blessed St. Basil the Great, was the bishop of Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia, Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). He was an influential theologian who supported the Nicene Creed and opposed the heresies of the early Christian church, fighting against both Arianism and the followers of Apollinaris of Laodicea. In addition to his work as a theologian, Basil was known for his care of the poor and underprivileged. Basil established guidelines for monastic life which focus on community life, liturgical prayer, and manual labor. Together with Pachomius, he is remembered as a father of communal monasticism in Eastern Christianity, Titles: one of the Three Holy Hierarchs / Great Hierarch, Doctor of the Church (c. 329 AD – c. 379 AD).
Please see the end of this chapter for some interesting St. Basil the Great quotes.
iii. Plenty of other Miracles
To quote (Roman Catholic Source):
“… Gregory of Nyssa describes at length the miracles that gained for the Bishop of Caesarea the title of Thaumaturgus ; herein the imaginative element is very active. It is clear, however, that Gregory’s influence must have been considerable, and his miraculous power undoubted. It might have been expected that Gregory’s name would appear among those who took part in the First Council of Antioch against Paul of Samosata ( Eusebius, Hist. Eccl. VII, xxviii); … When Gregory was consecrated he was forty years old, and he ruled his diocese for thirty years. Although we know nothing definite as to his methods, we cannot doubt that he must have shown much zeal in increasing the little flock with which he began his episcopal administration. From an ancient source we learn a fact that is at once a curious coincidence, and throws light on his missionary zeal ; whereas he began with only seventeen Christians, at his death there remained but seventeen pagans in the whole town of Caesarea. The many miracles which won for his the title of Thaumaturgus were doubtless performed during these years. The Oriental mind revels so naturally in the marvellous that a serious historian cannot accept unconditionally all its product; yet if ever the title of “wonder-worker” was deserved, Gregory had a right to it…”
Source: https://www.catholic.org/encyclopedia/view.php?id=5378
Conclusion – Christ Centred Universalism Doctrinal Possibility in St. Gregory the Miracle Worker as per the Right Parts of the Doctrine of Origen of Alexandria he defended. St. Gregory the Miracle Worker believed that Lord Jesus Christ (God in Flesh) will “Reconcile All Created Things”* back to Himself as the Ultimate Gospel Truth Revealed via his heavenly visions too & Praised Christ and NOT Mary, to quote:
“… Let us all praise Him that is born of the Virgin… He that is hymned by cherubim and by myriad angels, as a citizen on earth doth He live. He that being before (all) MAKETH ALL CREATION ALIVE, was born of the Holy Virgin, in order that He might MAKE ALIVE ONCE MORE the FIRST CREATED [1 Corinthians 15:20 – 28] … Christ our God took on [Himself] to begin life as man (lit. the beginning of humanity), being yet a sharer of the [life] without beginning of God the Father; in order to LIFT UP unto the beginningless beginning of the Godhead MAN that was FALLEN..” – St. Gregory the Miracle Worker (Points 5 and 6, Homily):
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/pearse/morefathers/files/gregory_thaumaturgus_homily.htm
[Emphasis Mine]
The quote above may be argumentative whether or not it speaks of Universalism but it looks general.
Let us never be to quickly believe what later Christians say about these earlier saints and rather ‘read their own preserved writings to understand what they actually believed and practiced‘. Please be careful of interpolations, addings and other equivalent unreliable writings.
Example: St. Gregory the Miracle Worker’s baptism & doctrinal learning in this aspect via the Christian Universalist Origen of Alexandria is clearly possible as he defended Origen much.
Example of St. Basil the Great’s quotes:
The Pointless Religiosity – Holiness, Fasting and Prayer without Charity Works
“… I know many who fast, pray, sigh, and demonstrate every manner of piety, so long as it costs them nothing, yet would not part with a penny to help those in distress. …” – Blessed +St. Basil the Great
More:
“… I know many who fast, pray, sigh, and demonstrate every manner of piety, so long as it costs them nothing, yet would not part with a penny to help those in distress. … When I go into the house of one of these tasteless newly rich individuals, and see it bedecked with every imaginable hue, I know that this person possesses nothing more valuable than what is on display; such people decorate inanimate objects, but fail to beautify the soul. … Care for the needy requires the expenditure of wealth: when all share alike, disbursing their possessions among themselves, they each receive a small portion for their individual needs. Thus, those who love their neighbor as themselves possess nothing more than their neighbor; yet surely, you seem to have great possessions! How else can this be, but that you have preferred your own enjoyment to the consolation of the many? For the more you abound in wealth, the more you lack in love. … For if we all took only what was necessary to satisfy our own needs, giving the rest to those who lack, no one would be rich, no one would be poor, and no one would be in need. … After they have squandered their wealth among so many pursuits, if there is any left over, they hide it in the ground and guard it deep within the earth. “For the future,” they say, “is always uncertain; therefore let us take care, lest some unforeseen need should arise.” Yet while it is uncertain whether you will have need of this buried gold, the losses you incur from your inhuman behavior are not at all uncertain … Had you clothed the naked, had you given your bread to the hungry, had your door been open to every stranger, had you been a parent to the orphan, had you made the suffering of every helpless person your own, what money would you have left, the loss of which to grieve? … What then will you answer the Judge? You gorgeously array your walls, but do not clothe your fellow human being; you adorn horses, but turn away from the shameful plight of your brother or sister; you allow grain to rot in your barns, but do not feed those who are starving; you hide gold in the earth, but ignore the oppressed! … You showed no mercy; it will not be shown to you. You opened not your house; you will be expelled from the Kingdom. You gave not your bread; you will not receive eternal life. …” – Blessed St. Basil the Great, was the bishop of Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia, Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). He was an influential theologian who supported the Nicene Creed and opposed the heresies of the early Christian church, fighting against both Arianism and the followers of Apollinaris of Laodicea. In addition to his work as a theologian, Basil was known for his care of the poor and underprivileged. Basil established guidelines for monastic life which focus on community life, liturgical prayer, and manual labor. Together with Pachomius, he is remembered as a father of communal monasticism in Eastern Christianity, Titles: one of the Three Holy Hierarchs / Great Hierarch, Doctor of the Church (c. 329 AD – c. 379 AD)
Source:
https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/7393703-on-social-justice-st-basil-the-great
Peace to you
Prosperity Gospel via Mr. Benny Hinn
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161759350492784
Comment:
Great Reminder of “Miracles claims” do “not” prove “Prosperity Gospel” in any way and now he realizes that it could lead to “Hell” best is “in his own words” (no one forced him). This also proves you can convert “more numbers” with such messages and build mega churches but their core “Prosperity Gospel” message still remains “false” despite all this.
Example quotes:
“… During “Miracle Crusades” that are broadcast on his This Is Your Day program, the charismatic preacher requests “seed money,” promising donors wealth, health, and other blessings. Hinn, 66, once asked followers for $2.5 million to cover ministry debt. Meanwhile, he lived what his nephew, Costi Hinn, describes as a greedy, lavish lifestyle.
But on Monday, Benny Hinn said—“for the first time in my life”—that “it’s an offense to the Holy Spirit to place a price on the Gospel.” He added, “I’m done with it…and frankly, I don’t care what people think about me anymore.” …
Evangelist Justin Peters also expressed skepticism, tweeting Wednesday: “I would love nothing more than for Benny Hinn to repent. Truly. But he has not. Despite promising in a video yesterday he would never do it again, he put this video up TODAY in which he is asking people to sow $120 to get out of debt.” …”
Source (for image too):
https://churchleaders.com/news/358465-has-benny-hinn-repented-of-the-prosperity-gospel.html
Another quote:
“… GRAPEVINE, Texas — In an interview following his public announcement that he has renounced common televangelist practices asking viewers to sow a financial seed to receive favor and blessings from God, Benny Hinn reiterated on Friday that he now views such teaching as gimmickery that is harmful to the gospel.
As some were concerned that a video asking viewers to “sow a seed for debt elimination” was posted two days after his announcement, Hinn also recorded a short explanation outlining that the footage was old, that it had been posted in error, and has consequently been removed. … “It’s manipulation. It’s gimmickery,” Hinn remarked. “To tell someone, ‘You give a thousand; you’re going to get a hundred fold’ — what if they don’t get a hundred fold? And most do not. What happens to their walk with the Lord and their faith? Think about that: the damage, the questions.”
Hinn said he did not want to be a part of that ever again, later noting that a man told him that he was donating just to see if the financial retribution would indeed happen. He outlined that he still believes that blessings are biblical, but such has been turned into selfishness.
“The focus must be Him [and] the gospel, not our greed,” Hinn exhorted. “Not what we want back for it. Not giving so I can get it back 100 fold and all that stuff.”
He stated that he is also aware that a number of young leaders look up to him and he doesn’t want them believing in prosperity gimmicks. … He explained that he has increased his Bible reading and is in the Scriptures day and night, rarely ever turning on his television.
“When I get to Heaven, I want the Lord to look at me and smile. That’s all I care about,” Hinn said. “And believe me, I’ve injured Him enough in the past, I’ve grieved him enough in the past, I’ve disappointed Him enough in the past. And I’ve said to Him many times — lately especially, ‘I don’t want to hurt You anymore.’” … ”
Source:
Another comment:
The “Hundredfold” Reward CHRIST Meant was “not” now in this life but AFTER THE RESURRECTION during the REGENERATION referring to the 1000 years Millennial Reign of Christ when the Apostles will literally sit on TWELVE THRONES too, Verses:
“… 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 19:27 – 30, NKJV)
Yes, These “HUNDREDFOLD” Rewards are “not” on earth now at all (not inclusive of this as some #ProsperityGospel fallacies err) because CHRIST CLEARLY Points to this to HAPPEN only at the RESURRECTION as signified by the phrase “… that in the REGENERATION …” Where these are to take place in the First Resurrection (Revelation 20:5) where the Blessed Apostles of the Lamb sit on TWELVE THRONES as Described specially for them only too because no one else can beat them in that.
“… 34JESUS ANSWERED and said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. 35But those who are counted worthy to attain that AGE (Aeon/Olam), and the resurrection from the dead (Revelation 20:4 – 6), NEITHER MARRY NOR ARE GIVEN IN MARRIAGE; 36NOR CAN THEY DIE ANYMORE, FOR THEY ARE EQUAL TO THE ANGELS and ARE SONS OF GOD, being SONS OF THE RESURRECTION. …” (Luke 20:34 – 36, NKJV)
Peace to you
How much of Free Choice did God give us? and Unanswered Questions
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161764151567784
1) You control your body parts and can determine it to “not” sin to the point of even cutting it off
“… 8“If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire. 9And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into [b]hell fire. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 18:8 – 9, NKJV)
Comment:
Christ is pointing that we each have that much “freedom” to “choose” whether to sin or not.
2) Understanding Free Choice is key to Understanding the “Righteous Judgment of God”
As St. Irenaeous of Lyons has pointed out (Page 933), understanding “Free Choice” is the “Key” to understanding “God’s Righteous Judgment” based on this Verse quoted:
“… But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; …” (Romans 2:5, KJV)
In another translation:
“… But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, …” (Romans 2:5, NASB)
Please notice that the “Righteous Judgment of God” to condemn them is based on their “own free choice” of “choosing evil” (and not because of inability to choose to do God’s Will as extreme Calvinism errs) as evidenced here by the phrases “… thy hardness and impenitent heart …” (KJV) or “… your stubbornness and unrepentant heart …” (NASB) where the word “thy” or “your” indicates that it is a ‘human choice’ as the “reason” for their own condemnation.
If they cannot choose to do against it, God Would not have Pointed out the “thy” or “your” part here. God will not Ask you to do something which you cannot (logical fallacy).
3) Doing God’s Will by Free Choice
God’s Will can be done by anyone by “choice” though “imperfectly” as the case of the “Rich Young Ruler without Christ” did too to keep all the ‘Holiness Commands of the Torah’, example Verses:
“… 16Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good[d] Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17So He said to him, [e]“Why do you call Me good? [f]No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 19‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” 20The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept [g]from my youth. What do I still lack?” 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.” 22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away SORROWFUL, for he had GREAT POSSESSIONS. …” (Matthew 19:16 – 22, NKJV)
Please note that in Verse Matthew 19:17 above Christ Himself clearly Asks him to “keep the Commandments” in the Context of entering into “(Eternal) Life”. Can you see it?
However, no one can keep the Commandments of God unless God Helps him is Correct Theology.
4) Free Choice and Possible Believing link
The strange thing is that regarding whom God Helps them to keep His Commands (where what if Keeping it is considered as ‘Believing Him’ as ‘Believing His Words and Acting upon it’) as the case of the “Surprised Sheep which Practiced the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle” toward the #Christians (who are Christ’s Brethren or family, Matthew 12:46 – 50) ” but “SAVED” on “Judgment Day” can point to such a hope even for “non-Christians”? Verses:
“… 37“Then the RIGHTEOUS WILL ANSWER Him, saying, ‘Lord, When Did We See You Hungry And Feed YOU, or THIRSTY AND GIVE YOU DRINK? 38WHEN DID WE SEE YOU A STRANGER and TAKE YOU IN, OR NAKED AND CLOTHE YOU? 39Or WHEN DID WE SEE YOU SICK, OR in PRISON, AND COME TO YOU?’ 40And THE KING WILL ANSWER and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I SAY TO YOU, INASMUCH AS YOU DID IT TO ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE MY BRETHREN, YOU DID IT TO ME.’ …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:37 – 40, NKJV)
To quote some details from Page 7 of the #UnsolvedMysteryBook :
These Saved Gentiles must include Gentiles from all timelines of human history because they are Judged on this Last/Judgment Day and so we can infer that if they helped Christians in some way to relief their ‘… Hunger, thirst, Homelessness, naked without clothes …’ allegorically can mean helping Christians survive in this world financially even, they may be Saved by “His Mercy” on this Day.
They are not Saved by Works but God’s Mercy as they get a chance to believe after seeing as John 6:40 may point to this Hope being available till the “Last Day or Judgment Day“.
The fact that they did their acts of Mercy toward Christians in their lives prior whilst being unbelievers may point to God’s Mercy on them as even the Famous Bible Case of King Cyrus of Persia Reveals where Cyrus was used by God as a “Messiah” (the only Gentile ever given this title in the Bible, Isaiah 45:1) to do Acts of Mercy toward the Jews by setting them free from their earthly oppressors (Isaiah 45:1- 6) where the best Context part is that Cyrus did NOT EVEN KNOW THE TRUE GOD at all whilst doing this nor after doing this as per history and as the Verse Reads for this part as, “… THERE IS NO GOD BESIDES ME. I WILL GIRD YOU, THOUGH YOU HAVE NOT KNOWN ME, …” (Isaiah 45:5, NKJV).
So similarly, these “Surprised Sheep or Gentiles who are Saved on Judgment Day” may have done their acts of Mercy toward Christians by giving them business or helping them financially or with this World’s Goods by God’s Move as He Did with Cyrus, King of Persia and thus may be given the chance to believe after seeing the Risen Christ somewhere between now and the Last Day (as John 6:40 can mean this).
Has God ever Accepted the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle of any “Unbeliever“? Yes here are two examples of “Cornelius” (in the New Testament) before he became a Christian itself and King Nebuchadnezzar (in the Old Testament) who “never” became a believer as far as I know, example quote:
“… As we finally move into Daniel 4, we find the account of Nebuchadnezzar’s humbling when God made him like an animal for 7 years of his life. Most of this chapter is the first person account of Nebuchadnezzar as he retells the whole experience from his own perspective. Nebuchadnezzar recounts that at the end of this experience, he praised and honored God for his everlasting power and dominion. At the same time, he also talks of the glory of his own kingdom and “my majesty and splendor returned to me.” (4:36). It is very difficult to put all of his words together and discern if they are the words of a repentant heart or a king forced to his knees. The bigger problem in Nebuchadnezzar’s words is that at the beginning of chapter 4 as he is recounting his past experience, he also makes the statement that “he who was named Belteshazzar after the name of my god and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods” had interpreted his dream (4:8). In the present recounting of his past, he still speaks in terms of polytheistic idolatry. …”
Source:
https://hpbaptist.org/pastors-blog/2021/1/13/was-king-nebuchadnezzar-saved
To quote from the #UnsolvedMysteryBook on Pages 28 to 29:
Even Cornelius’ giving was accepted whilst he was a non-believer itself (Acts 10:1 – 8, 30 – 31) and Nebuchadnezzar’s giving too as per prophet Daniel’s advice (Daniel 4:27). The message in these Verses is True.
We don’t need to play God to analyze who is genuine or not and Let God Decide as Judgment Day Verses are all Almsgiving in Matthew 25:31 – 46 proving its importance regardless. Example:
“… 34Then PETER opened his mouth and said: “In TRUTH I perceive that GOD shows no partiality. 35But in EVERY NATION WHOEVER FEARS HIM and WORKS RIGHTEOUSNESS is ACCEPTED BY HIM. …” (Acts 10:34 – 35, NKJV)
Note: The usage of “God” here is in general as Apostle St. Peter is speaking of ‘people who have never heard of the Gospel nor of Christ too‘ (Context here in reply to Cornelius).
Which “work of righteousness” does the BIBLE specifically point to that “Cornelius did” (in this Context, the other definitions are possible but this DEFINITION OF FEARING GOD is FIRST as IT IS WRITTEN)?
(The Bible Writes it in order above), Verses:
“… 1There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian [a]Regiment, 2a devout man and one who FEARED GOD with all his household, who GAVE ALMS GENEROUSLY to the people, and PRAYED to GOD ALWAYS. 3About [c]the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!” 4And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?” So he said to him, “Your prayers and YOUR ALMS [Charity] have come up for a memorial before God. 5Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. 6He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He[d] will tell you what you must do.” 7And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually. 8So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa. 30So Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and YOUR ALMS [Charitable Giving] are remembered in the sight of God. …” (Acts 10:1 – 8, 30 – 31, NKJV)
Giving doesn’t save anyone, God’s Mercy does and God’s Mercy is demonstrated in a life of Giving.
5) King Cyrus the “Unbeliever” Example but called “Anointed” (“Messiah“) though he NEVER KNEW IT either as part of Context of for Understanding God’s Sovereignty
What we need to remember is that “Good Works” happen not because of our will (which is selfish, sinful and deceitful) but rather because those are the times we connect with “God Who Works these Good Works in us“, Verse:
“… for it is GOD WHO WORKS IN YOU BOTH TO WILL AND TO DO FOR HIS GOOD PLEASURE. …” (Philippians 2:13, NKJV)
Yes, He Works the “Good Works Done by Unbelievers” too, example:
“… 1“THUS SAYS THE LORD TO HIS ANOINTED,
TO CYRUS, WHOSE RIGHT HAND I HAVE [A]HELD—
To subdue nations before him And loose the armor of kings,
To open before him the double doors, So that the gates will not be shut: …
I have even called you by your name; I HAVE NAMED YOU, THOUGH YOU HAVE NOT KNOWN ME.
5I am the Lord, and there is no other;
THERE IS NO GOD BESIDES ME.
I WILL GIRD YOU, THOUGH YOU HAVE NOT KNOWN ME,
6That they may know from the rising of the sun to its setting
That THERE IS NONE BESIDES ME. …” (Isaiah 45:1, 4 – 6, NKJV)
Note: Please note that King Cyrus of Persia was used by God to Do His Will even though King Cyrus does NOT KNOW the True God at all as it’s clearly Written in these Verses. Even after being Used mightily by God, King Cyrus didn’t become Jewish according to history. Mysterious indeed.
The Context of Possible Judgment Day Salvation Hope for some based on these Judgment Day Verses in Isaiah 45 itself (agreeing in Context for King Cyrus’ Example above in Isaiah 45:1 – 6) may ring together as such “who do not know God but only believe after Seeing Him on Judgment Day” may “be saved” if these Verses mean that ‘literally’’, to quote:
“… Who has declared this from ancient time?
Who has told it from that time?
Have not I, the Lord?
And there is no other God besides Me,
A just God and a Savior;
There is none besides Me.
22“LOOK TO ME and BE SAVED,
All you ends of the earth!
For I am God, and there is no other.
23I have sworn by Myself;
The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness,
And shall not return,
That to Me EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW,
EVERY TONGUE SHALL TAKE AN OATH. …” (Isaiah 45:21 – 23, NKJV)
6) Possibility of Believing after Seeing for Some?
“… 13Behold, My Servant shall [d]deal prudently;
He shall be exalted and [e]extolled and be very high.
14Just as many were astonished at you,
So His visage[f] was marred more than any man,
And His form more than the sons of men;
15So shall He [g]sprinkle many nations.
Kings shall shut their mouths at Him;
For what had not been told them they shall see,
And what they had not heard they shall consider. …” (Isaiah 52:13 – 15, NKJV)
“… And the SPIRIT and the BRIDE say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And LET HIM WHO THIRSTS COME. Whoever desires, let him TAKE THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY. …” – Blessed Apostle St. John (Revelation 22:17, NKJV)
Where possibly:
The Spirit = God
The Bride = Christians (those with Elect Salvation)
“who thirsts” = those with non-Elect Salvation Possibility?
To quote from Page 909 of this #SafeRouteScripturallyBook :
In light of these Verses, the “thirsty ones” could be ‘believing a little‘ but not considered faith-level while the “unbelievers” mentioned in Revelation 21:8 cast into the Lake of Fire could be those who absolutely reject everything God has Said in Christ. I mean, some could be believing some parts or WORDS of CHRIST who could come under the category of these “thirsty ones” or “those who only fully believe after seeing THE RISEN CHRIST CONTEXT” as Apostle Thomas example shows even, Verses:
“… JESUS SAID TO HIM, “Thomas, because you have SEEN ME, YOU HAVE BELIEVED. BLESSED ARE THOSE who have NOT SEEN and YET HAVE BELIEVED.” …” (John 20:29, NKJV)
“… And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” …” (John 12:32, NKJV)
Perhaps Christ’s Draws all People to Himself to give them this chance of Believing after seeing Possibility for a non-Elect Salvation Possibility as the “Context” for these Verses around John 6:44 above seems to point to that as follows:
“… 36But I said to you that YOU HAVE SEEN ME and YET DO NOT BELIEVE … 40And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that EVERYONE WHO SEES THE SON and BELIEVES IN HIM may have EVERLASTING LIFE; and I will RAISE HIM UP at the LAST DAY.” …” (John 6:36, 40, NKJV)
“… And as MOSES LIFTED UP the SERPENT in the wilderness, even so must the SON OF MAN BE LIFTED UP, 15that WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM should [c]NOT PERISH but have ETERNAL LIFE. …” (John 3:14 – 15, NKJV)
7) Nations who are Saved Mystery
If true, the “Nations of those who are Saved” could refer to these non-Christians while the “Bride” as the “Christians” whom they have helped via the #CharityDoctrine. Example quote comparing the Bride Vs “Nations of those who are Saved”:
“… Come, I will show you the [g]BRIDE, the LAMB’S WIFE.” 10And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and SHOWED ME THE [H]GREAT CITY, the [I]HOLY JERUSALEM, DESCENDING OUT OF HEAVEN from God, … 24And the NATIONS [N]OF THOSE WHO ARE SAVED shall walk in its light, and the KINGS OF THE EARTH bring their glory and honor [o]into it. 25Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). 26And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into [p]it. 27But there shall by no means enter it anything [q]that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but ONLY THOSE WHO ARE WRITTEN IN THE LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE. …” (Revelation 21:8 – 10, 24 – 27, NKJV)
Note: The “terrestrial/earthly body salvation” for some other “nations who are saved with kings of the earth” (the word ‘earth’ signifying ‘terrestrial salvation’ with ‘terrestrial body too’) may be revealed in Verses above as they Visit the Heavenly City toward only those who are Written in the Lamb’s Book of Life where ‘His Church/Bride is’ (Who Alone have Celestial Resurrection Heavenly Body; please see page 600 or so in this #SafeRouteScripturallyBook for possible details).
8) Spirit World Visions Testimony
Perhaps maybe that’s why Sadhu Sundar Singh’s Christian vision seem to point to such an occurrence in the Spirit World to some (1 Peter 4:6 too can mean this too), example quote:
“… DEATH OF A PHILOSOPHER … The soul of a German philosopher entered into the world of spirits and saw from afar the incomparable glory of the spiritual world, and the boundless happiness of its people. He was delighted with what he saw, but his stubborn intellectualism stood in the way of his entering into it, and enjoying its happiness. Instead of admitting that it was real, he argued thus with himself, “There is no doubt at all that I see all this, but what proof is there that it has objective existence, and is not some illusion conjured up by my mind? From end to end of all this scene I will apply the tests of logic, philosophy and science, and then only will I be convinced that it has a reality of its own, and is no illusion.” … . I asked one of the angels what the end of this man would be, and he replied “If this man’s life had been altogether bad, then he would at once have joined the spirits of darkness, but he is not without a moral sense, so for a very long time he will wander blindly round in the dim light of the lower parts of the intermediate state, and keep on bumping his philosophical head, until tired of his foolishness, he repents. Then he will be ready to receive the necessary instruction from the angels appointed for that purpose, and, when instructed, will he be fit to enter into the fuller light of God in the higher sphere…” – Blessed Sadhu Sundar Singh
Source [Translated by Rev. T. E. Riddle of the New Zealand Presbyterian Mission, Kharar, Punjab, from Urdu into English, c. 1926]:
https://reluctant-messenger.com/sadhu-sundar-singh.htm
A sincerely wrong non-Christian Idolater who has a reasonably sound moral compass may have a chance in the Spirit World even now too if he doesn’t hold too strongly to his false beliefs, to quote:
“… THE MANIFESTATION OF CHRIST … I saw in a vision the spirit of an idolater on reaching the world of spirits begin at once to search for his god. Then the saints said to him, “There is no god here save the One True God, and Christ, who is His manifestation.” At this, the man was a good deal astonished, but being a sincere seeker after truth, he frankly admitted that he had been in error. He eagerly sought to know the correct view of truth, and asked if he might see the Christ. Shortly after this Christ manifested Himself in a dim light to him, and to others who had newly arrived in the world of spirits, because at this stage they could not have endured a full exhibition of His glory, for His glory is so surpassing that even the angels look on Him with difficulty, and cover their faces with their wings (Isaiah 6:9). When He does reveal Himself to any one He takes into account the particular stage of progress to which that soul has attained, so He appears dimly, or in the fuller light of His glory, that the sight of Him may be endured. So, when these spirits saw Christ in this dim but attractive light, they were filled with a joy and peace, which is beyond our power to describe. Bathed in the rays of His life-giving light, and with the waves of His love, which constantly flow out from Him, flowing over them, all their error was washed away. Then with all their hearts, they acknowledged Him as the Truth, and found healing, and, bowing in lowly adoration before Him, thanked and praised Him. And the saints, who had been appointed for their instruction; also rejoiced over them. …” – Blessed Sadhu Sundar Singh
Source [Translated by Rev. T. E. Riddle of the New Zealand Presbyterian Mission, Kharar, Punjab, from Urdu into English, c. 1926]:
https://reluctant-messenger.com/sadhu-sundar-singh.htm
“… Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:24, NKJV)
The above is not the opinion of that Servant but also that is affirmed by the Lord in that “He Reaps where He has not Sowed too” where Sowing may refer to the “Sowing of the Gospel Seed” in Verse below:
“… But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. …” (Matthew 25:26, NKJV)
“… Also, by this which this servant dared to say, “Thou reapest where thou sowedst not,” [Matthew 25:26] we understand that the Lord accepts the good life of the Gentiles and of the Philosophers. …” – Blessed St. Jerome of the Vulgate, 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)
Source [ Patristic Bible Commentary, Catena Aurea, Matthew 25:14 – 30, P. 853 ]:
9) Is some type of Salvation Possible even for some of the more wicked ones?
Not sure (I personally don’t hope for this but I present it as a ‘possibility’ based on these quotes).
Example quote from Pages 109 to 110 of the #EternalHellAnnihilationUniversalismBook :
1 Peter 4:6’s context below seem to point that “the dead” refers to the “literal dead” (post-mortem, Context in 1 Peter 4:5 first) where the ‘evil ones’ speaking bad of Christians (1 Peter 4:4) are then compared to be judged as per “the dead” (spirit world, 1 Peter 4:5) where the result it is “their flesh” (body + soul get “destroyed, Matthew 10:28) but eventually may “live in the spirit-state” to God upon this change toward good as described by 1Enoch Chapter 66 earlier*, Verse:
“… 4In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking EVIL of you. 5THEY will give an account to Him who is ready to JUDGE the living and THE DEAD. 6For this reason the GOSPEL was PREACHED also to those who are DEAD, that they might be JUDGED according to men in the FLESH, but LIVE according to God in the SPIRIT. …” (1 Peter 4:4 – 6, NKJV)
Note: In Greek, Verse 6 and Verse 5’s “the dead” reads the same but translators add ‘who are dead’. Example:
Berean Literal Bible
For to this END the GOSPEL was PROCLAIMED even to THE DEAD, so that they might be JUDGED indeed according to men in the FLESH, but they might LIVE in the SPIRIT according to God.
Source: https://biblehub.com/1_peter/4-6.htm
Note: 1 Peter 4:6’s Context of “Judgment” is most likely referring to “Judgment day” (because the phrase “Judge the living and the dead” in 1 Peter 4:5 is similar to “Judgment Day” only as per 2 Timothy 4:1 & Acts 17:31) which only Happens after His Second Coming/Appearing, Verses:
“… because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” …” (Acts 17:31, NKJV)
“… I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will JUDGE THE LIVING and THE DEAD at HIS APPEARING and HIS KINGDOM: …” (2 Timothy 4:1, NKJV)
and the Judgment Day Verses below may point to “which THE DEAD” the Gospel may be Preached to (1 Peter 4:6) in light of 1 Peter 4:5’s Context referring first to ‘this Timeline’ as follows (please notice the phrase “THE DEAD” carefully below to whom the “lived in the spirit” referring to the ‘spirit-state’ in 1 Peter 4:6 with no body & no soul being destroyed in Gehenna, Matthew 10:28 may apply):
“… And I saw THE DEAD, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And THE DEAD WERE JUDGED according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. …” (Revelation 20:12, NKJV)
Please also notice that only “THE DEAD WERE JUDGED” and ‘not the small & great’ where some scholars view the dead being classified as these two classes while we may also see it as Christians (as the Great), non-Christian surprised sheep possibility (could be ‘the small’) or anything equivalent for we don’t know for sure.
*Book of 1Enoch’s ‘Salvation with no honour’ with ‘believing after seeing’ possibility to be offered on ‘Judgment Day’ itself:
“… 1 And in those days a change shall take place for the holy and elect, And the light of days shall abide upon them, And glory and honour shall turn to the holy, 2 ON THE DAY OF AFFLICTION on which evil shall have been treasured up against the sinners.And the righteous shall be victorious in the name of the Lord of Spirits: And HE WILL CAUSE THE OTHERS TO WITNESS (this) THAT THEY MAY REPENT And FORGO THE WORKS OF THEIR HANDS. 3 They shall have NO HONOUR through the name of the Lord of Spirits, YET THROUGH HIS NAME SHALL THEY BE SAVED And THE LORD OF SPIRITS WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON THEM, For His compassion is great. 4 And He is righteous also in His judgement, And in the presence of His glory unrighteousness also shall not maintain itself: At HIS JUDGEMENT THE UNREPENTANT SHALL PERISH before Him. 5 And FROM HENCEFORTH I will have NO MERCY on them, saith the Lord of Spirits. …” (Book of Enoch, Chapter 50)
Translation Source: http://wesley.nnu.edu/index.php?id=2126
Mystery of the phrase “Shadow of Death” to possibly mean “Hell regions” and ‘Possible Salvation from there by Christ’
“… Let us twine, as with a wreath, the souls (or selves) [of them that love the festival and love to hearken] 3 with golden blossoms, fain to be crowned with wreaths from the unfading gardens; and offering in our hands the fair-fruited flowers of Christ, let us gather [them]. For the God-like temple of the Holy Virgin is meet to be glorified with such a crown; because the ILLUMINING PEARL cometh forth, to the END that it may RAISE UP AGAIN into the EVER-STREAMING LIGHT THEM that were GONE DOWN into DARKNESS and the SHADOW of DEATH…” – St. Gregory Thaumaturgus, the ‘Miracle-Worker’ (c. 213 AD – c. 270 AD, Point 11, Homily)
Source: http://www.tertullian.org/fathers/gregory_thaumaturgus_homily.htm
Compare:
“… For as the Lord “WENT AWAY in the midst of the SHADOW of DEATH” [Ps. 23:4, Ps 107:10 – 15], WHERE the SOULS of the DEAD were, …” – Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons, a Hearer of Blessed St. Polycarp who is an Apostolic Father being the Disciple of Blessed St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation (c. 130 AD – c. 202 AD, ‘Against Heresies’, Book 5, Chapter XXXI:2).
Source: http://www.regels.org/Irenaeus-Millennarism.htm
Possible Salvation from there for “Some?” based on these Bible 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 lovingkindness, And for His wonders to the sons of men!. …” (Psalm 107:10 – 15, NASB)
Conclusion
I am “not” saying this must be the interpretation but I present it as a “possibility” in light of all these Bible Verses. As I have said, I am “not” a heretic and will accept whichever God Decides One Day but I just present the evidence found within Orthodox and reliable Christianity for these “possibilities”.
Peace to you
Condition of Free Choice
Incident in image Verse:
“… She said, “No one, Lord.” And JESUS said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; GO AND SIN NO MORE.” …” (John 8:11, NKJV)
In another instance, Christ uses this ‘same phrase’ but Describes it more “fully” revealing that the “Free Choice” of “sin no more” is to avoid a “worse thing” (meaning it could happen and so ‘conditional election’ based on ‘obedience’) for if it can never happen, Christ wouldn’t have Warned like this. Verse for this:
“… Afterward JESUS found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. SIN NO MORE, LEST A WORSE THING COME UPON YOU …” (John 5:14, NKJV)
Peace to you
Sow and Reap Unto Eternal Life
If Christians cannot reap “destruction“, then this Verse has “no” meaning in its “Warning” (in image). The fact that we can ‘reap destruction’ or a ‘harvest’ (according to ‘Works’, implied) proves that it is “Conditional Election“, conditional to “Obedience”.
Example Verse regarding the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle toward believers and All Men as “Reaping unto Eternal Life” = Giving to God
“… 6But this I say: HE WHO SOWS SPARINGLY WILL ALSO REAP SPARINGLY, and HE WHO SOWS BOUNTIFULLY WILL ALSO REAP BOUNTIFULLY. 7So let EACH ONE GIVE as he PURPOSES in HIS HEART, not grudgingly or of [f]necessity; for GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER. 8And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for EVERY GOOD WORK. 9As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has GIVEN TO THE POOR; His righteousness endures FOREVER.” …” (2 Corinthians 9:6 – 9, NKJV)
Peace to you
Re-Emphasized
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161771800612784
A “Possible” Common Fallacy in popular Christian Exegesis is that most view Romans 2:5 – 13 earlier as referring to “only” those who did “not” hear the Gospel before by quoting the next set of Verses in Romans 2:14 – 16 as follows (but is this true?)
“… 14for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel. …” (Romans 2:14 – 16, NKJV)
Comments:
Can you see it? Example Verse quote for emphasis:
“… 11For there is NO PARTIALITY WITH GOD. 12For as many as have SINNED WITHOUT THE LAW will also PERISH WITHOUT LAW, and as many as have SINNED IN THE LAW WILL BE JUDGED BY THE LAW 13(for NOT THE HEARERS OF THE LAW ARE JUST IN THE SIGHT OF GOD, BUT THE DOERS OF THE LAW WILL BE JUSTIFIED; …” (Romans 2:11 – 13, NKJV)
c.i. The phrase “… as many as have SINNED WITHOUT THE LAW will also PERISH WITHOUT LAW …” = Those without the GOSPEL/LAW perish under the CONDITION if they SINNED against it.
c.ii. The phrase “… as many as have SINNED IN THE LAW WILL BE JUDGED BY THE LAW 13(for NOT THE HEARERS OF THE LAW ARE JUST IN THE SIGHT OF GOD, BUT THE DOERS OF THE LAW WILL BE JUSTIFIED; …” = Those who have heard of the LAW/GOSPEL are likewise JUDGED based on what they have heard and if they DO THE LAW/GOSPEL Commands, they have a ‘possibility’ to be JUSTIFIED.
Can you see it?
c.iii. Where is the Threshold for Justification? Let God Decide since even “Christians” with terrible sins may be “saved without reward too” if they likewise have some type of ‘minimum obedience likewise’ as the ‘saved by fire case’ described in Verse below could apply likewise to either Christians or those Generally above simply because as Verse 11 here Reveals that there is NO partiality with God:
“… 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 3:14 – 15, NKJV)
Peace to you
Example First Christianity quote in support of this regarding “MANY SAVED” later even though “FEW SAVED” during the First Resurrection
“… for this is My blood of the covenant, which is being poured out FOR MANY FOR FORGIVENESS OF SINS. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 26:28, NKJV)
Note: Since this Verse Speaks of the “Blood of Christ”, I do “not” want to accidentally write any Blasphemy and so please treat it as a “possibility” only as “His Blood” for the “Reconciliation of all things” makes such an exegesis possible (Colossians 1:16, 20).
Now, how did First Christianity understand Matthew 26:28’s Ransom for Many and not for all? An example via Ambrosiaster whose commentary was widely accepted and used (proving its dominance) before St. Augustine and St. Jerome who also used it:
“… QUESTION 54. THE APOSTLE TEACHES THAT JESUS CHRIST DIED FOR ALL MEN. “ALL ARE THEREFORE DEAD,” SAID HE, “AND HE DIED FOR ALL.” THE SAVIOR SAYS, ON THE CONTRARY: THE SON OF MAN HAS COME TO GIVE HIS LIFE FOR THE REDEMPTION OF MANY. (MATT 20:28) THERE IS HERE A CONTRADICTION. — The words are different, it is true, but the meaning is the same; at other times, on the other hand, words that seem the same have quite a different meaning, such as these: “All that is not done in good faith (ex fide) is a sin.” (Rom. 14:23) and these others: “The law does not come from faith,” (Gal. 3:12) although the law is not a sin. This GREAT NUMBER OF WHICH THE SAVIOR SPEALS IS ALL THE MEN of whom St. Paul speaks: They are in GREAT NUMBERS, because the GREATER PART OF ALL PEOPLES and ALL NATIONS OUGHT TO BELIEVE IN THE SAVIOUR. It is THIS GREAT NUMBER of those WHO MUST BELIEVE THAT THE APOSTLE CALLS ALL MEN. “He is dead for all,” he says, “that is, FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE AND MUST BELIEVE.” He died also for those who refused to believe, but by refusing the grace he offers them, they do not want Jesus Christ to be dead for them, and by the same he seems not to have died for those to that his death was much more harmful than useful. On the contrary, he truly died for those who won, and who understand the mystery of the redemption give thanks to God through our Lord Jesus Christ. …” – Blessed Ambrosiaster (literally in Latin: “would-be Ambrose”), Roman Clergy active at Rome during the reign of Pope Damasus (c.366 AD – c. 384 AD)
Ambrosiaster’s quote above of “ALL MEN” referring to “… FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE AND MUST BELIEVE. …” seems to include the “Believing after Seeing ones too” as per his another quote below:
” … QUESTION 126. FROM THE ONE WHO RECEIVED THE FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST. … In fact, the knowledge of God must inspire the fear of the just judge, in whose court he teaches us that the faithful will receive the reward of their righteousness, and the ungodly, that is to say the unbelievers, the just punishment of their infidelity. It is of all justice, indeed, that the good ones be filled with joy in the future life in which Jesus Christ must reign with his chosen ones. They have been exposed to scorn, outrages in this world where the devil reigns, they will appear surrounded by glory in the kingdom of Jesus Christ for which they have borne the contempt of the worldly. SINNERS, on the contrary, who seemed to shine here below a false brilliance, opposing falsehood to truth, have to wait for tribulation and an imaginary glory to succeed for them a contempt, a humiliation too real. The righteous will rejoice in having believed, when they witness the chastisements of the unbelieving, and THE UNFAITHFUL WILL REPENT of THEIR UNBELIEF ONLY when THEY SEE BOTH THEIR OWN CHASTISEMENT and the glory of those WHOSE FAITH THEY HAD REGARDED as an ACT of MADNESS, which was only worthy of their contempt. …” – Blessed Ambrosiaster (literally in Latin: “would-be Ambrose”), Roman Clergy active at Rome during the reign of Pope Damasus (c.366 AD – c. 384 AD)
Source:
Please notice that “repentance” is possible for those in “unbelief” on Judgment Day toward “sinners” (probably those who belong to the category of ‘who must believe’ from his quote prior, pointing to the ‘believing after seeing’ case as implied in his quote here clearly) as per Ambrosiaster’s own words here.
Yes, Ambrosiaster seems to imply that some “sinners” may be saved after punishments but the “ungodly perish” (where there are three types of men namely, the righteous, the sinners and the ungodly (wicked) in his own definition below):
“… “Blessed is the man who did not stop in the way of sinners.” If he stops there, he stops being blessed to become guilty and worthy of punishment. Yet he still retains some hope of amendment, because he is not impious, but simply sinful. If a man is found who has not entered the council of the wicked and has not stopped in the way of sinners, he is doubly blessed. For he cannot be blessed, if without entering into the counsel of the wicked, he stops in the path of sinners, because if he does not then have a complete ruin, he is nevertheless worthy of punishment. The Psalmist adds: “nor sits in the seat of scoffers.” Happiness, according to him, consists of these three degrees together, and is based on a triple reason, not to enter the counsel of the ungodly, not stopping in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers, but, as we see in the first two degrees only two kinds of people, the ungodly and the sinners to whom this third degree applies: “Nor sits in the seat of scoffers?” Is it to the impious or the sinners? Let us first see what it is to sit in the seat of scoffers, and then we will understand better who this last line applies to. … because if he does not then have a complete ruin, he is nevertheless worthy of punishment. …” – Blessed Ambrosiaster (QUESTION 110. ON THE FIRST PSALM
Source:
https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/psalms/ambrosiaster-q-a-on-psalms
So the “all men” whom Ambrosiaster understands as St. Paul must have meant as the ‘majority of all people’ whom God Will Save must certainly include even ‘these sinners’ as his own quote above points them to be saved ‘after punishments’, highlighting that part from the above as follows:
“… If he stops there, he stops being blessed to become guilty and worthy of punishment. Yet he still retains some hope of amendment, because he is not impious, but simply sinful. … because if he does not then have a complete ruin, he is nevertheless worthy of punishment. …” – Blessed Ambrosiaster
Note: Ambrosiaster is the name given to the unknown author of a commentary on the epistles of Saint Paul, written some time between 366 and 384 AD and even St. Augustine quoted him, link:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambrosiaster
This idea of “Ransom for Many” (in Matthew 26:28) to apply to the ‘Majority of Mankind’ as per Ambrosiaster’s quotes above highlighting some First Christianity understanding of it can also be mysteriously seen by this important recent mystical Indian Christian, Sadhu Sundar Singh himself (whom even the most famous Indian Christian Founder of “Jesus Calls” Ministry, Dr. D.G.S. Dhinakaran who is the No. 1 Charismatic Christian in India said he saw Sundar Singh in Heaven in his famous book ‘An Insight into Heaven***’, page 100 despite Sundar Singh believing all these), to quote:
Spirit World Visions Testimony
Perhaps maybe that’s why Sadhu Sundar Singh’s Christian vision seem to point to such an occurrence in the Spirit World to some (1 Peter 4:6 too can mean this too), example quote:
“… DEATH OF A PHILOSOPHER … The soul of a German philosopher entered into the world of spirits and saw from afar the incomparable glory of the spiritual world, and the boundless happiness of its people. He was delighted with what he saw, but his stubborn intellectualism stood in the way of his entering into it, and enjoying its happiness. Instead of admitting that it was real, he argued thus with himself, “There is no doubt at all that I see all this, but what proof is there that it has objective existence, and is not some illusion conjured up by my mind? From end to end of all this scene I will apply the tests of logic, philosophy and science, and then only will I be convinced that it has a reality of its own, and is no illusion.” … . I asked one of the angels what the end of this man would be, and he replied “If this man’s life had been altogether bad, then he would at once have joined the spirits of darkness, but he is not without a moral sense, so for a very long time he will wander blindly round in the dim light of the lower parts of the intermediate state, and keep on bumping his philosophical head, until tired of his foolishness, he repents. Then he will be ready to receive the necessary instruction from the angels appointed for that purpose, and, when instructed, will he be fit to enter into the fuller light of God in the higher sphere…” – Blessed Sadhu Sundar Singh
Source [Translated by Rev. T. E. Riddle of the New Zealand Presbyterian Mission, Kharar, Punjab, from Urdu into English, c. 1926]:
https://reluctant-messenger.com/sadhu-sundar-singh.htm
A sincerely wrong non-Christian Idolater who has a reasonably sound moral compass may have a chance in the Spirit World even now too if he doesn’t hold too strongly to his false beliefs, to quote:
“… THE MANIFESTATION OF CHRIST … I saw in a vision the spirit of an idolater on reaching the world of spirits begin at once to search for his god. Then the saints said to him, “There is no god here save the One True God, and Christ, who is His manifestation.” At this, the man was a good deal astonished, but being a sincere seeker after truth, he frankly admitted that he had been in error. He eagerly sought to know the correct view of truth, and asked if he might see the Christ. Shortly after this Christ manifested Himself in a dim light to him, and to others who had newly arrived in the world of spirits, because at this stage they could not have endured a full exhibition of His glory, for His glory is so surpassing that even the angels look on Him with difficulty, and cover their faces with their wings (Isaiah 6:9). When He does reveal Himself to any one He takes into account the particular stage of progress to which that soul has attained, so He appears dimly, or in the fuller light of His glory, that the sight of Him may be endured. So, when these spirits saw Christ in this dim but attractive light, they were filled with a joy and peace, which is beyond our power to describe. Bathed in the rays of His life-giving light, and with the waves of His love, which constantly flow out from Him, flowing over them, all their error was washed away. Then with all their hearts, they acknowledged Him as the Truth, and found healing, and, bowing in lowly adoration before Him, thanked and praised Him. And the saints, who had been appointed for their instruction; also rejoiced over them. …” – Blessed Sadhu Sundar Singh
Source [Translated by Rev. T. E. Riddle of the New Zealand Presbyterian Mission, Kharar, Punjab, from Urdu into English, c. 1926]:
https://reluctant-messenger.com/sadhu-sundar-singh.htm
“… AT LEAST, THAT IS THE CASE WITH THE MAJORITY, but there are some few personalities, Satan for instance, in regard to whom I was told, ‘Don’t ask about them.’ And so I didn’t like to ask, but I hoped that for them also there was some hope. ‘ ‘ They also told me that the SAINTS HELP IN THE WORK OF SAVING SOULS IN HELL, because there can be no idleness in Heaven. THOSE IN HELL WILL ULTIMATELY BE BROUGHT TO HEAVEN LIKE THE PRODIGAL SON, BUT WITH REGARD TO THE ULTIMATE FATE OF A CERTAIN NUMBER YOU MUST NOT ASK.” The SADHU IS INCLINED TO THINK THAT PERHAPS THESE FEW WILL BE ANNIHILATED. “Once I said, ‘So MANY PEOPLE WILL BE LOST BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOT HEARD OF CHRIST.’ They said, ‘The CONTRARY WILL BE THE CASE ; VERY FEW WILL BE LOST. ‘ There is a kind of heavenly joke, no, joke is not a good word for it. ‘VERY FEW WILL BE LOST BUT MANY WILL BE SAVED. IT IS SO BUT DON’T TELL,’ they said, as it were, in jest, ‘because it will make men careless, and we want them to enjoy the First Heaven — that is the Heaven on earth — as well.’ ” “If there were no hope for all the non-Christians in the world and all the Christians who die in sin, God would stop creating men. We must do our part here on earth to save sinners, but if they refuse we need not be without hope for them. ‘ ‘ The Sadhu’s “universalism” recalls the famous “Shewing” to Mother Juliana of Norwich*, “All manner of things shall be well,” and her comments thereon — except that her respect for the authority of the Church precludes her making any suggestion how this may be possible. 1 The Sadhu faithfully obeys the injunction, “Don’t tell.” In his popular teachings, as we shall see in the next chapter, he stresses the need of repentance, and the certainty of immediate judgment in the next life, but he never speaks of his hope of ultimate salvation even for the unrepentant. …” (Blessed Sadhu Sundar Singh’s Hope in Christ Centered Universalism and Afterlife Salvation Mystery)
Source [Page 101 – 102, ECSTASY AND VISION, via Reverend Streeter and Bishop Dr. AJ Appasamy]:
https://archive.org/stream/cu31924029356684/cu31924029356684_djvu.txt
***Proofs of Sundar Singh’s quotes by different renown authours are in link below:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159143902292784
***Note: Proof Quote for the Claim earlier from this Bookss
Blessed Sadhu Sundar Singh as Saved though SUNDAR SINGH NEVER SPOKE in TONGUES and ALSO BELIEVED ALL THESE UNIVERSALISM TYPE of QUOTES.
(whom even the most famous Indian Christian Founder of “Jesus Calls” Ministry, Dr. D.G.S. Dhinakaran who is the No. 1 Charismatic Christian with Gift of Tongues, Word of Knowledge, Miracles and even Heavenly Visions from India (as claimed by his supporters) said he saw Sundar Singh in Heaven in his famous book ‘An Insight into Heaven***’, page 100 despite Sundar Singh believing all these and even CALLS SADHU SUNDAR SINGH AS THE GREAT AND ACCLAIMED SAINT OF INDIA),
please view picture in next page.
Book of 1Enoch’s ‘Salvation with no honour’ with ‘believing after seeing’ possibility to be offered on ‘Judgment Day’ itself agreeing to Ambrosiaster’s quote above too to account for ‘many to be saved in the end though some after Judgments first only’
“… 1 And in those days a change shall take place for the holy and elect, And the light of days shall abide upon them, And glory and honour shall turn to the holy, 2 ON THE DAY OF AFFLICTION on which evil shall have been treasured up against the sinners.And the righteous shall be victorious in the name of the Lord of Spirits: And HE WILL CAUSE THE OTHERS TO WITNESS (this) THAT THEY MAY REPENT And FORGO THE WORKS OF THEIR HANDS. 3 They shall have NO HONOUR through the name of the Lord of Spirits, YET THROUGH HIS NAME SHALL THEY BE SAVED [Joel 2:32, Romans 10:13, Matthew 12:21], And THE LORD OF SPIRITS WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON THEM, For His compassion is great. 4 And He is righteous also in His judgement, And in the presence of His glory unrighteousness also shall not maintain itself: At HIS JUDGEMENT THE UNREPENTANT SHALL PERISH before Him. 5 And FROM HENCEFORTH I will have NO MERCY on them, saith the Lord of Spirits. …” (Book of Enoch, Chapter 50)
Translation Source: http://wesley.nnu.edu/index.php?id=2126
Conclusion
First Resurrection = FEW SAVED. = Celestial/Heavenly Bodies (Christians) only to those “who are born of both Water and Spirit” (John 3:5) who “Enter the Kingdom of the Heavens to Inherit it” (Matthew 5:19 – 20).
Second Resurrection = MANY SAVED. = Terrestrial/Earthly bodies (some non-Christians) = Soul born again into new body (if God Wills by His Mercy) and so may “see” the “Kingdom of God” (John 3:3) as they “visit” the “New Heavenly Jerusalem City” upon being saved on Judgment Day on the “New Earth” (Revelation 21:24 – 27) visiting the Christians/the Bride within (Revelation 21:9 – 10) who calls out to them as ‘the one who thirsts’ to take the ‘water of life freely’ too at that time (Revelation 21:6 with Revelation 22:17).
So though I present the case strongly, I am “not” sure 100% but being neutral is best as “JUDGE NOTHING BEFORE ITS TIME” (1 Corinthians 4:5) and I prefer the Safe Route Scripturally like this lest I say something against any POSSIBLE Scripture and end up committing the UNFORGIVABLE BLASPHEMY of the HOLY SPIRIT (Matthew 12:31 – 32) either way sand WHATEVER GOD DECIDES ONE DAY, I ACCEPT IT. If Universalism is True, then the “Unforgivable Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” can mean forever out of heaven on earth or spirit world type of salvation or equivalent.
“… Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:24, NKJV)
The above is not the opinion of that Servant but also that is affirmed by the Lord in that “He Reaps where He has not Sowed too” where Sowing may refer to the “Sowing of the Gospel Seed” in Verse below:
“… But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. …” (Matthew 25:26, NKJV)
“… Also, by this which this servant dared to say, “Thou reapest where thou sowedst not,” [Matthew 25:26] we understand that the Lord accepts the good life of the Gentiles and of the Philosophers. …” – Blessed St. Jerome of the Vulgate, 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)
Source [ Patristic Bible Commentary, Catena Aurea, Matthew 25:14 – 30, P. 853 ]:
Comments for image:
1) If Dr. D.G.S. Dhinakaran did “not” know of the Universalism Quotes of Sundar Singh and yet made this claim in his book, it either proves that Christ Centered Universalism is correct or that even believing/hoping it doesn’t send anyone to Hell.
2) It is also will be kind of strange if Dr. D.G.S. Dhinakaran did “not” know these Universalism Quotes of Sundar Singh because he was only born after Sundar Singh died:
i) Dr. DGS Dhinakaran (1 July 1935 – 20 February 2008)
3) I mean it would be strange if Dr. DGD Dhinakaran having the gift of “Word of Knowledge” can “know hidden things” in people’s lives but didn’t know these parts of Sundar’s Writings (mostly in Urdu) which was translated and informed by those various Christian denominations even who knew him personally as well as opposed to the ‘censored biography’ such as certain modern ones which never show these parts of Sundar’s writings (even handwritings of letters are preserved so no one can dispute it) just to show as though Sundar Singh believed the ‘same as them’ (of which the chances are very slim in light of all these evidences). I am “not” saying that you must believe in Sundar Singh or agree with him but rather that if he wrote all this, let us report it truthfully regardless if we agree or not. That’s speaking truth and being honest.
4) Please also notice that Dr. DGS Dhinakaran calls Sundar Singh as “the GREAT and acclaimed SAINT of INDIA” meaning if we likewise call say St. Athanasius as “Great” for his contributions for the Gospel or even call Athanasius as “St. Athanasius = Saint Athanasius”, it is nothing wrong as Charismatics put on a show as though we are ‘worshipping men but they God Alone’ but here we have their No. 1 Charismatic Christian of Indian Charismatic Movement with Miracles, Word of Knowledge, Prophecy claims using these phrases like us.
Married and Unmarried New Testament Context
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161797395877784
Why this is Important?
Don’t let “your wife” become “your idol” knowingly or unknowingly by such statements in the image can lead to that if one is not careful.
“… Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. …” (1 John 5:21, NKJV)
Firstly, God Used the UNMMARIED Apostle St. Paul to give the Marriage Commands for the New Testament and so we just quote the “Bible Verses” and ‘not make up any new commands/ways’, Verses:
“… 7For I WISH THAT ALL MEN WERE EVEN as I MYSELF. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that. 8But I say to the UNMARRIED AND TO THE WIDOWS: IT IS GOOD FOR THEM IF THEY REMAIN EVEN AS I AM; …” – Blessed Apostle St. Paul (1 Corinthians 7:7 – 8, NKJV)
The more accurate Theology is to “Love the Church” first because
1) Christ Also Said that One can “LEAVE WIFE” and become a “HUNDREDFOLD” in Matthew 19:27 – 30 for the Gospel’s Sake putting the priority of the “Church” greater than on one’s personal wife as did the Apostles.
“… 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 19:27 – 30, NKJV)
Please notice the word “WIFE” in the context of “LEFT WIFE” carefully in Verse above. Since Koine Greek doesn’t have a word for wife which is usually the phrase “your woman = WIFE”, here it is actually the more generic term without the word “your” in front meaning it can also mean “LEFT WOMAN” (implying both the ‘leaving wife’ and ‘remaining unmarried’ case for the Gospel – please see point 4 below too).
2) Loving one’s wife doesn’t mean pampering and spending prosperity on her which is a ‘waste’ but a responsible living is required as Christ Himself let “His Wife” (the Church) especially the most faithful early Church to SUFFER for Him (He didn’t come and save her from being “poor financially” nor from the “martyrdom’s” she had to endure as even the Book of Acts and Apostle Paul’s letters in the Bible Reveals).
“… strengthening the souls of the DISCIPLES, exhorting them to CONTINUE IN THE FAITH, and saying, “We must through MANY TRIBULATIONS ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD.” …” (Acts 14:22, NKJV)
Comment: If God can allow His “Best” Disciples (His Wife/Bride) SUFFER MANY TRIBULATIONS before they ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD, what is so great about some earthly wife that we think that they shouldn’t suffer for good but be ‘pampered’ mentality (especially financially, prosperity and luxury overly spent as ‘proof of love’ which is a ‘carnal or worldly concept’)? Just Provide “needs”, that’s all is what God’s Will is in this area as many Verses Testify (I am sure you know it).
Please notice this definition of CONTINUING IN FAITH here carefully too:
“… CONTINUE IN THE FAITH …” = “… We must through MANY TRIBULATIONS ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD. …”
3) Regarding earthly marriage, the New Testament Verses clearly Reveal that it makes one think of ‘pleasing the earthly wife more than pleasing God’ (and despite our opinions to do both, the Bible Says clearly that only this will happen as no one can prove anything against Scripture)
“… 7For I WISH THAT ALL MEN WERE EVEN as I MYSELF. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that. 8But I say to the UNMARRIED AND TO THE WIDOWS: IT IS GOOD FOR THEM IF THEY REMAIN EVEN AS I AM; 9but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. … 28 But even if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Nevertheless such will have TROUBLE IN THE FLESH, but I WOULD SPARE YOU. … 32But I want you to be without care. He who is UNMARRIED CARES FOR THE THINGS OF THE LORD—how he may PLEASE THE LORD. 33But HE WHO IS MARRIED CARES about the THINGS OF THE WORLD—how he may PLEASE HIS WIFE. … 38So then he who GIVES HER IN MARRIAGE DOES WELL, but he WHO DOES NOT GIVE HER IN MARRIAGE DOES BETTER. …” (1 Corinthians 7:7 – 9, 28, 32 – 33, 38, NKJV)
4) The “Firstfruits” of Salvation (Holiest lot) itself belongs to a particular 144000 “unmarried Jewish Virgin Men” likewise proving this Context for such “Eunuchs” too as per Revelation 14:1, 3 – 4, Matthew 19:12 and Isaiah 56:3 – 5.
“… For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves EUNUCHS FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN’S SAKE. He who is ABLE TO ACCEPT IT, LET HIM ACCEPT IT.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:12, NKJV)
“… 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)
“… NOR LET THE EUNUCH SAY,
“Here I am, a dry tree.”4For THUS SAYS THE LORD:
“TO THE EUNUCHS who keep my sabbaths,
And CHOOSE WHAT PLEASES ME,
And hold fast My covenant,
5Even to them I WILL GIVE IN MY HOUSE
And WITHIN MY WALLS A PLACE AND A NAME
BETTER THAN THAT OF SONS AND DAUGHTERS;
I will give [a]them AN EVERLASTING NAME
That SHALL NOT BE CUT OFF. …” (Isaiah 56:3 – 5, NKJV)
5) Proverbs 31 – The Perfect Wife
Even the Ideal Praised “No. 1 Biblical Wife” of Proverbs 31 (a.k.a. the “Prudent Wife“) Context agrees that such a wife is with the “Fear of the Lord” which is evidenced by a “hardworking” life for income and with the #CharityDoctrineLifestyle not just toward her own family but also the “poor and needy” too, highlight for this part, Verses:
[From Pages 507 to 510 of the #CharityDoctrineBook ]
“… 13She seeks wool and flax,
And WILLINGLY WORKS with her hands.
14She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar. …” (Proverbs 31:13 – 15, NKJV)
“… 15She also RISES WHILE IT IS YET NIGHT,
And PROVIDES FOOD FOR HER HOUSEHOLD,
And a portion for her maidservants.
16She considers a field and buys it;
From [E]HER PROFITS she plants a vineyard.
17She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms.
18She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her LAMP DOES NOT GO OUT BY NIGHT.
19She stretches out HER HANDS TO THE DISTAFF,
And HER HAND HOLDS THE SPINDLE. …” (Proverbs 31:15 – 19, NKJV)
“… 20She EXTENDS HER HAND TO THE POOR, Yes, she REACHES OUT HER HANDS TO THE NEEDY. 21She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet. …” (Proverbs 31:20 – 21, NKJV)
“… 23HER HUSBAND IS KNOWN in the GATES, When HE SITS AMONG THE ELDERS of the LAND. …” (Proverbs 31:23, NKJV)
“… 24She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
25Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come. …” (Proverbs 31:24 – 25, NKJV)
“… 26She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the LAW OF KINDNESS.
27She watches over the ways of her household,
And DOES NOT EAT THE BREAD OF IDLENESS. …”.
“… 28Her CHILDREN rise up and call her BLESSED;
Her HUSBAND also, and he PRAISES her:
29“Many daughters have done well,
But YOU EXCEL THEM ALL.” …” (Proverbs 31:28 – 29, NKJV)
“… 30Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,But a WOMAN WHO FEARS THE LORD, she shall be praised. 31Give her of the FRUIT of her hands, And let HER OWN WORKS PRAISE HER In the gates. …” (Proverbs 31:30 – 31, NKJV)
“… 10WHO[C] CAN FIND A [D]VIRTUOUS WIFE?
For HER WORTH IS FAR ABOVE RUBIES.
11The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
12She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life. …” (Proverbs 31:10 – 12, NKJV)
In short, if we don’t fulfill these Verses, it’s not talking about us.
We should not falsely flatter wrongly using the “Word of God” just to gratify the human “pride/flesh” just because it’s our “mother/family/wife” etc. unless these are Fulfilled.
Conclusion
“… 27And it happened, as He spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts which nursed You!” 28But He said, “MORE THAN THAT, BLESSED are those who HEAR THE WORD OF GOD AND KEEP [Obey] IT!” …” (Luke 11:27 – 28, NKJV)
“… 46While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, HIS MOTHER AND BROTHERS, seeking to speak with Him. 47Then one said to Him, “Look, YOUR MOTHER AND YOUR BROTHERS are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.” 48But He answered and said to the one who told Him, “WHO IS MY MOTHER and WHO ARE MY BROTHERS?” 49And He stretched out His hand TOWARD HIS DISCIPLES and said, “HERE ARE MY MOTHER AND MY BROTHERS! 50For whoever DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER in heaven is MY BROTHER AND SISTER AND MOTHER.” …” (Matthew 12:46 – 50, NKJV)
What matters for REAPING ETERNAL LIFE is CHARITY DOCTRINE DONE to BELIEVERS (CHURCH) and also ALL MEN (non-believers) as Apostle Paul in Galatians made it clear that while “no” other Works of Law are needed which make “bondage“, this particular “Work of Love” REAPS EVERLASTING LIFE as these Verses clearly Prove as it is Written:
“… 6Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. 7Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he WHO SOWS TO THE SPIRIT WILL OF THE SPIRIT REAP EVERLASTING LIFE. 9And let us NOT GROW WEARY while DOING GOOD, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us DO GOOD TO ALL, ESPECIALLY TO THOSE WHO ARE OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH. …” (Galatians 6:6 – 10, NKJV)
Peace to you
Charity Doctrine and Mercy link on Judgment Day
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161404426322784
In Verses below please notice carefully that Blessed Apostle St. Paul clearly speaks of “God’s Mercy” to be Granted on “that Day” referring to “Judgment Day Context” toward Blessed Onesiphorus for the sole reason that Blessed Onesiphorus Practiced the ‘CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE’ toward Apostle St. Paul himself by providing for his needs as evidenced clearly by these phrases “…FOR HE OFTEN REFRESHED ME,…” and “…and YOU KNOW VERY WELL HOW MANY WAYS HE MINISTERED [d]TO ME at Ephesus …” below ‘as it is Written’:
“… 16The LORD GRANT MERCY to the HOUSEHOLD OF ONESIPHORUS, FOR HE OFTEN REFRESHED ME, and was not ashamed of my chain; … 18The LORD GRANT TO HIM that HE MAY FIND MERCY FROM THE LORD IN THAT DAY—and YOU KNOW VERY WELL HOW MANY WAYS HE MINISTERED [d]TO ME at Ephesus….” (2 Timothy 1:16, 18, NKJV)
Comments:
1) The phrase “… IN THAT DAY …” = ‘Judgment Day’
2) The phrase “… HE MAY FIND MERCY FROM THE LORD IN THAT DAY …” = Obtaining Mercy on ‘Judgment Day’
3) The phrase “… and YOU KNOW VERY WELL HOW MANY WAYS HE MINISTERED [d]TO ME …” = Charity Doctrine Lifestyle lived by Blessed Onesiphorus toward Blessed Apostle St. Paul
4) The phrase “… 16The LORD GRANT MERCY to the HOUSEHOLD OF ONESIPHORUS …” = This Mercy on “that Day” Context (Judgment Day) may not just be limited to Blessed Onesiphorus but also toward “his household/family” simply because his contributions are from family income too who supported him and thus were considered giving to Blessed Apostle St. Paul.
5) The phrase “… FOR HE OFTEN REFRESHED ME, and was not ashamed of my chain …” = Blessed Onesiphorus provided for Blessed Apostle St. Paul by refreshing him via Providence of needs which is the CHARITY DOCTRINE as the REASON FOR MERCY TO BE GRANTED ON JUDGMENT DAY or “in that Day” CONTEXT as so clearly Written here.
6) If Blessed Onesiphorus was saved without the need of doing any Charity Doctrine (as most likely Blessed Onesiphorus was dead when this happened and that’s why Blessed Apostle St. Paul is Speaking of “Mercy to Blessed Onesiphorus may be Granted by God on THAT DAY referring to JUDGMENT DAY Context only” here as many scholars have noted too), then why is Blessed Apostle St. Paul clearly refering to “Mercy” to be “only shown for the sole reason” (as no other reason or religious acts of Blessed Onesiphorus is mentioned in Scripture here either be it praying/fasting or Church gathering etc. as these are accepted only in proportion of the ‘Charity Doctrine Lifestyle Lived’ only first) as these Verses themselves clearly only “repeat twice” that the “reason for Mercy” to be Granted is ONLY THE CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE, to repeat this in highlight below:
The phrase: “… FOR HE OFTEN REFRESHED ME …” (2 Timothy 1:16, NKJV)
The phrase: “… and YOU KNOW VERY WELL HOW MANY WAYS HE MINISTERED [d]TO ME at Ephesus….” (2 Timothy 1:18, NKJV)
Note: you can check that all Bible translations read the ‘same meaning’ for these set of Verses in “Judgment Day” (“in that Day”) Context to be “shown Mercy” based on this “CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE first” in link below:
https://biblehub.com/2_timothy/1-18.htm
Since Blessed Onesiphorus must be one of the 5 Wise Virgins with “oil” in Matthew 25:1 – 13, it’s most likely the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle as explained in an earlier Post in link below as First Christianity including Blessed Martin Luther the First Protestant has agreed too as the meaning of this Parable:
https://www.facebook.com/651792783/posts/10161389068392784/
7) If Blessed Onesiphorus was saved without the “fruit” (not cause) of the “Charity Doctrine Lifestyle”, why does Blessed Apostle St. Paul (the Real Inspired Author of Grace Alone) emphasising “only” that point repeatedly here in the context of “Mercy” shown on “Judgment Day” (“in that Day”) with nothing else mentioned regarding Blessed Onesiphorus as to whether his Eschatological understandings were perfect or whether he tithed, he prayed or fasted much, or spoke in tongues or cast out demons or prophesied or did miracles or attended church etc.?
Also, the Actual Judgment Day Description by Christ in Matthew 25:31 – 46 —> I have repeated many times in the Book and so I am “not” repeating it here but it clearly depicts the ‘Charity Doctrine only’ yet again agreeing in context perfectly. Indeed, the Judgment Day Verses (in Matthew 25:31 – 46) mentioning only “‘Charity Doctrine aspect of Almsgiving only”‘ (no prayer/fasting mentioned) as our Response to ‘… When I was Hungry, Thirsty, Naked, Homeless …’ may finally be Understood as ”Éxceeding the Righteousness of the Pharisees to Enter Heaven'” as these Verses collectively Reveal ”as it is Written”.
Why deny all these Bible Verses?
Conclusion
So ‘Charity Doctrine clearly affects “God’s Mercy” in the “Judgment Day Context” and since the Bible Verses must agree, the “Mercy which Triumphs over Judgment” (and ends it on ‘Judgment Day Context’ for if Judgment still remains then Mercy has ‘not’ Triumphed over it) must thus be toward those who have Practiced the ‘CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE’ , Verses:
“… 13For JUDGMENT IS WITHOUT MERCY to the ONE WHO HAS SHOWN NO MERCY. MERCY TRIUMPHS OVER JUDGMENT. 14What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? CAN FAITH SAVE HIM? 15If a BROTHER OR SISTER IS NAKED AND DESTITUTE OF DAILY FOOD, 16and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do NOT GIVE THEM THE THINGS WHICH ARE NEEDED FOR THE BODY, WHAT DOES IT PROFIT? 17Thus also faith by itself, if it does NOT HAVE WORKS, IS DEAD. …” (James 2:13 – 17, NKJV)
Comments:
1) Did you notice that MERCY ends JUDGMENT in Verses above is in the Context of Mercy referring to “Mercy which one has shown in life prior first based on the CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE LIVED ONLY FIRST“?
2) The “only” Works of Faith which can end Judgment Day condemnation here are described as the CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE ONLY as these phrases mean “… CAN FAITH SAVE HIM? 15If a BROTHER OR SISTER IS NAKED AND DESTITUTE OF DAILY FOOD, 16and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do NOT GIVE THEM THE THINGS WHICH ARE NEEDED FOR THE BODY, WHAT DOES IT PROFIT? …”.
3) Other Works of faith are possible be it praying, fasting, church attendance etc. but NOT WRITTEN here because until the CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE IS PRACTICED FIRST, nothing else matters as Judgment is only Triumphed by “the Level of Mercy one lived in life prior first” as these Bible Verses (not my opinion clearly Teach here “as it is Written”).
4) This is “not” Salvation by Works but rather the “Fruit” of Salvation which will be evidenced in any person’s life whom “God Saves” and thus “Common Ground” toward all who are Saved by Mercy on Judgment Day via this Charity Doctrine Fruit also implies that this must be “the oil” the Wise Virgins had as First Christianity Taught likewise.
5) Apostle St. Paul won’t be asking for “Mercy” to be shown to Blessed Onesiphorus due to the latter’s “Charity Doctrine Lifestyle” unless it is “possible” based on this on “Judgment Day” and that’s why we consider the “possibility” that even Possibly some non-Christians may be shown this same Mercy if they were kind to Christians likewise by practicing the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle toward Christians too. So we can ask but let God Alone Decide in the end which makes no one a heretic here.
I didn’t hide any details which May point to another context when quoting 2 Timothy 1:16, 18 earlier as you can see in full in “Consecutive Verses” below too:
“… 12For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him UNTIL THAT DAY. 13HOLD FAST THE PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14That GOOD THING WHICH WAS COMMITTED TO YOU, KEEP BY THE HOLY SPIRIT who dwells in us. 15This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. 16The LORD GRANT MERCY to the HOUSEHOLD OF ONESIPHORUS, FOR HE OFTEN REFRESHED ME, and was not ashamed of my chain; 17but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me. 18The LORD GRANT TO HIM THAT HE MAY FIND MERCY FROM THE LORD IN THAT DAY—and YOU KNOW VERY WELL HOW MANY WAYS HE MINISTERED [d]TO ME AT EPHESUS. …” (2 Timothy 1:12 – 18, NKJV)
Comment:
Verse 13 above Speaks clearly that the Sign of the Most Blessed HOLY SPIRIT of God is clearly to KEEP THESE SOUND WORDS which Includes (but not limited to) Verses 16 and 18 here which clearly Teach the CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE as the FRUIT OF SALVATION for MERCY to be SHOWN ON JUDGEMENT DAY ( “in that Day”).
So any True Church of Christ which is led by the Most Blessed Holy Spirit of God should likewise “Keep by the Holy Spirit” these “Pattern of Sound Words” which in the First and Foremost Context they were Written here refers to this CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE for MERCY on JUDGMENT DAY instead of Verse 15 type of Judas-Christians who in comparison abandoned Apostle St. Paul by “not” doing this Charity Doctrine Lifestyle to him as Blessed Onesiphorus clearly did as the Bible is so clear on these meanings as “no” difficulties of translation or anything like that appears in these Verses “as it is Written”.
Please note that Verse 12 mentions ( “UNTIL that Day”) together with Verse 18 “THAT HE MAY FIND MERCY FROM THE LORD IN THAT DAY” refers most likely to “Judgment Day” simply because ‘Christians are the “GREAT” on “Judgment Day” (while the saved non-Christians could be “the SMALL” who are saved on this day while “THE DEAD” only are JUDGED who are “STANDING” indicating consciousness in their ‘Resurrection for Judgment Bodies’ which are the unsaved non-Christian ) in Verses below:
“… And I saw THE DEAD, SMALL and GREAT, STANDING BEFORE GOD, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And THE DEAD WERE JUDGED according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. …” (Revelation 20:12, NKJV)
So possibly,
iii. The DEAD = Unsaved non-Christians (‘… THE DEAD WERE JUDGED …’) into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 21:8) who are only resurrected for Judgment for doing evil (John 5:29) hence EVERLASTING SHAME & PUNISHMENT in FIRE (Daniel 12:2, Matthew 25:46).
Also some seemed to be healed only of the “Water of Life” Flowing out into the Final New Earth Possibly so that they can be ‘saved’ too just like those “leaves” from the Tree of Life described earlier (yes particularly only mentioned the ‘leaves part’ where whether it means literal or allegorical it does NOT matter at all since the ‘Principle’ remains the SAME namely for HEALING and RESTORATION to those who are applied to it – can you see it?).
“… 24And the NATIONS [N]OF THOSE WHO ARE SAVED shall walk in its light, and the KINGS OF THE EARTH bring their glory and honor [o]into it. … In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The LEAVES OF THE TREE WERE FOR THE HEALING OF THE NATIONS. …” (Revelation 21:24 , 22:2, NKJV)
“… 6And He said to me, “IT[C] IS DONE! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the WATER OF LIFE FREELY TO HIM WHO THIRSTS. 7He WHO OVERCOMES [d]SHALL INHERIT ALL THINGS, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 8But the cowardly, [e]unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” …” (Revelation 21:6 – 8, NKJV)
Recap:
1) In light of all these “Possibilities” and explanations, this is why I am very cautious especially when it comes to the ‘Book of Revelation’ interpretation. Why? Because if I say that it must be 100% this or that but if it turns out to be ‘false’ then those Curses described here (in Revelation 22:18 – 19) can apply (Let God Decide).
2) That is why by keeping it as a “POSSIBILITY” only, may God have Mercy if my interpretation is wrong because I already also demonstrate that I do “not” know for sure.
3) Though I am “not” sure, I still write this “POSSIBILITIES” because ‘you could be wrong’ and in such a case unless you admit your doctrine on it was a possibility too, you could risk these same Curses described here if you were wrong (in Revelation 22:18 – 19, let God Decide).
Regardless, Charity Doctrine is Truly a Doctrine for the Church of Christ in the Context of Finding MERCY on JUDGMENT DAY as the FRUIT OF SALVATION according to 2 Timothy 1:18 itself.
Is there a Verse in the Bible that Directly links the #CharityDoctrine done toward a #Christian to possibly merit MERCY to be SHOWN on JUDGMENT DAY Context? Yes, here are two Verses:
“… 16The LORD GRANT MERCY to the HOUSEHOLD OF ONESIPHORUS, FOR HE OFTEN REFRESHED ME, and was not ashamed of my chain; 17but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me. 18The LORD GRANT TO HIM THAT HE MAY FIND MERCY FROM THE LORD IN THAT DAY—and YOU KNOW VERY WELL HOW MANY WAYS HE MINISTERED [d]TO ME AT EPHESUS. …” (2 Timothy 1:12 – 18, NKJV)
Comments:
1. If “ONESIPHORUS” was Saved, then he doesn’t need MERCY from the Lord IN THAT DAY (Judgment Day, implied) as Verse 2 Timothy 1:18 above points, right? Or perhaps he died before being saved or baptized (who knows?) and that’s why Apostle St. Paul is saying this.
2. Or perhaps it is “not” ONESIPHORUS only meant but whomever in HIS HOUSEHOLD who might be SHOWN MERCY ON THAT DAY (Judgment Day most likely) due to his #CharityDoctrineLifestyle Acts toward the #Christian Blessed Apostle St. Paul as Verse 2 Timothy 1:16 above points as a whole.
“… 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.[7] …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onesiphorus
Mysterious and Difficult, isn’t it?
“… 13For JUDGMENT IS WITHOUT MERCY to the ONE WHO HAS SHOWN NO MERCY. MERCY TRIUMPHS OVER JUDGMENT.. …” (James 2:13, NKJV)
How far will God Decide?
Let God Alone Decide.
Yes, We can ask but GOD ALONE DECIDES.
Please be careful of some Protestant attitude to simply claim some very rough language against such things because if on Judgment Day it turns out to be “Scripture”, condemning any Scripture could be liable to the “Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit” which has “no” forgiveness either in this age nor in the age to come:
“… Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 12:32, NKJV)
St. Augustine believed in “Purgatory”, example quote:
“… But temporary punishments are suffered by some in this life only, by others after death, by others both now and then; but all of them before that last and strictest judgment. But of those who suffer temporary punishments after death, all are not doomed to those everlasting pains which are to follow that judgment; for to some, as we have already said, what is not remitted in this world is remitted in the next, that is, they are not punished with the eternal punishment of the world to come. …” – Blessed St. Augustine of Hippo, Doctor of the Church, who influenced virtually all of subsequent Western philosophy and Catholic theology, as well as a significant amount of Protestant theology (c. 354 AD – c. 430 AD, The City of God (Book XXI), Chapter 13)
Source: https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/120121.htm
Also the “Opinion of St. Augustine” is very important indeed simply because even Blessed John Calvin (Founder of the Reformed Church Protestants) himself learnt his theology from St. Augustine’s Writings. Example quote:
“… Augustine is so wholly within me, that if I wished to write a confession of my faith, I could do so with all fullness and satisfaction to myself out of his writings …” – Blessed John Calvin, Protestant Reformer Theologian (Creator of the Five Point Calvinism or Tulips Doctrine for Protestanism)
Source:[ Calvin, John. A Treatise on the Eternal Predestination of God. in Calvin, John (1987). Calvin’s Calvinism. Translated by Henry Cole. Grandville, MI: Reformed Free Publishing Association. p. 38 ] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustinian_Calvinism
Please also notice that St. Augustine of Hippo was saved believing in purgatory and even the famous author of the Chronicles of Narnia, C. S. Lewis also openly confessed to believe in the Roman Catholic Version of the Purgatory but I don’t think they are unsaved even if they are wrong because of this as this most conservative Reformed Theologian (of the Original Protestant movement), Mr. John Piper himself explains as follows:
“… If you’ve read Lewis (and I’ve read almost all of Lewis), you know you don’t go to C.S. Lewis to watch serious biblical exposition in the making. You don’t. No doubt, he knows his Bible — goodness gracious, he can quote his Greek New Testament probably better than I can. He probably has got parts of it memorized, and his theology is generally true. He’s not a heretic, but if he had tried to support this belief with Scripture, he would have been hard put to do it. …” – Mr. John Piper
Source:
https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/what-does-the-bible-say-about-purgatory
C.S. Lewis’ Purgatory Quote:
“… “You have been in Hell; though if you don’t go back you may call it Purgatory.”… [This theme was expanded later in the book (p. 67)]: … “If they leave that grey town behind it will not have been Hell. To any that leaves it, it is Purgatory. And perhaps ye had better not call this country Heaven. Not Deep Heaven, ye understand.” (Here he smiled at me). “Ye can call it the Valley of the Shadow of Life. And yet to those who stay here it will have been Heaven from the first. And ye can call those sad streets in the town yonder the Valley of the Shadow of Death: but to those who remain there they will have been Hell even from the beginning.” … [an interesting short exposition from his famous semi-catechetical work, Mere Christianity]: … Of course I pray for the dead. The action is so spontaneous, so all but inevitable, that only the most compulsive theological case against it would deter me. And I hardly know how the rest of my prayers would survive if those for the dead were forbidden. At our age the majority of those we love best are dead. What sort of intercourse with God could I have if what I love best were unmentionable to Him? . . . I believe in purgatory. Mind you, the Reformers had good reasons for throwing doubt on “the Romish doctrine concerning Purgatory” as that Romish doctrine had then become. . . ” – Blessed C. S. Lewis, ( 1898 – 1963, who graduated from Oxford University with a focus on literature and classic philosophy, and in 1925 he was awarded a fellowship teaching position at Magdalen College)
Last but not least, this is “not” Doctrine but a “possibility” only where I intend to share this so that we may guard our mouths over things like this lest if we are wrong, we could be judged seriously. Hence, if we are not sure, the most honest thing to do would be to admit that ‘I am not sure’ on this.
May God Have Mercy on whom He Wills.
Peace to you
Page 1207 of the #SafeRouteScripturallyBook .
Page 1208 of the #SafeRouteScripturallyBook .
Hoping Nothing in Return for Kindness Theology Biblically
1) Firstly, Christ told to “hope nothing in return” while LOVING YOUR ENEMIES BY EVEN GIVING MONEY (LENDING) them and “not” toward ‘your family or pastor Church member or friend’ (Can you see it?) Verses:
“… 34And if YOU LEND to those from whom you HOPE TO RECEIVE BACK, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35But LOVE YOUR ENEMIES, DO GOOD, AND LEND, [h]HOPING FOR NOTHING IN RETURN; and YOUR REWARD WILL BE GREAT, and YOU WILL BE SONS OF THE MOST HIGH. For He is KIND to the UNTHANKFUL AND EVIL. 36Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:27 – 36, NKJV)
“… 32“But IF YOU LOVE THOSE WHO LOVE YOU, WHAT CREDIT IS THAT TO YOU? …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:32, NKJV)
“… WHAT DO YOU DO MORE THAN OTHERS? …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:47, NKJV)
“… 33And IF YOU DO GOOD TO THOSE WHO DO GOOD TO YOU, WHAT CREDIT IS THAT TO YOU? …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:33, NKJV)
2) Regardless in this same set of Verses while commanding to HOPE NOTHING IN RETURN (on earth, from humans) CHRIST ALSO SAID that the REWARD in HEAVEN would be GREAT for those who PRACTICE it, Highlighted Verses for this part:
“… 35But LOVE YOUR ENEMIES, DO GOOD, AND LEND, [h]HOPING FOR NOTHING IN RETURN; and YOUR REWARD WILL BE GREAT, and YOU WILL BE SONS OF THE MOST HIGH. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:35, NKJV)
3) Is Christ Teaching KINDNESS as a “business transaction” then?
If I were to call it with a terminology I would call it the “Law of Infinite Ascent” because GIVING is MORE BLESSED and so regardless if the person who gives wants to share with the person whom he is giving to, SUCH LOVE IN ACTION just brings him HIGHER and CLOSER to GOD, hence REWARD in HEAVEN may be understood likewise in these Verses.
“… I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is MORE BLESSED to GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE.’ ” …” (Acts 20:35, NKJV)
4) For those who falsely accuse that such Verses Teach REWARDS (of GOD OF MERIT) as like business transaction, they do so because they have not understood these explanations rightly.
Also, do any of them work for free?
Also most of them also just take the racial advantage card if it’s played out to them because with the same skill set, if they were of different race (all other factors held constant), they most likely won’t even be where they are (Let God Prove each case one day as He Will, as that’s how He Rewards and Punishes as per the case of the POOR WIDOW with TWO COINS too in Luke 21:1 – 3, as that’s fair).
Also if any of them have THEIR OWN CHILDREN or LOVED ONE suffer injustice or unfair treatment, will they CLAIM that THEY DON’T DO FOR REWARD / MERIT and just ACCEPT THE DISCRIMINATION if they could do something about it? I mean most of these people would do anything for “family” but they won’t stand up for outsiders for the same reasons of “justice”.
5) Can you see the “Hypocrisy” in their claims since if they didn’t care about reward/merit, then if their children or family suffers because of it (by not getting a proper job or had to starve or downsize etc.), would they ‘claim it okay’? Can you see it?
I think these points should make it clear that GOD of MERIT is PERFECTION of GOD in the CONTEXT of REWARDS too.
Peace to you!
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