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Heavens Definition in First Christianity

Kingdom of God Mystery

♠Last Updated: 26 August 2020

 

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Conversion Numbers in Christianity – Does it prove anything?
 
Many protestant charismatic and evangelical prophets have either publicly or secretly ‘Prophesied Mr. Trump to win this election’. Unfortunately these Prophecies did “NOT” come to Pass. Some of them have made ‘huge converts’ too (please see example point 1 next) which also proves that ‘number of converts’ just like ‘voting for president’ and just depends on the ‘personal preferences of a believer’.
 
For example, if a believer likes ‘money and easy living with blessings’, they will opt for the ‘Prosperity Gospel conversion’ or equivalent (against so many New Testament Bible Verses: Luke 12:15 – 21, Acts 2:44 – 46, Acts 4:32, Matthew 19:21, Matthew 19:27 – 30, Luke 12:33 – 34, James 5:3 – 5, Luke 16:19 – 31). Generally speaking, I am ‘not’ in support of Mr. Biden nor Mr. Trump but if they do right Biblically, I approve that and if not, I disapprove it.
 
1) CBN Founder – Dr. Pat Robertson
 
CBN = Christian Broadcasting Network Channel in the USA through which has probably converted more evangelicals in America than anyone else. So, its founder is considered a Prophet by many Protestants. Recently, he predicted that ‘… President Trump will win …’ with the following details which has turned out to be ‘inaccurate’:
 
“… “It will start with a phone call and I can tell you, you will be shocked to see how much exposure comes from that, but Trump will win, He will be President of the United States. He will sit in that office for four more years and God will have His way in this country.” CBN also records “a chorus of other prophetic voices that believe God told them Trump will win,” including CBN’s Pat Robertson. “I want to say without question, Trump is going to win the election,” Robertson said during a broadcast of The 700 Club, the network’s flagship program (Pat Robertson is its long-time host). …”
 
Source:
 
https://www.express.co.uk/news/weird/1351500/donald-trump-will-win-election-god-christian-evangelists-us-election-2020-evg
 

Comment: Even if (for argument’s sake) a ‘Civil War’ erupts in the USA and some faction makes Mr. Trump as president will “not” change the falsity of Mr. Pat Robertson’s prophecy because he stated precisely in his own words via his own video by his own CBN network as follows that ‘Mr. Trump will win the re-election on 3rd November and not via a later date’ (I’m still ‘surprised’ that they haven’t removed that Video yet), to quote from a pro-Israeli source itself:

 

“… Televangelist Pat Robertson claimed on Tuesday that God told him U.S. President Donald Trump will win re-election on November 3rd, which will be followed by mass civil unrest, a war against Israel and “some kind of asteroid strike on the globe.” “First of all, I want to say without question, Trump is going to win the election,’’ Robertson said on the Christian Broadcast Network’s “The 700 Club.’’ …”

 
Source:
 
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/pat-robertson-trump-will-win-followed-by-war-on-israel-and-the-end-of-times-1.9251563
 
 
YouTube Video link (Video Uploaded on 20th October, 2020):
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dF5izJ9KCug
 
 
Has your denomination converted more people to Christ than Mr. Pat Robertson’s CBN (the CBN Founder)? CBN also teaches the Prosperity Gospel* and in the more conservative wing of ‘Martin Luther & Calvinism Teachings’ (the ‘Original Protestants’, a.k.a. ‘Monergism’ movement), even before this election Mr. Pat Robertson has been labelled in ‘their own words’ (not mine) as ‘… Robertson, Pat [Divination, False Prophet, TBN …’ in link below:
 
https://www.monergism.com/modern-day-false-teachers
 
2) Other Protestant Prophets
 
Some of your local pastors or believers may have ‘Prophesied in Church itself’ stating that Mr. Trump will win which turned out to be false. The most dangerous part is where ‘… if they claimed to have heard it by His Holy Spirit …’ because this runs the risk of the “Unforgivable Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit Sin” if we are not careful which may extend even to ‘you’ if you said an ‘Amen’ to such Prophesies earlier, right? (Matthew 12:31 – 32) Let God have Mercy on whomever He Wills. This is why I prefer to state it as a ‘possibility’ on things that I am not sure and let God Decide One Day and we will know.
 
This risk only belongs to those who claim to ‘know 100%’ and those who ‘use the Name of The Most Blessed Holy Spirit of God in Vain’ of which the Verses in image Warned of “Death” (so let’s be ‘careful’), to quote here in full:
 
 
“… 20But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, THAT PROPHET SHALL DIE.’ 21And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?’— 22when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him. …” (Deuteronomy 18:20 – 22, NKJV)
 
Why such a serious punishment? Because it breaks this 10 Commandment (though in New Testament Times God Allows more “Mercy”):
 
“… 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 20:7, NKJV)
 
Example of another ‘smaller protestant prophet’ (but popular in number) who also falsely prophesied is as follows:
 
“… Jeremiah Johnson is author of a number of books on prophecy and host of a TV show. Earlier in the year, he shared a vision about Trump winning (on his Facebook page of 300,000 followers): “And about 100 yards from the finish, he tripped and fell down and he could not get up, the crowd was spitting on him, they were jeering at him, and suddenly, two older women who I knew were baby boomers, somehow made their way through the crowd and supernaturally lifted Donald Trump up and helped him get to the finish.” “I believe God is calling on Baby Boomers in this nation to take your stand and believe with me that the best is yet to come.”
This prophecy is quoted in a Christian Broadcasting Network story, “Prophets Say They Did Not Get It Wrong: ‘It’s Not Over.” Another is also quoted, Kat Kerr: “The rocks are about to move and Trump will be President no matter what you hear,” Kerr said. …”
 
Source:
 
https://www.eternitynews.com.au/world/the-prophets-who-said-that-trump-would-win-blame-demons/
 
Another Example:
 
“…One of the weekend’s most memorable moments came from the Sunday service at the International Church of Las Vegas. Speaking to the president, Pastor Denise Goulet said: “At 4.30, the Lord said to me, ‘I am going to give your president a second wind,'” referring to his recent Covid diagnosis. She went on to say Mr Trump would win the election. …”
 
Source:
 
https://www.bbc.com/news/election-us-2020-54596667
 
3) Satanists and Psychics
 
Even some famous Psychics also predicted that Mr. Trump will win but ‘failed’ too, for example:
 
“… Craig Hamilton-Parker, a psychic and medium who runs the website psychics.co.uk, has shared his predictions and visions for the US election. He said last month: “Trump wins. I’ve said this in 2019 and I felt he would get a second term. “Like it or not, he’s got a second term …”
 
Source:
 
https://www.express.co.uk/news/weird/1351332/donald-trump-election-prediction-psychic-trump-win-second-term-us-election-2020-evg
 
4) Indian Christianity – ‘Prophet’ Sadhu Sundar Selvaraj
 
Even Mr. Sadhu Sundar Selvaraj (India’s popular ‘Angel TV’ prophet where Angel TV is like CBN for America) seems to have got it wrong as he even claims to have ‘seen it written in the tablets in heaven’ according to his recent prophetic video below that he saw Mr. Trump will be installed as President again on January 20 (or perhaps after a Civil War?), to quote his own words (I’m also ‘surprised’ that they haven’t taken down these Videos; I have to applaud them for their honesty ‘so far’):
 
“… So we want to don’t stop praying till November 3; you want to continue till Mr. Trump is safely installed [inaugurated] on January 20th. Amen? [wait] I tell you one truth: See I do not know anything about American Politics. I don’t need to know. I tell you the Word from Heaven. I reveal to you God’s Mind and God’s Purpose for this Great Nation. That’s all I know. … I know one thing: What is written in the Scroll in Heaven about the destiny of the US and in that destiny, God’s Will is ‘Mr. Trump should serve another term’. Because, God is extending His Grace for this nation one more time for another 4 years. There is another work that God Wants to do [in this ] Great nation and that can only be done through a man with a personality like Mr. Trump. A ‘Raffian’ (Rough-ian) like him you know, I’m sorry but that’s what he is, right? A Rough-ian, even like a Gangster, right? …” – Sadhu Sundar Selvaraj (1:06 minute till about 2:58 minute, Video uploaded on Nov 3, 2020)
 
Source:
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCUU_zmFhLk
 
or a longer Version at:
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zZhtFKYdYo
 
 
Conclusion
 
My Advice: I do NOT need to Judge if any of these be it Mr. Pat Robertson or Mr. Sadhu Sundar Selvaraj is a false prophet or not but I certainly won’t be approving them. I prefer the ‘neutral’ safe First Christianity Way described as follows:
 
“… If he asks for money, he is a false prophet. DO NOT TEST or EVALUATE ANY PROPHET SPEAKING in the SPIRIT – THIS IS THE ONE UNFORGIVABLE SIN. But not every one that speaks in the Spirit is a prophet, only those who live in the way of the Lord. Thus it is by their conduct that you can tell false prophets from true. Similarly, no prophet shall eat while he is in the Spirit; if he does, he is a false prophet. Even if a prophet teaches the truth, if he does not do what he teaches, is a false prophet. However, if a prophet that has been approved and found true, and lives out the cosmic mystery of the Church, does not teach you to do all that he does himself, you should not judge such a prophet. His judgment must be left to God, for the prophets in the past also did such things. If anyone says in the Spirit, “Give me silver”, or asks for anything else, do not listen to him. But if he tells you to give to others that are in want, let no one judge him. …” – The Didache, Teaching of the Lord through His Twelve Apostles (before 300AD)
 
Source:
 
https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/study/module/didache
 
Dear Christians, please be careful the next time you say ‘… Amen …’ to ‘any prophet who prophesies over you where if it was right, it’s okay but if not, these Bible Verses quoted here might condemn you one day.
 
Perhaps this Verse might help us understand that both ‘good rulers’ and ‘evil rulers’ are allowed by God (including Caesar who was ‘killing Christians’ to whom the Word of God in Verse below was Written to encourage Christians to ‘submit’ to him even if it means to ‘die’ because ‘His Kingdom is not of this World’ and that’s how ‘one can exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees to enter Heaven’ by ‘not resisting an evil person even’), Bible Verses:
 
“…Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. …” (Romans 13:1, NKJV)
 
“… Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” …” (John 18:36, 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. … 38“You have HEARD that it was SAID, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39BUT I TELL YOU NOT to RESIST an EVIL person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40If anyone wants to sue you and TAKE AWAY your tunic, let HIM HAVE your cloak also. … 45that YOU may be SONS of YOUR FATHER in HEAVEN; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust…. 46For if you love those who love you, what REWARD have you? … 47 what do YOU DO MORE THAN OTHERS? … 48Therefore you shall be PERFECT, just as your Father in heaven is PERFECT. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:19 – 20, 38 – 40, 45 – 48 NKJV)
 
P/S: Benny Hinn has Repented of the ‘Prosperity Gospel’ in 2019 (in his words) though didn’t the majority of his converts was because of the ‘Prosperity Gospel’ message? Why is he so ‘afraid’ now?
 
For example in Videos in link below:
 
i) MUST WATCH- BENNY HINN REPENTS AND REBUKES PASTORS
 
‘… I think it’s an offense to the Holy Spirit to place a Price on the Gospel …’ – Benny Hinn (2019, in link below)
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-e2lPwPiZ3A
 
ii) Benny Hinn Renounces the “Prosperity Gospel”
 
“… I do not want to be known as a Prosperity Teacher …” – Benny Hinn (2019, link below)
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qUQwmwC7Oc
 
May God have Mercy on whomever He Wills (Romans 9:15).
 
Peace to you

Judge not and you won’t be Judged Mystery

Question

“these verses might condemn you one day”……I thought this was more of grace, mercy, forgiveness for all page. How about rebuke a nicer word? Just sayin. Pat Robertson has done much for the Kingdom.

 

Reply

So did the Catholics and Pharisees of old did ‘even more’ than Dr. Pat Robertson for the Kingdom (e.g. in preserving Scripture).

Please notice that the “Many” Denied on that “Day” when He Returns (Matthew 7:20 – 23) also did ‘many things for the Kingdom’ (for if not there would “not” be “MANY” Converts) but yet Christ ‘Denies them All’. Why? The Reason given is ‘lawlessness’ which is ‘sin’ (1 John 3:4, Matthew 7:23) and the ‘Greatest sin of all is the Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit’ (Matthew 12:32) and that’s why I said it “might” condemn them.

 

The word “might” is relative because that’s why I ended up by ‘not’ judging him or the others but just revealing ‘their own words’. You are right under this one condition if “Dr. Pat Robertson” was ‘that merciful’ toward those who are ‘wrong’ from his point of view because Christ Says the following:

“… 1“Judge not, that you be not judged. 2For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. …” (Matthew 7:1 – 2, NKJV)

However, his chances look pretty slim in light of ‘his unmerciful controversies’ toward those who are ‘wrong’ and hence he may face the ‘same strict judgment’ he imposed on others. For example [Doesn’t the comment below may qualify as a ‘Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit’ especially since ‘Methodists’ include even the Great Blessed John Wesley?]:

‘… On January 14, 1991, on The 700 Club, Pat Robertson attacked a number of Protestant denominations when he declared: “You say you’re supposed to be nice to the Episcopalians and the Presbyterians and the Methodists and this, that, and the other thing. Nonsense. I don’t have to be nice to the spirit of the Antichrist. …’ – Dr. Pat Robertson

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/1999/may/23/columnists.observerbusiness1

To quote more (you may please read the details further in link below):

“…

 

1 Criticism of Robertson’s faith healing

2 Efficacy of Robertson’s prayers

3 Calling non-Christians “termites”

4 First child conceived out of wedlock

5 Comments on other Christian denominations

6 Comments on Islam

7 Comments on Hinduism

8 Feminism, homosexuality, abortion and liberalism

9 Comments on Scotland

10 Financial ties to politicians

11 Comments on Chinese abortions

12 Racehorse ownership

13 Financial ties to African leaders

14 Operation Blessing

15 Comments on the US State Department

16 Iraq War

17 Comments on assassinating Hugo Chávez

18 Attributing statement to Barry W. Lynn

19 Comments on Dover, Pennsylvania

20 Comments on Ariel Sharon’s health

21 Comments about “liberal professors”

22 Leg press claims

23 Racist comments about Asian appearance

24 2010 Haiti earthquake

25 Comments on marijuana laws

26 Comments advocating divorce

27 Comments on spousal abuse

28 Comments on Young Earth creationism

29 Comments on AIDS

30 Comments on US-Saudi Arabia relations after the death of Jamal Khashoggi

…”  Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_Robertson_controversies

Here’s a Secret: That’s why Christ Says “don’t Judge” in Matthew 7:1 – 2 so that by Practising that, we can exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees in this aspect too by God’s Grace to ‘enter into His Kingdom’ (Matthew 5:20). A lot of people don’t judge in front of the public but condemn those who disagree with them to ‘eternal hell’ for the slightest errors. Hence they will come under the ‘same’ level of ‘Strict Judgment’ they practiced.

The Bible’s Way is simple: You can state your opinion regarding why you think it is sin or wrong but after that don’t do anything more and let God Judge on that Day if they refuse to repent. However, if you end up ‘boycotting them’, ‘bullying them’, ‘disabling them from serving in the Church’, etc. the ‘same level’ of strict Judgment is Promised (in Matthew 7:1 – 2 ) toward us for ‘our sins likewise’. So Please, forgive and focus on ‘Doing Good’ and warn others if you think something you disagree with but don’t over enforce Judgment but let God Decide in the end as you already did your part in telling them to the best of your knowledge and understanding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ransom for Many, Few or All Mystery

 

“Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a RANSOM for MANY.” (Matthew 20:28, KJV)

Someone said (pointing to the Verse in  Matthew 20:28), Christ didn’t say “All”.

 

Reply: Christ also said that “Few” are Saved and “not MANY”, Verses:

 

“23Then said one unto him, Lord, are there FEW that be SAVED? And he said unto them, 24Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for MANY, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall NOT be ABLE.” (Luke 13:23 – 24, KJV)

 

“Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and FEW there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:14, KJV)

 

So, is it a ‘Ransom for MANY or FEW’?

The Context for the Interpretation that the “Few” Saved refers to ‘those participating’ in the “First Resurrection” (Revelation 20:4 – 6) referring to those who have ‘renounced the world in some way’ (as the same phrase ‘last shall be first’ links the context of the “Hundredfold” in Matthew 19:27 – 30 to Luke 13:23 – 30) below seems to be strong:

“… 23Then said one unto him, Lord, are there FEW that be SAVED? And he said unto them, 24Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for MANY, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall NOT be ABLE. … 28There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. 29And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. 30And, behold, there are LAST which shall be FIRST, and there are FIRST which shall be LAST. …” (Luke 13:23 – 24, 28 – 30, KJV)

 

So who are these “FEW SAVED” who are the “LAST” who become “FIRST” especially the “HUNDREDFOLD” ones?

 

“… 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)

 

Even the ‘Parable of the Wedding Garment’  (which refers to the ‘righteous works’ of the ‘saints’, in Revelation 19:8  implying that those with “not” enough ‘Good Works’ are excluded) which seems to explain this ‘Exclusion of MANY’ (Matthew 7:20 – 23) in contrast to the “FEW” Saved/Chosen/Elect ones (Matthew 7:13 – 14) seems to be referring to this too:

 

“… 11And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a WEDDING GARMENT? And he was speechless. 13Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14For MANY are CALLED, but FEW are CHOSEN. …” (Matthew 22:11 – 14, KJV)

 

“And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the RIGHTEOUSNESS of SAINTS.” (Revelation 19:8, KJV)

“7“Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the MARRIAGE of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” 8It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the FINE LINEN is the RIGHTEOUS ACTS of the SAINTS.  9Then he said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’” And he said to me, “These are true words of God.” (Revelation 19:7 – 9, NASB)

 

Verses for “many”:

“Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a RANSON for MANY.” (Matthew 20:25, KJV)

 

“18Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon ALL MEN to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the FREE GIFT came upon ALL MEN unto justification of life. 19For as by one man’s disobedience MANY were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall MANY be made righteous.” (Romans 5:18 – 19, KJV)

 

If we take “all” as not equal to “many”, then similarly we face a contradiction or ambiguity regarding “many = few” as per Verses below:

“13Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and MANY there be which go in thereat: 14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and FEW there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13 – 14, KJV)

“MANY shall be PURIFIED, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” (Daniel 12:10, KJV)

 

The Septuagint  or LXX Translation for this word reads the same and points to the “MANY” too:

“ 9And he said, Go, Daniel: for the words are closed and sealed up to the time of the end. 10MANY must be TESTED, and thoroughly WHITENED, and TRIED with FIRE, and SANCTIFIED; but the transgressors shall transgress: and none of the transgressors shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” (Daniel 12:9 – 10, LXX, Brenton Septuagint Translation) Source: https://biblehub.com/sep/daniel/12.htm

A possibility is that the “FEW” refers to those who participate in the “First Resurrection” (Revelation 20:4 – 6) who do “not” come under any afterlife Judgments (John 5:24). So only these “FEW” find the Way to Life in this Lifetime (Matthew 7:13 – 14) where the rest are Denied from Participating in this First Resurrection during the “Great Denial” when He Returns (Matthew 7:20 – 23). In light of this interpretation, the “MANY” who are “Saved” via “Purification/Tried” in “Fire” (Daniel 12:10) can refer  to those who had to undergo afterlife Judgments (e.g. 1 Peter 3:18 – 19 of the past) which possibly is allowed for some now too as the Gospel may be Preached to the Dead (1 Peter 4:5 – 6) or on Judgment Day where some may be “Saved by [the Lake of] Fire” (1 Corinthians 3:15). We know that there are some (especially of times past before Christ’s Incarnation in the Flesh) who will be Saved by “Christ’s Faith called Faith of Jesus Christ” unto “all” & “those who believe” (two groups mentioned in Romans 3:22, KJV) where such ones ‘never even heard of the Gospel hence never had the faith in Christ’ (Romans 2:14 – 16).

 

Whether Romans 2:14 – 16 refers only to those who never heard the Gospel or highlights them but is possible for those who may hear the Gospel in the Spirit World (1 Peter 4:5 – 6) now based on “seeing and believing the Resurrected Christ possibility” (John 6:40, John 20:28-29) is debatable but regardless the fact that someone who ‘never heard the Gospel’ can be Saved on Judgment Day (as per Romans 2:14 – 16) still proves that God Can Save if He Wills (no limits to His Saving Power). There are also “sinners” on earth  during the 1000 years Millennial Reign of Christ (Isaiah 65:20) alongside the ‘First Resurrection’ ones (Revelation 20:4 – 6) where some will revolt at the end of this 1000 years after being Deceived by Satan (Revelation 20:7 – 10) after which the world ends and “Judgment Day” comes (Revelation 20:11 – 15) where some who lived during this Millennial Reign Time and did “good works” may be Saved (John 5:28 – 29, Matthew 25:31 – 46).

 

Please note that these may be the Timeline Christ Explained Parabolically in Matthew 25 together with Revelation 19:6 – 21and Revelation 20 as First Christianity Chiliasm Doctrine agrees:

 

  1. First Resurrection and His Return (Matthew 25:1 – 13, Revelation 19:6 – 21, 20:4 – 6)

 

  1. 1000 years Millennial Reign of Christ (Matthew 25:14 – 30, Revelation 20:5 – 10)

 

iii. Judgment Day (Matthew 25:31 – 46, Revelation 20:11 – 15).

Example of “First Christianity Chiliasm Doctrine” believers include Blessed St. Justin Martyr, St. Irenaeous of Lyons, St. Melito of Sardis etc.

 

Romans 5:18 – 19 seems to imply “many” = “all men” because:

 

One man’s disobedience “many” were made sinners. So the “many” here must refer to ‘all men minus Adam’ alone as the linguistic is pointing to ‘all men being made sinners due to Adam’s transgression’.

 

Hence the Context is stronger for

 

“All men” = “Many” + “Adam” definition in Romans 5:18 – 19 (if more accurately).

 

That’s why in Romans 5:18 Speaks of “all men” who sinned (i.e. Adam + the many) who are condemned and receive “justification of life” eventually as a “free gift” which seem to point being Given “Freely” toward

 

“all” + “those who believe” = “all who sinned”

 

In Verses below:

 

“… Even the righteousness of God which is by FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST UNTO ALL and upon all THEM THAT BELIEVE: for there is no difference: 23For ALL have SINNED, and come short of the glory of God; 24Being JUSTIFIED FREELY by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:22 – 24, KJV)

 

The ‘all who believe’ are incomparably more ‘special’ and are highlighted separately to enforce that they participate in the First Order of Salvation. Perhaps that’s why Blessed Apostle St. Paul also wrote Mysteriously about Christ being a “RANSOM for ALL” which seems to refer to “ALL MEN” in Verses below deepening this Mystery:

 

“… 1I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and GIVING of THANKS, be made for ALL MEN; … 4Who WILL HAVE ALL MEN TO BE SAVED, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. … 6Who gave himself A RANSOM FOR ALL, to be TESTIFIED [come to pass*] in due TIME [Plural Kairois-Times]. … 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. …” (1 Timothy 2:1, 4, 6, 4:9 – 10, KJV)

 

*[Emphasis Mine]

 

The Phrase “… and GIVING of THANKS, be made for ALL MEN; … “ can mean Giving Thanks to God in Advance for the Future Salvation of “All Men” on Behalf of them since only “Believers in Faith are His Priests” (Revelation 1:6, Revelation 5:10, 1 Peter 2:9).

 

There are two types of ‘believing in Him’, namely ‘believing before seeing the Resurrected Christ’ (faith, more Blessed) Vs ‘believing after seeing the Resurrected Christ’ (not faith, less Blessed), Verses:

 

“Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast SEEN ME, THOU hast BELIEVED: BLESSED are they that have NOT SEEN, and YET have BELIEVED.” (John 20:29, KJV)

 

Apostle Thomas makes up for his faith part in the remaining part of his life by even dying as a martyr having this chance on earth only.

Can someone “see Him” in the ‘spirit world’ and believe in Him?

 

As discussed earlier (1 Peter 3:18 – 19, 1 Peter 4:5 – 6) seems to point that this is possible even on the “last day” of “Judgment Day” too as the Book of 1Enoch (Chapter 49) seems to have Prophesied and further still, some saved only being allowed to see and believe Him on a much later hour on this “Last Day/Judgment Day” as per the prophecies of the “Apocalypse of Peter” and “Epistle of Apostles” Writings too which has never been condemned by any Church councils (where some doubt its authenticity only) and interestingly for example, the “Apocalypse of Peter” remains the ‘only’ listed book on the “First Bible Canon” of Christianity called the “Muratorian Canon/Roman Canon” which is not in later Bibles. This Verse below may enclose such a Great Mystery:

 

“… And this is the WILL OF HIM that sent Me, that EVERY ONE which SEETH THE SON, and BELIEVETH ON HIM, may have EVERLASTING LIFE: and I will RAISE HIM UP at the LAST DAY. …” (John 6:40, KJV)

 

The phrase “… RAISE HIM UP at the LAST DAY. …” Points that the “last day” refers to “Judgment Day” as some are ‘Raised for Judgment first’ (John 5:28 – 29). Perhaps some can only be saved after Judgment as the meaning of the phrase “saved by fire” referring to the “Lake of Fire” must happen first as 1 Corinthians 3:15 reveals. I think 1 Corinthians 3:15 refers not only to the believers’ Judgment but “each man” or “every man” (inclusive on “that Day” referring to “Judgment Day”), Verses:

 

Perhaps some can only be saved after Judgment as the meaning of the phrase “saved by fire” referring to the “Lake of Fire” must happen first as 1 Corinthians 3:15 reveals. I think 1 Corinthians 3:15 refers not only to the believers’ Judgment but “each man” or “every man” (inclusive on “that Day” referring to “Judgment Day”), Verses:

“… 13Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for THE DAY [Judgment Day] shall declare it, because it shall be REVEALED BY FIRE; and the FIRE shall TRY EVERY MAN’S WORK of what sort it is. 14If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15If any MAN’S WORK shall be BURNED, he shall SUFFER LOSS: BUT HE HIMSELF SHALL BE SAVED; YET SO AS BY FIRE 16Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17If ANY MAN defile the temple of God, HIM SHALL GOD DESTROY; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. …” (1 Corinthians 3:13 – 17, KJV)

Comment: Please notice that Apostle Paul clearly warns of “any man” who “defiles his body/temple of God”, God Will “Destroy” in the Context of discussing this Judgment Day works of some which will be “Burned”. The Works which are “Burned” is “sin” as “Good Works don’t get burned” as the “Judgment Seat of Christ” refers to a Judgment of both “Good and BAD (SIN)” and ‘not rewards only’ as some assert according to Verses below as the ‘Terror of the Lord’ and ‘Persuade men’ seems to refer to this ‘same Judgment Seat of Christ Context’ (1 Corinthians 3:10 – 15, and 2 Corinthians 5:10 – 11), Verses:

 

“… 10For we must all appear before the JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be GOOD OR BAD. 11Knowing therefore the TERROR OF THE LORD, we PERSUADE MEN; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. …” (2 Corinthians 5:10 – 11, KJV)

 

If correct, such ones who can be “saved by fire” seems to include those whom God will Destroy first in this fire as some wolves can be among the sheep too. So I cannot say 100% for sure but Let God Decide on “that Day” [Judgment Day]. If you notice Romans 3:22 carefully, the phrase “…Even the righteousness of God which is by FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST unto all and upon all them that believe …” seems to point to two distinct groups namely “all” (all men or all who sinned, Romans 3:23 justified freely) and “all who believe” (Romans 3:26) to whom His Righteousness may be Imputed.

 

The ‘all who believe’ are incomparably more ‘special’ and are highlighted separately to enforce that they participate in the First Order of Salvation, Verses:

 

“ 23For ALL have SINNED, and come short of the glory of God; 24Being JUSTIFIED FREELY by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: … “26To declare, I say, AT THIS TIME His Righteousness: that He might be just, and the JUSTIFIER of him which BELIEVETH in JESUS.” (Romans 3:23, 24, 26, KJV)

 

“Of HIS OWN WILL begat he us with the word of truth, that WE [Believers of Faith] should be a kind of FIRSTFRUITS of HIS CREATURES.” (James 1:18, KJV)

 

That’s why in the ‘other Manuscript’, it’s Written “the many” and not “many”:

 

“So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to ALL MEN, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to ALL MEN. For as through the one man’s disobedience THE MANY were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One THE MANY will be made righteous.” (Romans 5:18 – 19, NASB)

Lord Jesus Christ is exempt from the equation above [under the assumption, All Men = Adam + the many] simply because He is God in Flesh and not a mere Man only & Alone is never affected by Adam’s sin in any way.

 

This “order of Salvation” (First Resurrection Vs Afterlife Judgment first for some or  Resurrection of Judgment for others later) but eventually being “MADE ALIVE” by Christ seems to be hinted in Verses below too (toward the ‘same all’ which die in Adam being made Alive by Christ eventually):

 

“22For as IN ADAM ALL DIE, even so IN CHRIST SHALL ALL BE MADE ALIVE. 23But EVERY MAN in HIS OWN ORDER: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.” (1 Corinthians 15:22 – 23, KJV)

 

I am not sure which is 100% correct but it’s possible, example First Christianity Quote:

 

“… For as by the disobedience of the one man who was originally moulded from virgin soil, THE MANY were made SINNERS, and forfeited life; so was it necessary that, by the obedience of one man, who was originally born from a virgin, [the] MANY 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….” – 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’, Chapter XVIII, Book III)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P/S: Several Related Christ Centered Universalism Quotes by Major First Christianity Saints which might agree to this “Possible” Exegesis:

 

1) St. Ignatius of Antioch

“… 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

 

Please notice carefully that St. Ignatius mentions that this ‘Drawing of All [Men]’ by Christ in John 12:32 results in the Final Salvation of ‘All Men’, in his words, “… drew all men to Himself for their eternal salvation…” as Stated in a past tense Prophetically as a Done Reality to Him. Perfection of God Means God Saves ‘All Men’ eventually as Basic or General Salvation is likened to the ‘Rain falling both on the Just & Unjust’ and so ‘enmity on account of faith is with Love’:

 

“… ” 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

Context: The phrase “… our God is a lover of mankind, and “will have all men to be saved … His sun to rise upon the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust; …even as also your Father that is in heaven is perfect…” clearly Proves that St. Ignatius Believes that ‘All Men’ (in the Context of ‘God being a Lover of Mankind’, hence it means all human beings ever created) will be Saved eventually.

 

2) Blessed St. Justin Martyr

 

The Wicked becoming Obedient/Subjected – as One Child – The “non-Elect Salvation” as per “all His Enemies” (1 Corinthians 15:25) in the End till God becomes All in All (1 Corinthians 15:24 – 28)

“…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’)

Source:  http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/justinmartyr-dialoguetrypho.html

 

3) Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons

 

“… 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 1:20], in order that there may be an END OF ALL IMPURITIES. …” – Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons, Hearer of St. Polycarp, Bishop of Smryna, who is also an Apostolic Father being the Disciple of the Blessed St. John the Apostle (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

3) Blessed St. Hilary of Poitiers

 

Blessed St. Hilary of Poitiers understands that there are two types of ‘Subjection of All things’ to Christ that is ‘Subjection of belief’ (Christians) and ‘Subjection of the Enemies of the Gospel’ (i.e. ‘His Enemies’) the former gets a ‘special reward’ (beyond comparison relating to the Glorious Body of the First Resurrection) while the later gets a transition to be ‘changed to something higher’ (Healed/delivered from punishments). Blessed St. Hilary of Poitiers also points clearly that the ‘Subjection of All His Enemies’ (1 Corinthians 15:25) till God becomes ‘All in All’ Creation (1 Corinthians 15:28) which happens in the future in the “ages to come” (Ephesians 2:7) and states that ‘this is the same faith of the First Christians’ as seen in the selected/bolded parts of his quote above for emphasis, to quote:

 

“… 31. What that is must be understood in view of this SAME HOPE of OUR FAITH. … By their subjection, conceived as already past, is expressed the IMMUTABLE POWER of CHRIST: by their subjection, as FUTURE, is signified their CONSUMMATION AT THE END OF THE AGES as the RESULT of the FULNESS OF TIME. … . The abolishing is not the same as the subjecting. … A subjection, on the other hand, which implies OBEDIENCE and ALLEGIANCE, is a PROOF of SUBMISSION and mutability. 33. So when their AUTHORITY IS ABOLISHED, HIS ENEMIES SHALL BE SUBJECTED: and so subjected, that He shall subject them to Himself.  … In the SUBJECTION OF HIS ENEMIES DEATH is CONQUERED; and, DEATH CONQUERED, LIFE IMMORTAL FOLLOWS. The Apostle tells us also of the special REWARD ATTAINED by THIS SUBJECTION which is made PERFECT by the SUBJECTION OF BELIEF: Who shall fashion anew the body of our humiliation, that it may be conformed to the body of His glory, according to the works of His power, whereby He is able to SUBJECT ALL THINGS TO HIMSELF1286. There is then ANOTHER SUBJECTION, which consists in a TRANSITION FROM ONE NATURE TO ANOTHER, for our nature ceases, so far as its present character is concerned, and is subjected to Him, into Whose form it passes. But by ‘ceasing’ is implied NOT AN END OF BEING, but a PROMOTION INTO SOMETHING HIGHER. …” –  Blessed St. Hilary of Poictiers, the “Athanasius of the West”, Doctor of the Church, The Champion of Trinity in the West (c. 310 AD – c. 368 AD, Book XI ‘On the Trinity’, Selected part of Points 31 – 37, re-emphasized)

 

Source:(via the Infamous Protestant Historian Mr. Philip Schaff):

 

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

 

Which is it?

Only God Knows. As long as there is a Biblical Possibility we hope for it but respect whichever Decision God Makes in the End.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Atonement Mysteries – only God Knows the Answers

Here I would like to discuss regarding the “possibility” how Universal Reconciliation for “all men” (all human beings) can be true via the “Atonement” Theory with Bible Verses for each claim made.

1) Limited Atonement or Universal Atonement?

The limited Atonement Verses are true and refer to the Church only but the same root word “agorazó” is used to describe that even these ‘doomed heretics’ were “Purchased” by Christ, please compare these two sets of Verses using this same Word:

“… And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast REDEEMED [agorazó] us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; …” (Revelation 5:9, KJV)

Or

“… For ye are BOUGHT [agorazó] with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. …” (1 Corinthians 6:20, KJV)

with

“… But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that BOUGHT [agorazó] them and bring upon themselves swift destruction. …” (2 Peter 2:1, KJV)

So, only Universal Atonement seems more accurate as His Ransom for “All” (1 Timothy 2:6) mystery might point as the Verse in 2 Peter 2:1 points that these heretics were also “BOUGHT [agorazó]” by Christ’s Redemption but ‘they choose to deny Him’. The Verse does not say it “seems” that Christ Bought them or equivalent but that he bought them too.

Comment: Even one Verse can open up theological possibilities or reveal hidden mysteries (for example: only one Verse in the Old Testament states that the Messiah/Christ is to be Born of a “Virgin” and not of natural causes, Isaiah 7:14].

2) Judgment and Atonement

Perhaps Christ’s Atonement is more complex than assumed. It can apply to an individual with or without afterlife Judgment.

i) Atonement for Christians or Believers without afterlife Judgment

“… Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation [Judgment]; but is passed from death unto life. …” (John 5:24, KJV)

[Emphasis Mine throughout]

ii) Atonement for the rest after the afterlife Judgments first

Perhaps one can get out of there after one has paid the last penny in this Parable regarding the Context of “Sins” parabolically represented as “debt”, Verses:

“… 31So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. 32Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33Should you not also have had COMPASSION on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34And his master was angry, and DELIVERED HIM TO THE TORTURERS UNTIL HE SHOULD PAY ALL THAT WAS DUE TO HIM. 35“So My heavenly Father also will do to you if EACH OF YOU, from his heart, does NOT FORGIVE HIS BROTHER HIS TRESPASSES.”…” (Matthew 18:31 – 35, NKJV)

Or

“… 25Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into PRISON. 26Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast PAID THE UTTERMOST FARTHING. …” (Matthew 5:25 – 26, KJV)

The word “Prison” in Matthew 5:25 above can refer to “the final hell” and the phrase “formerly were disobedient” points to some ‘possible’ type of hope is possible to these in the ‘Spirit World’ in Hades now too, Verses (Good souls of the past were “not” in prisons but in Abraham Bossom type of regions of comfort as per Luke 16:19 – 31):

“… 18For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring 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, 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)

Or the phrase “prisoners, prison” and “AFTER MANY DAYS shall they be VISITED.” seems to point to a ‘rehabilitation’ purpose eventually:

“… 21And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth. 22And they shall be gathered together, as PRISONERS are gathered in the PIT, and shall be shut up in the PRISON, and AFTER MANY DAYS shall they be VISITED.” (Isaiah 24:21 – 22, KJV)

3) Can Salvation be given in the Spirit World?

1 Peter 3:18 – 19 above seems to echo a “yes” toward some “formerly disobedient spirits in [afterlife] prisons” and not the righteous of the past times making it possible that Christ can Atone after Judgment, right?

The Possibility seems real by Scripture and please note that these formerly disobedient spirits in Noah’s time were there for a long “Age/Aeon” before this opportunity was offered and might help us understand the “Aeonian Punishment” (Matthew 25:46) duration likewise.

Please note that these formerly disobedient spirits in prison from the “time of Noah” were given a chance to repent on earth itself via “Noah’s Righteous Preaching” (2 Peter 2:5) but didn’t and were punished thus in the spirit world means that these Verses are not referring to those who never heard the Gospel or equivalent but to those who heard and chose to disobey (“Context”). Christ Said that the last days will be “as the days of Noah” (Matthew 24:37) and so I wonder if this aspect of Atonement or Mercy to Save them after “Aeonian” Judgment likewise might be Done by Christ similarly?

We know that the worst sinners against God are probably the Pharisees and the like who even committed the unforgivable Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit causing them to “not” be Forgiven in this “age/Aeon” and neither in the next “Age/Aeon” to come (in Matthew 12:32). However, the interesting Verse below also highlights the “Possibility” to understand Matthew 5:18 – 20’s Verses to mean that such ones may “not” enter Heaven on “that Day” (Matthew 7:20 – 23) and be rejected from the First Resurrection (Revelation 20:4 – 6) but since they taught to break the least of His Commands, the phrase that such ones may be therefore “least in His Kingdom” (Matthew 5:19) may mean that they enter the Kingdom of God in its least outskirt regions in the “Ages/Aeons to come” (Ephesians 2:7) as other Verses seem to point or Imply (e.g. 1 Corinthians 15:24 – 28, Colossians 1:20, 1 Timothy 2:1,4,6, 1 Timothy 4:10, 1 John 2:2, John 1:29), Verse:

“… Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the PUBLICANS AND THE HARLOTS GO INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD BEFORE YOU. …” (Matthew 21:31, KJV)

Please notice that Christ is “not” Saying that these (Pharisees, worst sinners) will “not” enter the Kingdom of God at all but rather the language He Used seems to Point to this last Mystery that they may enter “later” (implying an ‘order of Salvation after Judgment perhaps’ as per 1 Corinthians 15:20 – 23 or 1 Timothy 2:6’s Ransom for “All” which becomes testified/come to pass in its own Divine-Kairois-Plural times in this Verse) agreeing to this translation of the Verse in concern too as it seems to imply it “intrinsically”:

“… Which of the two obeyed his father?” They replied, “The first.” Then Jesus explained his meaning: “I tell you the truth, CORRUPT TAX COLLECTORS AND PROSTITUTES WILL GET INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD BEFORE YOU DO. …” (Matthew 21:31, NLT)

As I said, I don’t know for sure 100% but it’s “possible” as some of the First Christianity quotes discussed in my books may point to such an understanding in some of the earliest Church leaders. Example: Blessed St. Ignatius of Antioch the Disciple of Blessed St. John the Apostle – Possible Universalism Quote?

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Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salvation by His Mercy

When God has Mercy (Grace), two things happen:

i) One begins to have faith which is “not” of ourselves but originating from “Christ’s Faith of Christ” through which He Authors “our faith”

“Even the righteousness of God which is by FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:” (Romans 3:22, KJV)

Indeed, Christ Authors and Finishes our faith (meaning that our faith has an end, and its end is in Christ because thereafter we will see Him as He is where no more faith is needed since by definition faith is ‘believing without seeing’,) Verses:

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2, KJV)

“finisher of our faith” = Our faith has an end.

“Now FAITH is the substance of things HOPED FOR, the evidence of things NOT SEEN.” (Hebrews 11:1, KJV)

“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.” (1 John 3:2, KJV)

There are two types of ‘believing in Him’, namely ‘believing before seeing the Resurrected Christ’ (faith, more Blessed) Vs ‘believing after seeing the Resurrected Christ’ (not faith, less Blessed), Verses:

“Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast SEEN ME, THOU hast BELIEVED: BLESSED are they that have NOT SEEN, and YET have BELIEVED.” (John 20:29, KJV)

Apostle Thomas makes up for his faith part in the remaining part of his life by even dying as a martyr having this chance on earth only.

Can someone “see Him” in the ‘spirit world’ and believe in Him?

As discussed earlier (1 Peter 3:18 – 19, 1 Peter 4:5 – 6) seems to point that this is possible even on the “last day” of “Judgment Day” too as the Book of 1Enoch (Chapter 49) seems to have Prophesied and further still, some saved only being allowed to see and believe Him on a much later hour on this “Last Day/Judgment Day” as per the prophecies of the “Apocalypse of Peter” and “Epistle of Apostles” Writings too which has never been condemned by any Church councils (where some doubt its authenticity only) and interestingly for example, the “Apocalypse of Peter” remains the ‘only’ listed book on the “First Bible Canon” of Christianity called the “Muratorian Canon/Roman Canon” which is not in later Bibles. This Verse below may enclose such a Great Mystery:

“… And this is the WILL OF HIM that sent Me, that EVERY ONE which SEETH THE SON, and BELIEVETH ON HIM, may have EVERLASTING LIFE: and I will RAISE HIM UP at the LAST DAY. …” (John 6:40, KJV)

The phrase “… RAISE HIM UP at the LAST DAY. …” Points that the “last day” refers to “Judgment Day” as some are ‘Raised for Judgment first’ (John 5:28 – 29). Perhaps some can only be saved after Judgment as the meaning of the phrase “saved by fire” referring to the “Lake of Fire” must happen first as 1 Corinthians 3:15 reveals. I think 1 Corinthians 3:15 refers not only to the believers’ Judgment but “each man” or “every man” (inclusive on “that Day” referring to “Judgment Day”), Verses:

“… 13Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for THE DAY [Judgment Day] shall declare it, because it shall be REVEALED BY FIRE; and the FIRE shall TRY EVERY MAN’S WORK of what sort it is. 14If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15If any MAN’S WORK shall be BURNED, he shall SUFFER LOSS: BUT HE HIMSELF SHALL BE SAVED; YET SO AS BY FIRE 16Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17If ANY MAN defile the temple of God, HIM SHALL GOD DESTROY; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. …” (1 Corinthians 3:13 – 17, KJV)

Comment: Please notice that Apostle Paul clearly warns of “any man” who “defiles his body/temple of God”, God Will “Destroy” in the Context of discussing this Judgment Day works of some which will be “Burned”. The Works which are “Burned” is “sin” as “Good Works don’t get burned”. So such ones who can be “saved by fire” seems to include those whom God will Destroy first in this fire as some wolves can be among the sheep too. So I cannot say 100% for sure but Let God Decide on “that Day” [Judgment Day]. If you notice Romans 3:22 carefully, the phrase “…Even the righteousness of God which is by FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST unto all and upon all them that believe …” seems to point to two distinct groups namely “all” (all men or all who sinned, Romans 3:23 justified freely) and “all who believe” (Romans 3:26) to whom His Righteousness may be Imputed. The ‘all who believe’ are incomparably more ‘special’ and are highlighted separately to enforce that they participate in the First Order of Salvation, Verses:

“ 23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” (Romans 3:23 – 24, KJV)

“26To declare, I say, at this time His Righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” (Romans 3:26, KJV)

“Of HIS OWN WILL begat he us with the word of truth, that WE [Believers of Faith] should be a kind of FIRSTFRUITS of HIS CREATURES.” (James 1:18, KJV)

“… 1I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and GIVING of THANKS, be made for ALL MEN; … 4Who WILL HAVE ALL MEN TO BE SAVED, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. … 6Who gave himself A RANSOM FOR ALL, to be TESTIFIED [come to pass*] in due TIME [Plural Kairois-Times]. … 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. …” (1 Timothy 2:1, 4, 6, 4:9 – 10, KJV)

*[Emphasis Mine]

The Phrase “… and GIVING of THANKS, be made for ALL MEN; … “ can mean Giving Thanks to God in Advance for the Future Salvation of “All Men” on Behalf of them since only “Believers in Faith are His Priests” (Revelation 1:6, Revelation 5:10, 1 Peter 2:9).

There are other Verses but I am not going to do discuss it again here because I have done so for this Possibility in earlier books. Is it true? only God Knows but I offer the reasons why it is possible. I cannot say for certain though most likely I think this is True.

Yes, “Christ’s Perfect Faith” imputes “His Righteousness” by “His Will” in “His Mercy”:

“So then it is NOT of HIM WHO WILLS, NOR of HIM WHO RUNS, but of GOD who shows MERCY.” (Romans 9:16, NKJV)

Christ has His Own Faith because He Fulfills all Law including the ‘Law to have Faith in God’ too but the only One with the Perfect Score. Yes Christ has First Place in everything including “Faith”:

“He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.” (Colossians 1:18, NASB)

Yes,

“Knowing that a man is NOT JUSTIFIED by the WORKS OF THE LAW, but by the FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST, even we have BELIEVED IN Jesus Christ, that we might BE JUSTIFIED BY THE FAITH OF CHRIST, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” (Galatians 2:16, KJV)

Our personal faith definition = please notice the phrase “… we have BELIEVED IN Jesus Christ, … [to] be JUSTIFIED by the FAITH OF CHRIST …”

ii) Christ does “Good Works” through them

“8For by GRACE you have been SAVED THROUGH FAITH, and that NOT OF YOURSELVES; it is the GIFT OF GOD, 9NOT OF WORKS, lest anyone should boast. 10For we are His workmanship, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS for GOOD WORKS, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8 – 10, NKJV)

So, an “unsaved” life will “not” exhibit the ‘Predestination of Good Works’ but merely a life swallowed up by chasing after the ‘things of this world’ (vanity).

Yes, each time God Does His Will through us, that part of our life we let “Christ to Live through us”:

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is NO LONGER I WHO LIVE, BUT CHRIST LIVES IN ME; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20, NKJV)

Source Post:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160141325797784&id=651792783

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Worship is a Sacrifice not Obedience Bible Verses

 

“By him therefore let us offer the SACRIFICE OF PRAISE to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His Name.” (Hebrews 13:15, KJV)

“If he offer it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the SACRIFICE OF THANKSGIVING unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour, fried.” (Leviticus 7:12, KJV)

“Accept, I beseech thee, the FREEWILL OFFERINGS of MY MOUTH, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.” (Psalm 119:108, KJV)

 

Even “Living Holy” is sometimes deemed as a “Sacrifice” in these Verses:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present YOUR BODIES a LIVING SACRIFICE, HOLY, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1, KJV)

“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy PRIESTHOOD, to OFFER up SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5, KJV)

 

Conclusion – Obedience is better than Sacrifice

Verse:

“And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in BURNT OFFERINGS and SACRIFICES, as in OBEYING THE VOICE OF THE LORD? Behold, TO OBEY is BETTER than SACRIFICE, and to HEARKEN than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22, KJV)

 

Obedience relates primarily to “ACTS of MERCY” which are the “WEIGHTIER matters of the LAW (Torah)” according to Christ Himself, Verse:

 

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the WEIGHTIER MATTERS OF THE LAW, JUDGMENT, MERCY, AND FAITH: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” (Matthew 23:23, KJV)

 

Example of the “Greatest OBEDIENCE” is affirmed below in Verses below by Christ Himself:

1) Who is nearest to the “Kingdom of God”?

“… 32So the scribe said to Him, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. 33And TO LOVE HIM with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to LOVE ONE’S NEIGHBOR AS ONESELF, is MORE THAN all the WHOLE BURNT OFFERINGS and SACRIFICES.” 34Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, “You are NOT FAR from the KINGDOM OF GOD.” But after that no one dared question Him. …” (Mark 12:32 – 34, NKJV)

 

Related Posts Discussing the Details in link below:

  1. i) Charity Doctrine Mystery – is it a must to be Saved?

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160102920422784&id=651792783

  1. ii) Almsgiving Secrets – What did the Prophets know More especially one as Wise as Blessed Prophet Daniel?

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160092688392784&substory_index=0&id=651792783

 

Example First “Jewish Christianity” Quote Proving this Understanding:

“… 2Clem 16:1 Therefore, brethren, since we have found no small opportunity for repentance, seeing that we have time, let us turn again unto God that called us, while we have still One that receiveth us.2Clem 16:2 For if we bid farewell to these enjoyments and conquer our soul in refusing to fulfill its evil lusts, we shall be partakers of the mercy of Jesus. 2Clem 16:3 But ye know that the day of judgment cometh even now as a burning oven, and the powers of the heavens shall melt, and all the earth as lead melting on the fire, and then shall appear the secret and open works of men. 2Clem 16:4 ALMSGIVING therefore is a good thing, EVEN AS REPENTANCE FROM SIN> FASTING IS BETTER THAN PRAYER, but ALMSGIVING BETTER THAN BOTH. And LOVE COVERETH A MULTITUDE OF SINS, but prayer out of a good conscience delivereth from death. BLESSED IS EVERY MAN that is FOUND FULL OF THESE. For ALMSGIVING LIFTETH OFF THE BURDEN OF SIN. 2Clem 17:1 Let us therefore repent with our whole heart, lest any of us perish by the way. For if we have received commands, that we should make this our business, to tear men away from idols and to instruct them, how much more is it wrong that a soul which knoweth God already should perish! …” (2 Clement, Attributed to Blessed St. Clement of Rome, a direct Disciple of the Blessed Apostle St. Peter, c.35 AD – c. 99 AD)                                                          Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/2clement-lightfoot.html

2) How to “Love one’s Neighbor as oneself”?

Christ’s Context of ‘Loving your neighbor’ included loving others from a “different race” and “different religion” and “cultural enemies” even as His Own Example to the question ‘… Who is my neighbor? (Context)…’ was Answered Beautifully by Christ Himself in the ‘Good Samaritan Parable’ as outlined in Verses below:

 

“… 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: … [ The GOOD SAMARITAN PARABLE in Verses 30 onward ] …’ (Luke 10:27 – 30, NKJV)

[Emphasis Mine]

 

So, until we love like that, we may “not” enter His Kingdom of the Heavens as these Verses are tied up in that Context and how can someone enter His Kingdom if they never fulfilled God’s Will in the Commands which “He called as Greatest”?

 

Related Posts Discussing the Details in link below:

  1. i) The only Bible Answer – Not my opinion regarding How to Inherit Eternal Life?

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160013273852784&id=651792783

  1. ii) Church Assemblies and Worship – Only Works for those for Care for the “Poor”

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160098451947784&id=651792783

 

 

 

Giving is Obedience not Sacrifice

Bible Verses:

“… 1For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: 2For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many. 3Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready: 4Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting. 5Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and NOT AS OF COVETEOUSNESS. 6But this I say, He which SOWETH SPARINGLY shall REAP also SPARINGLY; and he which SOWETH BOUNTIFULLY shall REAP also BOUNTIFULLY. 7Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for GOD LOVETH A CHEERFUL GIVER. 8And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to EVERY GOOD WORK: 9(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; HE hath GIVEN to the POOR: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and INCREASE the FRUITS of YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS😉 11Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. 12For the administration of this service not only SUPPLIETH the WANT of the SAINTS, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; 13Whiles by the experiment of THIS MINSTRATION they glorify God for YOUR PROFESSED SUBJECTION unto the GOSPEL of CHRIST, and for YOUR LIBERAL DISTRIBUTION UNTO THEM, and UNTO ALL MEN; 14And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. 15Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. …” (2 Corinthians 9:1 – 15, KJV)

Highlight Phrases from above:

1) No Covetousness is evident by a Giving Lifestyle

“…as a matter of bounty, and NOT AS OF COVETEOUSNESS. 6But this I say, He which SOWETH SPARINGLY shall REAP also SPARINGLY; and he which SOWETH BOUNTIFULLY shall REAP also BOUNTIFULLY. 7Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for GOD LOVETH A CHEERFUL GIVER …”

2) A Christian ought to Give to the Poor and be full of every Good Work

“…. 8And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to EVERY GOOD WORK: 9(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; HE hath GIVEN to the POOR: his righteousness remaineth for ever. …”

3) Giving Increases one’s “fruit” of righteousness

“…10Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and INCREASE the FRUITS of YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS😉 …”

 

4) Christian Giving is to be Practiced not just toward other “Saints” (or Christians) but also toward “all men”

“…11Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. 12For the administration of this service not only SUPPLIETH the WANT of the SAINTS, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; … and for YOUR LIBERAL DISTRIBUTION UNTO THEM, and UNTO ALL MEN; …”

 

5) Giving is an act of “Obedience” to the “Gospel of Christ” and “not a Sacrifice”

“…13Whiles by the experiment of THIS MINSTRATION [of Giving]* they glorify God for YOUR PROFESSED SUBJECTION unto the GOSPEL of CHRIST, …”

*[Emphasis Mine]

Please consider other Translation of 2 Corinthians 9:13 to see this more clearly:

“…New International Version
Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the OBEDIENCE that accompanies your confession of the GOSPEL of CHRIST, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.

New American Standard Bible
Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your OBEDIENCE to your confession of the GOSPEL of CHRIST and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all,

New King James Version
while, 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, ….”

Source Post:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160149599127784&id=651792783

 

 

 

 

 

 

Psalm 112 – Are we the “Righteous” or “Wicked”?

In the Old Testament Scripture, it is well known that Psalm 112 Describes whom God Calls as a ‘good man’ or ‘righteous man’. It is very important because Blessed Apostle St. Paul himself quotes a Verse from here namely Psalm 112:9 while using it to describe the “Obedient in Giving Ministry Church” in 2 Corinthians 9:9. So we cannot ignore this chapter nor these Verses. Let’s have a look at all Verses in this chapter first, to quote:

 

“… 1Praise the Lord! BLESSED is the man who FEARS THE LORD,

Who DELIGHTS GREATLY in HIS COMMANDMENTS. 2His descendants will be mighty on earth; The generation of the upright will be blessed. 3Wealth and riches will be in his house, And his righteousness 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. 6Surely he will never be shaken;

The RIGHTEOUS will be in EVERLASTING REMEMBRANCE. 7He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.

8His heart is established;

He will not be afraid,

Until he sees his desire upon his enemies.

9He has DISPERSED ABROAD,

He has GIVEN to the POOR;

HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER;

HIS 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 119:1 – 10, NKJV)

 

There are a lot aspects of blessings Written here but “not” many individual acts of righteousness apart from the general ‘delights greatly in His Commandments’ regarding a man who ‘fears the LORD’ (Psalm 112:1).

 

One of the Key ‘Act of Righteousness’ of the “Righteous/Good Man” or even a man who ‘fears the LORD’ ( if we can link Verse 1 to Verses 5 & 9 ) is ‘explicitly’ mentioned in Verses 5 and 9 as the traits of “Compassion”, “lending” and “Generous Giving” (reminds me of Christ’s ‘Good Samaritan Parable’, Luke 10:25 – 37) and its Promised blessings of that Giving to result in something which lasts “Forever”, to quote:

“… 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;… 9He has DISPERSED ABROAD, He has GIVEN to the POOR; HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER;HIS HORN will be EXALTED with HONOR. …” (Psalm 112:4 – 5, 9, NKJV)

 

Please compare with 2 Corinthians 9:9 which quotes the “Giving Ministry” as “Obedience” and not Sacrifice to the “Gospel of Christ” quoting this same verse, hence ‘same context’:

“… As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has GIVEN to the POOR; HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER.” … while, through the PROOF of THIS MINISTRY [of Giving]*, 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)

*[Emphasis Mine]

Please notice ‘carefully’ also that the “Wicked” will particularly “hate” this ‘Giving to the Poor’ Doctrine and ‘perish’ in ‘Gnashing his teeth’:

“… 9He has DISPERSED ABROAD,

He has GIVEN to the POOR;

HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER;

HIS 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 119:9 – 10, NKJV)

Doesn’t the “gnashing of teeth” phrase above sound similar to the one below?

“There 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.” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 13:28, NKJV)

 

Conclusion

What does the phrase “… HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER; HIS HORN will be EXALTED with HONOR …” mean in Psalm 112:9 and 2 Corinthians 9:9 in regards to the “righteous”?

Perhaps that’s why Christ Mysteriously ties up the Context of “Seeking His Kingdom” to “Give to Charity” and “Keep your lamps lit” hinting even on “Heavenly Treasure” in Bible Verses below which may explain that mysterious phrase above:

 

“… 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)

Further still, perhaps that’s why while Rebuking the Pharisees for various errors and mentioning that to “enter the Kingdom of Heaven”, Christ Said that “your righteousness” (NOT His) must “exceed that of the Pharisees” with ‘exceptional LOVING ACTS’ which ‘not’ many of the others can do and we ought to both ‘Teach and Practice’ these to be “Great” in “His Kingdom”, 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. … 38“You have HEARD that it was SAID, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39BUT I TELL YOU NOT to RESIST an EVIL person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40If anyone wants to sue you and TAKE AWAY your tunic, let HIM HAVE your cloak also. … 45that YOU may be SONS of YOUR FATHER in HEAVEN; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust…. 46For if you love those who love you, what REWARD have you? … 47 what do YOU DO MORE THAN OTHERS? … 48Therefore you shall be PERFECT, just as your Father in heaven is PERFECT. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:19 – 20, 38 – 40, 45 – 48 NKJV)

Blessed St. Luke records an aspect of this in the Context of “Alms” or being “Generous” when Christ Commanded “Almsgiving/Charity” to be done to obtain a “Good Eye” and “Clean” both “One’s Inside* and Outside”, Verses:

“… 33“No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light. 34The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your EYE is GOOD**, your WHOLE BODY also is FULL of LIGHT. But when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness. 5Therefore take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness. 36If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, the whole body will be full of light, as when the bright shining of a lamp gives you light.” 37And as He spoke, a certain Pharisee asked Him to dine with him. So He went in and sat down to eat. 38When the Pharisee saw it, he marveled that He had not first washed before dinner. 39Then the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your INWARD part is full of greed and wickedness. 40Foolish ones! Did not He who made the outside make the INSIDE also? 41But rather GIVE ALMS [CHARITY] of SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE; then indeed ALL THINGS are CLEAN to you. . …” (Luke 11:33 – 41, NKJV)
What a Great Mystery!

*Inside = Inner Person / heart.

**Good Eye is a Hebrew Idiom to indicate “Generosity”.

“But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9, NKJV)

Please note that each quoted Verse in the Conclusion is sometimes “Unique” Commandments of Christ (not found explicitly in the Torah) to “Love Extravagantly” in Action where Loving in Action is nothing else than being generous, sharing and giving toward others be it with Gospel things (e.g. giving it for free, Matthew 10:8, 1 Corinthians 9:14 – 18, Acts 20:33 – 35) or with earthly goods as well (Acts 2:44 – 46, Acts 4:32, Matthew 19:21, Matthew 19:27 – 30).

 

“… If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:15, NKJV)

 

Please notice that all early Missionaries of the Christian Church be it Protestants or Catholics etc. were great in some type of “Giving Lifestyle” as they “Preached the Gospel”. Unfortunately, in time some of these Churches founded by them slowly evolved or broke away into “Prosperity Gospel” types today which is totally against the “Blessedness” implied in these Verses to pursue the “exact opposite” especially since no more “hoarding of wealth” is allowed under this New Covenant in these “last days” for self-pleasure nor worldly enjoyments (Luke 12:21, James 5:3).

 

So may God Help us to Fulfill His Will in these Verses so that we may not lose the “Immortal Blessedness” Promised in these Verses (e.g. Psalm 112:9, 2 Corinthians 9:9) and more still, so that we don’t risk ourselves to be “Denied on that Day” (Matthew 7:20 – 23).

 

‘… That which I cannot do at all fascinates me the most …’

 

For example, has our actions or giving in life made “many rich” in some way but causing us to be “poor” instead? Verse:

 

“As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; AS POOR, yet MAKING MANY RICH; as HAVING NOTHING, and yet possessing all things.’?” (2 Corinthians 6:10, KJV)

Perhaps that’s why St. John Chrysostom said, ‘… what you give away is yours forever …’.

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

Mystery of the Narrow Road – Sola Scriptura and First Christianity

“… 13“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to DESTRUCTION, and there are MANY who go in by it. 14Because narrow is the gate and DIFFICULT is the way which leads to life, and there are FEW who find it. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:13 – 14, NKJV)

Bible Secret: Luke 14:7 – 33 can explain Matthew 7:13 – 23.

Related Verses for Consideration:

1) To whom it is primarily DIFFICULT or HARD?

“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)

2) Why and How to Fulfill these HARD Commands?

“For 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.” (Matthew 5:20, NKJV)

Christ Himself Revealed how to Fulfill these “Love God and Love your neighbor as yourself” to “exceed” the “righteousness of the Pharisees” to “enter into His Kingdom of the Heavens” (in Matthew 5:20) by listing out New Commands as well as ‘Cancelling’ out some Old Testament Judgment Commands via His Infamous Beatitudes’ “… But I tell you Commands …” in Matthew 5 to 7 as some examples are discussed in link below:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159914780382784&id=651792783

3) Who are the “MANY” Denied on “that Day”?

“… 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!’ …” (Matthew 7:21 – 23, NKJV)

Answers in Luke 14 regarding the “MANY” who might be rejected on That Day which points to the Dangers of the “Prosperity Gospel”:

i) Inherent Attitude of “choosing the best” for themselves

“… 7So He told a PARABLE to those who were INVITED, when HE NOTED how they CHOSE the BEST PLACES, saying to them: …” (Luke 14:7, NKJV)

Comment: Never give lousy things or low quality things when giving to the poor nor “grab” the best for yourself for example by taking big chunks of money collected in the Name of God to live prosperously or even plan to enjoy life by choosing the best of personal income to live like that.

“… Would He then produce in us a morose state of mind? Is it His will that we be unsociable, and unloving, so as not even to deem our friends and relatives worthy of that affection which |481 especially is fitting and due to them? Are we to pay no regard to those who are near us in affection and love? Does He forbid the rights of hospitality? But how is it not absurd and ignorant to imagine that He contradicts His own laws? What then does He wish to teach? Something perhaps like what follows; Those who possess great store of wealth make much account, so to speak, of a constant display and ostentation. For oftentimes they bring men to banquet with them, and make entertainments at vast cost, with curiously prepared viands, and such as do not escape the blame of prodigality. And this it is their custom to do, in order to gain the praises and applause of their guests. And in receiving the praises of their flatterers, as the wages, so to speak, of their extravagance, they rejoice greatly, as though they had gained something of value. For it is the habit of flatterers to praise oven those things which deserve blame. For what good is there in such prodigal abundance beyond what necessity requires? For as Christ Himself somewhere said, “Few things are needful, or one,” for the necessary appeasing of the wants of the body. That we may escape therefore the danger of losing the reward of our outlay, by expending our wealth in such pursuits as will bear good fruit, He has commanded us to invite the poor, and the maimed, and the blind, and those who are suffering under other bodily maladies; that by our liberality in so doing, we may attain to the hope that comes from above from God. The lesson therefore which He teaches us is love unto the poor, which is a thing precious in the sight of God. Do you feel pleasure in being praised when you have any friends of relatives feasting with you? I tell you of something far better: angels shall praise your bounty, and the rational powers above, and holy men as well: and He too shall accept it Who transcends all, and Who loves mercy and is kind. Lend unto Him fearing nothing, and you shall receive with usury whatever you gave: “for he, it says, who has pity on the poor lends unto God.” … For tell me what is harder than poverty, that implacable beast of prey, that bane which no admonition can charm away, that worst of maladies, or rather more cruel than any malady? We therefore must give a helping hand to those who are suffering under it: we must open wide to them our heart, and not pass by their lamentation. For suppose a savage beast of prey had sprung upon some wayfarer, would not any one who witnessed the occurrence seize up any thing that came to hand, a stone for instance, or stick, and drive away the beast that was mercilessly rending and tearing the man fallen beneath its blow? Who is so hardhearted and full of hatred to mankind as to pass by one thus miserably perishing? And must not you own, that poverty, as I said, is more cruel than any beast of prey? Aid therefore those who are fallen under it: incline yours ear to the poor, and listen to him, as it is written, “For he, it says, who stops his ears that he may not hear the feeble, he also shall cry, and there shall be none to listen.” Give that you may receive: hear that you may be heard: sow your little that you may reap much. And besides, the pleasure of the body is short and temporary, and ends in rottenness: but almsgiving and charity to the poor crown those who practise them with glory from God, and lead them to that incorruptible happiness which Christ bestows on those who love Him: by Whom and with Whom to God the Father be praise and dominion, with the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever, Amen. …” – Blessed St. Cyril, Patriarch of Alexandria, Titles: The Pillar of Faith; Seal of all the Fathers; Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church (c. 376 AD – c. 444 AD, Commentary on Luke 16:19 – 31)

Source:

https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/luke-commentary/cyril-on-luke-14

ii) Those Participating in this FIRST RESURRECTION (Revelation 20:4 – 6) in opposition to these MANY are rejected will Practice “… FEEDING the POOR or HUNGRY or NEEDY…” in some way instead of ‘feeding the rich people/friends’

“… 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 MAIMED, THE LAME, THE BLIND. 14And you will be BLESSED, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be REPAID at the [First]* RESURRECTION OF THE JUST.” …” (Luke 14:12 – 14, NKJV)

*[Emphasis Mine throughout]

Comment: Even in a possible allegorical meaning, this can also refer to MANY who do not give the Gospel or material things to the POOR easily and “sell and put high prices” for it to live ‘prosperously’ out of it claiming that’s how Christ will Do likewise.
( really? )

“… It pulls us from the torpor by its promises and incites us to reject our disgust, saying: “A man gave a big supper and invited many people there.” Who is this man, if not he whose prophet said: ” And he is a man, and who recognized him? “(Jer 17: 9, from the Septuagint). He gave a big supper, since he has prepared us for inner sweetness to satiety. He has invited many people, but few come, because even those who are subject to him by FAITH OFTEN by THEIR BAD LIFE, are unable to participate in his eternal banquet. …” – Blessed Roman Catholic Pope St. Gregory the Great, Saint Gregory the Dialogist in Eastern Christianity, the Father of Christian Worship, and John Calvin declared in his Institutes that Gregory was the last good Pope. (540 AD – 604 AD)

Source:

https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/luke-commentary/gregory-the-great-homily-36-on-the-gospels

Commenting on Christ’s Comparison of the “Rich Church” (Revelation 3:16 – 22) vs the “Poor Church” (Revelation 2:8 – 11) likewise in the Apocalypse, we find a similar meaning emphasized as each must “bear his cross” or “suffering” (not prosperity) for the Gospel (Luke 14:27):

“… “Just as lukewarm water causes people who receive it to vomit,” he says, “hence I too, through a word of my mouth will vomit you like detested food into eternal punishment, for you mingled the thorns of riches with the seed of the divine word216 in your own poverty by spiritual ignorance, and the blindness of your intelligible217 eyes and the nakedness of good deeds.”218 Rev. 3:18 I advise you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you will become rich, and that you may put on white garments, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed, and salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see. “If you would be rich,” he says, “to acquire a burning résolve and a willing heart take refined gold from me, the Enricher, the instructive Word illumined by the fire of 9 1 0 trials, through which you will hâve the inviolable treasure in the heart and be clothed in the most brilliant garment [44] of virtues through which the nakedness attached to you from sin 990 will be covered.” Eye salve (is) also lack of possessions. …” – Blessed St. Andreas/Andrew, Bishop of Caesarea, Earliest* Greek Patristic commentary on the Apocalypse (c. 563 AD – c. 637 AD)
Source [ Point 43 – 44 , Pages 51 – 52, Chapter 9 ] :
https://www.preteristarchive.com/Books/pdf/2008_constantinou_andrew-translation.pdf

iii) Who are the “MANY”? Anyone who has heard the Gospel:

“… 15Now when one of those who sat at the table with Him heard these things, he said to Him, “Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!” 16Then He said to him, “A certain man gave a GREAT SUPPER and INVITED MANY, …” (Luke 14:15 – 16, NKJV)

iv) Who are the MANY rejected and why? Because they’re too “busy” with “worldly pursuits” of doing “business”, “marrying and focusing on family life” till they ‘don’t Fulfill His Commands’:

“… 17and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are now ready.’ 18But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.’ 19And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.’ 20Still another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ …” (Luke 14:17 – 20, NKJV)

“And those who listen to it do not pay attention to the one who speaks, but to what he says and to whoever sends it. So it is so, my brethren, yes, it is thus that you must act, and even if you despise us rightly, yet keep in your soul the reverence due to the Lord who calls you. To become the guests of the sovereign Master, please obey. Examine your heart, and drive out the mortal disgust. Because everything is ready now to repel this disgust. But if you are still carnal, perhaps you are looking for carnal foods? … 3. But what to do? Do not we still see how much they behave like those whose text says, “And all, unanimously, began to apologize.” … For the gospel mentions in this place the reason advanced by those who apologize: “The first says: ‘I have bought a property, and I must go and see it; I beg you, excuse me. “What does this property designate, save our earthly sustenance? He is going to see his property, the one whose whole thought is occupied with the realities of the outside for sustenance. “Another says, ‘I bought five pairs of oxen, and I’m going to try them; I beg you, excuse me. “What must we understand by these five pairs of oxen, if not the five bodily senses? We speak very aptly about pairs about them, since they exist in one and the other sex. Powerless to grasp the interior of things, but stopping at the knowledge of the exterior, the bodily senses leave behind the intimate of realities to reach only the outside: they thus designate curiosity; the latter seeks to reveal the life of others, and thus applies only to things from without, always remaining ignorant of what is in her private life. Curiosity is thus an embarrassing defect, since by leading the mind to focus its attention on the outside of the neighbor’s life, it always hides from him the most intimate of himself! Thus, the mind, if it knows the others, does not know itself, and the soul of the curious is all the more ignorant of its own merits and demerits that it is more learned from those of the next. That is why the guest says of these five pairs of oxen: “I go to try them; I beg you, excuse me. “When this man said apologetically,” I’m going to try them, “such words are in full agreement with his vice, because usually, wanting to try is curiosity. But it should be noted that the guests who apologize for not coming to dinner, one because of his property and the other because of his pairs of oxen to try, both insert a word of humility among their apologies: “Please, excuse me.” Indeed, to say, “I beg you,” and not to worry about coming, is to make humility appear in his words. and pride in his actions. Notice that all evil men condemn such things when they hear them; but they do not stop doing what they condemn. If we say to someone who does evil, “Convert yourself, follow God, give up the world,” do not we invite him to the Lord’s supper? But when he answers, “Pray for me, for I am a sinner; what you ask me, I can not do it “, is not that the answer to both” I beg you “and” Excuse me “? In declaring: “I am a sinner”, our interlocutor manifests some humility, but adding: “I can not convert”, it is his pride that he expresses. Thus, he replies, “I beg you, excuse me,” he who puts a veneer of humility in his words and a foundation of pride in his action. 5. “Another says, ‘I have just taken a wife, and that is why I can not come.'” What do we mean by this woman, but the pleasure of the flesh? In fact, although marriage is a good thing, since it was instituted by Divine Providence for the propagation of the species, some, however, do not seek a large number of descendants, but rather the satisfaction of voluptuous desires; that is why we can designate, without much impropriety, just one thing which is not right. The sovereign master of the house invites you therefore to the supper of the eternal banquet, but because some are taken by greed, others by curiosity, others by the voluptuousness of the flesh, all, without any doubtfully reprobated, begin to apologize unanimously. As the concern for earthly goods occupies some, that the thirst for knowing what the neighbor does in ravaging others, and that the pleasures of the flesh defile the soul of the last, all are disdainful of the feast of eternal life without putting any eagerness to go there. …” – Blessed Roman Catholic Pope St. Gregory the Great, Saint Gregory the Dialogist in Eastern Christianity, the Father of Christian Worship, and John Calvin declared in his Institutes that Gregory was the last good Pope. (540 AD – 604 AD)

Source:

https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/luke-commentary/gregory-the-great-homily-36-on-the-gospels

Conclusion – Who are the FEW SAVED?

“… 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 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)

Comments:

1. The MANY INVITED who were rejected on this Day seems to refer to the Context of the “First Resurrection” as the phrase “My Supper” means.

“… Our Lord had just before taught us to prepare our feasts for those who cannot repay, seeing that we shall have our reward at the resurrection of the just. Some one then, supposing the resurrection of the just to be one and the same with the kingdom of God, commends the above-mentioned recompense; for it follows, When one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said to him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God. …” – Blessed Eusebius, Bishop of Caesarea and Father of Church History

Source:
https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/luke-commentary/catena-aurea-on-luke/chapter-1/chapter-2/chapter-3/chapter-5/chapter-5/chapter-6/chapter-7/chapter-8/chapter-9/chapter-10/chapter-11/chapter-12/chapter-13/chapter-14

2. Two Types of the Few Saved are Highlighted

a) Please notice carefully that the “poor, maimed, lame, blind” were chosen first from the “streets or lanes” denoting “narrow” paths be it ‘physically or spiritually or both’. For example, the “rich spiritually” can denote the “prosperity Gospel due to Hoarding wealth or high prices on Gospel things” whereas the “poor spiritually can refer to those with least access to Gospel truths (due to unable to reach it or cannot afford to buy it) or those who become poor due to spending their own money and resources to share the Gospel for free or to to Fulfill Gospel Commands such as feed the Hungry literally as per Luke 14:33 too”.

“… 11. I would advise you to abandon all things, but I do not dare. If, then, you are not yet able to leave all things in this world, at least you do not become so attached to them as to be bound by them in this world. Own the things of the earth without letting yourself be possessed by them. Keep them in the grip of your mind, lest the latter, chained by the love of the things of the earth, be enslaved by those he possesses. Use things that do not last, but attach your desire only to those that are eternal. Take for the road things that do not last, but desire those that are eternal for the end of the journey. We must look only as a side to all that we are doing here below, and bring the eyes of our mind forward, to fix, with all the attention they are capable of, the goal to be attained. Let us extirpate the roots of vices, not only of our actions, but also of the thoughts of our heart. That neither the voluptuousness of the flesh, nor the excessive curiosity, nor the fire of ambition prevents us from sharing one day the supper of the Lord. Even the honest activities we do in this world touch only the surface of the soul, so that the earthly goods that please us serve our body without harming our hearts. Brothers, we do not dare to tell you to give up everything, but you can, if you will, abandon everything while keeping everything: it is enough that by treating things of the time, however, you stretch your whole soul to those of eternity. 12. Is not this what the Apostle Paul says: “Time is short; from now on, let those who have a wife be as if they did not have one; those who cry, as if they were not crying; those who rejoice, as if they do not rejoice; those who buy, as if they did not possess; finally, those who use this world as if they did not use it; for it passes, the figure of this world “(1 Cor 7: 29-31). …” – Blessed Roman Catholic Pope St. Gregory the Great, Saint Gregory the Dialogist in Eastern Christianity, the Father of Christian Worship, and John Calvin declared in his Institutes that Gregory was the last good Pope. (540 AD – 604 AD)

Source:

https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/luke-commentary/gregory-the-great-homily-36-on-the-gospels

b) When there was “still more room”, only then Christ Commands to get some [2nd Choice] from the “… Highways (denoting from those on the Broad destruction road?) and Hedges (or fencing, denoting those from the Denominations of Christianity which are fenced in) …”. Can you see it?

It’s probable that some from the “highway” (broad road to destruction, are unevangelized or could be worthy to be saved) while some from the “hedges” or various schisms or Denominations of Christianity/Religion could also be worthy to be saved who are only called to ‘2nd place’ as opposed to the 1st place of the earlier ones who curiously are NOT part of these categories. The First Christianity Quote discussed next points to this ‘possibility’. Only God Knows.

“… The Gentiles came from the streets and lanes, the heretics come from the hedges. For they who make a hedge seek for a division; let them be drawn away from the hedges, plucked asunder from the thorns. But they are unwilling to be compelled. By our own will, say they, will we enter. Compel them to enter, He says. Let necessity be used from without, thence arises a will. …” – 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)

Source:

https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/luke-commentary/catena-aurea-on-luke/chapter-1/chapter-2/chapter-3/chapter-5/chapter-5/chapter-6/chapter-7/chapter-8/chapter-9/chapter-10/chapter-11/chapter-12/chapter-13/chapter-14

3. I think that these First Christianity Quotes Describe the FEW SAVED for the FIRST RESURRECTION accurately:

“… He invites the poor, the weak, and the blind, to show that weakness of body shuts out no one from the kingdom of heaven, and that he is guilty of fewer sins who lacks the incitement to sin; or that the infirmities of sin are forgiven through the mercy of God. Therefore he sends to the streets, that from the broader ways they may come to the narrow way. Because then the proud refuse to come, the poor are chosen, since they are called weak and poor who are weak in their own judgment of themselves, for there are poor, and yet as it were strong, who though lying in poverty are proud, the blind are they who have no brightness of understanding; the lame are they who have walked not uprightly in their works. But since the faults of these are expressed in the weakness of their members, as those were sinners who when bidden refused to come, so also are these who are invited and come; but the proud sinners are rejected, the humble are chosen. God then chooses those whom the world despises, because for the most part the very act of contempt recalls a man to himself. …” – Blessed Archbishop St. Ambrose of Milan, Doctor of the Church, First Great Latin Doctor of the Church, Converter/Baptizer/Teacher of St. Augustine (c. 340 AD – c. 397 AD)

Source:
https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/luke-commentary/catena-aurea-on-luke/chapter-1/chapter-2/chapter-3/chapter-5/chapter-5/chapter-6/chapter-7/chapter-8/chapter-9/chapter-10/chapter-11/chapter-12/chapter-13/chapter-14

Please notice carefully that St. Ambrose of Identifies two groups of the “poor” namely:

i. Physically Poor

Those with Bodily or earthly weakness because they would have sinned less in relative measure

“… He invites the poor, the weak, and the blind, to show that weakness of body shuts out no one from the kingdom of heaven, and that he is guilty of fewer sins who lacks the incitement to sin …” – Blessed Archbishop St. Ambrose of Milan

This category in greater measure also includes the those who made themselves “poor” and ‘not rich’ via the Gospel as Christ Reveals regarding the “Hundredfold” ones in His Own Most Blessed Words as follows (please notice the word ‘Hundredfold’ in Verses below carefully):

“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)

Indeed, those who sold their “lands and houses” (Acts 4:34 – 37) are among the “Hundredfold” Level fruit as opposed to the ‘thirtyfold or sixtyfold harvest’ (Matthew 13:8) as Christ Himself Mentions this as one of the Way such ones “Inherit Eternal Life” and become among the “Firsts in His Kingdom” in contrast to ‘many’ who fail to do these things who (though saved, Matthew 5:19) may become ‘Lasts in His Kingdom’ in Matthew 19:27 – 30.

St. Ambrose of Milan expounds the details of the Parable of Luke 14 in light of this Context as follows:

“… Then a lesson of humility, when in this wedding feast is repressed the desire for a higher place: with gentleness however, so that the goodness of persuasion removes all severity from the prohibition, that reason makes effective the persuasion, and the warning corrects the desire. In his immediate neighborhood comes goodness: the word of the Lord defines it and distinguishes it as to be exercised towards the poor and the weak; because to be hospitable to be paid back, it is calculation of greed. Finally, as to a veteran who has finished his service, this bonus is offered, the contempt of riches. For whoever, absorbed by the lower worries, obtains terrestrial domains, can not obtain the kingdom of heaven, since the Lord says: “Sell all your goods, and follow me” (Matt., XIX, 21); no more he who buys oxen, since Elisha killed those he had and shared them with the people (I Kings, XIX, 21); as for the one who takes a wife, he thinks of the things of the world, not of God. This is not to condemn marriage, but because virginity is called to a greater honor; for “the unmarried woman and the widow think of the things of the Lord, so that she is holy in body and spirit; for she who is married thinks of the things of the world, and how to please her husband “(I Cor. VII, 34). But to return to grace, as we have done above for widows, with wives, we do not reject the opinion followed by many, in the thought of which three kinds of people are excluded from the society of this great feast : Gentiles, Jews, heretics. This is why the Apostle tells us to flee from greed (Rom., I, 29), lest they be hindered, in the manner of the Gentiles, by injustice, malice, impurity, avarice we can not reach the Kingdom of Christ: for “every miser, every unclean person – he is a slave to idols – can not be heir to the kingdom of Christ and to God” (Ephesians 5: 5). As for the Jews, by their material service they impose the yokes of the Law; also, as the Prophet says, “break their bonds and shake off their yoke from us” (Psalm 2: 3); for we have received Christ, who has placed on our heads the lovable yoke of his goodness. As for the five yokes, 36 these are the ten commandments, or the five books of the Law, about which it seems, in the Gospel, to say to the Samaritan woman: “You have had five husbands” (Jn, IV, 18). For heresy, in the manner of Eve, she tempts the rectitude of faith by a feminine sensibility, and, letting herself slide down the slope, she resorts to the makeup of a false adornment, disdaining the beauty without spot of the truth. (The guests) therefore apologize, because the Kingdom is not closed to anyone who has not excluded himself by the testimony of his word; the Lord in his clemency invites everyone, but it is our cowardice or our misguidance that separates us. So whoever buys a farm is a stranger to the Kingdom: for in Noah’s day you have read it, buyer and seller have been swallowed up by the flood (Matt., XXI, 21); likewise he who prefers the yoke of the Law to the benefit of grace, and the one who apologizes because he takes a wife: for it is written, “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and his mother, his wife, or can not be my disciple “(Lk, XVII, 27). So indeed that the Lord because of us gives up his Mother when He says, “Who are my mother, or who are my brothers? (Matt. Xii. 48) Why would you prefer them to your Master? But the Lord commands neither to misunderstand nature nor to be a slave to it: simply to condescend to nature while venerating its Author, and without failing God for the sake of the parents. …” – Blessed Archbishop St. Ambrose of Milan, Doctor of the Church, First Great Latin Doctor of the Church, Converter/Baptizer/Teacher of St. Augustine (c. 340 AD – c. 397 AD)

Source:

https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/luke-commentary/ambrose-on-luke-14

or

“… Since the proud thus refuse to come, the poor are invited. Why that? Because, according to Paul’s word, “God chose in the world that which is weak to confound the strong” (1 Cor 1:27).
It should be noted how those who are invited to supper are described as “poor and infirm”. They are said to be poor and infirm, those who themselves recognize themselves as weak. Are not they poor, but, so to speak, strong, those who pride themselves in spite of their poverty? The blind are those who have no light of understanding, and the lame, those who do not have a right step in their actions. But since the infirmities of the organs here represent the vices of morals, it is quite clear that if the guests who did not want to come were sinners, so are the guests who come. However, where proud sinners are excluded, the humble sinners are elected. …” – Blessed Roman Catholic Pope St. Gregory the Great, Saint Gregory the Dialogist in Eastern Christianity, the Father of Christian Worship, and John Calvin declared in his Institutes that Gregory was the last good Pope. (540 AD – 604 AD)

Source:

https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/luke-commentary/gregory-the-great-homily-36-on-the-gospels

“… 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. …” (Luke 6:20, 24, NKJV)

ii. Spiritually Poor

These “poor” from the “Broader” way though sinners are Saved due to Humility as opposed to the “proud”

“… Therefore he sends to the streets, that from the broader ways they may come to the narrow way. Because then the proud refuse to come, the poor are chosen, since they are called weak and poor who are weak in their own judgment of themselves, for there are poor, and yet as it were strong, who though lying in poverty are proud, the blind are they who have no brightness of understanding; the lame are they who have walked not uprightly in their works. But since the faults of these are expressed in the weakness of their members, as those were sinners who when bidden refused to come, so also are these who are invited and come; but the proud sinners are rejected, the humble are chosen. …” – Blessed Archbishop St. Ambrose of Milan

We know that the “Hedges” Christ referred to is most likely ‘Christian Denominations’ from which ‘some among these may be Saved’ as Christ’s quote above Rings as the reason for this is further beautifully explained by St. Ambrose in Milan in his further quote below:

“… He therefore sends out paths, because “prudence cries at crossroads” (Prov., I, 20). He sends to the places, because He sent to tell the sinners to come from wide ways to the narrow which leads to life (Matth., VII, 13 ssq.). He sends on the roads and along the hedges: for these are fit for the Kingdom of heaven which, far from being held back by the lusts of the goods present, hasten towards those to come, as committed to the path of the good. will, and, just as the hedge separates the crops from the wastelands and prevents the irruption of animals, they distinguish between good and evil and oppose to the temptations of the evil spirit the rampart of faith. As well the Lord, to show that his vineyard was protected: “I have surrounded him,” said he, with a hedge and a ditch “(Matt. Xxi. 33); and the Apostle says that the wall was removed in the middle of the hedge, which interrupted the continuity of the fence (Ephes., II, 4). So faith and reason seek each other, and seek each other in places, that is, in the recesses of intimate thoughts; for it is written, “Let your waters be poured out on your places” (Prov., V, 16). 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. …” – Blessed Archbishop St. Ambrose of Milan, Doctor of the Church, First Great Latin Doctor of the Church, Converter/Baptizer/Teacher of St. Augustine (c. 340 AD – c. 397 AD)

Source:

https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/luke-commentary/ambrose-on-luke-14

or

“… Now let us hear what the servant adds after bringing the poor to the banquet: “Master, your orders are executed, and there is still room.” Many of the Jews are those who were thus gathered for the dinner of the Lord, but the multitude of those of the people of Israel who believed is not enough to fill the hall of the heavenly banquet. The Jews have already entered in great numbers, but there is still room in the Kingdom to welcome the crowd of pagan nations. This is why the master said to the servant, “Go on the roads and along the hedges, and force people to enter, so that my house is filled.” When the Lord invites to his supper those of the streets and squares, it designates the people who knew how to keep the law and lead the city’s civilized life. But when he orders his guests to be found on the roads and along the hedges, it is the rude people of the country, that is to say, the pagans, whom he seeks to gather. It is in this sense that the psalmist says, “Then all the trees of the forest will shout for joy before the face of the Lord, because he is coming” (Ps 96: 12-13). If pagans are called trees of the forest, it is because they have always remained crooked and fruitless because of their unbelief. Those who, abandoning their rude and rustic habits, have converted, therefore came to the Lord’s supper, so to speak, along the hedges. 9. It should be noted that in this third invitation, the teacher does not say: “Invite them”, but: “Force them to come in.” Some are called and despise to come; others are called and come; as for those of the third invitation, it is not said that they are called, but that they are forced to enter. They are called and despise to come, those to whom it is given to understand without them following good works what they understood. They are called and come, those who, having received the grace of understanding, translate it into works. And some are called who are even forced to enter. …” – Blessed Roman Catholic Pope St. Gregory the Great, Saint Gregory the Dialogist in Eastern Christianity, the Father of Christian Worship, and John Calvin declared in his Institutes that Gregory was the last good Pope. (540 AD – 604 AD)

Source:

https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/luke-commentary/gregory-the-great-homily-36-on-the-gospels

“… 3“Blessed are the POOR IN SPIRIT, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. …” (Matthew 5:3, NKJV)

P/S: The “poor” Vs “poor in spirit” definition was taught likewise in First Christianity as this Champion of Faith for both Protestants and Catholics or Orthodox Christians:

“… 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”; 405 and you see one and the same Spirit speaking of the poor and the rich in the Old Testament and the same in the New, just as the Savior praises them both. (6) For as he was watching the treasury he saw people putting money into the treasury, and did NOT REFUSE the GIFTS of the RICH; but HE PRAISED the WIDOW who had put in the two mites for her [actual] POVERTY, as we have said, in fulfillment of the scripture, “The poor and the rich have met together: but the Lord is the maker of them both.” 406 (81,7) And to show that this is so, and the Spirit of the Old and the New Testaments is the same, see the apostle say of the ancient prophets, “The time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephtha, David and the other prophets who wandered about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being tormented, straitened, afflicted, of whom the world was not worthy.” 407 For I have found that Isaiah wore sackcloth, and Elijah too. And do you see how, in the Old and the New Testaments, the poor are called blessed for piety, and the rich are called blessed for righteousness? …” – Blessed St. Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamis and the ‘Hammer of Heretics’, (c. 310 AD – c. 403 AD, ‘MANICHAEANS’ , “Panarion or Medicine-Chest”, Point 62.10, Pages 308 – 309)

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

P/S: St. Jerome’s and St. Augustine’s quotes agree against the “Prosperity Gospel Lifestyle”

For example:

Around the Time of St. Jerome of the Vulgate, there was a change of attitude in priests (pastors, deacons, bishops) where they started to abandon the non-possessiveness “Perfection” Lifestyle (Matthew 19:21) into a money-laden one, to quote:

“… He will teach you the perfection of a monk, and I shall show you the whole duty of a clergyman. A clergyman, then, as he serves Christ’s church, must first understand what his name means; and then, when he realizes this, must endeavor to be that which he is called. For since the Greek word alhroj means “lot,” or “inheritance,” the clergy are so called either because they are the lot of the Lord, or else because the Lord Himself is their lot and portion. Now, he who in his own person is the Lord’s portion, or has the Lord for his portion, must so bear himself as to possess the Lord and to be possessed by Him. He who possesses the Lord, and who says with the prophet, “The Lord is my portion,”can hold to nothing beside the Lord. For if he hold to something beside the Lord, the Lord will not be his portion. Suppose, for instance, that he holds to gold or silver, or possessions or inlaid furniture; with such portions as these the Lord will not deign to be his portion. I, if I am the portion of the Lord, and the line of His heritage,receive no portion among the remaining tribes; but, like the Priest and the Levite, I live on the tithe,and serving the altar, am supported by its offerings.Having food and raiment, I shall be content with these,and as a disciple of the Cross shall share its poverty…It is the glory of a bishop to make provision for the wants of the poor; but it is the shame of all priests to amass private fortunes… Many build churches nowadays; their walls and pillars of glowing marble, their ceilings glittering with gold, their altars studded with jewels… But now our Lord by His poverty has consecrated the poverty of His house. Let us, therefore, think of His cross and count riches to be but dirt. Why do we admire what Christ calls “the mammon of unrighteousness”? Why do we cherish and love what it is Peter’s boast not to possess?”… – 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, ‘Letter LII. To Nepotian’)

Source:

http://www.tertullian.org/fathers2/NPNF2-06/Npnf2-06-03.htm#P1872_458890

or

“… 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, 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

As St. Augustine also affirmed:

“… 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

P/S: The Best of the Original Protestants – Monergism Movement

Who are they?

“…Monergism is the view within Christian theology which holds that God works through the Holy Spirit to bring about the salvation of an individual through spiritual regeneration, regardless of the individual’s cooperation. It is most often associated with the Reformed tradition (such as Presbyterianism, low church Anglicanism and the Dutch Reformed Church) and its doctrine of irresistible grace, and particularly with historical doctrinal differences between Calvinism and Arminianism.[2] This position contrasts with Arminian synergism, the belief that God and individuals cooperate to bring individuals salvation. … Lutheranism and some Baptists with Reformed beliefs Covenant Theology hold to the soteriological position of monergistic salvation and synergistic damnation, rejecting Calvin’s monergistic damnation and Arminius’ synergistic salvation. …”

Source:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monergism

Even such ones under the “Original” Protestant Theological Lineage of Blessed Martin Luther and Blessed John Calvin understand their leaders to have taught strongly against the “Prosperity Gospel” calling them “unsaved” even, to quote an example from their official website listing out whom they consider as “heretics” based on this criteria:

“… Bakker, Jim [Prosperity Theology], Cho, Paul or David Yonggi [Word of Faith, pastor of largest church in the world], , Copeland, Kenneth and Gloria [Word of Faith], Crouch, Paul Jr. [promotes Prosperity heresies via TBN], Crouch, Paul Sr. [Properity Teacher, TBN founder], Dollar, Creflo [Prosperity Teacher], Hinn, Benny [Prosperity Teacher, Uber Charismatic], Jacobs, Cindy [Prosperity], Jakes, TD [Oneness Pentecostalism], , Meyer, Joyce [Prosperity Preacher] , Osteen, Joel [cotton candy theology, bible compromiser, name it & claim it, soft moralism], Price, Fred KC [Prosperity Preacher, Name it & claim it], Prince, Joseph [Prosperity, Antinomianism], Roberts, Oral [deceased, false prophet], Robertson, Pat [divination, false prophet, TBN], White, Paula [prosperity theology], White, Todd [Read himself into Bible, False prophet, False healing, prosperity Gospel], Womack, Andrew [Prosperity] …” – Official Monergism Website

Source: https://www.monergism.com/modern-day-false-teachers

I am aware that they also condemn some ‘Christian Universalists’ for “Universalism” on that list such as “Rob Bell”. However, Rob Bell himself (unknown to some Universalists too) did “not” commit a 100% belief to Universalism but only allows it with some “uncertainty” or “mystery” and I think that’s the best approach since if we are going to claim anything as 100% right, the chances of doom likewise for any ‘other hidden theological error’ as the ‘same Judgment’ will be meted out to you in the ‘measure you judge’ (as Christ Warned in Matthew 7:1 – 2) stands as a “Risk” back to us, to quote:

“… The book was criticized by numerous conservative evangelical figures (in particular, some reformed church leaders), such as Albert Mohler, John Piper, and David Platt, with Mohler saying that the book was “theologically disastrous” for not rejecting universalism.[31][32] Other evangelicals, such as Brian McLaren,[33][34] Greg Boyd[35] and Eugene Peterson[36][37][38] defended Bell’s views. Bell denies that he is a universalist and says that he does not embrace any particular view but argues that Christians should leave room for uncertainty on the matter. As Jon Meacham stated, Love Wins presents [Bell’s] “case for living with mystery rather than demanding certitude.”[39][40] Some evangelicals argued that this “uncertainty” is incompatible with Scripture,[41] while others say that the book is simply promoting overdue conversation about some traditional interpretations of Scripture.[ …”

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

“Prosperity Gospel” on the other hand is condemned from the Patristic era till now as it’s so clear even in Scripture and it’s probably more clear with the recent ‘possible’ repentance of someone who has claimed to have ‘heard directly from the Holy Spirit’ and ‘healed many people in miracles’ who also ‘taught the Prosperity Gospel once’ (I refrain to comment either way respecting the Holy Spirit of God to be the judge one day) but now nearing the end of his life has ‘denounced the Prosperity Gospel’ as ‘false’ repenting of it as reported widely in the Christian Media too even ‘denouncing selling the Gospel things for high prices or even selling it!’, for example in Videos in link below:

i) MUST WATCH- BENNY HINN REPENTS AND REBUKES PASTORS

‘… I think it’s an offense to the Holy Spirit to place a Price on the Gospel …’ – Benny Hinn (2019, in link below)

ii) Benny Hinn Renounces the “Prosperity Gospel”

“… I do not want to be known as a Prosperity Teacher …” – Benny Hinn (2019, link below)

Personally I do “not” need to judge either way as to whether they go to Hell or not but it’s clear that the Prosperity Gospel is most likely false and let God Decide to Choose to have Mercy on whomever He Wills (Romans 9:15, 18, NKJV)

Source Post:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160137562537784&id=651792783

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Almsgiving Mystery: First Christianity Answer to Christ’s Parable of the Unjust Steward

Introductory Comment: This Parable may reveal a danger of the “Prosperity Gospel” where not enough Almsgiving and/or misusing “… Money collected in the Name of God …” or “personal income” are “wasted” (can refer to say ‘luxury living, prosperity, earthly pursuits in excess’). Not my opinion will be quoted but just First Christianity Quotes including John Calvin and Martin Luther as well John Wesley too in the end.

Bible Verses:

“… 1He also said to His disciples: “There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods. 2So he called him and said to him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.’ 3“Then the steward said within himself, ‘What shall I do? For my master is taking the stewardship away from me. I cannot dig; I am ashamed to beg. 4I have resolved what to do, that when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.’ 5“So he called every one of his master’s debtors to him, and said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 6And he said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.’ So he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’ 7Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ So he said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ And he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’ 8So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light. 9“And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when 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 16:1 – 13, NKJV)

Source:

https://biblehub.com/nkjv/luke/16.htm

“… Having rebuked in three parables those who murmured because He received penitents, our Savior shortly after subjoins a fourth and a fifth on almsgiving and frugality, because it is also the fittest order in preaching that almsgiving should be added after repentance. Hence it follows, And he said to his disciples, There was a certain rich man. … , A cadus in Greek is a vessel containing three urns. It follows, And he said to him, Take your bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty, forgiving him the half. It follows, Then said he to another, And how much owe you? And he said, A hundred measures of wheat. A corus is made up of thirty bushels. And he said to him, Take your bill, and write fourscore, forgiving him a fifth part. It may be then simply taken as follows: whosoever relieves the want of a poor man, either by supplying half or a fifth part, will be blessed with the reward of his mercy. …” – St. Bede the Venerable, English Monk & Doctor of the Church (c. 673 AD – c. 735 AD)

Or

“… Next, that when we exercise not the management of our wealth according to our Lord’s pleasure, but abuse our trust to our own pleasures, we are guilty stewards. Hence it follows, And he was accused to him. … It became us then, from the beginning, to give all things to the poor, but because we have become the stewards of unrighteousness, wickedly retaining what was appointed for the aid of others, we must not surely remain in this cruelty, but distribute to the poor, that we may be received by them into everlasting habitations. For it follows, That, when you fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. … Thus then hitherto He has taught us how faithfully we ought to dispose of our wealth. But because the management of our wealth according to God is no otherwise obtained than by the indifference of a mind unaffected towards riches, He adds, No man can serve two masters. …” – Blessed Theophylact, Byzantine Archbishop of Ohrid (c. 1050 AD – c. 1107 AD)

Or

“… The foolish virgins are an instance of this, who unwisely begged of the wise, but returned empty. For every one puts on his daily life as his inner garment; it is not possible for him to put it off or exchange it with another. But the wicked steward aptly contrived the remission of debts, to provide for himself an escape from his misfortunes among his fellow-servants; for it follows, I am resolved what to do, that when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses. For as often as a man perceiving his end approaching, lightens by a kind deed the load of his sins, (either by forgiving a debtor his debts, or by giving abundance to the poor,) dispensing those things which are his Lord’s, he conciliates to himself many friends, who will afford him before the judge a real testimony, not by words, but by the demonstration of good works, nay moreover will provide for him by their testimony a resting-place of consolation. But nothing is our own, all things are in the power of God. Hence it follows, So he called every one of his Lord’s debtors to him, and said to the first, How much owe you to my Lord? And he said, A hundred casks of oil. …” – Pseudo-Chrysosthom (4th to 5th Century)

Or

“… Thus then Christ taught those who abound in riches, earnestly to love the friendship of the poor, and to have treasure in heaven. But He knew the sloth of the human mind, how that they who court riches bestow no work of charity upon the needy. That to such men there results no profit of spiritual gifts, He shows by obvious examples, adding, He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much; and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. Now our Lord opens to us the eye of the heart, explaining what He had said, adding, If therefore you have not been faithful in the unrighteousness mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? That which is least then is the mammon of unrighteousness, that is, earthly riches, which seem nothing to those that are heavenly wise. …” – Blessed St. Cyril, Patriarch of Alexandria, Titles: The Pillar of Faith; Seal of all the Fathers; Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church (c. 376 AD – c. 444 AD)

Or

“… Or because out of the hundred measures of oil, he caused fifty to be written down by the debtors, and of the hundred measures of w heat, fourscore, the meaning thereof is this, that those things which every Jew performs toward the Priests and Levites should be the more attendant in the Church of Christ, that whereas they give a tenth, Christians should give a half, as Zaccheus gave of his goods, or at least by giving two tenths, that is, a fifth, exceed the payments of the Jews. … On the other hand this parable is spoken that we should understand that if the steward who acted deceitfully, could be praised by his lord, how much more they please God who do their works according to His commandment. … That which the Hebrews call mammon, in Latin is “riches.” As if He said, “Make to yourselves friends of the riches of unrighteousness.” Now some misunderstanding this, seize upon the things of others, and so give something to the poor, and think that they are doing what is commanded. That interpretation must be corrected into, Give alms of your righteous labors. For you will not corrupt Christ your Judge. If from the plunder of a poor man, you were to give any thing to the judge that he might decide for you, and that judge should decide for you, such is the force of justice, that you would be ill pleased in yourself. Do not then make to yourself such a God. God is the fountain of Justice, give not your alms then from interest and usury. I speak to the faithful, to whom we dispense the body of Christ. But if you have such money, it is of evil that you have it. Be no longer doers of evil. Zaccheus said, Half my goods I give to the poor. See how he runs who runs to make friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; and not to be held guilty from any quarter, he says, If have taken any thing from any one, I restore fourfold. According to another interpretation, the mammon of unrighteousness are all the riches of the world, whenever they come. For if you seek the true riches, there are some in which Job when naked abounded, when he had his hears full towards God. The others are called riches from unrighteousness; because they are not true riches, for they are full of poverty, and ever liable to chances. For if they were true riches, they would give you security. … For who are they that shall have everlasting habitations but the saints of God? and who are they that are to be received by them into everlasting habitations but they who administer to their want, and whatsoever they have need of, gladly supply. They are those little ones of Christ, who have forsaken all that belonged to them and followed Him; and whatsoever they had have given to the poor, that they might serve God without earthly shackles, and freeing their shoulders from the burdens of the world, might raise them aloft as with wings. … but all generally proclaim that they love God. Therefore either he will hate the one, (that is, the devil,) and love the other, (that is, God;) or will hold to the one, (that is, the devil, when he pursues as it were temporal wants,) and will despise the other, (that is, God,) as when men frequently neglect His threats for their desires, who because of His goodness flatter themselves that they will have impunity. …” – 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)

Or

“… In order then that after death they may find something in their own hand, let men before death place their riches in the hands of the poor. Hence it follows, And I say to you, d/lake to yourselves friends of the man of unrighteousness, … But if through their friendship we obtain everlasting habitations, we ought to calculate that when we give we rather offer presents to patrons, than bestow benefits upon he needy. …”
– Blessed Roman Catholic Pope St. Gregory the Great, Saint Gregory the Dialogist in Eastern Christianity, the Father of Christian Worship, and John Calvin declared in his Institutes that Gregory was the last good Pope (c. 540 AD – c. 604 AD)

Or

“… Or else, make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness, that by giving to the poor we may purchase the favor of angels and all the saints. …” – Blessed Archbishop St. Ambrose of Milan, Doctor of the Church, Converter/Baptizer/Teacher of St. Augustine (c. 340 AD – c. 397 AD)

Or

“… Therefore when He said, Make to yourselves friends, he added, of the mammon of unrighteousness, to show, that their friendship will not alone protect us unless good works accompany us, unless we righteously cast away all riches unrighteously amassed. The most skillful then of all arts is that of almsgiving. For it builds not for us houses of mud, but lays up in store an everlasting life. Now in each of the arts one needs the support of another; but when we ought to show mercy, we need nothing else but the will alone. …” – Blessed St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, Doctor of the Church, one of the Three Holy Hierarchs (c. 349 AD – c. 407 AD)

Source for each quote above:

https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/luke-commentary/catena-aurea-on-luke/chapter-1/chapter-2/chapter-3/chapter-5/chapter-5/chapter-6/chapter-7/chapter-8/chapter-9/chapter-10/chapter-11/chapter-12/chapter-13/chapter-14/chapter-15/chapter-16

Conclusion – Did the “Founders” of Protestant Theology agree to this and condemn the Prosperity Gospel likewise in these aspects?

Yes in principle, to quote:

“… The leading object of this parable is, to show that we ought to deal kindly and generously with our neighbors; that, when we come to the judgment seat of God, we may reap the fruit of our liberality. Though the parable appears to be harsh and far-fetched, yet the conclusion makes it evident, that the design of Christ was nothing else than what I have stated. And hence we see, that to inquire with great exactness into every minute part of a parable is an absurd mode of philosophizing. Christ does not advise us to purchase by large donations the forgiveness of fraud, and of extortion, and of wasteful expenditure, and of the other crimes associated with unfaithful administration. But as all the blessings which God confers upon us are committed by Him to our administration, our Lord now lays down a method of procedure, which will protect us against being treated with rigor, when we come to render our account. They who imagine that alms are a sufficient compensation for sensuality and debauchery, do not sufficiently consider, that the first injunction given us is, to live in sobriety and temperance; and that the next is, that the streams which flow to us come from a pure fountain. It is certain that no man is so frugal, as not sometimes to waste the property which has been entrusted to him; and that even those who practice the most rigid economy are not entirely free from the charge of unfaithful stewardship. Add to this, that there are so many ways of abusing the gifts of God, that some incur guilt in one way, and some in another. I do not even deny, that the very consciousness of our own faulty stewardship ought to be felt by us as an additional excitement to kind actions. But we ought to have quite another object in view, than to escape the judgment of God by paying a price for our redemption; and that object is, first, that seasonable and well-judged liberality may have the effect of restraining and moderating unnecessary expenses; and, secondly, that our kindness to our brethren may draw down upon us the mercy of God. It is very far from being the intention of Christ to point out to his disciples a way of escape, when the heavenly Judge shall require them to give their account; but he warns them to lose no time in guarding against the punishment which will await their cruelty, if they are found to have swallowed up the gifts of God, and to have paid no attention to acts of beneficence. …” – Blessed John Calvin, Protestant Reformation Theologian (1509 AD – 1564 AD)

Source (Commentary on Luke 16):

https://biblehub.com/commentaries/calvin/luke/16.htm

Or

Even the Protestant Reformer Martin Luther agrees in Principle that this Parable refers to “Good Works” except ‘differently emphasized’, to quote (‘same actions of “Almsgiving” emphasized’):

“… For compare these two statements: A corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit, and again, a good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit. From which judge for yourself: if I am to do good and give away mammon, I must indeed be first good at heart, for God looketh upon the heart, and as he finds the heart, so he estimates our works. This I say, that men should not cram works into the heart, but let the heart first be good through faith, that the works may flow forth, otherwise you do no one any good; for if you have before given a person anything, it did not come from the heart. Hence the conclusion is, that I must first be good before I can do good. … Consequently it sounds as though Luke everywhere taught that righteousness came by works; as you have recently heard: Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven; and, make unto yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness. And here it appears as though the publican had obtained his goodness by praying and smiting his breast. So this Gospel appears as though we should become good or pious by our works.��Now you have heard that a man, before he can do anything good, must by all means first be good. For the truth must always stand: “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit;” and again, “An evil tree cannot bring forth good fruit.” Thus a man must first be good, before he can do good …” – Blessed Martin Luther, Protestant Reformer (1483 AD – 1546 AD, volume IV:292-301 of The Sermons of Martin Luther, published by Baker Book House in 1983)

Source:

https://parablesreception.blogspot.com/2015/01/martin-luther-and-parables-conclusion.html?m=1

Or

From the best Protestant Theologian in my opinion, John Wesley, he warns similarly:

“… And I say to you — Be good stewards even of the lowest talents wherewith God hath intrusted you. Mammon means riches or money. It is termed the mammon of unrighteousness, because of the manner wherein it is commonly either procured or employed. Make yourselves friends of this, by doing all possible good, particularly to the children of God: that when ye fail, when your flesh and your heart faileth, when this earthly tabernacle is dissolved, those of them who have gone before may receive, may welcome you into the everlasting habitations. … None of these temporal things are yours: you are only stewards of them, not proprietors: God is the proprietor of all; he lodges them in your hands for a season: but still they are his property. Rich men, understand and consider this. If your steward uses any part of your estate (so called in the language of men) any farther or any otherwise than you direct, he is a knave: he has neither conscience nor honour. Neither have you either one or the other, if you use any part of that estate, which is in truth God’s, not yours, any otherwise than he directs. …” – Blessed John Wesley, Founder of the Methodist Churches (1703 AD – 1791 AD)

Source:

https://www.christianity.com/bible/commentary.php?com=wes&b=42&c=16

So if they all are ‘speaking the same thing somewhat’, let us be cautious and take heed.

P/S: Looks like none of the greats are into the “Prosperity Gospel”.

Source Post:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160122645382784&id=651792783

Peace to you

 

 

 

Bible Verses on Money, Business and Usury

‘… Anything beyond Need is Greed …’ – Unknown

1) The Perfect Christians

The “Perfect” ones as Christ Calls them (in Matthew 19:21) sold all they had gave to the poor and did “not” carry money anymore (Matthew 19:27 – 30) and Followed Christ where they’re refreshed by others who share all and live on daily wages or communal gathering in the “First Church” (Acts 2:44 – 46, Acts 4:32, 35 – 37). Though I admire this the most, I am sad that I cannot do it due to my own selfishness and fear of the unknown. Since it’s not a must for each Christian to go along this Perfect Path, let’s look at how a working Christian may live Biblically according to the measure of faith given to him by God’s Grace in the context of “Finance” (Romans 12:3). Sometimes, such perfect ones can even share “beyond their ability by enduring poverty” like the Macedonian Church, Verse:

“… 1Moreover, brethren, we MAKE KNOWN TO YOU the GRACE of GOD BESTOWED on the CHURCHES OF MACEDONIA: 2that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and THEIR DEEP POVERTY abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3For I bear witness that ACCORDING TO THEIR ABILITY, yes, and BEYOND THEIR ABILITY, they were FREELY WILLING, 4imploring us with much urgency that we would RECEIVE THE GIFT and the fellowship of the MINISTERING TO THE SAINTS. …” (2 Corinthians 8:1 – 4, NKJV)

2) Other Christians – Principle of Equality

Other Christians are “not” expected to be like the Macedonian Church or the poor widow (Luke 21:1 – 4) who are “more Blessed” due to such incredible giving (because it is ‘more blessed’ to ‘give’ than to receive, in Acts 20:35) but may give to the point based on ‘what one has first’ and “no” need to put oneself at risk of ‘… being in need (or lacking) after giving …’ as Blessed Apostle St. Paul continues in verses next after mentioning the ‘Macedonian Church Example’ above in this same chapter:

“… 12For if there is first a willing mind, it is ACCEPTED ACCORDING TO WHAT ONE HAS, and not according to what he does not have. 13For I do NOT MEAN that OTHERS SHOULD BE EASED and YOU BURDENED; 14but by AN EQUALITY, that now at this time YOUR ABUNDANCE MAY SUPPLY THEIR LACK, that THEIR ABUNDANCE ALSO MAY SUPPLY YOUR LACK—THAT THERE MAY BE EQUALITY. 15As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.” …” (2 Corinthians 8:12 – 15, NKJV)

The Verse above clearly shows that ‘richer Churches’ are supposed to send money to ‘poorer churches’ till ‘equality’ is achieved. So, how many are practicing these at a personal level or church level even? God may Require a Judgment so ‘… let us judge ourselves …’ and do any little we can even if we can’t do it perfectly.

3) Usury or Interest Rate Practice which is “not” allowed Biblically

i) Usury = Interest at any Rate

The Biblical Definition of Ursury or Interest is not extorbitant rates but “any rate”. If someone says otherwise, please ask them to provide a ‘Bible Verse’ for their definition. It does “not” exist. The Usury Scripture prohibits is “lending money to your brother” (i.e. Jew to Jew or can be a analogous to ‘Christian to Christian’ too) where the early church and even reformation leaders all “condemned” it. Example Verses:

“25 ” If you lend money to any of My people who are poor among you, you shall not be like a moneylender to him; you shall not charge him interest.” (Exodus 22:25, NKJV)

“35 ‘ If one of your brethren becomes poor, and falls into poverty among you, then you shall help him, like a stranger or a sojourner, that he may live with you.36 ‘Take no usury or interest from him; but fear your God, that your brother may live with you.
37 ‘You shall not lend him your money for usury, nor lend him your food at a profit.” (Leviticus 25:35-37, NKJV)

“10 “I also, with my brethren and my servants, am lending them money and grain. Please, let us stop this usury! 11 “Restore now to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their olive groves, and their houses, also a hundredth of the money and the grain, the new wine and the oil, that you have charged them.” (Nehemiah 5:10 – 11, NKJV)

ii) Usury = Lending Money at Interest rate can lead persons straight to “Hell” upon death

“13 If he has exacted usury Or taken increase — Shall he then live? He shall not live! If he has done any of these abominations, He shall surely die; His blood shall be upon him. (Ezekiel 18:13, NKJV)

“12 “In you they take bribes to shed blood; you take usury and increase; you have made profit from your neighbors by extortion, and have forgotten Me,” says the Lord GOD.” (Ezekiel 22:12, NKJV)

iii) Usury = Lending Money at Interest rate is NEVER PRACTICED by any of the ELECT of GOD

“5 He who does not put out his money at usury, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved. (Psalm 15:5, NKJV)

“10 Woe is me, my mother, That you have borne me, A man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth! I have neither lent for interest, Nor have men lent to me for interest. Every one of them curses me.” (Jeremiah 15:10, NKJV)

Such a “lifestyle” is part of living the “true justice between man and man”, Verses:

“7 If he has not oppressed anyone, But has restored to the debtor his pledge; Has robbed no one by violence, But has given his bread to the hungry And covered the naked with clothing; 8 If he has not exacted usury Nor taken any increase, But has withdrawn his hand from iniquity And executed true judgment between man and man; 9 If he has walked in My statutes And kept My judgments faithfully — He is just; He shall surely live!” Says the Lord GOD.” (Ezekiel 18:7-9, NKJV)

“16Has not oppressed anyone, Nor withheld a pledge, Nor robbed by violence, But has given his bread to the hungry And covered the naked with clothing; 17 Who has withdrawn his hand from the poor And not received usury or increase, But has executed My judgments And walked in My statutes — He shall not die for the iniquity of his father; He shall surely live!” (Ezekiel 18:16 – 17, NKJV)

4) Usury = Interest Rate Practice which is “allowed” Biblically

i) Lending Money to a “foreigner” (non-Jew in the Torah context or analogously an unbeliever in New Testament Context) may be allowed

“19 ” You shall not charge interest to your brother — interest on money or food or anything that is lent out at interest. 20 “To a foreigner you may charge interest, but to your brother you shall not charge interest, that the LORD your God may bless you in all to which you set your hand in the land which you are entering to possess.” (Deuteronomy 23:19 – 20, NKJV)

Note: Just because something is allowed doesn’t mean you must do it or if you do it with extorbitant rates it condemns you too as the preferred “New Testament” way is described next.

ii) Lend money not just without receiving interest but also don’t hope to receive the principle even and lend toward enemies too! – as one of the Perfection Taught by Christ to ‘exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees to enter His Kingdom’ (Matthew 5:20) regarding this aspect, 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, 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 6:34 – 35, NKJV)

Note: The phrase “… you will be sons of the Most High. …” = Chosen to be the “Elect of God” (e.g. Romans 8:19).

Thought to Ponder: So are we the ‘Elect of God’ via ‘Practice’ based on a these Verses?

iii) Hoarded money for “selfish” reasons such as enjoying life risks a person to be unsaved

“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)

“Covetousness” definition by Christ is = you have MANY GOODS LAID UP FOR MANY YEARS; take YOUR EASE; EAT, DRINK, and be MERRY.” = So is he who LAYS UP TREASURE for HIMSELF, and is NOT RICH TOWARD GOD, Verses:

“… “Take heed and BEWARE of COVETOUSNESS, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” … “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. 17And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ 18So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. 19And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have MANY GOODS LAID UP FOR MANY YEARS; take YOUR EASE; EAT, DRINK, and be MERRY.” ’ 20But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ 21“So is he who LAYS UP TREASURE for HIMSELF, and is NOT RICH TOWARD GOD.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:15 – 21, NKJV)

Hoarding treasure in old testament times to be rich for self was allowed just like having many wives or even concubines etc. (Acts 17:30) but no more under these “last days” of the New Testament times, Verse:

“… Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will CONSUME YOUR FLESH LIKE FIRE. It is in the LAST DAYS that you have STORED UP YOUR TREASURE! …” (James 5:3, NASB)

iv) Useful Hoarded money used to generate income in business to help others is highly appreciated

“20“So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ 21His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ 22He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ 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.’” (Matthew 25:20 – 23, NKJV)

Note: Though the Parable is “not” talking about who makes the most money (capitalism race) but Parables are used to refer to hidden spiritual truths, Christ “cannot” be using a ‘sinful example or practice’ to describe it meaning that such an activity “literally” is also “allowed” Biblically as long as it’s beneficial for ‘Kingdom purposes’ (giving to the Poor, ministry Support etc.).

Comment: A “talent” is a lot of money. Example quote:

“… First of all, what is a “talent”? The English Standard Version Study Bible notes say that in Old Testament times a talent was a unit of weight equalling about 75 pounds (34 kg.). In New Testament times, it [a talent] was a unit of monetary reckoning (though not an actual coin), valued at about 6,000 drachmas, the equivalent of about 20 years’ wages for a labourer. In the parable of the talents, the master of the house is clearly entrusting money to his servants. The New Living Translation says the master of the house “gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last” (Matthew 25:15). If each bag (or talent) weighed 75 pounds (34 kg.) and contained silver coinage, then the value of each talent would have been considerable. When used as a measure of money, it refers to a talent-weight of gold or of silver. In June, 2018, the international price of gold was about US$41,155.69 per kilogram. One gram costs about $38. At this price, a talent (33 kg) would be worth about $1,400,116.57. Similarly, in February 2016, the price of silver was about $15 per troy ounce or about 50 cents per gram, so a 33 kg silver talent would be worth about $16,500… The talent as a unit of coinage is mentioned in the New Testament in Jesus’ parable of the talents. One talent was an incredible amount of money. Source: https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talent_(weight) …”

Source:

https://hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions/38373/in-the-parable-of-the-talents-matthew-25-how-did-the-servants-trade-their-tal

v) Hoarded money stored up without being used for any benefit toward others apart from self may be condemnable (‘hiding money’). And so Money deposited at banking interest is “allowed”:

“… 24“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. 25And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’ 26“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. 27So YOU OUGHT TO HAVE DEPOSITED MY MONEY with THE BANKERS, and at my coming I would have RECEIVED BACK MY OWN WITH INTEREST. 28So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.29‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 30And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:24 – 30, NKJV)

Comment: The “Banks” (or “Tables”) at that time used to pool money to be used for big projects and later return profits likewise. This is “not” usury because if the money is lost in the project, all is lost and so each take equal risks. Usury is if the interest is to be paid regardless if the project is successful or not. Can you see it?

However, in modern terms, our banks are doing the ‘mixed’ type of financial services from “usury” (e.g. personal loans) to “equal risk undertakings” (e.g. toward big projects which have collaterals or if they fail, the rich risk takers become bankrupt & bank endures the financial loss beyond that) to “housing or vehicle loans” (with some Usury if interest rate too high or acceptable if interest rate is low and because in worst case scenario the bank owns these items by force & incurs financial loss for any risk that is not recoverable).

So since the Tables or Bankers at the past also are known to do usury with the money collected, likewise the person who deposits might not know whether his money is used for usury or for the equal risk projects described as the case even more difficult in today’s banks. Thus for those with a lot of money, I think it’s okay to say invest in a “fixed deposit” (or “term deposit”) because generally since these are “low rates” in banking, the money from these are usually only used in ‘low risk portfolios’ meaning it may not be used in the ‘greedy high risk, high return usury type of portfolios’.

So just like we are to avoid food offered to idols but if we don’t ask and just eat, the Bible Says that this is “not” irresponsible to ‘not’ check it first but it’s acceptable to eat that food (1 Corinthians 10:27). But if they explicitly mention to you that the food has been offered to idols then don’t eat it (1 Corinthians 10:28). So likewise I think it’s possible to put money in a fixed deposit and live of its interest (Matthew 25:27) as long as we don’t ask how the money is invested by the bank.

It must be observed that the lifestyle of living off the interest say of a fixed deposit (Matthew 25:27) does “not” forfeit the requirements of ‘fulfilling Gospel Commands or to be beneficial to others’ (as per the 5 or 2 talents case to be “fruitful”) instead of ‘enjoying life with ease for self and no serving of others’.

Please remember that the Servant with one talent believed in the Lord calling Him Master but without the works to match such a faith based on what’s given first as more is given more is required (Luke 12:46 – 48), such a faith is not a living faith and is dead causing that person to be unsaved in the end (Matthew 25:30, James 2:17, 26).

Claiming the “I did not know” excuse does “not” spare any Christian but rejects him from the First Resurrection (Revelation 20:4 – 6) and places him a portion with the “unbelievers” meaning that ‘he was a believer first’ (Luke 12:46) and only makes a difference in whether the “punishment is more or less only”, Verses:

“… 46the master of that SERVANT will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him HIS PORTION WITH THE UNBELIEVERS. 47And that servant who KNEW HIS MASTER’S WILL, 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 12:46 – 48, NKJV)

This is another reason the “Prosperity Gospel” is dangerous as “more will be required” and “wasting” it on ‘luxury or riches and calling it blessings’ might not work as per the Parable of the Unjust Steward who managed possibly to save himself in the last minute realising this as per the discussion in earlier post below:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160122645382784&id=651792783

Source Post:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160125141192784&id=651792783

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christ Centered Universalism – Worst Case Scenario with Blessed Prophet Ezra

Question

What if Christ Centered Universalism Hope is wrong? Wouldn’t you be condemned as a ‘false prophet’ and Denied on that Day and sent to Hell forever?

Reply

Firstly, even if it is wrong, “no” Verse in the Bible condemns anyone believing in Christ Centered Universalism to be sent straight to Hell because of it. In comparison there is a Verse that sends anyone who hoards treasure in these “last days” among ‘prosperity gospel’ believers to be sent straight to Hell Fire in James 5:3.

So, I would be more worried about believing or preaching something which Holy Scripture directly attaches a ‘hell punishment’ as the phrase “… eat your flesh like fire …” seems to imply their ‘resurrection for judgment’ bodies to undergo that punishment for those who ‘hoarded wealth in these last days’ (Luke 12:15 – 21 too), Verse:

“…Your gold and silver are corroded. The very wealth you were counting on will eat away your flesh like fire. This corroded treasure you have hoarded will testify against you on the day of judgment. …” (James 5:3, NLT)

or

“… Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. …” (James 5:3, KJV)

It’s not the unpardonable sin nor is anywhere it’s mentioned as a sin to hope for it. In fact, my stance on it is simple: Based on my personal research into first Christianity Writings and exegesis of Scripture, it is most likely to be true. But the way I hope for it does “not” contradict any Scripture even if we take the Aeonian Kolasin translation to mean ‘everlasting punishment’ because the Epistle of the Apostles or the First Bible (Muratorian Canon) Scripture of the Apocalypse of Peter echoes a ‘cancellation’ of that ‘Eternal Sentence’ & they being brought to ‘lower regions’ once ‘saved’ by ‘Gehenna Fire’ by God’s Mercy.

Since I am “not” demanding it out of God to Do so and leave that Decision to Him upon request, there is “no” condemnation. It is wrong if I say that ‘God must Do it 100%’ because that’s arrogance and “not” respecting the Authority of God.

Turning to the Christian-Jewish Writing of Esdras, we may find such a ‘possibility’ that Blessed Prophet Ezra himself was a ‘Hopeful Universalist Christian’ by modern classification. To quote:

1) What is the 2 Esdras Writing?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2_Esdras

2) Words similar to Christ Centered Universalism Hope Uttered by Blessed Prophet Ezra in 2 Esdras

To quote:

i) Blessed Prophet Ezra asks God to have Mercy on the Wicked on the Future Judgment Day

“… 44 But human beings, who are shaped by your hands and named in your image, because they are made in your likeness, for whom you created all things—have you compared them to a farmer’s seeds? 45 No, Lord above us, but spare your people and have mercy on your inheritance, for you have mercy on your own creation.” …” (2 Esdras 8:44 – 45, CEB*)

Source: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Esdras%208&version=CEB

*CEB = Common English Bible (Version)

Divine Reply:

“… 46 He answered me: “The present things are for those who now are, and the future things for the future. 47 You are a long way from loving my creation more than I do. But you have often associated yourself with the wicked. Never do so! 48 But even in this respect the Most High will admire you, 49 because you have humbled yourself, as befits you, and didn’t count yourself among the righteous so that you may be glorified the more. 50 Many miseries will afflict those who inhabit the world in the last times because they will walk in great pride. 51 But think of yourself and ask about the glory of those like you. 52 For you, paradise is opened, the tree of life is planted, the future time is prepared, abundance is made ready, the city is built, rest is appointed, goodness is perfected, and wisdom is perfected in advance. 53 The root of evil is sealed off from you, weakness is abolished from you, and death is hidden; the netherworld and decay have fled into oblivion. 54 Sorrows have passed, and the treasure of immortality is displayed to the end. 55 Therefore, don’t continue to ask about the great many who perish. …” (2 Esdras 8:46 – 55, CEB)

Source: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Esdras%208&version=CEB

Comment: Instead of Condemning Prophet Ezra to Hell for ‘his Universalist Hope’ or ‘removing rewards due to not getting the eternal hell part correctly’, the Divine Reply was ‘praising Prophet Ezra for humbling himself to consider the wicked’  and even considers to Give Prophet Ezra to be “glorified the more” as these phrases in Verse 48 means ‘… 48 But even in this respect the Most High will admire you, 49 because you have humbled yourself, as befits you, and didn’t count yourself among the righteous so that you may be glorified the more. …’.

ii) Judgment day Decision is Final

“… 102 I answered: “If you look on me with favor, show your servant further whether on the Judgment Day the just will be able to seek mercy for the wicked or intercede for them with the Most High. 103 Will parents be allowed to intercede for children, children for parents, siblings for each other, relatives for those close to them, faithful ones for those most dear to them?” 104 He replied to me: “Because I do indeed favor you, I will also show you this. The Judgment Day is decisive. It reveals the seal of truth to all. Even in the here and now a parent doesn’t send a child, or a child the parent, or a master his servant, or a faithful friend a dear confidant, so that the one should understand or sleep or eat or be taken care of in the other person’s place. 105 Just so, no one will ever intercede for another; everyone will then bear his or her own deeds of justice or injustice.” …” (2 Esdras 7:102 – 105, CEB)

Source: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Esdras%207&version=CEB

iii) Only a Few will be Saved

“… He answered me: “The Most High made this world for the sake of many but the future world for the sake of few. 2 But I will tell you a parable, Ezra. Just as when you ask the earth and it tells you that it provides much clay to make earthenware, but little dust from which gold comes to be, so the present world also works. 3 Many indeed are created, but few will be saved.” …” (2 Esdras 8:1 – 3, CEB)

Source: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Esdras%208&version=CEB

iv) God may Choose to Show Mercy on some in Faith while some for their Good Works

“… 7 All this—who will be saved, who will be able to escape through their works or through the faith with which they believe …” (2 Esdras 9:7, CEB)

Source: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Esdras%209&version=CEB

v) Even after being told that only a “few are saved”, Prophet Ezra still tries interceding his ‘universalist hope’ of ‘mercy’ on those with ‘no good works’

“… 32 If you desire to have pity on us who have no good deeds to our credit, then you will be called compassionate. 33 The righteous who have many works laid up with you will receive a reward for their own works. 34 What are human beings that you should be angry with them, or a corrupt race that you should be irate with them? 35 In truth, no one born has not violated your commands, and no one who grew up has not sinned. 36 But this shows your goodness, Lord, when you have pity on those who have no stockpile of good works. …” (2 Esdras 8:32 – 26, CEB)

Source: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Esdras%208&version=CEB

Comment: Instead of ‘condemning’ Prophet Ezra for requesting God’s Mercy on behalf of those who have “no” good works, the Divine Reply just Gently brushes his request off without diminishing any of prophet Ezra’s reward or ‘warning prophet Ezra’ that he will be condemned, Verses:

“… 37 He answered me: “You have said some things correctly, and according to your words it will be done. 38 Indeed, I won’t think about the formation of sinners or their death or judgment or damnation, 39 but I will rejoice over the creation of the righteous, their journey also, and their deliverance and receipt of a reward. … 55 Therefore, don’t continue to ask about the great many who perish. 56 They also received freedom, but they despised the Most High, spoke ill of his Law, and abandoned his ways. …” (2 Esdras 8:37 – 39, 55 – 56, CEB)

3) The Conversation turns to a different Topic from chapter 9 onward regarding the signs of the last days.

Then nearing the end of this Book of 2 Esdras (which has 16 chapters), the Divine Voice Speaks to prophet Ezra as follows:

“… He said to me: 3 “I revealed myself in a bush and spoke to Moses when my people were enslaved in Egypt. 4 I sent him and brought my people out of Egypt, and I led him to Mount Sinai, and I kept him with me for many days. 5 I told him many wondrous things and showed him the secrets of the times and the end of the times. I commanded him, saying, 6 ‘You will make these words public, but you will keep these other words secret.’ …” (2 Esdras 14:3 – 6, CEB)

Source: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Esdras%2014&version=CEB

So similarly, Prophet Ezra was told to reconstruct the 24 Bible Old Testament Books which were ‘lost or damaged at that time’ under ‘Inspiration’ and wrote a further ’70 secret books to the wise’ which he cannot put in the ‘public canon’, Verse in image too:

“… 23 He replied to me: “Go, gather the people and say to them that they shouldn’t seek you for forty days. 24 Gather up many writing tablets, and take with you Sarea, Dabria, Selemia, Ethanus, and Asiel, these five, who are trained to write fast. 25 Come here, and I will light in your heart the lamp of understanding. It won’t be extinguished until you have written everything down. 26 When you are finished, you will make some things public, others you will transmit secretly to the wise. You will begin to write tomorrow at this time.” …” (2 Esdras 14:23 – 26, CEB)

Source: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Esdras%2014&version=CEB

Conclusion

Two possibilities:

1. 2 Esdras is Divinely Inspired

If the eternal hell language in 2 Esdras is true, then it’s also true that there were 70 secret books written which might reveal further insights where some of these Books could be the ones listed below (where some of which has the ‘Final Christ Centered Universalism Hope’):

i) Apocalypse of Elijah

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159622630577784

ii) Book of 1Enoch

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159548315757784

or this
https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159489970167784

iii) Epistle of the Apostles

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159631284097784

iv) Apocalypse of Zephaniah

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159631226447784

v) Jewish Christian Sibyline Oracles – a Tradition by Blessed and Great St. Paul the Apostle?

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10158298054362784

vi) Jewish Targums

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10158865159207784

vii) Apocalypse of Peter

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10158849943722784

viii) Arguments for Hell is not Eternal using Bible Verses using the same words Olam/Aeon

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159410771327784

ix) Arguments for the Possibility that Olam/Aeon used to denote Exactly 1000 Years by Christ Himself

https://web.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10159511823312784

x) Three Types of Men: Elect, Righteous and Sinners Categorization Mystery?

https://web.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10159489956072784

xi) Apocalypse of Ezra – Christ Centered Universalism Hope?

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159631095687784&id=651792783

2. 2 Esdras is not Divinely Inspired

If this is true, then we need not worry about the eternal hell threat either based on this writing, right? Also, even by assuming an eternal hell threat for the wicked, this writing does “not” condemn the “universalist hopeful attitude of Prophet Ezra” who ‘repeatedly seems not to give up asking for hope’ even after being answered ‘to not ask further’ several times. Also, there is “no” warning or condemnation or loss of reward threatened to prophet Ezra for keeping on ‘trying so’ except some ‘great compliments’. Strange Indeed.

Source Post:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160113512857784&id=651792783

Peace to you

 

P/S: Is this 2 Esdras Writing Quoted by Christ? Not sure but possible as discussed in link below:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160113678577784&id=651792783

Matthew 23:37 or Luke 13:34 and 2 Esdras 1:30 Mystery and more

To quote from Mr. Kyle:

‘… The 2nd Book of Esdras makes explicit mentions about the following, foreshadowing the Messiah (first 2 chapters):

The Son closely quotes the Father’s words
I gathered you together, as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings: but now, what shall I do unto you? I will cast you out from my face. (2 Esdras 1:30)

[H]ow often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! (Luke 13:34)

The Gentiles will receive grace, repent, and have faith in God Your houses [Jacob and Juda] will I give to a people that shall come, which not having heard of me yet shall believe me, to whom I have shown no signs, yet they shall do that I have commanded them. They have seen no prophets, yet they shall call their sins to remembrance, and acknowledge them. I take to witness the grace of the people to come, whose little ones rejoice in gladness: and though they have not seen me with bodily eyes, yet in spirit, they believe the thing that I say. (2 Esdras 1:35-37 NKJVA)

Sealing of the Elect
Arise up and stand, behold the number of those that be sealed in the feast of the Lord; (2 Esdras 2:38 KJVA)

The Son of God who crowns and gives palms and more! After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands (Revelation 7:9 NKJV)

Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. (2 Timothy 4:8 NKJV)

So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” (1 Corinthians 15:54)

Take thy number, O Sion, and shut up those of thine that are clothed in white, which have fulfilled the law of the Lord. I Esdras saw upon the mount Sion a great people, whom I could not number, and they all praised the Lord with songs.

He answered and said unto me, These be they that have put off the mortal clothing, and put on the immortal, and have confessed the name of God: now are they crowned, and receive palms. Then said I unto the angel, What young person is it that crowneth them, and giveth them palms in their hands? So he answered and said unto me, It is the Son of God, whom they have confessed in the world. Then began I greatly to commend them that stood so stiffly for the name of the Lord. (2 Esdras 2:40, 42, 45-47 KJVA)

Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. (1 John 4:15 KJV)

Jesus, the Shepherd
And therefore I say unto you, O ye heathen, that hear and understand, look for your Shepherd, he shall give you everlasting rest; for he is nigh at hand, that shall come in the end of the world.
(2 Esdras 2:34 KJVA)

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28 KJV)

For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. (1 Peter 2:25 KJV)

On the one hand, he was foreknown before the creation of the world, but on the other hand, he was revealed at the end of time for your sake. (1 Peter 1:20 ISV). …’ – Mr. Kyle

Possibilities: Either Christ Himself may have quoted 2 Esdras 1:30 in Matthew 23:37/Luke 13:34 or it’s a “weird coincidence” or 2 Esdras was a “Christian Scribe invention” which quotes Matthew 23:37 in some way. Only God Knows. Mysterious indeed.

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who are the Enemies of Christ whom Blessed Apostle St. Paul Warned against?

Bible Verses (in image too):

“… 17Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the ENEMIES OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST: 19whose END IS DESTRUCTION, whose GOD IS THEIR BELLY, and whose glory is in their shame—who SET THEIR MIND ON EARTHLY THINGS. 20For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. …” (Philippians 3:17 – 21, NKJV)

Conclusion

1. “17Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern”

Meaning:

“… I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the traditions just as I passed them on to you. … 36Or did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? 37If anyone thinks they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. 38But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored. …” (1 Corinthians 11:2, to 1 Corinthians 14:36 – 38, NIV)

2. “that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.”

Meaning: ‘Prosperity Gospel’ Lifestyle because these Preach that “earthly things” and ‘eating nicely’ (as their belly is their god implying the attitude of seeking blessings after blessings too for oneself) in abundance is abundant life (John 10:10) against Christ’s Own Definition of ‘abundant life that it does NOT include earthly things at all’ (in Luke 12:15 – 21) as no other context is mentioned in Verse above as the definition of the “enemies of the cross of Christ”, highlighting these are the ‘No.1 reasons’, isn’t it?

Isn’t it clear in Holy Scripture how dangerous the ‘Prosperity Gospel’ is by some many Verses? More in link below:

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prayer and Fasting Warriors Vs Almsgiving Warriors in Christianity

Beautiful quote in image which is easier said than done especially when it hits home or when it affects one’s personal budget and not the surpluses or abundance (in principle of Luke 21:1 – 4). So some of us (like me) are guilty of just “Praying for the poor to be fed instead” as per Verses below as the phrase “… one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” …” means.

“… 15If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and 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? …” (James 2:15 – 16, NKJV)

So, we have a lot of “prayer warriors” indeed but Blessed Apostle St. James the Just in Verses above and Blessed Apostle St. John in Verses below prefer the “Almsgiving” Christian above the “Prayer or fasting only ones”, Verses:

“… But 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? …” (1 John 3:17, NKJV)

Please notice the two conditions set forth in Verse above namely according to when ‘you see a brother in need’ (within your power of reach) and ‘has this world’s goods’ (puts the relative measure on the burden on the rich or those with prosperity) as per Luke 21:1 – 4 too to be responsible to share for if not:

“… Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. …” (James 4:17, NKJV)

Indeed, we may not be perfect but the risk of condemnation (as per James 5:3) is higher when the Prosperity is higher as this highlights another Biblical danger of the “Prosperity Gospel”.

Conclusion – This First “Jewish” Christianity Quote might be True indeed

“… 2Clem 16:1 Therefore, brethren, since we have found no small opportunity for repentance, seeing that we have time, let us turn again unto God that
called us, while we have still One that receiveth us.2Clem 16:2 For if we bid farewell to these enjoyments and conquer our soul in refusing to fulfill its evil lusts, we shall be partakers of the mercy of Jesus. 2Clem 16:3 But ye know that the day of judgment cometh even now as a burning
oven, and the powers of the heavens shall melt, and all the earth as lead melting on the fire, and then shall appear the secret and open works of men. 2Clem 16:4 ALMSGIVING therefore is a good thing, EVEN AS REPENTANCE FROM SIN> FASTING IS BETTER THAN PRAYER, but ALMSGIVING BETTER THAN BOTH. And LOVE COVERETH A MULTITUDE OF SINS, but prayer out of a good conscience delivereth from death. BLESSED IS EVERY MAN that is FOUND FULL OF THESE. For ALMSGIVING LIFTETH OFF THE BURDEN OF SIN. 2Clem 17:1 Let us therefore repent with our whole heart, lest any of us perish by the way. For if we have received commands, that we should make this our business, to tear men away from idols and to instruct them, how much more is it wrong that a soul which knoweth God already should perish! …” (2 Clement, Attributed to Blessed St. Clement of Rome, a direct Disciple of the Blessed Apostle St. Peter, c.35 AD – c. 99 AD)

Source:

http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/2clement-lightfoot.html

Source Post:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160112767742784&id=651792783

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160102343397784&id=651792783

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Almsgiving Secrets – What did the Prophets know More especially one as Wise as Blessed Prophet Daniel?

Atonement for Judgment of Sins via Acts of “Righteousness” (keeping ‘Holy’), “Compassion to the Poor” and by “alms / Almsgiving / charity works”, Verse:

“… 26And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule. Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and BREAK OFF THY SINS by righteousness, and THINE INIQUITIES BY SHEWING MERCY TO THE POOR; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity. …” – Blessed Prophet Daniel to king Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:26 – 27, KJV, Based on the Masoretic Text)

Source:

https://biblehub.com/kjv/daniel/4.htm

Or

“… 26And whereas they said, Leave the stumps of the roots of the tree; thy kingdom abides sure to thee from the time that thou shalt know the power of the heavens. 27Therefore, O king, let my counsel please thee, and ATONE FOR THY SINS BY ALMS, and THINE INIQUITIES BY COMPASSION ON THE POOR: it may be God will be long-suffering to thy trespasses. …” – Blessed Prophet Daniel to king Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:26 – 27, LXX, Brenton Septuagint Translation)

Source:

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

The above is “Why” Christ Taught the same namely,

“… … But what ye have GIVE YE AS ALMS, and, lo, ALL THINGS ARE CLEAN to you. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Young’s Literal Translation, Luke 11:41, YLT)

“… But now as for what is inside you–be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:41, NIV)

Christ did “not” Say that any ‘other action’ may be substituted for it and please note in Luke 11:41 that this is exactly what the Pharisees ‘failed’ to do though they did charity with Temple money & tithes but not including their own money (Matthew 6:2).

Here’s a secret: Almsgiving can remove the Judgment for sins but not sin itself. Only the Blood of Christ removes Sin to make us a “New Sinless Creation” in the Resurrection. There are “no” contradictions but only misunderstanding these Bible Verses.

The best of First Christianity Taught this, example quote:

“… When you can do good, defer it not, because “alms delivers from death. [Tobit 12:9]” …” – 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 A, Chapter X, Epistle to the Philippians)

 

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

Or

“… If, however, grief has taken possession of us on account of something in which we ourselves have erred or sinned, we should bear in mind not only that a “broken spirit is a sacrifice to God,” but also the saying, “Like as water quencheth fire, so alms sin;” …” – 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, Catechising the uninstructed par 22)

Source (more quotes in link):

https://practicalapologetics.blogspot.com/2013/07/early-church-fathers-on-almsgiving.html

The other alternative is painful chastisement in this life itself for “Judgment of Sins” for “each Christian” (no one escapes) but ‘in this life only, no afterlife Judgment for believers’ (John 5:24) as Verses below clearly describe:

“… 8But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. 9Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 10For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 11Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. …” (Hebrews 12:8 – 11, NKJV)

“… Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into [afterlife] judgment, but has passed from death into life. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 5:24, NKJV)

[Emphasis Mine]

Source:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160105857207784&id=651792783

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160105857207784&id=651792783

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charity Doctrine Mystery – is it a must to be Saved?

“Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?” (John 7:51, NKJV)

Please hear me out first, alright? the answer is simpler than usually presented.

Question

How can you say that CHARITY Doctrine is a must to be Saved as wouldn’t that mean that you saying that we are Saved by works which contradicts Romans 3:20?

Reply

Firstly, Charity does not refer to giving to Charitable organisations only but sharing with anyone needy among one another too as the First Christians Practiced (Acts 2:44 – 45, Acts 4:32).

Anyone who is Saved is by God’s Mercy and NOT by our righteousness in any way (Titus 3:5) not even our faith but Christ’s Faith* (or “Faith of Jesus Christ”, Romans 3:22) Who Fulfills All Law including Having Faith Perfectly and thereby Authors “our faith in Christ” too (is ‘not ours’ but Originates from Christ) on whomever He Shows Mercy now (Hebrews 12:2), where Salvation is 100% His Work Alone if Understood accurately.

The “Charity Doctrine” (Love in Action not words only) is a must just like “Be Holy” commands in the same way anyone who is unholy will not inherit His Kingdom in the First Resurrection (Revelation 20:4 – 6, Matthew 7:13 – 14, 20 – 23) as 1 Corinthians 6:8 – 10 testifies.

This gives the equivalent question back to you (to which you are blind) namely, “… How can you say that HOLINESS Doctrine is a must to be Saved as wouldn’t that mean that you saying that we are Saved by works which contradicts Romans 3:20? …” Can you see it? I replaced the word “CHARITY” with “HOLINESS”. So, whatever answer you’re going to give to defend the “holiness doctrine” by quoting say any Protestant theologians of your choice, just replace the word “HOLINESS” by “CHARITY” and the “same reasoning” applies (whichever you choose).

Conclusion – How and Why?

Holiness Doctrine is a Work of the Law according to Christ Himself in Matthew 19:16 – 19 to inherit Eternal Life where Christ likewise Also Instructed the ‘Higher Way of Agape-Love’ (1 Corinthians 12:28-31 faith-way compared to the more excellent Way of Agape-Love in 1 Corinthians 13, Love > Faith itself according to 1 Corinthians 13:13) to inherit Eternal Life by Introducing to Fulfill the Two Greatest Commandments only, namely “Love God and Love your neighbor” (Mark 12:28 – 34) where Love your neighbor includes “Samaritans/Jews” (cultural enemies/rivals too) by “Acts of Mercy” in Luke 10:25 – 37.

So the Charity Acts are required for Eternal Life the same way Holiness is required and our Charity Acts do not Save us the same way our Holiness does not save us but Christ Alone Saves us by His Mercy. Can you see how this dual argument with Scripture makes these two aspects similar and easy to understand?

That’s why Apostle Paul himself wrote that the “doers of the Law” will be “justified” in Romans 2:13 refering to both the ‘Holiness Command to keep away from sin and more so toward the Charity Command to Love your neighbor in Action’ as he himself wrote that by doing this “Charity Doctrine of loving one’s neighbor as oneself in action” is equivalent to fulfilling “All Law (of holiness and others combined)” (Galatians 5:14) agreeing to why this Charity Command is a higher “Royal Law” of “Scripture” as Apostle James himself agreed in James 2:8.

Christ Himself Revealed how to Fulfill these “Love God and Love your neighbor as yourself” to “exceed” the “righteousness of the Pharisees” to “enter into His Kingdom of the Heavens” (in Matthew 5:20) by listing out New Commands as well as ‘Cancelling’ out some Old Testament Judgment Commands via His Infamous Beatitudes’ “… But I tell you Commands …” in Matthew 5 to 7 as some examples are discussed in links below**.

*Christ’s Faith or Faith of Jesus Christ discussion links:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159410072252784&id=651792783

Or

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159404979592784&id=651792783

**How to exceed the Righteousness of the Pharisees discussion links:

i) How to exceed the Righteousness of the Pharisees as required to enter the Kingdom of the Heavens?

ii) Bible Mystery – You have Heard it was Said But…

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159914780382784&id=651792783

Peace to you

P/S: Bible Verses Quoted here in order

“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)

“Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” (Romans 3:20, NKJV)

“not 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” (Titus 3:5, NKJV)

“Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:” (Romans 3:23, KJV)

“looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2, 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 thousand years. 5But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6Blessed 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 – 6, NKJV)

“13“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. … 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!’” (Matthew 7:13 – 14, 20 – 23, NKJV)

“8No, you yourselves do wrong and cheat, and you do these things to your brethren! 9Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were [d]sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:8 – 10, NKJV)

“16Now behold, one came and said to Him, “GoodTeacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? 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.’ ” (Matthew 19:16 – 19, NKJV)

” 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 best gifts. And yet I SHOW YOU A MORE EXCELLENT WAY.” (1 Corinthians 12:28 – 31, NKJV)

“… 13And now abide FAITH, HOPE, LOVE, these three; but the GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE. …” (1 Corinthians 13:13, NKJV)

“28Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, “Which is the first commandment of all?” 29Jesus answered him, “The 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.’ 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.” 32So the scribe said to Him, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. 33And to LOVE HIM with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to LOVE ONE’S NEIGHBOR AS ONESELF, is MORE THAN ALL THE WHOLE BURNT OFFERINGS AND SACRIFICES.” 34Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, “You are NOT FAR FROM THE KINGDOM OF GOD.”But after that no one dared question Him.” (Mark 12:28 – 31, NKJV)

“… 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)

“for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified;” (Romans 2:13, NKJV)

“For ALL THE LAW IS FULFILLED in one word, even in this: “You shall LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” (Galatians 5:14, NKJV)

“If you really FULFILL the ROYAL LAW according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” YOU DO WELL;” (James 2:8, NKJV)

“For 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.” (Matthew 5:20, NKJV)

More discussion in Source Post in link below:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160092688392784&substory_index=0&id=651792783

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160092688392784&substory_index=0&id=651792783

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Church Assemblies and Worship – Only Works for those for Care for the “Poor”

Firstly, Verses for Quote in image:

“… 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)

Again, it’s the “Charity Doctrine”. Truly, nothing else matters for works of faith. Please notice verse 10 where the Verse states that “they” who Practice all these “sacred assemblies, worship etc.” will HATE the one who speaks this TRUTH regarding JUSTICE and RIGHTEOUSNESS to the POOR. Please notice in Verse 11 that by God’s Standards, one ‘cannot’ tax the poor (In Malaysia this is Practiced since no income tax for low income individuals of less than RM 3000 per month, God Bless Malaysia). Verse 12 means they refuse to help the Poor by leading them away. It’s obvious that these are relative measures and the ones having more money or collecting money in God’s Name must help the poor (with ‘sacred assemblies & worship’ mentioned above) while the rest give what they can (Luke 21:1 – 4) as more is given, more is demanded (Luke 12:46 – 48) as Judgment awaits in the afterlife (Luke 16:19 – 31). Relative Measure itself makes the “Prosperity Gospel” accountable and more dangerous.

Source:

https://biblehub.com/nkjv/amos/5.htm

The Septuagint reads the same:

“… 10They HATED him that REPROVED in the gates, and ABHORRED HOLY SPEECH. 11Therefore BECAUSE THEY HAVE SMITTEN THE POOR with their fists, and ye have received of them choice gifts; ye have built polished houses, but ye shall not dwell in them; ye have planted desirable vineyards, but ye shall not drink the wine of them. 12For I know YOUR MANY TRANSGRESSIONS, and YOUR SINS ARE GREAT, TRAMPLING on the JUST, TAKING BRIBES, and TURNING ASIDE THE JUDGMENT OF THE POOR in the gates. … 21I HATE, I REJECT YOUR FEASTS, and I will NOT smell your meat-offerings in your GENERAL ASSEMBLIES 22Wherefore if ye should bring me your whole-burnt-sacrifices and meat-offerings, I will NOT ACCEPT them: NEITHER will I have RESPECT to your grand peace-offerings. 23REMOVE from me the SOUND OF THY SONGS, and I will NOT HEAR the MUSIC of THINE INSTRUMENTS. 24But let JUDGMENT roll down as water, and RIGHTEOUSNESS as an impassable torrent. …” (Amos 5:10 – 12, 21 – 24, LXX, Brenton Septuagint Translation)

Source:

https://biblehub.com/sep/amos/5.htm

Source Post:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160098451947784&id=651792783

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Faith and Works Mystery – Life’s Challenge and how about non-Christians?

1) No one with faith alone can be Saved

“… What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?” …” (James 2:14, NKJV)

2) No one is saved by their works alone

The Bible Verses below in “Full” clearly describe that a believer is not saved by works at all but yet every one who believes will be doing Good Works in some way according to what God has Prepared Beforehand for them:

” 8For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8 – 10, NKJV)

In short, one cannot have faith alone with “no” good works. It’s like Blessed Apostle St. Paul saying that each Believer will have Plenty of Good Works Predestined for him/her to do but you are not Saved by that but by God’s Grace through Christ’s Faith or “Faith of Jesus Christ” and not ours as discussed in detail in Posts below which link to other posts for more related details:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159410072252784&id=651792783

Or

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159404979592784&id=651792783

Conclusion – Open question: Can Christ Impute His Righteousness on those who never believed in Him but did Good Works?

Contrary to popular Christian opinion, it’s possible as these Bible Verses from the 66 books point but no one can say either way for sure (so, it’s not wrong to speculate but we let God Alone Decide), please consider the following claim with Verses in points below.

Good Works Practising non-Christians Saved by “Faith of Jesus Christ” even though they never heard the Gospel Bible Verse:

“… 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. …” – Blessed St. Paul the Great Apostle of Christ to the Gentiles (Romans 2:14 – 16, NKJV)

Please note carefully that the Verses above clearly prove that someone who never believed in Christ (i.e. never heard of God’s Law) being Saved. So he did not get Saved by “his faith” because he doesn’t have a “faith in Christ” as such a person never heard or believed in Him on earth. This itself is sufficient proof that we are Saved by “Faith of Jesus Christ” and “not our faith in Christ” as this First Christianity Quote by this Champion of Faith (for Protestants, Catholic or Orthodox) itself reveals:

“… , one incomprehensible Godhead, unfathomable, inexpressible, invisible. It alone knows itself; it reveals itself to whom it will It raises up its witnesses, calls, predestines and glorifies them, lifts them up from hades, hallows them. (8) For its own glory and faith it makes these three one: things in heaven, on earth, and under the earth; …” – Blessed St. Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamis and the ‘Hammer of Heretics’, (c. 310 AD – c. 403 AD, ‘PNEUMATOMACHI’, “Panarion or Medicine-Chest”, Points 7.1 – 7.3, Pages 498 – 499)

Source:

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

 

Where

 

The phrase “For its own glory and faith” implies that “its own Faith” = GodHead’s Own Faith = “Christ’s Faith” = the “Faith of Jesus Christ” in Romans 3:22-KJV (not by our faith we are justified but by His Faith where we become the first recipients of It when we believe first reaping Imperishable Rewards, Romans 3:26).

Yes, this gives stronger credence to the Original Greek phrase meaning “Faith of Jesus Christ” (Christ’s Perfect Faith) Saves us and not our faith by which some not demonstrating enough work of faith itself will be unsaved as per unbelievers as Christ Himself mentioned in Luke 12:46 – 48 and or James 2:14 too. Here’s another post below discussing the “Faith of Jesus Christ” Mystery:

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159578001047784

Please take note that even though the case of the “unlearnt” is described above (as the Shepherd of Hermas Writing also prove afterlife preaching and believing in the Gospel as 1 Peter 4:5 – 6 may mean too), the fact remains that Christ’s Faith can Save those who didn’t believe in Him if He Wishes too on Judgment Day itself as these Verses prove. Christ’s Own Words may hide the Mystery that He May have Mercy on those who “Practiced Acts of Mercy” as described in Post below:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160013273852784&id=651792783

Or in link below:

This same last chance to be “Saved without honour” is echoed in the Book of 1Enoch’s Book of Parables section as discussed in post below:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159936258282784&substory_index=0&id=651792783

Is it limited to the case of the unlearnt? Not sure. Christ Saving those who did “Good Works” (John 5:28 – 29) such as feeding the hungry etc. (Matthew 25:31 – 46) by His Mercy (Romans 9:15) in the “Second Resurrection” (Revelation 20:5, Revelation 20:11 – 15) 1000 later than the “First Resurrection” Christian Salvation (Revelation 20:4 – 6) is probably affirmed by the Lord in that “He Reaps where He has not Sowed too” where Sowing refers to the “Sowing of the Gospel Seed” (in Matthew 13:18 – 23’s ‘Parable of the Sower’) 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,” 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 ]:

https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/matthew-commentary/catena-aurea-on-matthew/chapter-1/chapter-2/chapter-3/chapter-4/chapter-5/chapter-6/chapter-7/chapter-8/chapter-9/chapter-10/chapter-11/chapter-12/chapter-13/chapter-14/chapter-15/chapter-16/chapter-17/chapter-18/chapter-19/chapter-20/chapter-21/chapter-22/chapter-23/chapter-24/chapter-25

Even if we are wrong, we won’t be judged for it if we didn’t judge others based on it as God’s Own Words below only judges the “same measure” toward those who ‘claim to be 100% right & condemn the rest in eternal hell for theological error’ will be judged for such accuracy they put on others who will justified if they’re 100% right or if not, run the same risk of condemnation for another ‘possible missed point’, right?

“1“Judge not, that you be not judged. 2For with what 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)

Hence, it’s better to admit that we don’t know 100% sure for things which we are not certain to avoid any “unnecessary condemnation”.

I am not saying that this is surely true but in light of such an exegesis here, it is possible. In light of all these, since I know that we cannot force anyone to believe in Christ as that’s Pre-Destined, but at least we encourage them to do “Good Works” to cover this possibility and because every Christian that’s going to be Saved even rich ones must have plenty of Good Works too without which there’s no eternal life (e.g. 1 Timothy 6:17 – 19).

God Alone Knows.

Source Post:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160092688392784&substory_index=0&id=651792783

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blasphemy No.1 Preached in Many Churches – Do you know?

When I say ‘Blasphemy No.1’, I am not referring to the worst Blasphemy (Matthew 12:32) but to the “most popular” blasphemy which goes something like this or equivalent (ironically we hear it being taught by some of our own parents even):

‘… If you obey God, He will prosper you till you will be rich and fulfill all your desires of your heart as the Bible Says. If not, you will live in poverty and suffer …’ – Common “Preaching”

Here is the “Why” with “Bible Verses” how such ‘Prosperity Preachers’ are so easily deceived and deceive others (in light of these Verses, have you “no” Fear of God?):

1) Grant the Desires of your Heart

“Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4, NKJV)

The Bible’s Inherent Context is that it is Granted if the desire of your heart is to do God’s Will (for example: ‘these things will be added to you’ in Luke 12:30 – 31 if you seek His Kingdom Luke 12:32 by desiring to use what is given to “… Give to Charity to exchange it for heavenly treasures…” Luke 12:33 – 34 as these Verses in Full itself means). Can you see it?

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” (1 John 5:14, NKJV)

But if ‘the desires of your heart’ is ‘living an self enjoying life’ whilst giving tit-bits to the poor (which is NOT God’s Will according to many Verses such as Luke 12:21, James 5:3, Matthew 19:21, 27 – 30, Luke 14:33), then your ‘wish’ may be Granted by the Devil himself and ‘not God’ according to these Verses (so just because one gets money-opportunity it does not necessarily mean it’s a ‘blessing’ or from God, as all the Biblically Wise will be able to discern this Truth against ‘Mammon’) as these Verses clearly Testify:

“… , “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” …” – Satan (Matthew 4:9, NKJV)

Yes, Satan can give ‘all the desires of your heart and much more’ till ‘you have an increase in riches, no diseases, easy life and die peacefully too’ where strangely, isn’t that what such ‘Christians’ are seeking?, Verses (Please Be Warned!)

“… 3For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4For there are no pangs in their death, But their strength is firm. 5They are not in trouble as other men, Nor are they plagued like other men. … 7Their eyes bulge with abundance;
They have more than heart could wish. … 12Behold, these are the ungodly, Who are always at ease; They increase in riches. …” (Psalms 73:3 – 5, 7, 12, NKJV)

These Verses are essentially the same whether you use the Masoretic Text (above) or the Septuagint (LXX) as you may check in link below:

https://biblehub.com/sep/psalms/73.htm

God Allows the Wicked to enjoy life on earth because to “maximize” the Hell-Judgment Sentence (Luke 16:19 – 31) because they cannot say that they didn’t have or couldn’t give right? Can you really see the Wisdom of God in Bible Verses? Psalm 73 quoted above concludes likewise as the Prophet understood ‘their END’ referring to the ‘afterlife’, Verses:

“… 17Until I went into the sanctuary of God;
Then I understood their end.
18Surely You set them in slippery places;
You cast them down to destruction.
19Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment!
They are utterly consumed with terrors. …” (Psalm 73:17 – 19, NKJV)

Abraham himself will answer the Wicked this as Christ Pointed out:

“… 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.’ …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 16:22 – 26, NKJV)

The Righteous need not worry about fulfilling God’s Will even if they have little because sometimes that’s when the Giving is Greater as God Counts in ‘Relative Measure’ (so the righteous ‘lose nothing’ but ‘gain more’ if they face these ‘unfairness of life’ as per Luke 21:1 – 4 and Luke 12:46 – 48, can you see the ‘Wisdom of God’ in these Verses?)

2) The Righteous in the New Covenant will “suffer” in some way for the Gospel to carry ‘his cross’

“… YES, and ALL [not some] who desire to LIVE GODLY in CHRIST JESUS will SUFFER persecution. …” (2 Timothy 3:12, NKJV)

[Emphasis Mine throughout – Please notice the word ‘All’ which debunks all prosperity easy life myths for true Christians, as “many” will be denied as per Matthew 7:20 – 23 for ‘not’ fulfilling God’s Will in this]

Because it’s in “Denial of Self” (i.e. denying earthly self-enjoyment pursuits) and taking up “your cross” (of “suffering” for the Gospel Commands in some way) is a ‘True Disciple of Christ identified across Christianity’:

“… Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross DAILY, and follow Me. …” (Luke 9:23, NKJV)

Please notice the Word “DAILY” above which means that the ‘Charity Lifestyle’ (Acts 2:44 – 46, Acts 4:32) or His Other Commands (e.g. 1 Corinthians 14:37) are to be Practiced in ‘DAILY’ living to fulfill God’s Will.

Conclusion

i) Poor Preachers

God Knows that they won’t listen to a ‘poor preacher’ but if a ‘rich man preaches’ they will believe it ‘thinking’ fallaciously that ‘it’s God’s Will to enjoy life like that’ (against Christ’s Own Most Blessed Words in Luke 12:21 referring to that lifestyle context of ‘enjoying life in material blessings’ in definition first in Luke 12:16 – 20).

ii) No Special cases

The word “All” in 2 Timothy 3:12 earlier itself suffices to prove that such a suffering lifestyle is for all Christians and not that some are ‘more special to enjoy life’. They will blame the poor preachers by saying that these preachers are probably jealous of God Giving it to them. They will eat their own words on that Judgment Day as Blessed Apostle St. James the Just himself has Prophesied this where the phrase “last days” in Verse below means that such “wealth hoarding lifestyle for self” is prohibited under the New Testament (as opposed to Old Testament’s righteous rich such as Abraham, whom God Overlooked many things including ‘concubines’, ‘polygamy’ ‘slavery’ etc. as per Acts 17:30) and those who disobey this Wealth Command may find their ‘resurrection for Judgment bodies’ (John 5:29) being ‘eaten away in fire’, Verse:

“… Your gold and silver are corroded. The very wealth you were counting on will eat away your flesh like fire. This corroded treasure you have hoarded will testify against you on the day of judgment. …” (James 5:3, NLT)

or in another translation (no difficult words here):

“… Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure! …” (James 5:3, NASB)

With a warning like that, how is it ‘not’ a big deal for Biblical Christians?

Source: https://biblehub.com/james/5-3.htm

No Special cases is also proven by Luke 14:33 and Luke 9:23. Example:

“So then, NONE of you can be MY DISCIPLES who does NOT give up ALL HIS OWN POSSESSIONS.” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 14:33, NASB)

How can poor preachers be jealous where if they preach this Truth, they themselves cannot take your money or anyone’s money and enjoy life likewise because it’s prohibited?

Isn’t the one who is living off your money is who is more dangerous and has ulterior motives?

The “Biblical Definition of Poor in spirit” is a requirement Biblically that a rich man who might be Saved to live a lifestyle ‘full of good works’ of ‘sharing & giving’ as this Verse Details it out as this (as no requirement written biblically may be ‘skipped’):

“… COMMAND those who are RICH … Let 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) ….”.

iii) Can a poor man be wise or be a saint?

Yes, here are example Verses meaning that ‘God’s Will is not necessarily that the righteous ‘must’ be rich’, Verses:

“… Then I said: “Wisdom is better than strength. Nevertheless the POOR MAN’S WISDOM is DESPISED, And HIS WORDS are NOT HEARD. …” (Ecclesiastes 9:16, NKJV)

“… For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the POOR AMONG THE SAINTS who are in Jerusalem. …” (Romans 15:26, NKJV)

The Truth that the ‘Wicked on earth’ will usually live in enjoyment ‘as though they deserve it’ while the ‘righteous suffer UNFAIRLY’ is already Prophesied in this Verse (where it is Vanity on earth but Christ already Revealed in Verse later below the Great Reward in Heaven for suffering so on earth), to quote:

“… 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)

Source: https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm

The Septuagint or LXX translation reads the same as the Masoretic Text translation above:

“… 14There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there are righteous persons to whom it happens according to the doing of the ungodly; and there are ungodly men, to whom it happens according to the doing of the just: I said, This is also vanity. …” (Ecclesiastes 8:14, Brenton Septuagint Translation, LXX)

Source: https://biblehub.com/sep/ecclesiastes/8.htm

Yes, Best is, these Verses get fulfilled whenever any poor preacher preaches these Biblical Truth (he knows they won’t listen as the Bible Verses above already Prophesy) but he will get ‘Great Reward’ for it in His Kingdom, Verses:

“… 11Blessed are you when they REVILE and PERSECUTE YOU, and say ALL KINDS OF EVIL against you FALSELY FOR MY SAKE [i.e. for Christ’s Own Words Quoted in Many Verses here]. 12Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for GREAT is YOUR REWARD in HEAVEN [not on earth], for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:11 – 12, NKJV)

Source Post:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160091633657784&id=651792783

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mystery of the “Perfect” Will of God- “Renewed” Mind of the “Few”

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and PERFECT will of God.” (Romans 12:2, NKJV)

What is it? Christ Calls it as something beyond keeping ‘All Law/Torah (10 Commandments) even’ as “Sell all Give to the poor type of Following Him”, Verses:

“… 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 19:18 – 22, NKJV)

Please notice the Word “Perfect” in both Romans 12:2 and Matthew 19:21 above in the Context of ‘… What do I STILL LACK? …’ after ‘keeping all Law from the youth’.

Conclusion

Romans 12:1 – 2 Speaks of the ‘Renewing of our Mind’ toward this Lifestyle of Giving to the Poor toward the “Perfection” of ‘Sell all and give to the poor’ where if we cannot do that perfectly, we may do it imperfectly toward that by God’s Grace to ‘seek His Kingdom’ as Luke 12:30 – 33 in full implies ‘Selling what God Gives’ and ‘Doing Charity Works lifestyle’ agreeing to this as the First Church Practiced (Acts 2:44 – 46, Acts 4:32).

Comment: As long as our minds as still set against the “Perfect” Will of God to ‘seek money to enjoy ourselves’ in seemingly not sin enjoyments itself (Luke 12:15 – 21), we are ‘missing’ the point. In fact in Romans 12:13 itself this ‘generosity part’ is expounded further to the point of ‘feeding your enemy if he is hungry/thirsty’ (Romans 12:20) as the ‘Way’ described to ‘overcome evil by good’ (Romans 12:21, next verse) in that by doing “Good Works/Generosity/hospitality” toward our ‘enemies too’ agreeing perfectly with the “Perfect” Will of God Intended in these Verses which has ‘nothing’ to do with ‘any self prosperity Gospel or luxury pursuits’. Indeed, only a ‘few’ can live up to the Perfect Will of God to not be Denied on that Day (Matthew 7:20 – 23):

“13“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13 – 14, NKJV)

All of First Christianity knew what these Verses meant especially referring to “no prosperity pursuit” (as Christ Commanded in Luke 14:33) with “no” new theories, example quotes:

“… Otherwise; This third precept again is connected with the right method of fasting, and the order of discourse will be this; “But thou [p. 279] when thou fastest anoint thy head;” and after comes, “Enter ye in at the strait gate.” For there are three chief passions in our nature, that are most adhering to the flesh; the desire of food and drink; the love of the man towards the woman; and thirdly, sleep. These it is harder to cut off from the fleshly nature than the other passions. And therefore abstinence from no other passion so sanctifies the body as that a man should be chaste, abstinent, and continuing in watchings. … The fruits of a man are the confession of his faith and the works of his life; for he who utter according to God the words of humility and a true confession, is the sheep; but he who against the truth howls forth blasphemies against [p. 283] God is the wolf. … And what the will of God is the Lord Himself teaches, “This is,” He says, “the will of him that sent me, that every man that seeth the Son and believeth on him should have eternal life.” [John 6:40] The word believe has reference both to confession and conduct. He then who does not confess Christ, or does not walk according to His word, shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. …” -Pseudo-Chrysostom Manuscript (c. 4th – 5th Century)

or

“… Though love be wide, yet it leads men from the earth through difficult and steep ways. It is sufficiently difficult to cast aside all other things, and to love One only, not to aim at prosperity, not to fear adversity. …” – Ancient Gloss of Scripture

or

“… But seeing He declares below, “My yoke is pleasant, and my burden light,” how is it that He says here that the way is strait and narrow? Even here He teaches that it is light and pleasant; for here is a way and a gate as that other, which is called the wide and broad, has also a way and a gate. Of these nothing is to remain; but all pass away. But to pass through toil and sweat, and to arrive at a good end, namely life, is sufficient solace to those who undergo [p. 280] these struggles. … When He says, “Few there be that find it,” He points to the sluggishness of the many, and instructs His hearers not to look to the prosperity of the many, but to the toils of the few. … And the hypocrite is easily discerned; for the way they are commanded to walk is a hard way, and the hypocrite is loth to toil. And that you may not say that you are unable to find out them that are such, He again enforces what He had said by example from men, saying, “Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?” …” – Blessed St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, Doctor of the Church (c. 349 AD – c. 407 AD)

or

“… Serm. in Mont., ii, 24: Wherefore it is justly asked, what fruits then He would have us look to? For many esteem among fruits some things which pertain to the sheep’s clothing, and in this manner are deceived concerning wolves. For they practise fasting, almsgiving, or praying, which they display before men, seeking to please those to whom these things seem difficult.
These then are not the fruits by which He teaches us to discern them. Those deeds which are done with good intention, are the proper fleece of the sheep itself, such as are done with bad intention, or in error, are nothing else than a clothing of wolves; but the sheep ought not to hate their own clothing because it is often used to hide wolves. What then are the fruits by which we may know an evil tree? The Apostle says, “The works of the flesh are manifest, which are, fornication, uncleanness, &c.” [Gal 5:19] And which are they by which we may know a good tree? The same Apostle teaches, saying, “The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace.” … Serm. in Mont., ii, 25: Here it also pertains that we be not deceived by the name of Christ not only in such as bear the name and do not the deeds, but yet more by certain works and miracles, such as the Lord wrought because of the unbelieving, but yet warned us that we should not be deceived by such to suppose that there was invisible wisdom where was a visible miracle; wherefore He adds, saying, “Many shall say to me in that day.” …” – 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)

or

“… What is here spoken of false prophets we may apply to all whose dress and speech promise one thing, and their actions exhibit another. But it is specially to be understood of heretics, who by observing temperance, chastity, and fasting, surround themselves as it were with a garment of sanctity, but inasmuch as their hearts within them are poisoned, they deceive the souls of the more simple brethren. …” – 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 (c. 347 AD – c. 420 AD)

Source for Each quote above:
https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/matthew-commentary/catena-aurea-on-matthew/chapter-1/chapter-2/chapter-3/chapter-4/chapter-5/chapter-6/chapter-7

Source Post:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160091819442784&id=651792783

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Judgment Day Mysteries – Who Gets “Eternal Life”?

Firstly, Blessed Apostle St. Paul himself wrote both of these:

i) Justified by Faith and not by Works of the Law

“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.” (Romans 3:28, NKJV)

“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” (Galatians 2:16, KJV)

ii) Justified by Works of the Law

“For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.” (Romans 2:13, KJV)

“Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” (James 2:24, KJV)

Perhaps this Mystery is Deeper since the “Faith” by which we are Justified is ‘not ours’ but the “Faith of Jesus Christ” (Christ’s Own only Perfect Faith in Romans 3:22 or Galatians 2:16) which also called the “Faith of God” literally which alone can overcome “unbelief” too (as Romans 3:3 – 4 states) where believers on earth now receive it first (Romans 3:26). This is a different Topic as its possibility or mystery is discussed in link below:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159410072252784&id=651792783

Note: When I discuss a theological possibility, I argue by assuming it is true but in truth, I could be wrong and hence I always conclude nothing 100% regarding these aspects as long as a “Difficult” Bible Verse exists either way to be ‘honest’ about it.

Conclusion

“… 5But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are 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”: 7eternal 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 Greek; 10BUT GLORY, HONOR, AND PEACE to EVERYONE WHO WORKS WHAT IS GOOD, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 11For there is NO PARTIALITY WITH GOD. 12For as many as have sinned without 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; 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 2:5 – 16, NKJV)

Who are these who can be Saved without even knowing the Law of God (as verse Romans 2:14 says)? It breaks the common thought that ‘… how can a man do the Will of God even when he doesn’t know what God’s Law is? …’ but the Verse above says there is such a thing and “their conscience” will be their judge in Romans 2:15 above.

Could these refer especially to those who Practiced a life of Acts of Mercy toward others as Luke 10:25 – 37 implies? Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ’s Own Words mentioning the “Good Work” of “Showing Mercy” needed to “inherit Eternal Life” as He Said,

“…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: … ‘The Good Samaritan Parable’ … 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 10:27 – 37, NKJV)

“… 28Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29And shall come forth; they that have DONE GOOD, unto the RESURRECTION OF LIFE; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. …” (John 5:28 – 29, KJV)

Which “Doing Good” is Christ Speaking about? His Own Words Answers only these, Verses:

“… for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a STRANGER and you TOOK ME IN; … 38When did we see You a STRANGER and take You in, or naked and clothe 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 [Aeonian] fire prepared for the devil and his angels: … 43I was a STRANGER and you did NOT take Me in, … ‘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.’ …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:35, 38, 40, 41, 43, 45, NKJV)

This is probably affirmed by the Lord in that “He Reaps where He has not Sowed too” where Sowing refers to the “Sowing of the Gospel Seed” (in Matthew 13:18 – 23’s ‘Parable of the Sower’) 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,” 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 ]:

https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/matthew-commentary/catena-aurea-on-matthew/chapter-1/chapter-2/chapter-3/chapter-4/chapter-5/chapter-6/chapter-7/chapter-8/chapter-9/chapter-10/chapter-11/chapter-12/chapter-13/chapter-14/chapter-15/chapter-16/chapter-17/chapter-18/chapter-19/chapter-20/chapter-21/chapter-22/chapter-23/chapter-24/chapter-25

I am not saying that this is surely true but in light of such an exegesis here, it is possible.

God Alone Knows.

Source Post:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160084569927784&id=651792783

Peace to you

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Judgment Day Mysteries – Who Does “not” get “Eternal Life”?

The “Selfish”.

Please take note of the word “… Self-seeking …” in Romans 2:8, Verses:

“… 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 Greek; 10but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 11For there is no partiality with God. …” (Romans 2:8 – 10, NKJV)

The opposite of “self seeking” or selfishness is the “Good Eye” Hebrew Idiom of “Generosity with your own money/things toward others” as Christ Explained as pertaining to “Charity Works toward others” (in Luke 11:33 – 41) as discussed in many posts prior (example link below):

This is why we implore anyone who comes in contact with us to live it as a “lifestyle” toward those family or friends around you and not by doing it once in a while as a Charity in the weekend only as the First Church Practiced it “daily” (e.g. Acts 2:44 – 46, Acts 4:32).

In relative measure (Luke 12:46 – 48), doesn’t the prosperity Gospel promote extreme selfishness by giving away tit-bits in Comparison to what they hoard for themselves first in these “last days” as Blessed Apostle St. James himself clearly “Warned” against? Here are various Bible Translations of James 5:3 all Speaking the “Same Meaning” indicating “no” difficult meaning or words here as “it is Written”. To quote:

New International Version
Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.

New Living Translation
Your gold and silver are corroded. The very wealth you were counting on will eat away your flesh like fire. This corroded treasure you have hoarded will testify against you on the day of judgment.

New American Standard Bible
Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure!

King James Bible
Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.

This is a reason why we are hard against such unwanted risks. If you go to hell, what are you going to answer God that you’re good in your once in a while little in percentage giving (Luke 21:1 – 4)?

Source Post:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160084914497784&id=651792783

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All are Theologically Wrong in some Way so it’s okay

Yes, we will always have theological flaws but Blessed are they who get the Best Parts Right by God’s Grace (e.g. As Christ Approved “the two greatest Commandments” in Mark 12:31 and Taught how to fulfil it in Luke 10:25 – 37) as discussed in a previous post in link below:

So link above shows what we ought to really focus on instead of ‘theological debates’ which sometimes get out of hand and becomes abuses toward each other. Please share your theological opinion but please be gentle and don’t judge if you disagree because the “same measure” we judge will be meted out back to us (as Christ Warned in Matthew 7:1 – 2).

Here are the “Bible Verses” proving this claim that there is “none” who “understands” (so ‘no’ perfect 100% correct Theology in any Christian either) or “none” who “does good” (with perfect good intentions of the 💓 heart as the Bible requires), to quote:

“… 10As it is written:
“There is none righteous, no, not one;
11There is none who understands;
There is none who seeks after God.
12They have all turned aside;
They have together become unprofitable;
There is none who does good, no, not one.” …” (Romans 3:10 – 12, NKJV)

Blessed Apostle St. Paul quotes Psalm 53:2 – 3. Here are the  Septuagint and Masoretic Text, please compare:

“… 2God looks down from heaven upon the children of men,
To see if there are any who understand, who seek God.
3Every one of them has turned aside;
They have together become corrupt;
There is none who does good,
No, not one. …” (Psalm 53:2 – 3, NKJV based on the Masoretic Text)

Source:

https://biblehub.com/nkjv/psalms/53.htm

Or

“… 2God looked down from heaven upon the sons of men, to see if there were any that understood, or sought after God. 3They have all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that does good, there is not even one. …” (Psalm 53:2 – 3, LXX, Brenton Septuagint Translation)

Source:

https://biblehub.com/sep/psalms/53.htm

Conclusion – Sirach 24:28 Prophecy (below) agrees with Psalm 53:2 – 3 or Romans 3:10 – 12 above.

“… 28The first human being ever created never knew Wisdom completely, and the last person on earth will be no more successful. …” (Sirach 24:28, GNT)

Source:

https://biblehub.com/gntd/sirach/24.htm

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mystery of Mammon – It can Deceive one’s whole life

Bible Truths:

1) Mammon deceives by Teaching that it’s okay to provide shabbily by intentionally having many children

Abraham has only one promised child Isaac even though he could have provided well as per Proverbs 13:22’s requirement for plenty. Today we see parents having a few more kids but hardly provided anything beyond the basics.

2) Mammon Teaches to just get married to ‘save yourself’ (e.g. someone to take care of you when you’re old) or for pleasure misleading you from the ‘Renunciation’ aspect to be Christ’s Disciple

Just because one gets married it’s not God’s Will. If you claim that your marriage and having kids is God’s Will and God One Day Says yes, you will be approved for if not, you fall in the danger of taking His Most Holy Name in Vain (Exodus 20:7). Even King Solomon (one of the authour of the Bible’s books) was born out of an ‘not’ God’s Will Marriage between King David and Bathsheba as David committed murder & adultery first to get her. The birth of Solomon does not make it justifiable as God was so Angry with David. King Solomon could have been born through another wife or someone else. We don’t forbid to marry like some false teachers do but teach to marry responsibly if it’s one’s choice. The strangest thing regarding those quoting say ‘God Told Abraham to marry’ is that God Provided abundantly via clean money (not Mammon Money) for Abraham but in their marriage, is such a Providence level shown if they choose to quote Abraham in “full”? In this New Testament, God’s Will is that marriage is for those who cannot contain their passion (1 Corinthians 7:9) but “not” marrying is “better” for greater renunciation for the rest (1 Corinthians 7:38).

3) Mammon deceives by giving false financial promises which again discourages one from sharing what they have and focus instead of hoarding (Luke 12:21, James 5:3, Mark 4:19)

I have seen some parents faithfully attending church for many years, praying for hours daily, paying tithes and living holy and in the end dying without seeing any ‘prosperity gospel’ promises (e.g. Matthew 4:9) they listened to every week hoping that it will come to them one day. Simple fact: God never Promised it for any believer and His Will is the exact opposite namely ‘Renunciation’ (Luke 14:33) via Complete ‘Sell all and Give to the Poor’ (Matthew 19:21) or ‘Sharing Lifestyle’ (Acts 2:44 – 45, Acts 4:32). This is very important because Judgment Day Verses Speak clearly of this Sharing Lifestyle (in Matthew 25:31 – 46) where personally I don’t think that it refers to the ‘once in a while charity’ (with ‘synagogue/church money collected in God’s Name’ like the Pharisees did, Matthew 6:2) but as a a “living faith working through love” (Galatians 5:6) in action continually (1 John 3:18) which is ‘not dead’ (James 2:17, 26) as we are able (Luke 12:33 – 34) which cleans both inside and outside as Christ Commanded to do to ‘include one’s own personal money/things that they have’ (Luke 11:41).

4) Mammon deceives by giving ‘false preachers’ who speak to ‘itching ears’ their ‘own desires’ (referring primarily to ‘earthly desires’ of ‘riches’)

“For the time will come when they will NOT endure SOUND DOCTRINE, but according to THEIR OWN DESIRES, because they have ITCHING EARS, they will heap up for themselves teachers;” (2 Timothy 4:3, NKJV)

5) Mammon Deceives by making it look like ‘good intentions’

A parent may be suspicious of a son thinking that a son is after his property. However the son might just be truly keeping it in a debt free name so that the property is not lost so that it can continue to be used to help the family and friends. A parent or brothers who do not like to live together may be exhibiting the danger of ‘loving self’ (Proverbs 18:1) instead of learning to ‘share and live together like the first Christians did’ (Acts 4:32). Regardless of the outcome (with or without a personal house), a biblical son must embrace his family and friends according to his capacity to live together to fulfill God’s Will unless ‘no’ one asks him for such a help in which case he can devote his resources to help outside. If a help is done with the use of ‘common family property’, all the family members may find repayment in heaven accordingly as First Christianity taught (e.g. Luke 12:33 – 34), example quotes:

“… But there is another more prevailing way than this; to bear malice against none of those who have offended against us, to forgive their trespasses to all those who have trespassed against us. Will you learn a third? Hear Daniel, saying, “Redeem thy sins by almsdeeds, and thine iniquities by showing mercy to the poor.” (Dan. iv. 27, LXX.) And there is another besides this; constancy in prayer, and persevering attendance on the intercessions made with God. In like manner fasting brings to us some, and that not small comfort and release from sins committed, provided it be attended with kindness to others, and quenches the vehemence of the wrath of God. (1 Tim. ii. 1.) For “water will quench a blazing fire, and by almsdeeds sins are purged away.” (Ecclus. iii. 30, LXX.) … And again, “And let our people also learn to maintain good works.” (Tit. iii. 14.) And again, “These things are good and profitable unto men.” (Tit. iii. 8.) Listen to a certain other one who saith, “Alms do deliver from death” (Tob. xii. 9) … more sins he has to answer for, the greater need has he of alms, not only for this reason, but because the alms has not the. same virtue now, but far less: for it is not all one to have done it himself, and to have another do it for him; therefore, the virtue being less, let us by quantity make it the greatest. …” – Blessed St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, Doctor of the Church, one of the three Holy Hirearchs (c. 349 AD – c. 407 AD, Homily 7 on John’s gospel, Homily 4 on Philippians, Homily 21 on Acts ch 9)

 

“… She constantly had on her lips such phrases as these: “Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy:” and “water will quench a flaming fire; and alms maketh an atonement for sins;” and “make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness that … they may receive you into everlasting habitations;” and “give alms … and behold all things are clean unto you;” and Daniel’s words to King Nebuchadnezzar in which he admonished him to redeem his sins by almsgiving. …” – 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,
Jerome Letter 108 par 16)

Or

“… If, however, grief has taken possession of us on account of something in which we ourselves have erred or sinned, we should bear in mind not only that a “broken spirit is a sacrifice to God,” but also the saying, “Like as water quencheth fire, so alms sin;” …” – 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, Catechising the uninstructed par 22)

Source for each well known quote above:

https://practicalapologetics.blogspot.com/2013/07/early-church-fathers-on-almsgiving.html

“… When you can do good, defer it not, because “alms delivers from death. [Tobit 12:9]” …” – 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 A, Chapter X, Epistle to the Philippians)

 

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

Each of the above quotes has to do with What Christ Himself Commanded in Luke 11:41 below:

“… But what ye have give ye as alms, and, lo, all things are clean to you. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Young’s Literal Translation, Luke 11:41, YLT)

“… But now as for what is inside you–be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:41, NIV)

Christ did “not” Say that any ‘other action’ may be substituted for it and please note in Luke 11:41 that this is exactly what the Pharisees ‘failed’ to do though they did charity with Temple money & tithes but not including their own money (Matthew 6:2).

Conclusion

Since God Counts Fairly in Relative Measure like the poor widow (Luke 21:1 – 4) each Christian has a Fair chance and equal responsibility to be Judged likewise (as per Luke 12:46 – 48) to fulfill Christ’s Command to ‘do Charity’/Alms (Luke 12:33 – 34) to clean ‘All’ (both inside and outside, Luke 11:41) to have a ‘Good Eye’ (as the Hebrew Idiom ‘Tov Ayin’ means) to have a ‘Body full of God’s Light’ (Luke 11:33 – 41, consecutive Verses-same conversation with Luke 11:41 on the Charity/Alms Command) agreeing with ‘share your bread, welcome the stranger etc. to have God’s Light’ (in Isaiah 58:7 – 8, 10 – 12) as discussed in previous posts below:

i. No Greater Love

ii. Good Eye Mystery

iii. Gradation in Heaven and Sons of God Mystery

iv. Greatest Challenge of Love Mystery

A lifestyle of living for self must be avoided as it leads to Hell (Luke 16:19 – 31, Luke 12:15 – 21, James 5:3). If you’re preaching the Kingdom of God (or to fulfill Gospel Commands), you can even be excused for ‘not’ taking care of parents first even, Verses:

“… 59Then He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.”
61And another also said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.” 62But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” …” (Luke 9:59 – 62, NKJV)

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gradation in Heaven by works – Sons of God Mystery

Question

What’s the point of all these Charity Doctrine (e.g. Luke 12:31 – 33, Luke 10:25 – 37) or obeying the Commands of the Lord in Apostle Paul’s “Writings” (1 Corinthians 14:37 – 38)? Link below based on the previous post:

Reply

Let these Verses Answer you:

1) Gradation in Heaven differs

“… 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)

Do you really think these people are not bothered upon gradation in Heaven when on earth itself they seek either the best religious titles for themselves or seek out maximum financial and earthly security and enjoyment instead of Renunciation (Luke 14:33, Matthew 19:21, 27 – 30, Acts 2:44 – 46, Acts 4:32,35 – 37)? Better to admit and be honest about what we seek especially if it’s a good thing in the afterlife.

2) Even the Resurrection Body differs:

“And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” (Daniel 12:3, KJV)

Or

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

“… 35But someone will say, “How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?” 36Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies. 37And what you sow, you do not sow that body that shall be, but mere grain—perhaps wheat or some other grain. 38But GOD GIVES it a BODY as HE PLEASES, and to each seed its own body. 39All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds. 40There are also celestial bodies and 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 15:25 – 42, NKJV)

what we sow, we reap referring especially to the Law of Christ to bear another’s burdens and to do Good Works’, Verses:

“… 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 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 ABUDANCE 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)

No Christian gets to participate in a “Better Resurrection” unless they willingly choose to suffer for Christ in some way forgoing the option to escape even or suffer for doing Good, Verses:

“… Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a BETTER RESURRECTION. …” (Hebrews 11:35, NKJV)

“… But when you DO GOOD and SUFFER, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. … 21For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an EXAMPLE, that you should FOLLOW HIS STEPS: … 23who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; …” (1 Peter 2:20, 21, 23, NKJV)

3) The Best Gift in all these is God Himself:

“… Jesus 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. …” (John 14:23, NKJV)

4) Just like there is Great Reward for obedience, disobedience also causes great shame

Works are not measured by amount but relative measure to be fair to all, Verses:

“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)

“… 46the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. 47And that servant who KNEW HIS MASTER’S WILL, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be BEATEN WITH MANY STRIPES. But 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 12:46 – 48, NKJV)

5) Only those who Participate in the First Resurrection (Revelation 20:4 – 6) may become the highest “Sons of God” via “Sufferings”, Verses:

“… 16The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, IF INDEED WE SUFFER WITH HIM, that WE MAY ALSO BE GLORIFIED TOGETHER. 18For I consider that the SUFFERINGS of THIS PRESENT TIME are not worthy to be compared with the GLORY which shall be REVEALED IN US. 19For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the REVEALING of the SONS of GOD. …” (Romans 8:16 – 19, NKJV)

Who are these “Sons of God/the Father”? Only those who exceed the Righteousness of the Pharisees by Practicing Christ’s “… But I tell you Commands…” Which sometimes even cancels out the Old Testament Commands, Verses (please read ‘carefully’ as ‘it is Written’):

“… 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. … 38“You have HEARD that it was SAID, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39BUT I TELL YOU NOT to RESIST an EVIL person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40If anyone wants to sue you and TAKE AWAY your tunic, let HIM HAVE your cloak also. … 45that YOU may be SONS of YOUR FATHER in HEAVEN; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust…. 46For if you love those who love you, what REWARD have you? … 47 what do YOU DO MORE THAN OTHERS? … 48Therefore you shall be PERFECT, just as your Father in heaven is PERFECT. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:19 – 20, 38 – 40, 45 – 48 NKJV)

Conclusion

“24Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him DENY HIMSELF, and take up his cross, and FOLLOW ME. 25For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but WHOEVER LOSES HIS LIFE FOR MY SAKE will find it. 26For what profit is it to a man if he GAINS the WHOLE WORLD, and LOSES his OWN SOUL? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 27For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will REWARD EACH ACCORDING TO HIS WORKS.” (Matthew 16:24 – 27, NKJV)

The First Resurrection occurs after the tribulation only as it includes even those who did “not” Worship the Antichrist (“Beast”) as these Verses prove:

“And 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 thousand years.” (Revelation 20:4 – 6, NKJV)

First Christianity Agrees, example quote:

“… 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. … 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

Source Post:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160073550652784&id=651792783

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

No Greater Love Mystery

1) The Greatest Love

Human beings usually use a mother’s love or family love to describe the greatest love but the Bible uses the “Friend” Relationship to Describe the Greatest Love of All, Verse:

“… 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. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:13 – 14, NKJV)

2) The Bible Commands to Honour your father and mother but the meaning is inclusive of this Definition of “father and mother” too by Christ Himself referring to “anyone who does the Will of God”, Verses:

“… 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 12:47 – 50, NKJV)

So if our friends are “believers”, they are already “equal” to your own blood father or mother or brothers as Christ Himself Commands such a Definition in Verse above and so we do likewise treat them equally.

So if Christ Chose to put those who were “doing the Will of God” at that time as a priority (which was listening to His Word) instead of his ‘flesh mother or brothers who just arrived from some worldly chore instead of being there first to listen to the Word of God earlier’, we ought to “Follow Christ” likewise.

Indeed, it’s “not” written “obey your parents” but “obey your parents in the Lord” which means if they teach/do something against God’s Word such as force you to Fulfill some money desires which they want or try to chase your needy friends from sharing your residence, and if they leave the house (nobody told them to go) instead of living together it’s their own choice to bear as long as you keep the door open to welcome them back anytime and especially if you never use your parents money to support your friends who live with you and also if you gave enough money for your parents needs first (honouring them first, say around RM 800 per month to last about 32 years but if they lose it in some greedy business scheme to get rich it’s not your fault either) as you have done your part regarding something not even Commanded by God (according to 2 Corinthians 12:14’s ‘… Children ought not to save up money for parents but parents for children…’ speaking about working children Context) where on the other hand they even failed in their responsibility which is such a Providence ought to be done in ‘reverse’ according to Scripture (in Proverbs 13:22’s ‘… a good man leaves an Inheritance for his children’s children …’). Yes, please don’t listen to your parents in such instances as that’s a Great chance to “Choose Christ over family” as Verses below come into practice:

“… Children, obey your parents IN THE LORD, for this is right. …” (Ephesians 6:1, NKJV)

“… For I have come to ‘set a man AGAINST his FATHER, …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:35, NKJV)

Such children that choose their parents instead of obeying Christ in such matters (e.g. “Bible Verses” quoted) may find themselves “not” worthy instead, Verse:

“… He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:37, NKJV)

A Biblical case is Described in Post below:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160024811652784&id=651792783

The context above is not just for earthly family but also among friends where God Had His Favourites based on ‘… Who Loved or Obeyed His Commands more …’ as John 15:14 quoted above itself proves as the case of Blessed Apostle St. John itself may have been such, Verses:

“… Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. …” (John 13:23, NKJV)

Earthly ‘mother son relationships’ can be ‘replaced’ as Christ Himself Demonstrated in Verse below since it is based upon a deeper realization “beyond flesh and blood argument” that the person of another race or friend as you call it now could have been born as your blood brother or vice versa – can you “see” it without partiality? Verse:

“… When JESUS therefore saw His mother, and the DISCIPLE whom HE LOVED standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” …” (John 19:26, NKJV)

God’s Word takes “no” partiality and is fair to all and no one is immune from His Law, Verse:

“For there is no respect of persons with God.” (Romans 12:11, KJV)

“But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29, NKJV)

Source Post:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160077379142784&id=651792783

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good Eye Mystery – a Great Secret of Light

1) Story Time

Person A was thinking of sharing a meal with person B today. In the back of his mind, he first calculated that he has received more money from person B (therefore feeling guilty) he decided to put up a show and cook a meal. Person A figured that God won’t judge him for his sins toward person B (by lying and not performing a word promised when he received a six-figure cash from person B) if he made this meal for person B. After cooking chicken Person A carefully removed the best pieces for himself and pecked the pieces which he won’t eat in a Tupperware and was proud of ‘his giving’ to Person B. Person B received it politely but did ‘not’ condemn Person A because he knows something deeper in that suffering by “… not resisting an evil person …” merits a fulfillment of Christ’s Greatest Command (His “… But I tell you …” Commands) as discussed in an earlier post below:

2) Quality Giving Mystery

Not just giving but the quality of our giving matters. For example, Person C gave expired food to orphans while Person D cooked and gave tasteless food to a charity home. If there was ‘no’ choice it is okay for ‘survival reasons’ but God Alone Knows so He Will Judge. In an earlier post below, we discussed how ‘Giving’ can affect the splendor and beauty of our future ‘resurrection body itself’ lasting to eternity:

That agrees with the Verse below where the recompense of our giving likewise is ‘measured’ based on the ‘quality’ of our giving too as the phrase “SAME MEASURE” will be “MEASURED BACK TO YOU” means (apart from ‘relative measure’, Luke 21:1 – 4 & Luke 12:46 – 48 discussed in post above), Verse:

“… Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the SAME MEASURE that you use, it will be MEASURED BACK TO YOU.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:38, NKJV)

3) The “Perfect” Will of God in Giving as only those who do the Will of God enter His Kingdom of the Heavens (Matthew 7:20 – 23)

“… 1Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: 2that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their DEEP POVERTY ABOUNDED in the RICHES of THEIR LIBERALITY. 3For I bear witness that ACCORDING to THEIR ABILITY, yes, and BEYOND THEIR ABILITY they were FREELY WILLING, 4IMPLORING us with much urgency that we would RECEIVE the GIFT and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the WILL OF GOD. …” (2 Corinthians 8:1 – 5, NKJV)

So the Great Church in Macedonia (described above) did not just give but gave their best even to the point of “beyond their ability” and Blessed Apostle St. Paul the Great concludes that this was the “Will of God”. WoW. Perhaps this example might illustrate further: Person E gave some quality fruits to an orphanage but did not buy any fruits for himself as opposed to Person F who also bought some fruits for an orphanage but made sure that he had his share first. Person E is the “Macedonia” type of Church described majestically above as they did it while being in “deep poverty”. Legend.

4) Good Eye Hebrew Idiom

The Verse in Image in full Speaks of a Hebrew Idiom called “Good Eyes”, Verses:

“… 22“The LAMP OF THE BODY is the EYE. If therefore your EYE is GOOD, your WHOLE BODY will be FULL of LIGHT. 23But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 24“No one 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 [MONEY]. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:22 – 24, NKJV)

Someone put it like this, a Good Eye (Hebrew: Ayin Tov) is a Hebrew idiom meaning “generous person”. Having a good eye essentially means “having the ability to be generous when the opportunity is needed”. To quote:

“… Jesus’ saying appears, however, to be a Hebraic idiom that was used to describe a person’s outlook towards others. A person with a “good eye” (tov-ayin or ayin-tovah) was a person who looked at others with compassion and had a generous spirit, and gave to others as needed. The person with the evil eye (ayin ra’ah) is one who is stingy toward others and greedy with money. This expression is still used in Hebrew today. When people go through Jerusalem raising money, they say, “Please give with a good eye!” The same idiom is also found in Proverbs: “A generous man (Literally, “A good eye”) will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.” (Proverbs 22:9) Jesus also uses it at the end of the parable of the landowner who pays the workers all the same, no matter how long they work. The landowner says to the complainers, literally, “Is your eye evil (greedy) because I am good?” (Matthew 20:15). Understanding this idiom helps us understand the whole passage in Matthew 6 that begins with “Do not lay your treasures up on earth,” then talks about the good/evil eye, and then ends with “One cannot serve two masters – both God and money.” All three of these sayings are part of a greater teaching on having the right attitude toward money. …”

Source:

Tov Ayin – A Good Eye

Conclusion

Another Story: Person G shared his best knowledge for free while Person H only shared some basic knowledge to others. Are these the same?

In the Gospel of Luke, Christ Quotes this “Good Eye” Idiom again the the Context of Charity Doctrine of Doing “ALMS/CHARITY” from one’s own money which “CLEANS ALL” (both ‘inside and outside’), agreeing to His Words earlier in context too, to quote (please take note that the phrase ‘… as He spoke …’ in Verse 37 below means that Verses 33 – 36 are linked in context to Verses 38 – 41 as part of one conversation in “full”):

“… 33“No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light. 34The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your EYE is GOOD, your WHOLE BODY also is FULL of LIGHT. But when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness. 5Therefore take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness. 36If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, the whole body will be full of light, as when the bright shining of a lamp gives you light.” 37And as He spoke, a certain Pharisee asked Him to dine with him. So He went in and sat down to eat. 38When the Pharisee saw it, he marveled that He had not first washed before dinner. 39Then the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your INWARD part is full of greed and wickedness. 40Foolish ones! Did not He who made the outside make the INSIDE also? 41But rather GIVE ALMS [CHARITY] of SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE; then indeed ALL THIINGS are CLEAN to you. . …” (Luke 11:33 – 41, NKJV)

Comment: Please notice carefully how Christ Himself in His Most Blessed Words links the “Good Eye” (Hebrew Idiom of Generosity) to “having light within” which cleans all (both inside and outside) of especially ” greed and wickedness” as even the Old Testament Verses below Speak likewise regarding “healing & light” in that “sharing bread with the poor/hungry” (i.e. CHARITY/ALMS) does that, Verses:

“7Is it not to deal thy BREAD to the HUNGRY, and that thou bring the POOR that are cast out TO THY HOUSE? when thou SEEST the NAKED, that THOU COVER HIM and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? 8Then shall THY LIGHT break forth as the MORNING, and thine HEALTH shall spring forth SPEEDILY: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. … 10And if thou draw out THY SOUL to the HUNGRY, and SATISFY the AFFLICTED SOUL; then shall THY LIGHT RISE in obscurity, and THY DARKNESS be as the NOONDAY: 11And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. 12And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” (Isaiah 58:7 – 8, 10 – 12, KJV)

Please compare with ‘Judgment Day’ Verses which Speak of this same truth too:

“… for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a STRANGER and you TOOK ME IN; … 38When did we see You a STRANGER and take You in, or naked and clothe 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 [Aeonian] fire prepared for the devil and his angels: … 43I was a STRANGER and you did NOT take Me in, … ‘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.’ …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:35, 38, 40, 41, 43, 45, NKJV)

“… that you may become BLAMELESS and HARMLESS, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you SHINE as LIGHTS in the WORLD, …” (Philippians 2:15, NKJV)

‘… Some of the Brightest Lights walked among us but did we miss them? …’ – Anonymous

For example:

“… “4Don’t make fun of someone who has fallen on HARD TIMES and is DRESSED in RAGS. The Lord does WONDERFUL things that human beings NEVER NOTICE. …” (Sirach 11:4, GNT)

Source: https://biblehub.com/gntd/sirach/11.htm

The more I read these Biblical Truths, the more I realized one thing: How wicked, selfish and stingy I really am. I need to change and may God Help me.

Source Post:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160073978847784&id=651792783

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Hardest Commands of Christ Himself paves the Way to His Heaven

No Political nor violent resistance is needed for a Christian because Christ Himself Commanded these as part of His “… But I tell you Commands …”

“… But I tell you not to resist an evil person. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:39, NKJV)

But what if they did evil first to us or is going to take away our things? We cannot just watch, right? We must fight for our political rights as not fighting against evil is Evil, right? Not according to Christ, as He Teaches that it is “Perfection”, here are the Selected Verses in “full”:

“… 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. … 38“You have HEARD that it was SAID, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39BUT I TELL YOU NOT to RESIST an EVIL person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40If anyone wants to sue you and TAKE AWAY your tunic, let HIM HAVE your cloak also. … 45that YOU may be SONS of YOUR FATHER in HEAVEN; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust…. 46For if you love those who love you, what REWARD have you? … 47 what do YOU DO MORE THAN OTHERS? … 48Therefore you shall be PERFECT, just as your Father in heaven is PERFECT. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:19 – 20, 38 – 40, 45 – 48 NKJV)

Source Post:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3681764908524069&id=785428511491071

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heaven’s Greatest Challenge of Love by Christ FAQ – Mystery of God’s “Perfect” Will

Question 1

The Bible never says that it’s wrong to “desire to be rich” but only that it’s wrong to “love money”, right?

Reply 1

The Bible actually Says that both are wrong, please consider the Verses for each:

i) “desire to be rich”

“But 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.” (1 Timothy 6:9, NKJV)

The Judgment for those who “desire to be rich” according to Verse above is it will “drown men in destruction and perdition” which doesn’t sound like they are Saved. No one can pave a path of Faith against these Bible Verses.

ii) “love money”

“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.” (1 Timothy 6:10, NKJV)

Likewise the Judgment for those who “love money” is that they will “have STRAYED from the FAITH” which doesn’t sound like they’re saved either.

Question 2

Why then did Christ Say that these things will be added to you unless He Wants us to enjoy it, right?

Reply 2

When you quote that Verse in “full” the reason is clear which is so that none can say that they were “not” given enough to trade it for heavenly treasures by doing “Charity/Alms”, Verse:

“… 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; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. … 35“Be dressed in readiness, and KEEP YOUR LAMPS LIT” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:31, 33, 35, NKJV)

Question 3

Can we fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:20) to “make Disciples” without this Doctrine?

Reply 3

“So then, NONE of you can be MY DISCIPLES who does NOT give up ALL HIS OWN POSSESSIONS.” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 14:33, NASB)

Question 4

How did the First Church understand and practice these Verses?

Reply 4

The First Christians overcame this “root” of “all evil”, a.k.a. the “love of money” by sharing everything in common (Acts 2:44 – 45) ‘daily’ (and ‘not as a weekend in the charity type of Christianity’) among those within their reach where only such a unity is called in Holy Scripture as of ‘… one heart and one soul …’ (Acts 4:32). Verses:

“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)

Question 5

Selling houses or lands or sharing possessions has nothing to do with being a “Hundredfold” Fruit (Matthew 13:8) or being “firsts” in His Kingdom, right?

Reply 5

Now, those who sold their “lands and houses” (Acts 4:34 – 37) are among the “Hundredfold” Level fruit as opposed to the ‘thirtyfold or sixtyfold harvest’ (Matthew 13:8) as Christ Himself Mentions this as one of the Way such ones “Inherit Eternal Life” and become among the “Firsts in His Kingdom” in contrast to ‘many’ who fail to do these things who (though saved, Matthew 5:19) may become ‘Lasts in His Kingdom’ in Matthew 19:27 – 30.

“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)

Question 6

God never said that it’s His “Perfect” Will that “a rich has to give away everything to the poor” to “follow Him”, right?

Reply 6

“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)

“And do NOT be conformed to THIS WORLD, but be TRANSFORMED by the RENEWING of your mind, that you may PROVE what is that GOOD and ACCEPTABLE and PERFECT WILL of GOD.” (Romans 12:2, NKJV)

This is a Challenge of Perfect Love because not only by Giving to the Poor, but by having no money thereafter, such ones suffer with the poor likewise daily “loving one’s neighbor as oneself” fulfilling the Greatest Two Commandments of God as described in detail in link below:

Question 7

But such a Doctrine won’t be fair to the poor because they don’t have much (anything) to give, right? So meaning they will have lesser treasures in heaven due to lesser giving?

Reply 7

Our Giving is not measured in amount but a relative measure making it fair for all, Verses:

“1And He (The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ) 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 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)

*(Emphasis Mine)

Question 8

If we are clean on the inside (as God looks at our heart) and not what we do outside like “charity/alms” it’s more than enough.

Reply 8

“41But rather give alms of such things as you have; then indeed all things are clean to you.” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 11:41, NKJV)

Or in other Versions:

“But what ye have give ye as alms, and, lo, all things are clean to you.” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Young’s Literal Translation, Luke 11:41, YLT)

“But now as for what is inside you–be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:41, NIV)

Christ did “not” Say that any ‘other action’ may be substituted for it and please note in Luke 11:41 that this is exactly what the Pharisees ‘failed’ to do though they did charity with Temple money & tithes but not including their own money (Matthew 6:2) which one ought then to do to ‘exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees’ to ‘enter into His Kingdom’ (Matthew 5:20) as Christ Himself Says this Act of “CHARITY/ALMS” will “clean all” (i.e. both inside and outside) due to ‘obeying His Word in this’ in Luke 11:41.

Conclusion – What are these “Treasures in Heaven” mentioned in Luke 12:33 and Matthew 6:19 – 21? Only God Knows, Verse:

“But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9, NKJV)

So “difficult” to do any of these of God’s Will especially God’s “Perfect” Will Described in these Verses?

“14Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” – The Most Loving One, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (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. 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!’” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:21 – 23, NKJV)

Source Post:

 

 

 

 

 

P/S: But there were rich old testament saints such as Abraham etc., Right?

Yes but In times past, God has ‘overlooked’ many such errors such as ‘slavery’, ‘polygamy’, ‘concubine keeping’, etc. and including the ‘rich man luxury lifestyle’ as Acts 17:30 Reveals where the “no more rich man lifestyle of the Old Testament is Crisp clear from the Gospels as that’s how Christ Himself Lived in His Perfection (talking about ‘Following Christ’) and in James 5:3 where the phrase “… Last Days …” (below) refers to our time now too implying that “… Hoarding Wealth for self is prohibited in these LAST DAYS …” and those who disobey it may find themselves unsaved as the phrase “… eat your flesh like fire …” means, Verses:

“… In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent. …” (Acts 17:30, NIV)

“… 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. …” (James 5:1 – 3, NKJV)

 

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spiritual Warfare Mystery – Love of Money Focus – Why?

1) Since the “Love” of “Money” is the “Root” (‘unseen’) of “All Evil” (not some evil) as 1 Timothy 6:10 testifies, to fight ‘all evil’ we need to focus on the “love of money” part. Can you see it?

2) Many ‘think’ they don’t love money but Christ Defined “Covetousness” (or “Love of Money”) as ‘… you have MANY GOODS LAID UP FOR MANY YEARS; take YOUR EASE; EAT, DRINK, and be MERRY. …’ (in Luke 12:15 – 21) which ironically is Preached in many Pulpits in His Name Today. This ‘Covetousness’ lifestyle is what Apostle Paul referred to as “Idolatry” which causes a Christian to be “Unsaved” and “not Inherit the Kingdom of God” (in Ephesians 5:5, Colossians 3:5).

3) The reason a Rich Man went to hell in the Story of the Rich Man and Beggar Lazarus was because “… REMEMBER that in YOUR LIFETIME YOU RECEIVED YOUR GOOD THINGS, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and YOU are TORMENTED. …” (Luke 16:19 – 31) which some preachers are shy to admit. It is a requirement Biblically that a rich man who might be Saved to live a lifestyle ‘full of good works’ of ‘sharing & giving’ as this Verse Details it out as “… Command those who are rich … Let 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) ….”.

4) Even Pastors are not exempt from these rules as they are only allowed to take their “living” or “needs” from the Gospel and “not Prosperity” (1 Corinthians 9:14) but exhorts such men of God to gain higher rewards in His Kingdom to do it without taking such a wage even (in 1 Corinthians 9:18).

5) The First Christians overcame this “root” of “all evil”, a.k.a. the “love of money” by sharing everything in common (Acts 2:44 – 45) ‘daily’ (and ‘not as a weekend in the charity type of Christianity’) among those within their reach where only such a unity is called in Holy Scripture as of ‘… one heart and one soul …’ (Acts 4:32) where those who sold their “lands and houses” (Acts 4:34 – 37) are among the “Hundredfold” Level fruit as opposed to the ‘thirtyfold or sixtyfold harvest’ (Matthew 13:8) as Christ Himself Mentions this as one of the Way such ones “Inherit Eternal Life” and become among the “Firsts in His Kingdom” in contrast to ‘many’ who fail to do these things who (though saved, Matthew 5:19) may become ‘Lasts in His Kingdom’ in Matthew 19:27 – 30.

6) God Supplies our “needs” and ‘not wants nor luxury’ as Philippians 4:19 States. Luxury is sin as James 5:5 & Luke 16:25 state and ‘hoarding money for self & not sharing in these last days makes a person unsaved as their flesh possibly on the Resurrection Day will be eaten away by Fire’ as James 5:3 Warns based on Luke 12:21. If God Gives any abundance (e.g. Philippians 4:19) , the relative measure of the need of giving goes up (Luke 21:1 – 4) and one will be Judged by God’s Will Regarding it (Luke 12:46 – 48) for example which includes ‘Seeking His Kingdom by Doing Charity Works’ as the Context in Luke 12 itself points to first by Christ’s Own Most Blessed Words as a Command in Luke 12:31 – 33. God’s Will has never been Riches nor Poverty but in taking only what is for one’s need, 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)

The LXX reads the same:

“8Remove far from me vanity and falsehood: and give me not wealth or poverty; but appoint me what is needful and sufficient:” (Proverbs 30:8, LXX, Brenton Septuagint Translation)

7) What to do when God Gives more? (What’s God’s Will?)

Please let these Verses explain ‘as it is Written’ that ‘one must increase in good works & giving to the poor’ and please remember that only those who “do God’s Will” make it into the First Resurrection of His Kingdom on that Day when He Returns Majestically (Matthew 7:20 – 23, Revelation 20:4 – 6):

“… 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; … 35“Be dressed in readiness, and KEEP YOUR LAMPS LIT” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:31, 33, 35, NKJV)

“… 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 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 ABUDANCE 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)

Our Giving is not measured in amount but a relative measure making it fair for all, Verses:

“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 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)

Conclusion

If we feel a ‘hate’ toward these ‘Bible Verses’, we are probably at risk (self-check indicator or ‘sorrow’ as when the rich young ruler heard it likewise in Matthew 19:21 – 24) and that’s Why Christ Said as follows:

“… “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:24, NIV)

Yes, it’s so dangerous that it leads people ‘away from the faith’ (and not that loving money by desiring more is a sign of faith as some preachers deceive by preaching the ‘Law of Attraction’ of the World), to quote:

“For the LOVE of money is the ROOT of ALL EVIL: which while some coveted after, they have ERRED from the FAITH, and pierced themselves through with many SORROWS.” (1 Timothy 6:10, KJV)

Yes, there is “no” such thing as having ‘faith for material blessings’ as some preachers deceive because faith is only for spiritual blessings (e.g. spiritual gifts, healing etc.) under these “Last days” because the Verse below clearly state that “those who love the things of this world” are “unsaved” because “the Love of the Father is not in him”, Verse:

“… Do 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)

In Fact, only “Satan” Promises to Give the “Luxury and Materialistic Life” to those who ‘worship him one way or the other’ (NOT the Real God – please take note ‘carefully’ regarding the ‘Temptation of Christ Himself’), Verse:

“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 will fall down and worship me.” (Matthew 4:8 – 9, NKJV)

You cannot say you don’t love the world and at the same time pray for material blessings or luxury because one only asks what they love.

In times past, God has ‘overlooked’ many such errors such as ‘slavery’, ‘polygamy’, ‘concubine keeping’, etc. and including the ‘rich man luxury lifestyle’ as Acts 17:30 Reveals where the “no more rich man lifestyle of the Old Testament is Crisp clear from the Gospels as that’s how Christ Himself Lived in His Perfection (talking about ‘Following Christ’) and in James 5:3 where the phrase “… Last Days …” refers to our time now too implying that it’s prohibited and those who disobey it may find themselves unsaved, Verses:

“… In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent. …” (Acts 17:30, NIV)

“… 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. …” (James 5:1 – 3, NKJV)

Also, there is “no” Spiritual Warfare until this part of the ‘Love of Money’ is ‘Overcome’ and ‘lived by a Christian’ (Hebrew 13:5) because if not, the Devil gets a ‘foothold’ (Ephesians 4:27) and we are weakened or unsaved already. Yes, no one can ‘skip’ mastering this ‘love of money’ part because it relates to the “root” (unseen) of “all evil”. Please think about it. If the “root” of “all evil” is uprooted by God, such a person may not be evil anymore and Vice Versa, right?

Please remember to be responsible in our Preaching or we may be held accountable:

“When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand.” (Ezekiel 3:18, NKJV)

Source Post:

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Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mystery of Christianity FAQ – Is your Denomination Safe?

Here, please allow me to illustrate the “why” regarding the Christianity I believe and try my best to practice in a Question and Answer Style. Let’s begin.

1) Who do you think are the rejected ‘Christians’ in the Great Denial of Matthew 7:20 – 23 toward the First Resurrection (Revelation 20:4 – 6)?

I think these refer to those who erred terribly in money-doctrine (e.g. James 5:1 – 3, Luke 14:33) who live in a certain luxury way (Luke 12:19 – 21, Luke 16:19 – 31, James 5:5) who also do “not” do proper charity works (Matthew 6:2, as Judgment Day Verses agree in Matthew 25:31 – 46 as “no” other religious act is mentioned in these Verses meaning that without these, one’s religion is probably worthless, James 1:27) against His Command to Seek His Kingdom by Doing Charity Works (Luke 12:31 – 33) as that’s why it’s”hard” for the “rich Christians to share to that extent to be Saved” (Matthew 19:21 – 24, 1 Timothy 6:17 – 19, 1 John 3:10 – 18) as “relative measure” comes in too as that’s how God is Perfectly Fair to all (Luke 21:1 – 4, Luke 12:46 – 48) to clean both the inside and outside by doing Charity toward others as the First Christians Lived it in a Lifestyle Manner Daily instead of a ‘weekend at the charity’ (Acts 2:45 – 46, Acts 4:32) by including one’s own personal money and not money collected in the Name of God only (Luke 11:41) to exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees who failed to do these (Matthew 5:20, Luke 11:41) fulfilling the Greatest Two Commandments (Mark 12:29 – 31) to “inherit Eternal Life” as the “Acts of Mercy” in the “Parable of the Good Samaritan” point to this Simple Truth too (Luke 10:25 – 37) as by “loving in action” (which is charity & mercy acts toward others, 1 John 3:17) by which the Judgment against one’s sins is also cancelled, referring to “these love in action/not words” (1 Peter 4:8, Luke 7:47) . This rejection also refers to those practicing strange doctrines which are “not” Written in any New Testament Verses (e.g. whatever that Blessed St. Paul the Apostle of Christ “wrote” are the “Lord’s Commands” and not his opinion or choice as per 1 Corinthians 14:38 where if any “prophet/spiritual” persons disagree with what’s written-1 Corinthians 14:36-37 they could be “ignored” they way they ignored these Scriptures as 1 Corinthians 14:38 clearly warns), hence “Lawlessness” (Matthew 7:23, 2 Timothy 2:5). Ancient First Christianity Prophecies point toward this too as discussed in link below:

2) Which Denomination is established from God and hears from God?

I don’t point to any particular denomination because God can Forgive and Save any Christian who Practices the above Bible Verses as He Shows Mercy on whomever He Wills (Romans 9:15).

3) Who is Fulfilling the Great Commission?

“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)

Comment: Some Christians may do the conversion or baptism part while others may do the “… 20teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you …” part of the Great Commission above according to New Testament Verses (e.g. 1 Corinthians 14:37, Matthew 5:19) as that could be a reason why Blessed Apostle St. Paul himself wrote Inspiredly as follows:

“… For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, …” (1 Corinthians 1:17, NKJV)

I once heard a mega church pastor preaching that they are the true Christians because they’re “making converts” and practice the “casting out of demons in His Name” and “Prophesying” etc by quoting Mark 16:15 – 18. In the Great Denial, the “many” denied (hence great number of converts) also performed these same signs of “casting out demons in His Name” and “Prophesying” too (Matthew 7:20 – 23). I leave that Decision to God but please allow me to point out something which that pastor did “not” quote in his preaching of Mark 16:15 – 18 “in full”. What is it?

In Mark 16:15 – 18, Christ does “not” just say that those who believe will speak in “new tongues” or “cast out demons” or “heal the sick” but also that they will “pick up serpents” and “drink deadly poison” but live. Since we know most Christians will not have a situation where they pick up serpents or drink poison and live, does it mean that these same other signs are a must for every believer? I don’t think so as the Bible Verses in image (1 Corinthians 12:31) Reveals a ‘Greater Mystery’ than commonly understood.

Let’s compare these two sets of Bible Verses:

“15And He said to them, “Go into all the world 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. 17And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:15 – 18, 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 best gifts. And yet I SHOW YOU a MORE EXCELLENT WAY.” (1 Corinthians 12:27 – 31, NKJV)

Let Scripture interpret Scripture. It is clear from Blessed St. Paul the Apostle of Christ’s Bible Verses above that “not” all Christians need to do “miracles” nor have to “speak in tongues” or even “have the Gift of healing” as the ‘questions above prove as it is Written’ in Verses above meaning that Christ’s Words regarding this aspect give an example and not a must. However, there is a MORE EXCELLENT WAY than even having all these GIFTS which Apostle St. Paul hints in the last verse in chapter above (1 Corinthians 12:31) which is nothing else than the Way of Agape (Described in the next Chapter, 1 Corinthians 13) which does “not” need any signs and wonders (implied by the comparison verses in 1 Corinthians 12:27 – 31 especially by the Comparison phrase “… Yet I show you a more excellent way [than these spiritual gifts way, implied] …” as “Agape-Love is Greater than Faith itself” (1 Corinthians 13:13) as ‘Love (Agape) in Action’ is nothing else than the “Charity Works and Acts of Mercy toward others Doctrine” as discussed in point 1 earlier because it fulfills the First Two Greatest Commands of God.

Here’s the “Way of Agape” in Full (the Greek Word “Agape” translated as “Love” in English here refers to “God’s Love only”):

“1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2And 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, I am nothing. 3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. 4Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.11When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. 13And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” – Blessed St. Paul the Great Apostle of Christ to the Gentiles (1 Corinthians 13:1 – 13, NKJV)

4) Who might be Committing the Unpardonable Sin of the Blasphemy of the Most Blessed Holy Spirit of God?

The Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit of God is “not” forgiven in this age (Aeon) or the age to come and it’s called the Unpardonable Sin (Matthew 12:32). This Command relates to God’s 10 Commandment to “not to take His Most Holy Name in Vain” (Exodus 20:7). One of the ways this could be done is by “lying” using the Name of the Holy Spirit of God as the Biblical case of Ananias might point (Acts 5:3) where Blessed Apostle St. Peter first points out that he (Ananias) has lied not to men, but “God” (implying the Most Blessed Holy Spirit as “God” in Acts 5:4) as a result of which Ananias died on the spot (Acts 5:5).

Here’s how I view it in today’s context: I do “not” dare claim anything I say is from the Most Blessed Holy Spirit of God. I know that the Holy Scripture in the Bible is from the Holy Spirit of God. I don’t judge Christians who often claim that “… The Holy Spirit told me …” but I neither endorse nor disapprove them. I keep an open mind. Why? As the First Christianity Writing of the Didache advised likewise, if I wrongly comment either way, I could be Committing the Blasphemy or lie to the Holy Spirit of God. So to avoid it, I keep away from them as such practices is “not” necessary in the Highest Agape Way described in 1 Corinthians 13. If such persons claim that the Holy Spirit Spoke to them turns out to be true they will be justified but if “not” even for one case, they could risk themselves to have committed this Unpardonable Sin, right? I am not sure and so let God Decide but I am not taking any such risks. Likewise, regarding Doctrines that I am not sure 100% be it eternal hell vs Christ Centered Universalism, I do “not” need to commit any Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit but just need to state it as possibilities as Salvation does “not” depend on believing either in any Bible Verse. God Will understand if we are honestly saying “don’t know” instead of claiming to know 100% by His Holy Spirit in which case one better be right 100% as I don’t see any room for error if the Most Blessed Holy Spirit of God is quoted.

Source Post:

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Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mystery of the Greatest Commandment of All

Bible Verses:

“35Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, 36“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” 37Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38This is the first and great commandment. 39And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:35 – 40, NKJV)

“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.” … 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 10:27 – 28, 36 – 37, NKJV)

Mystery note: As the Verse in image also reveals (1 John 3:16), no one can fulfill the Greatest Commandment of All without fulfilling first the Second Greatest Commandment of God which is to love one’s neighbor as yourself level as Christ Himself Explains how as described in post below:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160013273852784&id=651792783

“For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14, NKJV)

Not Convinced?

“28Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, “Which is the first commandment of all?” 29Jesus answered him, “The 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.’ 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.” 32So the scribe said to Him, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. 33And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is MORE THAN all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, “YOU are NOT FAR FROM the KINGDOM of GOD.” But after that no one dared question Him.” (Mark 12:28 – 34, NKJV)

Please remember how Christ Pointed out a poor widow loved above all the rich because they gave out of the ‘plenty (abundance) which they had’ while she gave out of the little she had though her giving might “not” have fed anyone as opposed to the Rich’s as that’s how God is Fair to all and no one is at any disadvantage spiritually before Him according to this ‘relative measure’, Verses:

“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 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)

Conclusion – Why?

Those who Fulfill these Greatest Commands of God, will receive the Greatest Reward of All, namely God Himself Will Live in them as Christ Mysteriously Reveals in Verse below:

“… Jesus 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. …” (John 14:23, NKJV)

Source Post:

Peace to you

 

 

 

Saved in the “last days” with Wealth – How?

Those ‘rich Christians’ who practice such a ‘hoarding treasure lifestyle’ (that Christ Described earlier too in Luke 12:15 – 21) are “unsaved” according to the Bible Verses below too proving this Context yet again:

“… 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. …” (James 5:1 – 3, NKJV)

Please notice carefully the phrase ‘… HEAPED up TREASURE in the LAST DAYS. …’ means that quoting Abraham was rich and all that does “not” apply as God has overlooked a lot things including this and polygamy etc. in times past (according to Acts 17:30) but has Commanded men to repent in these last days where this ‘hoarding money attitude for self’ is Prohibited under the Current New Covenant only as the phrase ‘… LAST DAYS …’ means referring to our Timeline. Please don’t be Deceived so easily and ‘lose your soul’.

More Detailed Explanation with Verses in link below:

Conclusion

If it’s not a big deal, these Bible Verses won’t be Speaking so harshly against it, right?

Here are various Bible Translations of James 5:3 all Speaking the “Same Meaning” indicating “no” difficult meaning or words here as “it is Written”. To quote by an example while more in the link at the end:

New International Version
Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.

New Living Translation
Your gold and silver are corroded. The very wealth you were counting on will eat away your flesh like fire. This corroded treasure you have hoarded will testify against you on the day of judgment.

English Standard Version
Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days.

Berean Literal Bible
Your gold and silver have corroded, and their rust will be for a testimony against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have treasured up in the last days.

New American Standard Bible
Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure!

King James Bible
Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.

Young’s Literal Translation
your gold and silver have rotted, and the rust of them for a testimony shall be to you, and shall eat your flesh as fire. Ye made treasure in the last days!

Source:

https://biblehub.com/james/5-3.htm

“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 19:22 – 24, NKJV)

Source Post:

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Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mystery of Covetousness and Idolatry – But God Said …

1) Covetousness – We love money if we live the following lifestyle

“Covetousness” definition by Christ is = you have MANY GOODS LAID UP FOR MANY YEARS; take YOUR EASE; EAT, DRINK, and be MERRY.” = So is he who LAYS UP TREASURE for HIMSELF, and is NOT RICH TOWARD GOD, Verses:

“… , “Take heed and BEWARE of COVETOUSNESS, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” … “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. 17And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ 18So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. 19And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have MANY GOODS LAID UP FOR MANY YEARS; take YOUR EASE; EAT, DRINK, and be MERRY.” ’ 20But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ 21“So is he who LAYS UP TREASURE for HIMSELF, and is NOT RICH TOWARD GOD.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:15 – 21, NKJV)

Prosperity Preachers will trick you into thinking that you don’t love money by their sweet talk with “no” New Testament Bible Verse. Truth is, if we live like the above, Christ Says that we are already in “Covetousness”.

Didn’t you notice that Prosperity Gospel Preachers Preach ‘blessings’ to you saying that it’s ‘God’s Will that you enjoy life like that’ but God’s Own Most Blessed Words above clearly state that this is “not” God’s Will? Also, those who don’t do God’s Will are Denied on that Day among the “many” who will say “… Lord, Lord… Didn’t we ….” (Matthew 7:20 – 23). Also, isn’t it clearly written in the Bible Verse in Acts 20:35 that to be “more blessed” refers to “a giver” and ‘not the receiver’ and so by God’s Word definition, if you give more by ‘relative measure’ (Luke 21:1 – 4, Luke 12:46 – 48), you are certainly more Blessed and vice versa.

2) Cure for Covetousness by Christ Himself

In Luke 12, after Warning against the rich men lifestyle above, Christ also revealed ‘how a Christian ought to live with their money as follows’ where ‘Seeking the Kingdom of God’ goes hand in hand with living the ‘Charity Works Doctrine’ simply because He Says after ‘adding these (materialistic) things to you’ to thereafter “Sell what you have” and do “Charity/Alms” (so that’s how a true Christian ought to ‘seek the Kingdom of God in full as no other religious act is mentioned by Christ, yes, Christ Knows Best’), Verses:

“… 29“And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. 30For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. 31But SEEK the KINGDOM of GOD, and all these things shall be added to you. 32“Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33SELL WHAT YOU HAVE and GIVE ALMS [Charity]; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:29 – 33, NKJV)

More Details in link below:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160038482562784&id=651792783

3) Covetousness – Is it a danger to our Salvation itself?

Yes, because it is “idolatry”, Verses:

“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)

And such ones do “not” Inherit His Kingdom (‘… I never knew you …’), Verse:

“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)

Those ‘rich Christians’ who practice such a ‘hoarding treasure lifestyle’ (that Christ Described earlier too in Luke 12:15 – 21) are “unsaved” according to the Bible Verses below too proving this Context yet again:

“… 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. …” (James 5:1 – 3, NKJV)

Please notice carefully the phrase ‘… HEAPED up TREASURE in the LAST DAYS. …’ means that quoting Abraham was rich and all that does “not” apply as God has overlooked a lot things including this and polygamy etc. in times past (according to Acts 17:30) but has Commanded men to repent in these last days where this ‘hoarding money attitude for self’ is Prohibited under the Current New Covenant only as the phrase ‘… LAST DAYS …’ means referring to our Timeline. Please don’t be Deceived so easily and ‘lose your soul’.

4) True Christian Daily Living – Who is a real Christian?

The real worship is our lifestyle and in the context of money and possessions, it means living in the manner above in some way Fulfilling God’s Will:

“Now 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.” (Acts 4:32, 34 – 35, NKJV)

As the Verse above reveals, only if a group of Christians practice the above ‘level of money/possessions sharing’ among themselves can they say that “… [they] were of ONE HEART and ONE SOUL …” and Vice Versa. There’s a lot of ‘fake unity’ out there which do not proceed from the requirements of sharing one’s possessions. You don’t need to share with many but only with one or a few persons according to what you have. Please don’t be deceived otherwise against these “Bible Verses”.

Here’s a secret: Those who sell of their lands and houses or put it to common use with others are among the “Hundredfold” harvest ones as Christ Himself Said:

“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)

“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)

A related post:

Conclusion – Can a Christian ‘skip’ this and be Saved? I don’t think so, Verse Luke 14:33 by “Christ Himself” below in a few translations:

New International Version
In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.

New Living Translation
So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.

English Standard Version
So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.

Berean Study Bible
In the same way, any one of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be My disciple.

Berean Literal Bible
So therefore every one of you who does not give up all that he himself possesses, is not able to be My disciple.

New American Standard Bible
“So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.

New King James Version
So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

Source Post:

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Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

Poor Vs Poor in spirit and 1 John 2:15 Mystery Explained by the Book of 1Enoch – Who are God’s Elect?

“Do 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)

“… 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. …” (Luke 6:20, 24, NKJV)

Book of 1Enoch Ending Verses Prophesy the Identification Traits of those “who Love God” where one of it is that “… they love not money and are not rich on this earth .. ” and the Splendor of their End in His Kingdom is beyond Comparison (described in Image).

The Bible Verse below agrees that these “Chosen” (God’s Elect) are the “poor believers with faith on earth literally who love Him”, Verse:

“… 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? 6But you have DISHONORED the POOR man. Do not the RICH OPPRESS YOU and drag you into the courts? 7Do THEY [the RICH] not BLASPHEME that NOBLE NAME by which you are called? …” – Blessed St. James the Just, First Bishop of Jerusalem (James 2:5 – 7, NKJV)

The rich who are “Poor in spirit” refers to those who are “rich in good works and those who share and give a lot” who join them:

“3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3, NKJV)

The “Biblical Definition of Poor in spirit” is a requirement Biblically that a rich man who might be Saved to live a lifestyle ‘full of good works’ of ‘sharing & giving’ as this Verse Details it out as

“… COMMAND those who are RICH … Let 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) ….”.

This is “not” my personal opinion as First Christianity Taught this same definition and Biblical Truth, to quote from this Champion of Faith for both Protestants and Catholics or Orthodox Christians:

“… 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”; 405 and you see one and the same Spirit speaking of the poor and the rich in the Old Testament and the same in the New, just as the Savior praises them both. (6) For as he was watching the treasury he saw people putting money into the treasury, and did NOT REFUSE the GIFTS of the RICH; but HE PRAISED the WIDOW who had put in the two mites for her [actual] POVERTY, as we have said, in fulfillment of the scripture, “The poor and the rich have met together: but the Lord is the maker of them both.” 406 (81,7) And to show that this is so, and the Spirit of the Old and the New Testaments is the same, see the apostle say of the ancient prophets, “The time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephtha, David and the other prophets who wandered about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being tormented, straitened, afflicted, of whom the world was not worthy.” 407 For I have found that Isaiah wore sackcloth, and Elijah too. And do you see how, in the Old and the New Testaments, the poor are called blessed for piety, and the rich are called blessed for righteousness? …” – Blessed St. Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamis and the ‘Hammer of Heretics’, (c. 310 AD – c. 403 AD, ‘MANICHAEANS’ , “Panarion or Medicine-Chest”, Point 62.10, Pages 308 – 309)

Source:

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

Last but not least, an ancient First Jewish Christianity Prophecy Writing Prophesies likewise Mysteriously, to quote:

“… Point 26 … And ye shall be the people of the Lord, and have one tongue; And there shall be there no spirit of deceit of Beliar, For he shall be cast into the fire for ever. 4 And they who have died in grief shall arise in joy , And they who were poor for the Lord’s sake shall be made rich, And they who are put to death for the Lord’s sake shall awake to life. 5 And the harts of Jacob shall run in joyfulness, And the eagles of Israel shall fly in gladness; And all the people shall glorify the Lord for ever. …” – Attributed to Blessed Patriarch Judah of whom Christ is called the “Lion of Judah” (Points 17 – 18, The Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs, which reached their final form in the 2nd Century, Translation by Mr. Charles)

Source:

http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/patriarchs-charles.html

Focus phrase: “… And they who were poor for the Lord’s sake shall be made rich …”

or

“… Point 25 … and there shall no more be a spirit of deceit of Beliar, for he shall be cast into the fire for ever. And they who have died in grief shall arise in joy, and they who have lived in poverty for the Lord’s sake shall be made rich, and they who have been in want shall be filled, and they who have been weak shall be made strong, and they who have been put to death for the Lord’s sake shall awake in life. And the harts of Jacob shall run in joyfulness, and the eagles of Israel shall fly in gladness; but the ungodly shall lament, and sinners all weep, and all the people shall glorify the Lord for ever. …” – Attributed to Blessed Patriarch Judah of whom Christ is called the “Lion of Judah” (Points 17 – 18, The Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs, which reached their final form in the 2nd Century, Translation by Mr. Roberts-Donaldson)

Source:

http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/patriarchs.html

Focus phrase: “… and they who have lived in poverty for the Lord’s sake shall be made rich, …”

Note: Beliar = Antichrist.

How reliable is this Ancient Writing?

To quote:

“… The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs is a constituent of the apocryphal scriptures connected with the Bible. It is believed to be a pseudepigraphical work comprising the dying commands of the twelve sons of Jacob. It is part of the Oskan Armenian Orthodox Bible of 1666. Fragments of similar writings were found at Qumran, but opinions are divided as to whether these are the same texts. It is generally considered apocalyptic literature. … The Testaments were written in Hebrew or Greek, and reached their final form in the 2nd century CE. In the 13th century they were introduced into the Western world through the agency of Robert Grosseteste, Bishop of Lincoln, whose Latin translation of the work immediately became popular. He believed that it was a genuine work of the twelve sons of Jacob, and that the Christian interpolations were a genuine product of Jewish prophecy; he accused Jews of concealing the Testaments “on account of the prophecies of the Saviour contained in them.” …”

Source:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Testaments_of_the_Twelve_Patriarchs

Other First Christianity Meaning of the phrase “Blessed are the Poor” in Luke 6:20 agrees, to quote

i. Doctrine of ‘Voluntary Poverty’ is the Primary Meaning

“… In the Gospel according to St. Matthew it is said, Blessed are the poor in spirit, that we should understand the poor in spirit to be one of a modest and somewhat depressed mind. Hence our Savior says, Learn from me, for I am meek and lowly of heart. But Luke says, Blessed are the poor, without the addition of spirit, calling those poor who despise riches. For it became those who were to preach the doctrines of the saving Gospel to have no covetousness, but their affections set upon higher things. …” – Blessed St. Cyril of Alexandria

ii. Voluntary Poverty Followers of Christ are the Chief Recipients of His Kingdom

“… But not every one oppressed with poverty is blessed, but he who has preferred the commandment of Christ to worldly riches. For many are poor in their possessions, yet most covetous in their disposition; these poverty does not save, but their affections condemn. For nothing involuntary deserves a blessing, because all virtue is characterized by the freedom of the will. Blessed then is the poor man as being the disciple of Christ, Who endured poverty for us. For the Lord Himself has fulfilled every work which leads to happiness, leaving Himself an example for us to follow …” – Blessed St. Basil the Great

iii. The highest (first) Grade in His Kingdom is toward those who ‘Embrace (Voluntary) Poverty’

“… But when the celestial kingdom is considered in the many gradations of its blessings, the first step in the scale belongs to those who by divine instinct embrace poverty. Such did He make those who first became His disciples; therefore He says in their person, For yours is the kingdom of heaven, as pointedly addressing Himself to those present, upon whom also He lifted up His eyes. …” – Blessed Eusebius of Caesarea

iv. Embracing the Doctrine of Voluntary Poverty is the Key to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven

“… After having commanded them to embrace poverty, He then crowns with honor those things which follow from poverty. It is the lot of those who embrace poverty to be in want of the necessaries of life, and scarcely to be able to get food. He does not then permit His disciples to be fainthearted on this account, but says, Blessed are you who hunger now. …” – Blessed St. Cyril of Alexandria

Source for each quote above:

https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/luke-commentary/catena-aurea-on-luke/chapter-1/chapter-2/chapter-3/chapter-5/chapter-5/chapter-6

Conclusion – How to Practice the Doctrine of Voluntary Poverty as Christ Taught in the New Covenant?

Verses:

“But SEEK HIS KINGDOM, and THESE THINGS will be ADDED to you. “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. “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. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – The Perfect Selfless One Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:31 – 34, NASB)

 

“And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:15, NKJV)

 

“So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:21, NKJV)

Yes, by Practicing these Traits is ‘how’ the ‘last shall become first’ in Christianity itself as the “Bible Verses” (not opinions of men) Reveal this Secret as follows:

“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)

In these set of Verses below, please notice that Christ Implies that the “Salt with Flavour” seems to refer to Christians who have “renounced their possessions in some way & vice versa”, right?

“33So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. 34“Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? 35It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 14:33 – 35, NKJV)

Or in another translation, please consider:

“33“So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions. 34“Therefore, salt is good; but if even salt has become tasteless, with what will it be seasoned? 35“It is useless either for the soil or for the manure pile; it is thrown out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 14:33 – 35, NASB)

“… that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “HE [The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ] shall be called a NAZARENE.” …” (Matthew 2:23, NKJV)

[Emphasis Mine]

Source for Image (Book of 1Enoch, Chapter 108):

http://wesley.nnu.edu/index.php?id=2126

Source Post:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160067035037784&id=651792783

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Suffering and Carry your Cross Mystery – What Good is it?

1) No such thing as a Christian who does not Carry his cross of Suffering to fulfill God’s Commands

“And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me CANNOT be My disciple.” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 14:27, NKJV)

2) Carrying one’s cross has to do with letting go of one’s life to Fulfill God’s Commands and “not” gain the world direction which causes one to lose their soul

“24Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26For what profit is it to a man if he GAINS the WHOLE WORLD, and LOSES his OWN SOUL? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 27For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to HIS WORKS.” (Matthew 16:24 – 27, NKJV)

3) Christ’s Soldiers endure hardship or suffering to make life easier for others without caring about this world’s worries and ought not to make life harder for others

“… 2And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3You therefore must ENDURE HARDSHIP as a GOOD SOLDIER of Jesus Christ. 4NO ONE engaged in warfare entangles himself with the AFFAIRS of THIS LIFE, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 5And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules …” (2 Timothy 2:2 – 5, NKJV)

“… 2BEAR one another’s BURDENS, and so fulfill the LAW of CHRIST. … 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, 7 – 10, NKJV)

4) No Christian gets to participate in a “Better Resurrection” unless they willingly choose to suffer for Christ in some way forgoing the option to escape even

A true quote in image   but difficult to do. The reward of suffering is a “better Resurrection”. Verses:

“… Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a BETTER RESURRECTION.” (Hebrews 11:35, NKJV)

5) Suffering because you’re doing Good is God’s Will sometimes to “follow Christ’s Perfect Example”

“… But when you DO GOOD and SUFFER, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. … 21For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an EXAMPLE, that you should FOLLOW HIS STEPS: … 23who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; …” (1 Peter 2:20, 21,  23, NKJV)

6) The “Better Resurrection” Mystery pertains to even a more glorified Resurrected Body even

What is this “Better Resurrection” where even our Resurrected Body can Differ in “Glory” beautiful like the “Stars” 🌟 ? It’s discussed with Bible Verses in link below:

That’s how ‘Good Always Wins regardless for every Bad Deed Endured for Obeying Christ’s Commands results not just in reward but a Great Reward’, Verses:

“… 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. … 39But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. 43“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46For if YOU LOVE THOSE WHO LOVE YOU, WHAT REWARD HAVE YOU? … WHAT DO YOU DO MORE THAN OTHERS? … 48Therefore you shall be PERFECT, just as your FATHER in HEAVEN is PERFECT. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ  (Matthew 5:11 – 12, 39 – 48, NKJV)

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

Septuagint Mystery – 1 Corinthians 1:19 and Isaiah 29:14 – True Biblical Wisdom Mystery

Please compare these Verses by yourself:

“Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.” (Isaiah 29:14, KJV)

Source: https://biblehub.com/isaiah/29-14.htm

“For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” (1 Corinthians 1:19, KJV)

Source: https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/1-19.htm

Here’s a simple comparison fact: Even within the “KJV or King James Translation” itself 1 Corinthians 1:19 quote of Isaiah 29:14 (Masoretic Text used) is “not” word to word. Can you “see” it? Also the argument that Apostle Paul is not quoting word to word is very weak because of the phrase “it is Written” in 1 Corinthians 1:19 which points to a word to word quotation being made. So, if it’s not the ‘Original’ Hebrew Apostle Paul is quoting, which one is he quoting then? He is quoting the “Septuagint* Translation” of the “Original Hebrew” as follows (or in image too):

“14Therefore behold I will proceed to remove this people, and I will remove them: and I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will hide the understanding of the prudent.” (Isaiah 29:14, LXX, Brenton’s Septuagint Translation)

Source: https://biblehub.com/sep/isaiah/29.htm

*Septaugint Translation was done about 100 to 300 years before Christ (BC).

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

Image Source and a detailed explanation in link below:

Paul the Paraphraser or Paul the Septuagint-Quoter?

Note: The authour of the link above is “not” in any position to criticize Blessed Apostle St. Paul who is the “Real” Apostle of Christ because what this disproves is that the Masoretic Text (MT) the author is ‘probably biased towards’ is most definitely ‘altered’. Blessed Apostle St. Paul in God’s Anointing knows which is “Correct”, not the unbelieving Jew’s modified versions**.

**This is not an ‘overated’ statement but a truth any Pastor ought to know for example regarding the “Hexapla” which proves that at least “6 versions” of the “Hebrew Original” itself was present in the Time of Christ, to quote:

“… Hexapla (Ancient Greek: Ἑξαπλᾶ, “sixfold”) is the term for a critical edition of the Hebrew Bible in six versions, four of them translated into Greek,[1] preserved only in fragments. It was an immense and complex word-for-word comparison of the original Hebrew Scriptures with the Greek Septuagint translation and with other Greek translations.[2] The term especially and generally applies to the edition of the Old Testament compiled by the theologian and scholar Origen, sometime before 240….”

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

Conclusion – what’s my point in all this?

The New Testament Scripture is more authoritative than Old Testament Scripture because there is evidence of Scribal Tempering (discussed more in a post at the end of this write up by Christ’s Own Most Blessed Quote of Isaiah Itself). Also, the Fact that sometimes Christ uses the phrase ‘… You have heard it was said …’ (e.g. referring to Old Testament Torah/Law too) but then He Continues, to say the ‘exact opposite’ via the phrase “… But I tell you …” must either imply Scribal errors are corrected or the Old Torah/Law regarding that part is ‘Cancelled or made Void by Christ since It has already been Fulfilled’ or a further extension of Command is being made. For example in Verse below, a ‘cancellation’ is being made:

i) Old Testament Verse in concern

“Your eye shall not pity: life shall be for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” (Deuteronomy 19:21, NKJV)

Source: https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/19-21.htm

or

” 21Thine eye shall not spare him: thou shalt exact life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” (Deuteronomy 19:21, LXX, Brenton Septuagint Translation)

Source: https://biblehub.com/sep/deuteronomy/19.htm

ii) Its Cancellation in New Testament Verse below after it’s fulfilled

“… 38“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ [Deuteronomy 19:21] 39BUT I TELL YOU NOT to RESIST an EVIL PERSON. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:38 – 42, NKJV)

Source: https://biblehub.com/nkjv/matthew/5.htm

Comment: If we are still in ‘political agendas for our survival quoting Old Testament Judgment Verses along that line to support our cause’ (Matthew 5:38) , we are NOT Living as Christ Commanded under the New Covenant to NOT even RESIST an EVIL person (Matthew 5:39). Why? The answer is in Matthew 5:20 of that same Chapter where only then (by Obeying Christ’s Greatest Words) one can ‘exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees to enter His Kingdom of the Heavens’ as in Verses above and thereafter, Christ is Explaining ‘how one can exceed this righteousness of the Pharisees to enter His Heaven’ toward being “Perfect” like the Father in Heaven (Matthew 5:48) fulfilling the ‘Will of God’ failing to do which “many” so called Christians may be rejected ‘on that Day’ for “Lawlessness” is Doing against what Christ Spoke and not following the Torah-part which has been ‘cancelled’ (Matthew 7:20 – 23). Indeed Obedience to Christ’s Most Blessed ‘Direct Words’ is Greater than Sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22 in principle).

Warning: If any Christian rebuilds any Old Testament part which the New Testament Verses have ‘cancelled’, such a person may “not” even be Saved according to Verses below (so, only Practices and Commands which are found in the New Testament Verses must be followed or if its counterpart is found in the Old Testament, it may thus be quoted), Verses:

“For if I build again those things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God.” (Galatians 2:18 – 19, NKJV)

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

“1Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved. … 5But some of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed stood up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to direct them to observe the Law of Moses.”… “The apostles and the brethren who are elders, to the brethren in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia who are from the Gentiles, greetings. 24“Since we have heard that some of our number to whom we gave no instruction have disturbed you with their words, unsettling your souls, … 28“For it seemed GOOD to the HOLY SPIRIT and TO US to lay upon you NO GREATER BURDEN than these essentials: 29that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication; if you keep yourselves free from such things, you will do well. Farewell.”” (Acts 15:1,5, 23 – 24, 28 – 29, NASB)

Source: https://biblehub.com/nasb/acts/15.htm

The Masoretic Text is used by KJV and all other major translations which believe that the Old Testament original must be in Hebrew only. However, it is the Septuagint Greek translation has been quoted by Christ and a lot more by apostle Paul word to word as “inspired Scripture directly throughout the New Testament because it is already in Greek” though the translation was done by 69 or 70 scholars (technically “non-inspired” authors by Biblical Standards, right?). Interesting, isn’t it?

Thus the Septuagint may represent the ‘lost/original Hebrew Scripture’ more accurately as many early church leaders claimed that such an alteration resulting in the Masoretic Text eventually was already being done by the Jews to discredit Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ as the Messiah.

An example link:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/theorthodoxlife.wordpress.com/2014/03/03/st-paul-quoting-the-septuagint/amp/

Though even the Septuagint might not be the 100% representation of that original Hebrew Scripture, it is better in most instances as discussed in Post below with proof:

Please take note that Christ’s Infamous Quote in the Gospels when He Read Isaiah puts both the Septuagint and Masoretic Text to be ‘missing something’ as discussed in Post above.

Another Example: Gradation in the Kingdom of the Heavens implying that all the righteous themselves are ‘not’ equal but are Judged according to the Commands of Christ they Obey (Matthew 5:17 – 20) is more clearly seen in the Septuagint translation than the Masoretic Text itself in the Verse for Daniel 12:3, to quote:

i) Christ

“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)

Comment: For example by Obeying His Direct “… But I tell you …” Commands (an example discussed earlier, e.g. Matthew 5:39) instead of obeying the ‘opposite’ Judgmental ‘Old Testament’ part (Matthew 5:38). Can you “see” it? Context: All Verses are from Matthew 5 itself when Christ Spoke these Collectively.

ii) Daniel 12:3 in the Masoretic implies that only those who turn many to righteousness may shine like the “stars” (according to Christ’s Commands to exceed the Pharisees’ type of religiosity, right? as Matthew 5:20 in Consecutive Verse Context with Matthew 5:18 – 19 above implies)

“And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” (Daniel 12:3, KJV)

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

iii) Daniel 12:3 in the LXX or Septuagint may point to a clearer that ‘some’ of the righteous only may ‘shine as stars’

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

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

iv) Apostle St. Paul himself might have echoed this difference in the Resurrection Body for each of the righteous even to “differ in glory as the stars differ in glory” as God Wills based on ‘what we sow, we reap referring especially to the Law of Christ to bear another’s burdens and to do Good Works’, Verses:

“… 35But someone will say, “How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?” 36Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies. 37And what you sow, you do not sow that body that shall be, but mere grain—perhaps wheat or some other grain. 38But GOD GIVES it a BODY as HE PLEASES, and to each seed its own body. 39All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds. 40There are also celestial bodies and 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 15:25 – 42, NKJV)

Source: https://biblehub.com/nkjv/1_corinthians/15.htm

“… 2BEAR one another’s BURDENS, and so fulfill the LAW of CHRIST. … 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, 7 – 10, NKJV)

Source: https://biblehub.com/nkjv/galatians/6.htm

God Counts in Relative Measure so let no man despair in any way as a Poor Widow’s Giving and Life of Faith in Love can exceed ours even if it had “no” tangible effect such as feeding the many or even feeding one as Christ Revealed in Luke 21:1 – 4 simply because conversions (‘quantity’) does not mean ‘quality’ as for example only a ‘few apostles’ (e.g. the Twelve) fulfilled the ‘Sell all and give to the Poor type of Following Christ’ (Matthew 19:21) and became “Firsts” in His Kingdom to whom Christ Promises the “Hundredfold” Reward to others too who do something likewise as it is Written in Matthew 19:27 – 30. Yes, true Biblical Wisdom takes “no” sides as anyone can attain to these according to their faith and works in because Christ Said, ‘More is Given, more is required’ implying ‘relative measure’ yet again (in Luke 12:47 – 48’s Judgment Context too).

Source Post:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160046392787784&id=651792783

Related post:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160046483862784&id=651792783

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Possibly the No.1 Road to Hell – Unrenewed Mind of Mammon Theology – Bible Verses with the Shepherd of Hermas Writing Explains

So many New Testament Verses Warn of this ‘Worldly Attitude’ which we take lightly and which caused the Rich Man to go to Hell in the Famous Parable by Christ (Luke 16:19 – 31). Verses regarding this Truth (Luke 12:21, Luke 12:33 – 34, Acts 2:44 – 46, Acts 4:32, James 5:1 – 6) where without practicing this ‘sharing lifestyle’ one cannot be a disciple of Christ (Luke 14:33) and this is a main reason why it’s hard for a Rich Man to enter His Kingdom (Matthew 19:23 – 24) even if he keeps all Law but fails in this as the rich man who questioned Christ failed & walked away sorrowful when he heard this Truth (Matthew 19:21 – 22).

Why did the Rich Man go to Hell? This reason Alone is enough which many consider as ‘normal or good in the world today’ but it’s actually “evil” enough to send someone to Hell, Verses:

“… 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.’ …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 16:22 – 26, NKJV)

Please compare blessed apostle James (the first bishop of Jerusalem) highlighting this same particular reason part among other reasons too in the Bible Verses below too:

“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.” (James 5:1 – 3, 5, NKJV)

This attitude with money can affect our Salvation itself and so let us be careful.

“Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 13:22, NKJV)

Please don’t be Deceived.

Here’s a quote from the Shepherd of Hermas Writing which was Scripture across First Christianity (even till today in some denominations) explaining this part further:

“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.” – The King of the Heavens, Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:23 – 24, NKJV)

To quote the explanation in the context of ‘hard to enter His Kingdom’:

“… 20[97]:1 “And from the third mountain, which had thorns and briars, they that believed are such as these; some of them are wealthy and others are entangled in many business affairs. The briars are the wealthy, and the thorns are they that are mixed up in various business affairs. 20[97]:2 These [then, that are mixed up in many and various business affairs,] cleave [not] to the servants of God, but go astray, being choked by their affairs, but the wealthy unwillingly cleave to the servants of God, fearing lest they may be asked for something by them. Such men therefore shall hardly enter into the kingdom of God. 20[97]:3 For as it is difficult to walk on briars with bare feet, so also it is difficult for such men to enter the kingdom of God. 20[97]:4 But for all these repentance is possible, but it must be speedy, that in respect to what they omitted to do in the former times, they may now revert to (past) days, and do some good. If then they shall repent and do some good, they shall live unto God; but if they continue in their doings, they shall be delivered over to those women, the which shall put them to death. …” – Shepherd of Hermas (Parable 9)

Source:

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

Source Post:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159142530697784&id=651792783

Here’s another related quote by the Shepherd of Hermas Writing in this Context, to quote:

“… 5[13]:5 “But the white and round stones, which did not fit into the building, who are they, lady?” She answered and said to me, “How long art thou foolish and stupid, and enquirest everything, and understandest nothing? These are they that have faith, but have also riches of this world. When tribulation cometh, they deny their Lord by reason of their riches and their business affairs.” 5[13]:6 And I answered and said unto her, “When then, lady, will they be useful for the building?” “When,” she replied, “their wealth, which leadeth their souls astray, shall be cut away, then will they be useful for God. For just as the round stone, unless it be cut away, and lose some portion of itself, cannot become square, so also they that are rich in this world, unless their riches be cut away, cannot become useful to the Lord. 5[13]:7 Learn first from thyself When thou hadst riches, thou wast useless; but now thou art useful and profitable unto life. Be ye useful unto God, for thou thyself also art taken from the same stones. …” – Shepherd of Hermas (Vision 3)

Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd-lightfoot.html

Source Post:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10158997945667784&substory_index=0&id=651792783

This wealth factor as the No.1 reason for going to Hell agrees with the First Christianity Quote below too in the context of ‘rejected believers’ as well (please compare Matthew 7:21 – 23), to quote:

“… And there shall be many that believe on my name and yet follow after evil and spread vain doctrine. And men shall follow after them and their riches, and be subject unto their pride, and lust for drink, and bribery, and there shall be respect of persons among them. 38 But they that desire to behold the face of God and respect not the persons of the rich sinners, and are not ashamed before the people that lead them astray, but rebuke (?) them, they shall be crowned by the Father. And they also shall be saved that rebuke their neighbours, for they are sons of wisdom and of faith. But if they become not children of wisdom, whoso hateth his brother and persecuteth him and showeth him no favour, him will God despise and reject. (Copt. resumes.)
But they that walk in truth and in the knowledge of the faith, and have love towards me–for they have endured insult–they shall be praised for that they walk in poverty and endure them that hate them and put them to shame. Men have stripped them naked, for they despised them because they continued in hunger and thirst, but after they have endured patiently, they shall have the blessedness of heaven, and they shall be with me for ever. But woe unto them that walk in pride and boasting, for their end is perdition. …” – Epistle of the Apostles (Verses 37 – 38, highlighted, Attributed to the KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ)

Source:

http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/apostolorum.html

The “Unsaved Slave” was a “Christian who believed only” but did “not” do God’s Will because the phrase ‘… assign him a place with the UNBELIEVERS …’ (Luke 12:46) means that he was a believer but now is assigned with the unbelievers type of portion outside His kingdom with Judgment of “few” or “many” stripes first. Can you “see” it? To believe is to do His Will as surprisingly the only Will of God mentioned in Luke 12 explicitly and repeatedly is “sharing one’s possessions” by “giving to Charity” (Luke 12:33 – 34) to keep one’s “lamp lit” (Luke 12:35) and “do not hoard for many years” (Luke 12:13 – 21) if “hoarding for self” (not sharing, Luke 12:21) and God Calls him “a fool” (Luke 12:20) toward those who want to keep their share of an inheritance for themselves without sharing (Luke 12:13) where ‘if more is given, more is required’ (Luke 12:47 – 48, percentage count implied as per Luke 21:1 – 4) too.

The Fact that God Calls such a Hoarding for many years for himself type of rich man a “fool” (Luke 12:20 – 21) may agree to the First Christianity* exegesis regarding the Parable of the “foolish” virgins likewise (same Word “fool” is used in Scripture for both of these Verses) in that they didn’t share or do enough ‘good works’ especially in sharing to love one’s neighbor as oneself likewise (2nd greatest Commandment) thereby failing to Fulfill the First Greatest Commandment since the First Commandment cannot be fulfilled without the second being Fulfilled first as 1 John 3: explains below this in the context of “sharing one’s worldly goods” too:

“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)

Please notice carefully that the children of the Devil will not share their personal worldly goods while the children of God Will as verses above conclude with ‘only that earthly action’ described as an example – can you really see it as it is Written?

 

Also, anyone can share from the money collected in the name of God to do Charity Works (as the Pharisees did likewise, Matthew 6:2) but they cannot include a significant portion of their own money in it as Christ Himself Pointed out and Commanded in Luke 11:41.

 

 

*Example First Christianity quotes with links to more related quotes in this context in link below:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160007755667784&id=651792783

How to Fulfill the Second Greatest Commandment to “love one’s neighbor as oneself”? Christ Himself explained it as any ACTS of MERCY toward others in Luke 10:25 – 37 as discussed in detail in Post below:

A related post:

Mystery: If Christ explicitly mentioned only one example of a rich man going to Hell with no other example in entire Scripture (Luke 16:19 – 31) for the ‘only reason mentioned in Holy Scripture’ which many consider ‘the good Life’ or ‘nothing sinful’ namely “… REMEMBER that in YOUR LIFETIME YOU RECEIVED YOUR GOOD THINGS, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and YOU are TORMENTED. …”, it’s highly possible then that this might be the No.1 reason for people going to Hell by living or pursuing such a “lifestyle”. Can you see it? The Verses are Bible Verses and Christ’s Own Most Blessed Words and not my exegesis so please don’t misunderstand me ya, thank you.

Source Post:

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Atonement for Judgment of Sins via Charity Works from the 66 Books Bible Verses only

Now, does the Bible Teach that “AlmsGiving atones for sins” in the Protestant Bible Canon?

Yes:

“By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.” (Proverbs 16:6, KJV)

Interestingly the Verse above is not found in the Septuaging or LXX, link:

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lxx/pro/16/1/t_conc_644006

Here’s a more accurate Verse to see these Meanings:

“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

The KJV (King James Translation) above of the phrase “… break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor …” in Verse above clearly states that any ‘act of Mercy to the poor’ (especially charity works of course) can “break off thy sins” or ‘atone for sin’ , i.e. for the ‘Judgment of Sins’. Can you “really” see it ‘as it is Written’?

Focus Phrase for the ‘Almsgiving to the Poor cancelling the Judgment of Sins’ part: “… break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor …”

” 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

Focus Phrase for the ‘Almsgiving to the Poor cancelling the Judgment of Sins’ part: “… and atone for thy sins by alms, and thine iniquities by compassion on the poor: …”

Regarding the possibility that the ‘Septuagint’ translation may be more accurate (though in this case it does not matter as either one of the Verses above prove this Biblical Truth), please consider the post below:

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159552065317784

Atonement for ‘removing God’s Judgment for sins not sins itself’ has to be for “sacrifices or offerings” via one’s own money. The Stains of Sin remains which can only be Removed by the Most Precious and Holy Blood of Christ which comes to pass after Judgment (for believers, Judgment ends in this life itself, John 5:24 and Hebrews 12:8) and that’s why Salvation into His Kingdom is by His Mercy only (Titus 3:5).

“24Then the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. 25And David built there an altar to the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the Lord heeded the prayers for the land, and the plague was withdrawn from Israel.” (2 Samuel 24:25, NKJV)

The idea of ‘selling indulgences directly for covering sins’ as the later Roman Catholics did is NOT Biblical. The correct way is to do ‘Almsgiving’ or ‘Charity Works’ with one’s money to ‘atone for Judgment (this life or next)’ for one’s sins and to remove plagues even as Blessed King David himself demonstrates in Verses above. Can you see it? God’s Ways does not change in principle. The only difference between King David’s “oxen sacrifice” and ours is that the ‘animal sacrifice’ is no longer valid (Hebrews 10:4) and thus the ‘Charity Acts done in Love is sufficient for it’ in the New Testament.

Conclusion – Did Christ Himself Teach it?

Yes (Verse in image), quoted below too:

If Christ Spoke so Clearly on “Charity Works” and its Importance as the Primary Work of Faith in all these Bible Verses quoted (“Sola Scriptura”), we ought to do the same in obedience too which is better than Sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22) as Christ Himself Reveals that only the “Pharisees type of religiousity” does ‘charity works from other people’s money collected in God’s Name without putting in any of their own money’ in Verses below, hence their “inside/heart” is “not” clean:

“39Then the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your INWARD part is full of greed and wickedness. 40Foolish ones! Did not He who made the outside make the INSIDE also? 41But rather GIVE ALMS of such THINGS as YOU HAVE; then indeed all things are CLEAN to you.” – God in Flesh, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:39 – 41, NKJV)

Note: “Give Alms” = “Give to Charity” = Generosity to the Poor and Needy from “what you have” (percentage count from own possession is implied as it’s easy to do charity from other people’s collected money, e. g. Christ’s case of the Poor Widow proves this in Luke 21:1 – 4).

Perhaps the greater the Charity, the cleaner the inside such as the ones who “sold all and gave to the poor” and then “suffered like the poor” to “love the least among us as themselves” (thereby fulfilling ‘all Law’ according to Galatians 5:14) thereby becoming the “firsts in His Kingdom” as Matthew 19:27 – 30 clearly Means with Gospel Preaching as did other First Christians too (e.g. Acts 2:44 – 46, Acts 4:32, Luke 21:1 – 4, Matthew 19:21). Are we ‘really’ doing the ‘Will of God’ Written in these Verses in any little way that we can?

“So then, NONE of you can be MY DISCIPLES who does NOT give up ALL HIS OWN POSSESSIONS.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 14:33, NASB)

Christ did “not” Say that any ‘other action’ may be substituted for it and please note in Luke 11:41 that this is exactly what the Pharisees ‘failed’ to do though they did charity with Temple money & tithes but not including their own money (Matthew 6:2) which one ought then to do to ‘exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees’ to ‘enter into His Kingdom’ (Matthew 5:20) as Christ Himself Says this Act will “clean all” (i.e. both inside and outside) due to ‘obeying His Word in this’ in Luke 11:41.

Source Post:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160040362472784&id=651792783

Alcohol – What does the Bible Say regarding Drinking Alcohol?

1) Drinks are allowed if not getting drunk for the general christians till deacon leadership level

“Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money,” (1 Timothy 3:8, NKJV)

Phrase: “not given to much wine” = can drink alcohol but not too much

2) Those who wish to ascend higher spiritually cannot drink alcohol for leisure for example the higher Bishop level leadership

“not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous;” (1 Timothy 3:3, NKJV)

Different phrase: “not given to wine” = cannot drink alcohol at all. Please take note that some interpreters will say that this phrase (in 1 Timothy 3:3) means don’t get drunk with alcohol and if they are right, then the slightly different phrase “not given to much wine” (in 1 Timothy 3:8) must then mean can get a little drunk but not too much which contradicts 1 Corinthians 6:10 which states that drunkards will not inherit His Kingdom.

3) Leadership positions such as kings on earth too are actually discouraged from any alcohol habits proving that they’re ‘not enjoying life’ from such positions but forgo it

“It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Nor for princes intoxicating drink;” (Proverbs 31:4, NKJV)

4) Alcohol (e.g. wine) is allowed for medicinal reasons

“No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.” (1 Timothy 5:23, NKJV)

5) Getting drunk will certainly cause a person to be “unsaved” or “not inherit the Kingdom of God”

“nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:10, NKJV)

6) Alcohol can be used (a little amount only) in Holy Communion oberservance but not getting drunk or drinking it leisurely

“23For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” … 27Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. ” (1 Corinthians 11:23 – 25, 27 – 30, NKJV)

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mystery of True Believers – Commandment Keepers

Bible Verses:

“3Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” (1 John 2:3 – 6, NKJV)

Out of Bible First Christianity Quotes claimed to be by Christ Himself (no one knows for sure but similar to the Bible Verses quoted), please consider:

“… But if any man believe on me and do not my commandments, although he have confessed my name, he hath no profit therefrom but runneth a vain race: for such will find themselves in perdition and destruction, because they have despised my commandments. … Verily I say unto you, all that have believed on me and that believe in him that sent me will I take up into the heaven, unto the place which my Father hath prepared for the elect, and I will give you the kingdom, the chosen kingdom, in rest, and everlasting life. … But all they that have offended against my commandments and have taught other doctrine, (perverting) the Scripture and adding thereto, striving after their own glory, and that teach with other words them that believe on me in uprightness, if they make them fall thereby, shall receive everlasting punishment … Yea, rather blessed are they that have not seen and yet have believed, for they shall be called children of the kingdom, and they shall be perfect among the perfect, and I will be unto them life in the kingdom of my Father. …” – Epistle of the Apostles (Verses 27 – 29, highlighted, Attributed to the KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ)

Source:

http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/apostolorum.html

Who are the “Many Christians Denied” on the Day He Returns in Bible Verses below?:

“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!’” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:21 – 23, NKJV)

This Mysterious Epistle of the Apostles Writings Claims that Christ Revealed those “many” who will be “Denied” that “He never Knew them” as refering to some type of “rich Christians or prosperity Gospel type” Christians as this is ‘against His Most Blessed Will’ whilst Saving the “Poor Christians”, Verses:

“… And there shall be many that believe on my name and yet follow after evil and spread vain doctrine. And men shall follow after them and their riches, and be subject unto their pride, and lust for drink, and bribery, and there shall be respect of persons among them. 38 But they that desire to behold the face of God and respect not the persons of the rich sinners, and are not ashamed before the people that lead them astray, but rebuke (?) them, they shall be crowned by the Father. And they also shall be saved that rebuke their neighbours, for they are sons of wisdom and of faith. But if they become not children of wisdom, whoso hateth his brother and persecuteth him and showeth him no favour, him will God despise and reject. (Copt. resumes.)
But they that walk in truth and in the knowledge of the faith, and have love towards me–for they have endured insult–they shall be praised for that they walk in poverty and endure them that hate them and put them to shame. Men have stripped them naked, for they despised them because they continued in hunger and thirst, but after they have endured patiently, they shall have the blessedness of heaven, and they shall be with me for ever. But woe unto them that walk in pride and boasting, for their end is perdition. …” – Epistle of the Apostles (Verses 37 – 38, highlighted, Attributed to the KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ)

Source:

http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/apostolorum.html

Comment: In this ‘same Epistle of the Apostles’ Writing is Written a Possible Christ Centered Universalism Hope after the long enduring Judgment of the Aeons toward the wicked too by the Prayer of the Righteous, albeit mysteriously (so to Hope for this is “not” a false doctrine according to this First Christianity Writing which pre-dates even the Gospel* – so we can “Hope” for it but “Let God Alone Decide to Show Mercy or not”), to quote:

“… The heavy laden shall be saved, and they that are gone astray shall go astray for ever. They shall be chastised and tormented in their flesh and in their soul. 40 And we said unto him: O Lord, verily we are sorrowful for their sake. And he said unto us: Ye do rightly, for the righteous are sorry for the sinners, and pray for them, making prayer unto my Father. Again we said unto him: Lord, is there none that maketh intercession unto thee (so Eth.)? And he said unto us: Yea, and I will hearken unto the prayer of the righteous which they make for them. …” – Epistle of the Apostles (Verse 39 – 40, highlighted, Attributed to the KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ)

Source:

http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/apostolorum.html

*Pre-Dating the Gospel Writings? Example quote:

“… This book [EPISTLE OF THE APOSTLES] is an very early letter of the Apostles, predating the Gospels and the earliest fragmentairy Gospels. At first glance this book appears to be written in response of some false Apostles that arose from within their ranks and went off to preach another Gospel. However this is not at all the case. This book is forward looking. This is a book of prophetic warnings from Christ of things that were to come to pass in the Church. And the Apostles are warning the fledgeling churches in and around Jerusalem of what willl shortly come to pass. …”

Source:

http://alaskandreams.net/ekklesia/EpistleoftheApostles.htm

Mysterious Indeed. Please keep away from the “Prosperity Gospel” error because it will be hard for the rich man to enter His Kingdom (Matthew 19:23 – 24) and no one can be His Disciple without renouncing all his possessions in some way (Luke 14:33) either by giving to the poor (Matthew 19:21) or by doing Charity (Luke 12:33 – 34) or by sharing it to Common use to love your neighbor as yourself toward others to inherit Eternal Life (Luke 10:25 – 37) or within a group of believers as the First Christians did (Acts 2:44 – 46, Acts 4:32). To see this Biblical Truth, please consider one Verse (Luke 14:33) in two translations below:

New American Standard Bible
“So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.

New King James Version
So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

One Day we will know whether this First Christianity writing of the Epistle of the Apostles is true and whether these prophecies comes to pass or not. Regardless, the Bible Verses quoted do point to the danger of the Prosperity Gospel as God Counts in Percentage type of measure too implying a lot sharing or giving by us is actually “so small” in comparison to a Poor person’s Giving though it may be a big amount out of an abundance as He Himself Pointed out in Luke 21:1 – 4 and mentioned that it is one of the things to do to clean “all” (both inside and outside of a person) which the Pharisees did “not” do such Charity Works from “their own money or what they have” as Christ Commanded this Will of His in Luke 11:41. Now what’s Greater than Fulfilling the First and Second Greatest Commandments (Matthew 22:38 – 40) which is discussed further in post below:

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Almsgiving and Afterlife Judgment Mystery

1) Almsgiving may remove Judgment from sins but not sins itself as Sin can only be removed by the Most Precious Blood of Christ.

Christ Himself Speaks these Verses which may describe such a ‘forgiveness’ or ‘cleansing of All in a person, both inside and outside’ by acts of “Love” or “Charity/Alms” in Bible Verses below toward the ‘Judgment of Sins’:

“Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 7:47, NKJV)

“41But rather give alms of such things as you have; then indeed all things are clean to you.” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 11:41, NKJV)

Or in other Versions:

“But what ye have give ye as alms, and, lo, all things are clean to you.” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Young’s Literal Translation, Luke 11:41, YLT)

“But now as for what is inside you–be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:41, NIV)

“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8, NKJV)

And

Question: “… 25And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” …” (Luke 10:25, NKJV)

Answer: “… 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 10:27 – 37, NKJV)

 

2) Some Verses from the Deuterocanonical Books Speaks of this Context where Almsgiving Purges Sin referring to the “Judgment of Sin” even in the afterlife context. Example:

i) Testimony of Blessed Tobit

“7 Give generously to anyone who faithfully obeys God. If you are stingy in giving to the poor, God will be stingy in giving to you. 8 Give according to what you have. The more you have, the more you should give. Even if you have only a little, be sure to give something. 9 This is as good as money saved. You will have your reward in a time of trouble. 10-11 Taking care of the poor is the kind of offering that pleases God in heaven. Do this, and you will be kept safe from the dark world of the dead.” (Good News Translation, Tobit 4:7 – 11)

Source:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Tobit+4&version=GNT

ii) Testimony of Blessed Archangel Raphael

“7 It’s a good idea to keep a king’s secret, but what God does should be told everywhere, so that he may be praised and honored. If you do good, no harm will come to you.8 It is better to pray sincerely and to please God by helping the poor than to be rich and dishonest. It is better to give to the poor than to store up gold. 9 Such generosity will save you from death and will wash away all your sins. … 15 I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who stand in the glorious presence of the Lord, ready to serve him.” (Good News Translation, Tobit 12:7 – 9, 15)

Source:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Tobit+12&version=GNT

3) First Christianity Testimony by Blessed Pope St. Gregory the Great (who personally disagreed with Universalism) speaks of such an occurrence, to quote:

“… The interesting real reliable example of Emperor Trajan (a wicked non-Christian Murderer, Pagan & Unbaptized, Unbeliever) being Saved from Hell after such Propitiatory Prayers by Pope St. Gregory the Great is not a hoax but Truth, to quote:

 

“… On a time Saint Gregory went by the market of Rome which is called the market of Trajan, and then he remembered of the justice and other good deeds of Trajan, and how he had been piteous and debonair, and was much sorrowful that he had been a pagan, and he turned to the church of Saint Peter wailing for the horror of the miscreance of Trajan. Then answered a voice from God saying: I have now heard thy prayer, and have spared Trajan from the pain perpetual. …” (The Life of St. Gregory the Pope)

Source:

St. Gregory the Dialogist and Emperor Trajan

 

Note: The additional comment in the link above (added by others and not Uttered by God during that Vision/Revelation to Pope St. Gregory the Great but commentators) reads next as follows [Please notice the phrase ‘as some say’ carefully in the below]:

 

“… By this, as some say, the pain perpetual due to Trajan as a miscreant was some deal taken away, but for all that was not he quit from the prison of hell, for the soul may well be in hell and feel there no pain by the mercy of God. …”

 

The Truth is as Hieromonk Ambrose mentioned earlier, God only said this part to Blessed Pope St. Gregory the Great:

 

“… Then answered a voice from God saying: I have now heard thy prayer, and have spared Trajan from the pain perpetual. …”

Can you see it? This is exactly what the Final Prophecy of the Salvation from the Lake of Fire as described in the Apocalypse of Peter Prophecy by Lord Jesus Christ after the Righteous (Christians) Pray to Him to save the ‘damned’ from their ‘everlasting punishments’ will be answered eventually & the First Oldest Christian Canon called the Muratorian Canon lists this Book as “Scripture” too as discussed in Previous Posts.

 

Source Post:

Christ Centered Universalism Mystery in First Christianity

4) Why was Emperor Trajan Spared (if the Story is True)?

Possibly because he had to endure the Judgment till the last penny only (Matthew 5:26, Luke 12:59) which was Spoken even in the Context of Gehenna Possibly (Matthew 5:22, Consecutive Verses in the Same Topic) but was spared thereafter of ‘Judgment for Sins’ due to ‘his almsgiving or good works to the poor/orphans/widow etc.’, to quote:

“… “Some of our people also tell a story related by the Romans of how the soul of the Emperor Trajan was refreshed and even baptized by St. Gregory’s tears, a story marvelous to tell and marvelous to hear. Let no one be surprised that we say he was baptized, for without baptism none will ever see God; and a third kind of baptism is by tears. One day as he was crossing the Forum, a magnificent piece of work for which Trajan is said to have been responsible, he found on examining it carefully that Trajan, though a pagan, had done a deed so charitable that it seemed more likely to have been the deed of a Christian than a pagan. For it is related that, as he was leading his army in great haste against the enemy, he was moved to pity by the words of a widow, and the emperor of the whole world came to a halt. She said, ‘Lord Trajan, here are the men who killed my son and are unwilling to pay me recompense.’ He answered, ‘Tell me about it when I return. and I will make them recompense you.’ But she replied, ‘Lord, if you never return, there will be no-one to help me.’ Then, armed as he was, he made the defendants pay forthwith the compensation they owed her, in his presence. When Gregory discovered this story, he recognized that this was just what we read about in the Bible, ‘judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now and let us reason together, saith the Lord.’ Since Gregory did not know what to do to comfort the soul of this man who brought the words of Christ to his mind, he went to St Peter’s Church and wept floods of tears, as was his custom, until he gained at last by divine revelation the assurance this his prayers were answered, seeing that he had never presumed to ask this for any other pagan.–The Earliest Life of Gregory the Great, Chapter 29. page 127. Written by an Anonymous Whitby monk c. AD 680-704. Translated by Bertram Colgrave. 1985. …”

Source:

http://thisholysword.blogspot.com/2020/06/pope-gregory-great-and-emperor-trajan.html

5) A First Christianity Quote agreeing to this Exegesis – Can Almsgiving Atone for the Judgment of Sins?

 

“… 2. The Holy Spirit speaks in the sacred Scriptures, and says, “By almsgiving and faith sins are purged.” [3524] Not assuredly those sins which had been previously contracted, for those are purged by the blood and sanctification of Christ. Moreover, He says again, “As water extinguisheth fire, so almsgiving quencheth sin.” [3525] Here also it is shown and proved, that as in the laver of saving water the fire of Gehenna* is extinguished, so by almsgiving and works of righteousness the flame of sins is subdued. And because in baptism remission of sins is granted once for all, constant and ceaseless labour, following the likeness of baptism, once again bestows the mercy of God. The Lord teaches this also in the Gospel. For when the disciples were pointed out, as eating and not first washing their hands, He replied and said, “He that made that which is within, made also that which is without. But give alms, and behold all things are clean unto you;” [3526] …” – Blessed St. Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, a pre-eminent Latin writer of Western Christianity until Jerome and Augustine, Martyr for Christ (c. 200 AD – c. 258 AD, Point 2, Treatise viii. On Works and Alms)

Source:

https://biblehub.com/library/cyprian/the_treatises_of_cyprian/treatise_viii_on_works_and.htm

Footnotes:

 

[3524] Proverbs 16:6. [“By mercy and truth,” etc., Eng. Version.]

[3525] Ecclus. iii. 30.

[3526] Luke 11:41.

 

*Gehenna = Lake of Fire (Matthew 5:22, Matthew 10:28, Revelation 20:11 – 15)

Comment: Please note that St. Cyprian quotes the Book of Sirach and also known as the Book of Ecclesiasticus specifically Sirach 3:30 as ‘Scripture by the Holy Spirit’ in his quote above.

Who is Blessed St. Cyprian of Carthage?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyprian

 

Note: Blessed St. Cyprian of Carthage does “not” have any Prayer to Virgin Mary in his writings.

This “Charity Works” from one’s “own money” is exactly what Christ Commanded (Luke 12:33 – 34) which the Pharisees never did (Luke 11:41) because the hypocritical charity the Pharisees did was from the Temple money and not their ‘own income’ and for a show and not Love (Matthew 6:2). Yes, in Luke 11:41, Christ clearly points out that doing Charity/Alms with one’s own money is something which the Pharisees never did and therefore it’s one of the things to do to exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees to enter into His Kingdom (Matthew 5:20) as we have seen that Love in action toward our neighbor fulfills all Law (Galatians 5:14). In Verses below, even before Cornelius believed in Christ, doing “charity works or alms” was already considered as a “work of righteousness” (please note this phrase carefully below) even though it was done without knowing the True God,

“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 are remembered in the sight of God … 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 10:30 – 31, 34 – 35, NKJV)

The only righteousness which Cornelius did as Apostle Peter calls it as “works righteousness” must refer to his “alms/charity giving only” because his prayer or fasting etc. without knowing God or to some foreign deity cannot be considered as “righteous works” by Scripture, right?

Regarding these Mysteries, it’s hard to say either way but God Alone Knows. So, I keep an open mind as these Scriptures and Testimony can imply that. Detailed possible exegesis if this way of looking at Scripture is True may be explored in write ups in link below:

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159430305102784

Or Post below too:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160014572082784&id=651792783

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

Unsaved Christians Mystery – God’s Charity Works and Sharing Possessions Will in Luke 12

Just “Consecutive” Bible Verses – Highlighted ones:

“… 15Then He said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” 16And He told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man was very productive. 17“And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’ 18“Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19‘And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have MANY GOODS LAID UP for MANY YEARS to come; take your EASE, EAT, DRINK and be MERRY.”’ 20“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’ 21“So is the man who STORES UP TREASURE for HIMSELF, and is NOT RICH TOWARD GOD.”… 29“And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. 30“For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. 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. … 35“Be dressed in readiness, and KEEP your LAMPS LIT. 36“Be like men who are waiting for their master when he returns from the wedding feast, so that they may immediately open the door to him when he comes and knocks. 37“Blessed are those slaves whom the master will find on the alert when he comes; truly I say to you, that he will gird himself to serve, and have them recline at the table, and will come up and wait on them. 38“Whether he comes in the second watch, or even in the third, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves. … 43“Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes. … 46the MASTER of that SLAVE will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will CUT HIM in PIECES, and assign him a place with the UNBELIEVERS.
47“And that slave who knew his master’s will and did not get ready or act in accord with his will, will receive many lashes, 48but the one who did not know it, and committed deeds worthy of a flogging, will receive but few. From everyone who has been GIVEN MUCH, MUCH will be REQUIRED; and to whom they ENTRUSTED MUCH, of him they will ASK ALL the MORE. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:15 – 21, 29 – 33, 35 – 38, 43, 47 – 48, NASB)

The “Unsaved Slave” was a “Christian who believed only” but did “not” do God’s Will because the phrase ‘… assign him a place with the UNBELIEVERS …’ means that he was a believer but now is assigned with the unbelievers type of portion outside His kingdom with Judgment of “few” or “many” stripes first. Can you “see” it? To believe is to do His Will.

Context Comment: In these Consecutive Verses (in Luke 12), the “Charity Works” or “Sharing with others” will of God as opposed to hoarding attitude only is literally written whilst hinting on His Other Wills (Bible Verses) generally.

Conclusion – Who is Wise Biblically? Any Believer who “does” what “Christ Directly Commanded in any Bible Verses” as much as they are able:

“… 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)

Who are the “Many Christians Denied” on the Day He Returns in Bible Verses below?:

“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!’” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:21 – 23, NKJV)

This Mysterious Epistle of the Apostles Writings Claims that Christ Revealed those “many” who will be “Denied” that “He never Knew them” as refering to some type of “rich Christians or prosperity Gospel type” Christians as this is ‘against His Most Blessed Will’ whilst Saving the “Poor Christians”, Verses:

“… And there shall be many that believe on my name and yet follow after evil and spread vain doctrine. And men shall follow after them and their riches, and be subject unto their pride, and lust for drink, and bribery, and there shall be respect of persons among them. 38 But they that desire to behold the face of God and respect not the persons of the rich sinners, and are not ashamed before the people that lead them astray, but rebuke (?) them, they shall be crowned by the Father. And they also shall be saved that rebuke their neighbours, for they are sons of wisdom and of faith. But if they become not children of wisdom, whoso hateth his brother and persecuteth him and showeth him no favour, him will God despise and reject. (Copt. resumes.)
But they that walk in truth and in the knowledge of the faith, and have love towards me–for they have endured insult–they shall be praised for that they walk in poverty and endure them that hate them and put them to shame. Men have stripped them naked, for they despised them because they continued in hunger and thirst, but after they have endured patiently, they shall have the blessedness of heaven, and they shall be with me for ever. But woe unto them that walk in pride and boasting, for their end is perdition. …” – Epistle of the Apostles (Verses 37 – 38, highlighted, Attributed to the KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ)

Source:

http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/apostolorum.html

P/S: First Christianity Quotes

First Christianity Answers – The Great Denial in Matthew 7:21 – 13 and the linked Commands in Matthew 5 – 7

Here are early Church leader quotes or first Christianity quotes:

“… For even in the very name of Christ we must be on our guard against heretics, and all that understand amiss and love this world, that we may not be deceived, and therefore He says, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord.” … Here it also pertains that we be not deceived by the name of Christ not only in such as bear the name and do not the deeds …” – 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)

“… As He had said above that those who have the robe of a good life are yet not to be received because of the impiety of their doctrines; so now on the other hand, He forbids us to participate the faith with those who while they are strong in sound doctrine, destroy it with evil works. For it behoves the servants of God that both their work should be approved by their teaching and their teaching by their works. And therefore He says, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, enters into the kingdom of heaven.” … For Scripture uses to take words for deeds; according to which the Apostle declares, “They make confession that they know God, but in works deny him.” [Titus 1:16] …” – 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)

“… And what the will of God is the Lord Himself teaches, “This is,” He says, “the will of him that sent me, that every man that seeth the Son and believeth on him should have eternal life.” [John 6:40] The word believe has reference both to confession and conduct. He then who does not confess Christ, or does not walk according to His word, shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. …” – Pseudo-Chrysostom Manuscript (c. 4th – 5th Century)

“… For having been here wondered at by all for the miracles which they wrought, and there seeing themselves punished, they say in wonderment, “Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name?” Others again say, that they did sinful deeds not while they thus were working miracles, but at a time later. But if this be so, that very thing which the Lord desired to prove would not be established, namely, that neither faith nor miracles avail ought where there is not a good life; as Paul also declares, “If I have faith that I may remove mountains, but have not charity, I am nothing.” [1 Cor 13:2] …” – Blessed St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, Doctor of the Church, one of the three Holy Hirearchs (c. 349 AD – c. 407 AD)

“… By this sentence it is given to us to learn, that among men charity and humility, and not mighty works, are to be esteemed. Whence also now the Holy Church, if there be any miracles of heretics, despises them, because she knows that they have not the mark of holiness. And the proof of holiness is not to work miracles, but to love our neighbour as ourselves, to think truly of God, and of our neighbour better than of ourselves. …” – Blessed Roman Catholic Pope St. Gregory the Great, Saint Gregory the Dialogist in Eastern Christianity, the Father of Christian Worship, and John Calvin declared in his Institutes that Gregory was the last good Pope. (540 AD – 604 AD)

“… But thus the hypocrites boasted, as though they spoke somewhat of themselves, and as though the power of God did not work all these things, being invoked; but reading has brought them the knowledge of His doctrine, and the name of Christ casts out the daemons. Out of our own selves then is that blessed eternity to be earned, and out of ourselves must be put forth something that we may will that which is good, that we may avoid all evil, and may rather do what He would have us do, than boast of that to which He enables us. These then He disowns and banishes for their evil works, saying, “Depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” …” – Blessed St. Hilary of Poictiers, the “Athanasius of the West”, Doctor of the Church, The Champion of Trinity in the West (c. 310 AD – c. 368 AD).

Source for each quote above unless specified otherwise:

https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/matthew-commentary/catena-aurea-on-matthew/chapter-1/chapter-2/chapter-3/chapter-4/chapter-5/chapter-6/chapter-7

Source Post:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160038743882784&id=651792783

And

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160038482562784&id=651792783

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honour your Parents – A Tale of 3 Sons – What did God Teach in the Bible?

The Bible Teaches to honour your parents in the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20:12) and please allow me to share some ways to do it.

Please allow me to illustrate this important topic with a story so that it easier to understand with examples. There was a family of a man, his wife and 3 sons, A, B and C. Only the man worked while the wife was a housewife raising the 3 kids.

1) Honour your Parents: A way to do it is to be the least financial burden to your parents

The man spent all his money to provide for son A and C’s education in private universities plus the accommodation rents & monthly support while son B received the least monthly support only (with no rent as he stayed home) and had a scholarship (which paid for his brief accommodation at University plus expenses money too) putting almost no burden on the father relatively.

After that studying time (due to good results thus landed a job soon), son B immediately began working and henceforth never burdened his parents financially anymore. Sons A and C had a tougher time finishing their studies and finding a job and so did rely on the father financially.

2) Honour your Parents: Never Sin with your Parent’s Money

It’s better to have sinned with one own’s earning than sinning with parent’s money but the best is of course to “not sin”. In Bible Verses below, Christ illustrated a Great Forgiving Father who forgave such a son who did that ‘great sin’, Verses:

“… 11Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. 12And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. 13And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. … 29So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. 30But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’ 31“And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 32It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’ ” …” (Luke 15:11 – 13, 29 – 32, NKJV)

3) Honour your Parents: Give your money to your Parents first before giving to God

This comes as a ‘shock’ to most Christians because they think that giving to ‘their church’ or ‘church pastor first’ is ‘giving to God’ or putting God First which is entirely “wrong” as Christ Himself Scolded the religious leaders of His Time for Teaching such a ‘nonsense’, 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 or mother.’ Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. 7Hypocrites! …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 15:5 – 6, NKJV)

Here’s another translation quoting that same explanation from the other Gospel Writing, Verses:

” … “You skillfully sidestep God’s law in order to hold on to your own tradition. 10For instance, Moses gave you this law from God: ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and ‘Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death.’ 11But you say it is all right for people to say to their parents, ‘Sorry, I can’t help you. For I have vowed to give to God what I would have given to you.’ 12In this way, you let them disregard their needy parents. 13And so you cancel the word of God in order to hand down your own tradition. And this is only one example among many others.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 7:9 – 13, NLT)

Blessed Apostle Paul reaffirms this in Verses below where he states that such a believer is ‘worse than an unbeliever’ if they ‘didn’t take care of their family first be it from parent to son or son to parent’ (hence “unsaved” if they did not teach or practice this correctly, please take heed carefully), Verse:

“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.” (1 Timothy 5:7 – 8, NKJV)

Even a ‘needy widow’ who is ‘receiving help from the church she attends’ (a must for churches according to New Testament Verses in case you didn’t realize, e.g. 1 Timothy 5:9 – 10, 16) their children or grandchildren must also “repay their parents” with what they have, Verse:

“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 good and acceptable before God.” (1 Timothy 5:4, NKJV)

Please notice the phrase “repay their parents” in Verse above and compare it with another translation below:

“But if she has children or grandchildren, their first responsibility is to show godliness at home and repay their parents by taking care of them. This is something that pleases God.” (1 Timothy 5:4, NLT)

Note: In Verses quoted, one is to honour their parents in providing for their need and not obligated to provide luxury or other vanities.

Let’s return to our story. To cut the long story short, Son B bought a house sold it with some financial help from the father, took only 1/5th of the amount back or deposit money (forfeiting the other amounts he paid for almost half time of the loan tenure before selling) while the father received back more than double the amount he invested. Son B even advised a strategy for the father to follow either options below (say RM 260,000 was given to the father):

i) Pay the less than RM 40,000 in credit card debt at that time and use the remaining Rm 220,000 or so at a rate of RM 800 per month (like a pension) to last for 220000/800 = 275 months = 22.9 years. With the current age of the father about 60 at that time, this could easily last him till he is about 80 according to plan for “his needs”.

ii) Put the RM 220000 in a fixed deposit which usually has a 3% rate here per annum which amounts to about 0.03 x 220000 = 6600 per year = 6600/12 = RM 550 per month for the “parents needs” for an indefinite amount of time, God Willing.

Sadly, the father did “not” settle the credit card debt to zero and neither did he follow either of the plan above but chose to take a ‘risk’ by investing in a business which never gave its return (probably ‘cheated legally’ by a friend as explained more in the end of the next point). What should Son B do? Honour your parents by letting it be.

The entire EPF and life savings of the father was used to pay for a house they’re staying and for the education of Sons A and C only (a few hundred thousand). So, sons A and C agreed to buy a house together to replace the sold house to do their part in this. The mother fell gravely sick and passed away shortly thereafter. Son B provided the finance earlier (via the house sale) and it was used to take care of the mother too while Sons A and C took turns to take care of the mother (now the father) in person more since they didn’t provide financially in this (a good team work). Son B invites the father to stay with him but the father prefers the care of Son C especially because Son C can cook and works from home only and so Sons A and B honor that request too.

4) Honour your Parents: Even if your parents did something wrong that could cause serious damage to you or destroy your life

This relates to the ‘Law of Christ’ (Galatians 6:2) in the context of sharing with the ‘burdens of other’s sins’ too as we have seen in previous posts. Here is a Bible example in the case of the first king of Israel, Saul and his son (the first prince of Israel) Jonathan where even when Saul’s actions were wrong, Jonathan did “not” participate in it but yet joined his father to the last battle where his father’s disobedience caused them both to be “killed” in the end (You may read about it in these example Bible Books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel describe the details).

Please take note that Saul was thinking that he was doing a great good for Jonathan by trying to kill David so that Jonathan becomes the next king of Israel (1 Samuel 20:30 – 31) but Jonathan did “not” care about kingship and fulfilled ‘all law’ by loving David as himself (1 Samuel 18:1) and even supported David to become king instead of himself and beyond (a love unparalleled according to 2 Samuel 1:26).

In our story, Son B advised the father to pay off the little credit card debt at that time with the money received as the father received around (4/5) of the money while the credit card debt used to pay for the house installments was less than (1/5). However, the father did “not” do it and again like Saul for the ‘good intention’ of trying to make a better financial life for ‘Sons A and C or even B’, dumped the money into a friend’s company and got stuck because that friend of his is a clever conman who makes you get stuck first (gives some ‘director titles or share in a in debt/deficit company’) and pretends like ‘helping him’ while knows that now you will try to work hard to recover your money stuck within. The father was too shy to admit this Truth and more than a few years on is still ‘trying’. The debt of his credit card has grown and if he dies even the family house may be taken away by the bank. Son B has advised to change the name to protect the house but the father thinks that his sons are unreliable and may put him into an old folks home after getting the house & so doesn’t want to do it but trusts that ‘business conman’. Son B already did his part by his advice and by giving financially as explained. To ‘honour the parents’ Command by God is the only reason he lets the father do whatever he wants even if everyone knows it’s wrong just like Jonathan of the Bible did likewise to Saul though it may cause him his death/destruction. Obedience to God’s Word to honour parents can sometimes be tested to this point and may God Give us the Grace to fulfill it.

I repeat, what should Son B do? Honour your parents by letting it be and forgiving them even if this act may destroy your life by you losing the current house in the ‘father’s name’. Here is Wisdom: Fulfilling God’s Command has more value in Heaven’s Context than saving an earthly possession by dishonouring your father’s decision even though you know his decision is ‘not financially wise’. This is ‘deep’ if you understand it.

5) Honour your Parents: Obeying in the Lord

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” (Ephesians 6:1, NKJV)

Please notice carefully that the Bible does “not” Say, “obey your parents” but “obey your parents in the Lord” meaning that if they give a command which is against God’s Word, we need not obey it as the case of king Saul’s son Jonathan disregarded his father’s attempt to harm David (his friend) as discussed earlier.

Conclusion – Living Beyond Family

The Obedience Call in the New Testament Scripture does “not” Stop there but Invites us into an ‘Adventure of Love’ even more further as discussed briefly next and yes, ‘Obedience is better than any sacrifice’:

“So Samuel said: “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22, NKJV)

Yes, a testimony of obedience in action is more important to fulfill the commands such as “honour your parents” instead of in words only but whilst doing that, we should not forget the ‘other commands of Scripture too’ to live a Biblical life of a Testimony by His Amazing Grace and Unfathomable Mercy, Verse (quoted in principle):

“And they overcame him [satan-the-accuser] by the Blood of the Lamb and by the Word of their Testimony, and they did NOT LOVE THEIR LIVES to the death.” (Revelation 12:11, NKJV)

Indeed, after fulfilling those Commands, the Bible Invites us to go further and fulfill the Second Greatest Command thereby fulfilling the First too to “Love one’s neighbour as oneself” (Matthew 22:38 – 40) where the Context of ‘neighbour’ means is “not” just ‘family, relatives, those of the same race & friends’ but also ‘enemies’ (as Christ gave the Parable of the Good Samaritan to Reveal this otherwise Unknown Depth as Jews and Samaritans were serious Cultural Enemies, in Luke 10:25 – 37) and Commanded it as Part of His Infamous “… But I tell you Command …” to “… Love your Enemies …” too toward the “Perfection” of the Father (in Matthew 5:43 – 48). In the Midst of Discussing these, Christ Gives the Reason as to ‘Why’ one should ‘Love further’, in Verse below:

“… 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)

Source Post:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160024811652784&id=651792783

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Love does no harm to its neighbors – Romans 13:10 – Verse in image.

Elsewhere in Galatians 5:14 it is Written that ‘Love your neighbor as yourself command’ fulfills ‘all Law’. So, I often wondered the opposite namely, if we don’t Love our neighbor as ourselves, does it necessarily imply that we thus “break all Law”? God Alone Knows. A Great Mystery Indeed.

The kind of Perfect Love God Requires of Christians is extreme to the point of “not” resisting the evil person (Matthew 5:39) and only overcoming evil by doing good (Romans 12:21) till the point of Laying down our lives (Matthew 16:25) even if it lets evil win here temporarily on earth, Verses:

“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:25, NKJV)

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21, NKJV)

“But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:39, NKJV)

Please notice carefully the phrase “… But I tell you…” in last Verse above implying that the ‘resisting evil with violence or equivalent’ in the name of Justice (e.g. politically or religiously) is ‘outlawed’ by Christ Himself for the New Covenant. Can you see it? Yes, in Christ’s time itself He never advocated any resistance toward the evil Roman government at that time in the Name of Justice but let evil be allowing it to abuse Him. Mysterious Indeed but Obedience is better than Sacrifice though we don’t understand its Mystery.

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-Destination of Every Believer – A Living Faith with Works

The Bible Verses below in “Full” clearly describe that a believer is not saved by works at all but yet every one who believes will be doing Good Works in some way according to what God has Prepared Beforehand for them:

” 8For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8 – 10, NKJV)

In short, one cannot have faith alone with “no” good works.

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mystery of New Testament Commands to Gentiles – Apostle Paul’s Opinion or God’s Commands?

1) Christ Didn’t Reveal everything in the Gospel as He Promised to Reveal other things later, Verse:

“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 16:12, NKJV)

2) Apostle Paul clearly states that the Commands he wrote from 1 Corinthians 11 to 1 Corinthians 14 are the “Lord’s Commands and not a cultural context or equivalent”, Verses:

“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. 38But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.” (1 Corinthians 14:36 – 38, NKJV)

3) The Principle of “no” other customs or alternatives are allowed by God (hence clearly proving that these rules are “not” a cultural context for the Corinthians Church only but “all” Spirit-Led Church everywhere) as First Christianity also Taught is seen in Verses below which Apostle Paul echoes whilst revealing ‘these Most Blessed Commands of the Lord’, Verses:

“33For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.” (1 Corinthians 14:33, NKJV)

” 16But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.” (1 Corinthians 11:16, NKJV)

These Verses are in Context because they’re in 1 Corinthians 11 to 1 Corinthians 14 in regards to each rule written.

Conclusion – Why?

Why these Rules were given? It demonstrates ‘how to follow Christ as a Gentile male or female believer’ as God Chose the apostle to the Gentiles (Apostle Paul himself) to teach His Rules, Verse:

“1Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1, NKJV)

“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1, KJV)

The Verse below applies to any of Christ’s Commands such as the “Lord’s Commands” as we have seen in 1 Corinthians 14:38:

“Whoever 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)

For example, Blessed Prophet Samuel wasn’t the high priest of his time nor the biggest philanthropist in the region but he was best in “obedience” to “God’s Word” and hence the Verse below applies to the Context above too in principle:

“So Samuel said: “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22, NKJV)

This agrees with the Bible Warning earlier regarding anyone who “ignores” Christ’s Command from 1 Corinthians 11 to 14 may be “ignored” too (equal judgment meted back, God Alone Can Decide to Cancel or go through with it), Verse:

“36Or did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? 37If anyone thinks they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. 38But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored.” (1 Corinthians 14:36 – 38, NIV)

The Verse above of being ‘ignored’ due to ‘ignoring God’s Commands in 1 Corinthians 11 to 14’ may be a type of ‘lawlessness’ which is “denied” by Christ during the Great Denial toward “many” (I am not saying this is the reason but it can be one of it in Matthew 7:20 – 23). One thing is for sure: no Christian can be condemned in any way if they uphold these “New Testament Verses or Commands” and so this is the Safer Route either way.

“And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” (2 Timothy 2:5, NKJV)

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:15, NKJV)

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One Law to Rule them All – Where the Pharisees Failed?

1) Which are the Two Greatest Commands of God?

“28Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, “Which is the first commandment of all?” 29Jesus answered him, “The 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.’ 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.” 32So the scribe said to Him, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. 33And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”But after that no one dared question Him.” (Mark 12:28 – 34, NKJV)

2) Does the Second Greatest Commandment Fulfill All Law?

“For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14, NKJV)

Together with the First Greatest Commandment, one fulfills not just “all Law'” but “all prophets as well”, Verse:

“On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:40, NKJV)

3) How to Fulfill it? By doing “Acts of Mercy” as The Parable of the Good Samaritan is Christ’s Answer and Reveals that the “neighbor” Context includes our “enemies” too (as Jews and Samaritans were Cultural enemies) in Luke 10:25 – 37 as discussed in post below:

4) No one can fulfill the first and greatest Commandment to Love God without loving his neighbour as himself as 1 John 3:10 – 18 clearly Reveals where it ends with the question to “share one’s earthly goods with one’s neighbour as a proof of it in 1 John 3:17 – 18 itself”.

5) Is Fulfilling the “Acts of Mercy” (e.g. Charity Works) toward “our neighbours by loving them” is self-righteousness or is considered ‘not’ part of keeping the “religious part of the Law which is prohibited in the New Testament”? Verses:

“8If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; 9but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. 11For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty.” (James 2:8 – 12, NKJV)

Comment: Just like Apostle Paul earlier who quotes this same “Love your neighbor as yourself Law” to Fulfill “All Law”, Apostle James calls it distinguishedly as the “Royal Law” and says that one who keeps this will “do Well” whilst commenting in the same passage the warning that he who tries to keep the Law (“religious Law”) will fall from Grace if he stumbles in one. In other words, Apostle James himself clearly does “not” see that the “Love your neighbor as yourself Royal Law” as keeping the ‘whole law part which he is warning not to keep’ thus must be referring to ‘religious Law’ of the Torah which are abolished (“Context”).

5) This “Charity Works” from one’s “own money” is exactly what Christ Commanded (Luke 12:33 – 34) which the Pharisees never did (Luke 11:41) because the hypocritical charity the Pharisees did was from the Temple money and not their ‘own income’ and for a show and not Love (Matthew 6:2). Yes, in Luke 11:41, Christ clearly points out that doing Charity/Alms with one’s own money is something which the Pharisees never did and therefore it’s one of the things to do to exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees to enter into His Kingdom (Matthew 5:20) as we have seen that Love in action toward our neighbor fulfills all Law (Galatians 5:14). In Verses below, even before Cornelius believed in Christ, doing “charity works or alms” was already considered as a “work of righteousness” (please note this phrase carefully below) even though it was done without knowing the True God, Verses:

“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 are remembered in the sight of God … 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 10:30 – 31, 34 – 35, NKJV)

The only righteousness which Cornelius did as Apostle Peter calls it as “works righteousness” must refer to his “alms/charity giving only” because his prayer or fasting etc. without knowing God or to some foreign deity cannot be considered as “righteous works” by Scripture, right?

A related post for further reading answering common misconceptions with verses:

What Doctrinal Teaching in a Church or among Christians can be more important to the Faith than fulfilling these Two Greatest Commands? Any commands higher than these two?

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mystery of Righteousness and Good Works – Possible Biblical Hope for some non-Christians?

It is Christ Who moves People into Paths of Righteousness though they don’t realize it even if they don’t know Him but think it is their own ability or attribute it to something else. Proof Bible Verse = King Cyrus of Persia Case, Bible Verses:

“… 1“Thus says the Lord to His anointed,
To Cyrus, whose right hand I have 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:

4For Jacob My servant’s sake,
And Israel My elect,
I have even called you [Cyrus] by your name;
I have named you [Cyrus], 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 [Cyrus], 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.
I am the Lord, and there is no other; …” – Blessed Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 45:1, 4 – 6, NKJV)

[Emphasis Mine]

King Cyrus was legendary because he freed the “poor” and “oppressed” from ‘their rich oppressors’ and even established ‘human rights for all religions to practice it by their choice too’. Interesting Indeed that ‘God Himself Chose him’. Example quote:

“… The Jews honored him as a dignified and righteous king. In one Biblical passage, Isaiah refers to him as Messiah (lit. “His anointed one”) (Isaiah 45:1), making him the only gentile to be so referred. … On 10 December 2003, in her acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize, Shirin Ebadi evoked Cyrus, saying: I am an Iranian, a descendant of Cyrus the Great. This emperor proclaimed at the pinnacle of power 2,500 years ago that he “would not reign over the people if they did not wish it”. He promised not to force any person to change his religion and faith and guaranteed freedom for all. The Charter of Cyrus the Great should be studied in the history of human rights. …”

Source:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyrus_the_Great

Best is King Cyrus did “not” plunder the nations or the minority he freed but did it all “for free” (not for price nor for reward the Substance of which is Christ’s Free Salvation Work Allegorically), to quote:

“… Elsewhere in Isaiah, God is described as saying, “I will raise up Cyrus in my righteousness: I will make all his ways straight. He will rebuild my city and set my exiles free, but not for a price or reward, says God Almighty.” (Isaiah 45:13) As the text suggests, Cyrus did ultimately release the nation of Israel from its exile without compensation or tribute. …”

Source:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyrus_the_Great

King Cyrus was definitely not a Jewish proselyte because if he was so, the Bible would have Written it and more still God Himself Says in these Isaiah Versed that Cyrus does “not” know Him but yet in Isaiah God Still Calls Cyrus as “His Anointed (literally Messiah in Hebrew, Isaiah 45:1) while on the surface Cyrus himself might have been believing another religion or could be an atheist, to quote:

“… Though it is generally believed that Zarathushtra’s teachings maintained influence on Cyrus’s acts and policies, so far no clear evidence has been found to indicate that Cyrus practiced a specific religion. Pierre Briant wrote that given the poor information we have, “it seems quite reckless to try to reconstruct what the religion of Cyrus might have been.” …”

Source:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyrus_the_Great

How is this possible, the New Testament Verse below and First Christianity Quote below may Reveal this Mystery as “God’s Judgment is past finding out” as Apostle Paul himself declared at the end of the chapter in Romans 11, to quote:

“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.” – 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 refers 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,” 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 ]:

https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/matthew-commentary/catena-aurea-on-matthew/chapter-1/chapter-2/chapter-3/chapter-4/chapter-5/chapter-6/chapter-7/chapter-8/chapter-9/chapter-10/chapter-11/chapter-12/chapter-13/chapter-14/chapter-15/chapter-16/chapter-17/chapter-18/chapter-19/chapter-20/chapter-21/chapter-22/chapter-23/chapter-24/chapter-25

I am not saying that this is surely true but in light of such an exegesis here, it is possible. Source Post with more related discussion along this line of exegesis (if true):

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159430305102784&id=651792783

Source Post:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160015352087784&id=651792783

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FAQ – Mystery of Mercy and Faith vs Unbelief

Does John 3:16 Contradict Luke 10:27 – 37 as the answer to inherit “Eternal Life”? No. Please consider the FAQ based on an earlier post below:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160013273852784&id=651792783

Question 1

Verse 28-29 should be very easy to understand
1. You have answered RIGHTLY — YASHAR in Hebrew. 2. Seeking to JUSTIFY himself — SADIK in Hebrew. Clearly, this is word play from Habakkuk 2.4. The proud, his soul is not upright in him. But the JUST shall live by faith. That other charity stuff is choosing to read specific verse and be blind to the whole context. Cite John 3.16

Reply 1

John 3:16 agrees with this Answer because if you believe in Christ you will obey Him (John 14:15) and so will do the charity stuff or “showing Mercy Act” Commanded in these Verses (Luke 10:27 – 37) needed to inherit Eternal Life or reject it according to “your unbelief”.

Question 2

Is the LORD Himself Charity? Because Jeremiah calls Him our righteousness?

Reply 2

Christ Said “actual” Charity or “Act of Mercy” by Saying “Go and Do likewise” in these Verses. So it is Christ Who Works that Charity or Mercy Act through those who believe Him and is absent in those who don’t do it because they don’t believe it. So yes, it is “His Righteousness” Ultimately for He Said “… He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. …” (John 15:5, NKJV).

Question 3

you seem to skip the parts that say, NOT OF WORKS, LEST ANYONE SHOULD BOAST, IT IS A GIFT. GIFT GIFT. FREE GIVING. FREE GIVING
UNEARNED. UNMERITED . FREE GIFT . FREE GIFT.

Reply 3

It is Unearned and Unmerited because it was “Christ Who Worked that through us” as John 15:5 and ‘nothing by ourselves (zero contribution)’. Yes, it is Christ’s Work not ours. The absence of that Work in us proves that we are in unbelief and Christ Does Not Work through us, not our work certainly.

Question 4

Answer me using the following 4 truths: 1. The Law is not of faith. 2. Whoever believes must cease from works. 3. Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness. 4. The Law is the ministry of death, ministry of condemnation and the strength of sin.

Reply 4

The Works of Law you speak of is the Observance of the Torah by the Old Covenant which has ceased (Acts 15). It is “not” talking about the Context of “Love in Action” Commands such as “Mercy Acts” which is a must for every Christian as Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ Revealed (Matthew 5) and blessed Apostle Paul both mentioned extensively (e.g. Galatians 5:14 to fulfill “all” Law). Love is Greater than Faith itself and Loving is not in words but action referring to “Charity Works” or “Acts of Mercy” as Luke 10:27 – 37 or 1 John 3:10 – 18 clearly Reveals. The absence of “Good Work” (or disqualified or unfit for it) but ‘claiming to believe in words’ is exactly the illusion many believe in as prophesied in Verse below agreeing to all these Verses:

“They PROFESS to KNOW GOD, but IN WORKS they DENY Him, being abominable, disobedient, and DISQUALIFIED for EVERY GOOD WORK.” (Titus 1:16, NKJV)

In another translation:

“They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.” (Titus 1:16, NKJV)

Please notice ‘carefully’ that one ‘denies’ God in ‘Works’ and in the ‘absence of Good Works’.

Question 5

So that simply means the poor can’t inherit the kingdom of God? For they own nothing for Charity, like Mephibosheth at Lodebar.

Reply 5

God Measures in Relative Measure. The Poor Widow gave two coins but could not even have been enough to feed anyone but still gave the most (in Luke 21:1 – 4). If you really don’t have anything, God won’t require it of you like the beggar Lazarus was Saved (Luke 16:19 – 31) or that thief on the Cross because he didn’t have any more chance to do anything (relative measure), Luke 23:43. So, it’s even easier for the Poor than the rich to enter the Kingdom of God (Matthew 19:21 – 24).

Question 6

love is not greater than faith because faith is the parent of love. We believe in God and then we can love. We don’t love then we believe in God. Faith comes first. Love comes last.

Reply 6

The Bible Verse below compares all three “faith, hope and Love” and concludes as follows regardless if we understand it or not:

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)

Question 7

The thief at the cross, what charity did he do? By your standard the guy should be headed to hell not paradise.

Reply 7

I repeat (in case you missed it) regarding the thief on the cross. If you really don’t have anything, God won’t require it of you like the beggar Lazarus was Saved (Luke 16:19 – 31) or that thief on the Cross because he didn’t have any more chance to do anything (relative measure), Luke 23:43. It’s similar to the Command of Baptism which the thief did “not” fulfill to be Saved but is mentioned for everyone else who can do it as a “must”, Verse:

“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned*.” (Mark 16:16, NKJV)

*Judged.

Here’s a Mystery:

The Thief on the Cross was Saved “without Baptism” (Luke 23) though Mark 16:16 Commands it as a must. Now the same Verse above commands believing as a Requirement to be Saved (in Mark 16:16) Speaking of the First Resurrection (Revelation 20:4 – 6). There’s a possibility of believing after seeing in John 6:40 which may apply to the Spirit World too and the Shepherd of Herman’s writing explains the Gospel Preached to the Dead (in 1 Peter 4:5 – 6) and afterlife type of Baptism too (where the debate continues regarding its meaning but I keep an open mind and let God Decide in the end), Verses:

“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.” (John 6:40, NKJV)

The above Verse most likely refers to a ‘different type of believing’, i.e. not of ‘faith’ (believing without seeing) but ‘believing after seeing type’ (John 20:29) as the phrase is here is not ‘… Believes in Him …’ but ‘… who sees the Son and believes in Him …’.

“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 4:5 – 6, NKJV)

Only those who believe in Faith of Christ now can be part of the First Resurrection (Revelation 20:4 – 6). Believing in the spirit world or after seeing Him definitely can at most give one a possible hope at the Second Resurrection 1000 years later only (Revelation 20:5) if God Decides to show Mercy on these who are judged by “their works” (Revelation 20:11 – 15) or “Done Good” (John 5:29) toward those ‘still in their graves and not part of the First Resurrection most likely’ (John 5:28) or those who do “Works of Mercy toward others” (Matthew 25:31’s Great White Throne Judgment till Matthew 25:46).

Here’s an example Post with more in links within it discussing this possibility:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159663526522784&id=651792783

It’s a possibility because only God Alone Knows whether these Bible Verses mean this or that.

Source Post:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160014572082784&id=651792783

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The only Bible Answer – Not my opinion regarding How to Inherit Eternal Life?

Question: “… 25And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” …” (Luke 10:25, NKJV)

Answer: “… 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 10:27 – 37, NKJV)

Sola Scriptura. It is Written. No Exegesis. Only Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ’s Own Words mentioning the “Good Work” of “Showing Mercy” needed to “inherit Eternal Life” as He Said, “… You have ANSWERED RIGHTLY; DO THIS and YOU WILL LIVE. …” and “… GO and DO LIKEWISE. …” Please don’t worry as ‘no one’ falls from Grace by Obeying Christ in His Own Words here in this “Charity Doctrine” yet again.

Source Post:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160013273852784&id=651792783

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fallen from Grace Case versus not enough righteousness?

Order of Salvation is by works not Salvation itself. Order of Salvation refers to whether one partakes of the First or Second Resurrection (Revelation 20:4 – 6) or is unsaved in both being cast into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:11 – 15) or even the level of rewards (Matthew 5:17 – 18). Without the works of Law (Lawlessness), many will be Denied the First Resurrection (Matthew 7:20 – 23). Christ Himself Said that “your righteousness” not His Righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees to enter His Kingdom referring to the Law and Prophets part which apply in New Testament times (not all) as revealed in New Testament Scripture in Matthew 5:17 – 20. Which Commands to Obey? Christ Primarily refers to “His Own Commands” in Matthew 5’s Beatitudes by which one can exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees or fail below it (Context in Matthew 5 itself – please read each Verse in this chapter itself).

A believer only falls from Grace when he tries to keep the Torah under the Old Covenant Way (Acts 15) as Apostle Paul wrote extensively too. Apostle Paul himself gave many New Testament rules to live by throughout his writings implying its observance (e.g. 1 Corinthians letter). Doing what Christ Commanded (His New Testament Laws) is what proves the Faith as not hearers but doers who will be justified. In other words, just believing claim doesn’t work or is unproven until we do the Works that accompany the believing such as love your neighbor as yourself etc. and not Old Testament religious observances which are abolished. Without performing the New Testament Commands there’s no faith there making it dead. Faith is only alive according to the work done as the Book of James Reveals.

How to exceed the Righteousness of the Pharisees as required to enter the Kingdom of the Heavens?

“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.” (Matthew 5:20, NKJV)

Firstly, in Matthew 5, Christ lists down His New Commands signified by the phrase ‘… But I tell you…’ (e.g. Matthew 5:21 – 48) which the Pharisees would have never Fulfilled because they don’t believe His Words. So, by fulfilling these Greatest Commands such as “love your enemies” toward “perfection” (Matthew 5:43 – 48) is how one exceeds the Pharisees’ religious righteousness easily.

How is a way to do that?

Christ Himself explains in Verse below:

“41But rather give alms of such things as you have; then indeed all things are clean to you.” (Matthew 11:41, NKJV)

“But what ye have give ye as alms, and, lo, all things are clean to you.” (Young’s Literal Translation, Luke 11:41, YLT)

“But now as for what is inside you–be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.” (Luke 11:41, NIV)

Explanation:

We all know that without Holiness no one gets into the First Resurrection and holiness Command is part of the Law. So, is keeping holiness considered to be keeping the Law and thus one falls from Grace? If not, neither is Good Work actions of Love such as love your neighbor as yourself is going to cost anyone to fall from Grace. We fall from Grace when we try to keep the ‘religious Law’ commands which are “no” longer applicable in the New Testament such as Circumcision etc. but not for keeping the part of Law which is still applicable under the New Covenant as found in the New Testament Writings. In fact the Love your neighbor Command is a way higher Command than holiness itself being the “Second Greatest Command” according to Christ Himself (in Matthew 22:38 – 39) and so keeping it is certainly related to “what to do to inherit Eternal Life” as Christ Himself answered in the Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25 – 37. So likewise, the “good works” we are preaching as a must refers to this “Second Greatest Command” of love your neighbor as yourself to “show Mercy” to others as Christ Commanded likewise (in Luke 10:37) and “not” keeping the religious part of the Torah such as ceremonies or other observances which has nothing to do with ‘loving others in action type of command’. The fact that Christ Pointed out explicitly to the Pharisees to do “Charity Works or Alms” from “their own money” (not Temple money) for them to clean their “inside” (inner person or heart or both) in Luke 11:41 thereby “everything” (i.e. both inside and outside becomes “clean”) itself is an indicator how one can exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees by doing so (fulfilling Matthew 5:20).

In fact, the Love your neighbor command (the Context for the entire Mercy type of Good Works we are speaking of in Context such as Charity Works) fulfills “all” Law hence one exceeds the righteousness of the Pharisees which fall short of this because they didn’t love others. Can you see it? Here’s that Verse:

“For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14, NKJV)

“37Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38This is the first and great commandment. 39And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:37 – 40, NKJV)

Also, there’s “no” such thing as fulfilling the First and Greatest Command to Love God without doing acts of “charity” toward others as these Bible Verses prove tying up the First command to the Second:

“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. 13Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you. 14We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. 15Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 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 – 18, NKJV)

Source Post:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160012618727784&id=651792783

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remember Judas and Church Money

“4But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, 5“Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.” (John 12:4 – 6, NKJV)

Please notice two key attitudes of “Judas” from Bible Verses above:

i) Judas did “not” care for the poor. Equivalently, please beware of Christian ministries which do “not” care for the poor (e.g. church programs with dollar signs which only the rich can join or filter accordingly etc.). Another example: have you seen a “poor man” financially become a leader in a congregation of ‘rich Christians’? Also, a rich men Church would require that someone to join their worship team to be musically educated with certain qualifications upon which the poor is already discriminated. Is God looking for Perfect musical ability or will He allow an imperfect poor musician to play?

ii) Judas used to take from the “Church money” for ‘his own personal use at will’ (probably luxury beyond needs). Can you ‘see’ the danger of this attitude?

Conclusion

The “only” reason Christ had a Money Box is so that ‘they can give to the poor’ from it and ‘not’ collecting money to use for prosperity (as some Christians may be guilty of doing so promoting luxury living too likewise these days with “Money collected in the Name of God*”), Verse:

“For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him, “Buy those things we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor.” (John 13:29, NKJV)

*All men of God in the past who were prosperous financially “not” by collecting money in God’s Name but via literal secular job (Blessed Abraham to King David or Joseph all were blessed through their hard work in a secular job as farmers or kings or government officials but never once anyone was prosperous by using “tithes and offerings” or money collected in God’s Name. Can you see it? There is a risk that the Ten Commandment “Thou shall not take the Name of God in Vain” might be broken here if some continue to do this ‘unbiblical act’, Exodus 20:7 simply because that money would not have been successfully collected unless ‘God’s Name was used’.).

The phrase “… the money box, … he should give something to the poor …” (John 12:39) means that this is should be the No.1 thing on the Budget of any Church Collection because it was collected in “God’s Most Holy Name”, i.e. to be redistributed or given to the poor as the “First Church” did (Acts 2:44 – 46, Acts 4:32). Isn’t it Written in these Verses as So? You “decide for yourselves which is right” (in principle of Luke 12:57).

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life Purpose of Doing Good Works in a Man of God Biblically

In this brief write-up please allow me to share a few Bible Verses which Speak of ‘Why’ God Created a ‘Man of God’ according to the Bible.

1) God’s Purpose in Creating His Elect is “for Good Works” toward mankind

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10, NKJV)

Please notice carefully the phrase in Verse above which explains the reason why God’s Elect are Created namely, “… created in Christ Jesus for good works …”

2) A man of God who depends on the Gospel for his income must only take his “needs” (i.e. “for living”) and not prosperity but God’s Perfect Will is to do it for free without taking this wage as Bible Verses below clearly describe and as Apostle Paul lived it by working a secular job as a tentmaker

“14Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel. 15But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; … 18What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:14 – 15, 18, NKJV)

“So, because he [Apostle Paul] was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers.” (Acts 18:3, NKJV)

Yes, ‘working with your own hands’ (a secular job) is ‘God’s Preferred Will’, Verse:

“And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;” (1 Corinthians 4:12, NKJV)

The highest pastoral way is when the ‘pastor works hard at a secular job’ and ‘shares his income’ with those with him (in analogy as a ‘parent who provides for the children’) instead of the other way around, Verses:

“Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me.” – Blessed St. Paul the Great Apostle of Christ (Acts 20:34 NKJV)

“Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.” (2 Corinthians 12:14, NKJV)

3) False teachers are identified in the Bible to do the exact opposite where they will “peddle/merchandise” (or “sell” the Gospel) in “covetousness” (i.e. the ‘love of money’) and this is applied to “many” who will follow this way as Prophesied in Verses below

“For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 2:17, NKJV)

In an easier English translation:

“At least we are not commercializing God’s word like so many others. Instead, we speak with sincerity in the Messiah’s name, like people who are sent from God and are accountable to God.” (2 Corinthians 2:17, International Standard Version)

“By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.” (2 Peter 2:3, NKJV)

“And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!” (John 2:16, NKJV)

Conclusion – Giving the Gospel for Free whilst you incur the cost (in time, money etc.) is Commanded by God Himself in these Bible Verses:

“… Freely you have received, freely give. …” – God in Flesh, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:8, NKJV)

If we are not obeying these Verses, we may be Doing the opposite to these Verses (or a mixture of it) sometimes ‘unknowingly’:

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24, NKJV)

Since these are all “New Testament” Bible Verses, it applies to us even now and ‘obedience is higher than sacrifice’ and if we are ‘not’ careful we may “not” get the ‘crowns’ promised if we didn’t ‘Preach the Gospel according to His Rules (Bible Verses)’ as these Verses “Warn”:

“So Samuel said: “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22, NKJV)

“And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” (2 Timothy 2:5, NKJV)

Good Works are only the things we do for free (Matthew 10:8 – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ’s Own Definition or Apostle Paul’s definition in 1 Corinthians 9:18). Here’s another beautiful Verse proving this same definition:

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” (James 1:17, NKJV)

Note: “Gifts” are “Free” and the Verse above doesn’t say ‘some gifts’ but “EVERY Gift” meaning all Gifts of God are “Free”. This is Deep if you can really see it.

This definition holds even in Preaching the Gospel or Christian Ministry Context as Apostle Paul himself wrote Inspiredly by the Most Blessed Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians 9:14 – 17.

If we follow a life of “by Scripture” (Verse in image), the proof of it is the last line where it says that every such ‘men of God’ will be full of ‘Good Works’ as the phrase “every Good Work” means concerning ‘His Elect’:

“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 COMPLETE, thoroughly equipped for EVERY GOOD WORK.” (2 Timothy 3: 16 – 17, NKJV)

In light of these Verses, every Christian or Church ought to ask itself, what ‘Good Works for Free are we giving to the People around us to Fulfill God’s Will in this area’. God Measures relative to what we are given (Luke 21:1 – 4, thus there’s no disadvantage to anyone) and we will be Judged by it, Verse:

“But 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 12:48, NKJV)

Sounds “Difficult”? Indeed a life of ‘self-loving & money-loving’ will lead ‘many’ to destruction too as these Verses imply collectively:

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:13, NKJV)

So, are we Fulfilling God’s Will Set Forth in each of these Verses quoted in some little way? (Risk: Matthew 7:21 – 23’s Great Denial)

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mystery of Unsaved Christians

The Five Foolish Virgins were not Saved though they were “Virgins” (signifying holiness and faith) and even had “some oil” (signifying good works). The Fact that Christ Says in this Parable that the foolish virgins could “buy” the “oil” by some ‘earthly transaction’ most likely means that this refers to “Charity toward the Poor”. By the time they realized this it was too late for them to join the “First Resurrection” (Revelation 20:4 – 6) as He Uses the same phrase “I never Knew You” (Matthew 7:21 – 23 and in this Parable of the 10 Virgins in Matthew 25:8 – 13, Verse in image too). I implore thee to take heed and please don’t miss it by not doing enough Charity Works as Christ Himself Pointed this Act (in Luke 12:33 – 34) to “Keep one’s lamp lit” (in Luke 12:35, Consecutive Verses proving that this is most likely what He Meant Primarily). First Christianity Taught this Context proving that this Exegesis might be most accurate as discussed in link below:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159446220277784&id=651792783

Women may have an alternative where raising children could help them get the oil as women were not required to do much of other things Biblically as discussed in post below:

This First Christianity interpretation is further strengthened by the fact that even after the 1000 years during the Second Resurrection (Revelation 20:6), Judgment Day Verses point to only Christ Asking about how much Charity Works one has Done as He Asks in regards to what the remaining did toward the hungry, thirsty, homeless, naked etc. In Matthew 25:31 – 46 (Revelation 20:11 – 15’s phrase of “judged by works” only) proving that these acts are a must regardless.

Please don’t take it easy that we did a little charity works out of our abundance because God Counts in Percentage too as the case of the poor widow with two coins demonstrated (in Luke 21:1 – 4). The Idea is not that we are saved by Works but without enough works our Faith is Dead (Book of James) and we did “not” believe enough if we didn’t “obey Christ to Fulfill these Verses to Do the Will of the Father” especially in Fulfilling the “Two Greatest Commands which includes the Royal Law or King’s Law of Love your neighbor as yourself” through which “all Law is Fulfilled” (Galatians 5:14). Example Post below discusses Christ’s Own Most Blessed Words on this Topic (so let’s not take it lightly as this is “His Will”):

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159987781992784&id=651792783

Personal advice: you may practice whatever Christianity you think is right but please add on this “charity works” doctrine would be the ‘safest route’ as you cover all possibilities regarding the meaning of this Parable.

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christianity which Robs God

A lot of modern protestant denominations speak of tithing. I don’t believe that it’s a New Testament Command to the Gentile believer because First Christianity never had such a doctrine (example proof quotes at the end of this write up) but more so because Christ Already Commanded believers to share all in common (Matthew 19:21, 27 – 30, Galatians 6:2) as the First Church Did (Acts 4:32, Acts 2:44 – 46) and so tithing is a lesser doctrine and becomes irrelevant or fulfilled beyond that by the First Christians who “follow Christ” unto ‘sharing all or toward that’. So, we are already robbing God when we don’t live according to these quoted Verses but God has Mercy on whomever He Wills despite our failures.

However, the real reason why tithing was given and how the tithing money is used may be a bigger problem because it is supposed to be used only for two things below:

i) A priest (or pastor) or equivalent’s “needs” and “not” for ‘luxury or prosperity-living for the men of God’.

ii) The rest of the tithes collection must be given to “Charity”, i.e. toward the poor, widow and fatherless or needy persons or equivalent.

The “Bible Verses” when the “Law” was given state these two truths clearly:

“22“You shall truly tithe all the increase of your grain that the field produces year by year. … 28“At the end of every third year you shall bring out the tithe of your produce of that year and store it up within your gates. 29And the Levite, because he has no portion nor inheritance with you, and the stranger and the fatherless and the widow who are within your gates, may come and eat and be satisfied, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do.” (Deuteronomy 14:22, 28 – 29, NKJV)

God’s Will is to follow “His Law” if you’re quoting say “tithing” as a doctrine because “Lawlessness” will be Denied from entering His Kingdom (in Matthew 7:21 – 23) meaning that if you want to believe or practice tithing (between you and God), please follow the Verses above which Command that money to be only used for the Levite (priest, for his needs only, not luxury etc.) and for the poor as the phrase ‘… And the Levite, because he has no portion nor inheritance with you, and the stranger and the fatherless and the widow who are within your gates, may come and eat and be satisfied, …’ in verse above clearly implies.

These infamous Verses in Malachi are tithe-preachers favourite (in Image) but they don’t quote it in full causing you to ‘miss’ some truths, here they are:

“7Yet from the days of your fathers
You have gone away from My ordinances
And have not kept them.
Return to Me, and I will return to you,”
Says the Lord of hosts.
“But you said,
‘In what way shall we return?’
8“Will a man rob God?
Yet you have robbed Me!
But you say,
‘In what way have we robbed You?’
In tithes and offerings.
9You are cursed with a curse,
For you have robbed Me,
Even this whole nation.
10Bring ALL the TITHES into the STOREHOUSE,
That there may be FOOD in My house,
And try Me now in this,”
Says the Lord of hosts,
“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing
That there will not be room enough to receive it.” (Malachi 3:7 – 10, NKJV)

The Bible clearly Teaches the same truth again that God Was Angry in people not giving tithes nor offerings or “robbing Him” for the one and only reason mentioned in verse above so that there may be FOOD in His Storehouse which was meant for the priests (Levites) and the poor (e.g. foreigners, widows, fatherless, the poor etc.) as earlier Verses correlate too. In other words, if the “tithes” money is not being used for “charity” purposes but hoarded for luxury or self-survival reasons, aren’t we still “robbing God”? Let God Alone Decide but it’s possible. Please also take note that the tithes money do not belong to pastor’s only as even the Widow, Orphans and Strangers (Foreigners) can partake their “need” from it.

Please take note that tithes money cannot be used for anything else, not even temple or church building as the case of rebuilding the Temple by Blessed Prophet Nehemiah itself proves that this ought to be done by ‘free will offering’ as per Verses below:

“70And some of the heads of the fathers’ houses gave to the work. The governor gave to the treasury one thousand gold drachmas, fifty basins, and five hundred and thirty priestly garments. 71Some of the heads of the fathers’ houses gave to the treasury of the work twenty thousand gold drachmas, and two thousand two hundred silver minas. 72And that which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand gold drachmas, two thousand silver minas, and sixty-seven priestly garments.” (Nehemiah 7:70 – 72, NKJV)

“They also gave money to the masons and the carpenters, and food, drink, and oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre to bring cedar logs from Lebanon to the sea, to Joppa, according to the permission which they had from Cyrus king of Persia.” (Ezra 3:7, NKJV)

I am yet to find “Bible Verses” which describe priests Living in Prosperity by using “tithes” money as some modern Christian leaders practice with “no” Verses. These could be robbing God too, right? Blessed Patriarch Abraham or Job or David and the rest all became rich or lived prosperously with money earned through “secular work” and “not by collecting money by claiming themselves as men of God” via works such as being a farmer, king, government official (e.g. Joseph) etc. with “not” one example of any men of God in the entire Bible Living prosperously using tithes money or offering money collected in the name of God. I don’t judge them but let God Do that Judging but just let them know that they’re most likely wrong in this which can cause them to be considered as “thieves” and lose their salvation if they’re not careful as so lived and did the Pharisees of old.

Tithing can be done in “equivalent money-exchange” (Deuteronomy 14:24 – 25). God encouraged “Free-Will offering” in Old Testament Times itself not to be hoarded in His Temple/Church for the use of priests but to be given to “Charity” toward the poor, widow, foreigners or strangers etc. and He Said to be ‘careful to observe these statues’ Verses:

“9“You shall count seven weeks for yourself; begin to count the seven weeks from the time you begin to put the sickle to the grain. 10Then you shall keep the Feast of Weeks to the Lord your God with the tribute of a FREE-WILL OFFERING from your hand, which YOU SHALL GIVE as the Lord your God blesses you. 11You shall rejoice before the Lord your God, you and your son and your daughter, your male servant and your female servant, the Levite who is within your gates, the STRANGER and the FATHERLESS and the WIDOW who are among you, at the place where the Lord your God chooses to make His name abide. 12And you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and you shall be CAREFUL to OBSERVE THESE STATUTES.” (Deuteronomy 16:9 – 12, NKJV)

Yes, you “work hard” and give your money for free toward these needy persons as that’s what God Commanded in Verse above and Christ Pointed out its supreme importance in the New Testament Verses such as Luke 12:21, Luke 14:33, Luke 12:33 – 34 and Luke 11:41. Again, even the “tithes” doctrine is all about “charity doctrine” and “remembering the poor” if understood correctly, Verse:

“They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do.” (Galatians 2:10, NKJV)

P/S: Example links discussing why tithing was not found in First Christianity

0) First Christianity Quotes by Heroes of Faith who Gave All to the Poor and Followed Christ type of Perfect Faith

https://pushpay.com/blog/6-quotes-on-tithing-in-the-early-church/

1) A Brief Christian Historical Survey

http://slaveoftheword.blogspot.com/2013/05/tithing-and-church-history-response-to.html?m=1

2) Modern Churches

https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-4-why-you-should-not-tithe-selected-scriptures

Someone said: If we are fulfilling a Command wrongly, we are not fulfilling it, right? Let God Judge but the risk is real.

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real Christianity- Two Self Check Questions – Are we His Sheep Fulfilling the Will of God and are Saved?

1) How much we love one another is evidenced by how much we suffer together with others by sharing their burdens (e.g. financially, Galatians 6:2 – “The Law of Christ”) and sharing our money & possessions with them as the First Church did (Acts 4:32, Acts 2:44 – 46).

2) Christ didn’t Stop there as He Said that it’s no big deal to love those who love us back (e.g. among family, friends, same race, same church/religion etc.) in Luke 6:32/Matthew 5:44 , but Commanded us to “Love your Enemies” too (Matthew 5:43 – 48).

Conclusion

I am “not” making this Context up because in the Great Denial of the First Resurrection where only few are Saved (Matthew 7:13 – 21), the Context of denial is toward “not entering the Kingdom of God” due to “Lawlessness” (where His Direct Words with phrases such as ‘… But I Say to you …’ in Matthew 5:43 – 48 to ‘Love our enemies’ are More Important Commands) meaning that we should focus on what Christ Commanded Directly to “Fulfill the Will of God”.

Best still, to someone who answered that ‘… Loving God and Loving your neighbor command (Mark 12:29 – 31) is Greater than all burnt offering and sacrifices …’ (example of sacrifices: fasting, praying, singing praises or worship to God, attending church or any other ‘religious lifestyle’) was called as “Wise” by the “Bible Itself” for this Answer to whom Christ Remarked that such a one is “not far from the Kingdom of God” where this phrase in Verses below points to the Mysterious “Fulfilling of the Will of God” required to “enter His Kingdom of Heaven on that Day” as both set of Verses in Matthew 7:21 – 23 and Mark 12:33 – 34 (below) Speak of this Same Topic (and Christ Himself never highlighted any other Greater Command than these for one to ‘enter the Kingdom of God’), Verses:

“… 32So the scribe said to Him, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. 33And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” But after that no one dared question Him. …” (Mark 12:32 – 34, NKJV)

“… 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. …” (Luke 6:20, 24, NKJV)

*Poor in spirit definition in First Christianity refers to those who share their goods, example quotes in link below:

Torah Perfect Parenting Values – Financial Context

Who is a good parent according to God’s Word? One that does not provide minimums but as follows:

“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, …” (Proverbs 13:22, NKJV)

Comment: The Children take care of the parents using the wealth the parents provided first (hence the Joke in image makes sense when this is disobeyed, which I found in a Christian Jewish group).

“Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, …” (Proverbs 19:14, NKJV)

The New Testament Speaks that this Same Rule is Maintained even in ‘spiritual parenting mirroring the earthly parenting context’, Verse:

“Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.” (2 Corinthians 12:14, NIV)

Blessed Apostle St. Paul echoes this same truth in verse below where in times where he took financial burden help from a Church, he did “not” enjoy it like the prosperity Gospel Preachers falsely represent and promote such materialistic lifestyles but said that this is WRONG and APOLOGIZED for it, Verse:

“For what is it in which you were inferior to other churches, except that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong!” (2 Corinthians 12:13, NKJV)

So since children are not obligated to this, if they give anything from theirs, it’s a willing giving and thus great. What is against the Verses especially New Testament Commands is ‘lawlessness’ in this area. Please be aware.

Peace to you

Christ’s Flock of Sheep Described by Christ Himself below in the context of “inheriting His Kingdom” will have this one lifestyle action which is to “DO ALMS/CHARITY” (Blessed are the Churches which Focus on this) as Christ Points to no other command when Speaking this Context in Verse below highlighting that this is most important to ‘inherit His Kingdom’:

“… 32“Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. …” (Luke 12:32 – 33, NKJV)

What we do with our ‘worldly goods’ proves how much we love God via loving others by sharing with them as the Verse below proves this Context yet again (fulfilling the Greatest Two Commandments Simultaneously):

“But 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?” (1 John 3:17, NKJV)

Warning: Christ’s Context of ‘Loving your neighbor’ included loving others from a “different race” and “different religion” and “cultural enemies” even as His Own Example to the question ‘… Who is my neighbor? (Context)…’ was Answered Beautifully by Christ Himself in the ‘Good Samaritan Parable’ as outlined in Verses below:

“… 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: … [ The GOOD SAMARITAN PARABLE in Verses 30 onward ] …’ (Luke 10:27 – 30, NKJV)

[Emphasis Mine]

So, until we love like that, we may “not” enter His Kingdom of the Heavens as these Verses are tied up in that Context and how can someone enter His Kingdom if they never fulfilled God’s Will in the Commands which “He called as Greatest”? Also, how can political Christianity which hates its enemies or does “nothing” for free toward its society but does ‘business in the church, selling and making money even enjoying the so called prosperity life’ where even almost every Church program has a ‘dollar sign attached to it’ claim that it’s fulfilling these “GREATEST” Will of God? No wonder Christ Remarked these Haunting Words below to a “Rich Man” who ‘kept all Law’ but was insufficient due to “Percentage Measure” (a relative measure based on what we are given first meaning it is easier for literally poor Christians or poor in spirit* Christians referring to those who share their money & possessions to enter His Kingdom), Verses:

“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)

Please take note that Christ Mentions being “Rich” already makes it hard for one to enter His Kingdom (Context for this Topic of “Entering His Kingdom”) referring to the action of ‘sell your possessions and give to the poor’ meaning that this action proves ‘how much we follow Him’ or even “believe in Him” (because we don’t believe in Christ’s Words above if we don’t do it or don’t do it much, right?)

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mystery of Christ’s Yoke toward His Perfect Commands

Christ Didn’t Say that there is “no more Yoke” (or “Commands” to follow) but that it’s Easy (Verse in image, Matthew 11:29 – 30), refering to “Love Commands such as Love God and Love your neighbor as yourself thereby fulfilling all Law’ and Prophets” (Matthew 22:40) and toward “Perfection of the Father” (Matthew 5:48) to “love your enemies” by “praying for them, borrowing them money and doing Good Works toward them too” (Matthew 5:43 – 48). That pretty much covers “everybody”.

Here are the quoted “Bible Verses” as Proof that “Christ’s Own Most Blessed Words Taught These Truths”:

” 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 gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” – The Messiah, Son of God, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 11:27 – 30, NKJV)

“35Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, 36“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” 37Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38This is the first and great commandment. 39And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:35 – 40, NKJV)

“43“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:43 – 48, NKJV)

True Biblical Wisdom: Better to Focus on the Commands which Christ Himself Taught Directly or Focused as “most important” and “in His Own Words”.

Example: When Christ Taught “to Love” others, He Taught the Broadest Love to “Love your Enemies” (How?) where He Specifically Points to “do good” and “lend them money” and ‘hoping nothing in return’ and further Points that only such a Love is Highest in “Bible Verses” below (He doesn’t Teach us to fight politically or literally against our enemies to defend our money, way of life or things – and those Christians who do this may be part of the Lawless ones He Denies on that Day as He Prophesied in Matthew 7:21- 23 because Lawless is Doing against Christ’s Own Most Blessed Words revealed in these Verses too):

“27“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. 29To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. 30Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. 31And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. 32“But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 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, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High.” – The KING of Heaven, the Only Perfect One, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:27 – 35, NKJV)

Note: The Devil teaches exactly opposite to Christ’s Most Blessed Commands in “His Own Most Blessed Words” above “as it is Written”.

Self Check Question: ‘Have we ever given any money and done good toward our enemies?’ if yes, have we given tit-bits or significant amounts or a little out of an abundance which we keep for ourselves first (“percentage measure” is always present in the context of Giving, Luke 21:1 – 4) to fulfill these Greatest Love Commands of God or ‘Skipped it’ focusing on ‘loving those who love us back only’ (e.g. family and friends)?

Worth Meditating on “God’s Perfect Will” as Christ Spells out in Verses above even ‘the specific actions’ to “Do His Will” lest we be Denied as Lawless if we persecute our enemies instead whether politically, economically or financially etc. (Matthew 7:21 – 23). The “Narrow Road is Difficult” because very few know how to Love or Love to these extents of Perfection:

“14Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” – The Most Loving One, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:14, NKJV)

‘… Loving others beyond themselves, their family or friends and even toward their enemies is hardest for the hardened hearts .. ‘

The Most Important Lifestyle Action to inherit Eternal Life is to “Show Mercy” even toward our neighbor/enemies beyond those who love us only as this Truth is by Christ Himself as He Described the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Context is correct since Samaritan and Jews are kind of cultural enemies) and so God Requires this Level of Mercy lifestyle from those who are going to be Saved, to quote as this is the answer to the Daunting Question: ‘… What to Do to Inherit Eternal Life? …’ (as Christ Points to “no” other requirement meaning this is enough/most important), Verses:

Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ Himself answers:

“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)

 

 

Please allow me to repeat the last line in Verse above,

“… JESUS said to him, “GO and DO LIKEWISE. …”

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:15, NKJV)

These Commands of Love are the Greatest, the Verse below proving that this is the Correct Context:

“4I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father. 5And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another. 6This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.” (2 John 1:4 – 6, NKJV)

And by Keeping especially His Greatest Commands of Love, we will inherit the Greatest Gift of All, which is God Himself to Live in us as the Verses below reveal this Mystery:

“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 faith without works to match it is a “dead faith” which saves no one, Verse:

“What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?” (James 2:14, NKJV)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christ Explains – How many might miss the Wedding Supper of the Lamb?

“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 36“Be like men who are waiting for their master when HE RETURNS from the WEDDING FEAST, so that they may immediately open the door to him when he comes and knocks. 37“Blessed are those slaves whom the master will find on the alert when he comes; truly I say to you, that he will gird himself to serve, and have them recline at the table, and will come up and wait on them. 38“Whether he comes in the second watch, or even in the third, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:31 – 38, NKJV)

Please take note of the phrase “… when HE RETURNS from the WEDDING FEAST …” too in a parabolic way in Verse above.

Comment: The Bible didn’t come with subtopic separations and Christ is Speaking the Context of “seeking His Kingdom” in Verses above where a required action is to “sell what one has to give to charity/alms” to “keep one’s lamp lit” and such ready slaves are commended by the Master Himself. Please read ‘Christ’s Own Most Blessed Words above Carefully’ again.

Note: Prosperity Gospel Teachers often quote a half truth only (Luke 12:31 above) and ‘hoard their treasures enjoying & promoting luxurious living’ without quoting the next Verses in “full” (especially Luke 12:33) where “Christ Commands also” to SELL those ‘earthly riches/possessions you obtained’ to obtain ‘a greater permanent heavenly treasure’. Their LAMPS are only LIT as per the amount of CHARITY WORKS Done [implied in Consecutive Verses above], can you see it as It is Written?

To “seek the Kingdom of God” and receiving it from the Father is only evidenced in those Christians who do the Will of God to “Sell your Possessions and Give to the Needy/Poor” as the Verses above clearly Teach (in image too – please notice that “no” hoarding or self enjoyment is echoed by Christ toward those who receive His Blessings but only sell what you have lifestyle according to each one’s measure of faith):

“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3, NKJV)

So, are we really fulfilling God’s Will to inherit His Kingdom?

More is discussed in link below:

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mystery of the “Abundant Life”

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

Biblical Perspective: The Devil Steals and kills by making men hoard instead of share (Luke 12:21) while Christ Teaches to Give to Charity (Luke 12:33 – 34) giving “life” toward others.

Yes, the “Abundant Life” Christ Spoke of in John 10:10 has nothing to do with “material life” but rather a “spiritual life” of “Sowing in the Spirit” where this means to “Do Good to All and Share” as Galatians 6:6 – 10 literally explains as discussed in post below earlier:

Or a related discussion in post below too:

Please notice ‘carefully’ the words “abundance” and “life” in Luke 12:15 below where Christ’s Own Words Definite it to “not” refer to ‘any material possessions’ as commonly erred by some Christians, to quote:

“And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s LIFE does NOT consist in the ABUNDANCE of the THINGS he POSSESSES.” – THE KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:15, NKJV)

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do not be Deceived – Please let us Sow Well

What is the Context of “Sowing” and “Reaping” in Verse in image below which the Bible Speaks About?

Again, it’s “Good Works” and “Sharing freely our Possessions or money toward others” as implied in Verses surrounding it when the Verse Galatians 6:7 itself was Written, to quote:

“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)

Can you see it? As the Verse Begins with this phrase “… Let us not be deceived otherwise …” by pursuing other things which these Verses are “not” Talking about when it was Written.

In short, Sowing in the Spirit is Manifested as Doing Good to “All” by sharing and giving to others for free our possessions or things or money or anything else as the Verses above imply together, doesn’t it?

Please allow me to repeat a warning in Verse above which is “… Do not be deceived …” which means many will be easily Deceived by Doing things in life which do “not” focus on these Actions. Can you “really” see it as it is Written?

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Biblical Secret on a Clean Heart

Correct quote in Image. Yes, and it’s “only” then we begin to “clean” our “Inside” (Inner person, heart), Says Who? Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ Himself in Verses below:

“39Then the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your INWARD part is full of greed and wickedness. 40Foolish ones! Did not He who made the outside make the INSIDE also? 41But rather GIVE ALMS of such THINGS as YOU HAVE; then indeed all things are CLEAN to you.” – God in Flesh, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:39 – 41, NKJV)

Note: “Give Alms” = “Give to Charity” = Generosity to the Poor and Needy from “what you have” (percentage count from own possession is implied as it’s easy to do charity from other people’s collected money, e. g. Christ’s case of the Poor Widow proves this in Luke 21:1 – 4).

Perhaps the greater the Charity, the cleaner the inside such as the ones who “sold all and gave to the poor” and then “suffered like the poor” to “love the least among us as themselves” (thereby fulfilling ‘all Law’ according to Galatians 5:14) thereby becoming the “firsts in His Kingdom” as Matthew 19:27 – 30 clearly Means with Gospel Preaching as did other First Christians too (e.g. Acts 2:44 – 46, Acts 4:32, Luke 21:1 – 4, Matthew 19:21). An example Post discussing more is in link below:

The opposite habit of “hoarding wealth” to be enjoyed in comfort & security for oneself is “not” a blessing nor does it make one “rich in God” as Verse below, again by Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ Himself Reveals (let us Hear Christ ‘Carefully’ in this lest we are deceived):

“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)

This ‘Secret’ was known to Blessed King David himself as described mysteriously in Verses below:

“10Create in me a CLEAN HEART, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me. … 16For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it;
You do not delight in burnt offering.
17The SACRIFICES of God are a BROKEN SPIRIT,
A BROKEN and a CONTRITE HEART—
These, O God, You will not despise.
18Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion;
Build the walls of Jerusalem.
19Then You shall be pleased with the SACRIFICES of RIGHTEOUSNESS,
With BURNT OFFERING and WHOLE BURNT OFFERING; Then they shall OFFER BULLS on Your altar.” – Blessed King David, a Man after God’s Own Heart (Psalm 51:10, 16 – 19, NKJV)

Yes, among the things mentioned by Blessed King David in this Psalm is that one of the requirements of a clean heart is to have a broken spirit/contrite heart first and then only a natural flow of “sacrifices of righteousness” or “whole burnt offering” done are acceptable to God. Please let us read each Verse carefully regarding this Topic (e.g. these quoted verses) if we wish to strive in any little way in these areas and not ignore or pick some Verses only.

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prosperity Gospel Vs Renunciation Gospel – Many Vs Few Mystery

1) Prosperity Gospel – Plenty of Converts (Christ had 5000 converts)

“16But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” 17And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” 18He said, “Bring them here to Me.” 19Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. 20So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. 21Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children.” (Matthew 14:16 – 21, NKJV)

Christ’s Reply in Verse below (He was “not” impressed by their “Following of Him” to get “earthly bread”, a metaphor to also mean “earthly blessings, luxury or finance etc.” – sounds familiar, doesn’t it?):

“Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” (John 6:26 – 27, NKJV)

Comment: Please notice carefully that Christ did “not” Say, labor for both type of food (spiritual and physical) but forbade the labor for physical food reasons (of physical or financial prosperity) as the phrase “… 27Do not labor for the food which perishes …” means just like “… Do not Murder …” Means don’t murder leaving no room for doing both (as carnal prosperity messages claim with no Verses, no Christ’s Own Words) as other Verses by Christ Himself clearly Agree (e.g. Luke 12:21, Luke 14:33, Luke 12:15) where this ‘spiritual labor’ of “… but for the food which endures to everlasting life, …” begins with Believing in Him (John 6:28 – 29) and is a living faith which certainly includes to “sell what you have and give to charity to attain to spiritual treasures in heaven” as again, His Own Most Blessed Words Reveal this Secret further below:

“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.” – The KING of Heaven, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:33 – 34, NKJV)

The Devil doesn’t want us to obey these Verses because he succeeds in making our treasures smaller if he cannot stop us from believing in Him by luring us to disobey these verses. Please remember that these are Christ’s Direct Own New Testament Commands and hence obedience is better than Sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22).

2) Renunciation Gospel (Luke 14:33) toward ‘Sell All and Give to the Poor type of “Perfect Following of Christ” – Few Chosen (Christ initially had only 12 Apostles as His Converts)

“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.” … 27Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have LEFT ALL and FOLLOWED YOU. Therefore what shall we have?” 28So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has LEFT houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a HUNDREDFOLD, and inherit eternal life. 30But MANY who are FIRST will be LAST, and the LAST FIRST.” (Matthew 19:21 – 24, 27 – 30, NKJV)

Comment: Please Compare

i. Prosperity Gospel (receiving type of faith where they get “physical or financial blessings”), e.g. the 5000 Christ fed —-> many converts (e.g. 5000 people in Christ’s Case).

ii. Renunciation Gospel (sell all you have and Give to the poor type of following Him, Christ initially had 12 converts only).

Indeed, such prosperity things are highly looked on by men which may be an abomination to God and the only religious ones who will hate such a Preaching of His Perfection are ‘those who love money’, as this ONLY CONTEXT is Preached by Christ Himself in Verses below connecting these two topics, can you see it ‘as it is Written’ below?:

“14Now the Pharisees, who were LOVERS OF MONEY, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. 15And He [Lord Jesus Christ] 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.” (Luke 16:14 – 15, NKJV)

In short, “… 14Now the Pharisees, who were LOVERS OF MONEY, … For what is HIGHLY ESTEEMED among men is an ABOMINATION in the SIGHT of GOD.” …”.

Yes, the Way to Life is “Difficult” and only a “Few” find it:

“Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” – The KING of Heaven, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:14, NKJV)

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mystery of Charity Works Doctrine – Do we know How to Please God and will God Ask how much Charity Works we did on Judgment Day?

The Bible Verse in image (Hebrews 13:16) Reveals this Secret to “Do Good” and “Share” from what’s ours to Please God. Both to “Do Good” and to “Share” obviously refers to things which we “Give Freely” toward others and “not” our ‘work or business transactions where we are paid or pay’ except if we are ‘walking some extra mile for free’. Please consider the Bible Verses below for Thought for ‘Doing God’s Will’ in this aspect if possible, Daily:

“But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” – Anonymous (Hebrews 13:16, NKJV)

The phrase “do not forget” in Verse above implies that it must be easy to forget this Command or Doctrine in our comfort or personal pursuits and hence the exhortation (or reminder).

“One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, And He will repay him for his good deed.” (Proverbs 19:17, NKJV)

Doing “Charity” is Commanded by Christ Himself. Why? Christ Himself Seems to imply the following Reason: Indeed, the only Way to Clean the “Inside” (our heart, inner holiness) and not the “Outside” (outward holiness) according to Christ Himself in this ‘rarely’ observed Bible Verse is to do “charity” or give “alms”, seriously? Yes, Christ Own Most Blessed Words Says it below (unbelievable, isn’t it?):

“39Then the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your INWARD part is full of greed and wickedness. 40Foolish ones! Did not He who made the outside make the INSIDE also? 41But rather GIVE ALMS of such THINGS as YOU HAVE; then indeed all things are CLEAN to you.” – God in Flesh, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:39 – 41, NKJV)

“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.” – The KING of Heaven, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:33 – 34, NKJV)

If for a moment we think that we have done a lot of charity, please remember that God Measures “relatively” (based on what we are given) and in “percentage” (against what we have, which is usually very little in comparison) and does “not” judge based on its “results” as a giving of only two coins if hardly fed anybody as opposed to the giving of the rich which fed many can still be greater as again, “Christ Himself” Reveals this Rarely Known Secret in Verses below (because if the poor widow had more, she might have given just as much in percentage; Truly, God is Fair and Perfect in His Judgments with “no” partiality and so no one is at any disadvantage spiritually under such Biblical Measure), Verses:

“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.” – The KING of Heaven, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 21:1 – 4, NKJV)

‘… In the poor widow example, Christ Shows us that what we see as great may be nothing to Him while what we see as nothing may be Great to Him, in His Perfect Eyes …’

Our Duty is to Preach God’s Will in this Area too. This is a Very Important Area because in Judgment Day Verses by “Christ Himself” again in Matthew 25:31 – 46, Christ does “not” Ask how many times you prayed or read the Bible or fasted or attended church (though these deeds are great), but Surprisingly He Asks the Way Greater Deed of “How much Charity Work one has Done when He Says, When I was Hungry, Thirsty, a Stranger, Naked etc.what did we do?” Simply because the Charity Acts Verses relate to Fulfilling Loving your neighbor as yourself Command (Acts 2:44 – 45, Acts 4:32, Luke 14:33, Matthew 19:21, 27 – 30) which fulfills “All Law” and “covers a multitude of sins” causing one to be “Forgiven easily of other sins” too, Verses:

“… for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a STRANGER and you TOOK ME IN; … 38When did we see You a STRANGER and take You in, or naked and clothe 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 [Aeonian] fire prepared for the devil and his angels: … 43I was a STRANGER and you did NOT take Me in, … ‘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.’ …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:35, 38, 40, 41, 43, 45, NKJV)

“For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14, NKJV)

“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8, NKJV)

“Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 7:47, NKJV)

We should Pay more Attention to Christ’s Direct Words in these Bible Verses rather than be deceived into outward religiousity without these works or lesser of these works (in relative “measure”) making our personal practice of religion of lesser value. I repeatedly write on this Topic because I am most Fascinated by Christ’s “Own” Most Blessed and “Perfect” Words/Commands which I cannot Do because it’s so difficult, for example:

“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.” … 27Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have LEFT ALL and FOLLOWED YOU. Therefore what shall we have?” 28So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has LEFT houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a HUNDREDFOLD, and inherit eternal life. 30But MANY who are FIRST will be LAST, and the LAST FIRST.” (Matthew 19:21 – 24, 27 – 30, NKJV)

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to have a “Clean Heart”? – A Great Secret Revealed by Christ Himself

The only Way to Clean the “Inside” (our heart) and not the “Outside” (outward religiousity) according to Christ Himself in this ‘rarely’ observed Bible Verse is to do “charity” or give “alms”, seriously? Yes, Christ Own Most Blessed Words Says it below (unbelievable, isn’t it?):

“39Then the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your INWARD part is full of greed and wickedness. 40Foolish ones! Did not He who made the outside make the INSIDE also? 41But rather GIVE ALMS of such THINGS as YOU HAVE; then indeed all things are CLEAN to you.” – God in Flesh, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:39 – 41, NKJV)

“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.” – The KING of Heaven, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:33 – 34, NKJV)

Comment: Please note ‘carefully’ that the ‘charity/alms’ that the Pharisees did in public are from ‘other people’s money’ (not theirs, e.g. Matthew 6:2) and that’s why Christ Commands them to give from ‘… what’s theirs …’ in Luke 12:41 as the phrase “… 41But rather GIVE ALMS of such THINGS as YOU HAVE; …” Clearly mean ‘as it is Written’. Please also note that “GIVE ALMS” is to GIVE IT for FREE. Can you really see ‘what action Christ Himself has Commanded to make the Inside Clean’ in these “Bible Verses” (and “not” opinions of men)?

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Art of Christ’s Perfection – Beautifully Put in image and Who Wants Eternal Life?

Bible Verses:

1) Love your Neighbor Context

“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) Love your Enemies Context

“38“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. 43“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48Therefore YOU shall be PERFECT, just as your FATHER in heaven is PERFECT.” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:38 – 48, NKJV)

Secret: No Christian can practice these unless Christ Lives in them. The Devil cannot love.

Context: “as it is Written”. All “Christ’s Own Most Blessed Words”.

Image in link below:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159931805657784&id=651792783

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Righteousness or are we Biblically Wise?

1) New Testament Biblically Wise Definition

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” (James 3:13, NIV)

A Great Bible Verse in above (Thanks to Pastor Caleb Yogan) indicating that the “proof” of a “Biblically Wise” person is one who lives a life of “Good Works”. Let us not think that our works is much because a poor widow with two coins only still did a greater work than all the rich though the effect (result) of others were much more than her and even though her giving probably couldn’t even feed few persons or even any person, Verses:

“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)

2) Works and Holiness Analogy – is it self righteousness?

i) We are Saved by Christ’s Righteousness upon us only and not by our righteousness be it works or holiness (Romans 3:21 – 31).

ii) If you say that without being Holy, one cannot be a Saved Christian to attain to the “First Resurrection” (Revelation 20:4 – 6), Christians generally agree. But if you say that without having works likewise such a Christian’s faith is dead and cannot save them, you will be accused of preaching ‘trusting in your own righteousness or being self righteous’ by those who miss these Bible Verses. Example:

“What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?” (James 2:14, NKJV)

iii) Lawlessness by which probably many Christians or those who call Him ‘Lord, Lord’ may be rejected on that Day thus includes ignoring both “Holiness and Works” (Matthew 7:20 – 23) as many Bible Verses Testify clearly.

Conclusion

In analogy, just like striving to be Holy is not considered self-righteous, similarly striving to do good works is not considered as being self-righteous as in both cases, God Sees each Intention of the Heart, Verse:

“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.” (Proverbs 21:2, NKJV)

Likewise, just like when a preacher preaches that without holiness no one sees the LORD (Hebrew 12:14), generally Christians don’t see that it’s depending on your holiness to be saved, similarly a preacher is right to preach that without Works no Christian will be saved either (as per James 2:14) and this is not trusting your own righteousness either.

Whether something (being Holy or Good Works) is trusting one’s own righteousness or not, that’s a matter of the Heart (Proverbs 21:2) which only God Alone Judges Perfectly and we need not judge each other for it because none of us can read hearts, can we? (2 Corinthians 11:14 – 15, Romans 12:9).

So just like striving to be Holy doesn’t add anything to the Work of the Cross for Salvation, neither does striving to do Good Works add anything to the Work of the Cross which is Already Perfect and these things may just affect the “order of Salvation” Verse:

“Whoever 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)

P/S: A Secret Trait of the Self Righteous as Revealed by Christ Himself

Our Most Blessed Saviour Revealed that the “self righteous” (e.g. the religious person in Verses below who attended church/temple regularly, fasted often, didn’t commit adultery and paid tithes) may be ‘lower’ than a ‘humble sinner’ as “Humility” is a ‘greater virtue than these particular religious works’, Bible Verses:

“9Also He [The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ] 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 humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:9 – 14, NKJV)

Bible Example: Blessed King David is the only one called in Holy Scripture as the “man after God’s Own Heart’ (Acts 13:22) and I wonder is it because of his humility too since other righteous persons were there in Old Testament times being holier than him (e.g. King David committed both adultery with Bathsheba & murdered Uriah, breaking two of the 10 Commandments and making God very very Angry due to it) but yet He was “Chosen” to this Greater Extent.

“… Humility is the only thing no Devil can imitate …” – Blessed St. John Climacus

Peace to you

Fewest Hundredfold Mystery – Who are First in His Kingdom?

Fewest Converts but Highest Quality too – Perfect Christians whose level of Renunciation is the “Hundredfold” (Luke 14:33). I say fewest because it is Christ Himself Who Declared the “Hundredfold” level Fruit to refer to anyone who has done one or more things listed in the Bible Verses below:

“21Jesus said to him, “If you want to be PERFECT, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 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.” … 27Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have LEFT ALL and FOLLOWED YOU. Therefore what shall we have?” 28So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has LEFT houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a HUNDREDFOLD, and inherit eternal life. 30But MANY who are FIRST will be LAST, and the LAST FIRST.” (Matthew 19:21 – 24, 27 – 30, NKJV)

1) What’s Written as a “Hundredfold” Requirement?

i) Renounce Earthly Wealth (e g. Leave House, Lands or Sell Possessions) and Give to the Poor.

ii) Not referring to those who Followed Him only as that can be Thirtyfold or Sixtyfold too (Matthew 13:8). However, this refers to those who “left all and followed Him” as opposed to those who “followed Him” only. Please notice the phrase “left all and followed You” in the above.

iii) Renounce Family for the Sake of the Gospel. Not putting Family first so that ‘other families’ can have the Gospel Preached to them by sacrificing their time/money/attention from one’s own family to do this.

2) What’s “not” Written as a “Hundredfold” Requirement?

i) Many Converts

God doesn’t Count the number of converts you make because that’s not our work but His. In the Parable of the Sower, Christ (the Sower) Retains His Same Glory even when He Sowed the Seed on the bad soil or on the good soil (Matthew 13). Please notice in Verses above discussing the Hundredfold Reward, Christ does “not” say anywhere there that they must make many converts. God Counts in Percentage (Luke 21:1 – 4) as He has His Way of Determining this Equivalence even in this Context. But making many converts with Lawlessness (relaxing some of the Gospel Commands may “not” count them as Saved either as per Verse in image, Matthew 7:21 – 23). Sometimes travelling land and sea to make a convert does not matter at all (Matthew 23:15). Luke 21:1 – 4 itself proves that God Counts your effort in Percentage which can be greater even if there’s no result as the case of the poor widow with 2 coins demonstrate as opposed to the giving of others (the rich) which had more results but was still “lesser” in “effort” (percentage). Can you see it? This is how God is Fair to All regardless of their circumstances.

ii) Religious Activities

No religious activity is mentioned in the above as a requirement for the “Hundredfold” reward nor on Judgment Day even but only what we did to the “… Hungry, Thirsty, Stranger or Poor …” (Matthew 25:31 – 46). He is a God Who Loves Private worship, Private Prayer etc. as opposed to “Public religious Prayer or Worship” (something Christ never Did in the Gospels with His Disciples) proving that the Private ones by oneself counts more (e.g. Matthew 6:5 – 6).

Conclusion

Let Focus only on “what is Written” in these Bible Verses instead of doing what’s not written or something Christ never emphasizes on. Please notice in Bible Verses below that when asked about the meaning (Context) for the “Good Fruits”, St. John the Baptist the Fore-Runner for the Messiah did “not” answer that it refers to “how many converts?” But rather that it refers to the ‘Verses above regarding renunciation and sharing all’ as he himself lived as a Hermit fulfilling Christ’s Own Perfect Command Earlier (can you see it?), Verses below:

 

“7Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 9And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” 10So the people asked him, saying, “What shall we do then?” 11He answered and said to them, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.” 12Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13And he said to them, “Collect no more than what is appointed for you.” 14Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, “And what shall we do?” So he said to them, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.” (Luke 3:7 – 14, NKJV)

So, the “fruit” of ‘repentance’ Blessed St. John the Baptist referred to in the above so that ‘one escapes the Wrath to Come’ (on ‘being rejected from the First Resurrection on the Day Christ Returns’, Matthew 7:22 – 23, Revelation 20:4 – 6) pertains to ‘doing good works’ such as ‘share your tunics (clothes) or food’, ‘do not collect more money than you ought to’, ‘be content with your salary without desiring more & more’ etc. as these Bible Verses (not my opinion) clearly imply.

Not once did Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ nor John the Baptist referred to the “fruit” as “number of converts”. Can you really see it?

There are a few Ways to follow Christ (that’s why there’s the Thirtyfold Vs Sixtyfold Vs Hundredfold reward, Matthew 13) but for the “Hundredfold” Way is when the “last becomes first” and the “first becomes last” in His Kingdom of which the highest ones of this , “… Sell all and give to the Poor…” as Verses prior Testify “as it is Written”. I am amazed by those who did it because I cannot do it. But it’s Fascinating Biblically Indeed. I call those who did it as Ferrari of Faith while myself as a broken bicycle of Faith in Comparison.

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bible Secrets No Prosperity Bible Teacher will Tell you

Secret 1: Prosperity Gospel Teachers will quote from the Old Testament only because the New Testament has “no” Verse supporting that theology and in fact is against it (e.g. Luke 12:21, Luke 12:33 – 35, Acts 2:45 – 46, Acts 4:32, Matthew 19:21 – 24, Matthew 19:27 – 30, Luke 14:33, Luke 21:1 – 4).

Secret 2: They will quote the example of Abraham, King David, Job or Joseph who were all rich but they won’t tell you that none of them became rich by collecting money in God’s Name nor through the Church/Temple Offerings/Tithes. Can you see it? God Blessed each one of them in their “secular work” and no Levite priest of the Old Covenant became rich or hoarded this type of temple/church money. This means that there is 0% Bible Verse support on Pastors being rich by using Tithes/Offering money. Pastors are only allowed to take for their “needs” living from the Gospel if they take this path (1 Corinthians 9:14). For example, King David was rich by the secular position as King of Israel, Abraham and Job were both rich due to being farmers while Joseph was rich because he was holding a secular government job with the Government of Egypt as 2nd in Command after the Pharoah, all secular jobs and “not” religious jobs in which God Blessed them.

Secret 3: Double honour means respected twice more, probably double the reward in His Kingdom. The double honour is given to those leaders who rule well (in 1 Timothy 5:17) and it does not necessarily mean double wages because the next Verse uses the word “wages” (1 Timothy 5:18). In other words if Apostle Paul wanted to ask pay double salaries to such pastors, he would have just written “double wages” instead of “double honour” in 1 Timothy 5:17 where in fact the Koine Greek Word for “Wages” is there and used in the next Verse 1 Timothy 5:18 but “no” mention of “double wages” at all. Can you really see it? Even after reading this 1 Timothy letter “no” Church history tradition ever recorded that these Churches were paying “double wages” to their pastors proving that such a modern interpretation has “no” historical “nor” Biblical base even. Do you really think Apostle Paul is talking about “double wages” for those elders who rule well where in his own definition when speaking of the Topic of Salary/Wages to pastors (elders), he said that the best ones “work a secular job” (like him as a tentmaker, Acts 18:3) and do “not” take salary or wages from the Gospel even (in 1 Corinthians 9:18 as compared to 1 Corinthians 9:14 earlier)? In other words, the elders who rule well must certainly include those who do “not” take wages at all (as 1 Corinthians 9:18 points this as the higher ministry way) and certainly thus “double honour” cannot mean wages at all here.

Secret 4: They quote that Christ Said to seek the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you (Luke 12:29 – 32) but they don’t tell you the next Verses (‘missing the proper Biblical Context’) that the only Reason God Gives Christians with such Providence is so that they can “Sell” what He Gave and “Give to the Poor” to attain “Treasures in Heaven” (Luke 12:33 – 34). Now, if we receive His Blessings and do not sell it and give to the poor as Commanded in Luke 12:33 – 34, aren’t we being dishonest to God? Indeed, Obedience is better than Sacrifice. If we can’t sell all, at least sell some which is equivalent to giving some. The more we give, the greater the Treasure in Heaven where in this Context of “Sell all and Give to the Poor” (Matthew 19:21) is when Christ Himself told that it makes the “Hundredfold” Fruits and those who do it become “First” in His Kingdom and He also said that “many” Christians will be “last” for Failing to Fulfill this Command (in Matthew 19:27 – 30).

Note: I didn’t list down these Verses here but I did so in some of my recent posts or you could please refer to Google and read them for yourself to see which is True. If we don’t have a Bible Verse to prove what we say, it’s best to refrain from Speaking against these Verses Respecting His Most Holy Word instead of risking unwanted Judgment, Verse:

“Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.” (Proverbs 30:6, NKJV)

Conclusion

Please remember that ‘sinning in words’ especially ‘Speaking carelessly using His Most Holy Word’ may “not” be a small sin because the Greatest Sin of All itself is ‘Blasphemy against His Holy Spirit’ (Matthew 12:31 – 32) which is a sin in words and is worse than breaking any 10 Commandments such as murder or adultery even. Now, isn’t it Common for Prosperity Preachers to quote that the ‘… Holy Spirit told me …’ when they do these ‘… Prosperity Prophecies…’. If the Most Blessed Holy Spirit of God Spoke to you, you will be excused but if He didn’t, can you see how serious a Judgment it can be? Perhaps that’s why in Matthew 7:20 – 23, Christ Denies “Many” Christians from participating in the First Resurrection (Revelation 20:4 – 6) even though they ‘converted many’ by ‘Prophesying in His Name’ (possibly the Prosperity Gospel Prophecies?) or even doing ‘many miracles including casting out demons’? I am not saying this is so 100% but am pointing out that a reason for “Lawlessness” can be this too amongst others. Personally, I am not taking this risk of the ‘Prosperity Gospel’.

Some Protestant Christians may “not” realize that even “Mr. Benny Hinn” who is considered one of the most “anointed man of God” for “many prosperity Gospel believing protestants” has “repented” of this “SERIOUS HERESY of this Prosperity Gospel”. Example links:

i) Video Title (Interview): Benny Hinn Renounces the Prosperity Gospel

ii) Article Title: Has Benny Hinn Repented of the Prosperity Gospel?

“… In what appears to be a stunning turnaround, televangelist and prosperity gospel proponent Benny Hinn admits his past teachings were “grieving the Holy Spirit.” On Facebook Live Monday, the preacher told an audience: “I’m sorry to say that prosperity has gone a little crazy, and I’m correcting my own theology.” Adding that he’s “been sick for a while” and now sees the Bible differently than he did 20 years ago, Hinn declared: “The gospel is not for sale, blessings of God are not for sale, miracles are not for sale, prosperity is not for sale.” Hinn has previously taken steps to distance himself from the prosperity gospel, however, so some of his critics remain skeptical. …”

Source:

Has Benny Hinn Repented of the Prosperity Gospel?

Please take note that earlier preachings by Mr. Benny Hinn might have quoted the Most Blessed Holy Spirit wrongly right? And that’s why He is Repenting of this Prosperity Gospel Prophecies he might have done too, right? Let God Alone Decide. May God have Mercy on whomever He Wills.

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Church – Which Church is True to First Biblical Christianity?

An accurate quote in image. A Bible Verse:

“not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25, NKJV)

I rather assemble myself with one person who practices the Verses below to some extent than a Multitude who ignore these Verses which Speak about what to do as a requirement first in such an assembly (e.g. Matthew 18:20). It may have lesser value if we assemble but don’t do these Biblical Requirements.

It’s not about numbers nor about whether your giving can affect how many people as God Counts in Percentage too as the case of the poor widow with two coins though she could “not” feed many (or even any perhaps) as opposed to the others, Christ’s Perfect Fair Judgment Concluded that she gave the most relative to her situation especially since the rest gave (e.g. 10% tithes only) out of their abundance (whilst keeping 90% for themselves) as it is Described in Luke 21:1 – 4.

Some Christians don’t realize that the main reason the church “assembled together” was to “share possessions” and to take care of the needy among them, Verses:

“. 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)

Please notice carefully that the Bible Verses surrounding it Focus most on this “sharing and distribution of wealth part” and NOT on the miracles, or prayers or doctrine (i.e. not detailed out as much as this sharing part). Amazing, isn’t it?

Why?

Because this part is the only “Giving” part or “Love in Action” where without doing this first in a gathering, all other parts of spiritual or religious activity is ignored by God, as other Verses below may prove this context:

i) The Dead Religious Faith

“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 2:14 – 17, NKJV)

Comment: The Bible Verses above only refers to “providing bodily needs” as the tangible proof of the “works of faith” proving that this is the most important work of faith first as Christ’s Own Most Blessed Judgment Day Words itself Ring likewise in Matthew 25:31 – 46 regarding ,”… I was hungry, thirsty, naked, homeless…”.

ii) God Hates our Worship, Assemblies, Worship Songs and even Offerings of Money to the Church/Temple if …

“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)

Which “Justice” and “Righteousness” was missing in the ‘religious assemblies’ of the past too as the Verses above indicate?

The “Consecutive” Verses prior in this Chapter (“Context”) define the “Justice” here to be primarily “Justice to the Poor” which is called as “Doing Good” as the opposite to that is Evil (which includes sharing with them as the First Church Practiced in Verses quoted earlier), to quote:

“… 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.
13Therefore the prudent keep silent at that time,
For it is an evil time. 14Seek good and not evil,
That you may live;So the Lord God of hosts will be with you,As you have spoken.15HATE EVIL, LOVE GOOD; Establish justice in the gate. It may be that the Lord God of hosts will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph. …” (Amos 5:11 – 14, NKJV)

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159913087832784&id=651792783

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

God’s Will in Finance – What Would Lord Jesus Christ Do?

i. Only those who do the “Will of the Father” enter into the Heavens as per the First Resurrection (Revelation 20:4 – 6)

“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 KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:21, NKJV)

ii. Christ Warned that it is hard for a “Rich Man” to enter His Kingdom

“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)

Note: This was not directed to a sinful rich man but to one who kept the law and loved his neighbour. So something about what you do with your money can affect your Salvation for if not, Christ would not have warned it explicitly in the Verses above “twice”. More details in post in link below:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159913087832784&id=651792783

iii. Prosperity Gospel Danger

Some other pastors or Christians will not use the words maximum comfort and ease but the lives they choose to live with their money earned will prove otherwise. Let God Decide case by case but I am saying that it’s possible. Here’s a simple check questions:

1) If Christ or the Apostles were in their financial position, would they agree on driving super luxury cars or living in mansions?

“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.” … 27Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have LEFT ALL and FOLLOWED YOU. Therefore what shall we have?” 28So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has LEFT houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a HUNDREDFOLD, and inherit eternal life. 30But MANY who are FIRST will be LAST, and the LAST FIRST.” (Matthew 19:21 – 24, 27 – 30, NKJV)

2) If Christ or the Apostles were in their financial position, would they own private jets?

“And He [Lord Jesus Christ] said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” (Luke 12:15, NKJV)

“So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:21, NKJV)

 

3) If Christ or the Apostles were in their financial position, would they keep millions of dollars in their personal accounts whilst never pledging it to an orphanage or the poor at death too?

“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. 4Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. 5You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter.” (James 5:1 – 5, NKJV)

Note: Even “Luxury” is sin according to James 5:5 above as ‘various sins of the rich’ is listed in Verses above. Verse below confirms this as a reason someone may go to Hell:

“But 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.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 16:25, NKJV)

4) If Christ or the Apostles were in their financial position, would they be owning more than one house or more than one car calling that the meaning of “abundant life”?

“And He [Lord Jesus Christ] said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” (Luke 12:15, NKJV)

“So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:21, NKJV)

5) If Christ or the Apostles were in their financial position, would they be selling their Christian writing, songs or other products or making it free at least online or at least some of it even if not all?

“And He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread NOR MONEY; and do not have two tunics apiece.” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 9:3, NKJV)

“… Freely you have received, freely give. 9Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:8 – 9, NKJV)

“And He [Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ] said to them, “When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?” So they said, “Nothing.”.” (Luke 22:35, NKJV)

“What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the GOSPEL of CHRIST WITHOUT CHARGE, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:18, NKJV)

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both GOD and MONEY (Mammon).” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:24, NIV)

6) If Christ or the Apostles were in their financial position, will they open the Churches so that any of the homeless can stay in it or will they protect the Church by keeping it closed for some even ‘greater Biblical reason than that’?

“Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry And bring the HOMELESS poor into the house; When you see the naked, to cover him; And not to hide yourself from your own flesh?” (Isaiah 58:7, NKJV)

“… for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a STRANGER and you TOOK ME IN; … 38When did we see You a STRANGER and take You in, or naked and clothe 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 [Aeonian] fire prepared for the devil and his angels: … 43I was a STRANGER and you did NOT take Me in, … ‘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.’ …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:35, 38, 40, 41, 43, 45, NKJV)

Do not judge by appearances as ‘little giving’ (in terms of “percentage” by us, e.g. 10% giving + 90% hoarding for self) may not be considered great either based in terms of rewards as Luke 21:1 – 4 Testifies and discussed further in post below:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159905838737784&id=651792783

7) If Christ or the Apostles were in their financial position, will they be the biggest givers in terms of “percentage” and not amount or will they be the biggest hoarders?

“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)

Note: “Percentage” count based on “… More is Given, more is required…” Warning Verse:

“46the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. 47And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But 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 12:46 – 48, NKJV)

8) If Christ or the Apostles were in their financial position, would they be conducting paid programs in the church where those who don’t pay (e.g. the poor) cannot participate?

See Verses in point 5 regarding “free” things or programs only being the “Gospel part”. In short, if any programs involve the poor, some Gospel activity is there in the church and vice versa.

Or any such equivalent questions.

Conclusion

So, based on these “Bible Verses” quoted here (ignoring my exegesis here and there), are we doing ‘… God’s Will Financially and Teaching others rightly likewise or the exact opposite against these Verses …’?

How can the Same God be Teaching the Prosperity Teachers the “opposite” to these Verses?

The fact that the biggest churches today include “many” who believe in Christ to get these things which the Verses Speak against, are they among the “many” denied on “that Day” as Matthew 7:21 – 23 testifies despite having ‘… Prophesied in His Name (e.g. Prophesying Prosperity) , cast out demons in His Name and other Miracles…’? I am not saying that it is so but it’s certainly possible, right? 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!’” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:21 – 23, NKJV)

Where are their Bible Verses in which Christ Taught the Opposite? Can any other Verse in the Bible Cancel Christ’s Own Most Blessed Words quoted here? (ehem, ehem…)

Note: Every Verse Christ Commanded here is His Law or God’s Will and the opposite to that is certainly “Lawlessness”, right? May God have Mercy on whomever He Wills. So, let’s be more cautious.

The Gospel Sounds too Hard (“difficult”) for the Highest First Resurrection Participation (Revelation 20:4 – 6)? Indeed, Verse:

“13“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:13 – 14, NKJV)

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obedience is better than Sacrifice – Mystery of the Greatest Obedience of All

Example: Christ Commanded the Rich to Sell all and Give to the Poor to attain to Perfection to a good rich person who kept all the Law (Torah) including the Love your neighbor command in Matthew 19:21 – 30 as detailed in post below with Verse quotes.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159899444967784&id=651792783

However, I didn’t obey it but I don’t deny this Scripture and do not twist it. It’s not a difficult Passage and there is “not” another Passage of Scripture found to allow another way of Perfection under the “New Covenant Context”. Probably many other Christians today disobey it too like me while a few obey it. I am too afraid that I will starve or suffer in the streets. Only the Apostles and very few early church Christians “Obeyed this Command”  (Matthew 19:27 – 30, Acts 2:44 – 45, Acts 4:32). Christ Mentioned clearly that “obeying this Command” (Context First in Matthew 19:21 of selling all and giving to the poor, then carrying the cross and following Him) is what makes the “Last First” in His Kingdom to attain to the “Hundredfold” Reward and makes the “First Last” too possibly for “failing” to obey it (in Matthew 19:27 – 30).

“So Samuel said: “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22, NKJV)

If we preach this Biblical Truth, hardly anyone will sit in such a church. If we preach the false hoarding and Prosperity Gospel (against Luke 12:21, Luke 14:33, Luke 12:30 – 34 especially Verses 33-34, James 5:5, James 5:3), many will like it and that’s why such churches are filled with many people to connect (especially good for business networking and many other “benefits”, God Knows). Example Verse against Prosperity Hoarding for a “Rich Lifestyle to enjoy it” as over-hoarding can lead to ‘Hell-Judgment’, Bible Verse below:

“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.” (James 5:3, NKJV)

That’s “Sacrifice” with obedience to other Verses but the Highest Verse or the “Greatest Type of Following Christ”  requires “Sell all & give to the Poor”. All other following of Christ is lesser.

I look at it like this is the Ferrari of Faith (Matthew 19:21) while  many other Christians are just motorcycles of faith in comparison while me being worse a sinner is probably just a broken bicycle of faith. That’s why I admire greatly any Christian who did it (especially the earliest Church leaders in First Christianity who did it).

So by obeying this particular Command (Matthew 19:21), the “last becomes first” (Matthew 19:27 – 30) as Christ’s Own Most Blessed Words Reveal. The opposite or majority reaction is “sorrow” because we cannot obey it (Matthew 19:22). Please read this again. and again “as it is Written”. Please remember that the Devil wants to make us as small as possible in His Kingdom if he cannot deceive us to disbelieve.

Here’s another Mystery: Just like that rich man didn’t listen to Christ or ignored this Verse (Matthew 19:21), Christians today are likewise the same except those who obey it. So the Truth remains regardless of our acceptance of it, deep indeed and Truly God is Merciful despite our disobedience and shallow obedience with the intent to save ourselves from Hell and try to get blessings especially money to live comfortably against what He Willed for us. Blessed be His Most Loving Heart despite our failures 💓.

Those Verses:

“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.” … 27Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have LEFT ALL and FOLLOWED YOU. Therefore what shall we have?” 28So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has LEFT houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a HUNDREDFOLD, and inherit eternal life. 30But MANY who are FIRST will be LAST, and the LAST FIRST.” (Matthew 19:21 – 24, 27 – 30, NKJV)

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bible Invites us to the Great Contest of Faith – Are we in?

Bible Verses below agree to the quote in image:

“3You therefore must ENDURE HARDSHIP as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 5And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is NOT CROWNED unless he COMPETES according to the RULES.” (2 Timothy 2:3 – 5, NKJV)

What is the Contest of Faith about? Please read this quote carefully in the above, “… ENDURE HARDSHIP …”. Again, the False Theology of the Prosperity Gospel is debunked because that Gospel teaches to ‘enjoy life in maximum comfort and ease’.

The Greater the Suffering, the more “worthy” we are, Verses:

“So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted WORTHY to SUFFER shame for His name.” (Acts 5:41, NKJV)

“And he who does NOT take HIS CROSS and follow after Me is NOT WORTHY of Me.” (Matthew 10:38, NKJV)

Strangely, in this Paradox, a life full of Suffering to do the various Gospel-Commands brings the “True Joy”, Verse:

“In this you GREATLY REJOICE, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been GRIEVED by VARIOUS TRIALS,” (1 Peter 1:6, NKJV)

In other words, the Biblical Gospel’s Contest of Faith is all about who can “endure (maximum) hardship” (i.e. ‘Carry his cross’) and those Doing that only are called GOOD SOLDIERS of CHRIST in Verse above in quote “… ENDURE HARDSHIP as a good soldier of Jesus Christ …”.

Another aspect of this contest is who can “… renounce more his possessions …” (Luke 14:33, Luke 12:33 – 34) as such persons do “not” chase after ‘worldly things’ (e.g. earthly luxury & prosperity, James 5:1 – 5) as the next phrase in Verse above continues as “… 4No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, …”.

So, are we ‘really’ in the ‘Biblical Contest of Faith’ or are we Deceived in chasing after “Mammon” (Money)? The Devil has got them in their grip while they may think that they’re in God’s Will. Suffering for Christ to do Good is “not” for a selected few as some prosperity teachers deceive the simple so easily because the Verse below assures that such a “persecution” (or “suffering” in some way) is Promised to “All” True Christians and ‘not some Christians only’, Verse:

“Yes, and ALL who desire to LIVE GODLY in Christ Jesus will SUFFER PERSECUTION.” (2 Timothy 3:12, NKJV)

God’s Will for each True Christian is enduring “Voluntary” HARDSHIP (not prosperity) to “do Good” in Fulfilling the Various Gospel Commands, example Verses:

“17For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” (1 Peter 3:17, NKJV)

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24, NKJV)

“So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.” (Luke 14:33, NASB)

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, NKJV)

“… Freely you have received, freely give. …” (Matthew 10:8, NKJV)

“What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the GOSPEL of CHRIST WITHOUT CHARGE, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:18, NKJV)

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both GOD and MONEY (Mammon).” (Matthew 6:24, NIV)

One last thing: Please take note carefully since ‘obedience is better than sacrifice’ (1 Samuel 15:22), Obedience to ‘His Rules’ (any New Testament Context Bible Verses) can result in “Crowns” and if not, there may be “no” crowns otherwise as this phrase in the Bible Verse at the Start Means, “… he is NOT CROWNED unless he COMPETES according to the RULES …”. Let us not be deceived against these “Bible Verses”.

“Voluntary” Suffering is way Greater than forced suffering due to circumstances (relative measures), as the “Faith” of Blessed Patriarch Moses proves, Verses:

“… 23By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command. 24By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, … 26esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward 27By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. …” – The First Anonymous Christian (Hebrews 11:23 – 24, 26 – 27, NKJV)

Please notice carefully that “by Faith” Blessed Patriarch Moses left the “earthly riches/treasures of Egypt” to live as a “Prince” (Luxury lifestyle). Yes, that’s the New Testament Doctrine of “Voluntary” Poverty which Christ Commanded toward “Perfection” in Matthew 19:21, regarding how the “last becomes first” too in Matthew 19:27 – 30.

*The Author of the Bible Book of Hebrews is the First Anonymous Christian because no one knows who wrote it though many early Church Leaders testify that it was Blessed St. Paul, the Great Apostle of Christ. It also justifies the idea of remaining Anonymous as a Christian too.

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who Wants to Impress God?

Most Fascinating Christians Mystery.

Christ was not fascinated by the ‘Good Rich Man’ who kept all the ‘Judeo-Christian Law’ including the 10 Commandments and the ‘love your neighbor as yourself’ Command ‘remembering God from his youth too’, Verses:

“16Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? 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 from my youth. What do I still lack?”.” (Matthew 19:16 – 20, NKJV)

The Bible Verses do ‘not’ end there. It gets more Incredible next. Bible Verses:

“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.” … 27Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” 28So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. 30But MANY who are FIRST will be LAST, and the LAST FIRST.” (Matthew 19:21 – 24, 27 – 30, NKJV)

and

“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.” (Acts 2:44 – 45, NKJV)

or

“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.” (Acts of the Apostles 4:32, NKJV)

Conclusion

Dear friend, whether it is used in politics or not it doesn’t matter. What the Bible Verses say is true. It doesn’t depend on time as His Word and Commands are always true as per the New Covenant. There was money and possessions back then as it is now. In fact, it was harder back then as the Roman Government was even more oppressive and unfair yet the Christians practiced it attaining perfection. Just because we cannot do it doesn’t mean the Verses are not true. The rich man to whom Christ Commanded “sell all and give to the poor” kept ‘all the Judeo Christian Law’ but yet lacked this and was ‘not Perfect’ so the Context matches.

Personally I am fascinated by this because God in Flesh Himself calls it “Perfect” and it was directed to the rich man who kept all Law (Torah) including ‘loving your neighbor as yourself’ but yet still lacked this. I.N.C.R.E.D.I.B.L.E. if we understand it. Please note that this is the only way the LAST shall become FIRST in His Kingdom , i.e. by practising this Command as Matthew 19:30 above mysteriously echoes. Please read it again lest we be deceived.

“… 30But MANY who are FIRST will be LAST, and the LAST FIRST. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:30, NKJV)

Many in First Christianity did it (as I know all the early Church leaders and bishops whom I quote often too, e.g. Luke 14:33, Luke 12:21, Luke 12:33 – 34). One example of this is in image and perhaps that’s why the Gift of Healing was given. In Modern times, Blessed Sadhu Sundar Singh did it too, link below:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159525126097784&id=651792783

Don’t listen to me, please listen to the KING of Heaven, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ in these quoted Verses ‘as it is Written’.

 

 

 

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159899444967784&id=651792783

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Helping Others

 

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, NKJV)

 

The latter quote in image matters more. May God Help us to help others in any little way as that’s the only way to love God which is to love our fellowmen in action, and not in words only, Bible 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 … 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, 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 3:16 – 18, 4:20 – 21, NKJV)

 

Love in Action is only the things which we give for “Free” toward others and ‘not those which we do for money’, Verses:

 

“… Freely you have received, freely give. …” – The KING (Matthew 10:8, NKJV)

 

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” (James 1:17, NKJV)

 

Every “Gift” of God is “Free” (it cannot be priced) and this applies also in ministry as God Counts in Percentage too (e.g. Luke 21:1 – 4):

 

  1. i) The Stewardship Way

 

“Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel. … 16For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! 17For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship.” (1 Corinthians 9:14, 16 – 17, NKJV)

 

 

  1. ii) The Way of Love

 

“11If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? 12If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have NOT USED this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ. … 18What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ WITHOUT CHARGE, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:11 – 12, 18, NKJV)

 

God Understands that we also have to work to earn money to live. Each Christian ought to find a balance to fulfill these Verses likewise as even Blessed St. Paul the Great Apostle of Christ did by working a secular job as a tentmaker (Acts 18:3), Verses:

 

“33I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. 34Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. 35I 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.’” Blessed St. Paul the Great Apostle of Christ (Acts 20:32 – 35, NKJV)

 

Please remember these haunting words too especially when we are too busy helping ‘our own family/race only’, Verse:

 

“But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?” – The KING of Heaven, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:32, NKJV)

 

Let your friendship be beyond race/family etc.

 

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” – The KING of Heaven, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:13, NKJV)

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secret Art of Renunciation – What Impresses God the Most?

Please note that in Verses quoted at the end (see below) a “God Fearing 10 Commandments keeping Rich Man who Remembered God from his youthful days” (Matthew 19:16 – 19) asked if he “lacked anything” in the Context of pleasing God. Strangely, Christ did “not” consider it anywhere close to “Perfection” where the Most Blessed Messiah Revealed the Great Secret of ‘Voluntary Poverty’ (Renunciation) is to ‘sell all you have and give to the poor and then follow Him’ (Matthew 19:20 – 22).

“So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 14:33, NASB)

I can’t do this but those who did it are the only ones who can say, they loved God the most. We love God out of the convenience of having a relatively comfortable life with finances or not denying him to escape hell (that’s how shallow our love toward Him really is something like the ‘wife who marries a rich man for his money or vice versa’ to get something from him or for our ‘eternal security’). Very very few have Loved Him beyond this including obeying these Commands of Renunciation too (John 14:15, Matthew 19:27 – 30).

A deep quote in image too.

Corruption of the “love of money” is even more subtle and is considered a “Blessing”. Do you know that God in Flesh, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ never once Spoke well of money except in giving it away? E.g. Luke 12:21, Luke 12:31 – 34, Matthew 19:21, Matthew 19:27 – 30.

Verses “as it is Written”:

“16Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? 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 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 likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 14:33, NKJV)

Personally, I call those who have Renounced the World (e.g. the Blessed Apostles of Christ, Matthew 19:27 – 30 and the Early Church Leaders /fathers and the First Church in Acts 2:44 – 46, Acts 4:32) as a “Ferrari of Faith” in analogy as compared to the ‘many converts of Christianity including me’ as just “motorcycles of faith” in analogy of comparison. A million motorcycles cannot compare to one Ferrari car and likewise I believe in such Great Faith comparison too.

I believe that the same analogy holds in the aspect of “Work” too where in example verses below, even if the work had ‘no effect’ (say the poor widow’s two coins had no tangible effect of possibly being able to feed a person or few persons only? as compared to the rich man’s money which fed many) but yet Christ Measures her giving as still the best/greatest:

“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 (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)

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How about Possible Biblical Hope for relatively good non-Christians into Lower Abodes outside the Kingdom? Please visit link below:

First Christianity Hope for Good non-Christians and Beyond?

 

Is there Hope for the “Wicked” too? Discussed in detail in post below:

Christ Centered Universalism Mystery in First Christianity

 

 

 

 

Biblical Perfection Mystery – Money Matters, Religion and Beyond

The most obvious Bible Truth which I can clearly see Written 100% for the New Covenant is the following requirement for “Spiritual Perfection” of which I know I can never attain but those Christians (from any denominations) who achieve it are whose deeds of Obedience to Christ (as obedience is better than any sacrifice, 1 Samuel 15:22) which I admire most such as ‘all Apostles of Christ’ and ‘all Church fathers lived it too’.

Here are the “Bible Verses” as it is Written with no other Verses Stating anything against it, to quote (not my opinion at all, please note the word ‘Perfect’ carefully in Verses below):

“20The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept 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.” … 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 19:20 – 24, 27 – 30, NKJV)

“1And He (the King of kings, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ) 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 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)

“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.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ, King of kings (Luke 12:33 – 34, NASB)

“But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16, NKJV)

“Now 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.” (Acts 4:32, NKJV)

” 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.” (Acts 2:44 – 45, NKJV)

Conclusion

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:13, NKJV)

How?

Blessed St. John the Great Apostle of Christ himself explains the Context for laying down one’s life whilst living as follows:

“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)

Since many of these Most Blessed Verses are from Christ Himself, the Gradation Rule below may apply 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. 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.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ, King of kings (Matthew 5:19 – 20, NKJV)

P/S: Ransom for the Judgment toward our Sins

“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

“… Be not a stretcher forth of the hands to receive and a drawer of them back to give. If you have anything, through your hands you shall give ransom for your sins. Do not hesitate to give, nor complain when you give; for you shall know who is the good repayer of the hire. Do not turn away from him who is in want; rather, share all things with your brother, and do not say that they are your own. …” – The Didache or the Teaching of the Lord through His Twelve Apostles to the Nations (Chapter 4)

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

Almsgiving done with another person’s money surely has ‘lesser value’ than if done with one’s “own money”, Verses:

“24Then the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. 25And David built there an altar to the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the Lord heeded the prayers for the land, and the plague was withdrawn from Israel.” (2 Samuel 24:25, NKJV)

How can this command to “Love” your neighbor in Action fulfill “All Law”?

“For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14, NKJV)

Because “Love” can cancel other sins – how? Explained below:

Yes, I believe true Christians can be found amidst ‘any denomination of Christianity’ as long as they’re ‘truly loving at heart’ as all other errors (even great sins can be washed away) as Christ Himself Reveals in Verse below:

“Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ, King of kings (Luke 7:47, NKJV)

“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8, NKJV)

P/S 2: Example of Church Father’s Quotes Agreeing to this Mystery in light of ‘Feeding the Hungry’ be it a physical hunger, spiritual hunger, knowledge hunger, etc.

Indeed, among All Virtues a Christian may Practice, the ‘Highest Virtue’ is ‘Charity toward others’, to quote:

“… And the charge against them is, that they have done the very opposite of that for which the saints were praised. “For I was hungry, and you gave Me not to eat; and thirsty, and you gave Me not to drink: for inasmuch as you did it not, He says, to one of these little ones, you did it not to Me.” (Matthew 25:31 – 46) But to this perhaps some one will object, that there are many kinds of well living; for virtue is diversified, so to speak, and manifold: why therefore, having omitted those other kinds, does He make mention only of love to the poor? To this we reply, that the act is better than any other kind of |532 well doing: for it works in our souls a certain divine likeness which moulds us, so to speak, after God’s image. For Christ also has said, “Be you merciful, as your Father also in heaven is merciful,” He who is quick to show mercy, and compassionate and kind, is ranked with the true worshippers; for it is written, that “a pure and unpolluted sacrifice to God the Father is this, to visit orphans and widows in their poverty, and that a man keep himself unspotted from the world.” And the wise Paul also has somewhere written, “But alms and communication forget not: for with such sacrifices God is content.” For He loves not the incense of the legal worship, but requires rather the pleasantness of the sweet spiritual savour. But the sweet spiritual savour unto God is to show pity unto men, and to maintain love towards them. …” – Blessed St. Cyril, Patriarch of Alexandria, Titles: The Pillar of Faith; Seal of all the Fathers; Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church (c. 376 AD – c. 444 AD, Commentary on Luke 16:19 – 31)

Source:

https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/luke-commentary/cyril-on-luke-16

“… Feeding the hungry is a greater work than raising the dead …” – Blessed St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, Doctor of the Church, one of the Three Holy Hierarchs (c. 349 AD – c. 407 AD)

Source: http://thefaceofhunger.stophungernow.org/?p=2299

P/S 3: Two Best Things to Do in Life for a Christian is

1) Preach the Gospel

2) Remember the Poor

Bible Verses (not my opinion):

“5to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. 6But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man—for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. 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 2:5 – 10, NKJV)

P/S 4: Law of Christ

All this pertain to the Mysterious Context of Fulfilling the “Law of Christ” each time we ‘bear another’s burdens freely in any way’, Verse:

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Blessed St. Paul the Great Apostle of Christ (Galatians 6:2, NKJV)

Remember, what “He Said”:

“So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ, King of kings (Luke 14:33, NASB)

“32“So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. 34Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. 35I 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.’” Blessed St. Paul the Great Apostle of Christ (Acts 20:32 – 35, NKJV)

Let us be careful to obey whatever Command of Christ that we can lest He Ask us this:

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ, King of kings (Luke 6:46, NKJV)

“… Freely you have received, freely give. …” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ, KING of kings and LORD of lords (Matthew 10:8, NKJV)

#whatHeSaid

#Materialism

#freelygive

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Inherit the Kingdom of God?

 

[May God help us to stop wasting time on pursuits that don’t lead to this nor support this beyond the necessary for our daily survival]

Quote in Image – 100% Biblical Truth.

 

Inherit the kingdom of God = First Resurrection Inheritance of the “Heavens” (Hundredfold), “Paradise” (Sixtyfold) and “New Jerusalem City” (Thirtyfold) abodes as First Christianity has taught.

The rest may be “outside” after being Saved Post-Judgment. “Outside” regions could include the ‘other parts of the New Earth’ (i. e. Outside the ‘Great City’) or other lower unnamed abodes. That’s how I understand it as the reasons why is discussed in link below:

 

https://www.anonymouschristian.org/blog/first-christianity-hope-for-good-non-christians-and-beyond/amp

or in the free downloadable e-book in link below:

 

 

Click the button above to Download as PDFClick the button above to Download as in Google Book App

 

Logic: We cannot obtain a reward of things for which we did not work out in both “faith and works” aspect. Just like on earth, the rich obtain it after ‘working hard for it’ (talking about the ‘rich who did it rightly and not by cunning ways’), likewise to obtain the Kingdom of God, one has to Work Hard in “Faith and Works” aspect too. Let us choose to ‘Work Hard’ on the ‘Heavenly Treasures’ instead of the current perishing earthly ones as Christ has exhorted, which is discussed in detail in link below (or in next essay below too):

https://www.facebook.com/651792783/posts/10159410988427784/

 

Tip: Lesser the people pursuing it, easier and greater the reward if you obey these Verses because light is brightest when the darkness around you is greatest as the Bible also Teaches clearly that “Obedience is better than sacrifice” as effort can be greater than result itself for God Measures all things Fairly (in percentage & suffering incurred whilst doing so in Love) so that ‘no one is at any disadvantage in any way’ (Perfect Doctrine), as the Infamous Example of the ‘Poor Widow whose two coins probably can’t even buy much meal for anyone if any [no results] but yet her giving is still the Greatest according to God’, Verses:

 

“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 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)

 

Example First Christianity Quote Teaching this Same First Christianity Truth:

 

“… The fathers teach that it is not the amount of the gift that pleases God but the dispositions of the heart. A rich man may give much, but if it is a small percentage of his wealth, then it is accounted for less than a poor man who, although he give a small amount, he gives a larger percentage of his earnings. The magnanimity of this woman surpasses all, in that she gave “all she had, even her whole living.” Saint John Chrysostom says: “God does not appreciate the smallness of the gift, but the greatness of the affection with which it is offered.” (Homily on Hebrews) And Saint Bede (quoted by Cornelius a Lapide on this passage): “He weighs not the substance, but the conscience of the offerers.” … She is anonymous on earth while in heaven her name is written in the Book of Life. She has no feast day. She purchased the Heart of Jesus with two mites. She is His exquisite Treasure, His secret. …”

 

Source: https://catholicism.org/came-god-saw-conquered.html

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Simple Life Definition Biblical Christianity

A Simple Life is “Safest”, “God’s Will”, “God is very Pleased’ and has the “Highest Heavenly Treasures” attainment. Prove for “each claim” stated with Bible Verses:

 

1) Safest

 

“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.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:23 – 24, NKJV)

 

“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. 4Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. 5You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter.” (James 5:1 – 5, NKJV)

Note: Even “Luxury” is sin according to James 5:5 as ‘various sins of the rich’ is listed in Verses above.

“But 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.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 16:25, NKJV)

 

2) God’s Will

“And He [Lord Jesus Christ] said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” (Luke 12:15, NKJV)

“So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:21, NKJV)

 

” 30“For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. 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.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:30 – 34, NASB)

 

“So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 14:33, NASB)

 

3) God is Very Pleased

“But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16, NKJV)

 

“Now 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.” (Acts 4:32, NKJV)

” 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.” (Acts 2:44 – 45, NKJV)

 

4) Highest Heavenly Treasures

“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)

“32“So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. 34Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. 35I 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 20:32 – 35, NKJV)

Conclusion – No Greater Love Theology Approximates these Commands

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:13, NKJV)

 

The ‘laying down one’s life Context’ which Christ Explains as the ‘Greatest Love’ also includes living in the Following “Simple Life sharing Lifestyle”, to quote 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)

 

Blessed Apostle St. James himself agrees as he writes the ‘sharing your possessions context’ as a ‘primary works example’ by which ‘one’s faith is not dead’, Verses again:

 

“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 2:14 – 17, NKJV)

Please note carefully that these are all ‘New Testament Verses as it is Written’.

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:46, NKJV)

 

The Devil Robs you of your Heavenly Treasures by teaching you to hoard you earthly treasures instead of sharing it, Bible Verses:

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

 

“So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:21, NKJV)

 

“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.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:33 – 34, NASB)

 

 

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Love > Greater than a Mother’s Love

 

Video Link:

https://www.facebook.com/1782931048588778/posts/2699294450285762/

 

 

Why?

 

He and she loves someone who is not blood-related as family as shown in the Video. That’s why the “Love” of a “Friend” is “Greatest” (‘Deepest’) likewise, Verse:

 

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:13, NKJV)

 

Apart from that, “Loving your enemies” is the “Widest” Love, Verse:

 

“43“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44But I say to you, love your enemies, …” (Matthew 5:43 – 44, NKJV)

 

 

Conclusion

 

The rest are the usual mother’s love or father’s love to their own flesh and blood which is good but overrated.

 

Likewise the marriage-spouse love is “loving those who love you only” which is ‘not that Great’ according to Christ, Verse:

 

“But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.” (Luke 6:32, NKJV)

 

There is something beyond in Loving others than these basics as the haunting question remains as follows:

 

“… what do you do more than others? …” (Matthew 5:47, NKJV)

 

Rephrased (in the Context of Love):

 

‘… How have we loved more than others even toward those who hate us, our enemies and those not related in blood to us? …’

 

“… You shall not hate any man; but some you shall reprove, and concerning some you shall pray, and some you shall love more than your own life. …” – The Didache, Teaching of the Lord through His Twelve Apostles to the Nations (Chapter 2)

 

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

 

Each Verse above is by Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ Himself unless stated otherwise.

 

“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.” – Blessed St. James the Just, First Bishop of Jerusalem (James 1:27, NKJV)

 

 

 

How to spend a portion of your monthly salary as a True Christian?

 

“… 1[50]:8 Therefore, instead of fields buy ye souls that are in trouble, as each is able, and visit widows and orphans, and neglect them not; and spend your riches and all your displays, which ye received from God, on fields and houses of this kind. …” – Shepherd of Hermas (Parable 1)

Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd-lightfoot.html

 

This is a “Bible Verse” from one of the 7 Books Protestant Reformer Martin Luther removed:

 

“… 10 Be like a father to orphans, and provide widows with the help their husbands can no longer give them. Then you will be like a child of the Most High, and he will love you more than your own mother does. …” (Sirach 4:10, GNT)

Source:

 

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Sirach%204%3A10&version=GNT&interface=amp

 

Video Link:

 

https://www.facebook.com/1782931048588778/posts/2699294450285762/

 

P/S: Example of a Reliable Orphanage to Help in Malaysia

 

If you can, please help

Name of bank:

PUBLIC BANK BERHAD

 

Account name:

Tabung Kebajikan dan Pendidikan Pertubuhan Desa Amal Jireh

Account No.:

3123809427

Source: http://daj.org.my/index.php/how-you-can-help-us/

Thank you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OpenHands Orphanage Charity

Great Work – I teach math part time there being paid by sponsors.

If you wish to Donate, details:

Donations can be made directly to our account , Details below

Public Bank Bhd

2 Jalan M/j2, off Jalan Sungai Chua

43000. Kajang, Selangor

Account Name : Openhands Fellowship Bhd

Account No: 3145115420

By TT : SWIFT CODE: PBBEMYKL

Source for information above:

Home

Their most recent update:

‘… Dear supporters of Openhands , After 1 1/2 years of searching for a house to move we finnally found a house not far from our old house house. we have moved to our new premises. Our new house address is No 7 Jalan Bukit Mutiara 4, Taman Bukit Mutiara, 43000 Kajang Selangor. We are grateful to all who supported us for the move. We had to paint, built a fire escape stairway and repair a lot of broken amenities and finally moved house on 16th May 2020.Thank you. …’ – OpenHands Charity

Comment: The most Peaceful Orphanage I have ever taught in as there is a great presence of humility and respect for one another in this place among both the residents and staff, professional & more importantly, godly indeed.

Thank you for supporting them!

“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.” – Blessed Apostle St. James the Just, the First Bishop of Jerusalem (James 1:17, NKJV)

“Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.” – Blessed Prophet Daniel’s Divine Instructions to King Nebuchadnezzar during his Repentance (Daniel 4:27, KJV based on the Masoretic Text)

” 27Therefore, O king, let my counsel please thee, and atone for thy sins by alms, and thine iniquities by compassion on the poor: it may be God will be long-suffering to thy trespasses.” – Blessed Prophet Daniel’s Divine Instructions to King Nebuchadnezzar during his Repentance (Daniel 4:27, Septuagint or LXX, Brenton Septuagint Translation)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mystery of Singleness

 

1) Bible Verses

 

  1. i) Singleness – Helps Focus on God better

“… 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. 34There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world—how she may please her husband. 35And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction. …” (1 Corinthians 7:32 – 35, NKJV)

 

  1. ii) Voluntary Singleness is better than Marriage

 

“… 37Nevertheless he who stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own will, and has so determined in his heart that he will keep his virgin, does well. 38So then he who gives her in MARRIAGE DOES WELL, but he who DOES NOT give her in MARRIAGE DOES BETTER. …” (1 Corinthians 7:37 – 38, NKJV)

 

2) Early Jewish-Christian Writing

 

“… 4 1 And now, hearken to me, my children, And walk in singleness of your heart, For I have seen in it all that is well-pleasing to the Lord. 2 The single-(minded) man coveteth not gold, He overreacheth not his neighbour, He longeth not after manifold dainties, He delighteth not in varied apparel. 3 He doth not desire to live a long life, But only waiteth for the will of God. 4 And the spirits of deceit have no power against him, For he looketh not on the beauty of women, Lest he should pollute his mind with corruption. 5 There is no envy in his thoughts, [No malicious person maketh his soul to pine away,] Nor worry with insatiable desire in his mind. 6 For he walketh in singleness of soul, And beholdeth all things in uprightness of heart, Shunning eyes (made) evil through the error of the world, Lest he should see the perversion of any of the commandments of the Lord. 5 1 Keep, therefore, my children, the law of God, And get singleness. …” – THE TESTAMENT OF ISSACHAR, THE FIFTH SON OF JACOB AND LEAH (Chapter 4, 5)

Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/patriarchs-charles.html

 

 

 

 

Conclusion – Example First Christianity Quotes

 

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:

 

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

 

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

 

 

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, 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

“… 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

 

“… Therefore hear me, O virgins, as a parent; hear, I beseech you … Strait and narrow is the way which leadeth to life; hard and difficult is the track which tends to glory. By this pathway the martyrs progress, the virgins pass, the just of all kinds advance. Avoid the broad and roomy ways. There are deadly snares and death-bringing pleasures; there the devil flatters, that he may deceive; smiles, that he may do mischief; entices, that he may slay. The first fruit for the martyrs is a hundred-fold; the second is yours, sixty-fold. …” Blessed St. Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, a pre-eminent Latin writer of Western Christianity until Jerome and Augustine, Martyr for Christ (c. 200 AD – c. 258 AD, Point 21, Treatise II. [3127] On the Dress of Virgins)

Source: http://mb-soft.com/believe/txu/cyprian5.htm

 

 

Comment: St. Cyprian’s “you” in his treatise above refers to “virgins” & hence tells them that they may either be a ‘hundredfold’ (if martyred or martyred type of lifestyle) or may hit the ‘sixty fold reward’. It’s implied that the remaining ‘thirty fold’ reward is for the ‘married Christians’ & that he links it to the ‘narrow way to life which few find it’ to refer to this Context too (Matthew 7:14). The ancient fact that the ‘thirtyfold’ reward refers to the ‘married Christians’ is not just found in Western/Roman Christianity as St. Cyprian above but is preserved as the same understanding in Eastern Christianity too at that time as St. Athanasius the Great Writes below in his own words likewise:

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

or http://mb-soft.com/believe/txuc/athana49.htm

More First Christianity Quotes and related details are discussed in free e-book in link below:

 

https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=9lnIDwAAQBAJ

 

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

God didn’t put these down like the 10 Commandments because it must be Voluntary and there’s “abundant glory”  as here’s a Mystery:

 

 

“…I said to him, “Sir, I do not see the meaning of these similitudes, nor am I able to comprehend them, unless you explain them to me.” “I will explain them all to you,” he said, “and whatever I shall mention in the course of our conversations I will show you. [Keep the commandments of the Lord, and you will be approved, and inscribed amongst the number of those who observe His commands.] And if you do any good beyond what is commanded by God, you will gain for yourself more abundant glory, and will be more honoured by God than you would otherwise be. If, therefore, in keeping the commandments of God, you do, in addition, these services, you will have joy if you observe them according to my command.” I said to him, “Sir, whatsoever you enjoin upon me I will observe, for I know that you are with me.” “I will be with you,” he replied, “because you have such a desire for doing good; and I will be with all those,” he added, “who have such a desire. This fasting,” he continued, “is very good, provided the commandments of the Lord be observed. Thus, then, shall you observe the fasting which you intend to keep. First of all, be on your guard against every evil word, and every evil desire, and purify your heart from all the vanities of this world. If you guard against these things, your fasting will be perfect. And you will do also as follows. Having fulfilled what is written, in the day on which you fast you will taste nothing but bread and water; and having reckoned up the price of the dishes of that day which you intended to have eaten, you will give it to a widow, or an orphan, or to some person in want, and thus you will exhibit humility of mind, so that he who has received benefit from your humility may fill his own soul, and pray for you to the Lord. If you observe fasting, as I have commanded you, your sacrifice will be acceptable to God, and this fasting will be written down; and the service thus performed is noble, and sacred, and acceptable to the Lord. These things, therefore, shall you thus observe with your children, and all your house, and in observing them you will be blessed; and as many as hear these words and observe them shall be blessed; and whatsoever they ask of the Lord they shall receive.” …” – Shepherd of Hermas (Fifth Similitude, Chapter III)

Source:  http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John Calvin – Protestant Reformer – is he Saved?

I can tolerate men of God falling into sins or doctrinal errors but how do you consider a man saved if he never even acknowledged that murders done in his name or by his instructions or by his approval or to his affirmation of it later as a “Christian” especially in light of the “Bible Verse” in 1 John 3:15 (in Image) which even equates ‘hate as murder’ now how much more ‘actual murders’ and can such a person even inherit “eternal life”?

This is important because Reformer John Calvin’s theology single-handedly influenced all of Protestantism. Wouldn’t it be strange that God Chose such a person (as we will see a few key facts next) to Prove Christian Theology if his Salvation itself is questionable based on 1 John 3:15? If the Roman Catholic Popes themselves murdered others likewise, I don’t support them either.

 

This is what is ‘very disturbing’: Please note that Protestant Reformer John Calvin did not commit these Acts directly, indirectly or approved it whilst being an ‘unbeliever’ but ‘as a Christian and just after his infamous doctrinal Book’, to quote:

 

1) The Death of Jacques Gruet

“… as when Jacques Gruet, a known opponent of Calvin, was arrested, tortured for a month and beheaded on July 26, 1547, for placing a letter in Calvin’s pulpit calling him a hypocrite. Gruet’s book was later found and burned along with his house while his wife was thrown out into the street to watch. Gruet’s death was more highly criticized by far than the banishment of Castellio or the penalties inflicted on Bolsec — moderate men opposed to extreme views in discipline and doctrine, who fell under suspicion as reactionary. Calvin did not shrink from his self-appointed task. Within five years fifty-eight sentences of death and seventy-six of exile, besides numerous committals of the most eminent citizens to prison, took place in Geneva. …”

 

Source:

 

https://oncesavedalwayssaved.org/false-doctrines-of-the-pope-of-genevajohn-calvin/

 

Note: This is a “Protestant Source” and not a Roman Catholic Source quoted.

 

2) The Death of Michael Servetus

 

“… Calvin forced the citizens of Geneva to attend church services under a heavy threat of punishment. Since Calvinism falsely teaches that God forces the elect to believe, it is no wonder that Calvin thought he could also force the citizens of Geneva to all become the elect. Not becoming one of the elect was punishable by death or expulsion from Geneva. Calvin exercised forced regeneration on the citizens of Geneva, because that is what his theology teaches. Michael Servetus, a Spaniard, physician, scientist and Bible scholar, was born in Villanova in 1511. He was credited with the discovery of the pulmonary circulation of the blood from the right chamber of the heart through the lungs and back to the left chamber of the heart. He was Calvin’s longtime friend in their earlier resistance against the Roman Catholic Church. Servetus, while living in Vienne (historic city in southeastern France), angered Calvin by returning a copy of Calvin’s writings, Institutes, with critical comments in the margins. Servetus was arrested by the Roman Catholic Authorities on April 4 but escaped on April 7, 1553. He traveled to Geneva where he attended Calvin’s Sunday preaching service on August 13. Calvin promptly had Servetus arrested and charged with heresy for his disagreement with Calvin’s theology. The thirty-eight official charges included rejection of the Trinity and infant baptism. Servetus was correct in challenging Calvin’s false teaching about infant baptism for salvation, but he was heretical in his rejection of the doctrine of the Trinity. Servetus pleaded to be beheaded instead of the more brutal method of burning at the stake, but Calvin and the city council refused the quicker death method. Other Protestant churches throughout Switzerland advised Calvin that Servetus be condemned but not executed. Calvin ignored their pleas and Servetus was burned at the stake on October 27, 1553. John Calvin insisted that his men use green wood for the fire because it burned slower. Servetus was screaming as he was literally baked alive from the feet upward and suffered the heat of the flames for 30 minutes before finally succumbing to one of the most painful and brutal death methods possible. Servetus had written a theology book, a copy of which Calvin had strapped to the chest of Servetus. The flames from the burning book rose against Servetus’ face as he screamed in agony. John Calvin celebrated and bragged of his killing of Servetus. Many theological and state leaders criticized Calvin for the unwarranted killing of Servetus, but it fell on deaf ears as Calvin advised others to do the same. Calvin wrote much in following years in a continual attempt to justify his burning of Servetus. Some people claim Calvin favored beheading, but this does not fit charges of heresy for which the punishment, as written by Calvin earlier, was to be burning at the stake. Calvin had made a vow years earlier that Servetus would never leave Geneva alive if he were ever captured, and Calvin held true to his pledge. …”

 

Source:

https://oncesavedalwayssaved.org/false-doctrines-of-the-pope-of-genevajohn-calvin/

 

Comment: Some Calvinist theologians even try to deny John Calvin’s direct involvement in this by stating that he went to “evangelize Michael Servetus” in prison. Truth is, John Calvin himself confessed of this murder-involvement, quoted in point 4 later.

 

Yes, Michael Servetus is a heretic due to being an anti-trinitarian but killing him is against the New Testament Law and even makes one a “murderer” according to 1 John 3:15, right?

 

 

 

 

3) The Death of others

 

“… Another victim of Calvin’s fiery zeal was Gentile of an Italian sect in Geneva, which also numbered among its adherents Alciati and Gribaldo. More or less Unitarian in their views, they were required to sign a confession drawn up by Calvin in 1558. Gentile signed it reluctantly, but in the upshot he was condemned and imprisoned as a perjurer. He escaped only to be incarcerated twice at Berne where, in 1566, he was beheaded. Calvin also had thirty-four (34) women burned at the stake after accusing them of being witches who caused a plague that had swept through Geneva in 1545. The number of people murdered by John Calvin has been a dispute — not the fact that he murdered them. …”

Source:

 

https://oncesavedalwayssaved.org/false-doctrines-of-the-pope-of-genevajohn-calvin/

 

4) John Calvin’s Confession of his approval of these “Murder” Sentences toward his theological enemies Blaspheming the Most Holy Name of Christ

To quote:

 

“[Calvin summarized the execution this way]:

 

“Servetus . . . suffered the penalty due to his heresies, but was it by my will? Certainly his arrogance destroyed him not less than his impiety. And what crime was it of mine if our Council, at my exhortation, indeed, but in conformity with the opinion of several Churches, took vengeance on his execrable blasphemies?” …” – John Calvin

 

Source:

http://www.reenactingtheway.com/blog/john-calvin-had-people-killed-and-bad-bible-interpretation-justified-it

Or

“… Whoever shall now contend that it is unjust to put heretics and blasphemers to death, knowingly and willingly incur their guilt. It is not human authority that speaks, it is God who speaks and prescribes a perpetual rule for His Church.” …” – John Calvin

Source:

http://www.reenactingtheway.com/blog/john-calvin-had-people-killed-and-bad-bible-interpretation-justified-it

 

 

 

 

 

The rest is history. Was it the will of God?

“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!” (Isaiah 5:20, NKJV)

 

Conclusion

 

My question is simple – is he Saved?

 

If he is unsaved or ‘not the Elect’ due to being a ‘murderer’ (based on 1 John 3:15) as these claims are really well documented history within Protestantism itself, why did God Choose him to bring back correct theology into Christianity as Protestants claim?

 

In other words, can a person who murders others due to doctrinal differences be a Christian who is chosen of God to bring doctrinal truth?

 

Or

 

Can a person who is unsaved (if he is considered a murderer) be chosen by God to correct Christian Theology?

 

If you agree that murderers or haters do not inherit eternal life as per 1 John 3:15, please be careful of both in supporting John Calvin or his theology lest we hear these dreaded words:

 

“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!’” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:20 – 23, NKJV)

 

Please be careful of supporting such “Murder Errors in his theology” lest this Verse condemns our position (as supporting murderous behavior / theology itself can warrant equal condemnation to us based on 1 John 3:15 and Romans 1:32):

 

“Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” (1 John 3:15, NKJV)

 

“who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.” (Romans 1:32, NKJV)

I’m not condemning John Calvin 100% as I leave that decision to God Alone but based on these well known evidences, there is enough proof of his errors and these can cause one to lose their Salvation as per 1 John 3:15 if these claims are true.

 

How about his influence on majority of protestants?

 

Majority just shows how the general health of Christianity is like as to whether it is “murderous” (as some dark parts of history has shown) or “loving” (in some parts) or “money loving” (as modern heresies swing more to this) etc. are no indicator of anything apart from God Allowing them to make the right choice Biblically before He Judges on that Day, revealing the True Christians from the fake ones (Matthew 7:20 – 23).

 

Broken up Christianity itself (be it Roman Catholic, Protestant or otherwise or all of it) may actually be a proof of God’s Disapproval of our Doctrines throughout Christendom as these Verses imply toward ‘such Christian leaderships holding majority powers’ in Principle as we ‘oppress each other too’:

“4“I will give children to be their princes,

And babes shall rule over them.

5The people will be oppressed,

Every one by another and every one by his neighbor;

The child will be insolent toward the [e]elder,

And the base toward the honorable.” (Isaiah 3:4 – 5, NKJV)

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Worldly Ambition Minded and Rich Christians – How can they be Saved?

 

“Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 13:22, NKJV)

 

Please note the phrase “cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches” which the Bible clearly Warns Against carefully in Verse above. What does this Verse mean?

 

“… “Those who have never searched for the truth, nor investigated the nature of the Divinity, but have simply believed, when they devote themselves to and become mixed up with business, and wealth, and heathen friendships, and many other actions of this world, do not perceive the parables of Divinity; for their minds are darkened by these actions, and they are corrupted and become dried up. Even as beautiful vines, when they are neglected, are withered up by thorns and divers plants, so men who have believed, and have afterwards fallen away into many of those actions above mentioned, go astray in their minds, and lose all understanding in regard to righteousness; for if they hear of righteousness, their minds are occupied with their business, and they give no heed at all. Those, on the other hand, who have the fear of God, and search after Godhead and truth, and have their hearts turned to the Lord, quickly perceive and understand what is said to them, because they have the fear of the Lord in them. For where the Lord dwells, there is much understanding. Cleave, then, to the Lord, and you will understand and perceive all things. …” – Shepherd of Hermas (Tenth Commandment, Chapter I)

 

Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd.html

 

or

 

“… “The sheep which you saw merry and leaping about, are those which have tom themselves away from God for ever, and have delivered themselves over to luxuries and deceits [of this world. Among them there is no return to life through repentance, because they have added to their other sins, and blasphemed the name of the Lord. Such men therefore, are appointed unto death. And the sheep which you saw not leaping, but feeding in one place, are they who have delivered themselves over to luxury and deceit], but have committed no blasphemy against the Lord. These have been perverted from the truth: among them there is the hope of repentance, by which it is possible to live. Corruption, then, has a hope of a kind of renewal, but death has everlasting ruin.” …” – Shepherd of Hermas (Sixth Similitude, Chapter II)

Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd.html

 

Conclusion

 

“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)

 

What do these Verses mean?

 

“… “And from the third mountain, which had thorns and thistles, they who believed are the following. There are some of them rich, and others immersed in much business. The thistles are the rich, and the thorns are they who are immersed in much business. Those, [accordingly, who are entangled in many various kinds of business, do not ] cleave to the servants of God, but wander away, being choked by their business transactions; and the rich cleave with difficulty to the servants of God, fearing lest these should ask something of them. Such persons, accordingly, shall have difficulty in entering the kingdom of God. For as it is disagreeable to walk among thistles with naked feet, so also it is hard for such to enter the kingdom of God. But to all these repentance, and that speedy, is open, in order that what they did not do in former times they may make up for in these days, and do some good, and they shall live unto God. But if they abide in their deeds, they shall be delivered to those women, who will put them to death. …” – Shepherd of Hermas (Ninth Similitude, Chapter XX)

 

Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd.html

 

Which “Christian (‘Servant of God’) rich man’ and his ‘poor partner’ may be “Saved” and their names Written in the “Book of the Living” (i.e. understood to refer to the Infamous Lamb’s ‘Book of Life’?) To quote:

 

“… AS I was walking in the field, and observing an elm and vine, and determining in my own, mind respecting them and their fruits, the Shepherd appears to me, and says, “What is it that you are thinking about the elm and vine?” “I am considering,” I reply, “that they become each other exceedingly well.” “These two trees,” he continues, “are intended as an example for the servants of God.” “I would like to know,” said I, “the example which these trees you say, are intended to teach.” “Do you see,” he says, “the elm and the vine?” “I see them sir,” I replied. “This vine,” he continued, “produces fruit, and the elm is an unfruitful tree; but unless the vine be trained upon the elm, it cannot bear much fruit when extended at length upon the ground; and the fruit which it does bear is rotten, because the plant is not suspended upon the elm. When, therefore, the vine is cast upon the elm, it yields fruit both, from itself and from the elm. You see, moreover, that the elm also produces much fruit, not less than the vine, but even more; because,” he continued, “the vine, when suspended upon the elm, yields much fruit, and good; but when thrown upon the ground, what it produces is small and rotten. This similitude, therefore, is for the servants of God–for the poor man and for the rich.” “How so, sir?” said I; “explain the matter to me.” “Listen,” he said: “The rich man has much wealth, but is poor in matters relating to the Lord, because he is distracted about his riches; and he offers very few confessions and intercessions to the Lord, and those which he does offer are small and weak, and have no power above. But when the rich man refreshes the poor, and assists him in his necessities, believing that what he does to the poor man will be able to find its reward with God–because the poor man is rich in intercession and confession, and his intercession has great power with God–then the rich man helps the poor in all things without hesitation; and the poor man, being helped by the rich, intercedes for him, giving thanks to God for him who bestows gifts upon him. And he still continues to interest himself zealously for the poor man, that his wants may be constantly supplied. For he knows that the intercession of the poor man is acceptable and influential with God. Both, accordingly, accomplish their work. The poor man makes intercession; a work in which he is rich, which he received from the Lord, and with which he recompenses the master who helps him. And the rich man, in like manner, unhesitatingly bestows upon the poor man the riches which he received from the Lord. And this is a great work, and acceptable before God, because he understands the object of his wealth, and has given to the poor of the gifts of the Lord, and rightly discharged his service to Him. Among men, however, the elm appears not to produce fruit, and they do not know nor understand that if a drought come, the elm, which contains water, nourishes the vine l and the vine, having an unfailing supply of water, yields double fruit both for itself and for the elm. So also poor men interceding with the Lord on behalf of the rich, increase their riches; and the rich, again, AIDING the POOR in THEIR NECESSARIES, satisfy their souls. Both, therefore, are PARTNERS in the RIGHTEOUS WORK. He who does these things shall NOT be DESERTED by GOD, but shall be enrolled in the BOOKS of the LIVING. Blessed are they who have riches, and who understand that they are from the Lord. [For they who are of that mind will be able to do some good.]” …” – Shepherd of Hermas (Second Similitude)

 

Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd.html

 

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mystery of Suffering for Christ and Reward

 

” 3Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:3, NIV)

 

In Full, as only with “suffering” and by “competing according to the rules” (i.e. New Testament Bible Verses) any Christian may attain to their “Crown”.

 

“1You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.” (2 Timothy 2:1 – 5, NIV)

 

Conclusion – Financial Suffering Technique

 

Remember the poor widow?

 

“1And He [Lord Jesus Christ] 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 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)

 

Here’s more to prove this Context of ‘Faith for Financial Suffering Lifestyle for Heavenly Rewards in Christ’:

 

One Biblical Christian Way to “Suffer for Christ” is through ‘liberal giving/sharing’ (Acts 2:44 – 45, Acts 4:32) sometimes even “beyond we can bear” (so it’s not a sign that God has Condemned such a Person) where sometimes this can be the ‘Sign of God’s Approval of any such persons’ as per the “Bible Verses” below describing such ancient First Christians likewise:

“1Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: 2that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 4imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. 6So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. 7But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also.” (1 Corinthians 8:1 – 6, NKJV)

 

Please note the phrase “… their deep poverty …” (i.e. though they were extremely poor possibly even in their needs not being met) but yet “… abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3For I bear witness that according to their ability, …” (i.e. they still gave financially toward meeting other’s needs) to the Perfect Extent of “… yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing …” (i.e. Giving can be Practiced via Suffering & to the point of ‘beyond our ability’) as this Marks the “Perfect Christian” in ‘faith, speech and Love’ as Blessed St. Paul the Great Apostle of Christ Himself Inspired-ly Writes regarding ‘those who practiced this’ as “… as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also. …”.

 

Remember suffering out of necessity and out of “Voluntary Choice to Obey the Gospel” is clearly highlighted as this Church was ‘Voluntarily Suffering for Christ Financially by their beyond the ability Giving Lifestyle’ as Carrying their Cross Daily (Luke 9:23) in their “Possessions” (Luke 14:33) as the phrase “… abounded in the riches of their liberality. …” proves this ‘Perfect Voluntarism’.

 

 

Here’s an amazing fact: All Christians have this equal chance to ‘Suffer for Christ likewise Voluntarily’ if they choose to in this ‘Financial aspect via Giving’ even ‘beyond one’s ability’ to attain to the Greatest Inheritance Rewards in His Kingdom as discussed further with Bible Verses in related posts in links below (yes, we don’t even need to leave our homes as missionaries as we can practice these ‘missionary acts’ in any small little way too):

 

 

 

1) Simple Life Definition Biblical Christianity

 

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159410988427784

 

2) Rich Pastors – Is it Biblical?

 

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159388268572784

 

3) How to Inherit the Kingdom of God?

 

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159420521847784

 

 

Please remember that to be ‘Saved’ believing might be sufficient but to ‘inherit the Kingdom’s Heavenly Treasures’, one needs “work” too, 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.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:19 – 20, NKJV)

Note: If you practice these secretly without sharing this Biblical Knowledge with others, it may be a selfish act as please note carefully the phrases “… unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees …” and “… least of these commandments … does and teaches them … shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven …” implies in Verses above.

 

“You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” (James 2:24, NKJV)

 

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non Elect Salvation Topic 15: Did Lord Jesus Christ Teach non-Elect Salvation?

 

Important Note: I’m not teaching this as an absolute doctrine. What I’m presenting here is that there is a possible hope for relatively good  non-Christian people to be Saved during the Second Resurrection based on the Millennial Reign or “Chiliasm” Doctrine of First Christianity which is already discussed in the ‘last chapter’ in the free downloadable e-book in link below:

 

0) Timeline based on Chiliasm Doctrine as I understand it

 

First Resurrection = Revelation 20:4 – 6, Matthew 25:1 – 13, the ‘hour now is’ on the Last Day in John 5:25, John 5:24, Luke 14:14

 

1000 Years Millennial Reign of Christ = Matthew 25:14 – 30, Revelation 20:5, Isaiah 65:20, Luke 20:35 – 36

 

Second Resurrection = Matthew 25:31 – 46, Revelation 20:11 – 15, the ‘hour is coming’ on the Last Day in John 5:25, John 5:27 – 28, Daniel 12:2

 

More regarding this is discussed in links below:

 

  1. Lake of Fire Hope and the Resurrections Mystery

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159252192652784

 

  1. Lost Orthodoxy – First Christianity – Two Badges of Righteous via Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159309319317784

 

  1. First Resurrection – Few Saved and Special Mercy to the Poor Mystery

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159357218232784

 

 

  1. Justification by Faith – Whose Faith?

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159410072252784

 

  1. Is Hell Eternal?

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159410771327784

 

  1. First Christianity – ages of Ages Mystery

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159404509392784

 

  1. FAQ – Are Christian Universalists Heretics?

https://web.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10159377402047784&set=a.10152290889267784&type=3

 

1) The Parable of the Sower referring to the Christian Harvest – the Thirtyfold, Sixtyfold and Hundredfold

 

“18“Therefore hear the parable of the sower: 19When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. 20But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. 22Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. 23But 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.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 13:18 – 23, NKJV)

 

2) The Non-Elect Salvation of the ‘relatively good non-Christians’ refers to the Reaping where Christ has not Sown the Seed of the Gospel

“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.” – 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 refers 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,” 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 ]:

https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/matthew-commentary/catena-aurea-on-matthew/chapter-1/chapter-2/chapter-3/chapter-4/chapter-5/chapter-6/chapter-7/chapter-8/chapter-9/chapter-10/chapter-11/chapter-12/chapter-13/chapter-14/chapter-15/chapter-16/chapter-17/chapter-18/chapter-19/chapter-20/chapter-21/chapter-22/chapter-23/chapter-24/chapter-25

 

3) The Case of the Unlearnt

 

“5But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are  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”: 7eternal 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 Greek; 10but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 11For there is no partiality with God. 12For as many as have sinned without 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; 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.” – Blessed St. Paul the Great Apostle of Christ to the Gentiles (Romans 2:5 – 16, NKJV)

 

Hope for the Unlearnt on Judgment Day  = “… 4for 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. …” in Verses above. So, clearly having ‘not’ the Law of God or His Word, the ‘unlearnt’ must thus be Saved by “Christ’s Faith” or the “Faith of Jesus Christ” as these do not have the ‘faith in Christ’ as per Romans 3:22, right? [please see detailed discussion in post titled “Whose Faith?” in “4.” at the start]

 

and

“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 of the Apostles 10:34 – 35, NKJV)

 

 

Yes, especially the non-Christian righteous who do a lot of Charity Works in Love:

“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 are remembered in the sight of God.” (Acts of the Apostles 10:30 – 31, NKJV)

 

Please note carefully that Blessed Apostle St. Peter clearly notes that Cornelius (a non-Christian good at that time) has already been ‘accepted by God’ as there is no partiality with God (Acts 10:34 – 35, hence this could imply the General Salvation or ‘non-Elect Salvation toward Good non-Christians’) as St. Peter made this Statement even before he has begun to have Preached to Cornelius himself and even before Cornelius has believed in Christ. Indeed, Blessed Apostle St. Peter then continues further to Preach the Gospel to Cornelius to believe in Christ to  thereby Garner the Highest Elect-Salvation in Him (Acts 10:36 – 48).

 

4) Christ’s Words – Possible Exegesis since He Spoke Parabolically

 

“… 34All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them,” 35“I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world.” …” (Matthew 13:34 – 35, NKJV, quoting Psalm 78:2)

 

Before that, let’s get to some background work first:

 

  1. Last Day definition

“37All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will 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.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 6:37 – 40, NKJV)

Possible Meaning of Phrases from the above:

 

i.a. “… I will raise him up at the Last Day …” = Resurrection = Soul (with Spirit) returning to the Body as this was First Christianity’s definition of the ‘Salvation of Man’ Meaning too to quote:

 

“… The resurrection is a resurrection of the flesh which died. For the spirit dies not; the soul is in the body, and without a soul it cannot live. The body, when the soul forsakes it, is not. For the body is the house of the soul; and the soul the house of the spirit. These three, in all those who cherish a sincere hope and unquestioning faith in God, will be saved. [1 Thessalonians 5:23] …” – 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, ‘FRAGMENTS OF THE LOST WORK OF JUSTIN ON THE RESURRECTION’ CHAPTER X)

 

Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/justinmartyr-resurrection.html

 

and

 

” … 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

 

 

i.b. “… 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.  …” = Two Badges of Righteous Raised to Life on this Last Day one at the ‘hour now is’ whilst the other at the ‘hour is coming’ as John 5:25 mysteriously echoes (discussed next)

 

i.c. “… 40And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life …” = Until before the Last Day arrives there is possible ‘afterlife Salvation’ (first occurrence = 1 Peter 3:18 – 20, continuing occurrence =  1 Peter 4:5 – 6 literally quoted next) toward some where they get to believe in the Spirit World as the testimony of Blessed Sadhu Sundar Singh has observed regarding certain ‘atheist & idolater’ even given this chance since they lived a life with an acceptable ‘moral compass Biblically’ as discussed in post below:

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159143902292784

 

This cannot refer to an Elect Salvation and hence must be a ‘non-Elect Salvation relating to relatively good non-Christians’.

 

“18For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring 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, 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)

 

Focus quotes:

 

“…  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, …” = Christ Went to the Spirit World to Preach the Gospel to the ‘spirits in prison’ as only the ‘wicked/disobedient ones are in afterlife prisons’ while the righteous in blessed abodes (Luke 16:19 – 31)

 

“…20who formerly were disobedient …” = These ‘spirits in prison’ repented in the Spirit World (‘afterlife repentance’) as the phrase “formerly disobedient” clearly means.

 

“… when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah,  …” = These spirits in prison whom Christ Spoke to belonged to those who were ‘unsaved’ on earth prior who only got this ‘second chance’ after serving their ‘hell sentence’ in ‘prison’ accordingly first.

 

“4With respect to this, they think it strange of you not running with them into the same overflow of debauchery, speaking evil of you, 5who will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For 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.” (1 Peter 4:4 – 6, Berean Literal Bible)

 

 

“…the gospel was proclaimed even to the dead, …” = Gospel is Preached to the Dead (i.e. as per 1 Peter 3:18 – 20 prior) toward ‘some’ of the ‘current spirits in prison’

 

 

“…  they might be judged indeed according to men in the flesh,  …” = They will be judged for their past deeds too

 

 

“… but they might live in the spirit according to God. …” = Some interpret that this means that the unrighteous only ‘get saved’ & live in the ‘spirit state’ where both their ‘body + soul’ = ‘their flesh’ is destroyed in the final Gehenna Fire (Matthew 10:28) as by ‘losing one’s soul’ (Matthew 16:26), as per Blessed St. Justin Martyr’s First Christianity definition such ones cannot experience the ‘earthly delights’ having not a body which could refer to their ‘eternal punishment’ (in Matthew 25:46).

 

In other words, these Bible Verses can also be interpreted to mean that the Wicked will not have a body nor a soul as this will be destroyed (Matthew 10:28, i.e. ‘the destruction of their flesh’ mentioned in 1 Peter 4:6) in their ‘Resurrection of Judgment’ (in John 5:27 – 28) meaning that these can only be ‘saved in their spirit state’ as 1 Peter 4:6 points if we take 1 Peter 4:5 to refer to the Judgment Day Context change. This idea of a spirit can exist without a body or a soul is implied by Christ Himself in Verse below:

 

“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.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 24:39, NKJV)

 

The wicked never get to enter into the heavens simply because one can only do that with a “Body” which they ‘do not have’ having both ‘their body and soul’ being destroyed in the Lake of Fire/Gehenna (Matthew 10:28) as the Example of Christ Shows the opposite that with a “Body only” can one enter into the Heavens post-resurrection (in John 20:17, Acts 1:9 – 11).

 

Note: The ‘Eternal Punishment’ (if the word means eternal instead of age-during say in Matthew 25:46 or Daniel 12:2) has never referred to the ‘spirit’ but only the ‘destruction of the Body and Soul’ (Matthew 10:28) where ‘their spirit’ can still be ‘saved’ post this ‘destruction of their flesh on Judgment Day’ as 1 Peter 4:5 – 6 can mean too.

 

“deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” (1 Corinthians 5:5, NKJV)

 

*When Blessed St. Paul the Apostle wrote 1 Corinthians 5:5, he was writing in the context of an ‘unrepentant Christian sexually immoral person in a incestuous relationship’ who will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9 – 10, Galatians 5:19 – 21) meaning that Blessed St. Paul the apostle reveals his deep knowledge of this Mystery likewise that “his spirit” (referring to the ‘unsaved person’s spirit’) may be “saved” at a later time on the “Day of Lord Jesus” (possibly Judgment Day or post-Judgment Day).

 

The fact that this person may have repented later as the letter in 2 Corinthians 2:4 – 8 points that this person returns to the ‘Elect Salvation’ later once repented. Hence 1 Corinthians 5:5 refers to a ‘non-Elect Salvation in the spirit state only for such wicked ones’. The phrase “destruction of the flesh” can refer to the ‘body + soul destroyed in Gehenna’ (Matthew 10:28) in the ‘Resurrection of Judgment’ (John 5:27 – 28) and “deliver such a one to Satan” can refer to the complete ruin of that unrepentant person being led the rest of his life in Satan’s Will toward that end judgment (Ephesians 2:2).

 

Alternately, this  “destruction of the flesh” under the definition that the ‘flesh = body + soul’ (the ‘two houses’ as per Blessed St. Justin Martyr’s definition) can also refer to ‘the body destroyed on earth’ while ‘the soul destroyed thereafter in the spirit world’ till the Last Day arrives and such a person in the ‘spirit state’ is ‘Saved’ on the ‘Day of Lord Jesus’ into a ‘non-Elect Salvation’ to ‘another place’ lower and ‘out of the Tower of Repentance’ (Christian Salvation) as per the Shepherd of Hermas Scripture.

 

Which is the meaning? or Can God give a body to the wicked or will He let them “live in their spirit” state in regions which is accessible to the ‘spirit only’ after they are Saved (1 Peter 4:6, possibly 1 Corinthians 5:5 too*)? Only God Alone knows.

 

  1. Two Resurrections to Life on this Last Day

 

“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)

 

“25Most assuredly, I say to you, 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. … , 27and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. 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. ” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 5:25, 27 – 28, NKJV)

 

Possible meaning in light of all this:

 

The words “day” and “hour” viewed parabolically means that since a “day” is split into various “hours” and we know that both resurrections occur in the same “Last Day”, thus

 

“the hour… now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live.” = First Resurrection to Life (‘the hour now is’ on the Last Day, a start hour Spoken of Parabolically on this Last Day?)

 

“the hour is coming,…  when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live.” = Second Resurrection to Life (‘the hour is coming’ on the Last Day, an ending hour Spoken of Parabolically on this Last Day? Revelation 20:5’s the ‘rest of the dead live not again until this 1000 years are finished’)

 

Please notice carefully that the phrase “hour is coming” is stated first in John 5:25 and repeated next in John 5:28 without the phrase “hour now is” (as in John 5:25) meaning that this refers to the ‘Second Resurrection only distinctly’ where the ‘Second Resurrection  has a badge of wicked & righteous raised simultaneously as per Daniel 12:2 too’ while the First Resurrection has only ‘a badge of righteous Resurrected’ (in Revelation 20:4 – 6) proving these to be distinct. The word “First Resurrection” (in Revelation 20:6) or the “Dead in Christ Rise First” (in 1 Thessalonians 4:16) regarding this Hope where the living is transformed together is a Hope available only to Christians (1 Thessalonians 4:13) as First Christianity’s Chiliasm Doctrine via Blessed St. Justin Martyr or Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons among many others have clearly taught.

 

To say that the words “hour now is” or “hour is coming” in John 5:25 have no distinction and refer only the First Resurrection or Christians only doesn’t make sense as He could have just said the “hour now is” part if this is the case. Since He said both the words “hour now is” or “hour is coming” referring to a ‘Resurrection to Life’ as per the phrase ‘those who hear will live’, it can refer to ‘Two Resurrections to Life’ as the Chiliasm interpretation along this lines agree. In other words, each of the phrases “hour now is” and “hour is coming” in John 5:25 must give a ‘unique meaning’.

I do not think that this refers to some Preterist view or equivalent where they think that this “hour now is” refers to Matthew 27:52 and that the First Resurrection Spoken of in Revelation 20:4 – 6 refers to this too as if that’s the case, then it has been more than 1000 years based on Revelation 20:5 and the Second Resurrection should have occurred where  these claim that ‘1000 years is only a figure of speech’. The Fact that ‘all Christians’ participate in this 1000 Years Millennial Reign which only occurs ‘after Christ has Returned and destroyed the Antichrist’ (Revelation 19 first) was believed by Blessed St. Justin Martyr and Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons who viewed these words literally likewise putting this View as impossible for me. The Fact that Matthew 27:52 and Revelation 20:4 – 6 are ‘not’ Speaking of the ‘Same Event’ may easily be seen by comparing these Verses as follows:

 

“And 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 thousand years.  5But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6Blessed 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 – 6, NKJV)

 

“and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised;” (Matthew 27:52, NKJV)

 

The Description of Revelation 20:4 – 6 and Matthew 27:52 looks entirely different too especially since the phrase “…  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. …” (in Revelation 20:4) clearly proves that this occurs only ‘after’ the Antichrist’s Season but the other occurrence “… and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised …” (in Matthew 27:52) has occurred even before 70 AD, around 33 AD itself or even before the ‘Manifestation of Antichrist Nero or any other’ (1 John 2:18) proving distinctly that it is ‘impossible’ that these two Verses are referring to ths ‘Same Event’.

 

Please notice carefully that ‘all who did not receive the mark of the beast (antichrist)’ are said to Reign with Christ for a literal 1000 years post the First Resurrection in Revelation 20:4 – 6 and thus the current Roman Catholic view of it that this reign is happening now or that the ‘1000 years is just a figure of speech as St. Augustine proposed’ is clearly contradicting Holy Scripture especially since if that’s true, we are not part of this Millennial Reign. Also, which antichrist is St. Augustine referring to when Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons himself has warned that ‘Nero is not that Antichrist’ (because Nero already died before St. Irenaeous’ time) and though many may have their names sum of to 666, we cannot say for sure which one becomes that Final Antichrist till it happens (as St. Irenaeous explains in next even quoting false identification of previous antichrists), to quote:

 

“… 1. Such, then, being the state of the case, and this number being found in all the most approved and ancient copies [of the Apocalypse], and those men who saw John face to face bearing their testimony [to it]; while reason also leads us to conclude that the number of the name of the beast, [if reckoned] according to the Greek mode of calculation by the [value of] the letters contained in it, will amount to six hundred and sixty and six; …  But as for those who, for the sake of vainglory, lay it down for certain that names containing the spurious number are to be accepted, and affirm that this name, hit upon by themselves, is that of him who is to come; such persons shall not come forth without loss, because they have led into error both themselves and those who confided in them. Now, in the first place, it is loss to wander from the truth, and to imagine that as being the case which is not; then again, as there shall be no light punishment [inflicted] upon him who either adds or subtracts anything from the Scripture, under that such a person must necessarily fall. Moreover, another danger, by no means trifling, shall overtake those who falsely presume that they know the name of Antichrist. For if these men assume one [number], when this [Antichrist] shall come having another, they will be easily led away by him, as supposing him not to be the expected one, who must be guarded against. 2. These men, therefore, ought to learn [what really is the state of the case], and go back to the true number of the name, that they be not reckoned among false prophets. But, knowing the sure number declared by Scripture, that is, six hundred sixty and six, let them await, in the first place, the division of the kingdom into ten; then, in the next place, when these kings are reigning, and beginning to set their affairs in order, and advance their kingdom, [let them learn] to acknowledge that he who shall come claiming the kingdom for himself, and shall terrify those men of whom we have been speaking, having a name containing the aforesaid number, is truly the abomination of desolation. This, too, the apostle affirms: “When they shall say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction shall come upon them.” And Jeremiah does not merely point out his sudden coming, but he even indicates the tribe from which he shall come, where he says, “We shall hear the voice of his swift horses from Dan; the whole earth shall be moved by the voice of the neighing of his galloping horses: he shall also come and devour the earth, and the fulness thereof, the city also, and they that dwell therein.” This, too, is the reason that this tribe is not reckoned in the Apocalypse along with those which are saved. … 3. It is therefore more certain, and less hazardous, to await the fulfilment of the prophecy, than to be making surmises, and casting about for any names that may present themselves, inasmuch as many names can be found possessing the number mentioned; and the same question will, after all, remain unsolved. For if there are many names found possessing this number, it will be asked which among them shall the coming man bear. It is not through a want of names containing the number of that name that I say this, but on account of the fear of God, and zeal for the truth: for the name Evanthas (Euanqas) contains the required number, but I make no allegation regarding it. Then also Lateinos (Lateinos) has the number six hundred and sixty-six; and it is a very probable [solution], this being the name of the last kingdom [of the four seen by Daniel]. For the Latins are they who at present bear rule: I will not, however, make any boast over this [coincidence]. Teitan too, (Teitan, the first syllable being written with the two Greek vowels e and i), among all the names which are found among us, is rather worthy of credit.  …” – Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons, Hearer of St. Polycarp, Bishop of Smryna, who is also an Apostolic Father being the Disciple of the Blessed St. John the Apostle (c. 130 AD – c. 202 AD, Chapter XXX, Points 1 – 3, ‘Against Heresies’, Book V)

 

Source:  http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/irenaeus-book5.html

 

iii. Unbelief and its Judgment

 

“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (John 3:36, NKJV)

 

“45And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. 46I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. 47And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 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.” (John 12:45 – 48, NKJV)

 

“1Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 2For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. 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.” … 8For if 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 4:1 – 5, 8 – 11, NKJV)

 

The Last Day (John 6:37 – 40) or “Seventh Day” or “Rest for the People of God” (Hebrews 4:1 – 5, 8 – 10, 11) refers to the 1000 years Millennial Reign of Christ (Revelation 20:4 – 6) from which the “unbelievers” are to ‘endure the Wrath of God’ to be excluded from this [Resurrection to] life (John 3:36) as ‘Unbelief in Christ is only Judged as Exclusion from being Resurrected during His Millennial Reign during this period of 1000 years or the Last Day’ (as John 12:45 – 48) implies , to quote:

“… 4. But he indicates the number of the name now, that when this man comes we may avoid him, being aware who he is: the name, however, is suppressed, because it is not worthy of being proclaimed by the Holy Spirit. For if it had been declared by Him, he (Antichrist) might perhaps continue for a long period. But now as “he was, and is not, and shall ascend out of the abyss, and goes into perdition,” as one who has no existence; so neither has his name been declared, for the name of that which does not exist is not proclaimed. But when this Antichrist shall have devastated all things in this world, he will reign for three years and six months, and sit in the temple at Jerusalem; and then the Lord will come from heaven in the clouds, in the glory of the Father, sending this man and those who follow him into the lake of fire; but bringing in for the righteous the times of the kingdom, that is, the rest, the hallowed seventh day; and restoring to Abraham the promised inheritance, in which kingdom the Lord declared, that “many coming from the east and from the west should sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” …”  – Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons, Hearer of St. Polycarp, Bishop of Smryna, who is also an Apostolic Father being the Disciple of the Blessed St. John the Apostle (c. 130 AD – c. 202 AD, Chapter XXX, Points 4, ‘Against Heresies’, Book V)

Source:  http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/irenaeus-book5.html

Conclusion – Bible Verses Only

 

i.) Unbelief

 

Based on this Exegesis,  the Punishment for Unbelief is possibly this:

 

“… and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him. …” (John 3:36) = “…  I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 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. …” (John 12:47 – 48) = “… 1Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 2For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. 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,’ … 4For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day …  9There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. … 11Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. …” (Hebrews 4:1 – 4, 9, 11) = “… 6Blessed 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 20:6) = “… 13But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen [b]asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. … 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.  …” (1 Thessalonians 4:13, 15 – 17, NKJV).

 

Note: All Verses above proving that the Punishment for Unbelief is Possibly Exclusion from that Seventh Day 1000 years Millennial Reign of Christ which is the reward of faith for Christians only.

 

Christ Says He doesn’t Judge anyone who do not believe in Him in John 12:47 and immediately pronounces this Judgment Only for Unbelief in John 12:48 next, “… 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.  …” (NKJV). Please note that the phrase “… the word that I have spoken will judge him in the Last Day …” clearly Speaks of their exclusion from this 1000 years Millennial Reign on this ‘Last Day’ or ‘Seventh Day’ making our exegesis consistent. In short He Says that His “Judgment” for ‘Unbelief’ is clearly pertaining to ‘His Words regarding the Last Day only in John 12:48’.

 

ii.) Non-Elect Salvation Hope for relatively Good non-Christians

 

No man is Saved by works and by Christ’s Faith only as explained in posts at the start of this write up. However, our works determine which order or time of Resurrection we participate in (1 Corinthians 15:20 – 23, 1 Timothy 2:6) as discussed in post below titled, “Atonement Mystery”:

 

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159406661157784

 

I see it as follows:

 

Faith and Works merit the order of the First Resurrection for Christians while the non-Christian with  good works  may attain to a Second Resurrection to life on Judgment Day 1000 years later. Here’s why:

 

  1. Non-Elect Salvation of Eternal Life only – Works only

 

“28Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, “Which is the first commandment of all?” 29Jesus answered him, “The 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.’ 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.” 32So the scribe said to Him, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. 33And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” But after that no one dared question Him.” (Mark 12:28 – 34, NKJV)

 

“18Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 19So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 20You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ ” (Luke 18:18 – 19, NKJV)

 

“16Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? 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.’ ” (Matthew 19:16 – 18, NKJV)

 

“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 [i]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, [j]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)

 

Christ Own Words Prove that this Eternal Life Reward can be Given by “these Works” quoting from Verses above only:

 

  1. Saved in a nearby Region

 

“… “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” …” (Mark 12:34) = A person cannot go into the Kingdom of God Level of Inheritance without faith (Matthew 7:20 – 23) but can be Saved in a region near it.

 

  1. These works are enough for non-Elect Salvation

 

“…”18Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 19So Jesus said to him,… 20You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ …  ” (Luke 18:18 – 19, NKJV)

 

iii. The Ruler particularly asked which ones, implying that not all 10 Commandments are required for this Type of Salvation but only these Commands are sufficient

 

” … “16Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” … “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.’ …  ” (Matthew 19:16 – 18, NKJV)

  1. Showing Mercy can cause one to be Rewarded with Eternal Life too

 

“… “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.’ ”… said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” …  37And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise. …” (Luke 10:25 – 37, NKJV)

 

Some Christians argue that the phrase “Love the LORD your God …” intrinsically implies that one has to believe in Lord Jesus Christ but the setting here is ‘Jewish’ where Christ is Speaking to an audience who have not yet accepted Him as their Messiah but believes in God as per the this Commandment without recognizing Him even. So, a Mercy is possible for a ‘General Belief in God’ as these Jews did err by not recognizing Him and notice carefully that Christ did not answer ‘to believe in Him’ to the direct question of “what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” set forth in these Verses (Context). This is Continued next.

 

Comment: A similar concept of ‘non-Elect Salvation’ with slightly different requirements (or more requirements) is found in Judaism as per link below called the “Noahide Laws” (but the Accurate one is of course, Christ’s List in these Bible Verses):

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Laws_of_Noah

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Elect Salvation of Eternal Life with “Thirty, Sixty or Hundredfold” Inheritance – Faith and Works

 

Verses first, continuing from the above:

 

“21And he said, “All these things I have kept from my youth.” 22So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 23But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich. 24And when Jesus saw that he became very sorrowful, He said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25For 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.” … 28Then Peter said, “See, we have left all and followed You.” 29So He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.” (Luke 18:21 – 25, 28 – 29, NKJV)

 

“20The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept 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. … 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 19:20 – 24, 27 – 30, NKJV)

 

Please notice ‘carefully’ that Christ only brings this Topic of ‘Eternal Life’ to a ‘Perfect Level’ next as Verses above demonstrate. Christ only invites the “Belief in Him part” by stating that He Lacks this ‘One thing’ (that works do not have) which is to “follow Me”.

 

In other words, Christ only invites this Rich Man beyond the ‘Eternal Life requirement of works’ (i.e. ‘being near His Kingdom’, Mark 12:34)  toward “perfection” which is by “Following Him” in which context only He Says that ‘it is hard for a rich man to enter His Kingdom’ (Luke 18:24).

This is to Say that the Commandments sufficient for Eternal Life are in Matthew 19:16 – 18 which may cause one to be ‘near the Kingdom’ type of inheritance (Mark 12:34 probably in the new earth as the meek inherit it, Matthew 5:5) as part of ‘them inheriting His Kingdom in these outside regions’ (Matthew 25:31 – 46) while to attain to Perfection of that Eternal Life in ‘inheriting or Entering the Kingdom of God’ (i.e. the “heavens-hundredfold”, “paradise-sixtyfold”, “new Jerusalem city-thirtyfold”, as First Christianity has expounded as discussed in earlier posts – Matthew 13:8, Matthew 7:20 – 23 of that First Resurrection, Revelation 20:4 – 6) one has to both have “faith in Christ and sufficient works/oil” (James 2:24, Matthew 25:1 – 13) in order to attain to this.

 

Please note that Christ Mentions that “Perfect Christians” (Matthew 19:21) regarding those who Practiced Perfect Renunciation (Luke 14:33, Matthew 19:27 – 28) attain to both the “Hundredfold” Inheritance and “Eternal Life”, inheriting both in Matthew 19:29 (please notice carefully). This implies with Matthew 13:8 that as Christians fall short of this Perfection, we may attain to either a “thirtyfold + eternal life” or “sixtyfold + eternal life” inheritance in His Kingdom accordingly as First Christianity has taught.

 

 

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non Elect Salvation Topic 17: Eternal Life and His Commandments Mystery

 

1) The Two Greatest Commandments

 

“28Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, “Which is the first commandment of all?” 29Jesus answered him, “The 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.’ 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.” 32So the scribe said to Him, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. 33And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” But after that no one dared question Him.” (Mark 12:28 – 34, NKJV)

Facts from Verses above:

 

  1. The Two Greatest Commandments are to “Love God” and “Love your neighbour as yourself”.
  2. Whoever practices these two Commands, Christ Himself Says that “they are not far from the kingdom of God.”

 

2) What to do to inherit “Eternal Life”?

 

“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)

 

Facts from these Verses:

i) Christ Himself approved the answer to the question “what to do to inherit Eternal Life?” as “Love God and Love your neighbour as yourself” as Christ Affirmed it as “…You have answered rightly; do this and you will live …” in Verses above. So we can Preach reply likewise too.

 

  1. ii) How to practice the “Love your neighbour part”? to “show Mercy” likewise as per the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

 

Conclusion

 

  1. Did you notice that both these passages (or dialogue of Christ with the questioners) has only the Two Greatest Commands, namely “Love God and Love your neighbour” mentioned?
  2. This means that “Love God and Love your neighbour” Commands tie these two passages to refer to the same Context.

 

  1. So the “Love God and Love your neighbour” Commands causes one to “inherit Eternal Life” and “be not far from the Kingdom of God”.

 

  1. Sufficiency of these Two Commands only for Eternal Life: Christ did not mention anything else and even affirms its sufficiency by Saying, “ … You have answered rightly; do this and you will live …”.

 

  1. Does the “Love God” Command entail the ‘believing in Him’ part?

 

“But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 12:28, NKJV)

 

If the “Love God” Command entails the ‘believing in Him’ part intrinsically, then together with the “love your neighbour as yourself” Command should imply that such a person is already ‘entering the Kingdom of God’ (as per His Response in Matthew 19:23 – 24, 27 – 30) or that ‘the Kingdom of God has come upon you’ response (as per Matthew 12:28, Luke 11:20) or that such a person is to ‘go into the kingdom of God’ response (Matthew 21:31) in the Context of ‘Doing the Will of the Father’ for ‘Entering His Kingdom’ (Matthew 7:21) which includes ‘believing in Him’ (John 6:29) and also to be ‘born of Water and of Spirit’ (John 3:5).

 

31Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to Him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you32For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.” (Matthew 21:31 – 32, NKJV)

 

However in Mark 12:28 – 34 Christ only Said that “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” toward the person who “Loved God and loved his neighbour as himself” as Christ Responded that only “when Jesus saw that he answered wisely”.

 

In other words, saying that “you are not far from the Kingdom of God” means that such a person has ‘not’ experienced the ‘Kingdom of God upon him’ (in contrast to believers in Christ, Matthew 12:28) but neither is he in a ‘danger of hell damnation place’ as Christ places such a person “outside” the “Kingdom of God” but “near it”.

 

Thus if the “Love God” Command part  has already included the ‘believe in Christ part intrinsically’, Christ would have replied that such a person has already gotten a place in the ‘Kingdom of God’ instead of ‘near the Kingdom of God’ which He did not do in these Verses.

 

This is further strengthened in the Bible as only Luke 18:21 – 29 and Matthew 19:20 – 30 does Christ begin to Speak about ‘Entering His Kingdom’ aspect which even the rich young ruler in those passages “lacked” or was “incomplete or not perfect” (Luke 18:24 – 25, Matthew 19:23 – 24)  as Christ only invited him to ‘follow Me’ or ‘believe in Him’ (implied intrinsically as one cannot ‘follow Him’ without ‘believing in Him’ first) as part of being “Perfect” (Luke 18:22, Matthew 19:21).  As Blessed Apostle St. Peter affirmed ‘himself following Christ’ (Matthew 19:27, Luke 18:28), to that Christ Responded not just ‘Eternal Life’ but also a “Hundredfold” Inheritance (Matthew 19:29) which he promises not just for apostles but for anyone who has left houses, mother, father, wife etc. for His Kingdom’s sake. We understand that if anyone should fall short of this ‘perfect faith’, some Christians could still attain to a “thirty fold fruit” or “sixty fold fruit” of inheritance accordingly in His Kingdom (Matthew 13:8) as First Christianity has taught as discussed in previous posts.

In other words, the rich young ruler has kept enough of the Commandments to ‘inherit Eternal Life’ (Matthew 19:16 – 20, Luke 18:18 – 21) but still “lacked one thing” or was “imperfect” in the Context of ‘following Christ/believing in Christ’ + ‘sharing his possessions with the poor’ (Matthew 19:20 – 21, Luke 18:22) which is what is required for anyone who wishes for the ‘Perfect Salvation of “entering” the Kingdom of God’ (Matthew 19:23 – 24, Luke 18:24 – 25) as opposed to ‘not just being Saved near / outside the Kingdom of God type of Eternal Life’ (Mark 12:28 – 34, Matthew 19:25 – 26, Luke 18:26 – 27 with Luke 10:25 – 37) where this Perfect Salvation belongs to a “Hundredfold” fruit not just for apostles but for anyone else willing to leave something significant for His Kingdom (Matthew 19:27 – 30, Luke 18:28 – 30).

 

 

 

  1. Please re-read Luke 10:25 – 37 and see that in the Answer to the Question “what shall I do to inherit Eternal Life”, in that entire passage Christ did not even ask that person to believe in Him but only to “Love God and love your neighbour”. That Lawyer was not a believer in Christ because the Bible clearly states that his intention was to “test Christ” and later even “wanted to justify himself” to Christ by asking, “who is my neighbour?”. So, that Lawyer’s response to “Love God” meant according to ‘his own personal interpretation’ as Christ Asked first “what’s your reading of the Law and how you understand it?” [please look for each of these phrases or equivalent in these set of Verses to understand this accuracy].

 

In other words, this self justifying Lawyer who was testing Christ when he asked the question ‘what shall I do to inherit Eternal Life?’ in Luke 10:25 – 37 did not get invited by Christ to ‘follow Me’ probably because being of his ‘self justifying intention or his testing God intentions’   which makes him unworthy of the Elect Salvation but to whom Christ only offered possibly a non-Elect Salvation by him practicing ‘Love God and love your neighbour’ Commands as ‘he understood it’ as Christ did Remark first “what’s your reading (exegesis/interpretation) of it?” knowing of that ‘Lawyer’s imperfections beforehand’ but did not exclude him from this non-Elect Eternal Life Salvation by Stating, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live”.

 

We know that this could refer to the non-Elect Salvation Order/Timing Type since these ‘same two commands’ were discussed in Mark 12:28 – 34 which only merits an ‘Eternal Life near/not far from the Kingdom of God’ [probably in the ‘outside’ regions of the New Earth area outside of the ‘New Jerusalem City which possibly connects to Paradise & the Heavens] as opposed to the ‘Enter the Kingdom of God Type’ which is only for Christians (Matthew 7:20 – 23) who have both “faith and works” (Revelation 14:12, James 2:24, Matthew 25:1 – 13) of whom those of the “thirtyfold fruit inherit a place in this New Jerusalem City”, while those of the “Sixtyfold fruit type inherit a place in Paradise” while those of the “Hundredfold fruit type inherit a place in the Heavens” as First Christianity’s finest such as Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons or even St. Papias of Hierapolis have expounded where in the Gospel only the Perfect “Hundredfold type + Eternal Life” is mentioned in Matthew 19:29 clearly as the ‘Perfect Inheritance Level’.

 

Please also Compare with the “Law abiding fine example of the Rich Young Ruler” who kept all these 10 Commandments from his youth (in Matthew 19:16 – 18, Luke 18:18 – 19)  who certainly kept even the “Love God” Command from his youth of which it was not mentioned that he lacked (Matthew 19:20, Luke 18:21).

However, Christ did not consider his keeping of the “Love God” command as part of his keeping of the Torah as equivalent to ‘believing in Him’ and that’s why Christ pointed out that the “follow Me/follow Christ” part is still lacking of him (Matthew 19:21, Luke 18:22) though he kept the “Torah Commands and/or the 10 Commandments” from his youth itself (Matthew 19:20, Luke 18:21).

In other words, if Christ implied an intrinsic understanding that to “Love God” Command includes to ‘believe in Him’ (as some claim), then the rich young ruler who kept all these Commands from his youth itself (as per Matthew 19:20, Luke 18:21) would not have lacked or fall short the perfection marked out as ‘missing’ by Christ Himself next, one of which included this ‘Belief/Faith in Christ part’ as per the phrase “follow Me” includes this Meaning (as recorded clearly as referring/highlighting this distinction in Matthew 19:21, Luke 18:22). Perhaps God is Merciful toward the non-Elect Salvation where He doesn’t require a perfect acknowledgement of him as these two cases of the rich young ruler and the lawyer both of whom clearly did not believe in Him yet/ever but were offered a ‘non-Elect Salvation Order’ by keeping these specific commandments only as it was discussed more in the previous Essay titled “Non Elect Salvation Topic 16: Did Lord Jesus Christ Teach non-Elect Salvation?” on page 1332 too.

I am presenting this view in detail not to claim that this is the truth but as I understand these possibilities are available within these Scriptures as demonstrated. Only God knows which is the Perfect Truth and probably he has allowed us to see it dimly so that we don’t easily judge others who differ in interpreting these Verses too as the Doctrine of Predestination goes, those who believe in Christ Will believe in Him regardless if this is true or not as Blessed St. Gregory the Theologian has said that speculating regarding these things such as “Judgment” is not dangerous at all but to hit the right point may have its reward too. Only God Alone knows perfectly and it’s okay not to know or know dimly (1 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Corinthians 4:5).

 

 

May God Forgive us for our Errors, to Him Alone be the Glory Always. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non Elect Salvation Topic 18: Shepherd of Hermas Explains 1 Peter 4:5 – 6

 

1 Peter 3:18 – 20 (First Occurrence by Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ when He Died & went in ‘His Spirit State’ into the Spirit World to Peach the Gospel there).

 

1 Peter 4:5 – 6 (Peter clearly mentions the “they” or “the dead” to whom the Gospel is Preached to refers to ‘those who Speak evil of you, at that present time when he was writing the Epistle’ and not the ‘Noah’s time dead’ as he says that ‘these must give account to Him who is Ready to judge the living and the dead’) as Peter expounds the ‘Gospel was Preached’ to ‘the dead’ likewise – proving this as an on-going occurence as even the Shepherd of Hermas Scripture clearly testifies regarding the ‘rejected stones from the Tower of Repentance / Elect Salvation Hope’ to be placed in ‘another place post-afterlife Judgments if they repent during that / a non-Elect Salvation Hope as these never get placed in the Elect’s Tower of Repentance or Christian Church Salvation Inheritance portion’ [Fact 1].

 

 

Also, the Shepherd of Hermas records a Gospel Preaching to the Dead by the ‘forty stones’ (referring to the Apostles, including Peter so it occurs after the time of this epistle of Peter even + some Christian Bible Teachers of First Christianity) who descended into Hades ‘to Preach the Gospel’ in the Spirit World toward certain righteous Gentiles who were dead (or ‘fallen asleep’) in a later time ‘after’ the Epistle of Peter was written [Fact 2].

 

 

Your rejection of the Shepherd of Hermas Scripture doesn’t disprove anything but only proves your unbelief where one day we will see that it’s true.

 

  1. Fact 1

 

“… 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. …” – Shepherd of Hermas (Chapter VII, Third Vision, Translated by another Well Known Scholar Mr. Roberts-Donaldson)

 

Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd.html

 

 

So,

 

“…These are they who have heard the word, and wish to be baptized in the name of the Lord …” = Non-Christians who Heard the Gospel but never got Baptized though they may have wished to because,

 

“…but when the chastity demanded by the truth comes into their recollection, they draw back, and again walk after their own wicked desires. …” = They did not want to Believe and Practice Christianity because the Demands of Its Purity is too High and that they don’t want to abandon their past ways, i.e. they died unrepentant on earth. Can you see that the Hope of the Spirit World Salvation also includes them as part of “all these rejected stones”?

 

The Hope Part:

 

“… 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 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

 

This Shepherd of Hermas Scripture regarding some non-Christians (the unbaptized & those who heard the Gospel on earth but did not believe in it) can be Saved in the Spirit World if God Wills as Described above but may be accelerated by our Propitiatory Prayers on behalf of them as the Bible Verses in 2 Maccabees 12:42 – 46 imply.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Fact 2

 

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’:

 

“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)

 

Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd-lightfoot.html

 

Here’s a ‘Fuller Explanation’ of that event or Context if you doubt that it refers to the ‘Spirit World Preaching of the Gospel’ and these ones getting ‘saved’ there, to quote:

 

“… 15[92]:4 “But the stones, Sir,” say I, “that came from the deep, and were fitted into the building, who are they?” “The first,” saith he, “even the ten, that were placed in the foundations, are the first generation; the twenty-five are the second generation of righteous men; the thirty-five are God’s prophets and His ministers; the forty are apostles and teachers of the preaching of the Son of God.” 15[92]:5 “Wherefore then, Sir,” say I, “did the virgins give in these stones also for the building of the tower and carry them through the gate?” 15[92]:6 “Because these first,” saith he, “bore these spirits, and they never separated the one from the other, neither the spirits from the men nor the men from the spirits, but the spirits abode with them till they fell asleep; and if they had not had these spirits with them, they would not have been found useful for the building of this tower.” 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. 15[92]:7 So by their means they were quickened into life, and came to the full knowledge of the name of the Son of God. For this cause also they came up with them, and were fitted with them into the building of the tower and were builded with them, without being shaped; for they fell asleep in righteousness and in great purity. Only they had not this seal. Thou hast then the interpretation of these things also.” “I have, Sir,” say I. …” – Shepherd of Hermas (Parable 9)

 

Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd-lightfoot.html

 

  1. Fact 3

 

An Important Note: 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 is discussed further with proof quotes in link below:

 

https://www.anonymouschristian.org/blog/christ-centered-universalism-mystery-in-first-christianity/amp

 

 

In short, the Shepherd of Hermas quotes will prove true than the interpretations of any of your scholars or yourself. One day you will see and lose the extra blessedness / reward in His Kingdom that comes with those who keep with it. Your unbelief is your loss, not mine nor First Christianity’s to bear.

 

 

I believe that the Shepherd of Hermas is a clear fulfillment of Acts 2:17 as did the Finest in Christianity after the apostles as declared above:

 

“‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.” (Acts 2:17, NKJV)

 

In the Context of ‘Afterlife Hope’ regarding ‘those banished from life in the Spirit World upon Death’ (implied), this is what the Bible Mysteriously Echoes:

 

“For we will surely die and become like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. Yet God does not take away a life; but He devises means, so that His banished ones are not expelled from Him.” (2 Samuel 14:14, NKJV)

 

“For we will surely die and are like water spilled on the ground which cannot be gathered up again. Yet God does not take away life, but plans ways so that the banished one will not be cast out from him.” (2 Samuel 14:14, NASB)

 

“We will certainly die and be like water poured out on the ground, which can’t be recovered. But God would not take away a life; He would devise plans so that the one banished from Him does not remain banished.” (2 Samuel 14:14, HCSB)

 

God never Changes.

 

If all these “Elect Saints of God” believed in the Shepherd of Hermas as Scripture, we ought to as well.

 

The Various Approval of the Shepherd of Hermas in First Christianity and Beyond is discussed in detail at the end of the write up in link below:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159121203392784&id=651792783

These First Christianity Approval of the Shepherd of Hermas Visions is discussed in Pages 928 – 930 or ‘why is it not in the Bible?’ is discussed in Pages 807 and 808 in this book.

 

 

Click the button above to Download as PDFClick the button above to Download as in Google Book App

 

Yes, the Shepherd of Hermas is a Gift for All the Elect

 

“… and asked me, if I had yet given the book to the presbyters. And I said that I had not. And then she said, “You have done well for I have some words to add. But when I finish all the words, ALL the ELECT will then become acquainted with them through you. You will write therefore two books, and you will send the one to Clemens and the other to Grapte. And Clemens will send his to foreign countries, for permission has been granted to him to do so. And Grapte will admonish the widows and the orphans. But you will read the words in this city, along with the presbyters who preside over the Church. …” – Shepherd of Hermas (Vision 2, Chapter IV)

Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd.html

 

Or in another translation:

 

“… . I said that I had not given it. “Thou hast done well,” she said, “for I have words to add. When then I shall have finished all the words, it shall be made known by thy means to ALL the ELECT. 4[8]:3 Thou shalt therefore write two little books, and shalt send one to Clement, and one to Grapte. So Clement shall send to the foreign cities, for this is his duty; while Grapte shall instruct the widows and the orphans. But thou shalt read (the book) to this city along with the elders that preside over the Church. …” – Shepherd of Hermas (Vision 2)

Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd-lightfoot.html

 

Conclusion

Please note the phrase “ALL the ELECT” carefully in the quote above across two translations. Hence I implore thee: please don’t take this “Shepherd of Hermas Scripture” in First Christianity lightly and please read it in links above.

 

 

 

 

 

 

#ShepherdofHermas

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

True Christianity – Are we considered as Christians according to the Bible?

 

1) Why is this important?

 

” 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)

 

So, to ‘Enter into the Kingdom of Heaven’ (the Christian Salvation), one has to ‘avoid Lawlessness’ and ‘Obey Christ’s Commands’ based on Verses above to do the Will of the Father.

 

 

2) Which Lawlessness to avoid?

 

Any Lawlessness mentioned in New Testament Scripture, examples:

 

  1. i) Daily Living

 

“5But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.” … 20but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood.” (Acts 15:5, 20, NKJV)

 

  1. ii) Spirit Led Christians

 

Spirit Led Christians are not those ‘who know every Theology’ but those who “live” in a certain way with “Virtues” and ‘who love their neighbor as themselves’ as these Bible Verses Define:

 

“14For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” … 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21envy, 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. 22But the FRUIT of the SPIRIT is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. …” (Galatians 5:14, 18 – 26, NKJV)

 

Note: The definition of “fruit” in say Matthew 7:15 – 20 regarding ‘false or true prophets’ is referring to the “FRUIT of the SPIRIT” in Verses above which is clearly “Virtue”. In other words, false prophets cannot practice these Virtues which lead to loving your neighbor as yourself. This was the ‘real proof’ of “Virtue” in ‘Daily Living by Carrying one’s cross’ (Luke 9:23) regarding the important aspect of one’s personal possessions (Matthew 19:21, 27 – 30) without which one ‘cannot’ be His Disciple even (Luke 14:33):

 

“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. … And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, ” (Acts 2:1, 44 – 46, NASB)

 

 

Comment: This was the True Purest Effect of the Day of Pentecost in regards to the Social Well being of the Command to Love your neighbour as yourself in the “Perfection” Context where these ‘zero possessions or shared possessions lifestyle occurred not just among the apostles but to the common believer in the church too’ where this happened after these ones were filled with the Holy Spirit of God during the First Great Out-Pouring of His Anointing (Acts 2:1).

 

“Now 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.” (Acts 4:32, NKJV)

 

 

 

 

3) Commandments of the Lord through Blessed St. Paul the Apostle to all the Gentiles

 

  1. i) Apostle St. Paul as the Role Model of Faith as Christ has Endorsed for all the gentile believers

 

“1Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1, NKJV)

 

  1. ii) Those who obey these “traditions” apostle St. Paul delivered in 1 Corinthians 11 to 1 Corinthians 14 are greatly praised

 

” 2Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you.” (1 Corinthians 11:2, NKJV)

 

iii) As opposed to modern Christianity’s false claim that these rules only applied to the Corinthian Church, the Bible clearly proves that Blessed St. Paul Preached these “same rules” to “every Gentile Church” or “that the churches of God do NOT have any other different practices” & true Christians do likewise too where Blessed St. Paul has even Prophesied that “Factions” (i.e. “Denominations” or “Dissensions”) which teach ‘against these Rules’ will come in the future in Verses below (please read ‘carefully’ – is your church part of that ‘faction’?):

 

“16But if one is inclined to be contentious, we have no other practice, nor have the churches of God. 17But in giving this 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 as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part I believe it. 19For there must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you. 2” (1 Corinthians 11:16 – 19, NKJV)

 

“For 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 4:17, NKJV)

 

“Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.” (2 Thessalonians 2:15, NKJV)

 

“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us.” (2 Thessalonians 3:6, NKJV)

 

4) Which Christianity is not Recognized by God and may be Rejected on that Day?

 

“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!’” (Matthew 7:21 – 23, NKJV)

 

“33for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 34The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. 35If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church. 36Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come to you only? 37If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment. 38But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.” (1 Corinthians 14:33 – 38, NKJV)

 

Context: Blessed Apostle St. Paul clearly states this:

 

  1. There are no ‘prophets or spirit-led/spiritual’ persons who teach contrary to what he wrote from 1 Corinthians 11 to 1 Corinthians 14 as ‘how to follow Christ as a Gentile Christian’:

 

“… 37If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment. …”

 

  1. Apostle St. Paul is not giving ‘his opinions’ but the ‘Commands of the Lord’ so let us be careful lest we are actually practicing “lawlessness” in these aspects

 

“… 37 let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment. … 3And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness! …”

 

iii. Which “Law” is Blessed St. Paul is quoting when he states that ‘women are to keep silent in the churches’? It’s not just in a marriage context but church leadership too:

 

“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)

 

Simple logic for those who claim that this Verse refers to ‘husband and wife context only’: If God doesn’t allow a woman leader to have authority over her own husband as you claim the context for this Verse is such, then how can He allow you to have authority over a man who is not your husband? Contradiction. Personally, I believe in this Verse but I don’t condemn those who practice it but leave it to God to Decide their fate but Blessed St. Paul the Apostle is much more serious that he says that those who practice against these “Commands of the Lord Jesus Christ” may “not be recognized” (i.e. sounds eerily like the ‘I never knew you part, doesn’t it’? God Alone knows):

 

“… 38But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized … 23And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ …”

 

This was seriously obeyed in First Christianity, for example:

 

“… Further, because they supposed this to be an ornament to them, I mean their speaking in public; again he brings round the discourse to the opposite point, saying, “For it is shameful for a woman to speak in the church.” That is, first he made this out from the law of God, then from common reason and our received custom; even when he was discoursing with the women about long hair, he said, “Doth not even nature herself teach you?” (c. xi. 14.) And everywhere thou mayest find this to be his manner, not only from the divine Scriptures, but also from the common custom, to put them to shame. [2.] But besides these things, he also shames them by consideration of what all agreed on,

223 and what was every where prescribed; which topic also here he hath set down, saying, Ver. 36. “What? was it from you that the word of God went forth? or came it unto you alone?” Thus he brings in the other Churches also as holding this law, both abating the disturbance by consideration of the novelty of the thing, and by the general voice making his saying acceptable. Wherefore also elsewhere he said, “Who shall put you in remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, even as I teach everywhere in all the Churches.” (1 Cor. iv. 17.) And again, “God is not a God of confusion, but of peace, as in all the Churches of the saints.” (c. xiv. 33.) And here, “What? was it from you that the word of God went forth? or came it unto you alone?” i.e., “neither first, nor alone are ye believers, but the whole world …”– Blessed St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, Doctor of the Church, one of the Three Holy Hierarchs (c. 349 AD – c. 407 AD, Homily on 1 Corinthians)

 

Source: https://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf112.iv.xxxviii.html

 

Historical note: Neither Aquila, Apollos, nor Luke (who records this event in Acts) seem to be at all concerned that Priscilla apparently took the lead in this conversation and, with Aquila, explained “the way of God more accurately” to a man. (See Acts 18:24-26.) It is interesting to note that this event happened in Ephesus, the same place where Paul sent his letters to Timothy.

My comment: It is clear that “Priscilla” (the wife of Aquila) has been ‘teaching men’ (as per Acts 18:24 – 26) and Blessed St. Paul the Apostle eventually sent the 1 Timothy 2:12 letter to stop such a practice as it didn’t please God. Note that women preachers can lead or preach to a women congregation (no scripture prohibits this) examples:

 

“… DEACONESSES are also appointed — ONLY to ASSIST WOMEN for modesty’s sake, if there is a need because of baptism or an inspection of their bodies. (11) Then, after these, come exorcists and translators < from > one language to another, either in readings or in sermons. But finally there are undertakers, who enshroud the bodies of those who fall asleep; and doorkeepers, and the whole good order [of the laity]…” – Blessed St. Epiphanius of Salamis, Bishop of Salamis and the ‘Hammer of Heretics’ (c. 310 AD – c. 403 AD, ‘De Fide’, “Panarion”, Point 21.10, Page 679)

 

Source:

 

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

 

and

 

“… “Have we not a right to take about with us a wife that is a sister like the other apostles?” [1 Corinthians 9:5] But the latter, in accordance with their particular ministry, devoted themselves to preaching without any distraction, and took their wives with them not as women with whom they had marriage relations, but as sisters, that they might be their FELLOW-MINISTERS in DEALING with HOUSEWIVES . It was THROUGH THEM that the LORD’S TEACHING penetrated also the WOMEN’S QUARTERS without any scandal being aroused. We also know the directions about WOMEN DEACONS which are given by the noble Paul in his second letter to Timothy…” – Blessed St. Clement of Alexandria, Head of the First/Oldest Bible School at Alexandria (c. 150 AD – c. 215 AD, Stromata Book 3, Chapter VI, Point 53)

 

Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/clement-stromata-book3-english.html

 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion – Doctrinal Errors

 

“6I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8But 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. 9As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:6 – 9, NKJV)

 

Literal Context: The Book of Galatians does not contain any “Eternal Hell” phrase even & thus using it to defend that doctrine or even Universalism is ‘out of context’ (yes, both of these doctrines do not appear in his Epistle to the Galatians). The ‘other Gospel’ is the one that mixes it with ‘observing the Law of Moses’ which he discusses in this Book of Galatians which you can read it for yourself, e.g. Galatians 2:14 (ehem ehem, how many denominations of Christianity are guilty of this in some way? – please think about it; for example, apostle St. Paul never understood Christ’s Quote on tithes to refer to Gentile believers and thus never quoted it upon Gentile Believers who only ‘ought to give as one’s heart has purposed’, 2 Corinthians 9:7).

 

“But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?” (Galatians 2:14’s ‘Other Gospel’ is clearly Revealed here, NKJV)

 

Extended Context of Galatians 1:6 – 9 beyond apostle St. Paul’s writing to the Galatians: Any Gentile Believer ought to Preach what Blessed St. Paul the Apostle has preached or face the danger of being ‘accursed’ (or “Anathema” in Greek). Please note carefully that Blessed St. Paul the Apostle never Preached “Eternal Hell” nor even quoted Matthew 25:46 once though more than 50% of the New Testament Scripture is his except this once:

 

“8in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.” (2 Thessalonians 1:8 – 10, NKJV)

 

*Everlasting (Aionion) Destruction is difficult to interpret as we have seen that the same Hebrew equivalent “Olam” also refers to “age-during only literally” and has also referred to the Old Covenant which has Ended & is about to “Vanish” even as discussed in post below:

 

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159410771327784

 

 

It can also mean this, please consider:

 

“… The resurrection is a resurrection of the flesh which died. For the spirit dies not; the soul is in the body, and without a soul it cannot live. The body, when the soul forsakes it, is not. For the body is the house of the soul; and the soul the house of the spirit. These three, in all those who cherish a sincere hope and unquestioning faith in God, will be saved. [1 Thessalonians 5:23] …” – 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, ‘FRAGMENTS OF THE LOST WORK OF JUSTIN ON THE RESURRECTION’ CHAPTER X)

 

Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/justinmartyr-resurrection.html

 

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell [Gehenna/Lake of Fire].” (Matthew 10:28, NKJV)

 

The ‘Eternal Punishment’ (if the word means eternal instead of age-during say in Matthew 25:46 or Daniel 12:2) has never referred to the ‘spirit’ but only the ‘destruction of the Body and Soul’ (Matthew 10:28) where ‘their spirit’ can still be ‘saved’ post this ‘destruction of their flesh on Judgment Day’ as 1 Peter 4:5 – 6 can mean too.

 

“deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” (1 Corinthians 5:5, NKJV)

 

*When Blessed St. Paul the Apostle wrote 1 Corinthians 5:5, he was writing in the context of an ‘unrepentant Christian sexually immoral person in a incestuous relationship’ who will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9 – 10, Galatians 5:19 – 21) meaning that Blessed St. Paul the apostle reveals his deep knowledge of this Mystery likewise that “his spirit” (referring to the ‘unsaved person’s spirit’) may be “saved” at a later time on the “Day of Lord Jesus” (possibly Judgment Day or post-Judgment Day).

 

Regarding ‘future prophecies’, Blessed St. Paul the Apostle Commands:

 

“Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.” (1 Corinthians 4:5, NKJV)

 

Only God knows which is the Perfect Truth and probably he has allowed us to see it dimly so that we don’t easily judge others who differ in interpreting these Verses too as the Doctrine of Predestination goes, those who believe in Christ Will believe in Him regardless if this is true or not as Blessed St. Gregory the Theologian has said that speculating regarding these things such as “Judgment” is not dangerous at all but to hit the right point may have its reward too. Only God Alone knows perfectly and it’s okay not to know or know dimly (1 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Corinthians 4:5).

 

To not know before it comes to pass in the future regarding these future prophesies about “Judgment” till the Lord “Comes” (Returns) is not something to be ashamed of (1 Corinthians 4:5) and this ‘knowing dimly’ (includes not knowing or considering few possibilities regarding these ‘future things’) is not a sign of Lack of “Agape” (or ‘Love of God’ either as per 1 Corinthians 13:12).

 

What a Christian not to err is ‘what has already occurred in the Past & what’s Written in Scripture’ except that which relates to “Judgment”, a Christian can choose to ‘not Judge’ (and is not a heretic for choosing so) as per the phrase “… judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, …” (in 1 Corinthians 4:5) and “… Judge not, that you be not judged. …” (in Verse below):

 

“1“Judge not, that you be not judged. 2For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:1 – 2, NKJV)

 

So, to Preach the Doctrine of “Judgment” regarding the future is not a Command but an option as these Verses allow it as a personal choice of Christians. Why? If anyone decides to ‘judge others’ regarding for example ‘who has the perfect doctrine or who is a heretic?’ then Matthew 7:2 warns an ‘equivalent Judgment’ will be given meaning that if you expect 100% accuracy in Doctrine (according to your personal list for anyone to be considered a Christian as many denominations have ‘their own list’ & exclude the rest as heretics), if one doctrine or Verse you interpret there is wrong, then you have judged yourself a heretic due to not a 100% compliance level which you imposed on others. Can you see how God is a Genius when He Spoke those words in (Matthew 7:1 – 2)?

 

Hence the Safest Route regarding these Doctrinal Matters is you share what you believe but do not easily label other Christians who differ with you as heretics lest you be denied on ‘that Day’ due to this ‘same Judgment Level which Scripture has Promised upon you’ (Matthew 7:2) and rather ‘include them by not judging them’ (as per Matthew 7:1) so that being ‘Peacemakers’ and being ‘Merciful’, you might be ‘sons of God and obtain Mercy likewise for any doctrinal errors which we might have’, Verses:

 

“Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. … Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:7, 9, NKJV)

 

Yes, “Mercy” is to be practiced upon those who are wrong (e.g. those who you think as heretics) and include them if they’re believers lest we be guilty of “dissensions” or “factions”, e.g. the “denominations” of Christianity which excludes others easily likewise:

 

“idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, DISSENSIONS, heresies, … ; 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 5:20 – 21, NKJV)

 

The Rule of Universal Acceptance and following what the Majority in the Church wants (even if they are in error) is the True Walk of a Spirit Led Agape filled Christian who does not exclude the Christians who exclude him as First Christianity of the direct Apostolic Anointing taught this, to quote:

 

“… 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 [CHAPTER 54 — HE WHO IS FULL OF LOVE WILL INCUR EVERY LOSS, THAT PEACE MAY BE RESTORED TO THE CHURCH]:

http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/1clement-roberts.html

 

As usual, I present the evidence and each decides his own fate. May God have Mercy on whom He Wills.

 

 

 

 

 

 

P/S: Christian Numbers

 

Percentage of Christians is as follows, to quote:

 

Catholic (50.1%)

Protestant, including Anglican (36.7%)

Eastern/Oriental Orthodox (11.9%)

Other Christian (1.3%)

 

“… The list includes the following Christian denominations: the Catholic Church including the Eastern Catholic Churches; all the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches with some recognition and their offshoots; Protestant denominations with at least 0.2 million members; all the provinces of the Anglican Communion; all the other Christian branches with distinct theologies, such as Restorationist and Nontrinitarianian denominations; the independent Catholic denominations; and the Church of the East. With an estimated 2.42[2] or 2.3[3][4] billion adherents in 2015 Christianity is the largest religious group in the world, and in 2020 there were about 2.518 billion globally. …”

 

Source:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_denominations_by_number_of_members

 

So, if God’s Truth is determined by numbers, then “Roman Catholicism” is the most accurate Christian Truth. Also, the practice of praying to Mary or the dead Saints is practiced by both Catholics and Eastern/Oriental Orthodox adding that number to 50.1% + 11.9% = 62% of Christians.

 

What does the Majority Teach me then?

It tells which Gospel people like most (like a trend) even highlighting the error Christians like such as the ‘Prosperity Gospel error’ among Protestants etc. This Verse below is truly fulfilled in Christian History (e.g. even in the Violence of Protestant Reformers Martin Luther & John Calvin too) and not only the Violence of the Roman Catholics but God doesn’t approve any ‘Violent Christianity’ as per Verse below:

 

“From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force.” (Matthew 11:12, NKJV)

 

So, the end does not justify the means as God has Promised to Deny “Many” on “that Day” He Returns (Matthew 7:20 – 23) as I believe true Christians can be found amidst ‘any denomination of Christianity’ as long as they’re ‘truly loving at heart’ as all other errors (even great sins can be washed away) as Christ Himself Reveals in Verse below:

 

“Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 7:47, NKJV)

“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8, NKJV)

 

Please take note that if one does a work of Love as Love is in action (and not in words/feelings in the heart, 1 John 3:18), then the “Love” can “cover/pay for one’s multitude of sins” (as the Bible describes this transaction in 1 Peter 4:8) and the real example of a “loving prostitute who just met Christ” covered “all her many great sins” as Christ Himself Described this Atonement Theory in Luke 7:47. Please also take note carefully that Christ Says that “her love” covers or ‘pays for her sin’ in Luke 7:47.

Source Post:

 

https://www.anonymouschristian.org/blog/kingdom-of-god-mystery/amp/

 

a Free-Downloadable Draft PDF Book Contains these Discussions and More in Link below:

 

Click the button above to Download as PDFClick the button above to Download as in Google Book App

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mystery of the Oil in the Vessel

 

Question

What is the Oil in the Parable of the Foolish and Wise Virgins?

 

Reply

The Oil is not the Most Blessed Holy Spirit because the wise virgins ask the foolish ones to go and do some earthly transaction to get more, Verses:

 

” 7Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 8And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ 10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:7 – 10, NKJV)

 

Please pause and think: By claiming that the “Oil” is the “Most Blessed Holy Spirit of God” and the phrase “… Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9… but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ …” you imply that the ‘Holy Spirit can be bought’ indirectly and the last person who said that, committed the Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:20) and do you want to join in that ‘Unpardonable Sin’ too (Matthew 12:31 – 32)?

In other words, the Most Blessed Holy Spirit cannot be bought as an “oil” as the Verses clearly describe this ‘earthly transaction’ which is nothing else than the transaction of Charity Works with the poor, to quote:

“… Or, The “oil” denotes charity, alms, and every aid rendered to the needy; the lamps denote the gifts of virginity; and He calls them “foolish,” because after having gone through the greater toil, they lost all for the sake of a less; for it is greater labour to overcome the desires of the flesh than of money….” – Blessed St. John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church, Archbishop of Constantinople, One of the Three Holy Hierarchs (c. 349 AD – c. 407 AD)

 

Source: https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/matthew-commentary/catena-aurea-on-matthew/chapter-1/chapter-2/chapter-3/chapter-4/chapter-5/chapter-6/chapter-7/chapter-8/chapter-9/chapter-10/chapter-11/chapter-12/chapter-13/chapter-14/chapter-15/chapter-16/chapter-17/chapter-18/chapter-19/chapter-20/chapter-21/chapter-22/chapter-23/chapter-24/chapter-25

 

This is why Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ Said that unless “your righteousness” (good works & holiness especially charity works, James 2:14 – 18, 24, 1 John 3:16 – 18) exceed that of the Pharisees, a Christian cannot enter into His Kingdom of the Heavens (in Matthew 5:20).

 

First Christianity unanimously taught that the “oil” is good works / Charity works as Christ Himself points in Luke 12:33 – 34 by which next Verse He Says mysteriously, “keep your lamps lit” (as per continuous Charity works lifestyle on earth to garner enough oil) in Luke 12:35.

 

“21“So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” … 33SELL what you have and GIVE ALMS; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 35“Let your waist be girded and YOUR LAMPS BURNING;” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:21, 33 – 35, NKJV)

 

or in another translation:

 

“21“So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” … 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.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:21, 33 – 35, NASB)

 

This Context is closely linked to Verse below though rarely preached but without which ‘no one can be His Disciple’, hence rejected on that Day as ‘I never knew you’ (Matthew 7:20 – 23, Matthew 25:12):

 

“So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 14:33, NASB)

 

or

 

“So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 14:33, NKJV)

 

Renouncing all your possessions can be done by literal selling all and giving to the poor (Matthew 19:21, Matthew 19:27 – 30, Acts 2:44 – 46) or by “sharing all in some way”, Verse below:

 

“And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them.” (Acts 4:32, NASB)

 

or

 

“Now 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.” (Acts 4:32, NKJV)

 

If God meant “Oil” as some “right complex theological understanding”, then the poor and simple people would be at a disadvantage as opposed to the smart. The “Oil” he put forth as the Condition represents how great our Love is for our neighbor because that fulfills all Law in One Command (Galatians 5:14) where no greater love than to lay down your life with Charity Works which fulfills your neighbor’s daily needs as Verses below agree to this ‘Same Biblical Context’, yet again:

 

“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)

 

This ‘Charity Works’ is what Blessed Apostle St. James also refers to primarily in Verses below without which the Bible clearly teaches that ‘such a faith cannot save that Christian as it is dead’, Verses:

 

“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 2:14 – 17, NKJV)

Please note that these are all “Bible Verses” quoted. So, whether I am quoting the early church leaders or Bible Verses, the meaning here is the ‘same’.

 

First Christianity (not my opinion) taught this as discussed in links below:

 

  1. i) Meaning of “Virgins” in Matthew 25:1 – 13

 

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159353872557784&id=651792783

 

  1. ii) Meaning of “Oil” in Matthew 25:1 – 13

 

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159310389752784&id=651792783

 

or

 

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159314174767784&id=651792783

 

iii) Parable of the Foolish and Wise Virgins

 

“1“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.

 

6“And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ 7Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 8And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ 10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.

 

11“Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ 12But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’

 

13“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” (Matthew 25:1 – 13, NKJV)

 

Will we be among the Wise or Foolish Virgins?

 

Do you really think each First Christianity Saint here from Blessed St. Augustine or Blessed St. John Chrysostom or Blessed Origen (please see links for their quotes on this) are going to hear “I never knew you” or “us” who err greatly even in interpreting this passage rightly?

 

God counts our Giving in Percentages and suffering incurred in Love too (Luke 21:1 – 4, 1 Corinthians 13:3, 2 Corinthians 8:1 – 8).

 

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

P/S: First Christianity Quotes

 

 

  1. i) Meaning of “Virgins” in Matthew 25:1 – 13

“… This parable of the ten foolish and the ten wise virgins, some interpret literally of virgins, of whom there are according to the Apostle [marg. note: 1 Cor 7] some who are virgins both in body and in thought, others who have preserved indeed their bodies virgin, but have not the other deeds of virgins, or have only been preserved by the guardianship of parents, but have wedded in their hearts. But from what has gone before, I think the meaning to be different, and that the parable has reference not to virgins only, but to the whole human race …” ” – 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)

“… For in each of the five senses of the body there is a double instrument, and the number five doubled makes ten. And because the company of the faithful is gathered out of both sexes, the Holy Church is described as being like to ten virgins, where as bad are mixed with good, and reprobate with elect, it is like a mixture of wise and foolish virgins. …” – Blessed Roman Catholic Pope St. Gregory the Great, Saint Gregory the Dialogist in Eastern Christianity, the Father of Christian Worship, and John Calvin declared in his Institutes that Gregory was the last good Pope. (540 AD – 604 AD)

 

“… Or, The understandings of all who have received the word of God are virgins. For such is the word of God, that of its purity it imparts to all, who by its teaching have departed from the worship of idols, and have through Christ drawn near to the worship of God; “Which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom and the bride.” [ed. note: ‘Et sponsae’ Vulg. and so a few Greek MSS.] …” – Blessed Origen of Alexandria, the Great but surprisingly Modest Exegete of the Eastern Church, “Nicknamed: Admantius or Man of Steel”, Tortured and Martyred for Christ (c. 184 AD – c. 253 AD)

 

“… Or, by the five virgins, is denoted a five-fold continence from the allurements of the flesh; for our appetite must be held from gratification of the eyes, ears, smell, taste, and touch. And as this continence may be done before God, to please Him in inward joy of the conscience, or before men only to gain applause of men, five are called wise, and five foolish. Both are virgins, because both these men exercise continence, though from different motives. …” – 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)

 

“… And He employs the character virgins in this parable to shew, that though virginity be a great thing, yet if it be not accompanied by works of mercy, it shall be cast out with the adulterers. …” – Blessed St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, Doctor of the Church, one of the three Holy Hirearchs (c. 349 AD – c. 407 AD

 

Source for each quote above:

 

https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/matthew-commentary/catena-aurea-on-matthew/chapter-1/chapter-2/chapter-3/chapter-4/chapter-5/chapter-6/chapter-7/chapter-8/chapter-9/chapter-10/chapter-11/chapter-12/chapter-13/chapter-14/chapter-15/chapter-16/chapter-17/chapter-18/chapter-19/chapter-20/chapter-21/chapter-22/chapter-23/chapter-24/chapter-25

 

 

Source:

 

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159353872557784&id=651792783

 

 

 

  1. ii) Meaning of “Oil” in Matthew 25:1 – 13

 

“… They that believe rightly, and live righteously, are likened to the five wise ; they that profess the faith of Jesus, but prepare themselves not by good works to salvation, are likened to the five foolish. And because the virtues are so linked together, that he who has one has all, so all the senses so follow one another, that all must be wise, or all foolish. …” – Blessed Origen of Alexandria, the Great but surprisingly Modest Exegete of the Eastern Church, “Nicknamed: Admantius or Man of Steel”, Tortured and Martyred for Christ (c. 184 AD – c. 253 AD)

 

Yes,

 

” 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 36“Be like men who are waiting for their master when he returns from the wedding feast, so that they may immediately open the door to him when he comes and knocks. 37“Blessed are those slaves whom the master will find on the alert when he comes; truly I say to you, that he will gird himself to serve, and have them recline at the table, and will come up and wait on them. 38“Whether he comes in the second watch, or even in the third, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:31 – 38, NKJV)

 

Note: Prosperity Gospel Teachers often quote a half truth only (Luke 12:31 above) and ‘hoard their treasures enjoying & promoting luxurious living’ without quoting the next Verses in “full” (especially Luke 12:33) where “Christ Commands also” to SELL those ‘earthly riches/possessions you obtained’ to obtain ‘a greater permanent heavenly treasure’. Their LAMPS are only LIT as per the amount of CHARITY WORKS Done [implied in Consecutive Verses above], can you see it as It is Written?

 

First Christianity Quotes Proving this Claim Unanimously:

 

[ Indeed, let’s not be Like the 5 Foolish Virgins who did not store up ‘enough oil’ (Matthew 25:1 – 13) ]

 

“… Or, The “oil” denotes joy, according to that, “God hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness.” [Ps 45:7] He then whose joy springs not from this that he is inwardly pleasing to God, has no oil with him; for they have no gladness in their continent lives, [p. 846] save in the praises of men. “But the wise took oil with their lamps,” that is, the gladness of good works, “in their vessels,” that is, they stored it in their heart and conscience, as the Apostle speaks, “Let every man prove himself, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself, and not in another.” [Gal 6:4] …” – 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)

 

Or

 

“… The “oil” is the fruit of good works, the “vessels” are the human bodies in whose inward parts the treasure of a good conscience is to be laid up. …” – Blessed St. Hilary of Poictiers, the “Athanasius of the West”, Doctor of the Church, The Champion of Trinity in the West (c. 310 AD – c. 368 AD)

 

or

 

“… The virgins that have oil are they who, besides their faith, have the ornament of good works – they that have not oil, are they that seem to confess with like faith, but neglect the works of virtue. …” – 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)

 

or

 

“… Or, The “oil” is the word of teaching, with which the vessels of souls are filled ; for what gives so great content as moral discourse, which is called the oil of light. The “wise” took with them of this oil, as much as would suffice, though the Word should tarry long, and be slack to come to their consummation. The, “foolish” took lamps, alight indeed at the first, but not supplied with so much oil as should suffice even to the end, being careless respecting the provision of doctrine which comforts faith, and enlightens the lamp of good deeds…” – Blessed Origen of Alexandria, the Great but surprisingly Modest Exegete of the Eastern Church, “Nicknamed: Admantius or Man of Steel”, Tortured and Martyred for Christ (c. 184 AD – c. 253 AD)

 

Or

 

“… Or, the trimming their lamps is the return of their souls into their bodies, and their light is the consciousness of good works that shines forth, which is contained in the vessels of the body. They that sell are the poor, who, needing the alms of the faithful, made them that recompense which they desire, selling in return for the relief afforded to their wants, a consciousness of good works. This is the abundant fuel of an undying light which may be bought and stored up for the fruits of mercy. “The marriage” is the putting on of immortality, and the joining together corruption and incorruption in a new union. Yet though the season of repentance is now past, the foolish virgins come and beg that entrance may be granted to them. …” – Blessed St. Hilary of Poictiers, the “Athanasius of the West”, Doctor of the Church, The Champion of Trinity in the West (c. 310 AD – c. 368 AD).

 

Source for each First Christianity Quote above [in this Section “iii”]:

 

https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/matthew-commentary/catena-aurea-on-matthew/chapter-1/chapter-2/chapter-3/chapter-4/chapter-5/chapter-6/chapter-7/chapter-8/chapter-9/chapter-10/chapter-11/chapter-12/chapter-13/chapter-14/chapter-15/chapter-16/chapter-17/chapter-18/chapter-19/chapter-20/chapter-21/chapter-22/chapter-23/chapter-24/chapter-25

 

Rejection from the First Resurrection is Described as Follows:

 

“… For “cast ye,” saith He, “the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” [2871] Seest thou how not only the spoiler, and the covetous, nor only the doer of evil things, but also he that doeth not good things [James 4:17], is punished with extreme punishment. … Knowing then these things, let us contribute alike wealth, and diligence, and protection, [2872] and all things for our neighbor’s advantage. For the talents here are each person’s ability, whether in the way of protection, or in money, or in teaching, or in what thing soever of the kind. Let no man say, I have but one talent, and can do nothing; for thou canst even by one approve thyself. For thou art not poorer than that widow [Luke 21:1 – 4]; thou art not more uninstructed than Peter and John, who were both “unlearned and ignorant men;” [2873] but nevertheless, since they showed forth a zeal, and did all things for the common good, they attained to Heaven [Matthew 19:27 – 30]. For nothing is so pleasing to God, as to live for the common advantage [Acts 2:44 – 45, Acts 4:32, 1 John 3:16 – 18]. …” – Blessed St. John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church, Archbishop of Constantinople (c. 349 AD – c. 407 AD)

 

Source (Homily on Matthew 25):

 

https://biblehub.com/commentaries/chrysostom/matthew/25.htm

 

“… The fourth kind indicates the nobility of the faithful, working daily, and doing great works. But even here are indicated some men to be at ease, given over to unlawful leisures, and paying attention to new prophecies, which he shows and prophesies to others, to whom this is not pleasing, who know the wickedness of the Adversary, by which evils and sorrows he seeks to bring dangers on the head of the faithful. And thus he says: I will not place upon you another weight, that is, I have not given you laws, observances and burdens, which is another weight, that what you have, you hold onto, until I come. And to him who conquers, I will give to him power over the nations, that is, I will make him a judge among the other saints. And the star of the morning will I give to him: namely, the first resurrection he promised; for the morning star chases away the night and announces light, which is the beginning of day…” – 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)

 

Source:

 

http://www.bombaxo.com/patristic-stuff/victorinus-in-apocalypsin/

 

Faith and Works (both) are important to become His Bride according to Blessed St. Augustine of Hippo too, to quote:

 

“… Unintelligent persons, however, with regard to the apostle’s statement: “We conclude that a man is justified by faith without the works of the law,” have thought him to mean that faith suffices to a man, even if he lead a bad life, and has no good works. Impossible is it that such a character should be deemed “a vessel of election” by the apostle, who, after declaring that “in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision,” adds at once, “but faith which worketh by love.” It is such faith which severs God’s faithful from unclean demons,–for even these “believe and tremble,” as the Apostle James says; but they do not do well. Therefore they possess not the faith by which the just man lives,–the faith which works by love in such wise, that God recompenses it according to its works with eternal life. But inasmuch as we have even our good works from God, from whom likewise comes our faith and our love, therefore the selfsame great teacher of the Gentiles has designated “eternal life” itself as His gracious “gift.” …” – 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)

 

Source:

 

http://www.willcoxson.net/faith/augprot2.htm

 

 

Source:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159310389752784&id=651792783

 

or

 

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159314174767784&id=651792783

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John Calvin and Martin Luther – Am I judging them unfairly?

 

Explanation

 

  1. John Calvin had even Michael Servetus killed via his exhortion influencing other Christians as he confessed in his own writing as that’s how God wants to punish heretics on earth and yet you are claiming no one lived to that?

 

  1. Also, even hate itself in theology warrants “no eternal life” as per 1 John 3:15 and John Calvin’s theology clearly depicts it with actual murders by his theology, and you have no proof?

 

  1. Just because today, someone is not living like that doesn’t mean people did not live like that following after his theology.

 

  1. If one soul has not “eternal life” as per 1 John 3:15 because they followed John Calvin’s theology, why should he be Saved if his error caused one to not be Saved?

 

Proof, To quote:

 

“[Calvin summarized the execution this way]:

 

“Servetus . . . suffered the penalty due to his heresies, but was it by my will? Certainly his arrogance destroyed him not less than his impiety. And what crime was it of mine if our Council, at my exhortation, indeed, but in conformity with the opinion of several Churches, took vengeance on his execrable blasphemies?” …” – John Calvin

 

Source:

 

http://www.reenactingtheway.com/blog/john-calvin-had-people-killed-and-bad-bible-interpretation-justified-it

 

  1. An error in Theology or lifestyle is only accepted if it does not endanger the Salvation of others who have followed it or might follow it especially if a “Bible Verse” (such as 1 John 3:15) condemns it very clearly, right?

 

  1. In contrast, Christ Centered Universalism has not one verse such as 1 John 3:15 directly condemning it to a point of “no eternal life” written in the Bible.

 

  1. Similarly since Martin Luther denied the Book of Revelation as Holy Scripture, some Christians follow him till today claiming that which could cause such ones to not inherit the kingdom of God having their names out of the Book of Life even not participating in the Blessed things mentioned in the Book of Revelation as Revelation 22:19 has warned clearly. In other words, if a potential Christian believer has lost his place in the Book of Life due to not accepting the Book of Revelation as Scripture or by removing its words as Scripture, due to following after Martin Luther, why should Martin Luther be saved since his theology caused this soul to be lost? If no such souls exist, then he won’t be held responsible for it which we cannot say either way till Judgment Day.

 

Proof, to quote:

 

“… “To my mind it (the book of the Apocalypse) bears upon it no marks of an apostolic or prophetic character… Everyone may form his own judgment of this book; as for myself, I feel an aversion to it, and to me this is sufficient reason for rejecting it.” (ref. ammtliche Werke, 63, pp. 169-170, ‘The Facts About Luther,’ O’Hare, TAN Books, 1987, p. 203). …”

 

Source:

 

http://www.davidlgray.info/2013/09/11/500-years-of-protestantism-the-33-most-ridiculous-things-martin-luther-ever-wrote/

 

“and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” (Revelation 22:19, NKJV)

 

  1. Martin Luther’s writing itself for his hate against the Jews has caused “Christians” believing in it in past history if not today (as the Case with John Calvin) to “murder” others which clearly raises the possibility of “no eternal life” for those who practiced such, for example, to quote:

 

“… In a paragraph from his On the Jews and Their Lies [Written in 1543*] he deplores Christendom’s failure to expel them. Moreover, he proposed “What shall we Christians do with this rejected and condemned people, the Jews”:[1]

 

“First, to set fire to their synagogues or schools … This is to be done in honor of our Lord and of Christendom, so that God might see that we are Christians …”

“Second, I advise that their houses also be razed and destroyed.”

“Third, I advise that all their prayer books and Talmudic writings, in which such idolatry, lies, cursing, and blasphemy are taught, be taken from them.”

“Fourth, I advise that their rabbis be forbidden to teach henceforth on pain of loss of life and limb …”

“Fifth, I advise that safe-conduct on the highways be abolished completely for the Jews. For they have no business in the countryside …”

“Sixth, I advise that usury be prohibited to them, and that all cash and treasure of silver and gold be taken from them …”

“Seventh, I recommend putting a flail, an ax, a hoe, a spade, a distaff, or a spindle into the hands of young, strong Jews and Jewesses and letting them earn their bread in the sweat of their brow … But if we are afraid that they might harm us or our wives, children, servants, cattle, etc., … then let us emulate the common sense of other nations such as France, Spain, Bohemia, etc., … then eject them forever from the country …” …” – Wikipedia (“Luther, Martin”, JewishEncyclopedia.com; cf. Luther’s Works, American Edition, 55 vols., (St. Louis and Philadelphia: Concordia Publishing House and Fortress Press, 1955–86) 47:267.)

 

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

 

  1. Actual history: Example of a “mas murder” done in the name of Martin Luther and John Calvin’s Doctrine influence:

 

“… Vincenz Fettmilch, a Calvinist, reprinted On the Jews and Their Lies in 1612 to stir up hatred against the Jews of Frankfurt. Two years later, riots in Frankfurt saw the deaths of 3,000 Jews and the expulsion of the rest. Fettmilch was executed by the Lutheran city authorities, but Michael writes that his execution was for attempting to overthrow the authorities, not for his offenses against the Jews. …”

 

Source:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_and_antisemitism

So, if this person (Vincenz Fettmilch) goes to Hell and loses his “eternal life” (based on “1 John 3:15”) due to Martin Luther just like how ‘the Christian murderers’ of Michael Servetus did likewise following after John Calvin’s direct exhortations, should both Calvin and Luther be allowed to be Saved?

 

As I said, let God Decide that but my duty is to point the danger of such a theological error as history itself has proven it. By warning anyone of such danger, we are free of such guilt if people still pursue to accept it:

 

“When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand.” (Ezekiel 3:18, NKJV)

 

  1. If both Martin Luther and John Calvin are Saved, I hope so because if it’s the case, the Christian Salvation is way more easier than assumed while 1 John 3:15 takes a lot more hating or murder than that to be true as protestants claim. Either way, I’m free from such blood and am on the safer route of avoiding these errors which has no benefit for my salvation nor reward in His Kingdom any way.

 

“Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” (1 John 3:15, NKJV)

 

If (for argument’s sake) both Martin Luther and/or John Calvin do not have eternal life based on “hate” itself how much more real murder as per 1 John 3:15 as even some protestants argue, then it begs this important question:

 

‘… Can a person with ‘no eternal life’ abiding in him teach about eternal life? …’

 

As usual, I stand in the middle and choose to “judge nothing before its time” (as per the choice available in 1 Corinthians 4:5, Matthew 7:1 – 2) but I present these facts from history to obey Ezekiel 3:18 above where any Christian’s decision thereafter either way to judge him or not judge him or stand in the middle is theirs to bear/answer before the Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ One Day.

 

 

 

  1. WWJD: What Would Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ Do? Agree with burning the heretics at the stake or condemn such acts/theology as “un-Christian” and require us to lay down our lives instead?

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Are they misunderstood?

 

If Martin Luther and John Calvin taught “Love your enemies only” and not ‘burn them’ or ‘kill them’ or equivalent and these ‘so called Christians’ who killed others after reading/believing their theology did the same, yes they can’t be held responsible. Please read John Calvin and Martin Luther’s “own words” in points 4 and 8 ‘carefully’ (and ‘repeatedly’) & do you see any possibility of ‘misunderstanding their words’ or these misled ones are doing ‘exactly what they wrote’? Please at least for once be ‘honest’ for Christ’s Name is Blasphemed here by these unholy acts.

 

“But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 12:36, NKJV)

 

And yes, regarding “elders” (or ‘Christian leaders’) who sin, e.g. Martin Luther & John Calvin’s theology here in these parts, we are allowed to “rebuke/shame them publicly” (and not in secret) as per the Command in Verse below:

 

“19Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. 20Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.” (1 Timothy 5:19 – 20, NKJV)

 

 

 

Comment: Too Judgmental?

 

Example: Just like you attack Universalism or even probably non-Eternal Hell theology. Everyone attacks another’s theology, so we are equal in that but not everyone overlooks or defends ‘murder’ when it comes forth as a fruit of theology. I can tolerate all else.

 

 

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Childbearing Mystery – The Oil for the Married Christian Women?

 

Bible Verses:

 

” 15Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.” (1 Timothy 2:15, NKJV)

 

“But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.” (1 Timothy 2:15, NASB)

 

Explanation

 

1) In the Parable of the 10 Virgins (Matthew 25:1 – 13), we saw that the “oil” refers to “Charity Works” to the “needy/poor” as discussed with First Christianity quotes in an earlier post below:

 

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159446220277784

 

2) Unmarried Women Ministry

 

If a woman is unmarried, she can provide for the needy/poor or for the Gospel Preachers via food too, which is a Great Ministry as ‘feeding the hungry is a Greater Work than raising the Dead’ as Blessed St. John Chrysostom himself has preached based on the Bible especially since as Blessed St. Cyril of Alexandria has remarked that in Matthew 25:31 – 46, only these works such as ‘feeding the hungry, giving drinks to the thirsty, sheltering the homeless…’ are mentioned because they are the “greatest ministry works” in the eyes of God, to quote:

 

Indeed, among All Virtues a Christian may Practice, the ‘Highest Virtue’ is ‘Charity toward others’, to quote:

 

“… And the charge against them is, that they have done the very opposite of that for which the saints were praised. “For I was hungry, and you gave Me not to eat; and thirsty, and you gave Me not to drink: for inasmuch as you did it not, He says, to one of these little ones, you did it not to Me.” But to this perhaps some one will object, that there are many kinds of well living; for virtue is diversified, so to speak, and manifold: why therefore, having omitted those other kinds, does He make mention only of love to the poor? To this we reply, that the act is better than any other kind of |532 well doing: for it works in our souls a certain divine likeness which moulds us, so to speak, after God’s image. For Christ also has said, “Be you merciful, as your Father also in heaven is merciful,” He who is quick to show mercy, and compassionate and kind, is ranked with the true worshippers; for it is written, that “a pure and unpolluted sacrifice to God the Father is this, to visit orphans and widows in their poverty, and that a man keep himself unspotted from the world.” And the wise Paul also has somewhere written, “But alms and communication forget not: for with such sacrifices God is content.” For He loves not the incense of the legal worship, but requires rather the pleasantness of the sweet spiritual savour. But the sweet spiritual savour unto God is to show pity unto men, and to maintain love towards them. …” – Blessed St. Cyril, Patriarch of Alexandria, Titles: The Pillar of Faith; Seal of all the Fathers; Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church (c. 376 AD – c. 444 AD, Commentary on Luke 16:19 – 31)

 

Source:

 

https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/luke-commentary/cyril-on-luke-16

 

“… Feeding the hungry is a greater work than raising the dead …” – Blessed St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, Doctor of the Church, one of the Three Holy Hierarchs (c. 349 AD – c. 407 AD)

Source: http://thefaceofhunger.stophungernow.org/?p=2299

 

Bible Examples of such women of God:

 

“14Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. 15And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us.” (Acts 16:14 – 15, NKJV, ‘housing the men of God & providing their needs’)

“36At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. 37But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. … 40But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. ” (Acts 9:36 – 37, 40 – 42, NKJV, ‘Tabitha/Dorcas the ‘Charity Worker to the poor & needy’)

 

“1Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, 2and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, 3and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.” (Luke 8:1 – 3, NKJV, ‘Joanna, Susanna the hard workers who provided for others”)

 

2) How about Married Women?

God understands that married women cannot focus on ministry life outside of marriage (1 Corinthians 7:32 – 35). Therefore, how would they collect the “Oil” of “Good Works/Virtue Practiced” then as per Matthew 25:1 – 13? God gave this Way of Life for them:

“Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.” (1 Timothy 2:15, NKJV)

or

“But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.” (1 Timothy 2:15, NASB)

No matter what ‘modern theologians try to interpret it spiritually or twist otherwise’, the true meaning is literal as it is Written. So, what does the phrase “saved in childbearing” or “preserved through the bearing of children” mean? [‘Saved’ is the actual Greek Word here as used to denote Salvation especially since Blessed St. Paul the Apostle connects it with ‘faith & Love’]

 

I believe the same as this great Saint explains below because ‘bringing up Children’ in the ‘Way of the Lord’ is not an easy task and also in raising children, such a women gets to practice all the Works of Virtue such as ‘feeding their children (when their ‘hungry/thirsty’)’, clothing their children (if not they’re naked), sheltering them in a home (if not they’re homeless) etc, to quote:

 

“… Shall not women then be saved? Yes, by means of children. For it is not of Eve that he says, If they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety. What faith? What charity? What holiness with sobriety? It is as if he had said, You women, be not cast down, because your sex has incurred blame. God has granted you another opportunity of salvation, by the bringing up of children, so that you are saved, not only by yourselves, but by others. See how many questions are involved in this matter. The woman, he says, being deceived was in the transgression. What woman? Eve. Shall she then be saved by child-bearing? He does not say that, but, the race of women shall be saved. Was not it then involved in transgression? Yes, it was, still Eve transgressed, but the whole sex shall be saved, notwithstanding, by childbearing. And why not by their own personal virtue? For has she excluded others from this salvation? And what will be the case with virgins, with the barren, with widows who have lost their husbands, before they had children? will they perish? Is there no hope for them? Yet virgins are held in the highest estimation. What then does he mean to say? Some interpret his meaning thus. As what happened to the first woman occasioned the subjection of the whole sex, (for since Eve was formed second and made subject, he says, let the rest of the sex be in subjection,) so because she transgressed, the rest of the sex are also in transgression. But this is not fair reasoning; for at the creation all was the gift of God, but in this case, it is the consequence of the woman’s sin. But this is the amount of what he says. As all men died through one, because that one sinned, so the whole female race transgressed, because the woman was in the transgression. Let her not however grieve. God has given her no small consolation, that of childbearing. And if it be said that this is of nature, so is that also of nature; for not only that which is of nature has been granted, but also the bringing up of children. If they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety; that is, if after childbearing, they keep them in charity and purity. By these means they will have no small reward on their account, because they have trained up wrestlers for the service of Christ. By holiness he means good life, modesty, and sobriety. Chap. iii. ver. 1. This is a faithful saying. This relates to the present subject, not to what follows, respecting the office of a Bishop. For as it was doubted, he affirms it to be a true saying, that fathers may be benefited by the virtue of their children, and mothers also, when they have brought them up well. But what if she be herself addicted to wickedness and vice? Will she then be benefited by the bringing up of children? Is it not probable that she will bring them up to be like herself? It is not therefore of any woman, but of the virtuous woman, that it is said she shall receive a great recompense for this also. Moral. Hear this, you fathers and mothers, that your bringing up of children shall not lose its reward. This also he says, as he proceeds, Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children. 1 Timothy 5:10 Among other commendations he reckons this one, for it is no light praise to devote to God those children which are given them of God. For if the basis, the foundation which they lay be good, great will be their reward; as great, if they neglect it, will be their punishment. It was on account of his children that Eli perished. For he ought to have admonished them, and indeed he did admonish them, but not as he ought; but from his unwillingness to give them pain he destroyed both himself and them. …” – Blessed St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, Doctor of the Church, one of the Three Holy Hierarchs (c. 349 AD – c. 407 AD)

 

Source [Commentary on 1 Timothy 2:15 section]:

 

https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/1-timothy/st-john-chrysostom-on-1-timothy/chapter-1/chapter-2

or

 

“… But she shall be saved by means of her children, if they continue in faith. It is not that the race of women is rejected, he says, for by means of her children, that is to say, by means of the succession of those who are born, it is seen that their race is worthy to be saved; because there are found in it women who fear God in holiness and love, etc. Others say that Eve was allowed to be saved on account of the righteous men of old, and because of the priests and leaders of later times in the Church of Christ; if they keep holiness, etc., and do not wander from the Truth like her; because the honor of her children is hers. …” – Blessed St. Ishodad of Merv,  (fl. AD 850) was a bishop of Hdatta and prominent theologian of the Church of the East, best known for his Commentaries on the Old and New Testaments.

 

Source:

https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/1-timothy/ishodad-of-merv-on-1-timothy/chapter-1/chapter-2

If they do not have children, they can live a virtuous life as per the case 1 above to obtain the “oil” needed.

Conclusion


So, these same acts of Virtue are done except that it’s toward those who love them back (i.e. toward their children) and so it can merit them the “Oil” of ‘Good Works’ needed for their Salvation to be part of the First Resurrection if they Perform their

duties Virtuously. The Greater Way is of course to do it beyond ‘those who love us only’ (e.g. beyond family) as Christ Commanded in Matthew 5:46 and Luke 6:32 to obtain ‘Greater Rewards in His Kingdom’ (Matthew 5:19), to quote:

 

“… 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…” – 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

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sola Scriptura – No Rapture Theory in Christianity

 

Fact 1: No early church leader ever believed in ‘Rapture Theory’.

 

Fact 2: In Protestantism, Martin Luther and John Calvin

themselves did not believe in any ‘Rapture Theory’.

 

Why is this important?

 

Let us ask ourselves: If a Doctrine is potentially a false teaching, isn’t it fair that it be exposed instead of using it to deceive millions which in turn could make their Salvation questionable? How? It will be explained at the end.

 

“He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him.” (Proverbs 18:13, NKJV)

 

Fact 3: The First Time ‘Rapture Theory’ was written in Christian literature was in the 17th Century (ehem, ehem), to quote:

 

“… The concept of the rapture, in connection with premillennialism, was expressed by the 17th-century American Puritans Increase and Cotton Mather. They held to the idea that believers would be caught up in the air, followed by judgments on earth, and then the millennium …”

 

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

 

Fact 4: The ‘Rapture Theory’ is popular today in Christianity because it has been believed and popularized especially by the ‘Assembly of God’ (AOG) Churches [which began about 100 year ago] but hold the ‘biggest single number in gathering at Mr. David Cho Yonggi’s infamous Yoido Full Gospel Church. The Doctrine of ‘Rapture Theory’ is an official position by the assemblies of God churches, as it is described in link below by themselves [The Rapture of the Church”. Assemblies of God. August 4, 1979]:

 

https://ag.org/Beliefs/Position-Papers/The-Rapture-of-the-Church

 

 

Fact 5: Example of Christian Churches which accept this ‘Rapture Theory’

 

“… Baptists,[24] Bible churches,[25] Brethren churches,[26] Pentecostals,[27] non-denominational evangelicals, and various other evangelical groups typically adhere to the pretribulational Rapture.[28] As dispensationalism began to rise in America during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, pretribulationism became common among many Episcopalians, Congregationalists, and Presbyterians. Today, Episcopalians, Congregationalists, and Presbyterians rarely hold to pretribulationism. …”

 

“… The pretribulation position advocates that the rapture will occur before the beginning of a seven-year tribulation period, while the second coming will occur at the end of it. Pre-tribulationists often describe the rapture as Jesus coming for the church and the second coming as Jesus coming with the church. Pre-tribulation educators and preachers include Jimmy Swaggart, J. Dwight Pentecost, Tim LaHaye, J. Vernon McGee, Perry Stone, Chuck Smith, Hal Lindsey, Jack Van Impe, Chuck Missler, Grant Jeffrey, Thomas Ice, David Jeremiah, John F. MacArthur*, and John Hagee. …”

 

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

 

*Yes, this “John F. MacArthur” is the same “John MacArthur” theologian of the ‘Reformed Protestant Movement’ which you see quoted in many Facebook quotes often in protestant pages.

 

Fact 6: Example of Christian Churches which reject this ‘Rapture Theory’

 

“… The Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church,[22] the Anglican Communion, Lutheranism and Protestant Calvinist denominations have no tradition of a preliminary return of Christ. The Orthodox Church, for example, favors amillennial or postmillennial interpretation of prophetic Scriptures and thus rejects a preliminary, premillennial return …”

 

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

 

Fact 7: I believe in First Christianity’s ‘Chiliasm’ Doctrine which is Summarized beautifully as follows:

 

“… 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

 

or

 

“… 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. … 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

 

 

Why I’m NOT convinced of the ‘Rapture Theory’ and how I understand it Sola Scriptura (“Scripture Alone”):

 

1) The “Blessed Hope”

 

The “Blessed Hope” refers to the First Resurrection Hope which the other dead do not have as ‘Chiliasm’ Doctrine Taught

 

” 12teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 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.” (Titus 2:12 – 14, NKJV)

 

“13But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who [c]sleep in Jesus. 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 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 4:13 – 18, 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 thousand years. 5But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6Blessed 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 – 6, NKJV)

Note: Please notice carefully that “His own special people” refers not to any believer but those who are “zealous for good works” (in Titus 2:14 above) who only are part of this “Blessed Hope” (Titus 2:13) as the ‘Oil’ in the Parable of the Wise/Foolish Virgins indicated as discussed in previous post in link below:

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159446220277784

So, “The Blessed Hope” = “The First Resurrection”

 

 

 

2) The ‘Thief in the Night’ Phrase

The Lord Coming as a ‘Thief in the Night’ is not a distinct ‘Preliminary Secret Coming of Christ’ but refers to ‘His Second Coming’

“36“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. 37But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 38For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 40Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. 41Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. 42Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. 43But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:36 – 44, NKJV)

Yes, this ‘Thief in the Night Coming’ refers to the ‘same’ –> “Day of the Lord Return” where ‘those of darkness’ “shall not escape”.

“1But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2For you yourselves know perfectly that the DAY of the LORD so comes as a THIEF in the NIGHT. 3For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.” (1 Thessalonians 5:1 – 10, NKJV)

Comment: Please note carefully that some ‘Rapture Theorists’ often claim that 1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 18 refers to the ‘Preliminary Coming’ while 1 Thessalonians 5:1 – 5 (consecutive verses) refers to the ‘Second Coming of Christ’. They also claim that 1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 18 or the ‘Preliminary Coming is described as a ‘Thief in the Night Coming’ as described in Matthew 24:36 – 44. This is a clear CONTRADICTION as Blessed St. Paul the Apostle himself defines the ” DAY of the LORD so comes as a THIEF in the NIGHT” to refer to the ‘Second Coming of Christ’ (in 1 Thessalonians 5:1 – 10, Verse 2) which is the same phrase found in Matthew 24:36 – 44 as the ‘Thief in the Night Coming’ which our ‘Rapture Theorists’ themselves admitted in return that this refers to 1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 18. Can you see it? Yes, this means that by their own reasoning, 1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 18 and 1 Thessalonians 5:1 – 10 and Matthew 24:36 – 44 all refer to the ‘Thief in the Night Coming’ and hence there is only One Second Coming of Christ.

 

 

3) Christ’s Glorious Second Coming

 

“13looking for the BLESSED HOPE and GLORIOUS APPEARING of our GREAT GOD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST” (Titus 2:13, NKJV)

 

“11Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.” (Revelation 19:11 – 14, NKJV)

 

“29“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” (Matthew 24:29 – 31, NKJV)

 

  1. i) The ‘Gathering of the Elect’ Meaning

 

“40Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. 41Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. 42Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your LORD is COMING.” (Matthew 24:40 – 42, NKJV)

 

” 31And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” (Matthew 24:31, NKJV)

 

” 29but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. 30Even so will it be in THE DAY when the SON of MAN is REVEALED. 31“In THAT DAY, he who is on the housetop, and his goods are in the house, let him not come down to take them away. And likewise the one who is in the field, let him not turn back. 32REMEMBER LOT’S WIFE. 33Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. 34I tell you, in that night there will be two men in one bed: the one will be taken and the other will be left. 35Two women will be grinding together: the one will be taken and the other left. 36Two men will be in the field: the one will be taken and the other left.” (Luke 17:29 – 35, NKJV)

 

“And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven.” (Mark 13:27, NKJV)

 

Comment: The phrases such as “35Two women will be grinding together: the one will be taken and the other left. .” (Luke 17:35) and “41Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.” (Matthew 24:41) imply clearly that Luke 17:29 – 35 and Matthew 24:36 – 44 refer to the ‘Same Coming of Christ’. Is this a ‘Preliminary Coming’ as Rapture Theorists claim?

 

Please notice carefully that Luke 17:29 – 35 itself disproves that Matthew 24:36 – 44 refers to the ‘Rapture or Preliminary Coming’ simply because as Christ Himself Says in Luke 17:29 – 30, that the “Judgment of Fire” will happen on the Same Day that He Returns meaning that it’s not some ‘hidden/secret event’ but one that will be see globally by all men as Luke 12:30 clearly even calls it as “THE DAY when the SON of MAN is REVEALED” which is His Second Coming.

 

Apostle St. Paul clearly describes a ‘Mystery’ that even though some of the Christians haven’t died during this ‘Gathering of the Elect’, these will be “raptured” (transformed/changed) into a ‘new First Resurrection Body without dying’ as the ‘Dead in Christ Rise likewise as well’ (1 Thessalonians 4:16, Revelation 20:5)

 

“51Behold, I tell you a 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)

 

“… 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.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16 – 17, NKJV)

 

  1. ii) Second Coming of Christ – Pre/Mid/Post Tribulation?

 

“29“IMMEDIATELY AFTER the TRIBULATION of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then ALL the TRIBES of the EARTH will mourn, and they WILL SEE the SON of MAN coming on the clouds of heaven with POWER and GREAT GLORY. 31And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:29 – 31, NKJV)

 

 

 

It is ‘Post-Tribulation’: “… 29“IMMEDIATELY AFTER the TRIBULATION …” (Matthew 24:29)

 

It’s a Global Event, and not a Secret Coming and Christ only Gathers His Elect (including that rapture/transformed while living Mystery) AFTER/WHILE the whole earth is mourning after Seeing Him

 

“… and then ALL the TRIBES of the EARTH will mourn, and they WILL SEE the SON of MAN coming on the clouds of heaven with POWER and GREAT GLORY. 31And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. …” (Matthew 24:30 – 31)

 

4) Choo Nam Thomas – An Assemblies of God Prophetess – A true Prophet or a false Prophet?

 

As usual I present the facts and you decide for yourselves. In her ‘Visions of Lord Jesus Christ’, apart from ‘Christ showing her Eternal Hell as True’, He also showed her that the following Doctrines are True, to quote (from ‘her own books in her own words’):

 

  1. Pastor of the biggest Church in the World and Head of the Assemblies of God Church, Pastor David Cho Yonggi possibly translated Choo Thomas’ Book and wrote a forward to this book

 

To quote:

 

“… It is interesting that in the foreword to the book, David Yonggi Cho writes the following, “Please do not consider this a theological thesis or a book on doctrine. Just read it and enjoy it as the author’s personal experience and testimony about what she has seen and heard in heaven.” I suspect that Cho wrote that because even Cho can tell that the book is terribly flawed doctrinally. But his words are fascinating. We are supposed to accept the claims that this woman makes about her visits to heaven and her conversations with the Lord but we can’t accept the doctrine that the “Lord” actually speaks to her. Can you imagine saying that about any other Word from God? …”

 

Source: https://unsealedprophecy.wordpress.com/2008/02/04/choo-thomas/

 

 

 

  1. Choo Thomas wrote that the ‘Pre-Tribulation Rapture Doctrine’ is True and was given while singing in the “Spirit of God”

“… After more than half an hour of singing in the Spirit with my vision-voice, I began to see the things God wanted to show me. The first part of the vision was more like an impression rather than a visual experience. It seemed as if the whole world were excited. Earth‘s environment was noisy and busy. Then I began to see what all the activity was about. The air was filled with white, moving objects. As the vision clarified, I saw people wearing white robes flying throughout the air. … ” – Choo Thomas (Page 81)

 

Source:

 

https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/c21a6153/files/uploaded/heaven-is-so-real-ChooThomas.pdf

 

iii. Choo Thomas saw both her daughters in the “Rapture” meaning that if both her daughters die before the Rapture happens, her vision is certainly false – time will tell

 

“… I had heard the rapture described before, but I had never imagined what an amazing spectacle it would be. I wondered what those who do not know Jesus would think when they observed such a scene. I was shocked and excited, but I‘m sure they will be terrified. This was the biggest surprise the Lord had ever shown me. It was the most awe-inspiring thing I‘d ever seen—human beings flying through the air like birds. They soared upward with rocket-like speed. Some seemed to be soaring like kites in the wind on a clear, beautiful day. I saw my one-year-old granddaughter. She was wearing a white robe, and her hair had grown to shoulder length. She looked pretty grown up. At first I saw her at her house in normal clothing. Then suddenly she was wearing a white robe and flying through the air. I was dumbfounded by the vision. It certainly seemed to confirm that the Lord would be returning in the very near future. Then I saw my daughter‘s ten-month-old daughter. She does not have much hair right now, but in the vision her hair was down to her shoulders, and, like my other granddaughter, she was flying through the air. …” (Page 81)

or

“… I want you to be ready for our Lord‘s coming! My heart‘s desire is that no Christian brother or sister or their loved ones will be left behind. When the Lord showed me the rapture, so many Christians were left behind. He showed me this vision in two parts. In the first vision people were going through the air like white birds. The second vision was of those left behind. The first was so exciting and joyful but the second one I cried the whole time. The noise on earth while this was happening was horrible. These visions ran more than thirty minutes. He showed me many details of both visions. I have never seen such horrified faces before. It was so bad. My heart ached for them after the vision ended. The Lord said

that what I saw is nothing compared to what will happen at that time …” (Page 135)

Source: https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/c21a6153/files/uploaded/heaven-is-so-real-ChooThomas.pdf

 

  1. Choo Thomas’ Prophecy on George Bush

“… The Lord had told me during the preceding national election year in the United States that George Bush was His chosen man for the last days president. I knew why it was so difficult to complete the election process with so many disputed votes and other problems. This was because Satan knew that George Bush would make a difference to the

Christians of this world, and the enemy was so against him. On the morning of January 27, 2001, the Lord told me that through President Bush He would lead many souls to

himself in this last day, and the enemy would try very hard to win. Therefore, the Lord told me that every church must cast the devil out and pray for the president. …” – Choo Thomas (Page 127)

Source:

 

https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/c21a6153/files/uploaded/heaven-is-so-real-ChooThomas.pdf

Someone Commented: ‘ … Apparently she does not know what George Bush did during his presidency like attacking Iraq and Afghanistan under the justification that they had weapons of mass destruction, which were never found. In addition to his alleged involvement in the attack of 9/11. …’. Any ‘Eternal Life’ abiding in Mr. George Bush seems to contradict the Verse below:

“Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” (1 John 3:15, NKJV)

 

  1. She says that while she is alive, Jesus would make her a millionaire and would give her a huge house and a red luxurious automobile.

She writes:

 

“… The entrance to the yard was a huge gate. A bright, shiny red car was parked on the left side of the garage. It was a luxurious automobile. The vision evaporated and the Lord spoke to me: “Did you like what you saw?” “It was beautiful, Lord.” “It will be yours. …” (Page 79)

 

Also she says that the more money you give in tithes, the more you will be blessed financially in this life by God:

 

“… For a long time Roger and I had been tithing from our incomes and giving offerings to various ministries. When I could, I would help every ministry, but I had never expected such results from our obedience. God was so wonderful. Truly, I was unable to contain the blessings He poured upon us. “Daughter, are you worried that I will not come soon–because I am giving you this house and car? …” (Page 79)

 

Source for both quotes:

https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/c21a6153/files/uploaded/heaven-is-so-real-ChooThomas.pdf

 

  1. She claims that when she is a millionaire, she will end hunger in the world (even though she died).

 

She writes:

 

” … I told the Lord that when He makes me rich, like He has promised that I will be, there will be no hungry children in this world. …” (Page 124)

Source:

 

https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/c21a6153/files/uploaded/heaven-is-so-real-ChooThomas.pdf

 

Someone remarked, ‘No doubt it is a lie, because there are still hungry children, and she is dead’ (on 13 April 2013).

vii. She says that whoever does not tithe will go to Hell and also that those who do not give it, will not receive any blessing from God. (It´s like saying: The more money you give, the more God’s blessings you will receive)

 

She writes:

 

“… Many Christians are poor and have many problems in their lives because their hearts are not right with Me and they don‟t tithe. Any Christian who doesn‟t tithe will not be blessed because they love money more than My Word. Those who love money more than My Word will never see My kingdom. You already know where they will be at the end. …” – Choo Thomas (Page 74)

 

Source:

 

https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/c21a6153/files/uploaded/heaven-is-so-real-ChooThomas.pdf

viii. She says that her visions as recorded in the Book is true to the last word because Christ Himself told to record ‘each word’

“… Every word in this book is true. The words of Jesus have been transcribed exactly as He said them to me. …” – Choo Thomas (Page 88)

Source:

https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/c21a6153/files/uploaded/heaven-is-so-real-ChooThomas.pdf

 

  1. Choo Thomas argues that the alleged Rapture of the Church would happen in 2009, as she claimed on her website.

She writes:

 

“… I was certain the rapture would happen in 2009 but it did not and I was very, very disappointed. During the first week of 2010 the Lord explained to me that the rapture was supposed to have happened in 2009 but He had delayed it for only a twinkling of an eye. …”

http://choothomasfalseprophet.blogspot.com/2013/10/choo-thomas-false-prophet_26.html

 

This same failed rapture prophecy of 2009 and the bogus explanation given by her as she claims ‘from the Lord’ is also discussed in link below:

 

https://victoria-s-end-time-news-corner.webnode.com/news/the-judgment-seat-of-christ/

 

Conclusion

 

“… But when this Antichrist shall have devastated all things in this world, he will reign for three years and six months, and sit in the temple at Jerusalem; and then the Lord will come from heaven in the clouds, in the glory of the Father, sending this man and those who follow him into the lake of fire; but bringing in for the righteous the times of the kingdom, that is, the rest, the hallowed seventh day; and restoring to Abraham the promised inheritance, in which kingdom the Lord declared, that “many coming from the east and from the west should sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” …” – 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, V. 30.4)

 

Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/irenaeus-book5.html

 

What do I personally believe in regarding the Second Coming of Christ Verses? The “Chiliasm” Doctrine which was believed in First Christianity:

 

“… In the earliest days of the church, chiliastic teaching (i.e., early premillennialism) was the dominant view.[43] Eusebius wrote, “To these [written accounts] belong his [Papias of Hierapolis] statement that there will be a period of some thousand years after the resurrection of the dead, and that the kingdom of Christ will be set up in material form on this very earth. … But it was due to him that so many of the Church Fathers after him adopted a like opinion, urging in their own support the antiquity of the man; as for instance Irenaeus and any one else that may have proclaimed similar views.” …”

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

 

 

Example of Earliest Church Leaders who believed in “Chiliasm”:

 

“… 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

 

Danger: The proponents of ‘Rapture Theory’ often use the ‘Most Blessed Name of the Holy Spirit’ when quoting proof of their ‘Rapture Visions or equivalent’, for example:

 

“… I RECEIVED THE fire of the Holy Spirit while I was praying at home in January 1994. About a month later, I saw the Lord‘s presence while I was worshiping at the Neighborhood Assembly of God in Tacoma, Washington. He was sitting by the pulpit. His legs were crossed, and I could see Him as clearly as a real person, except I couldn‘t see His face. … I was experiencing the same phenomenon known among Quakers, Shakers and early pentecostals. Since then, my body never stops shaking in church or during my prayer time at home. Two weeks after this Easter Sunday experience, I received the gift of tongues while at home and began to sing in the Spirit. While watching a Benny Hinn crusade on television, I stood up and lifted my hands in prayer. Then I fell on the floor for almost three hours. The anointing of God‘s Holy Spirit was so strong that I couldn‘t get up, and all I could do was sing and talk in tongues and laugh. …” – Choo Nam Thomas (Page 8, A VISION AND THE FIRE OF GOD)

Source [Choo Nam Thomas’ Book titled ‘Heaven is so Real’]:

https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/c21a6153/files/uploaded/heaven-is-so-real-ChooThomas.pdf

 

What’s the Danger here? If [for argument’s sake] it was not the Work of the Most Blessed Holy Spirit of God, these people could have committed the ‘Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit’ of which there is ‘no forgiveness either in this age or that which is to come’:

 

“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.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 12:31 – 32, NKJV)

 

Comment: What if ‘Christ Centered Universalism’ Hope which I Preach is wrong? Wouldn’t that cause me to Blaspheme His Most Blessed Holy Spirit too?

 

No, not at all because I did not ‘mix’ my theological hope/understanding by claiming that it was ‘given by the Most Blessed Holy Spirit of God’ because I know that a Christian can ‘not know/know dimly’ regarding possible theological errors as per 1 Corinthians 13:12 allows a Christian to ‘not know everything’ (“know dimly”). I argue these possible theological Hope philosophically using Bible Verses, Church History and Visions by Prominent Christians without quoting whether it was from the “Most Blessed Holy Spirit of God or not” simply because I’m honest in that ‘I don’t know’ (The Safest Route).

 

Also, another key difference is that: I do NOT invoke or quote phrases such as “… The Holy Spirit told me…” because I know that one mistake there could cause serious danger. I only quote the Most Blessed Holy Spirit when I quote Bible Verses which quote Him to be on the Safe Side.

So, if these ‘Assemblies of God’ members or equivalent who practice such quotes turn out to be Truly quoting the Most Blessed Holy Spirit of God, they can have their reward on that Day or otherwise Let God Decide their fate. As for me, I’m not ‘that spiritual’ to discern directly and will continue to rely on the Bible Verses & Church History only instead of any ‘new revelations’.

Yes, it is possible to be a True Christian without knowing all Prophecies in Scripture as the phrase “… gift of prophecy …” (in 1 Corinthians 13:2) means as not all Christians get this gift. Also, the phrase “… are all prophets? ….” (in 1 Corinthians 12:29) implies that not every Christian can discern prophecies.

 

“Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture!” (1 Corinthians 13:9, New Living Translation)

or in another more literal translation:

 

” 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.” (1 Corinthians 13:9 – 10, NKJV)

 

The Verse above Reveals that even the Prophecy in the Bible may not be full as they may be more as per the Apocalypse of Peter Prophecies in First Christianity which considered in “Scripture” as it was discussed extensively in the first chapter of the free downloadable e-book in link below:

 

 

Click the button above to Download as PDFClick the button above to Download as in Google Book App

 

Please don’t Prophesy easily because if we turn out to be ‘false prophets’ even due to Preaching ‘Rapture Theory’ (as it looks to have no Biblical Grounds nor Church History Grounds even), we may face the ‘Great Denial’ in “that Day” when “He Returns” as follows:

 

“15“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 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!’” (Matthew 7:15 – 23, NKJV)

May God have Mercy on whom He Wills.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Few Saved Mystery – Believers are not necessarily Disciples

 

1) Pastor David Wilkerson

 

Pastor David Wilkerson (yes that notable protestant preacher who worked literally with the street gangs, drug addicts, HIV people, prostitutes etc.) warned a long time ago that “Prosperity Gospel” Megachurches mostly lead to “Hell” and he claims this warning was given by the “Holy Spirit of God” (being ‘Prophetic’) especially to the “Assemblies of God” churches, to quote:

 

“… Take it from me: You can get your BIG CHURCH and be one of the big boys, but it’s going to COST you YOUR SOUL if you PREACH with a FOCUS only on EARTHLY THINGS, rather than on the things of God. … I’m not about to put up a silly skit and preach a 15-minute message on how to cope to a multitude of people who are dying and going to hell. I tremble at the thought. People don’t like to hear this, but we’re headed for perilous times—just a few years away from a collapse like the world has never known. When that happens, ALL who PREACHED PROSPERITY are going to disappear because the people will say, “Your gospel has failed me.” When that time comes, I want to grasp onto Jesus, and I want everyone I’ve preached to to have faith in the keeping power of Jesus Christ. I want them to know Him in His fullness. I want to know that I’ve done it in love, in grace, that they would know the difference between the holy and the profane. May God, in Jesus’ name, spare the ASSEMBLIES of GOD forever. If I have ever given a PROPHETIC MESSAGE in my lifetime that God intended for a purpose, it is now. Many are being deceived. If they are not awakened, what I warn you about will happen. …” – Blessed Pastor David Wilkerson (David Wilkerson’s Warning for The Assembly of God: Sadly unheeded!)

 

Source:

 

https://truedsicernment.com/2008/07/12/david-wilkersons-warning-for-the-assembly-of-god-sadly-unheeded/

 

Who was Mr. David Wilkerson?

 

“… David Ray Wilkerson (May 19, 1931 – April 27, 2011[1]) was an American Christian evangelist, best known for his book The Cross and the Switchblade. He was the founder of the addiction recovery program Teen Challenge, and founding pastor of the non-denominational Times Square Church in New York City. … Wilkerson was killed in a head-on car crash in Texas on April 27, 2011. He was 79. … Wilkerson gained national recognition after he co-authored the book The Cross and the Switchblade in 1962 with John and Elizabeth Sherrill about his street ministry. The book became a best-seller, with over 50 million copies in over thirty languages, and is included in Christianity Today’s “Top 50 Books That Have Shaped Evangelicals”. … Wilkerson did not preach in the name of any specific denomination. Instead, he focused on biblical preaching with the aim of encouraging people to seek God through a personal and deeper knowledge of Jesus Christ[12] and the experience of the Holy Spirit. He said: I am not preaching some denominational doctrine, This church does not belong to any denomination. We are not Assemblies of God, we are not Baptist, we’re not Methodist, we’re not Catholic. We’re just Holy Ghost people believing this book [The Bible] …”

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

 

2) The False Gospel of Prosperity by Mr. David Wilkerson

 

“… David Wilkerson gives a strong message with “prophetic urgency.” He clearly shows that the “prosperity gospel” teaching that gain is godliness is unscriptural and a lie from hell. Surely this is a word from God to a generation of Christians in America that have swallowed this ear tickling teaching up to their demise. …”

Source:

 

http://www.sermonindex.net/modules/mydownloads/singlefile.php?lid=2&commentView=itemComments

 

3) Anti-Prosperity Gospel Sermon by Mr. David Wilkerson

 

Example:

 

“… They clamor for entertainment! They flock by the thousands to concerts, plays, social gatherings, they ridicule prophets. They mock what they call the Doomsday Preachers! They live with Illusions. They don’t want a Preacher or Evangelist to tell them the hard truth – to bring forth the Sword of the Lord. They say, “Preach to us smooth things! Bless us! Make us happy! Make us feel good!” …Why do people embrace the prosperity message and reject correction and calls to repentance and holiness? It is because of their lifestyles. Prosperity preaching fits beautifully into their successful lifestyles. They flock to those teachers, because they want to feel comfortable in their world of materialism. They are in no mood to give up anything, or to sacrifice, or to hear of crosses and losses. They are into buying, acquiring, enjoying, climbing. They refuse to heed the prophetic warnings that the party will soon be over. … ” – Blessed Pastor David Wilkerson

 

Source: http://www.tscpulpitseries.org/english/1980s/ts860507.html

 

 

4) Bible Verses

For the ‘Narrow Road’ and ‘Few Saved’ regarding the ‘Elect Salvation’, all these are very important without which one cannot be Saved or even be His Disciple as Christ Own Most Blessed Words prove in Verses below affirming Mr. David Wilkerson’s claims to be Scripturally Consistent, to quote:

“So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 14:33, NASB)

This is God’s Will for believers while the rest is man made teachings / weaknesses:

“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. … And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, ” (Acts 2:1, 44 – 46, NASB)

Yes, even if it’s a “multitude”:

 

“Now 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.” (Acts 4:32, NKJV)

 

Note: This was the True Purest Effect of the Day of Pentecost in regards to the Social Well being of the Command to Love your neighbour as yourself in the “Perfection” Context where these ‘zero possessions / sharing possessions lifestyle occurred not just among the apostles but to the common believer in the church too’ where this happened after these ones were filled with the Holy Spirit of God during the First Great Out-Pouring of His Anointing (Acts 2:1).

 

“You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” (James 2:24, NKJV)

 

If you Practice this “Love your neighbor Command” to that Extent, for such Love of God, all your sins will be Forgiven (even Doctrinal Errors) and that’s how I believe any Christian from any denomination has a chance to be Saved to be part of His ‘Elect Salvation’ because this Command Alone with Faith of Christ is sufficient to Fulfill “All” Law, yes “All”, 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 is the man who STORES UP TREASURE for himself, and is NOT RICH toward God. … But SEEK HIS KINGDOM, and THESE THINGS will be ADDED to you. “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. “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. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:21, 31 – 34, NASB)

 

Conclusion – First Christianity has Warned long ago

 

Prosperity Gospel Type of False Faith which Merchandises the Gospel as the Main Error of False Prophets whose ‘Love have Gone Cold’ though they may have converted many by doing the ‘casting out demons work’, ‘prophesying money/prosperity primarily’, ‘other miracles’ (Matthew 7:20 – 23) as Converting People by Promising them Money is a False Gospel as the True Gospel Requires all Disciples of Christ to Renounce their Possessions in some Way (Luke 14:33) as the Great Commission to make “Disciples” includes this Teaching too (Matthew 28:19) with no hoarding wealth/riches/money (Luke 12:21) by Selling and Giving to Charities (Luke 12:31 – 33) or in Sharing them in Some Way (Acts 2:44 – 45, Acts 4:32, 1 John 3:16 – 18).

 

“… But that men would make merchandize of the word of uprightness, and prevail on many to abandon a sound faith, involving them in the inventions of devilish error, and “belching forth, as Scripture says, things out of their own hearts, and not out of the mouth of the Lord,” He foretold, saying, “When the Son of man comes, shall He find faith upon the earth?” [Luke 18:8] It escaped not His knowledge: how could it, seeing that He is God Who knows all things? He tells us then, to use his own words, that “the love of many will grow cold,” and that “in the latter times some shall depart from a correct and blameless faith, going after seducing spirits, and giving heed to the false words of men who are seared in mind. …” – Blessed St. Cyril, Patriarch of Alexandria, Titles: The Pillar of Faith; Seal of all the Fathers; Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church (c. 376 AD – c. 444 AD, Commentary on Luke 16:19 – 31)

 

Source [Commentary on Luke 18:8]:

 

https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/luke-commentary/cyril-on-luke-18

 

“… Let us, then, not only call Him Lord, for that will not save us. For He saith, “Not every one that saith to me, Lord, Lord, shall be saved, but he that worketh righteousness.” [Matthew 7:20 – 23] Wherefore, brethren, let us confess Him by our works, by loving one another, by not committing adultery, or speaking evil of one another, or cherishing envy; but by being continent, compassionate, and good. We ought also to sympathize with one another, and not be avaricious. By such works let us confess Him, and not by those that are of an opposite kind. And it is not fitting that we should fear men, but rather God. For this reason, if we should do such [wicked] things, the Lord hath said, “Even though ye were gathered together to me in my very bosom, yet if ye were not to keep my commandments, I would cast you off, and say unto you, Depart from me; I know you not whence ye are, ye workers of iniquity.” [Matthew 25:13] … By what course of conduct, then, shall we attain these things, but by leading a holy and righteous life, and by deeming these worldly things as not belonging to us, and not fixing our desires upon them? For if we desire to possess them, we fall away from the path of righteousness … For what will it profit if a man gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” This world and the next are two enemies. The one urges to adultery and corruption, avarice and deceit; the other bids farewell to these things. We cannot, therefore, be the friends of both; and it behoves us, by renouncing the one [Luke 14:33], to make sure of the other. … For if we do the will of Christ, we shall find rest; otherwise, nothing shall deliver us from eternal punishment, if we disobey His commandments. For thus also saith the Scripture in Ezekiel, “If Noah, Job, and Daniel should rise up, they should not deliver their children in captivity.” Now, if men so eminently righteous are not able by their righteousness to deliver their children, how can we hope to enter into the royal residence of God unless we keep our baptism holy and undefiled? …” – Blessed St. Clement of Rome, an Apostolic Father being a direct Disciple of the Blessed Apostle St. Peter (c.35 AD – c. 99 AD, 2 Clement Chapter IV, V and VI)

 

Source [ CHAP. IV.–TRUE CONFESSION OF CHRIST, CHAP. V.–THIS WORLD SHOULD BE DESPISED and CHAP. VI.–THE PRESENT AND FUTURE WORLDS ARE ENEMIES TO EACH OTHER]:

 

http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/2clement-roberts.html

Danger of Prosperity Gospel which can cause one to fall out from this Hope is highlighted from the above:

“… By what course of conduct, then, shall we attain these things, but by leading a holy and righteous life, and by deeming these worldly things as not belonging to us, and not fixing our desires upon them? For if we desire to possess them, we fall away from the path of righteousness … ” – Blessed St. Clement of Rome

 

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-Tribulation Rapture Impossibility?

 

Pre-Tribulation Rapture is Taught as a ‘Prophecy’ by the ‘Assemblies of God Churches’ and other Protestant denominations such as the ‘Gospel Hall’, etc. example in link below:

https://ag.org/Beliefs/Position-Papers/The-Rapture-of-the-Church

 

“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 thousand years. 5But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6Blessed 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 – 6, NKJV)

 

 

The Phrase “… 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 thousand years …” —> refers to some of the “Elect” right who will be “Raptured’ according to ‘Rapture Theory’?

 

If that’s the case, did you notice that they came out of the tribulation as ‘they were beheaded etc.’ but ‘did not receive the mark of the beast/antichrist’ meaning that —> they went through the “tribulation”, right?

If you say that this is some ‘later ones who are saved after The Rapture’, so is there a ‘non-Elect Salvation’ then for these ones?

Furthermore, these are said to “reign” with Christ for a “thousand years” and so, among ‘those who reign’, how can they be a ‘non-Elect’?

So, you’re an ‘Elect who escapes the Final Tribulation’ and was reigning somewhere in the Heavens but these ones ‘are non-Elect or later Elect’ (so two gatherings of elect? contradicting 1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 18) who join in later?

 

Notice that these ‘later saved ones who have to go through the last tribulation’ unlike ‘the Elect like yourself whom you claim to be Raptured before this Final Tribulation’ —-> are said to “reign” as “priests of God and of Christ,” for a “thousand years”. So how can they be a non-Elect and doesn’t that itself plainly contradict Scripture?

 

 

 

 

 

So, all these while you have been ‘Prophesying’ correctly by the “Most Blessed Holy Spirit of God” (Matthew 7:20 – 23) or risking ‘blaspheming Him’ (Matthew 12:31 – 32)? I choose not to judge you (Matthew 7:1 – 2) but as I said, your answers do not agree with Holy Scripture in Revelation 20:4 – 6. As for me, I never claimed “the Holy Spirit  told me” but I try to understand it as per the Bible Verses with Church History but I don’t conclude anything regarding these ‘future prophecies’ (hence I cannot be condemned), as discussed in link below:

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159455296362784

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overcomers without Pre-Tribulation Rapture

 

The “Bible Verses” below clearly depict “Great Overcomers” who were Saved & were part of the First Resurrection whilst being ‘killed or survived without taking the Mark of the Beast/Antichrist during the Final Great Tribulation’ (Revelation 20:4 – 6). Yes, please note carefully that these are ‘not Saved in any Pre-Tribulation Rapture as the popular Rapture Theory suggests’ but only ‘after’ this Final Tribulation of which ‘they did not escape but had to go through it’, Verses:

 

“9After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12saying: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might,

Be to our God forever and ever. Amen.” 13Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?” 14And I said to him, “Sir, you know.” So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. 16They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; 17for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:9 – 17, NKJV)

 

Please read the Verses above carefully and note these Facts:

 

  1. It’s a Great Multitude from all over the Earth

 

“… a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, …”

 

  1. They are all Saved and are part of ‘the Elect Salvation’

 

“… clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God …”

 

iii. Who are they? They are those Saved “after” they went through this Final Great Tribulation disproving the Pre-Tribulation Rapture Theory again, right?

 

“…“These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. …”

 

  1. How do we know for certain that they’re ‘the Elect’ too? Because they are ‘His Priests’ (as per Revelation 20:6) too

 

“… 15Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. …” (Revelation 7:15, 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. This is the first resurrection. 6Blessed 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 – 6, NKJV)

 

Conclusion

 

It cannot be that ‘some Elect’ are Saved in a Pre-Tribulation rapture while these are Saved ‘after the tribulation’ as ‘all the Elect’ are Saved at the ‘Same Time’ (1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 18) to be part of the First Resurrection (Revelation 20:4 – 6) during the Gathering of the Elect from the Heavens (Matthew 24:31) and ‘those still alive on the Earth too’ are “Raptured/Changed” at that time (Mark 13:27, 1 Corinthians 15:51 – 52, 1 Thessalonians 4:17, Matthew 24:40 – 44, Luke 17:26 – 36) which occurs only ‘after’ the Tribulation (Matthew 24:29) and after His ‘Second Coming’ (Matthew 24:30) as it is Written.

 

More details are discussed in links below:

 

  1. i) Pre-Tribulation Rapture Impossibility?

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159456468237784

 

 

  1. ii) Sola Scriptura – No Rapture Theory in Christianity

 

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159455296362784

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Christianity – did anyone Teach Pre-tribulation Rapture Theory?

Question

 

Among first Christianity writings, pre-tribulation rapture theorists claim that St. Irenaeous of Lyons, the Shepherd of Hermas and the Apocalypse of Elijah taught Pre-Tribulation Rapture Doctrine. Is this true?

Reply

Let’s look at each quote they refer to and you can decide if it is so after considering it:

1) Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons is a Chiliast and did not teach any Pre-Tribulation Rapture. The false claim that he used the example of righteous Enoch to Teach Rapture is totally dubious as let’s see that passage here:

 

“… [In order to learn] that bodies did continue in existence for a lengthened period, as long as it was God’s good pleasure that they should flourish, let [these heretics] read the Scriptures, and they will find that our predecessors advanced beyond seven hundred, eight hundred, and nine hundred years of age; and that their bodies kept pace with the protracted length of their days, and participated in life as long as God willed that they should live. But why do I refer to these men? For Enoch, when he pleased God, was translated in the same body in which he did please Him, thus pointing out by anticipation the translation of the just. Elijah, too, was caught up [when he was yet] in the substance of the [natural] form; thus exhibiting in prophecy the assumption of those who are spiritual, and that nothing stood in the way of their body being translated and caught up. For by means of the very same hands through which they were moulded at the beginning, did they receive this translation and assumption. For in Adam the hands of God had become accustomed to set in order, to rule, and to sustain His own workmanship, and to bring it and place it where they pleased. Where, then, was the first man placed? In paradise certainly, as the Scripture declares “And God planted a garden [paradisum] eastward in Eden, and there He placed the man whom He had formed.” And then afterwards when [man] proved disobedient, he was cast out thence into this world. Wherefore also the elders who were disciples of the apostles tell us that those who were translated were transferred to that place (for paradise has been prepared for righteous men, such as have the Spirit; in which place also Paul the apostle, when he was caught up, heard words which are unspeakable as regards us in our present condition ), and that there shall they who have been translated remain until the consummation [of all things], as a prelude to immortality. …” – 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 5, Point 1)

Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/irenaeus-book5.html

 

Blessed St. Irenaeous is Speaking of the “Rapture” in the aspect of God can change a Body which is Alive to a New Resurrected Body “without having to die” giving the Analogy of Enoch & Elijah likewise as some doubted God’s Ability to do this as Blessed St. Paul the Apostle wrote likewise regarding this ‘Body Change’ Mystery during the ‘Great Gathering of the Elect’ (Mark 13:27, 1 Corinthians 15:51 – 52, 1 Thessalonians 4:17, Matthew 24:40 – 44, Luke 17:26 – 36). This has nothing to do with ‘escaping the Great Tribulation’ as Blessed St. Irenaeous is not even ‘talking about that topic’ in quote above at all.

 

2) The Shepherd of Hermas

 

The ‘Escaped Elect’ Mystery in the Shepherd of Hermas, please consider: The Analogy of ‘Escape’ given in the Shepherd of Hermas is earthly escape or being preserved in the Flesh during His Return

 

Shepherd of Hermas has always been misquoted there. It is not talking about Rapture at all. He Speaks of a certain ‘tribulation’ at that time whom that person has escaped as there are many antichrists (1 John 2:18) and therefore he says that ‘warn others of a next great tribulation’ (meaning that at least two tribulations are compared in the quote you quoted), let’s look closely again:

 

“… You have escaped from great tribulation on account of your faith, and because you did not doubt in the presence of such a beast. Go, therefore, and tell the elect of the Lord His mighty deeds, and say to them that this beast is a type of the great tribulation that is coming. If then ye prepare yourselves, and repent with all your heart, and turn to the Lord, it will be possible for you to escape it, if your heart be pure and spotless, and ye spend the rest of the days of your life in serving the Lord blamelessly. Cast your cares upon the Lord, and He will direct them. …” – Shepherd of Hermas (Vision 4, Chapter II)

Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd.html

 

The tribulation of that time which he escaped: “… You have escaped from great tribulation on account of your faith, and because you did not doubt in the presence of such a beast. …”

 

His message to the Elect next:

 

“… Go, therefore, and tell the elect of the Lord His mighty deeds, and say to them that this beast is a type of the great tribulation that is coming … it will be possible for you to escape it”

 

 

Ah, there you have a ‘future Great Tribulation’ and the one he ‘escaped’ is a “type” (not that Final Tribulation itself) which is ‘coming’ (in the future) where ‘the Elect who escape’ are NOT ‘Pre-Tribulation’ Rapture but those who do NOT get caught by the AntiChrist/Beast being ‘alive even when He Returns’ as the explanations next will prove with “Bible Verses” too.

 

Are the ‘Pre-Tribulation Rapture Theorists’ ready to believe in the afterlife Salvation Hope as Described in the Shepherd of Hermas even toward the “unbaptized” in a ‘non-Elect Salvation’ as discussed in previous posts? or are they only going to believe this quote from the Shepherd of Hermas even quoting it wrongly to intend a meaning that is not taught as we have seen?

 

 

3) Apocalypse of Elijah

 

 

Did Apocalypse of Elijah teach a Pre-Tribulation Rapture Theory?

 

Each quote next is from the ‘Apocalypse of Elijah’ translation below:

 

http://www.3-in-1.net/Pseudepigrapha/Apocalypse%20of%20Elijah/The%20Apocalypse%20of%20Elijah.htm

 

It’s interesting how these ‘Rapture Theorists’ who earlier were all ‘Sola Scriptura’ are not quoting ‘out of the Bible Sources’ to try prove ‘Pre-Tribulation Rapture’ even believing this ‘out of the Bible Books’ contradicting their previous faith of ‘Bible only’. I was always open to any orthodox First Christianity writings, so let’s see these quotes and more:

  1. i) Elijah and Enoch

Blessed Prophets Elijah and Enoch will Return to fight the Antichrist/Beast for “7 full days” (i.e. during the entire period of time the Antichrist Reigns till Christ Returns and Destroys him)

“… 7.Then when Elijah and Enoch hear that the shameless one has revealed himself in the holy place, they will come down and fight with him saying, … 11.you have fallen from heaven like the morning stars. you were changed, and your tribe became dark for you. 12.But you are not ashamed, when you stand firmly against God you are a devil. 13.The shameless one will hear and he will be angry, and he will fight with them in the market place of the great city. And he will spend seven days fighting with them. 14.And they will spend three and one half days in the market place dead, while all the people see them …” – Apocalypse of Elijah (Chapter IV, Verses 7, 11 – 14)

 

Notice that verse 13 – 14 above agrees perfectly to Revelation 11 as follows:

 

Revelation 11:1 – 6 —> The “first three and a half days/years” Enoch & Elijah prophesy

Revelation 11:7 – 8 —> The Antichrist will kill them “mid-week”

Revelation 11:9 – 10 —> Their dead bodies remain for the “last three and a half days/years”

Revelation 11:11 – 13 –> When Christ Returns at the End of this “Seven days/years”, they are Resurrected in the First Resurrection

 

  1. ii) The Great Tribulation

 

ALL the SAINTS go through the Great Tribulation in some way, some fight back but not all survive to remain alive in the flesh till the Lord Returns as the Apocalypse of Elijah itself testifies as follows:

 

“… 21.He will pursue ALL of the SAINTS. They and the priests of the land will be brought back bound. 22.He will kill them and destroy them…them. And their eyes will be removed with iron spikes. 23.He will remove their skin from their heads. He will remove their nails one by one. He will command that vinegar and lime be put in their nose. 24. Now those who are unable to bear up under the tortures of that king will take gold and flee over the fords to the desert places. They will lie down as one who sleeps. 25.The Lord will receive their spirits and their souls to Himself. 26.Their flesh will petrify. No wild animals will eat them until the last day of the great judgment. 27.And they will rise up and find a place of rest. but they will not be in the kingdom of the Christ as those who have endured because the Lord said, “I will grant to them that they sit on my right hand.” 28.They will receive favor over others, and they will triumph over the son of lawlessness. And they will witness the dissolution of heaven and earth. 29.They will receive the thrones of glory and the crowns. 30.The sixty righteous ones who are prepared for this hour will hear. 31.And they will gird on the breastplate of YHWH, and they will run to Jerusalem and fight with the shameless one, saying, “All powers which the prophets have done from the beginning you have done. But you were unable to raise the dead because you have no power to give life. Therein we have known that you are the son of lawlessness.” 32.He will hear, and he will be angry and command to kindle altars 33.And the righteous ones will be bound. They will be lifted up and burned. …” – Apocalypse of Elijah (Chapter IV, Verses 21 – 33)

 

iii) Israel – Special Mercy

 

“… 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)

 

“27Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week

He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate.” (Daniel 9:27, NKJV)

 

” 6Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days. … 15So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. 16But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. 17And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Revelation 12:6, 15 – 17 NKJV)

 

Note: The Bible Verses above correlates perfectly with the Apocalypse of Elijah where only “mid-week” as the Apocalypse of Elijah also states onward the Antichrist breaks his covenant with “Israel” (the Woman) and chases the Woman. So Revelation 12:6, 15 – 17 with Apocalypse of Elijah (Chapter V, Verses 1 – 6) must Speak of the same event where “only Israel” is Spared supernaturally by God and this is the part quoted by ‘Pre-Tribulation Rapture theorists’ (ehem, ehem) without quoting these other Verses as we did and clearly failing to understand that this refers to a ‘special preservation prophecy on the nation of Israel only during this time’.

 

How do I know that it could refer to ‘Israel only’ and not the ‘pre-tribulation rapture’?

 

The Phrase “holy land” in “… 5.Then Gabriel and Uriel will become a pillar of light leading them into the holy land. …” refers to “Israel only”. The fact that Blessed archangels Gabriel and Uriel help Israel at that time to be spared of the Antichrist assault supernaturally whether or not these Apocalypse of Elijah (Chapter V, Verses 1 – 6) is literal or allegorical (doesn’t matter) is seen even in Revelation 12:6, 15 – 17 and the involvement of blessed archangel Michael in the heavens during that time may be contrasted in Revelation 12:7 – 12 and Daniel 12:1 too.

 

The phrases “… 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. …” —> could refer to Revelation 7:9 – 17 too where these eat of the Tree of Life later but mentioned here.

 

The fact that only Israel may be spared of the antichrist’s mayhem in Apocalypse of Elijah (Chapter V, Verses 1 – 6) while the Christians in the rest of the world are going to have to endure this ‘Great Tribulation’ as descried prior in the Apocalypse of Elijah (Chapter IV, Verses 21 – 33) too may be seen in Verse below as Satan gets frustrated that he ‘cannot touch the nation of Israel at that time’:

 

“17And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Revelation 12:17, NKJV)

 

The phrase “17And the dragon was enraged with the woman,” means he was angry at “Israel” but he could not touch her as Verses describe prior and so the phrase “and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring,” refers to “who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” means Satan kills/tortures Christians during the ‘Great Tribulation’ proving our interpretation right (of ‘no Pre-tribulation rapture at least not for Gentile Christians’ for sure) and consistent with the Apocalypse of Elijah too.

 

However, here is possibly a more accurate Interpretation regarding some details (below):

Another possible interpretation is that (Chapter V, Verses 1 – 6) in the Apocalypse of Elijah refers to the ‘Return of Christ’ itself as the ‘Gathering of the Elect’ is Described here agreeing with our exegesis with First Christianity Chiliasm quotes earlier. In other words, the phrase “… 2.On that day …” in “… 2.On that day the Christ will pity those who are His own …” refers to the Day Christ has Returned (Matthew 24:29 – 30) where only after this Second Coming, He Sends His Angels to ‘Gather His Elect’ not only from the Heavens (Matthew 24:31) but also from the Earth (Mark 13:27) where the ‘Gathering on the Earth part is described in the Apocalypse of Elijah above’ which is wrongly assumed as ‘Pre-tribulation rapture by some’ (Matthew 24:31).

Please note carefully that there is only ‘One Gathering of Elect in Scripture’ (1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 18) and this happens ‘after the tribulation’ (Matthew 24:29) and ‘after Christ’s Second Coming’ (Matthew 24:30) as the Bible Verse in Matthew 24:31 puts this Apocalypse of Elijah’s Gathering of the Elect at ‘this time’ and on “that Day” referring to this (as described in these Verses: Mark 13:27, 1 Corinthians 15:51 – 52, 1 Thessalonians 4:17, Matthew 24:40 – 44, Luke 17:26 – 36).

 

 

  1. iv) Chiliasm

Chiliasm Doctrine is Proved in Apocalypse of Elijah in quote below too, next (please compare with Revelation 20:1 – 10 as the ‘Millennial Reign of Christ’) where the Apocalypse of Elijah explains further that Revelation 19:20 & 2 Thessalonians 2:8’s destruction of the Antichrist by Christ’s Breath could refer to Him Giving Instruction to the Newly Resurrected ‘Spiritual Immortal Bodied’ (1 Corinthians 15:44) Blessed Prophets Elijah & Enoch (Revelation 11:11 – 13) due to Participating in the First Resurrection (Revelation 20:4 – 6) now ‘Slay the Antichrist by Christ’s Immortal Power’, to quote:

 

“… 32.After these things, Elijah and Enoch will come down. They will lay down the flesh of the world, and they will receive their spiritual flesh. They will pursue the son of lawlessness and kill him since he is not able to speak. 33.On that day, he will dissolve in their presence like ice which was dissolved by a fire. He will perish like a serpent which has no breath in it. 34.They will say to him, “Your time has passed by for you. Now therefore you wand those who believe you will perish.” 35.They will be cast into the bottom of the abyss and it will be closed for them. 36.On that day, the Christ, the King and all His saints will come forth from heaven. 37.He will burn the earth. He will spend a thousand years upon it. 38.Because the sinners prevailed over it, He will create a new heaven and a new earth. No deadly devil will exist in them. 39.He will rule with His saints, ascending and descending, while they are always with the angels and they are with the Christ for a thousand years. …” – Apocalypse of Elijah (Chapter V, Verses 32 – 39)

 

  1. v) Christ Centered Universalism

 

Here’s a part those ‘Pre-Tribulation rapture theorists’ and such Pentecostals alike do NOT quote regarding the Apocalypse of Elijah (ehem, ehem):

“… 27.Those who belong to the righteous and … will see the sinners and those who persecuted them and those who handed them over to death in their torments. “Then the sinners [ in torment ] will see the place of the righteous. And thus GRACE WILL OCCUR. In THOSE DAYS, that which the RIGHTEOUS will ASK for MANY TIMES WILL BE GIVEN to them. …” – Apocalypse of Elijah (Chapter V, Verses 27 – 29)

 

Comment: all prayer requests especially for the Salvation of the Damned [that the ‘Eternal Hell Sentence’ may be Cancelled by His Mercy which can Triumph Over & End any Judgment Sentence, James 2:13] may be Answered causing this Universal Salvation of ‘All Men in heaven, Earth or Hell’ agreeing to the Prophecies of the Apocalypse of Peter, Apocalypse of Elijah, Apocalypse of Zephaniah, the Christian-Jewish Sibyline Oracles, the Epistle of the Apostles, St. Julian of Norwich’s Visions & even the Visions of Sadhu Sundar Singh as it was Discussed in Previous posts.

Apocalypse of Elijah proves our exegesis till “Christ Centered Universalism Hope” right again instead of ‘Pre-Tribulation Rapture’ when ‘half quoted’, amazing isn’t it?

 

 

3) Bible Verses

 

Saved in the Flesh = Some of the Elect Being Alive on Earth when He Returns after the Great Tribulation

 

“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 elect’s sake those days will be shortened.” (Matthew 24:20 – 22, NKJV)

 

Please note carefully that Christ’s Own Words regarding this ‘Great Tribulation’ in Verses above clearly depict that “no flesh would be saved” unless ” for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened” refers to ‘being alive on earth’ as the ‘Saving is referred to the Context of flesh, i.e. being kept alive till He Returns’ and not a Pre-Tribulation Rapture is taught here as ‘no flesh is said to be changed/raptured/transformed’ yet here.

 

Such a Group of ‘Faithful Churches’ is given a Special Privilege of not going through any ‘torture or tribulation’ for their faith even in past times as the Verse below reveals:

 

“7“And to the [e]angel of the church in Philadelphia write, … 10Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” (Revelation 3:7, 10, NKJV)

 

Just like only the Church of ‘Philadelphia’ to whom the Promise of ‘Escape’ (Revelation 3:7) on earth in the flesh was given in Verse above (as they were not caught up into the heavens). So looking at Revelation 3:10 allegorically itself doesn’t prove ‘Rapture Theory’ especially due to Verse below too:

 

“8“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, ‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: 9“I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” ’” ’ (Revelation 2:8 – 11, NKJV)

 

 

The Verse above was written to the Church at Smyrna where like the Church at Philadelphia, no unfaithfulness of any kind is mentioned here. However unlike the church at Philadelphia, this church at Smyrna has to “suffer the tribulation in the hands of Satan till Death”.

If matched with the Apocalypse of Elijah prophecy prior,

the faithful church at Philadelphia allegorically = Israel Churches

the faithful church at Smyrna allegorically = Gentile Churches

So, some of the faithful Christians die at the hands of the antichrist (Revelation 7:9 – 17, Revelation 20:4 – 6) while some ‘remain alive having escaped this’ till the Day He Returns and Gathers them from the ends of the earth by sending His Holy Angels (Mark 13:27, 1 Corinthians 15:51 – 52, 1 Thessalonians 4:17, Matthew 24:40 – 44, Luke 17:26 – 36) after the tribulation (Matthew 24:29), after His Return too (Matthew 24:30) when the Trumpet is Blown (Matthew 24:31).

 

More details are discussed in links below:

  1. i) Pre-Tribulation Rapture Impossibility?

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159456468237784

 

  1. ii) Sola Scriptura – No Rapture Theory in Christianity

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159455296362784

 

iii) Overcomers without Pre-Tribulation Rapture

 

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159459809557784

 

 

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rapture – Left Behind last chance Theory

Question

Example of a ‘Pre-Tribulation Rapture’ Belief by the Assemblies of God Churches in link below carefully does not include Revelation 20:4 – 6 (in link below), why? Because the “Rapture” is a ‘Secret Coming/Preliminary Coming of Christ for His Church only’ while the Book of Revelation is describing the ‘Second Coming’ which are two different events.

https://ag.org/Beliefs/Position-Papers/The-Rapture-of-the-Church

Therefore we believe that Revelation 20:4 – 6 refers to some of the faithful who were ‘left behind’ whose only chance is to go ‘through the Great Tribulation’ and be killed by the Antichrist whilst not denying Christ to be Saved. These didn’t get Raptured earlier simply because they were not ‘that faithful’.

So the Timeline for the Rapture is as follows in increasing order:

i. Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 17)

  1. Great Tribulation

iii. First Resurrection (Revelation 20:4 – 6).

Reply

Nice story, but does it stand the Test of Scripture?  “Test all things; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21, NKJV); Let’s begin, Bible Verses:

“13But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 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 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 4:13 – 18, 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 thousand years. 5But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6Blessed 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 – 6, NKJV)

 

 

Facts from these Bible Verses, please consider:

 

1) The First Resurrection happens only after the number of those ‘beheaded for Christ via the Tribulation’ is complete

Proof Phrases: “…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 thousand years. 5But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. …” (Revelation 20:4 – 5, NKJV)

So based on Fact 1, the Timeline Order here is:

i. Great Tribulation first

  1. First Resurrection occurs only occurs after that

 

2) The Rapture happens only ‘after’ the ‘Dead in Christ Rise First’

 

Proof Phrases: “…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 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. …” (1 Thessalonians 4:15 – 16, NKJV)

Now, based on Fact 2, the Timeline Order here is:

 

  1. i) Dead in Christ Rise First
  2. ii) The Rapture occurs only after that

 

Conclusion

 

The Fact 1 and 2 above combined give this Timeline order ‘Biblically’ either Scenario 1:

i. Great Tribulation first

  1. First Resurrection occurs only occurs after that
  2. i) Dead in Christ Rise First
  3. ii) The Rapture occurs only after that

or in ‘reverse’, we get Scenario 2 [equal to the norm AOG Belief mentioned in ‘Question’]:

 

  1. i) Dead in Christ Rise First
  2. ii) The Rapture occurs only after that
  3. Great Tribulation first
  4. First Resurrection occurs only occurs after thatCan you see the Contradiction?

Explanation, please consider:

If Scenario 1 is true, the Rapture only occurs after the Great Tribulation (as I believe as part of the First Resurrection) contradicting the ‘Pre-Tribulational Rapture Theory’.

 

If Scenario 2 is true, then the “Dead in Christ Rise First” (of 1 Thessalonians 4:16) while the “First Resurrection occurs only occurs after that” (of Revelation 20:4 – 6). So, are there ‘Two First Resurrections’ one at the Rapture and one just after the Great Tribulation? Wouldn’t that Contradict the phrase “First Resurrection” which is used for the one which occurs ‘later in time’ here, i.e. the one that occurs ‘after at least 3.5 years of Great Tribulation’ to include those faithful who are from this event too?

So, clearly Scenario 2 did not stand the Test of Scripture yielding a clear Contradiction and hence must be false. Please note carefully that ‘Scenario 2’ is the same timeline order proposed by the AOG belief regarding the ‘left behind Elect theory’ which causes this Scriptural Contradiction and thus cannot be True. Can you prove it otherwise?

As for Scenario 1, to ‘avoid Two Resurrections’ of the Elect before the 1000 years Millennial Reign itself (a non-Biblical Theory), we must have that the “Dead in Christ Rise First” (in 1 Thessalonians 4:16) must be the ‘same’ ones rising during the “First Resurrection” (in Revelation 20:4 – 6) proving conclusively that these two are the ‘Same Event’.

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christ’s Own Words Explain the Rapture

 

Please consider Matthew 24:29 – 31 – as Christ’s Own Words Explain this Chronology:

 

“29“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:29 – 31, NKJV)

 

Note:

  1. The “Great Tribulation” referred to in Matthew 24:29 is the ‘last’ tribulation as Matthew 24:21 defines first.

 

“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.” (Matthew 24:21, NKJV)

 

  1. The Gathering of the Elect who are alive on earth or the Rapture is Described in these Verses such as Matthew 24:39 – 44.

 

“39and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 40Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. 41Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. 42Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. 43But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:39 – 44, NKJV)

Please note phrase “coming of the Son of Man be” (in Matthew 24:39) carefully to realize that what Happens next after His Second Coming is Described in Verses next above (Matthew 24:40 – 44) regarding the Gathering of the Elect who are still alive / i. e. their rapture (Matthew 24:31).

  1. The Gathering of the Elect mentioned in Matthew 24:31 is both the “Rapture” and the “Dead in Christ rising First” (as 1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 18, Revelation 20:4 – 6 both relate).

 

 

Hence Christ’s Own Words only mean it after the Tribulation as follows:

 

1) After the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:29).

 

2) After The Second Coming of Christ (Matthew 24:30)

 

3) Gathering of the Elect is only after these two earlier events have occurred (Matthew 24:31).

 

Gathering of the Elect = Rapture for those Elect who are alive at that time ( 1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 18) while the First Resurrection for the Elect who are dead at that time (Revelation 20:4 – 6) with the “First Resurrection happening before the Rapture” (1 Thessalonians 4:15).

This only One Gathering of All His Elect happens not just in the Heavens (because their souls return to their body for the First Resurrection, Revelation 20:4 – 6, 1 Thessalonians 4:16) but also across all the Earth, His Angels will gather them toward those Elect who are still alive who experience this ‘rapture’ or New Resurrection Body change without dying (1 Thessalonians 4:15, 17) as Verse below describes more in detail:

 

“And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven.” (Mark 13:27, NKJV)

 

 

 

Conclusion

Matthew 24:29 says ‘after the tribulation’ and only after that ‘the Gathering of the Elect happens’ (in Matthew 24:31). So Matthew 24:31 is at the ‘end of the Tribulation’. It’s as it is Written. Jude 14 is just mentioning this same Gathering of the Elect (as Revelation 20:4 – 6’s ‘ones on Thrones’ etc.).  The Saints with Christ can refer to the Mysterious ones who were Resurrected prior as Matthew 27:52 Reveals as well.

 

Some scholars have argued that since one can only enter the Heavens with a Resurrected Body as Christ’s Example shows* (please see below next), these Saints who are in Heaven now must have a Resurrected Body already (and hence they must be the ones referred to in Matthew 27:52 which occurred around 33 AD) some of whom could be the Infamous “Twenty Four Elders of the Heavens” (Revelation 4:10, Revelation 19:4).

 

 

 

 

 

Christ’s Resurrection Example:

 

This explanation is further proven True as Lord Jesus Christ went to “Paradise” on the “same” Day He Died with His SOUL (Disproving the Soul Sleep Theory that His Soul Slept in the Grave for Three Days, Luke 23:43) but after He Resurrected Gloriously, i.e. Three Days later, He Ascended to the Father in a RESURRECTED BODY into the “Heavens” eventually (John 20:17, Mark 16:19, Acts 1:2 – 3, Acts 1:9 – 11, Ephesians 4:9 – 10).

 

This means that when we die, as Christians, with ‘our soul we will enter Paradise’ immediately (as per Luke 16:19 – 31) and await the ‘redemption of the body’ (Romans 8:23) to enter ‘heaven’ later when He Returns during the First Resurrection (Revelation 20:4 – 6). Yes, a soul with spirit can live in the afterlife abodes or regions such as ‘Abraham’s Bosom’ or Paradise (Luke 16:19 – 31, Revelation 6:10) or be gathered in the New Jerusalem City for the Wedding (Galatians 4:26, Revelation 21:2, Revelation 19:7 – 9) but to ‘live on earth again or to enter higher into the heavens’, we need to partake of the Resurrection First (Revelation 20:4 – 6, Hebrews 11:39 – 40, Hebrews 12:21 – 24) or Rapture if we are still living when that happens (1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 18) which all happens at the ‘One Gathering of the Elect once their number is complete’ (Mark 13:27, Matthew 24:31).

 

Also, the ‘after the Great Tribulation’ in Matthew 24:29 refers to the ‘last final Great Tribulation as not any after that happens’ as Matthew 24:21 defined first while Christ Himself defines this Context and thus cannot refer to the ‘other personal life tribulations you face now’ or ‘which other Christians face throughout History’.

 

The Rapture is true. I’m refuting the “Pre-Tribulation Rapture Theory” only which is incorrect. It occurs ‘after the Tribulation’ as First Christianity taught. The Rapture is for those alive (1 Thessalonians 4:15, 17) but it’s only after the First Resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

 

 

 

 

 

More details are discussed in links below:

  1. i) Pre-Tribulation Rapture Impossibility?

 

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159456468237784

 

  1. ii) Sola Scriptura – No Rapture Theory in Christianity

 

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159455296362784

 

iii) Overcomers without Pre-Tribulation Rapture

 

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159459809557784

 

  1. iv) First Christianity – did anyone Teach Pre-tribulation Rapture Theory?

 

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159460167692784

 

  1. v) Rapture – Left Behind last chance Theory

 

https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159462141417784

 

  1. vi) Christ’s Own Words Explain the Rapture

 

https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159465616907784

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christ’s Prophecy of His Second Coming

“25“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 21:25 – 28, NKJV)

Please note carefully that only after His Glorious Second Coming (Verse 27), the “Redemption” of the Elect “draws near” (hasn’t happened) but is going to as the ‘Gathering of the Elect’ (Matthew 24:31) proving the ‘Pre-tribulation Rapture theory wrong again’ because if that was true, the redemption has occurred.

 

Can you see it?

 

Yes, the ‘Gathering of the Elect’ (Matthew 24:31) occurs after His Second Coming (Matthew 24:30) which happens ‘after the tribulation’ (Matthew 24:29) refers to both the First Resurrection of those Elect who have died (Revelation 20:4 – 6, 1 Thessalonians 4:16) and Rapture for those Elect who are alive which only happens after that in the specified order (1 Thessalonians 4:15, 17).

 

 

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Faith Alone Saves no one as the Elect Mystery

 

We are not saved by our works nor because of our works but by His Faith. However no one can be Saved without works either as Verse below reveals:

 

“What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?” (James 2:14, NKJV)

 

It is self righteousness to trust in one’s own good works but it is not self righteousness to believe that one cannot be Saved without Works as this ‘Biblical Belief’ is demonstrated in James 2:14 above as the phrase “Can faith save him?” means.

 

2) What is the Biblical (Bible Verses) definition of the most important works of faith and works of Love?

 

Love in Action is Inspired by the Holy Spirit not in our minds or words only but gets manifested in “action” sir as Bible Verses below clearly describe it:

 

“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)

 

“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 2:14 – 17, NKJV)

 

The Verses above are clear. Those with “Love” and “Faith” will end up being “Zealous for Good Works”:

“12teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 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.” (Titus 2:12 – 14, NKJV)

 

3) Why does the Special focus of Works toward the Poor takes precedence?

 

Please read these Passages again sir and see that:

 

  1. i) “Love” is Described in 1 John 3:16 – 18 as ‘providing for the poor or a brother’s need’.

 

  1. ii) James 2:14 – 17 clearly reveals regarding “Works” of “Faith” as referring to the First Context of “providing things need for the body”.

 

iii) Christ’s Own Judgement Day Words in Matthew 25:31 – 46 Speak of only regarding how one provided for the poor such as ‘When I was hungry/thirsty/homeless, you… ‘.

 

Conclusion

 

As St. Cyril of Alexandria concluded (please see at the end of write up) the Reason why Christ only mentions such a ‘Good Work as referring to helps to the poor’ in Matthew 25:31 – 46 simply because those are the Greatest Acts of Virtue as in another place Christ Reveals that the fulfillment of the Second Greatest Commandment after Loving God, i. e. Loving your neighbor as yourself in the Parable of the Good Samaritan to refer to ‘these same type of providing for the earthly body’s needs / to the less fortunate or needy/poor likewise’ simply because Practicing this Alone is enough to Fulfill “All” Law, yes “All”, not some as per Verse below:

“For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14, NKJV)

How can this command to “Love” your neighbor in Action fulfill “All Law”? Because “Love” can cancel other sins – how? Explained below:

Yes, I believe true Christians can be found amidst ‘any denomination of Christianity’ as long as they’re ‘truly loving at heart’ as all other errors (even great sins can be washed away) as Christ Himself Reveals in Verse below:

 

“Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 7:47, NKJV)

“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8, NKJV)

 

P/S: Blessed St. Cyril’s Quote on which is the ‘Greatest Work/ Virtue /Love in Action’

 

“… And the charge against them is, that they have done the very opposite of that for which the saints were praised. “For I was hungry, and you gave Me not to eat; and thirsty, and you gave Me not to drink: for inasmuch as you did it not, He says, to one of these little ones, you did it not to Me.” But to this perhaps some one will object, that there are many kinds of well living; for virtue is diversified, so to speak, and manifold: why therefore, having omitted those other kinds, does He make mention only of love to the poor? To this we reply, that the act is better than any other kind of |532 well doing: for it works in our souls a certain divine likeness which moulds us, so to speak, after God’s image. For Christ also has said, “Be you merciful, as your Father also in heaven is merciful,” He who is quick to show mercy, and compassionate and kind, is ranked with the true worshippers; for it is written, that “a pure and unpolluted sacrifice to God the Father is this, to visit orphans and widows in their poverty, and that a man keep himself unspotted from the world.” And the wise Paul also has somewhere written, “But alms and communication forget not: for with such sacrifices God is content.” For He loves not the incense of the legal worship, but requires rather the pleasantness of the sweet spiritual savour. But the sweet spiritual savour unto God is to show pity unto men, and to maintain love towards them. …” – Blessed St. Cyril, Patriarch of Alexandria, Titles: The Pillar of Faith; Seal of all the Fathers; Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church (c. 376 AD – c. 444 AD, Commentary on Luke 16:19 – 31)

 

Source:

 

https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/luke-commentary/cyril-on-luke-16

 

“… Feeding the hungry is a greater work than raising the dead …” – Blessed St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, Doctor of the Church, one of the Three Holy Hierarchs (c. 349 AD – c. 407 AD)

 

Source: http://thefaceofhunger.stophungernow.org/?p=2299

 

Summary

 

“You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” (James 2:24, NKJV)

Christ’s Own Most Blessed Words agree that “Works” (part of “your righteousness”) which you do as a Christian must “exceed those of the Pharisees Level” without which “no one Enters into the Kingdom of the Heavens” (the ‘Elect Salvation’ or being “Saved”, right?) in “Bible Verses” below (please compare regarding ‘entering His Kingdom of the Heavens Verses in Matthew 7:20 – 23 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. 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.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:19 – 20, NKJV)

 

So, as a Christian, do we want to neglect Christ’s Own Warning in Verses above and ‘ignore these Biblically Defined Works’? Perhaps we will miss the Kingdom of the Heavens Salvation then.

 

This was taught in First Christianity as discussed in link below (all these who believed and practiced this Doctrine went to heaven – can you spot any name in link below who might be ‘unsaved’ for preaching this?):

 

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159446220277784

 

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Children condemned by Calvinists – Who will be in Heaven?

 

1) Protestant Calvinism which Teaches that non-Elect Babies go to Hell Doctrine

 

  1. Some Baptists affirm it

 

“… Earlier, extreme Calvinists asserted that hell is a place paved with infants not over a span long; because of this sort of teaching and as a heritage from Rome came about the belief in baptismal regeneration. To such a position, of course, the Word of God gives no sanction either directly or indirectly. …” (Systematic theology, Doctrinal Summarization vol 7., Lewis Sperry Chafer, Dallas Theological Seminary, 1993 AD)

 

Source: https://www.bible.ca/cal-T-consequences.htm

 

  1. Methodist Founder – George Whitefield

 

This historical account written in 1760 about George Whitefield who was an Anglican who went on to found Methodism:

 

“… “1. The efficacy of the spirit of Christ warmly and irresistibly felt in the heart.—This is his Doctrine of Regeneration and Predestination. “2. A Person is not a Christian, nor does he receive this spirit, by baptism, but by the New Birth; for there are Children in Hell, (as he says,) though baptized, who are not a span long.—This is his Doctrine of Reprobation. “3. It matters not what Religion you are of, whether Church of England, Presbyterian, Anabaptist, Quaker, Ranter, Muggletonian, or be of what Religion you will; provided you feel Christ in your heart you’ll all go to Heaven.—This is his Doctrine of Reconciliation. “4. A strict observation of the Sabbath, festivals, religious ceremonies, etc., is all Stuff, and not positive Christianity.—This is his Doctrine of Indifference and Inessentiality. “5. That he can tell when a person shall go to Heaven or plunge into Hell as well as you can see the shining of the sun at noonday.—This is his Doctrine of Assurance. “6. Persons frequenting balls, plays, operas, routs, masquerades, gaming, or any other kind of diversions, are diabolical.—This is his Doctrine of Sorrow and Lamentation. “These six Articles comprehend the scope and tenets of his pious religion. …” (The prince of pulpit orators: a portraiture of Rev. George Whitefield., J. B. Wakeley, p 245, 1871 AD)

 

Source: https://www.bible.ca/cal-T-consequences.htm

 

The Other Methodist Founder – John Wesley OPPOSES CALVINISM in this doctrinal point too calling it ‘blasphemy’:

 

John Wesley was also a founder of Methodism, but unlike George Whitefield and the creed adopted by the historic and modern Methodist church, John Wesley opposed Calvinism. This led him to criticize Calvinism and specifically the doctrine of predestination which he believed clearly taught that there would be unelect babies in hell.

 

“…27. This is the blasphemy for which (however I love the persons who assert it) I abhor the doctrine of predestination, a doctrine, upon the supposition of which, if one could possibly suppose it for a moment, (call it election, reprobation, or what you please, for all comes to the same thing,)… Moloch caused only children to pass though the fire: and that fire was soon quenched; or, the corruptible body being consumed, its torment was at an end; but God, thou are told, by his eternal decree, fixed before they had done good or evil, causes, not only children of a span long, but the parents also, to pass through the fire of hell, the ‘fire which never shall be quenched; and the body which is cast thereinto, being now incorruptible and immortal, will be ever consuming and never consumed, but ‘the smoke of their torment,’ because it is God’s good pleasure, ‘ascendeth up for ever and ever.’… ” (Sermons, on several occasions, John Wesley (1771 AD) )

 

Source: https://www.bible.ca/cal-T-consequences.htm

 

iii. Jonathan Edwards

 

“… It is most just, exceeding just, that God should take the soul of a new-born infant and cast it into eternal torments” …” –

Jonathan Edwards [1722 AD], North American revivalist preacher, philosopher, and Congregationalist Protestant theologian The “Miscellanies”: (Entry Nos. a-z, aa-zz, 1-500) (WJE Online Vol. 13)

 

Source:

 

https://peterlumpkins.typepad.com/peter_lumpkins/2013/08/jonathan-edwards-on-the-damnation-of-infants.html

 

 

 

2) First Christianity

 

  1. i) Elect Babies Case

 

The Apocalypse of Peter Teaches that “Elect-Babies” in the assumption that ‘if they lived, they would have been Saved’ (Fore-knowledge of God) Case will be “Saved”

 

“… The providence of God doth not light upon them only that are in the flesh. For example, Peter in the Apocalypse saith that the children born out of due time (abortively) that would have been of the better part (i. e. would have been saved if they had lived) -these are delivered to a care-taking angel, that they may partake of knowledge and obtain the better abode, having suffered what they would have suffered had they been in the body. …” – Apocalypse of Peter

 

  1. ii) Non-Elect Babies Case

 

The Apocalypse of Peter also Teaches that “non-Elect-Babies” in the assumption that ‘if they lived, they would NOT have been Saved’ (Fore-knowledge of God) Case will be also be “Saved”

 

 

“… But the others (i.e. those who would not have been saved, had they lived) shall only obtain salvation, as beings that have been injured and had mercy shown to them, and shall continue without torment, receiving that as a reward. …” – Apocalypse of Peter

 

Source for both quotes above [Texts of the Apocalypse of Peter

A.]

 

http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/apocalypsepeter-mrjames.html

 

Note this is the Same Apocalypse of Peter whose Oldest Rainer Fragment has the Christ Saving from the Lake of Fire/Gehenna Prophecy,even mentioned in the same source above. Yes, the Earliest Known Fragment of the “Apocalypse of Peter” Text called the ‘Rainer Fragment’ Contains this Christ Centered Universalism Prophecy.

 

 

To quote:

 

“… In the version of the text in the 3rd century Rainer Fragment, the earliest fragment of the text, Chapter 14 describes the salvation of those condemned sinners for whom the righteous pray. The sinners are saved out of Hell through their baptism in the Acherusian Lake.[11]…”

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

 

*The ‘Apocalypse of Peter’ was “Scripture” in the First Bibles of Christianity called the ‘Muratorian/Roman Canon in the West or even the Codex Claromontanus in the East’ as discussed in Pages 8 – 18, Page 412 in free downloadable e-book in llink below:

 

 

Click the button above to Download as PDFClick the button above to Download as in Google Book App

 

Conclusion – What does the Bible actually Teach?

 

Christ Himself Teaches these Truths (ehem, ehem):

 

  1. All Children from any religion if they die go to Heaven

 

Whether at which age they’re considered children or no (we can debate but let God Alone decide that).

 

“But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14, NKJV)

 

  1. Anyone who doesn’t receive a child does NOT receive Christ

 

” 36Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He [Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ] said to them, 37“Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.” (Mark 9:36 – 37, NKJV)

 

 

Comment: As we have seen, by condemning even ‘babies to hell’ (ehem, ehem), don’t the ‘Protestant Calvinist’ leaders listed earlier ‘not receive the Children’ in His Name by the ‘Original Sin Calvinism Doctrine’? And if yes, based on Christ’s Own Most Blessed Words above, doesn’t that imply that ‘all such believing Calvinists have NOT received Christ’ because they didn’t receive these Children in His Name? [by argument of negation to the statement above? I’m not saying this is for sure but it’s possible, right according to this Verse?]

 

Christ Implies that intrinsically in Verses below too as a ‘Command’:

“2Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.” (Matthew 18:2 – 5, NKJV)

 

iii. Why did these Protestant Theologians create such a Theology?

 

Because they do not accurately realize that Justification is by “Christ’s Faith = Faith of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:22, KJV) = Faith of God (Romans 3:3 – 4, KJV)” only and our ‘faith in Christ’ is that’we believe in the Faith of Christ’ (Galatians 2:16, KJV) and thus they cannot have ‘any justification on anybody who has not faith in Christ such as these babies’.

 

We have no such difficulty as “Christ’s Faith” justifies anyone some with Judgment afterlife Judgment first (non-believers) while Christians with earthly-Judgment first (Hebrews 12:8) but without any afterlife Judgments (John 5:24) as discussed in detail say in Pages 11116, 1225 or especially 1284 onward too in free downloadable e-book in link below:

 

 

Click the button above to Download as PDFClick the button above to Download as in Google Book App

 

In fact, this rarely known accuracy seemed to have been uttered by this great early Church father too, to quote:

“… , one incomprehensible Godhead, unfathomable, inexpressible, invisible. It alone knows itself; it reveals itself to whom it will It raises up its witnesses, calls, predestines and glorifies them, lifts them up from hades, hallows them. (8) For its own glory and faith it makes these three one: things in heaven, on earth, and under the earth; …” – Blessed St. Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamis and the ‘Hammer of Heretics’, (c. 310 AD – c. 403 AD, ‘PNEUMATOMACHI’, “Panarion or Medicine-Chest”, Points 7.1 – 7.3, Pages 498 – 499)

 

Source:

 

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

 

Where

The phrase “For its own glory and faith” implies that “its own Faith” = GodHead’s Own Faith = “Christ’s Faith” = the “Faith of Jesus Christ” in Romans 3:22-KJV (not by our faith we are justified but by His Faith where we become the first recipients of It when we believe first reaping Imperishable Rewards, Romans 3:26).

  1. If these Protestant Christian leaders have ‘judged infants to Hell by 100% confidence’, with the ‘same level of Judgment meted back to them’ (ehem, ehem), are they going to be “Saved” based on Verses below?

“1“Judge not, that you be not judged. 2For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:1 – 2, NKJV)

The difference is we do NOT teach any ‘Judgment Doctrine with 100% for sure condemnation’ as the Verses above allow this choice (to ‘not judge’ or ‘judge with a certain level of measurement’ such as ‘limiting judgment & leaving possibilities’) and thus we still have hope since it’s not ‘100% judgment of condemnation’ even if we are wrong.

 

However anyone dares to ‘refute’ Christ’s Own Words regarding not just infant Salvation but also ‘Children Salvation’ in Verses above (Mark 9:36 – 37, Matthew 18:2 – 5, Matthew 19:14)?

 

Which is worse? (‘if wrong’): Teaching Christ Centered Universalism Hope or that ‘God send Children/even Babies to Hell’? So if John Calvin or these guys can be Saved Teaching all these as it is believed by millions throughout, why not Christian Universalists likewise?

 

May God have Mercy on whomever He Wills (Romans 9:15 – 16).

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non Elect Salvation Topic 21: Atonement for Sins – Love and Almsgiving Role

 

Accusation: Love and Almsgiving cannot atone for sin. Martin Luther fought this Roman Catholic heresy and removed the 7 books from the Bible at that time one of the reasons being this doctrine is taught by some of the books. Only Christ’s Blood can Atone for sins.

 

Reply

 

The answer may lie at what exactly “Atonement” means according to Scripture. This topic may be more complex than usually understood. Let’s look at both Scripture and First Christianity.

 

  1. What is “Atonement’?

 

  1. Atonement can remove “Judgment for sins” not sins itself

 

“And you shall offer a bull every day as a sin offering for atonement. You shall cleanse the altar when you make atonement for it, and you shall anoint it to sanctify it.” (Exodus 29:36, NKJV)

 

“Aaron shall offer the bull as a sin offering, which is for himself, and make atonement for himself and for his house.” (Leviticus 16:6, NKJV)

 

  1. Atonement for ‘removal’ of Sins, Reconciliation and a New Creation is only by Christ’s Blood & Sacrifice on His Cross

 

” 26He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. 27And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, 28so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.” (Hebrews 9:26 – 28, NKJV)

 

“For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.” (Hebrews 10:4, NKJV)

 

  1. Old Testament

 

  1. Atonement for ‘removing God’s Judgment’ has to be for “sacrifices or offerings” via one’s own money.

 

“24Then the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. 25And David built there an altar to the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the Lord heeded the prayers for the land, and the plague was withdrawn from Israel.” (2 Samuel 24:25, NKJV)

 

The idea of ‘selling indulgences directly for covering sins’ as the later Roman Catholics did is NOT Biblical. The correct way is to do ‘Almsgiving’ or ‘Charity Works’ with one’s money to ‘atone for Judgment (this life or next)’ for one’s sins and to remove plagues even as Blessed King David himself demonstrates in Verses above. Can you see it? God’s Ways does not change in principle. The only difference between King David’s “oxen sacrifice” and ours is that the ‘animal sacrifice’ is no longer valid (Hebrews 10:4) and thus the ‘Charity Acts done in Love is sufficient for it’ in the New Testament.

 

  1. Atonement toward Judgment in this life or next is taught in some of the 7 Books Martin Luther removed as per Jewish Tradition:

 

Can the “Jewish Tradition” be trusted or the early Church fathers who included these as “Scripture”? Doesn’t the Verse below point to the ‘man made Jewish Tradition to exclude these as Scripture’ more than referring to any ‘Gentile Church leaders’?

 

“How can you say, ‘We are wise, And the law of the LORD is with us’? Look, the false pen of the scribe certainly works falsehood.” (Jeremiah 8:8, NKJV)

 

Please note carefully that each quote from these ‘non-Canonical Books for protestants only because the rest of Christianity still view it as Scripture in their Bibles till today’ agrees with 2 Samuel 24:25 from the ‘agreed Bible part’ perfectly, hence must be true, right? Please visit point 7 later regarding the translation dilemma of Daniel 4:27.

 

  1. Judgment

 

  1. Christians are judged on earth but spared any afterlife Judgments

 

“But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.” (Hebrews 12:8, KJV)

 

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” (John 5:24, NKJV)

 

  1. Non-Christians and Fallen Christians are judged in the afterlife now in Hades and/or Lake of Fire/Gehenna

 

The Unbaptized cannot have Salvation as the Shepherd of Hermas quotes and bible verses mean that they cannot repent to inherit the Kingdom of God but may be saved to another place after being judged/condemned for their sins first as the Shepherd of Hermas Scripture explains as follows further:

 

“… 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 [the UNBAPTIZED]; 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. She finished her exposition of the tower. But I, shameless as I yet was, asked her, “Is repentance possible for ALL THOSE STONES [including the UNBAPTIZED too?] 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 [Christian Salvation ‘Tower of Repentance’] they cannot find a suitable place. But in ANOTHER and much INFERIOR PLACE they will be laid [i.e. SAVED], 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 [inclusive of these UNBAPTIZED mentioned prior] have partaken of the righteous Word [e. g. any acts of Mercy as per Luke 10:25 – 37?]. 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 [i. e.  Conditional to afterlife Repentance? ]. 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

 

[Emphasis Mine]

 

“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,” (Hebrews 9:27, NKJV)

 

” 5who will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For 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.” (1 Peter 4:5 – 6, Berean Literal Bible)

 

The “dead” in 1 Peter 4:6 is the same “physically dead” in 1 Peter 4:5.

 

“deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” (1 Corinthians 5:5, NKJV)

 

*When Blessed St. Paul the Apostle wrote 1 Corinthians 5:5, he was writing in the context of an ‘unrepentant Christian sexually immoral person in a incestuous relationship’ who will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9 – 10, Galatians 5:19 – 21) meaning that Blessed St. Paul the apostle reveals his deep knowledge of this Mystery likewise that “his spirit” (referring to the ‘unsaved person’s spirit’) may be “saved” at a later time on the “Day of Lord Jesus” (possibly Judgment Day or post-Judgment Day).

 

  1. Atonement for the Judgment of the Second Death

 

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7, NKJV)

 

“For the wages of sin is [Second] death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23, NKJV)

 

Now if Romans 6:23’s “Death” is assumed to refer to the ‘Second Death’ by most Christians, then Proverbs 11:4 must also refer likewise too because the ‘first death’ or earthly death happens not just to the wicked but also to the righteous while the ‘Second Death’ applies to anyone who is not of the First Resurrection, and so with [my emphasis] please consider:

 

“Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, But righteousness [including charity/alms] delivers from [Second] death.” (Proverbs 11:4, NKJV)

 

“… Riches will not avail on the Day of wrath, but charity will save from [Second] death. …” – Rashi

 

“… and stronger than all these is death. But charity delivers from [Second]  death. … ”  – The Talmud

 

“… When you can do good, defer it not, because “alms delivers from [Second]  death.” …” – Blessed St. Polycarp

 

“Taking care of the poor is the kind of offering that pleases God in heaven. Do this, and you will be kept safe from the dark world of the dead.” (Good News Translation, Tobit 4:10 – 11)

 

“9 Such generosity will save you from [Second] death and will wash away all your sins. …” (Good News Translation, Tobit 12:9)

 

  1. Jewish Leaders View

 

Did any Jewish leader understand Salvation from Gehenna or “Second Death” by the Messiah?

 

(i) What’s the Difference between Gehenna and Sheol (Hades)?

 

To quote (Page 34):

 

“Hanhart (1966:32) states that according to Jeremias, however, it is fundamental

 

for our understanding of the New Testament to make a sharp distinction between Hades

 

and Gehenna.

 

Hades is used exclusively for the interim period, Gehenna on the other side

 

for a state of punishment after the last judgment. In Hades, the punishment is provisional, in Gehenna eternal.”

 

(ii) Can the Messiah [Lord Jesus Christ] Save from Gehenna (the Final Judgment, Lake of Fire) itself?

 

To quote (Page 38):

 

“Bernard (1915:290) quotes two passages from the Bereshith Rabba to show that this idea was prominent in Jewish literature. He is, however, unsure of the dating of the literature.

 

Nevertheless, it still demonstrates the basic purpose of the descent:

 

‘When they are bound, they that are in Gehinnom, saw the light of the Messiah, they

rejoiced to receive him’; and ‘This is that which stands written, We shall rejoice and exult thee.

 

When? When the captives climb out of hell, and the Shechinah at their head.’

 

The only difference here is that the captives are in Gehinnom and not Sheol.”

 

Source for both Quotes are from this phD Dissertation (link below, please read it). Indeed, the phD thesis I referred to may be found in link below:

 

https://repository.up.ac.za/bitstream/handle/2263/27130/dissertation.pdf?sequence=1

 

Rabbinical Judaism

 

“… Ten powerful things were created in the world: mountains are hard, but iron cuts through them; iron is hard, but fire melts it; fire is strong, but water extinguishes it; water is strong, but clouds bear it; clouds are strong, but wind scatters them; wind is strong, but the body contains it; the body is strong, bur fear breaks it; fear is potent, but wine dispels it; wine is powerful, but sleep assuages it; and stronger than all these is death. But charity delivers from death. … ” – The Talmud

 

Source: https://www.chabad.org/parshah/in-depth/plainbody_cdo/aid/1262744

 

  1. Church Leaders View

 

Did any Church Leader view that the “Judgment of the Second Death” can be atoned by Love in Action (e.g. Almsgiving)?

 

To quote (some quoting the Book of Tobit as Scripture too):

 

John Chrysostom Homily 7 on John’s gospel (347-407 ad)

But there is another more prevailing way than this; to bear malice against none of those who have offended against us, to forgive their trespasses to all those who have trespassed against us. Will you learn a third? Hear Daniel, saying, “Redeem thy sins by almsdeeds, and thine iniquities by showing mercy to the poor.” (Dan. iv. 27, LXX.) And there is another besides this; constancy in prayer, and persevering attendance on the intercessions made with God. In like manner fasting brings to us some, and that not small comfort and release from sins committed, provided it be attended with kindness to others, and quenches the vehemence of the wrath of God. (1 Tim. ii. 1.) For “water will quench a blazing fire, and by almsdeeds sins are purged away.” (Ecclus. iii. 30, LXX.)

 

John Chrysostom Homily 4 on Philippians (347-407 ad)

And again, “And let our people also learn to maintain good works.” (Tit. iii. 14.) And again, “These things are good and profitable unto men.” (Tit. iii. 8.) Listen to a certain other one who saith, “Alms do deliver from death” (Tob. xii. 9)

 

John Chrysostom Homily 21 on Acts ch 9 (347-407 ad)

more sins he has to answer for, the greater need has he of alms, not only for this reason, but because the alms has not the. same virtue now, but far less: for it is not all one to have done it himself, and to have another do it for him; therefore, the virtue being less, let us by quantity make it the greatest. Let us not busy ourselves about monuments, not about memorials. This is the greatest memorial: set widows to stand around him. Tell them his name: bid them all make for him their prayers, their supplications: this will overcome God: though it have not been done by the man himself, yet because of him another is the author of the almsgiving. Even this pertains to the mercy of God: “widows standing around and weeping” know how to rescue, not indeed from the present death, but from that which is to come. Many have profited even by the alms done by others on their behalf: for even if they have not got perfect be not so.

 

Note: The quote “…know how to rescue, not indeed from the present death, but from that which is to come …” by Blessed St. John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church, Archbishop of Constantinople (c. 349 AD – c. 407 AD) seems to point to the [Second] Death in light of this Almsgiving Context in his writings especially the phrase “… rescue, not … the present death, but from that which is to come [Second Death] …”.

 

Jerome Letter 108 par 16 (347-420 ad)

She constantly had on her lips such phrases as these: “Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy:” and “water will quench a flaming fire; and alms maketh an atonement for sins;” and “make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness that … they may receive you into everlasting habitations;” and “give alms … and behold all things are clean unto you;” and Daniel’s words to King Nebuchadnezzar in which he admonished him to redeem his sins by almsgiving.

Augustine Catechising the uninstructed par 22 (354-430 ad)

 

“… If, however, grief has taken possession of us on account of something in which we ourselves have erred or sinned, we should bear in mind not only that a “broken spirit is a sacrifice to God,” but also the saying, “Like as water quencheth fire, so alms sin;” …” – 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)

 

Leo the Great Sermon 9 (395-461 ad)

 

“… 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) …” – Pope Leo I (c. 400 – 10 November 461), also known as Saint Leo the Great, was Bishop of Rome from 29 September 440 and died in 461. Pope Benedict XVI said that Leo’s papacy “…was undoubtedly one of the most important in the Church’s history.”

 

Source for each well known quote above:

https://practicalapologetics.blogspot.com/2013/07/early-church-fathers-on-almsgiving.html

 

 

St. Polycarp  quotes the Book of Tobit a Truth:

 

“… When you can do good, defer it not, because “alms delivers from death. [Tobit 12:9]” …” – 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 A, Chapter X, Epistle to the Philippians)

 

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

 

Compare to the Tobit Verses he quoted from (from Blessed Archangel Raphael himself – so, is Blessed St. Polycarp quoting folklore or Truth?):

 

“6 Then he said to them secretly: Bless ye the God of heaven, give glory to him in the sight of all that live, because he hath shewn his mercy to you. 7 For it is good to hide the secret of a king: but honourable to reveal and confess the works of God. 8 Prayer is good with fasting and alms more than to lay up treasures of gold: 9 For ALMS DELIVERETH from DEATH, and the same is that which purgeth away sins, and maketh to find mercy and life everlasting. … 15 For I am the angel Raphael, one of the seven who stand before the Lord.” (Bible Scripture.Net Translation, Tobit 12:6 – 9, 15)

 

Source: https://biblescripture.net/Tobias.html

 

or Tobit 4:10 in various translations:

 

CEB Giving assistance to the poor rescues a person from death and keeps a person from going down into darkness.

 

DRA For thus thou storest up to thyself a good reward for the day of necessity.

 

GNT Taking care of the poor is the kind of offering that pleases God in heaven. Do this, and you will be kept safe from the dark world of the dead.

 

NABRE For almsgiving delivers from death and keeps one from entering into Darkness.

 

NRSV For almsgiving delivers from death and keeps you from going into the Darkness.

 

NRSVA For almsgiving delivers from death and keeps you from going into the Darkness.

 

NRSVACE For almsgiving delivers from death and keeps you from going into the Darkness.

 

NRSVCE For almsgiving delivers from death and keeps you from going into the Darkness.

 

RSV For charity delivers from death and keeps you from entering the darkness;

RSVCE For charity delivers from death and keeps you from entering the darkness;

 

WYC Certainly then thou treasurest to thee a good meed (or a good reward), in the day of need; [Forsooth a good meed to thee thou treasurest in the day of need;]

 

Source: https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/Tobit%204%3A10

 

or Sirach 3:30 across various translations

 

CEB Water will put out a blazing fire, and giving to those in need will make up for sins.

 

DRA The congregation of the proud shall not be healed: for the plant of wickedness shall take root in them, and it shall not be perceived.

 

GNT Giving to the poor can make up for sin, just as water can put out a blazing fire.

 

NABRE As water quenches a flaming fire, so almsgiving atones for sins.

 

NRSV As water extinguishes a blazing fire, so almsgiving atones for sin.

 

NRSVA As water extinguishes a blazing fire, so almsgiving atones for sin.

 

NRSVACE As water extinguishes a blazing fire, so almsgiving atones for sin.

 

NRSVCE As water extinguishes a blazing fire, so almsgiving atones for sin.

 

RSV Water extinguishes a blazing fire: so almsgiving atones for sin.

 

RSVCE Water extinguishes a blazing fire: so almsgiving atones for sin.

 

WYC Water quencheth (a) fire burning, and alms-[deeds] against-standeth sins.

 

Source: https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/Sirach%203%3A30

 

or First Christianity’s almost Canonical Book, The Didache or the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles to the Nations

 

The Didache affirms this doctrine of charity/alms giving being a ‘ransom for your sins’, to quote:

 

“… If you have anything, through your hands you shall give ransom for your sins.  …” – The Didache

 

Here is that quote in full:

 

“… Be not a stretcher forth of the hands to receive and a drawer of them back to give. If you have anything, through your hands you shall give ransom for your sins. Do not hesitate to give, nor complain when you give; for you shall know who is the good repayer of the hire. Do not turn away from him who is in want; rather, share all things with your brother, and do not say that they are your own. …” – The Didache  or the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles to the Nations (Chapter 4)

 

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

 

  1. Daniel 4:27 Mystery

 

“How can you say, ‘We are wise, And the law of the LORD is with us’? Look, the false pen of the scribe certainly works falsehood.” (Jeremiah 8:8, NKJV)

 

Someone has done this error pointed out by Jeremiah 8:8 toward Daniel 4:27. Please consider:

 

  1. i) Daniel 4:27 from the Masoretic Hebrew Text

 

“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.” (Danie 4:27, KJV)

 

  1. ii) Daniel 4:27 Teaching that “alms” (Charity wrks via money) can “atone for sins” (i.e. toward Judgment of Sins as we have seen)

 

” 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.” (Daniel 4:27, Brenton Septuagint Translation)

 

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

 

Before condemning the Septuagint  as corrupted (as the arguments can go both ways), please consider these facts:

 

  1. a) Christ quoted the Septuagint?

 

“… For those who may not know, the Septuagint was the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament. The common abbreviation for it—LXX, or the Roman numerals for 70—come from a legend that the first part of the Septuagint was done by 70 translators. By the first century, the LXX was the Bible of Greek-speaking Jews and so was the most frequently used version of the Old Testament in the early Church.  … here is an example where the Greek gospels present Jesus as quoting the Septuagint: In Mark 7:6–7, Jesus quotes the LXX of Isaiah 29:13 when he says, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.’” …”

 

Source: https://www.catholic.com/qa/in-which-passages-does-jesus-quote-the-septuagint-and-where-does-the-new-testament-allude-to-the

 

  1. b) Has ever the Septuagint proved more accurate than the Original Hebrew Text?

 

How is this possible? It is believed that the Hebrew Text used by the translators of the Septuagint may have used an ‘Earlier more reliable Original Hebrew Text’ where the later preserved one called the ‘Masoretic Text’ (used by say the King James Version translators) may have undergone some ‘edits’ as per Jeremiah 8:8’s Prophecy. Notice that the oldest Masoretic Texts only date to about 9th Century while the LXX or Septuagint are quoted by the New Testament  authors too. Hence the Original Hebrew Text at the time of the New Testament could differ from the Masoretic Text in some parts as the Septuagint  suggests but the debate is ongoing and no one can prove either way for certain.

 

Regarding the Masorectic Text:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masoretic_Text

 

Regarding the Septuagint  :

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Septuagint

 

Example, to quote:

 

“… An interesting case in point is the citation of Isa 7.14, the famous words of the prophet Isaiah to Ahaz, in Matt 1.23:

 

Hebrew: “Behold, the young woman [‘almah] shall conceive.”

 

Septuagint: “Behold, the virgin [parthenos] shall conceive.”

 

Matthew 1.23: “Behold, the virgin [parthenos] shall conceive.” …”

 

Source: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/what-is-the-septuagint/

 

Note: This was first pointed out by 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 3, Chapter IX, Point 2) in link below:

 

Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/irenaeus-book3.html

 

  1. c) Has ever the Deuterocanonical Books (i.e. among the 7 Books rejected by Protestant Reformer Martin Luther) quoted in the New Testament by the apostles too or bear a close resemblance to it?

 

Here’s a good list:

 

http://www.cin.org/users/james/files/deutero3.htm

 

  1. d) Why do the Eastern Orthodox Christians prefer the Septuagint?

 

http://orthochristian.com/81224.html

 

Conclusion – New Testament – What did Christ Himself Teach?

 

Christ Taught two Ways to ‘Atone for one’s sins in the Context of Judgment’:

 

  1. i) You Pay for Judgment against Sin with Love in Action Deeds

 

“Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 7:47, NKJV)

 

“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8, NKJV)

 

Comment: We know that “Love” is only counted in “Action” (1 John 3:18) and so Christ’s Own Most Blessed Words imply that He did ‘not just forgive simply’ (though He Can, His Choice) but in this case He Forgives for a “reason” namely, “her Love which is much” (hence atones her sins from Judgment as per 1 Peter 4:8) causing such an ‘easy forgiveness’.

 

” 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.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:31 – 35, NASB)

 

Note: Good Deeds not only atone for Judgment but can turn into Heavenly Treasures/Rewards according to last verse above.

 

  1. ii) You Pay for Judgment against Sin by suffering for it in the “Lake of Fire/Gehenna” even

 

“22But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell [Gehenna] fire. 23Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ  (Matthew 5:22 – 26, NKJV)

 

“21And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth. 22And they shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be visited.” (Isaiah 24:21 – 22, KJV)

 

“31So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. 32Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 35“So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 18:31 – 35, NKJV)

 

All I see is Christ whilst describing Gehenna-Judgment in Matthew 5:22 describes certain sins which are closely linked and parabolically describes Gehenna as the Prison (in Isaiah 24:22 too) which is till the last penny only as He Says they will pay it. The impossible to pay and equivalent claims are just conjectures which are not Written in these Verses.

 

iii) Fallen Christians endure the same Lake of Fire/Gehenna Judgment as “Unbelievers”

 

“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, 6if 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)

 

“ 46the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. 47And that servant who knew his master’s will, 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.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:46 – 48, NKJV)

 

Please note the phrase “appoint him his portion with the unbelievers” (in Luke 12:46 above) which means such a person was a ‘fallen Christian’ whose end is to be “burned” (Hebrews 6:8) as these two set of Verses Speak of the Judgment (Hebrews 6:4 – 8, Luke 12:46 – 48) toward these ‘same fallen Christian type’. Also the phrases beaten with “few, many” stripes doesn’t seem like “endless beating” but ‘measurable till the last penny only’ (having an end/limitedness). And this ‘same’ Judgment is echoed toward ‘unbelievers’ (Luke 12:46) meaning if the ‘fallen believer’s judgment has an end, so must the unbelievers’ likewise, right? especially since in Luke 12:47 implies that the fallen Christian’s punishment is “many” stripes being greater than the unbeliever who did not know His Will whose stripes are lesser as it is “few” as mentioned in Luke 12:48, right? These Verses are Judgment Day Context because ‘both the fallen believer and unbeliever are Judged at the same time as described in these Verses & hence this refers to the Lake of Fire/Gehenna Context, right’?

 

Example Question

 

Yet the Corinthians were “carnal” yet in Christ (1 Cor. 3:1-4). They were doing all kinds of wicked things yet called saints, justified, sanctified, and washed. There’s a distinction between our practice and our position through being in Christ through His blood.

 

Reply

 

  1. The Carnal ones were ‘being washed’ as they repented. In the same Corinthians book, apostle Paul warned that if they remain that way, they would not inherit the Kingdom of God (First Resurrection in Chiliasm, 1 Corinthians 6:9 – 10).

 

  1. Not only that, the carnal ones (in 1 Corinthians 3 the same chapter you quoted) they face the danger of “Lake of Fire” and to be “saved through fire” in 1 Corinthians 3:15. We know that this fire refers to the Lake of Fire because it is only revealed on “that Day” (1 Corinthians 3:13) referring to ‘Judgment Day’.

 

  1. With the earlier point, can you see that 1 Corinthians 3:15’s “saved through fire” must refer to ‘fallen/rejected lawless believers’ (Matthew 7:20 – 23, Galatians 5:19 – 21, 1 Corinthians 6:9 – 10, 1 Corinthians 3:3, Hebrews 6:4 – 8, Luke 12:46 – 48) and since their “Lake of Fire” sentence is ‘many / more’ than the “unbelievers” who knew not the Master’s Will (Luke 12:47 – 48), doesn’t that itself imply that even the wicked will be “saved through fire” eventually proving Christ Centered Universalism Prophecy as per the Apocalypse of Peter?

 

Note: The carnal ones in 1 Corinthians 3:3 are the ones warned of the ‘destruction’ for living in an unholy way (in 1 Corinthians 3:17) who must be the ones destroyed in fire but only saved after that (1 Corinthians 3:15).

 

Here’s a First Christianity quote proving that 1 Corinthians 3:13 – 15’s “saved by fire” refers to ‘some Saved on the Day of Judgment and from the lake of Fire/Gehenna’ Judgment:

 

Yes, only possibly the Sin Perishes (Meaning of ‘Eternal Destruction’, 2 Thessalonians 1:9 in Body + Soul Matthew 10:28) and not the sinner who is Saved through Fire in the End (1 Corinthians 3:15):

 

“… saying, “I have come to set fire to the earth,” [Luke 12:49] not certainly the fire that consumes the goods, but the one that produces the good will, which makes the vases of and from the house of the Lord, consuming the hay and the straw (I Cor. iii. 12ff., 1 Corinthians 3:11 – 15), devouring all the gangue of the age, amassed by worldly pleasure, the work of the flesh that is to perish;… For this reason perhaps the Lord will come into the fire (see Is., LXVI, 15; 16): to consume all the vices at the moment of the resurrection, to fill by his presence the desires of each one, and to project the light on merits and mysteries…” – Blessed Archbishop St. Ambrose of Milan (c. 340 AD – c. 397 AD, Commentary on Luke XII, Verses Luke 12:49 – 50, highlighted)

 

and

 

“… Likewise here: either the wrong is redeemed at the price of charity, or the punishment diminished according to the appreciation of the wrong. Now it is the custom, as we remember, to give a bath to the baths: by presenting it, everyone obtains the faculty of bathing there; so, here, to be purified, because the sin of each is purified by the kind of transaction described above. On the other hand, the guilty person is tortured and tortured as long as he has not served the sentence of the error committed…” – Blessed Archbishop St. Ambrose of Milan (c. 340 AD – c. 397 AD, Commentary on Luke XII, Verses Luke 12:58 – 59, highlighted)

 

Source (for St. Ambrose’s quotes here):

 

https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/luke-commentary/ambrose-on-luke-12

 

“… 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 (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

 

*Note: “painful and longer” (not forever or endless). Regarding the word translated a “forever” may actually mean to the “age/aeon” or “ages/aeons” please consider this post below:

 

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159410771327784

 

or

 

“… 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, First Latin Doctor of the Church (c. 340 AD – c. 397 AD) …”

 

Source: https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Ambrose

 

or

 

“… [Hence a prevalent tone of hopefulness about the future state of the baptized]; even Sodom and Gomorrah, their punishment in history having satisfied the righteousness of God, shall ultimately be saved 359. Yet God has a perfect, immutable goodness of which human goodness, though real, falls infinitely short, because He is steadfast and we are driven by varying impulses 360 …” – Blessed St. Hilary of Poictiers, the “Athanasius of the West”, “Hammer of Arians”, Doctor of the Church, The Champion of Trinity in the West (c. 310 AD – c. 368 AD, 359    Ib. lxviii. 22, based on St. Matt. x. 15. and 360    Ib. lii. 11, 12.)

 

Source [via infamous Historian Mr. Philip Schaff]:

 

https://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf209.ii.iii.ii.html#fnf_ii.iii.ii-p249.1

 

Comment: Blessed St. Hilary of Poitiers is pointing out since even “Sodom and Gomorrah” will eventually be “Saved” after the ‘punishment’ (of Baptism by Fire in the Lake of Fire*), how much more a person who is baptized on earth. This also points that 1 Corinthians 3:13 – 15’s Context is ‘not fallen Christians only’ being “Saved through Fire” in the Lake of Fire but also perhaps the wicked too as St. Hilary points to ‘Sodom’ whom we know suffers the Vengeance of Eternal [Aionion] Fire (Jude 1:7) till they are restored (Ezekiel 16:53 – 55)?

 

and

 

Blessed St. Hilary of Poitiers understands that there are two types of ‘Subjection of All things’ to Christ that is ‘Subjection of belief’ (Christians) and ‘Subjection of the Enemies of the Gospel’ (i.e. ‘His Enemies’) the former gets a ‘special reward’ (beyond comparison relating to the Glorious Body of the First Resurrection) while the later gets a transition to be ‘changed to something higher’ (Healed/delivered from punishments). Blessed St. Hilary of Poitiers also points clearly that the ‘Subjection of All His Enemies’ (1 Corinthians 15:25) till God becomes ‘All in All’ Creation (1 Corinthians 15:28) which happens in the future in the “ages to come” (Ephesians 2:7) and states that ‘this is the same faith of the First Christians’ as seen in the selected/bolded parts of his quote above for emphasis, to quote his “Christ Centered Universalism Hope”:

 

“… 31. What that is must be understood in view of this same hope of our faith. … By their subjection, conceived as already past, is expressed the immutable power of Christ: by their subjection, as future, is signified their consummation at the end of the ages as the result of the fulness of time. … . The abolishing is not the same as the subjecting. … A subjection, on the other hand, which implies obedience and allegiance, is a proof of submission and mutability. 33. So when their authority is abolished, His enemies shall be subjected: and so subjected, that He shall subject them to Himself.  … In the subjection of His enemies death is conquered; and, death conquered, life immortal follows. The Apostle tells us also of the special reward attained by this subjection which is made perfect by the subjection of belief: Who shall fashion anew the body of our humiliation, that it may be conformed to the body of His glory, according to the works of His power, whereby He is able to subject all things to Himself1286. There is then another subjection, which consists in a transition from one nature to another, for our nature ceases, so far as its present character is concerned, and is subjected to Him, into Whose form it passes. But by ‘ceasing’ is implied not an end of being, but a promotion into something higher. …” –  Blessed St. Hilary of Poictiers, the “Athanasius of the West”, Doctor of the Church, The Champion of Trinity in the West (c. 310 AD – c. 368 AD, Book XI ‘On the Trinity’, Selected part of Points 31 – 37, re-emphasized)

 

Source:(via the Infamous Historian Mr. Philip Schaff):

 

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

 

Am I a liar if I claim boldly that Blessed St. Hilary of Poitiers believed in Christ Centered Universalism as demonstrated by his own words prior?

 

Truth is, Blessed St. Jerome of the Vulgate (who started to only believe in ‘Eternal Hell’ theology somewhere around 395 AD) himself attests in ‘his own words’ that the ‘long dead by then’ Blessed St. Hilary of Poitiers was a undeniable Christian Universalist as he explains in his letter below, to quote:

 

“… Your third and last question relates to the passage in the same epistle where the apostle in discussing the resurrection, comes to the words: “for he must reign, till he hath put all things under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him that God may be all in all.” [1 Corinthians 15:24 – 28] I am surprised that you have resolved to question me about this passage when that reverend man, Hilary, bishop of Poictiers, has occupied the eleventh book of his treatise against the Arians with a full examination and explanation of it. Yet I may at least say a few words. The chief stumbling-block in the passage is that the Son is said to be subject to the Father. Now which is the more shameful and humiliating, to be subject to the Father (often a mark of loving devotion as in the psalm “truly my soul is subject unto God”) or to be crucified and made the curse of the cross? For “cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree.” If Christ then for our sakes was made a curse that He might deliver us from the curse of the law, are you surprised that lie is also for our sakes subject to the Father to make us too subject to Him as He says in the gospel: “No man cometh unto the Father but by me,” and “I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will DRAW ALL men UNTO ME.” [John 12:32] Christ then is subject to the Father in the faithful; for ALL BELIEVERS, NAY the WHOLE HUMAN RACE, are accounted MEMBERS of HIS BODY. But in UNBELIEVERS, that is in JEWS, HEATHENS, and HERETICS, He is said to be NOT SUBJECT; for these members of His body are NOT SUBJECT to the FAITH. But in the END of the world when ALL HIS MEMBERS shall SEE CHRIST, that is their own body, reigning, THEY ALSO shall be MADE SUBJECT to Christ, that is to their own body, that the whole of Christ’s body may be subject unto God and the Father, and that God may be ALL in ALL [1 Corinthians 15:24 – 28]. He does not say “that the Father may be all in all” but that “God” may be, a title which properly belongs to the Trinity and may be referred not only to the Father but also to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. His meaning therefore is “that HUMANITY may be SUBJECT to the GODHEAD.” By HUMANITY we here intend not that gentleness and kindness which the Greeks call philanthropy but the WHOLE HUMAN RACE Moreover when he says “that God may be all in all,” it is to be taken in this sense. At present our Lord and Saviour is not all in all, but only a part in each of us. For instance He is wisdom in Solomon, generosity in David, patience in Job, knowledge of things to come in Daniel faith in Peter, zeal in Phinehas and Paul, virginity in John, and other virtues in others. But when the end of all things shall come, then shall He be all in all, for then the saints shall severally possess all the virtues and all will possess Christ in His entirety….” –  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, Letter LV TO AMANDUS, Point 5, Written about the year 394 A. D.)

Source: http://www.annussacerdotalis.org/clerus/dati/2001-02/17-999999/Lett.html

 

Note: Though St. Jerome of the Vulgate began to lean toward Eternal-Hell theology of St. Augustine from 395 AD onward, he clearly reveals in the letter above circa 394 AD, “honestly” (a content which probably is “lost” quoting from St. Hilary of Poictiers’ 11th Book regarding the Mystery of Christ Centered Universalism). Please note also that St. Hilary has been dead for almost “30 plus years” at the time St. Jerome writes this letter proving that St. Hilary is certainly a Christ Centered Universalism believer.

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Muslims and Others – Does the God of Christians Love them?

 

This is Discussed on page 544, in free downloadable ebook in link below:

 

 

Click the button above to Download as PDFClick the button above to Download as in Google Book App

 

Example: Did God Love Ishmael which became a Great MUSLIM Nation? Verses:

“20And as for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall beget twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation. 21But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this set time next year.”” (Genesis 17:20 – 21, NKJV)

 

Yes, who are the “Ishmaelites” whom God Said He Will “Bless” in Verses above?

“… According to the Book of Genesis, Ishmaelites (Hebrew: Bnai Yishma’el Arabic: Bani Isma’il, ) are the descendants of Ishmael, the elder son of Abraham and the descendants of the twelve sons and princes of Ishmael. Throughout history, the Ishmaelites have been associated with Arabs (more specifically, North Arabians). Indeed, two prominent North Arabian tribes, the Qedarites and Nabateans, have names corresponding to two of Ishmael’s sons. The original sequence of events, who called whom which name first and how this relates to the tradition of Abraham as a patriarch and forefather is unclear. Even today, many call upon Ishmael as their people’s ancestor, notably Muslim Arabs. … ”

 

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

 

Perhaps you don’t fully understand God’s Hate properly because unlike the wrath of Man, His Hate will eventually bring “righteousness”, implied in contrast in Verses below:

 

“for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20, NKJV)

 

“I will not execute the fierceness of My anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim. For I am God, and not man, The Holy One in your midst; And I will not come with terror.” (Hosea 11:9, NKJV)

 

 

 

 

Conclusion – God’s FULL FIERCE Anger can cause Universal Reconciliation in the END too

Yes, Origen of Alexandria’s View regarding the ‘Vessels of Wrath seems accurate to Scripture in Zephaniah 3:8 – 9’.

 

Origen of Alexandria argues using Holy Scripture’s Prophecy in Zephaniah 3:8 – 9 regarding God’s “All My Fierce [Burning] Anger” which seems to lead to the final end of the ones upon whom “His Full Wrath” is Poured Upon “call upon the Name of the Lord” (Final Result, “be saved” in ‘His Name’, Romans 10:13, Joel 2:32), to quote:

“… But our belief is, that the Word shall prevail over the entire rational creation, and change every soul into His own perfection; in which state every one, by the mere exercise of his power, will choose what he desires, and obtain what he chooses. For although, in the diseases and wounds of the body, there are some which no medical skill can cure, yet we hold that in the mind there is no evil so strong that it may not be overcome by the Supreme Word and God. For stronger than all the evils in the soul is the Word, and the healing power that dwells in Him; and this healing He applies, according to the will of God, to every man. The consummation of all things is the destruction of evil, although as to the question whether it shall be so destroyed that it can never anywhere arise again, it is beyond our present purpose to say. Many things are said obscurely in the prophecies on the total destruction of evil, and the restoration to righteousness of every soul; but it will be enough for our present purpose to quote the following passage from Zephaniah: “Prepare and rise early; all the gleanings of their vineyards are destroyed. Therefore wait ye upon Me, saith the LORD, on the day that I rise up for a testimony; for My determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kings, to pour upon them Mine indignation, even all My fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of My jealousy. For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve Him with one consent [Zephaniah 3:8 – 9]. From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia My suppliants, even the daughter of My dispersed, shall bring My offering. In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against Me: for then I will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride; and thou shalt no more be haughty because of My holy mountain. I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD. The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.” I leave it to those who are able, after a careful study of the whole subject, to unfold the meaning of this prophecy, and especially to inquire into the signification of the words, “When the whole earth is destroyed, there will be turned upon the peoples a language according to their race,” as things were before the confusion of tongues. Let them also carefully consider the promise, that all shall call upon the name of the Lord, and serve Him with one consent [Zephaniah 3:9]; also that all contemptuous reproach shall be taken away, and there shall be no longer any injustice, or vain speech, or a deceitful tongue. …” – Blessed Origen of Alexandria, the Great but surprisingly Modest Exegete of the Eastern Church, “Nicknamed: Admantius or Man of Steel”, Tortured and Martyred for Christ (c. 184 AD – c. 253 AD)

 

Source (‘Contra Celcus’, BOOK VIII, CHAP. LXXII): http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/origen168.html

 

Bible Verse proving the explanation above true as it is Written:

“8“Therefore wait for Me,” says the Lord,

“Until the day I rise up 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 language,

That they all may call on the name of the Lord,

To serve Him with one accord.” (Zephaniah 3:8 – 9, NKJV)

Context:

“For then I will restore to the peoples a pure language,

That they all may call on the name of the Lord,

To serve Him with one accord.” (Zephaniah 3:9, NKJV)

—> upon “All” whom His Anger is Poured among the Gentiles/Nations first:

“Therefore wait for Me,” says the Lord, “Until the day I rise up 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.” (Zephaniah 3:8, NKJV)

Hope is Real, may God’s Will be Done.  He can Truly do “Anything” including “Save” in “All His fierce anger” and in ‘fire’ or “fire of His jealousy” after He “pours on them His indignation” —> causing this change eventually upon those who undergo it —> “For then I will restore to the peoples a pure language, That they all may call on the name of the Lord, To serve Him with one accord.”

If it happens for ‘some’, we can surely Ask for others too Right? Nothing wrong in asking, let God Decide.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prophecy in Scripture – Book of Revelation

 

Question

Have you studied the Book of Revelation from a Preterist View that it was fulfilled in 70 AD Theory (first century)?

 

Reply

Yes I have (a little through reading Preterists posts too). It was a “type” not the “actual”. St. Irenaeous has explained a few types of Antichrists in his time and Christians throughout history have matched even say Hitler etc. But all have some ‘missing’ prophecies including the 70 AD theory and hence it’s not that.

 

The Final Antichrist and Christ’s Second Coming will fulfill everything as it is Written. It shows that the “types” are in the ‘similar style / methodology’. No church fathers or First Christians were preterists, not even one and the first preterists were Jesuit priests were as follows:

“… Jesuit Luis de Alcasar (1554–1613) wrote the first systematic preterist exposition of prophecy—Vestigatio arcani sensus in Apocalypsi (published in 1614)—during the Counter-Reformation. …”.

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

Preterism study done by these can be useful to determine or help predict how the final Antichrist prophecy might be fulfilled as Satan will try with many Antichrist attempts first (as there are many Antichrists to come first before the Final one, 1 John 2:18).

 

Conclusion

 

More reasons why I’m not a preterist in any way is explained in posts below:

  1. Preterism – I am not a Preterist

https://www.anonymouschristian.org/blog/preterism-i-am-not-a-preterist/

 

  1. Preterism – A Word AGAINST it

 

https://www.anonymouschristian.org/blog/preterism-a-word-against-it/

 

  1. Preterism’s Allegorical vs Bible Literal or Both?

https://www.anonymouschristian.org/blog/preterisms-allegorical-vs-bible-literal-or-both/

 

  1. Hell – Apostle Paul – The Whole Counsel of God

 

https://www.anonymouschristian.org/blog/hell-apostle-paul-the-whole-counsel-of-god/

 

I will demonstrate an example, as this Verse is often used by Preterists to indicate that all these happened at 70 AD onward:

 

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

I believe as per the First Christianity Explanation below:

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

Source:(via Historian Mr. Philip Schaff):

 

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

Also the fact that no early “Church Father” (or better termed, “Church Leader”) believed in Preterism’s 70 AD theory as a fulfillment (be it partial or somewhat) of the Book of Revelation itself contradicts the Verse below:

“knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation,” (2 Peter 1:20, NKJV)

 

To prove that there is ‘no private interpretation done’, we must demonstrate that our belief in the way we understand prophecy is the same as at least one early Church Leader, for example:

 

1) Chiliasm (St. Justin Martyr, St. Irenaeous of Lyons).

 

2) Christ Centered Universalism (St. Hillary of Poitiers, Origen of Alexandria, St. Clement of Alexandria, Apocalypse of Peter, Apocalypse of Elijah, Apocalypse of Zephaniah, the Christian-Jewish Sibyline Oracles, the Epistle of the Apostles, St. Julian of Norwich’s Visions & even the Visions of Sadhu Sundar Singh)

 

3) Salvation of some/all from the Lake of Fire eventually (St. Gregory Nazianzus, St. Ambrose of Milan, Book of Enoch)

 

4) Salvation from Hades or Hell now for some (St. Maximos the Confessor, St. Clement of Alexandria, St. Cyril of Alexandria, Sadhu Sundar Singh, Shepherd of Hermas)

 

5) Eternal Hell (Tertullian, St. Augustine)

 

Comment: Regarding the word translated a “forever” may actually mean to the “age/aeon” or “ages/aeons” has Scriptural demonstrations too; please consider this post below [The same post is in Pages 1311 – 1315 in the link in Book below, next link]:

 

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159410771327784

 

 

More is discussed regarding those quotes in free downloadable ebook in link below:

 

 

Click the button above to Download as PDFClick the button above to Download as in Google Book App

Note: ‘Apocalypse of Peter & Shepherd of Hermas’ are “Scripture” in the First Bibles of Christianity called the Muratorian/Roman Canon in the West and Codex Claromontanus in the East. The “Book of Enoch” is also considered “Scripture” by many early Church fathers.

This is not an exhaustive list but an instructive one.

 

Even if the word is ‘Eternal’ say in Matthew 25:46 referring to the wicked’s punishment, we can still understand it as the sentence is ‘conditional’ to ‘repentance’ whilst being judged in the Lake of Fire/Gehenna meaning that if a person repents there & the righteous (Christians in Heaven pray for them), it is possible that they may be Saved into an “outer” region after that.

 

The Verses below give that Possibility of Hope to be Saved on Judgment Day as ‘Every Knee Confesses Jesus is Lord’ (Romans 14:11, Philippians 2:9 – 11) and ‘Swears allegiance to Him eventually’ (Isaiah 45:23) post ‘all His Anger’ and “Fire” as those upon whom His Anger/Fire is poured seems to be ‘purified’ as they Speak “… a pure language, That they all may call on the name of the Lord, to serve Him with one accord …” means.

 

“8“Therefore wait for Me,” says the Lord,

“Until the day I rise up 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 language,

That they all may call on the name of the Lord,

To serve Him with one accord.” (Zephaniah 3:8 – 9, NKJV)

Even if it happens for one person on Judgment Day, it proves that it ‘can’ Happen making this a “Biblical Hope” and so, we can pray for them (yes, “all men” too to be Saved in that manner too as per 1 Timothy 2:1, 1 Timothy 2:4, 1 Timothy 2:6, 1 Timothy 4:10) but let God Alone Decide which He Wills in the End. Probably the Book of Enoch Prophecy (below) reveals one aspect of how Zephaniah 3:8 – 9 is fulfilled as follows (toward a possible ‘non-Elect Salvation Hope’):

“… 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

 

Focus Phrase: “… And He will cause the others [the sinners and/or Wicked] 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 [John 14:6] SHALL THEY BE SAVED [Joel 2:32, Romans 10:13, Matthew 12:21], And the Lord of Spirits will have compassion on them …” – Book of Enoch.

 

If God Gives such a Great Last Hope of Repentance on Judgment Day whilst they’re in the Lake of Fire or before it and yet still if anyone rejects and prefers to choose Hell, then it’s well deserved that such a person burns forever by his choice as the “Book of Enoch” Prophecy points. However Zephaniah 3:8 – 9 seems to echo a ‘Happy Ending Generally’ and so ‘we can Hope for it as Christians’ as I don’t think anyone will be foolish enough to ‘reject Him on Judgment Day’ when such an offer is made though it be a ‘Salvation without honour’ (due to absence of faith and/or works).

 

As usual, I present the evidence and each decide for themselves what they believe. My aim is to demonstrate that Biblical Prophecy is far more complex and First Christianity evidence is abundant toward Christ Centered Universalism Hope. These First Christianity believers I quote are ‘not heretics’ but Christians too (even as St. Augustine did not consider those who believe in Christ Centered Universalism as heretics).This is discussed further in the post below titled “FAQ – Are Christian Universalists Heretics?”

 

https://web.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10159377402047784&set=a.10152290889267784&type=3

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last Hour – Preterism Mystery

 

Question

 

“Preterism study done by these can be useful to determine or help predict how the final Antichrist prophecy might be fulfilled as Satan will try with many Antichrist attempts first (as there are many Antichrists to come first before the Final one, 1 John 2:18).” Jonathan….I realize that to the Father an hour is not the same as our hours, but what does John mean in 1 John 2:18 when he says that “it is the last hour?” and that “even now many antichrists have have arisen whereby we know that it is the last hour?” Thanks.

 

Reply

 

Good question sir. Bible Verses here:

 

“Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.” (1 John 2:18, NKJV)

 

“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)

 

“3Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” 4And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. … 46And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matthew 24: 3 – 4, Matthew 25:46, NKJV)

 

The last hour referred to refers to the last hour of the Old Covenant as it is consummated with the Destruction of the Temple which happened around 70 AD (Matthew 24:1 – 2). The last thing to be fulfilled to signify the end of the Old Covenant is the Destruction of the Temple. Please notice carefully that Matthew 24:1 – 2 is distinct and “not” part of the Answer to the question describing the “end of the age” and the “Sign of Christ’s Second Coming” (Matthew 24:3) which only begins from Matthew 24:3 onward till Matthew 25:46.

 

The New Testament begins with “Today as the Day of Salvation” (this time period, 2 Corinthians 6:2 which has its ‘own hours’) whose beginning and end of that Day is described in Matthew 24:3 – 51. So Matthew 24:34’s “this generation” refers to the entire New Covenant Time Period under First Christianity’s Chiliasm Context.

 

Matthew 25:1 – 13 describes the Beginning of the Final Messianic Day, i. e. the First Resurrection. Matthew 25:14 – 31 the 1000 years Millennial Reign toward some of the mortals (e.g. “sinners” in Isaiah 65:20) among men toward fulfillment of Jewish Prophecies as Chiliasm has taught (Isaiah 65:20 – 25, NKJV).

 

Please notice carefully that at the start of this Millennial Reign “the false prophet” and “the beast/antichrist” are thrown into the “Lake of Fire” (Revelation 19:20) while “Satan” is locked up in a bottomless pit for this thousand years (Revelation 20:1 – 3). This 1000 years Millennial Reign ends with one last deception where ‘Satan is released at the end of this 1000 years’ for ‘one last deception’ and the ‘deceived’ nations are destroyed by the Fire of God (Revelation 20:7 – 10). Note that “Satan” is only cast into the “Lake of Fire” at the end of this 1000 years (Revelation 20:10).

 

Matthew 25:31 – 46 Describes Judgment Day toward Gentiles at the End of that Millennial Reign.

 

This is the “Last Day” (John 6:39 – 40) which is the “Hallowed Seventh Day Sabbath Rest of the Righteous” (Hebrews 4:3 – 10) in which the “First Resurrection” (1 Thessalonians 4:16, Revelation 20:4 – 6) happens on the “hour now is” on this Day (John 5:25) while the “Second Resurrection” happens on the “hour is coming” near the end of this 1000 years (Revelation 20:5, Revelation 20:11 – 15, Daniel 12:2, Matthew 25:31 – 46, John 5:28 – 29).

 

Some Preterism thoughts are discussed in post in link below too:

 

https://www.facebook.com/651792783/posts/10159479573052784/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ConclusionHow can Christ Centered Universalism Hope be Possible based on Matthew 25:46?

 

In this understanding, the word “Aeonian” in “Aeonian Kolasin” of Matthew 25:46 toward the Wicked can mean:

 

  1. age-during

or

 

  1. Eternal Sentence cancelled by God’s Mercy as per Mercy triumphs over judgment

or

 

  1. Eternal chastisement aspect relates to loss of gradation and inheritance of Kingdom Eternally living outside of the Kingdom on the new earth or other unnamed places.

or

  1. The punishment is only eternal (conditional) to non-repentance as the Book of Enoch suggests somewhat meaning that if repentance occurs, it’s not eternal anymore sir.

These possibilities are discussed with Bible Verses and First Christianity Quotes in free downloadable e-book in link below:

 

 

Click the button above to Download as PDFClick the button above to Download as in Google Book App

 

 

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Old Covenant to New Covenant to the Millennium – Timeline

 

1) When did the New Covenant Start?

 

“… Generally, Christians believe that the promised New Covenant was instituted at the Last Supper as part of the Eucharist [Luke 22:20], which in the Gospel of John includes the New Commandment. Based on the Bible teaching that, “For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth [Hebrews 9:16 – 17]” …”

 

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

 

Conclusion: The New Covenant Started on the Same Day Christ’s Most Precious Blood was Shed when He Died.

 

2) Overlapping Times

 

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159482734452784

 

In the previous post (in link above), we claimed that the “last hour” must refer to the ‘last hour in which Old Covenant Ends consummated by the Destruction of the Temple at 70 AD’.

 

In other words, this ‘same’ time period of 40 years (30AD to 70AD) has ‘two labels’ being part of the “Day” for each of the Old and New Covenants:

 

The ‘last hour’ (in 1 John 2:18) = 30 AD to 70 AD (40 years) = The End of the Old Covenant “Day” = The Start of the New Covenant’s “Day”. Why? discussed next.

 

3) Mystery of the number “40”

 

“16So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, 17which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.” (Colossians 2:16 – 17, NKJV)

 

The Verse above allows for a discussion relating certain numbers as a “type” to the Actual Events linked to Christ. The ‘Mystery of the number 40’ is a Key Mystery which I believe that the “Preterism” Theory views differently based on Verses below:

 

“27Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write these words, for according to the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.” 28So he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he neither ate bread nor drank water. And He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments.” (Exodus 34:27 – 28, NKJV)

 

“1The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” (Acts 1:1 – 3, NKJV)

 

Moses writing down the “Old Covenant” over “40” days is equivalent to Christ’s Resurrection & His Remaining on Earth for “40” days teaching and giving “commandments” to His Chosen Apostles for the “New Covenant”.

 

When Moses instituted the Old Covenant, there was no ‘older Covenant’s remnants’ for him to remove as it is the case with the New Covenant especially since the “Temple” was still standing at 30 AD. So, history seems to point to a second meaning of this number “40” where it took “40” years for that Temple (a physical place of practice & symbol of the ‘Old Covenant’) to be completely destroyed in 70 AD proving that God Chose to Destroy the Temple in a (70AD – 30AD) = “40” year time period.

 

So, whatever Laws that relate to be done in the Temple premises (e.g. ‘ritualistic acts’ such as the purification which apostle Paul himself did in Acts 21:26) ended ‘completely’ with the ‘complete destruction’ of this Temple at 70 AD as Christ Himself Prophesied fulfilling God’s Will:

 

“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)

 

“In that He says, “ A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” (Hebrews 8:13, NKJV)

 

It is clear in Holy Scripture that during this “40” years two things was happening, namely the ‘Writing of the New Covenant Writings’ as well as the ‘nullifying big parts of the Old Covenant’ from 30 AD to 70 AD which God Proved ‘Physically’ by allowing the ‘Destruction of the Temple’ in 70 AD.

 

This means that the “Old Covenant Day” ended exactly on 70 AD while the “New Covenant Day” continued without any Old Covenant remnants on 70 AD onward. This also means that the “40” years between 30 AD to 70 AD consisted of a gradual ‘last hour’ (hence removal/nullifying of fulfilled Old Covenant things) overlapping with the ‘building of the New Covenant Writings & Commands’.

 

4) What about the Christian New Covenant Scripture Written after 70 AD then?

 

There is no rule stating that All Scripture must be Written within these 40 years. For example, majority of the ‘prophetic’ Old Covenant Writings (such as Psalms, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel etc.) were only Written ‘after’ the “40” days Moses wrote the Old Covenant. This proves that no such rule exists even in the past.

 

What are the possible “Scripture” which were Written after 70 AD?

 

“… 22 | Jude | 60’s or 70’s |

23 | John | Late 80’s |

24 | 1 John | late 80’s – early 90’s |

25 | 2 John | late 80’s – early 90’s |

26 | 3 John | late 80’s – early 90’s |

27 | Revelation | late 80’s – early 90’s | …”

 

Source: https://www.alecsatin.com/whats-the-chronological-order-of-the-new-testament-books/

 

Special Focus: Book of Revelation

 

The abundant historical evidence pointing to the Book of Revelation Written ‘after 70 AD’ itself as testified by the Church Fathers who quoted it “first” (e.g. St. Papias, St. Justin Martyr, St. Ireneaous of Lyons) during the reign of the Roman emperor Domitian (AD 81–96). Example quote:

 

“… The author names himself as “John” in the text, but his precise identity remains a point of academic debate. Second-century Christian writers such as Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Melito (the bishop of Sardis), Clement of Alexandria, and the author of the Muratorian fragment identify John the Apostle as the “John” of Revelation. … The bulk of traditional sources date the book to the reign of the Roman emperor Domitian (AD 81–96), which evidence tends to confirm. …”

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

 

The usual Preterists arguments (such as even the Protestant R. C. Sproul) does not hold water when compared to the earliest church leader’s testimony as discussed well in detail n post below:

http://www.evidenceunseen.com/bible-difficulties-2/nt-difficulties/jude/date-of-revelation/

For example,the article above clearly presents that St. Irenaeous of Lyons, Tertulian, St. Victorinus and even Eusebius all clearly stating that the Book of Revelation was Written during the reign of the Roman emperor Domitian (81 AD – 96 AD), which is clearly ‘after 70 AD’.

 

Since Preterists do not have ‘external evidence of such church fathers’, they quote the so called ‘internal evidences’ which are nothing more than ‘… how can it be statements …’ instead of ‘historical facts’ as demonstrated in link above too making their beliefs to be just ‘assumptions’ in regards to ‘when the Book of Revelation was Written’. Please note that since the ‘Book of Revelation’ was clearly written ‘after emperor Nero’s Time’ during ’emperor Domitian’s’ which is clearly ‘after 70 AD’, the preterists theory has nothing to do with the Book of Revelation which proves that being a Book of “Prophecy”, the Book of Revelation Speaks of events ‘after 70 AD’ proving ‘futurism’ as the most abundantly accurate view as per Church History of First Christianity too.

 

I like this Conclusion from this Site:

“… Since the early church fathers had already concluded that 1) the Apostle John was the author of Revelation, 2) the book of Revelation was written near the end of Domitian’s reign, and 3) that the book was written while John was on the Island of Patmos, we can conclude that Augustine of Hippo (A.D. 354 – 430) had no influence on the authorship, dating, or John’s location while writing the book. It is important to note that Augustine lived hundreds of years after these conclusions had already been reached. We can also conclude that John was imprisoned on the Island of Patmos. That is the testimony of both the internal and external evidence. …”

Source: https://www.neverthirsty.org/bible-qa/qa-archives/question/was-the-book-of-revelation-written-by-the-apostle-john-and-before-a-d-47/

 

More is discussed in this link below too:

https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1552-when-was-the-book-of-revelation-written

 

5) 7 Ages/Olam/Aeons Theory

 

  1. i) Early Christianity

 

“… The Six Ages, as formulated by Augustine of Hippo, are defined in De catechizandis rudibus (On the catechizing of the uninstructed), Chapter 22: The First Age “is from the beginning of the human race, that is, from Adam, who was the first man that was made, down to Noah, who constructed the ark at the time of the flood”, i.e. the Antediluvian period. The Second Age “extends from that period on to Abraham, who was called the father indeed of all nations”. The Third Age “extends from Abraham on to David the king”. The Fourth Age is “from David on to that captivity whereby the people of God passed over into Babylonia”. The Fifth Age is “from that transmigration down to the advent of our Lord Jesus Christ” The Sixth Age: “With His [Jesus Christ’s] coming the sixth age has entered on its process.” The Ages reflect the seven days of creation, of which the last day is the rest of Sabbath, illustrating the human journey to find eternal rest with God, a common Christian narrative. …”

 

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

 

  1. ii) Jewish Wisdom

 

“… According to the Talmud,[2] the Midrash,[3] and the ancient Kabbalistic work, the Zohar,[4] the Messiah must arrive before the year 6000 from the time of creation. In Orthodox Jewish belief, the Hebrew calendar dates to the time of creation, making this correspond to the year 2240 on the Gregorian calendar. The Midrash comments: “Six eons for going in and coming out, for war and peace. The seventh eon is entirely Shabbat and rest for life everlasting.”[3] There is a kabbalistic tradition[5] that maintains that each of the seven days of the week, which are based upon the seven days of creation, correspond to the seven millennia of creation. The tradition teaches that the seventh day of the week, the Sabbath day of rest, corresponds to the seventh millennium, the age of universal ‘rest’ – the Messianic Era. …”

 

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

 

 

iii) First Christianity

 

Example quotes:

 

“… For he to erring men Gave, in seven ages for repentance, signs By the hands of a virgin undefiled. …” – Sibyline Oracles (Book II, (269-296.), {p. 50}, Point 380)

 

Source: https://www.sacred-texts.com/cla/sib/sib04.htm

 

“… He says that Origen, after having fabled many things concerning the eternity of the universe, adds this also: Nor yet from Adam, as some say, did man, previously not existing, first take his existence and come into the world. Nor again did the world begin to be made six days before the creation of Adam. But if any one should prefer to differ in these points, let him first say, whether a period of time be not easily reckoned from the creation of the world, according to the Book of Moses, to those who so receive it, the voice of prophecy here proclaiming: “Thou art God from everlasting, and world without end. . . . For a thousand years in Thy sight are but as yesterday: seeing that is past as a watch in the night.” For when a thousand years are reckoned as one day in the sight of God, and from the creation of the world to His rest is six days, so also to our time, six days are defined, as those say who are clever arithmeticians. Therefore, they say that an age of six thousand years extends from Adam to our time. For they say that the judgment will come on the seventh day, that is in the seventh thousand years. Therefore, all the days from our time to that which was in the beginning, in which God created the heaven and the earth, are computed to be thirteen days; before which God, because he had as yet created nothing according to their folly, is stripped of His name of Father and Almighty. But if there are thirteen days in the sight of God from the creation of the world, how can Wisdom say, in the Book of the Son of Sirach: “Who can number the sand of the sea, and the drops of rain, and the days of eternity ?” This is what Origen says seriously, and mark how he trifles. METHODIUS p. 381 …”

 

Source:  https://www.creationism.org/english/EarlyChurchLit6Days_en.htm

 

  1. iv) What does the Bible Actually Say?

The Bible Teaches a literal Seven Days Creation:

“For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.” (Exodus 20:11, NKJV)

 

However, it is possible that each “Day” God means can refer to an “age” (hence the ‘Seven Ages/Aeon/Olam’ Concept prior) keeping the Exodus’ ‘literal meaning intact’ whilst implying an allegorical meaning to our current time (based on the “type” argument of Scripture in Colossians 2:16) based on Verse below too:

 

“But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.” (2 Peter 3:8, NKJV, quoting Psalm 90:4)

 

Here’s an interesting Fact: The Old Covenant’s “Day” lasted more than 1000 years (some would contest that it may have lasted ‘few days’).

 

Here’s a more interesting Fact: However, similarly the New Testament begins with “Today as the Day of Salvation” (this time period, 2 Corinthians 6:2 which has its ‘own hours’) which clearly is ongoing since the time of Christ and so the “New Testament Day/Age” (the current ‘Sixth Age’) is clearly demonstrated by history itself to be more than 2000 years old. This means that 2 Peter 3:8 or Psalm 90:4’s “Day” for the “Lord’s Definition” may NOT always refer to ‘exactly 1000 years’. Only He Alone knows how long it is. And looking retrospectively, the ‘literal six day creation theory’ also may be viewed as longer based on this analogy. Nobody knows for sure but I’m always open to both views.

 

Here’s the most interesting fact: The “only Day” and hene “Age/Aeon/Olam” that is mentioned explicitly mentioned in the Bible to refer to ‘exactly 1000 years’ is ‘Christ’s Millennial Reign or Chiliasm Doctrine’, to quote:

 

“And 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 thousand years. 5But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6Blessed 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 – 6, NKJV)

 

and that this ‘1000 years Millennial Reign’ refers to the “Sabbath Rest” (or First Resurrection above for Christians only, 1 Thessalonians 4:16) as described ‘Allegorically’next gives the possibility that a “Day/Age” word in the Bible can be Viewed “Allegorically” as well whilst maintaining its literal meaning as true too at the same time (only God Knows) and this can be evidenced by understanding Revelation 20:4 – 6 with Hebrews 4:1, 3 – 11 below:

 

“1Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. … 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.” 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 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 4:1, 3 – 11, NKJV)

 

Here’s a First Christianity Chiliastic Quote agreeing to this Mystery:

 

“… 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’ [Isaiah 65:22]obscurely predicts a thousand years. For as Adam was told that in the day he ate of the tree he would die [Genesis 2:17], 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]…” – 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, ‘Dialogue with Trypho’, CHAPTER LXXX)

 

Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/justinmartyr-dialoguetrypho.htm

 

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mystery of the Fruit – Mystery of the Oil

 

Disclaimer: We do not believe that ‘works saves anybody’ (Romans 3:20 – 22, 28, Galatians 2:16) but rather that ‘works determine the order of Salvation be it whether one participates in the First Resurrection (Revelation 20:4 – 6), Second Resurrection (Revelation 20:11 – 15) or even possibly Saved after the Lake of Fire Judgment (1 Corinthians 3:15, Matthew 5:22 – 26)’ and even one’s ranking/rewards in the Heavens (Matthew 5:19) which is discussed say in post below:

 

https://www.anonymouschristian.org/blog/olam-and-lake-of-fire-mystery-in-the-book-of-1enoch/amp

 

0) First Christianity

 

In earlier posts we have discussed that ‘Works = Oil = Fruit’ as First Christianity Taught likewise, example posts:

 

  1. Faith Alone Saves no one as the Elect Mystery

 

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159464856997784

 

  1. Mystery of the Oil in the Vessel

 

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159446220277784

 

In this Post, we will like to show Bible Verses which Reveal more regarding the Importance of Work which is certainly needed to Participate in the First Resurrection:

 

1) Works are Counted in Percentage and Intent of Love in the Heart

 

“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 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.” (Luke 21:1 – 4, NKJV)

 

“… 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.” (Luke 12:48, NKJV)

 

“And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:3, NKJV)

 

Note: The ‘Poor Widow’ can attain to a greater reward than all of us even if her giving of two coins did not have any tangible/measurable effects on earth. This is because say if she was given $10, 000, she would have given it all away likewise something which very few of us can do as this pertains to the ‘Perfect’ as Christ Himself Remarked (Matthew 19:21) as Done by the Blessed Apostles of Christ (Matthew 19:27 – 30). Hence no Christian is at any disadvantage whatsoever as God is Fair in His Wisdom to Judge likewise as these Verses Reveal.

 

2) Burn in Fire Judgment

 

  1. i) Toward “many” Christians who call Him “Lord, Lord” but did not Practice enough ‘works of repentance’ ( or ‘works of Law’ since they chose to practice the opposite namely, “Lawlessness” i.e. ‘no works of the Law lifestyle’ – Can you see it?), Verses:.

 

“14Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.15“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 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:” (Matthew 7:14 – 24, NKJV)

 

Note: I personally think that the ‘burn in fire’ part in the ‘unquenchable fire’ (Matthew 3:12) where their ‘worms do not die’ (Mark 9:48) refers to their ‘carcass/dead bodies without soul’ (Isaiah 66:24) where ‘their souls will undergo weeping and gnashing of teeth’ (Luke 13:28*) because they watch their bodies burn and they cannot participate on the First Resurrection when Christ Returns (Revelation 20:4 – 6) being rejected from ‘Entering the Heavens’ too henceforth “on that Day” (Matthew 7:22).

 

*Here’s a First Christianity quote agreeing to this view of ‘Gnashing of Teeth’ by a Well Respected Saint for both Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodoxy and even Protestants:

 

“…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:

 

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

 

  1. ii) The ‘Wrath to Come’ described above applies to anyone who does not bear good ‘fruit worthy of repentance’ as even Blessed St. John the Baptist has Warned

 

“7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, 9and do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 10And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Matthew 3:7 – 10, NKJV)

 

iii) The “fruit” of ‘repentance’ Blessed St. John the Baptist referred to in the above so that ‘one escapes the Wrath to Come’ (on ‘being rejected from the First Resurrection on the Day Christ Returns’, Matthew 7:22 – 23, Revelation 20:4 – 6) pertains to ‘doing good works’ such as ‘share your tunics (clothes) or food’, ‘do not collect more money than you ought to’, ‘be content with your salary without desiring more & more’ etc. as these Bible Verses (not my opinion) clearly imply:

 

“7Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 9And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” 10So the people asked him, saying, “What shall we do then?” 11He answered and said to them, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.” 12Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13And he said to them, “Collect no more than what is appointed for you.” 14Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, “And what shall we do?” So he said to them, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.” (Luke 3:7 – 14, NKJV)

 

3) Self Check – Are we His Disciples?

 

His Disciples are always ‘zealous for Good Works’ (Counted in “percentage” and not amount as discussed in point 1):

“13looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 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.” (Titus 2:13 – 14, NKJV)

“So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 14:33, NASB)

 

Yes, their ‘percentage’ of ‘Good Works’ is “much” for ‘True Disciples’ as this is the “much fruit” as it is pointed out by many Verses in this post:

 

“5“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:5 – 8, NKJV)

 

Comment: The Preaching of the Gospel is the ‘Casting of the Seed’ as per the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:5 – 9, 18 – 23) in fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) but when we neglect the ‘Making of Disciples according to what Christ has Commanded’ (Matthew 28:20), that ‘seed’ may not produce the “thirtyfold, sixtyfold or hundredfold fruit” of Works/Virtue Level (Matthew 13:8).

 

For example, The Hundredfold fruit/reward level is Promised for certain toward those who give up something significant as Christ Himself points distinctly from the ‘eternal life’ part in Verses below:

 

“And 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.” (Matthew 19:29, NKJV)

 

 

4) What’s the Sign of a ‘Fruit-Bearing Christian’?

 

Being fruitful in every good work = Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light

 

Yes, please note the two phrases above ‘carefully’ and ‘how’ they are linked as described in Verses below:

 

“10that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.” (Colossians 1:10 – 12, NKJV)

 

Conclusion

Remember,

 

“1“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish….” (Matthew 25:1 – 2, NKJV)

Christians are Saved in the First Resurrection onward not because of their works but that ‘they are created to do good works’ which proves them as the ‘Good Fruit’ as God has Predestined this Beforehand, Verses:

” 8For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8 – 10, NKJV)

 

Warning: If we are ‘not careful’ to maintain ‘sufficient Good Works’ (as the foolish Virgins also did have some oil or some good works, as per Matthew 25:1 – 13), we risk being rejected too as the Verses below clearly warn of the implication that a ‘lack of Good Works/Deeds’ can cause a Christian to be “unfruitful” (and we know that the ‘unfruitful’ tree is thrown into the Fire, right?):

” 5He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. … 14Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.” (Titus 3:5 – 8, 14, NASB)

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Almsgiving Secrets from the Bible and First Christianity

 

0) Definition – What is Almsgiving?

 

“… And on this principle of interpretation, our Lord’s saying, “Give alms of such things as ye have, and, behold, all things are clean unto you,” [1232] applies to every useful act that a man does in mercy. Not only, then, the man who gives food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, clothing to the naked, hospitality to the stranger, shelter to the fugitive, who visits the sick and the imprisoned, ransoms the captive, assists the weak, leads the blind, comforts the sorrowful, heals the sick, puts the wanderer on the right path, gives advice to the perplexed, and supplies the wants of the needy, — not this man only, but the man who pardons the sinner also gives alms; and the man who corrects with blows, or restrains by any kind of discipline one over whom he has power, and who at the same time forgives from the heart the sin by which he was injured, or prays that it may be forgiven, is also a giver of alms, not only in that he forgives, or prays for forgiveness for the sin, but also in that he rebukes and corrects the sinner: for in this, too, he shows mercy. Now much good is bestowed upon unwilling recipients, when their advantage and not their pleasure is consulted; and they themselves frequently prove to be their own enemies, while their true friends are those whom they take for their enemies, and to whom in their blindness they return evil for good. (A Christian, indeed, is not permitted to return evil even for evil. [1233] ) And thus there are many kinds of alms, by giving of which we assist to procure the pardon of our sins. …” – 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, Enchiridion, Chapter 72)

 

Source:

 

https://biblehub.com/library/augustine/the_enchiridion/chapter_72_there_are_many_kinds.htm

 

Footnotes:

[1232] Luke 11:41

[1233] Romans 12:17; Matthew 5:44

 

Note: It is well known that Blessed St. Augustine of Hippo Prayed to Virgin Mary, example in link below:

 

https://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=3174

 

1) Can Almsgiving Atone for the Judgment of Sins?

 

“… 2. The Holy Spirit speaks in the sacred Scriptures, and says, “By almsgiving and faith sins are purged.” [3524] Not assuredly those sins which had been previously contracted, for those are purged by the blood and sanctification of Christ. Moreover, He says again, “As water extinguisheth fire, so almsgiving quencheth sin.” [3525] Here also it is shown and proved, that as in the laver of saving water the fire of Gehenna* is extinguished, so by almsgiving and works of righteousness the flame of sins is subdued. And because in baptism remission of sins is granted once for all, constant and ceaseless labour, following the likeness of baptism, once again bestows the mercy of God. The Lord teaches this also in the Gospel. For when the disciples were pointed out, as eating and not first washing their hands, He replied and said, “He that made that which is within, made also that which is without. But give alms, and behold all things are clean unto you;” [3526] …” – Blessed St. Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, a pre-eminent Latin writer of Western Christianity until Jerome and Augustine, Martyr for Christ (c. 200 AD – c. 258 AD, Point 2, Treatise viii. On Works and Alms)

Source:

https://biblehub.com/library/cyprian/the_treatises_of_cyprian/treatise_viii_on_works_and.htm

Footnotes:

 

[3524] Proverbs 16:6. [“By mercy and truth,” etc., Eng. Version.]

[3525] Ecclus. iii. 30.

[3526] Luke 11:41.

 

*Gehenna = Lake of Fire (Matthew 5:22, Matthew 10:28, Revelation 20:11 – 15)

Comment: Please note that St. Cyprian quotes the Book of Sirach and also known as the Book of Ecclesiasticus specifically Sirach 3:30 as ‘Scripture by the Holy Spirit’ in his quote above.

Who is Blessed St. Cyprian of Carthage?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyprian

 

Note: Blessed St. Cyprian of Carthage does “not” have any Prayer to Virgin Mary in his writings.

 

This rarely understood but important aspect of Almsgiving as it relates to the “Judgement of Sins” is discussed in more detail in post below:

 

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159475188882784:0

 

2) Repentance, Fasting and Prayer only works Best with Almsgiving

 

“… 4. Finally, beloved brethren, the divine admonition in the Scriptures, as well old as new, has never failed, has never been silent in urging God’s people always and everywhere to works of mercy; and in the strain and exhortation of the Holy Spirit, every one who is instructed into the hope of the heavenly kingdom is commanded to give alms. God commands and prescribes to Isaiah: “Cry,” says He, “with strength, and spare not. Lift up thy voice as a trumpet, and declare to my people their transgressions, and to the house of Jacob their sins.” [3529] And when He had commanded their sins to be charged upon them, and with the full force of His indignation had set forth their iniquities, and had said, that not even though they should use supplications, and prayers, and fastings, should they be able to make atonement for their sins; nor, if they were clothed in sackcloth and ashes, be able to soften God’s anger, yet in the last part showing that God can be appeased by almsgiving alone, he added, saying, “Break thy bread to the hungry, and bring the poor that are without a home into thy house. If thou seest the naked, clothe him; and despise not the household of thine own seed. Then shall thy light break forth in season, and thy garments shall arise speedily; and righteousness shall go before thee, and the glory of God shall surround thee. Then shalt thou cry, and God shall hear thee; whilst yet thou art speaking, He shall say, Here I am.” [3530] …” – Blessed St. Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, a pre-eminent Latin writer of Western Christianity until Jerome and Augustine, Martyr for Christ (c. 200 AD – c. 258 AD, Point 4, Treatise viii. On Works and Alms)

Source:

https://biblehub.com/library/cyprian/the_treatises_of_cyprian/treatise_viii_on_works_and.htm

 

Footnotes:

 

[3529] Isaiah 58:1.

 

[3530] Isaiah 58:1-9.

 

 

3) Almsgiving and its Cancellation of Judgment for Sins applies in both Old Testament and New Testament Times

 

“… 5. The remedies for propitiating God are given in the words of God Himself; the divine instructions have taught what sinners ought to do, that by works of righteousness God is satisfied, that with the deserts of mercy sins are cleansed. And in Solomon we read, “Shut up alms in the heart of the poor, and these shall intercede for thee from all evil.” [3531] And again: “Whoso stoppeth his ears that he may not hear the weak, he also shall call upon God, and there will be none to hear him.” [3532] For he shall not be able to deserve the mercy of the Lord, who himself shall not have been merciful; nor shall he obtain aught from the divine pity in his prayers, who shall not have been humane towards the poor man’s prayer. And this also the Holy Spirit declares in the Psalms, and proves, saying, Blessed is he that considereth of the poor and needy; the Lord will deliver him in the evil day.” [3533] 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 [3534] to thy sins.” [3535] 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.” [3536] 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 [3537] 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.

 

  1. Neither, beloved brethren, are we so bringing forward these things, as that we should not prove what Raphael the angel said, by the testimony of the truth. In the Acts of the Apostles the faith of the fact is established; and that souls are delivered by almsgiving not only from the second, but from the first death, is discovered by the evidence of a matter accomplished and completed. When Tabitha, being greatly given to good works and to bestowing alms, fell sick and died, Peter was summoned to her lifeless body; and when he, with apostolic humanity, had come in haste, there stood around him widows weeping and entreating, showing the cloaks, and coats, and all the garments which they had previously received, and praying for the deceased not by their words, but by her own deeds. Peter felt that what was asked in such a way might be obtained, and that Christ’s aid would not be wanting to the petitioners, since He Himself was clothed in the clothing of the widows. When, therefore, falling on his knees, he had prayed, and — fit advocate for the widows and poor — had brought to the Lord the prayers entrusted to him, turning to the body, which was now lying washed on the bier, [3538] he said, “Tabitha, in the name of Jesus Christ, arise!” [3539] Nor did He fail to bring aid to Peter, who had said in the Gospel, that whatever should be asked in His name should be given. Therefore death is suspended, and the spirit is restored, and, to the marvel and astonishment of all, the revived body is quickened into this worldly light once more; so effectual were the merits of mercy, so much did righteous works avail! She who had conferred upon suffering widows the help needful to live, deserved to be recalled to life by the widows’ petition. …” – Blessed St. Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, a pre-eminent Latin writer of Western Christianity until Jerome and Augustine, Martyr for Christ (c. 200 AD – c. 258 AD, Points 5 – 6, Treatise viii. On Works and Alms)

Source:

https://biblehub.com/library/cyprian/the_treatises_of_cyprian/treatise_viii_on_works_and.htm

 

Footnotes:

 

[3531] Ecclus. xxix. 12.

 

[3532] Proverbs 21:13.

 

[3533] Psalm 41:1.

 

[3534] Some editors read “parcens” instead of “patiens,” making the meaning “sparing to thy sins.”

 

[3535] Daniel 4:27.

 

[3536] Tob. xii. 8, 9.

 

[3537] Some have read for “satientur,” “farciantur,” and others “socientur,” “be filled up,” or “be associated.”

 

[3538] Other translators read, “in the upper chamber.”

 

[3539] Acts 9:40.

 

 

 

4) Tree of Good Fruit and Wise Virgins with Oil Mystery relates Primarily to Almsgiving?

 

“… 8. In fine, He calls those the children of Abraham whom He sees to be laborious in aiding and nourishing the poor. For when Zacchæus 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.” [3545] 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?” [3546] …” – Blessed St. Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, a pre-eminent Latin writer of Western Christianity until Jerome and Augustine, Martyr for Christ (c. 200 AD – c. 258 AD, Point 8, Treatise viii. On Works and Alms)

 

Source:

 

https://biblehub.com/library/cyprian/the_treatises_of_cyprian/treatise_viii_on_works_and.htm

Footnotes:

[3545] Luke 19:8, 9.

[3546] Luke 16:11, 12.

5) Which Christians may be the ‘Christian Pharisees’ who may be unsaved?

 

“… Why is he who does not altogether trust in Christ named and called a Christian? The name of Pharisee is more fitting for you. For when in the Gospel the Lord was discoursing concerning almsgiving, and faithfully and wholesomely warned us to make to ourselves friends of our earthly lucre by provident good works, who might afterwards receive us into eternal dwellings, the Scripture added after this, and said, “But the Pharisees heard all these things, who were very covetous, and they derided Him.” [3555] Some suchlike we see now in the Church, whose closed ears and darkened hearts admit no light from spiritual and saving warnings, of whom we need not wonder that they contemn the servant in his discourses, when we see the Lord Himself despised by such. …” – Blessed St. Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, a pre-eminent Latin writer of Western Christianity until Jerome and Augustine, Martyr for Christ (c. 200 AD – c. 258 AD, Point 12, Treatise viii. On Works and Alms)

 

Source:https://biblehub.com/library/cyprian/the_treatises_of_cyprian/treatise_viii_on_works_and.htm

 

Footnote: [3555] Luke 16:14.

6) God Counts in Percentages and Prosperity Gospel may cause one to not Enter His Kingdom of the Heavens as Christ Warned in Matthew 19:23 – 24 too

 

“… 14. You are mistaken, and are deceived, whosoever you are, that think yourself rich in this world. Listen to the voice of your Lord in the Apocalypse, rebuking men of your stamp with righteous reproaches: “Thou sayest,” says He, “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness may not appear in thee; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see.” [3560] You therefore, who are rich and wealthy, buy for yourself of Christ gold tried by fire; that you may be pure gold, with your filth burnt out as if by fire, if you are purged by almsgiving and righteous works. Buy for yourself white raiment, that you who had been naked according to Adam, and were before frightful and unseemly, may be clothed with the white garment of Christ. And you who are a wealthy and rich matron in Christ’s Church, [3561] anoint your eyes, not with the collyrium of the devil, [3562] but with Christ’s eye-salve, that you may be able to attain to see God, by deserving well of God, both by good works and character.

 

  1. But you who are such as this, cannot labour in the Church. For your eyes, overcast with the gloom of blackness, and shadowed in night, do not see the needy and poor. You are wealthy and rich, and do you think that you celebrate the Lord’s Supper, not at all considering the offering, [3563] who come to the Lord’s Supper without a sacrifice, and yet take part of the sacrifice which the poor man has offered? Consider in the Gospel the widow that remembered the heavenly precepts, doing good even amidst the difficulties and straits of poverty, casting two mites, which were all that she had, into the treasury; whom when the Lord observed and saw, regarding her work not for its abundance, but for its intention, and considering not how much, but from how much, she had given, He answered and said, “Verily I say unto you, that that widow hath cast in more than they all into the offerings of God. For all these have, of that which they had in abundance, cast in unto the offerings of God; but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.” [3564] Greatly blessed and glorious woman, who even before the day of judgment hast merited to be praised by the voice of the Judge! Let the rich be ashamed of their barrenness and unbelief. The widow, the widow needy in means, [3565] is found rich in works. And although everything that is given is conferred upon widows and orphans, she gives, whom it behoved to receive, that we may know thence what punishment, awaits the barren rich man, when by this very instance even the poor ought to labour in good works. And in order that we may understand that their labours are given to God, and that whoever performs them deserves well of the Lord, Christ calls this “the offerings of God,” and intimates that the widow has cast in two farthings into the offerings of God, that it may be more abundantly evident that he who hath pity on the poor lendeth to God. …” – Blessed St. Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, a pre-eminent Latin writer of Western Christianity until Jerome and Augustine, Martyr for Christ (c. 200 AD – c. 258 AD, Points 14 – 15, Treatise viii. On Works and Alms)

Source:https://biblehub.com/library/cyprian/the_treatises_of_cyprian/treatise_viii_on_works_and.htm

 

Footnotes:

[3560] Revelation 3:17, 18.

 

[3561] These words, “in Christ’s Church,” are omitted in a few texts.

 

[3562] [See Tertullian, vol. iv. p. 19; and for men, p. 22. Also, “eyelid-powder,” p. 23.]

 

[3563] “Corban.” [The note of the Oxford translation is useful in this place, quoting from Palmer, Antiq., iv. 8. But see Pellicia, Polity, etc., p. 237, trans. London, Masters, 1883.]

 

[3564] Luke 21:3, 4.

 

[3565] This is differently read “a widow, a poor widow is found,” etc.; or, “a woman widowed and poor.”

 

7) Is the Book of Tobit Mystery regarding those who do much Almsgiving are Spared the Judgment of Hell as expounded by Blessed Archangel Raphael, true?

 

Yes according to Blessed St. Cyprian who sees the Book of Tobit as “Scripture” too, to quote:

 

“… 20. Be rather such a father to your children as was Tobias. Give useful and saving precepts to your pledges, such as he gave to his son; command your children what he also commanded his son, saying: “And now, my son, I command thee, serve God in truth, and do before Him that which pleaseth Him; and command thy sons, that they exercise righteousness and alms, and be mindful of God, and bless His name always.” [3576] And again: “All the days of thy life, most dear son, have God in your mind, and be not willing to transgress His commandments. Do righteousness all the days of thy life, and be not willing to walk in the way of iniquity; because if thou deal truly, there will be respect of thy works. Give alms of thy substance, and turn not away thy face from any poor man. So shall it be, that neither shall the face of God be turned away from thee. As thou hast, my son, so do. If thy substance is abundant, give alms of it the more. If thou hast little, communicate of that little. And fear not when thou doest alms; for thou layest up a good reward for thyself against the day of necessity, because that alms do deliver from death, and suffereth not to come into Gehenna*. Alms is a good gift to all that give it, in the sight of the most high God.” [3577] …” – Blessed St. Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, a pre-eminent Latin writer of Western Christianity until Jerome and Augustine, Martyr for Christ (c. 200 AD – c. 258 AD, Points 20, Treatise viii. On Works and Alms)

 

Source:

https://biblehub.com/library/cyprian/the_treatises_of_cyprian/treatise_viii_on_works_and.htm

 

Footnotes:

 

[3576] Tob. xiv. 10, 11.

 

[3577] Tob. iv. 5-11.

*Gehenna = Lake of Fire (Matthew 5:22, Matthew 10:28, Revelation 20:11 – 15)

 

 

8) Does the Bible Teach that “AlmsGiving atones for sins” in the Protestant Bible Canon?

 

Yes:

 

“By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.” (Proverbs 16:6, KJV)

Interestingly the Verse above is not found in the Septuaging or LXX, link:

 

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lxx/pro/16/1/t_conc_644006

 

Here’s a more accurate Verse to see these Meanings:

“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

 

Focus Phrase for the ‘Almsgiving to the Poor cancelling the Judgment of Sins’ part: “… break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor …”

 

 

” 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

Focus Phrase for the ‘Almsgiving to the Poor cancelling the Judgment of Sins’ part: “… and atone for thy sins by alms, and thine iniquities by compassion on the poor: …”

 

Regarding the possibility that the ‘Septuagint’ translation may be more accurate (though in this case it does not matter as either one of the Verses above prove this Biblical Truth), please consider the post below:

 

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159552065317784

 

9) Treasure in the Heavens

 

This aspect is discussed in detail in post below with plenty of Bible Verses:

 

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159410988427784

 

“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)

If ‘entering the Kingdom of Heaven’ has nothing to do with the “work” of ‘what you do with your riches/money’, then the Verse above has no meaning. In fact, please notice the word “hard” and if God Says it’s “hard” but possible, I would take an extra attention to ‘money related Verses and what Christ Himself Commanded to Do’ (e.g. Luke 12:21, Matthew 6:19 – 21, Luke 12:33 – 34, Jame 5:5, Luke 16:25, Matthew 19:21, Matthew 19:27 – 30, Acts 2:44 – 46, Acts 4:32 – 34, Galatians 6:2) – can you see it?

Conclusion – How to be a Wise Christian Financially?

Example 1: Blessed St. Augustine of Hippo encouraging a ‘Donating Lifestyle’

 

“… We can see Augustine’s method in his choice of metaphors. In order to inject the notion of a transfer of treasure from earth to heaven through almsgiving with a thrill that it may not have possessed in the minds of many, he appealed to the sense of risk that was part of the adrenaline of wealth for the landowners, artisans, and merchants of coastal cities such as Carthage and Hippo. “God wishes you to invest what you have [by sending it to heaven], not to throw it away,” was his refrain. He preached to persons who were used to the tense hiatus that the treacherous seas placed, every year, between their own landed wealth—their grain, olive oil, and fine pottery—and the hope of profit through successful sales on the far side of the Mediterranean, in Italy, and elsewhere. His audiences were accustomed to the complex loans that helped them to handle this situation. To give to the poor, Augustine explained, was no different: They were sending their wealth to a distant land. …”

Source: https://www.laphamsquarterly.org/philanthropy/treasure-heaven

 

Example 2: Blessed Florence Nightingale (Founder of Modern Nursing) did not ‘give away her wealth immediately’ but used it to finance her life while she could provide ‘humanitarian services or alms for free’

 

 

“… Her father had given her an annual income of £500 (roughly £40,000/US$65,000 in present terms), which allowed her to live comfortably and to pursue her career. …”

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

 

More about her life details is discussed in post below:

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159496238932784

 

“… Give to every one who asks you, and ask it not back; for the Father wills that to all should be given of our own blessings (free gifts). Happy is he who gives according to the commandment, for he is guiltless. WOE to HIM WHO RECEIVES; for if one receives who has need, he is guiltless; but he who RECEIVES NOT having NEED shall PAY the PENALTY, why he received and for what. And coming into CONFINEMENT, he shall be EXAMINED concerning the THINGS which he HAS DONE, and he shall NOT ESCAPE from THERE until he PAYS back the LAST PENNY. And also concerning this, it has been said, Let your alms sweat in your hands, until you know to whom you should give…” – The Didache, The Lord’s Teaching Through the Twelve Apostles to the Nations. (1st Century, Chapter 1. The Two Ways and the First Commandment)

 

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

 

The phrase ‘let your alms sweat in your hands’ in the Didache Verse above allows this Way of slowly giving out what you have (where you can write a will to give away what you have in the end to a poor person, a person who does ministry to carry out like-services or to a charity upon death too).

 

Now since God Counts everything by Percentage and Love (1 Corinthians 13:3), it is possible that even if say you save up $100, 000 by age 60 but you never use it for yourself at all but invest it to finance your life to fulfill the ‘Almsgiving Commands of Christ’ by ‘free service toward others’, it is possible that such a ‘life of charity or service’ has Great Rewards since ‘the abstinence from self pampering is measured relatively’ especially in that you didn’t spend it on luxury but to finance a lifestyle to serve others (James 4:3).

 

I do not think that it is considered hoarded treasure if you were not planning to use it for ‘self luxury’ (e.g. fine lifestyle or fine food or fine holidays) but was Saving to finance yourself to serve others for free or to donate to the poor/charity at the end of your life by yourself living in ‘Voluntary Poverty’, i.e. ‘not storing up for oneself’ (Luke 12:21), Verses:

 

“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.” (James 5:1 – 3, NKJV)

You may ask God how else you can Serve Him Financially as these are just examples.

Last but not least, Almsgiving done with another person’s money surely has ‘lesser value’ than if done with one’s “own money”, Verses:

“24Then the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. 25And David built there an altar to the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the Lord heeded the prayers for the land, and the plague was withdrawn from Israel.” (2 Samuel 24:25, NKJV)

 

 

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sons of Abraham Mystery – Are we Sons of Abraham?

 

“Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. … And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:7, 29, NKJV)

 

Someone said, ‘I am more interested in the Faith First Delivered than in the faith once delivered’.

 

0) What type of Faith?

 

  1. A Faith with “Works” especially Charity Works which Provide for the Needs of others

 

“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 2:14 – 17, NKJV)

 

 

  1. A Faith which has “suffering” and ‘not prosperity lifestyle’

 

“and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” (Romans 8:17, NKJV)

 

“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (1 Timothy 3:12, NKJV)

 

“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)

 

“I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Revelation 1:9, NKJV)

 

 

“8“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: 9“I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” ’ (Revelation 2:8 – 11, NKJV)

 

 

“For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,” (Philippians 1:29, NKJV)

 

“Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” (1 Peter 5:9, NKJV)

 

“So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” (Acts 5:41, NKJV)

 

“12Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” (1 Peter 4:12 – 16, NKJV)

 

iii. A Faith which “Endures” in Christ

 

“If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.” (2 Timothy 2:12, NKJV)

 

  1. A Faith of “Overcomers” which has “Works”, “Labor”, “Patience” and even “tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars”

 

“1“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. 6But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7“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 2:1 – 7, NKJV)

 

  1. A Faith which may be Spared from the Great Tribulation or Martyrdom or Equivalent must still have “works” and belong not those with ‘plenty/prosperity’ but the opposite namely, they “have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name” and “have kept My command to persevere”

[Please note those “phrases” carefully in Verse below]:

 

“7“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write,‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”: 8“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 10Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” (Revelation 3:7 – 11, NKJV)

1) Mystery of Blessed Patriarch Abraham’s Faith – A Faith with “Great Works” to Match it

 

“39They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. 40But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this.” (John 8:39 – 40, NKJV)

Note: Please notice carefully that Christ did not say to ‘believe like Abraham only’ but clearly mentions the “Works” aspect as Christ Himself declares in the above that the true Children of Faith in Abraham must also “do the works of Abraham”. Deep.

 

“… 4. Let us hear how the Lord answered them, praising Abraham to their condemnation. Jesus says unto them, If you are Abraham’s children, do the works of Abraham. But now you seek to kill me, a man that has told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. See, he was praised, they were condemned. Abraham was no manslayer. I say not, He implies, I am Abraham’s Lord; though did I say it, I would say the truth. For He said in another place, Before Abraham was, I am John 8:58; and then they sought to stone Him. He said not so. But meanwhile, as you see me, as you look upon me, as alone you think of me, I am a man. Wherefore, then, wish you to kill a man who is telling you what he has heard of God, but because you are not the children of Abraham? And yet He said above, I know that you are Abraham’s children. He does not deny their origin, but condemns their deeds. Their flesh was from him, but not their life. 5…. Yet they had come to be changed, because at all events to be baptized; and he said to them, O generation of vipers, who has warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance. And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father; for God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. Matthew 3:7-9 If you bring not forth fruits meet for repentance, flatter not yourselves about such a lineage. God is able to condemn you, without defrauding Abraham of children. For He has a way to raise up children to Abraham. Those who imitate his faith shall be made his children. …” – 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, ‘Commentary John 8’ , Tractate 42 (John 8:37-47))

 

Source:

 

https://sites.google.com/site/aquinasstudybible/home/gospel-of-john-commentary/st-augustine-on-john/augustine-on-john-8

 

2) Mystery of Blessed Patriarch Abraham’s Faith – One who was Exceedingly Hospitable

 

“… I. Abraham lived the measure of his life, nine hundred and ninety-five years, and having lived all the years of his life in quietness, gentleness, and righteousness, the righteous one was exceeding hospitable; for, pitching his tent in the cross-ways at the oak of Mamre, he received every one, both rich and poor, kings and rulers, the maimed and the helpless, friends and strangers, neighbors and travelers, all alike did the devout, all-holy, righteous, and hospitable Abraham entertain. Even upon him, however, there came the common, inexorable, bitter lot of death, and the uncertain end of life. Therefore the Lord God, summoning his archangel Michael, said to him: Go down, chief-captain [3991] Michael, to Abraham and speak to him concerning his death, that he may set his affairs in order, for I have blessed him as the stars of heaven, and as the sand by the sea-shore, and he is in abundance of long life and many possessions, and is becoming exceeding rich. Beyond all men, moreover, he is righteous in every goodness, hospitable and loving to the end of his life; but do thou, archangel Michael, go to Abraham, my beloved friend, and announce to him his death and assure him thus: Thou shalt at this time depart from this vain world, and shalt quit the body, and go to thine own Lord among the good. …” – Testament of Abraham (Point I)

Source:

https://biblehub.com/library/unknown/the_testament_of_abraham/the_testament_of_abraham_version.htm

Note: Please note carefully how Abraham was called “the righteous one was exceeding hospitable” in the writing above which means he ‘shared his possessions and riches with almost anyone he came in contact with’.

More about this Mysterious ‘Testament of Abraham Writing’ (its origin etc.) may be read in link below:

 

https://biblehub.com/library/unknown/the_testament_of_abraham/the_testament_of_abraham_introduction.htm

 

3) Mystery of Blessed Patriarch Abraham’s Faith – His Hospitality is Echoed in the Bible

 

“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.” (Hebrews 13:2, NKJV)

 

The Verse above primarily refers to Blessed Patriarch Abraham, to quote:

 

“… But that they were angels the Scripture testifies, not only in this book of Genesis, in which these transactions are related, but also in the Epistle to the Hebrews, where in praising hospitality it is said, “For thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” [935] By these three men, then, when a son Isaac was again promised to Abraham by Sarah, such a divine oracle was also given that it was said, “Abraham shall become a great and numerous nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him.” [936] And here these two things, are promised with the utmost brevity and fullness, — the nation of Israel according to the flesh, and all nations according to faith. …” – 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, ‘City of God’ , Chapter 29)

Source:

https://biblehub.com/library/augustine/city_of_god/chapter_29_of_the_three_men.htm

 

Footnotes:

 

[935] Hebrews 13:2.

 

[936] Genesis 18:18.

 

 

 

 

4) Mystery of Blessed Patriarch Abraham’s Faith – First Christianity explicitly noted that a Primary “Work” of “Abraham’s Faith” was ‘his Hospitality to all’ and God was Very Pleased

 

 

  1. i) Blessed St. Ambrose of Milan

 

 

“… To defend the weak, or to help strangers, or to perform similar duties, greatly adds to one’s worth, especially in the case of tried men. Whilst one gets great blame for love of money; wastefulness, also, in the case of priests is very much condemned. 102. The regard in which one is held is also very much enhanced when one rescues a poor man out of the hands of a powerful one, or saves a condemned criminal from death; so long as it can be done without disturbance, for fear that we might seem to be doing it rather for the sake of showing off than for pity’s sake, and so might inflict severer wounds whilst desiring to heal slighter ones. But if one has freed a man who is crushed down by the resources and faction of a powerful person, [528] rather than overwhelmed by the deserts of his own wickedness, then the witness of a great and high opinion grows strong. 103. Hospitality also serves to recommend many. [529] For it is a kind of open display of kindly feelings: so that the stranger may not want hospitality, but be courteously received, and that the door may be open to him when he comes. It is most seemly in the eyes of the whole world that the stranger should be received with honour; that the charm of hospitality should not fail at our table; that we should meet a guest with ready and free service, and look out for his arrival. 104. This especially was Abraham’s praise, [530] for he watched at the door of his tent, that no stranger by any chance might pass by. He carefully kept a lookout, so as to meet the stranger, and anticipate him, and ask him not to pass by, saying: “My lord, if I have found favour in thy sight, pass not by thy servant.” [531] Therefore as a reward for his hospitality, he received the gift of posterity. 105. Lot also, his nephew, [532] who was near to him not only in relationship but also in virtue, on account of his readiness to show hospitality, turned aside the punishment of Sodom from himself and his family. … 107. In all the duties of hospitality kindly feeling must be shown to all, but greater respect must be given to the upright. [533] For “Whosoever receiveth a righteous man, in the name of a righteous man, shall receive a righteous man’s reward,” [534] as the Lord has said. Such is the favour in which hospitality stands with God, that not even the draught of cold water shall fail of getting a reward. [535] Thou seest that Abraham, in looking for guests, received God Himself to entertain. [536] Thou seest that Lot received the angels. [537] And how dost thou know that when thou receivest men, thou dost not receive Christ? Christ may be in the stranger that comes, for Christ is there in the person of the poor, as He Himself says: “I was in prison and thou camest to Me, I was naked and thou didst clothe Me.” [538] . … 109. There are two kinds of free-giving, one arising from liberality, the other from wasteful extravagance. [542] It is a mark of liberality to receive the stranger, to clothe the naked, to redeem the captives, to help the needy. It is wasteful to spend money on expensive banquets and much wine. Wherefore one reads: “Wine is wasteful, drunkenness is abusive.” [543] It is wasteful to spend one’s own wealth merely for the sake of gaining the favour of the people. This they do who spend their inheritance on the games of the circus, or on theatrical pieces and gladiatorial shows, or even a combat of wild beasts, just to surpass the fame of their forefathers for these things. All this that they do is but foolish, for it is not right to be extravagant in spending money even on good works. …” – Blessed Archbishop St. Ambrose of Milan, First Great Latin Doctor of the Church (c. 340 AD – c. 397 AD, Points 102 – 105, 107, 109, ‘Works and Letters of St. Ambrose — St. Ambrose’)

 

Source:

https://biblehub.com/library/ambrose/works_and_letters_of_st_ambrose/chapter_xxi_to_defend_the.htm

 

Comment: Please note carefully how ‘Abraham’ is mentioned as the ‘Primary Example’ of he who Practiced these Virtues making him the ‘Friend of God’.

Footnotes:

 

[528] Cic. de Off. II. 14, 51.

[529] Cic. de Off. II. 18, 64.

[530] Genesis 18 1[ff.

[531] Genesis 18:3.

 

[532] Genesis 19:20.

[533] Cic. de Off. II. 20.

[534] S. Matthew 10:41.

[535] S. Matthew 10:42.

[536] Genesis 18:1 ff.

[537] Genesis 19:3.

[538] S. Matthew 25:36.

 

[542] Cic. de Off. II. 16.

 

[543] Proverbs 20:1.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. ii) Blessed St. Clement of Alexandria

 

“… Moreover, in the Epistle to the Corinthians, the Apostle [2833] Clement also, drawing a picture of the Gnostic, says: [2834] “For who that has sojourned among you has not proved your perfect and firm faith? and has not admired your sound and gentle piety? and has not celebrated the munificent style of your hospitality? and has not felicitated your complete and sure knowledge? For ye did all things impartially, and walked in the ordinances of God;” and so forth. Then more clearly: “Let us fix our eyes on those who have yielded perfect service to His magnificent glory. Let us take Enoch, who, being by his obedience found righteous, was translated; and Noah, who, having believed, was saved; and Abraham, who for his faith and hospitality was called the friend of God, and was the father of Isaac.” “For hospitality and piety, Lot was saved from Sodom.” “For faith and hospitality, Rahab the harlot was saved.” “From patience and faith they walked about in goat-skins, and sheep-skins, and folds of camels’ hair, proclaiming the kingdom of Christ. We name His prophets Elias, and Eliseus, and Ezekiel, and John.” “For Abraham, who for his free faith was called the friend of God,’ was not elated by glory, but modestly said, I am dust and ashes.’ [2835] …” – Blessed St. Clement of Alexandria, Head of the First/Oldest Bible School at Alexandria (c. 150 AD – c. 215 AD, Stromata, Chapter XVII)

 

Source:

 

https://biblehub.com/library/clement/the_stromata_or_miscellanies/chapter_xvii_passages_from_clements_epistle.htm

 

Footnotes:

 

[2833] [The use of this title is noticeable here, on many accounts, as historic.]

 

[2834] [See vol. i.-p. 5-11, et seqq. S.]

 

[2835] Genesis 18:27.

 

Comment: Please note the phrase “and Abraham, who for his faith and hospitality was called the friend of God” in the above.

 

 

 

 

iii) Blessed St. Clement of Rome

 

“… For who ever dwelt even for a short time among you, and did not find your faith to be as fruitful of virtue as it was firmly established? Who did not admire the sobriety and moderation of your godliness in Christ? Who did not proclaim the magnificence of your habitual hospitality? And who did not rejoice over your perfect and well-grounded knowledge? For you did all things without respect of persons, and walked in the commandments of God, being obedient to those who had the rule over you, and giving all fitting honour to the presbyters among you. …” – Blessed St. Clement, Bishop of Rome, an Apostolic Father being a direct Disciple of the Blessed Apostle St. Peter (c.35 AD – c. 99 AD, 1 Clement, Letter of Clement to the Corinthians, Chapter 1)

 

Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/1clement-roberts.html

 

Comment: Please note the phrase “magnificence of your habitual hospitality” and ” did not find your faith to be as fruitful of virtue” in the above to understand the type of “faith and works” which was believed and practiced by the First Christians.

 

Please also note that there is “no” prayer to Virgin Mary or equivalent in Blessed St. Clement of Rome, St. Clement of Alexandria, St. Ambrose of Milan or even in St. Cyprian of Carthage (next) but only in St. Augustine of Hippo only among the ones quoted here. If anyone ‘claims otherwise’, always ask for proof quotes and examine the words in the source.

 

More regarding St. Clement of Rome may be read in Wikipedia link below, where for example it is well known that ‘his name was Written in the Book of Life’ (Bible: Philippians 4:3 mentions him) and ‘he was also mentioned by the Angel of Repentance in the Shepherd of Hermas’ writing even before his death proving him as a reliable Witness to First Christianity Beliefs & Practices:

 

“… A tradition that began in the 3rd and 4th century,[2] has identified him as the Clement that Paul mentioned in Philippians 4:3, a fellow laborer in Christ.[15] While in the mid-19th century it was customary to identify him as a freedman of Titus Flavius Clemens, who was consul with his cousin, the Emperor Domitian, this identification, which no ancient sources suggest, afterwards lost support.[3] The 2nd-century Shepherd of Hermas mentions a Clement whose office it was to communicate with other churches; most likely, this is a reference to Clement I.[16] …”

 

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

 

Footnotes:

 

[2] “Clement of Rome, St.” Cross, F. L. (ed.), The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, (New York: Oxford University Press, 2005).

[15] “Writers of the 3rd and 4th cents., like Origen, Eusebius, and Jerome, equate him (St. Clement I), perhaps, correctly, with the Clement whom St. Paul mentions (Phil. 4:3) as a fellow worker.” — Kelly (1985). The Oxford Dictionary of Popes. Oxford University Press. p. 7.

 

[3] Chapman, John. “Pope St. Clement I.” in The Catholic Encyclopedia 1908

 

[16] Shepherd of Hermas “Vision II,” 4. 3

 

Conclusion – The only Person in the New Testament Bible Called the Son of Abraham by Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ Directly was Zacchaeus

 

“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 19:8 – 10, NKJV)

 

“… 8. In fine, He calls those the children of Abraham whom He sees to be laborious in aiding and nourishing the poor. For when Zacchæus 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.” [3545] 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?” [3546] …” – Blessed St. Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, a pre-eminent Latin writer of Western Christianity until Jerome and Augustine, Martyr for Christ (c. 200 AD – c. 258 AD, Point 8, Treatise viii. On Works and Alms)

 

Source:

 

https://biblehub.com/library/cyprian/the_treatises_of_cyprian/treatise_viii_on_works_and.htm

 

Footnotes:

 

[3545] Luke 19:8, 9.

 

[3546] Luke 16:11, 12.

 

Comment: Please note the phrase ” He calls those the children of Abraham whom He sees to be laborious in aiding and nourishing the poor. ” in Blessed St. Cyprian’s quote above which explains ‘who may be the real Sons of Faith with Works as Blessed Patriarch Abraham was fulfilling the Will of God in their lives according to what they’re given’. Please also notice the ‘Bible Verses’ quoted by these Saints (e.g. in ‘footnotes’) & let us read them and understand it likewise too.

A related post regarding “Almsgiving” is discussed in link below:

 

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159561608677784

Someone said, ‘Faith is not a Belief only but a Lifestyle; where there is no lifestyle of faith, there is no faith there’

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good Works Mystery

 

There are two types of Good Works —> Humanitarian Works vs Religious Works.

 

Humanitarian Works include Charity Works, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, preaching the Gospel, giving out free academic tuition classes/school lessons etc. of which I respect the churches doing a lot of this.

 

Religious works are praying at church, singing at church, financial planning lessons at church, business gatherings at church, merchandising the Gospel via selling of ‘Christian artefacts’ at church, fellowship at church to make more friends, potential business contacts and find a marriage partner or equivalent, etc.

 

I personally believe that only the Humanitarian Works Done are of Greatest Value. The ancient Jewish Pharisees were full of the ‘religious works’ but not the ‘humanitarian works’. Regarding fasting and prayer, God does “not” like communal prayer meetings but prefers that which is done in ‘secret’ and ‘alone’ as Matthew 6:5 – 6 (discussed next) clearly reveals. Therefore regarding ‘religious works’, Christ Taught these are ‘best done in Secret on Earth’. Communal Praying or Worship in Heaven can wait.

 

In fact, not one time in the Gospels Christ held any communal prayer meeting with His Disciples (but when they gathered each prayed alone by themselves, e.g. Matthew 26:40, Luke 5:16) nor did Christ have any communal singing of worship to God. There was little communal prayer in houses and on the Day of Pentecost but that does not nullify Christ’s Own Most Blessed Words which Imply that it is ‘Better’ to do it in ‘Solitary’ as His Life Demonstrated as following Christ is the Best Way (e.g. Mark 1:35, Luke 6:12, Luke 9:28 – 29).

 

  1. i) Charity Works Done in Public in the Synagogue (Church) or in the Street vs Charity Work Done in Secret

 

“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 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 openly.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:1 – 4, NKJV)

 

  1. ii) Praying in the Synagogue (Church) in a Public Prayer Meeting vs Praying in the Room in Secret

 

“But 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 openly.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:5 – 6, NKJV)

 

iii) Fasting by declaring it Publicly at Church vs Fasting in Secret

 

“16“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 17But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:16 – 17, NKJV)

 

So, the Bible clearly Teaches that it is not only about doing a ‘Good Work’ but also ‘How’ one does that Good Work which can make a huge difference in Reward.

 

Indeed, God is Merciful and tolerates all our imperfections but ‘knowing the better way’ as the “Bible Verses” Reveal (e.g. Matthew 6:6 above) it is best to emulate ‘obedience which is better than sacrifice’ (1 Samuel 15:22) the reward of which if not on earth is in the heavens:

 

“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.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:19 – 21, NKJV)

 

Note: The Verses above which I quoted are ‘not out of Context’ but ‘in Context’ simply because these are ‘Consecutive Verses’ meaning that ‘Christ Himself is Speaking each of these Verses in this Order’ to Reveal the ‘Treasure in Heaven’ Reward for those who Practice such. Please take note ‘carefully’.

 

Someone Said:

“… It is only Ministry if it is Free …”

 

“… Freely you have received, freely give. …” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:8, NKJV)

Someone also said, ‘Heretics cannot give anything for free more so if they had to pay for it with their hard earned money’.

 

Please remember Blessed King David himself in Verse below where He does “not” want to Give an Offering to God ‘out of other people’s donation even’ but ‘only that which cost him his money’ (I guess that’s the ‘Way of Biblical Kings’ of which I fall short greatly but I remain fascinated by those who have done it):

“24Then the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. 25And David built there an altar to the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the Lord heeded the prayers for the land, and the plague was withdrawn from Israel.” (2 Samuel 24:25, NKJV)

 

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vanity

 

 

“2“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher;

“Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2, NKJV)

 

 

Who is this Preacher?

 

 

Most likely Blessed King Solomon:

 

“1The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.” (Ecclesiastes 1:1, NKJV)

 

 

Of whom God Promised:

 

“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. 13And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days. 14So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.” (1 Kings 3:10 – 14, NKJV)

 

 

Indeed, king Solomon sinned being led astray by women but regardless he was “beloved” of “God”, Verse:

 

“Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? Yet among many nations there was no king like him, who was beloved of his God; and God made him king over all Israel. Nevertheless pagan women caused even him to sin.” (Nehemiah 13:26, NKJV)

 

 

 

1) Which Pursuits does the Bible Teach as Vanity?

 

Please notice the words “I” and “for myself” carefully in many Verses below where some Christians (especially those who believe in the ‘Prosperity Gospel’) also believe that pursuit of these things are ‘not Vanity’ thereby are ‘deceived’, to quote:

 

“4I made my works great, I built myself houses, and planted myself vineyards. 5I made myself gardens and orchards, and I planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. 6I made myself water pools from which to water the growing trees of the grove. 7I acquired male and female servants, and had servants born in my house. Yes, I had greater possessions of herds and flocks than all who were in Jerusalem before me. 8I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the special treasures of kings and of the provinces. I acquired male and female singers, the delights of the sons of men, and musical instruments of all kinds. 9So I became great and excelled more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. 10Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, For my heart rejoiced in all my labor; And this was my reward from all my labor. 11Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done And on the labor in which I had toiled; And indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 2:4 – 11, NKJV)

 

Please compare these “I” and “for myself” pursuits in life listed above with Christ’s Own Most Blessed Words below:

 

“So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:21, NKJV)

 

Please note the phrase “for himself” carefully in Verse above too agreeing in Context for the one earlier too.

2) What is ‘not Vanity’?

 

  1. i) “Wisdom”

 

“12Then I turned myself to consider wisdom and madness and folly;

For what can the man do who succeeds the king?—

Only what he has already done.

13Then I saw that wisdom excels folly

As light excels darkness.” (Ecclesiastes 2:12 – 13, NKJV)

 

  1. ii) Food and Drink is enjoyment for labor too but “Wisdom” is Way Greater and “sinners” are cursed with being ‘busy with work life’

 

“24Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God. 25For who can eat, or who can have enjoyment, more than I? 26For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting, that he may give to him who is good before God. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 2:24 – 26, NKJV)

 

More?

 

iii) Nothing better in a man’s life goals than to pursue “doing good” = ‘doing good works of any kind, charity works, helping others etc.’

 

“12I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives,” (Ecclesiastes 3:12, NKJV)

 

Perhaps that’s why Christ Commanded below likewise in Verses below too:

 

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.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:33 – 34, NASB)

 

Because these ‘treasures in heaven’ as Christ Calls it are beyond anyone’s imagination:

 

“But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”.” (1 Corinthians 2:9, NKJV)

 

And those who love Him in Verses above refers only to those who obey His Commands (including Luke 12:33 – 34 earlier too, right? In this Context / Topic as well)

 

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:15, NKJV)

 

May God Help us to obey as much as we can so we don’t miss these unimaginable rewards.

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hebrews Mystery and did the Old Testament Prohibit Interracial Marriages?

 

Why?

 

Question

 

Moabites originated as Hebrews. First you say this advice was to preserve a lineage for the Messiah. Later you say the Messiah has an impure lineage. That’s a little confusing. Also Sirach 26.21 gives the reason that one should avoid miscegenation: “So thy race which thou leavest shall be magnified, having confidence of their good descent”. Why seek another explanation?

 

Reply

 

That definition doesn’t prove your intermarriage prohibition Verses ‘due to racial reasons’ as the Law was given to the Israelites and not Hebrews if we ‘assume’ your broader definition in this write up as some of your scholars assert. In other words the broader definition of Hebrew does not make imply any of the descendant of Eber as a ‘People of the Covenant’ but Abraham’s particular lineage through Isaac and Jacob only.

 

Let’s look at the broader Hebrew definition:

 

“… In the Hebrew Bible, the term “Hebrew” is normally used by foreigners (namely, the Egyptians) when speaking about Israelites and sometimes used by Israelites when speaking of themselves to foreigners.[18] In Genesis 11:16-26, Abram is described as a descendant of Eber, from which some writers claim the designation “Hebrew” is derived. In Genesis 14:13, Abraham is described as Avram Ha-Ivri (“Abram the Hebrew”), and which translates literally as “Abram the one who stands on the other side.” Israelites are defined as the descendants of Jacob, son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham. Eber, an ancestor of Jacob (seven generations removed), is a distant ancestor of many people, including the Israelites, Ishmaelites, Edomites, Moabites, Ammonites, Midianites, Amalekites and Qahtanites. …”

 

Source:

 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrews

 

“1When these things were done, the leaders came to me, saying, “The people of Israel and the priests and the Levites have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands, with respect to the abominations of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites. 2For they have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, so that the holy seed is mixed with the peoples of those lands. Indeed, the hand of the leaders and rulers has been foremost in this [a]trespass.” 3So when I heard this thing, I tore my garment and my robe, and plucked out some of the hair of my head and beard, and sat down astonished.” (Ezra 9:1 – 3, NKJV)

 

Conclusion

 

Even under your broader definition of Hebrews to refer to the descendants of Eber (let’s assume it’s true for argument sake), yet your argument of prohibition on interracial marriage does not stand because as you see in the Ezra 9:1 – 3 Verses above, it is particularly mentioned that Israelites (descendants of Jacob/Israel) cannot marry even “Moabites” but Blessed King David is of some Moabite Blood (a prohibitted ‘unclean blood to you’) which means the Messiah has this Blood too as the Messiah shares Blood of King David. Checkmate.

 

In other words, if the rule for interracial marriage in the Old Testament was based on ‘clean race vs unclean race as you claim’, then the Blessed Messiah being King David’s descendant will regardless be contaminated with the unclean blood through Ruth the Moabite (in Ruth 4:13 – 22) whom Prophet Ezra clearly “bans from marriage in Ezra 9:1 – 3” above.

 

Truth is, Ruth the Moabite was accepted because she submitted to God and did not lead her husband into the sin of serving idols as the Torah/Law Verse in image clearly prohibits interracial marriages based on this “condition” only as the case of Prophet Moses himself (the lawgiver) demomstrates with his interracial marriage with an “Ethiopian wife” (Numbers 12:1) where that Ethiopian woman is certainly “not” a Hebrew as Ethiopians are not from the common ancestor of Eber, right? And so, this Truth is sealed Biblically with the Old Testament Verses only with both the examples of the lawgiver Prophet Moses and the Messianic Lineage example of King David proving this to be the True Meaning. We cannot misunderstand a Law/Torah (Deuteronomy 7:1 – 4) prohibiting interracial marriage with the “condition” they have “not” repented from serving those idols/gods only. So, if this condition is removed as the case of Ruth (Ruth 1:14) or the Ethiopian woman whom Prophet Moses married (Numbers 12:1), such an “interracial marriage” is allowed in Old Testament times itself. So the ‘purity’ preserved meant in Deuteronomy 7:1 – 3 is ‘not racial purity of the flesh’ but ‘spiritual purity’ in the Context of ‘not serving any idols/gods or equivalent’, (the “condition”) and ‘nothing else’.

 

 

Related Posts for further details explanations:

1) Moabites – Ruth in Particular

 

https://www.facebook.com/651792783/posts/10159594085937784/

 

2) Messiah 100% Pure Israelite Lineage Myth

 

https://www.facebook.com/651792783/posts/10159593867947784/

 

3) Racism Misunderstanding since Blessed Prophet Moses

 

https://www.facebook.com/651792783/posts/10159593646662784/

 

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moabites – Ruth in Particular

 

Question

 

Since Moabites have Lot as their direct ancestor who in turn is related to Abraham, doesn’t that prove that Moabites such as Ruth, the great grandmother of Blessed King David is an Israelite too? (if not, this implies that the Messiah has a non-Israelite or non-Hebrew blood via Ruth)

 

Reply

 

No, not at all. A lot of common fallacies there in the argument above. Please allow me to share more accurately.

 

Moabites are not Hebrews. A Hebrew must be one of the lineage of the 12 tribes of Jacob only. You’re really confused by strange teachings or assumptions friend, please read this:

 

“… According to Rashi, it was also due to their gross ingratitude even though Abraham, Israel’s ancestor, had saved Lot, Moab’s ancestor from Sodom. Jeremiah prophesies that Moab’s captivity will be returned in the end of days. …”

 

Source:

 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moab

 

Moab is thus related directly to Lot who is related to Abraham only not Isaac nor Jacob. Relationship in blood to Abraham does not define an Israelite but only if it’s from the particular lineage of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob as it was Jacob’s name changed to “Israel” whose twelve sons define the Twelve Tribes of Israel or Hebrews. No one else is a Hebrew.

If Moab is considered a Hebrew because of his relationship in blood to Lot only directly as an ancestor, then both Ishmael (Abraham’s direct son through maid Hagar) and Esau (Isaac’s other son) are Hebrews too since they contain Abrahamic blood more directly. Truth is, the Bible only teaches that a Hebrew or an Israelite is only when he is descended from the particular lineage of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob.

 

Peace to you

 

Messiah 100% Pure Israelite Lineage Myth

 

The General principle set forth is some of the Deuterocanonical Books (Tobit 4, Sirach 26) warns of foreign wives as a preference of their parents to not marry such to preserve a lineage for the Messiah and/or so that these do not get influenced via their wives to turn toward idols etc. (Nehemiah 13:26).

“… 4Now they took wives of the women of Moab: the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth. And they dwelt there about ten years. … 16But Ruth said:

“Entreat me not to leave you,

Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go;

And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;

Your people shall be my people,

And your God, my God.” (Ruth 1:14, 16, NKJV)

Such foreign Wives are considered “strangers” and are allowed as long as they don’t lead you to other gods (Nehemiah 13:26) as Ruth Bible Verses above clearly allow (Ruth 1:14, 16) as Ruth is from Moabites descent who enticed Israelites into “Whoredom Idolatry” from ancient times too (Numbers 25:1 – 18) and the Verse below allows for “non-Israelite descents” this Rule,

 

“The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 19:23, NKJV)

 

Yes, Leviticus 19:23 can apply to marriage to a foreigner or stranger or generally even as long as they respect God’s Law.

 

Please note carefully that Ruth 4:17 – 22 clearly indicates that Blessed Ruth descending from Moabite Idolaters lineage is a Great Grandmother to that Legendary Blessed King David himself meaning she is a blood ancestor to Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ himself (via Blessed Virgin Mary) meaning further that her interracial marriage is approved Biblically. Example Verses proving this Truth:

 

“13So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife; and when he went in to her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. 14Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel! 15And may he be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him.” 16Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her bosom, and became a nurse to him. 17Also the neighbor women gave him a name, saying, “There is a son born to Naomi.” And they called his name Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David.” (Ruth 4:13 – 17, NKJV)

 

 

In short, Blessed King David, the man after God’s Own heart himself (Acts 13:22, 1 Samuel 13:14) has “moabite” blood and is of ‘interracial bloodline’, and so dare any of the Jews consider him unclean or ‘not 100% pure’ or ‘defiled’ in any way? (any Jew who is anti-interracial marriage better than Blessed King David himself in Virtue?)

So, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (via Virgin Mary) has Blessed King David’s blood who has Ruth the Moabite blood. Can you see it? So, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ’s Incarnation itself does not have ‘100% Israelite blood only’ proving that such a Jewish Myth had no basis in Scripture. If God Decided it thus, who is man to speak against it?

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Racism Misunderstanding since Blessed Prophet Moses

 

Question

 

Doesn’t the Bible in the Old Testament times encourage racism because Israelites only marry Israelites?

 

Reply

 

The reason for such a rule was because God intended not that Israelites be carried away to worshipping idols etc. due to marrying outside races who were practising this, Example Verse:

 

“Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? Yet among many nations there was no king like him, who was beloved of his God; and God made him king over all Israel. Nevertheless pagan women caused even him to sin.” (Nehemiah 13:26, NKJV)

 

Please note that it was not because of race reason such marriages were discouraged as commonly misunderstood as we shall discuss next in Old Testament times itself as the case of Ruth proves right? (e. g. Ruth 1:16)

 

However, the most important proof of this is the case of Blessed Prophet Moses himself because the Law (“Torah”) was given through him. Here are the actual Biblical facts:

 

1) Blessed Prophet Moses married an Ethiopian woman

 

“1Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the 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.)” (Numbers 12:1 – 3, NKJV based on the Masoretic Text)

 

Source:

https://biblehub.com/nkjv/numbers/12.htm

 

No one at that time understands the Torah better than Blessed Prophet Moses himself. And so, if God did not permit such mix marriages because of race, Moses would have not done it. The Verses above are not corrupted because the Septuagint or LXX teaches this same Truth:

 

“1And Mariam and Aaron spoke against Moses, because of the Ethiopian woman whom Moses took; for he had taken an Ethiopian woman. 2And they said, Has the Lord spoken to Moses only? has he not also spoken to us? and the Lord heard it. 3And the man Moses was very meek beyond all the men that were upon the earth.” (Numbers 12:1 – 3, Septuagint or LXX, Brenton Septuagint Translation)

 

Source:

 

https://biblehub.com/sep/numbers/12.htm

 

Please also notice that the only reason Bible records that Blessed Prophet Moses’s sister, Prophetess Miriam and High Priest Aaron spoke against Moses is because they were ‘racist’ as the phrase “… spoke against Moses, because of the Ethiopian woman whom Moses took; for he had taken an Ethiopian woman. …” (Septuagint) or “… spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married; for he had married an Ethiopian woman. …” (Masoretic) clearly means.

 

2) God got so Angry over these Racists even if Miriam was a “Prophetess” or if Aaron was the “High Priest”, it didn’t matter at all

 

Verses:

 

“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, and not in dark sayings;

And he sees the form of the Lord.

Why then were you not afraid

To speak against My servant Moses?” (Numbers 12:4 – 8, NKJV)

 

3) Since High Priest Aaron was remorseful he was spared but Prophetess Miriam was cursed with leprosy for her arrogance

“9So the anger of the Lord was aroused against them, and He departed. 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.” (Numbers 12:9 – 10, NKJV)

 

4) Strangely it is Blessed Prophet Moses himself who prayed to God that the arrogant-Prophetess-Miriam be eventually healed proving his ‘Great Unmatched Humility of Praying for his enemy’

Verses:

 

“11So Aaron said to Moses, “Oh, my lord! Please do not lay this sin on us, in which we have done foolishly and in which we have sinned. 12Please do not let her be as one dead, whose flesh is half consumed when he comes out of his mother’s womb!” 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 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 12:11 – 15, NKJV)

Clearly, “Humility” and “Racism” cannot coexist either as these Verses imply.

 

 

 

Edifying Comment

 

Question

 

Some people say that Ethiopian wife of Moses may not be black. Is it true?

 

Reply

Clearly false.

Such an assumption is not scholastic nor proven in Ethiopia itself as no white race is there. Example of a scholastic argument with another Bible Verse proving the claim independently, to quote (more in link below):

 

“… Moses, a Jew, apparently married a black African and was approved by God. We learn in Numbers that “Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman” (Num. 12:1). A Cushite is from Cush, a region south of Ethiopia, where the people are known for their black skin. We know this because of Jeremiah 13:23: “Can the Ethiopian [the same Hebrew word translated “Cushite” in Numbers 12:1] change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then also you can do good who are accustomed to do evil.” Attention is drawn to the difference of the skin of the Cushite people. …”

 

Source:

https://www.9marks.org/article/did-moses-marry-black-woman/

 

Jeremiah 13:23 itself has already proved the colour of the Ethiopian meant. Scripture interprets Scripture.

 

“Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Then may you also do good who are accustomed to do evil.” (Jeremiah 13:23, NKJV)

 

You have not a proven that same word Ethiopian used on a White colored people using Bible Verses only. Even if there were white skinned Ethiopians, the Bible is not referring to them as no Verse says that. On the contrary, Jeremiah 13:23 and Numbers 12:1 both using the same word refers to Ethiopian/Cushite in contrast to ‘skin color’ mentioned in Jeremiah 13:23 proving color as claimed.

 

Even if (just for argument’s sake), these Ethiopian were ‘darker but not black but still white’ , it still proves the point in that Moses married out of his Israelite race, an interracial marriage.

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blessed Mystery – Can we call someone “Blessed”?

 

Question 1

 

Why do you always refer to Jesus, the apostles, or the early church ‘fathers’ as “Most Blessed…”? Does using these unscriptural terms make theme something else other than who they were, or does it make you appear more reverent or respectful? Just asking.

 

Reply 1

 

Christ even taught to “bless those who curse you” (Luke 6:28), so it’s my personal choice to call them blessed because they’re blessed by God in many ways. That’s how I respect them. Similar to how some people their leaders as pastors or other titles but I prefer to use the title “Blessed” because it emphasizes that “God Blessed them”.

 

Question 2

 

I thought that to bless someone was to wish them well and not evil. I did not think that it was to call them blessed.

 

Reply 2

 

It can mean both to me as in Matthew 5, Christ Utters a whole range of “Blessed are you… ” statements. I think mine as equivalent except that Christ’s one is ‘general’ while mine is specific to the people I intend.

 

Question 3

Don’t wish to sound contentious, but Christ did not say “blessed” but “HAPPY” are you, etc.” Thanks for your quick reply.

 

Reply 3

Christ Used the Word “Blessed”. Let me ask you this: In the New Testament, does the word “Blessed” exist?

 

Matthew 5 uses blessed as most translations render:

 

https://biblehub.com/matthew/5-9.htm

Can you point to me a Verse where you agree that the Word “Blessed” is used?

Even if it means “happy”, then take it as that as I’m using the ‘same English translation’ called ‘blessed’ for ‘Christ’s Usage’.

 

Question 4

 

I mostly use the Concordant Literal New Testament, and verify some words with the Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures, and they both use “Happy”. The King James uses “Blessed”, as do some other translations. The Concordant has been proved to be fairly accurate, but I know that no translation has 100% accuracy.

 

Reply 4

 

If you feel the Concordant Literal New Testament is the most accurate, please go ahead. Using “happy” or “blessed” but both referring to the same Word Christ used is what matters just like we call Him “Jesus” but his real name is “Yeshua” (in the Originals) and so referring to the right Verse matters more than the poorly matched English words. Truth is, the Greek Word used in Matthew 5 means ‘both happy & blessed’ as the English words mean. The problem is that English does not have one single word to encompass both meaning as Greek does.

 

In fact the word “happy” is more accurately “chairei” (Matthew 18:13 clearly implies this meaning when the lost sheep is found) while the word “Blessed” (including being happy, Favoured of God & in Peace etc.) matches Matthew 5’s “Makarioi” Word in Koine Greek.

 

Some scholars will point to you that Matthew 5’s “Makarioi” cannot refer to “happy” as the Concordant Literal New Testament Scholars claim simply because it contradicts the meaning in these Verses:

 

“Blessed [Makarioi] are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4, NKJV)

 

Why? a person who is morning cannot be “happy” as the ‘Blessed [Makarioi]’ are mentioned whilst they are going through that which is a direct contradiction.

 

Also, please consider:

 

“11Blessed [Makarioi] are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12Rejoice [chairete] and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11 – 12, NKJV)

 

Please notice carefully in Verses above where Christ Himself Uses both Blessed [Makarioi] and Rejoice [chairete] in two consecutive Verses above meaning that these are ‘different meanings’ or may have some overlap in meaning but must have difference in meaning too. Since Happy = Rejoice, the Concordant Translation would be less accurate as it does not show any difference in meaning as intended.

 

Furthermore, no one is ‘happy’ when ‘persecuted’ which again contradicts the concordant translation claim if they translated it as ‘happy’ for this same Greek Word [Makarioi] throughout to maintain consistency. The element of being ‘happy’ or to Rejoice [chairete] in the next Verse above relates to ‘the reward in heaven later’ and not while they are on earth. So, “Blessed” is still the best translation by Christ’s Own usage in Matthew 5 itself.

 

 

Conclusion – FAQ on the Word “Blessed”

 

 

1) Has anyone in the Bible used it by calling or pronouncing it on another human being?

 

Yes, Elizabeth (the mother of John the Baptist) used it on Virgin Mary (the mother of Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ), Verses:

 

“Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Luke 1:42, NKJV)

 

 

2) Even the Angel did not find it wrong to call Virgin Mary as “Blessed”

 

 

” 27to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” (Luke 1:27 – 28, NKJV)

 

3) Old Testament Example – a woman was called “Blessed” for her extreme kindness of giving milk when asked only for water

 

“24“Most blessed among women is Jael,

The wife of Heber the Kenite;

Blessed is she among women in tents.

25He asked for water, she gave milk;

She brought out cream in a lordly bowl.” (Judges 5:23 – 24, NKJV)

 

4) The Title “Most Blessed” for “Lord Jesus Christ”

 

Psalm 21 is often understood as a ‘Messianic Psalm’ and this Verse below in particular highlights the Messiah (or Lord Jesus Christ) as “Most Blessed” (Can you see it?)

 

“6For You have made him most blessed forever; You have made him [a]exceedingly glad with Your presence.” (Psalm 21:6, NKJV)

 

5) Can the word “Blessed” be used on anyone other than ‘Virgin Mary’?

 

Yes, according to Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ, it can be used toward ‘anyone who hears & keeps (obeys)’ the ‘Word of God’ Verses:

 

“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 it!” (Luke 11:27 – 28, NKJV)

 

6) Can the word “Blessed” be used for someone who has been dead or living only?

 

The Bible Verses below clearly indicates that (Virgin) Mary will be called “Blessed” in “all generations” to come meaning that some people who call her “blessed” will do so only after she has died/translated, so even this is entirely Biblical:

 

“46And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 48For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.” (Luke 1:46 – 48, NKJV)

 

 

7) Who can be called “Blessed”?

 

Christ allows those who practice any one or more of these to be called “Blessed”:

 

“3“Blessed are the poor in spirit,

 

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 

4Blessed are those who mourn,

 

for they will be comforted.

 

5Blessed are the meek,

 

for they will inherit the earth.

 

6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

 

for they will be filled.

 

7Blessed are the merciful,

 

for they will be shown mercy.

 

8Blessed are the pure in heart,

 

for they will see God.

 

9Blessed are the peacemakers,

 

for they will be called children of God.

 

10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

 

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 

11“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:3 – 12, NKJV)

So, what I did is entirely “Biblical” and is ‘allowed’ according to these ‘Bible Verses’.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

The pointless Life of Holiness without Charity Works / Good Works is a life of “Vanity” as discussed in post below with Blessed King Solomon and Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ’s Own Words:

 

https://www.facebook.com/651792783/posts/10159590401057784/

 

Who was St. Basil the Great and what did he do?

 

‘… 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) …’

 

More about his great life of Faith and Works for Christ in link below:

 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil_of_Caesarea

 

Conclusion

 

The Best Prayer and Fasting (Religious Holiness) is when it is accompanied with Charity Works or Good Works which benefit others while costing money to the person who is practicing it as Verses Isaiah itself declares (in image) or the one below too:

Yes, when a Christian fasts it must be accompanied with “Charity works” as the Bible Verses in Isaiah 58:6 – 8 agree too.

 

“… 3[56]:2 “I will explain everything to thee,” saith he; “and will show thee whatsoever things I shall speak with thee. Keep the commandments of the Lord, and thou shalt be well-pleasing to God, and shalt be enrolled among the number of them that keep His commandments. 3[56]:3 But if thou do any good thing outside the commandment of God, thou shalt win for thyself more exceeding glory, and shalt be more glorious in the sight of God than thou wouldest otherwise have been. If then, while thou keepest the commandments of God, thou add these services likewise, thou shalt rejoice, if thou observe them according to my commandment.” … 3[56]:7 And thus shalt thou do. Having fulfilled what is written, on that day on which thou fastest thou shalt taste nothing but bread and water; and from thy meats, which thou wouldest have eaten, thou shalt reckon up the amount of that day’s expenditure, which thou wouldest have incurred, and shalt give it to a widow, or an orphan, or to one in want, and so shalt thou humble thy soul, that he that hath received from thy humiliation may satisfy his own soul, and may pray for thee to the Lord. 3[56]:8 If then thou shalt so accomplish this fast, as I have commanded thee, thy sacrifice shall be acceptable in the sight of God, and this fasting shall be recorded; and the service so performed is beautiful and joyous and acceptable to the Lord. 3[56]:9 These things thou shalt so observe, thou and thy children and thy whole household; and, observing them, thou shalt be blessed; yea, and all those, who shall hear and observe them, shall be blessed, and whatsoever things they shall ask of the Lord, they shall receive.” …” – Shepherd of Hermas (Parable 5)

 

Source:

 

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

 

Another way to fast is by letting someone else eat with your money which you could have satisfied your hunger but you had to fast due to lack of funds or willingly as the Shepherd of Hermas Verses above Reveal.

 

This agrees in Blessed King David’s infamous quote below too in principle where He does not believe in ‘Giving other people’s money or things to God by being an intermediate but prefers Giving that which costs his own money only’, Bible Verse:

 

Yes, Last but not least, Almsgiving done with another person’s money surely has ‘lesser value’ than if done with one’s “own money”:

 

“24Then the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. 25And David built there an altar to the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the Lord heeded the prayers for the land, and the plague was withdrawn from Israel.” (2 Samuel 24:25, NKJV)

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Protestant Heroes and Universalism – Blessed John Wesley

 

1) Who

 

Who was he? A rare penniless Protestant Preacher and Co-Founder of the “Methodist Church” together with Blessed George Whitefield:

 

“… John Wesley (/ˈwɛsli/;[1] 28 June [O.S. 17 June] 1703 – 2 March 1791) was an English cleric, theologian and evangelist who was a leader of a revival movement within the Church of England known as Methodism. The societies he founded became the dominant form of the independent Methodist movement that continues to this day. …”

 

Source:

 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wesley

 

2) What

 

What did Blessed John Wesley believe in: ‘limited atonement Calvinism’ or ‘unlimited atonement Arminianism’?

 

“… Wesley entered controversies as he tried to enlarge church practice. The most notable of his controversies was that on Calvinism. His father was of the Arminian school in the church. Wesley came to his own conclusions while in college and expressed himself strongly against the doctrines of Calvinistic election and reprobation. His system of thought has become known as Wesleyan Arminianism, the foundations of which were laid by Wesley and fellow preacher John William Fletcher. Whitefield inclined to Calvinism. In his first tour in America, he embraced the views of the New England School of Calvinism. When in 1739 Wesley preached a sermon on Freedom of Grace, attacking the Calvinistic understanding of predestination as blasphemous, as it represented “God as worse than the devil,” Whitefield asked him not to repeat or publish the discourse, as he did not want a dispute. Wesley published his sermon anyway. Whitefield was one of many who responded. The two men separated their practice in 1741. Wesley wrote that those who held to unlimited atonement did not desire separation, but “those who held ‘particular redemption’ would not hear of any accommodation.”… In 1778, Wesley began the publication of The Arminian Magazine, not, he said, to convince Calvinists, but to preserve Methodists. He wanted to teach the truth that “God willeth all men to be saved.”[77] A “lasting peace” could be secured in no other way. …”

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

 

Note: One founder of the Methodist Church believed in limited atonement Calvinism (Blessed George Whitefield) while the other more prominent Founder of Methodism believed in unlimited atonement Arminianism (Blessed John Wesley). Is one of them going to Hell or are they led by the Same God if doctrinal accuracy matters? I believe that God Judges based on a Love lived life more than doctrinal or religious accuracy because it is Written that Love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8) and Christ Himself Remarked to a sinful woman that she is forgiven “because she Loved much” (Luke 7:47). Blessed John Wesley is certainly a much more loving man as he brought back a great emphasis on Charity Works (Christ’s Command in Luke 12:33 – 34) in Protestantism.

 

3) Why

 

Why does these differences matter?

 

The founders of the Protestant Methodist Church Blessed George Whitefield wrote to Blessed John Wesley in a letter that Blessed Peter Boehler was a believer in Christ Centered Universalism, to quote:

 

“… George Whitfield, in a letter to John Wesley, wrote that Peter Boehler, a bishop in the Moravian Church, had privately confessed in a letter that “all the damned souls would hereafter be brought out of hell”.[42] … In 1843, the Universalist Rev J. M. Day published an article “Was John Wesley a Restorationist?” in the Universalist Union magazine, suggesting that John Wesley (d. 1791) had made a private conversion to Universalism in his last years but had kept it secret. Biographers of Wesley reject that claim. …”

 

Source:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Christian_universalism

 

No one knows if Blessed John Wesley tended toward a Christ Universalism Hope toward the end of his life as the quote above rings either way especially since the influence of Blessed Peter Boehler (a Moravian Christian missionary ) on him a long time ago before Blessed John Wesley even started his ministry, to quote:

“… extraordinary. One notable example is the impact they had on John Wesley, leading directly to his conversion experience. Wesley’s Journal, covering the years 1736–1738, is replete with comments of his observations of and encounters with the Moravians (often calling them “the Germans”). A few selections of highlights give insight into the characters and spirit of the Moravian movement and its impression on the founder of the Methodists. Sunday, January 25, 1736 Wesley is on board a ship bound for America and observes the Moravians in the midst of life-threatening storms. ‘… At seven I went to the Germans. I had long before observed the great seriousness of their behaviour. Of their humility they had given a continual proof, by performing those servile offices for the other passengers, which none of the English would undertake; for which they desired, and would receive no pay, saying, “it was good for their proud hearts,” and “their loving Saviour had done more for them.” And every day had given them occasion of showing a meekness which no injury could move. If they were pushed, struck, or thrown down, they rose again and went away; but no complaint was found in their mouth. There was now an opportunity of trying whether they were delivered from the Spirit of fear, as well as from that of pride, anger, and revenge. In the midst of the psalm wherewith their service began, the sea broke over, split the main-sail in pieces, covered the ship, and poured in between the decks, as if the great deep had already swallowed us up. A terrible screaming began among the English. The Germans calmly sung on. I asked one of them …’ …”

 

Source:

 

https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/issues/issue-1/moravians-and-john-wesley.html

 

4) When

When did Blessed John Wesley fully convert into the Faith zealously as a missionary? Strangely, only after his encounter (and possible conversion) with Blessed Peter Boehler the Christ Centered Universalism believer, to quote (a truth very few in Protestantism or the Methodist Church like to talk about but they cannot deny it because Blessed John Wesley’ own words in writing earlier and below clearly prove this rarely known truth):

 

“… John Wesley’s Heart Strangely Warmed John Wesley was almost in despair. He did not have the faith to continue to preach. When death stared him in the face, he was fearful and found little comfort in his religion. To Peter Böhler, a Moravian friend, he confessed his growing misery and decision to give up the ministry. Böhler counseled otherwise. “Preach faith till you have it,” he advised. “And then because you have it, you will preach faith.” A wise Catholic once made a similar statement: “Act as if you have faith and it will be granted to you.” John acted on the advice. He led a prisoner to Christ by preaching faith in Christ alone for forgiveness of sins. The prisoner was immediately converted. John was astonished. He had been struggling for years. Here was a man transformed instantly. John made a study of the New Testament and found to his astonishment that the longest recorded delay in salvation was three days–while the apostle Paul waited for his eyes to open. The Moravians assured him their personal experiences had also been instantaneous. John found himself crying out, “Lord, help my unbelief!” However, he felt dull within and little motivated even to pray for his own salvation. On this day, May 24th, 1738 he opened his Bible at about five in the morning and came across these words, “There are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, even that ye should partakers of the divine nature.” He read similar words in other places. …”

Source: https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1701-1800/john-wesleys-heart-strangely-warmed-11630227.html

 

Conclusion – How?

 

Now it makes sense why Blessed George Whitefield was writing to Blessed John Wesley regarding the Christ Centered Universalism belief/hope by Blessed Peter Boehler earlier (Point 3) and due to Blessed John Wesley’ own personal conversion to the faith fully itself is related to Blessed Peter Boehler & so some protestants have claimed that later in life Blessed John Wesley might have held also to the Christ Centered Universalism Hope privately as his own belief in “unlimited atonement Ariminianism” and that Rev. J. M. Day’s claim of such a private confession by Blessed John Wesley toward such a Universalism Hope in Christ may bear mysteriously true.

Note: Who was Blessed Peter Boehler?

“… Peter Boehler, born Petrus Böhler (December 31, 1712 – April 27, 1775), was a German-English Moravian bishop and missionary who was influential in the Moravian Church in the Americas and England during the eighteenth century. … On December 15, 1737, in his first official act as bishop, Count von Zinzendorf ordained Boehler to priesthood.[1] On February 7 of the following year, when he was in London preparing for his trip to the Americas, Boehler met John Wesley, who would later found the Methodist movement, who had just returned from a two-year stint as chaplain of Savannah, Georgia.[7] After Wesley met Boehler at the home of a Mr. Weinatz, a Dutch merchant living in London at the time, Wesley offered to obtain lodging for Boehler[4] and introduced him to James Hutton, who would later be an important official in the Moravian Church.[7] Wesley accompanied Boehler on his trip to Oxford, during which the two began an extensive and very personal discourse on the nature of faith. Wesley had returned to England as a troubled man, depressed over his lack of faith and his work in America. At the time, Wesley wrote in his journal, “I who went to America to convert others was never myself converted to God”.[7] Boehler’s counsel on the nature of grace and “heart religion” was instrumental in the conversions of both John and Charles Wesley. …”

Source:

 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Boehler

A Haunting Question:

Please notice carefully that Blessed John Wesley worked hand in hand with Blessed Peter Boehler in many Christian missionary work. In other words, if this great founder of the Protestant Methodist Church (Blessed John Wesley) did not find it heretical to do missionary work with Christ Centered Universalism Hope Believer such as Blessed Peter Boehler, why do modern Methodist Churches (or protestants generally) exclude Christ Centered Universalism believers from their ministry work or possible partnerships?

Interesting Indeed.

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

Here are some Baptism Videos in links below for your encouragement:

 

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/videos/10159618715927784/

 

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/videos/10159121762357784/

 

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159117472717784

 

All Glory to God in Lord Jesus Christ

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peacemakers – No Middle Ground as part time Warmongers in any way and which Gospel may be Anathema Mystery?

 

Example First Christianity’s Finest Quotes agreeing Perfectly to the Verse in Image by our Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ:

 

  • “We ourselves were well conversant with war, murder and everything evil, but all of us throughout the whole wide earth have traded in our weapons of war. We have exchanged our swords for plowshares, our spears for farm tools…now we cultivate the fear of God, justice, kindness, faith, and the expectation of the future given us through the Crucified One….The more we are persecuted and martyred, the more do others in ever increasing numbers become believers.” ~ Blessed St. Justin the Martyr (100AD – 165AD)

 

  • “Murder, considered a crime when people commit it singly, is transformed into a virtue when they do it en masse. … None of us offers resistance when he is seized, or avenges himself for your unjust violence, although our people are numerous and plentiful…it is not lawful for us to hate, and so we please God more when we render no requital for injury…we repay your hatred with kindness.” ~ Blessed St. Cyprian of Carthage (200AD – 258AD)

 

  • “Hitherto I have served you as a soldier; allow me now to become a soldier to God. Let the man who is to serve you receive your donative. I am a soldier of Christ; it is not permissible for me to fight.” ~ Blessed St. Martin of Tours (315AD – 397AD)

 

  • “Christians, instead of arming themselves with swords, extend their hands in prayer.” ~ Blessed St. Athanasius the Great (293AD – 373AD)

 

  • The Christian poor are “an army without weapons, without war, without bloodshed, without anger, without defilement.” ~ Blessed

St. Clement of Alexandria (150AD – 214AD)

 

  • “Only without the sword can the Christian wage war: the Lord has abolished the sword.” ~ Blessed Tertullian, Father of Western Christianity (160AD – 220AD)

 

  • “You cannot demand military service of Christians any more than you can of priests. We do not go forth as soldiers with the Emperor even if he demands this.”~ Blessed Origen of Alexandria (185AD – 254AD)

 

  • “The professions and trades of those who are going to be accepted into the community must be examined. The nature and type of each must be established… brothel, sculptors of idols, charioteer, athlete, gladiator…give it up or be rejected. A military constable must be forbidden to kill, neither may he swear; if he is not willing to follow these instructions, he must be rejected. A proconsul or magistrate who wears the purple and governs by the sword shall give it up or be rejected. Anyone taking or already baptized who wants to become a soldier shall be sent away, for he has despised God.” ~ Blessed St. Hippolytus of Rome (170AD – 236AD)

 

  • “I serve Jesus Christ the eternal King. I will no longer serve your emperors…It is not right for a Christian to serve the armies of this world.” ~ Blessed Mercellus the Centurion, spoken as he left the army of Emperor Diocletian in 298AD.

 

  • “We Christians cannot endure to see a man being put to death, even justly.” ~ Blessed St. Athenagoras of Athens (133AD – 190AD)
  • “For when God forbids us to kill, he not only prohibits us from open violence, which is not even allowed by the public laws, but he warns us against the commission of those beings which are esteemed lawful among men….Therefore, with regard to this precept of God, there ought to be no exception at all, but that it is always unlawful to put to death a man, whom God willed to be a sacred animal.” ~ Blessed Lactantius, instructor of Constantine’s son (240AD – 320AD)
  • “If anyone be a soldier or in authority, let him be taught not to oppress or to kill or to rob, or to be angry or to rage and afflict anyone. But let those rations suffice him which are given to him. But if they wish to be baptized in the Lord, let them cease from military service or from the [post of] authority, and if not let them not be received. Let a catechumen or a believer of the people, if he desire to be a soldier, either cease from his intention, or if not let him be rejected. For he hath despised God by his thought, and leaving the things of the Spirit, he hath perfected himself in the flesh and hath treated the faith with contempt.” ~ The Testament of Our Lord (4th or 5th Century AD)

 

  • “This is the way of life: first, thou shalt love the God who made thee, secondly, thy neighbor as thyself: and all things whatsoever thou wouldest not should happen to thee, do not thou to another. The teaching of these words is this: Bless those who curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast on behalf of those who persecute you: for what thanks will be due to you, if ye love only those who love you? Do not the Gentiles also do the same? But love ye those who hate you, and ye shall not have an enemy.” ~ The Didache, also known as The Teachings of the 12 Apostles, is an early Christian document written between 80AD – 90AD.

Source:

 

https://enemylove.com/40-early-church-quotes-on-violence-enemy-love-patriotism/

 

Let us be careful of building back ‘Old Testament’ War Verses because Blessed St. Paul the Apostle Warned in Bible Verse below that ‘Re-Building the parts of the Law (Torah) which the New Covenant by Christ has abolished is considered a different Gospel’ (in the Context of ‘Law’ only these Verses were Written), to quote:

 

” … 9As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed [anathema]. … 13For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. 14And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. … 23But they were hearing only, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.” 24And they glorified God in me. … 18For if I build again those things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. …” – Blessed St. Paul the Great Apostle of Christ (Galatians 1:9, 13 – 14, 24 – 25, Galatians 2:18 – 19, NKJV)

 

Note: The phrase ‘… I advanced in Judaism …’ is the Context on which Blessed St, Paul the Apostle is Warning against ‘another Gospel which mixes with Judaism or Jewish Teachings under this New Covenant’ as the rest of this letter in Galatians and Acts 15 also testifies. Only whatever Blessed St. Paul the Apostle wrote (1 Corinthians 14:37) or what the other Apostles wrote (2 Peter 3:2) can be considered as ‘Commands of the Lord for a Gentile Believer in the New Testament’ (e.g. the phrase ‘teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you’ in Matthew 28:20, Acts 1:3 too) and not via any private interpretation of the Old Testament Scriptures which lead to such ‘adding’. Also, the same phrase ‘… I advanced in Judaism …’ by Blessed St. Paul the Apostle also proves that he considers himself a “Jew” even though he is an Israelite of the Tribe of Benjamin & not from the Tribe of Judah (Philippians 3:5) which refutes any strange definitions such as ‘Paul was an Israelite but not a Jew as baseless based on New Testament Scripture Definition in these Verses’.

 

 

Comment: The Names of Christianity you see here are Legendary Christians. Here are some details about them:

 

 

1) Blessed St. Justin the Martyr

 

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)

 

2) Blessed St. Cyprian of Carthage

 

Blessed St. Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, a pre-eminent Latin writer of Western Christianity until Jerome and Augustine, Martyr for Christ (c. 200 AD – c. 258 AD)

 

3) Blessed St. Martin of Tours

 

Martin of Tours (Latin: Sanctus Martinus Turonensis; 316 – 8 November 397) was the third bishop of Tours.[1] He has become one of the most familiar and recognizable Christian saints in Western tradition. A native of Pannonia, he converted to Christianity at a young age. He served in the Roman cavalry in Gaul, but left military service at some point prior to 361, when he became a disciple of Hilary of Poitiers, establishing the monastery at Ligugé. He was consecrated as Bishop of Caesarodunum (Tours) in 371.

 

4) Blessed St. Athanasius the Great

 

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)

 

5) Blessed St. Clement of Alexandria

 

– Blessed St. Clement of Alexandria, Head of the Cathecathical School At Alexandria , Teacher of Origen (c. 150 AD – c. 215 AD)

 

6) Blessed Tertullian

 

Blessed Tertullian, the first Christian author to produce an extensive corpus of Latin Christian literature, the father of Latin Christianity (c. 155 AD – c. 240AD)

 

7) Blessed Origen of Alexandria

 

Blessed Origen of Alexandria, the Great but surprisingly Modest Exegete of the Eastern Church, “Nicknamed: Admantius or Man of Steel”, Tortured and Martyred for Christ (c. 184 AD – c. 253 AD)

 

8) Blessed St. Hippolytus of Rome

 

Blessed St. Hippolytus of Rome, Disciple of Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons, who daringly opposed the Roman Popes who softened the penitential system to accommodate the large number of new pagan converts, Martyr for Christ (c. 170 AD – c. 235 AD)

 

9) Blessed Mercellus the Centurion

 

Marcellus was said to have been a centurion stationed at Tingis (modern-day Tangiers) who refused to participate in the general birthday celebrations of the Emperor Maximian, which would have entailed sacrifice to the Roman gods. Throwing off his military belt, weapons, and vine staff (the insignia of his rank).[2] Marcellus was soon brought before a judge named Fortunatus. The judge remanded the saint to lay his case before Maximian and Constantius; the latter was friendly to Christians. However, Marcellus was taken to the deputy Praetorian prefect Aurelius Agricolanus instead. Marcellus pleaded guilty to repudiating his allegiance to an earthly leader. Marcellus was martyred with a sword by the deputy Praetorian prefect. Afterwards, it is said that the official shorthand writer, a man named Saint Cassian, was so angry at the sentence that he refused to record the court proceedings and was martyred as well

 

10) Blessed St. Athenagoras of Athens

 

Blessed St. Athenagoras of Athens, In his writings he styles himself as “Athenagoras, the Athenian, Philosopher, and Christian”, in the fragments of the Christian History of Philip of Side (c. 425). Philip of Side claims that Athenagoras headed the Catechetical School of Alexandria (which is probably incorrect and contradicted by Eusebius), Athenagoras is an Ante-Nicene Christian apologist who lived during the second half of the 2nd century (c. 133 AD – c. 190 AD)

 

11) Blessed Lactantius

 

Lucius Caecilius Firmianus Lactantius (c. 250 – c. 325) was an early Christian author who became an advisor to the first Christian Roman emperor, Constantine I, guiding his religious policy as it developed,[1] and a tutor to his son Crispus. His most important work is the Institutiones Divinae (“The Divine Institutes”), an apologetic treatise intended to establish the reasonableness and truth of Christianity to pagan critics.

 

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salvation vs Rewards Mystery

 

I’m not saying that what I write here must be the 100% accurate meaning of Holy Scripture but please allow me to explain this possible way of exegesis.

 

1) Faith of Jesus Christ

 

We are Saved by the Faith of Jesus Christ Alone as explained in post below:

 

https://web.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159578001047784

 

2) Faith in Christ

 

Our Faith in Christ (for Christians) helps us to be Saved during the First Resurrection (Revelation 20:4 – 6). We need to have a righteousness which exceeds that of the Pharisees to Enter the Kingdom of the Heavens Reward Level (Matthew 5:20).

 

3) Few Saved

 

There are only a few Saved in the narrow & difficult way to life (Matthew 7:13) as even among Christians, those who practice ‘Lawlessness’ (i.e. ‘no obedience to the New Testament Law’) do Not at all participate in the First Resurrection (Revelation 20:4 – 6). Yes, not all are Blessed with equal Rewards in Heaven among these but according to one’s faith and Works only as God is Perfectly Fair (Matthew 5:19). Why do want a reward for which you never believed nor worked for? That’s what gradation of Salvation is and Christ Taught it in Matthew 5:19. Salvation is different. Reward is different. Please don’t confuse the two.

 

4) All in All

 

God being All in All (1 Corinthians 15:24 – 28) does not imply equal gradation as each in his own order (1 Corinthians 15:20 – 23) itself shows that not all are Raised in the same time even. Some are raised for Judgment first (John 5:28 – 29). He can be All in All without making angels equal to men or only having some archangels above the rest or by only having Twelve Apostles to Sit on the Thrones (Matthew 19:27 – 30) or even only 24 Elders to be in His Inner Throne Room of Heaven (Revelation 4:4, 10, Revelation 19:4, Revelation 11:16).

 

5) Salvation vs Reward

 

We must understand the difference between Salvation and Reward. Salvation is Christ’s Work Alone. Reward is based on your faith (Hebrews 11:6) and works (James 2:24). Christ explained this Gradation of Salvation according to one’s obedience to His Law clearly in Matthew 5:17 – 18 (where His Fulfillment gives basic Salvation to all eventually, John 12:32, John 17:1 – 4 regarding ‘Eternal Life’ Promised to ‘All Flesh’/All Men eventually) but a different gradation of reward is implied according to our obedience or “your righteousness” in Matthew 5:19 – 20, Revelation 22:12, Matthew 16:27, Romans 2:6.

 

We may have misunderstood Blessed Apostle St. Paul likewise too. Indeed, Blessed Apostle St. Paul himself said that many won’t inherit the Kingdom of God (i.e. rewards, gradation of Salvation to the First Resurrection etc.) in Galatians 5:19 – 21, 1 Corinthians 6:9 – 11. The Basic Salvation is what is not our work nor faith but Christ’s Alone as Apostle Paul explained himself in such Verses to apply to “all men” (1 Corinthians 15:22, Romans 5:18 – 19, 1 Timothy 2:1, 4, 6, 1 Timothy 4:10).

 

Conclusion

 

Looking at the Verses in such a manner seems to agree to these First Christianity Quotes too:

 

  1. i) St. Athanasius the Great

 

“… The Divine grace variously distributed… Further also, when the word is sown, it does not yield a uniform produce of fruit in this human life, but one various and rich ; for it bringeth forth, some an hundred j^nd some Matt.] 3, 8. sixty, and some thirty 7 , as the Saviour teaches — that Sower of grace, and Bestower of the Spirit … Nor is the grace confined to the perfect alone; but it is sent down also among those who occupy the middle and the third ranks, so that He might RESCUE ALL MEN GENERALLY to SALVATION…” – 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, Festal Letter 70 – 71)

 

Source:

https://archive.org/stream/FestalEpistlesOfStAthanasiusEnglishTranslation/The_festal_epistles_of_S_Athanasius_Engl-Transl_djvu.txt

 

Please compare with the quotes below too:

 

“… For since from man it was that death prevailed over men, for this cause conversely, by the Word of God being made man has come about the DESTRUCTION of DEATH and the RESURRECTION of LIFE; as the man which bore Christ230 saith: “For231 since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as IN ADAM ALL DIE, so also IN CHRIST shall ALL be MADE ALIVE :” and so forth. For NO LONGER now do WE DIE as SUBJECT to CONDEMNATION; but as MEN who rise from the dead WE AWAIT the GENERAL RESURRECTION of ALL, “which232 42in its OWN TIMES He shall SHOW,” even God, Who has also wrought it, and bestowed it upon us… ” – 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, Points 10.5 , ‘On the Incarnation’)

 

Source – Section 10: https://ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf204/npnf204.vii.ii.x.html

 

 

  1. ii) St. Athenagoras of Athens

 

St. Athenagoras of Athens Proves that the ‘Common Lot’ of General Salvation applies even to the Wicked or failed ones after their Proportioned Final Judgment in the Lake of Fire

“… And we shall make no mistake in saying, that the final cause of an intelligent life and rational judgment, is to be occupied uninterruptedly with those objects to which the natural reason is chiefly and primarily adapted, and to delight unceasingly in the contemplation of Him who is, and of His decrees, notwithstanding that the majority of men, because they are affected too passionately and too violently by things below, pass through life without attaining this object. For the large number of those who fail of the end that belongs to them does not make void the common lot, since the examination relates to individuals, and the reward or punishment of lives ill or well spent is proportioned to the merit of each….” – Blessed St. Athenagoras of Athens, In his writings he styles himself as “Athenagoras, the Athenian, Philosopher, and Christian”, in the fragments of the Christian History of Philip of Side (c. 425). Philip of Side claims that Athenagoras headed the Catechetical School of Alexandria (which is probably incorrect and contradicted by Eusebius), Athenagoras is an Ante-Nicene Christian apologist who lived during the second half of the 2nd century (c. 133 AD – c. 190 AD, ‘On the Resurrection of the Dead’ )

 

Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/athenagoras-resurrection.html

 

 

 

iii) St. Epiphanius of Salamis

 

“… , one incomprehensible Godhead, unfathomable, inexpressible, invisible. It alone knows itself; it reveals itself to whom it will It raises up its witnesses, calls, predestines and glorifies them, lifts them up from hades, hallows them. (8) For its own glory and faith it makes these three one: things in heaven, on earth, and under the earth; …” – Blessed St. Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamis and the ‘Hammer of Heretics’, (c. 310 AD – c. 403 AD, ‘PNEUMATOMACHI’, “Panarion or Medicine-Chest”, Points 7.1 – 7.3, Pages 498 – 499)

Source:

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

 

Where

 

The phrase “For its own glory and faith” implies that “its own Faith” = GodHead’s Own Faith = “Christ’s Faith” = the “Faith of Jesus Christ” in Romans 3:22-KJV (not by our faith we are justified but by His Faith where we become the first recipients of It when we believe first reaping Imperishable Rewards, Romans 3:26).

 

So, St. Epiphanius writes that by “His Faith” Christ makes even the “things in heaven, on earth, and under the earth (Hell)” as one, yes as He “makes these three one” and “For its [His] own glory and faith”. So, each of the “Justification of faith for all men (all mankind)” eventually must thus refer to “His Faith” which is the Free Gift of God to all (Romans 3:22 – 24) and ‘not our faith as popularly assumed’, i. e. not of anything of ourselves including not our faith too for Salvation by His Mercy (Ephesians 2:8).

 

  1. iv) St. Ignatius of Antioch

 

“… 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

 

Please notice carefully that St. Ignatius mentions that this ‘Drawing of All [Men]’ by Christ in John 12:32 results in the Final Salvation of ‘All Men’, in his words, “… drew all men to Himself for their eternal salvation…” as Stated in a past tense Prophetically as a Done Reality to Him.

 

Perfection of God Means God Saves ‘All Men’ eventually as Basic or General Salvation is likened to the ‘Rain falling both on the Just & Unjust’ and so ‘enmity on account of faith is with Love’

 

“… ” 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

 

Context: The phrase “… our God is a lover of mankind, and “will have all men to be saved … His sun to rise upon the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust; …even as also your Father that is in heaven is perfect…” clearly Proves that St. Ignatius Believes that ‘All Men’ (in the Context of ‘God being a Lover of Mankind’, hence it means all human beings ever created) will be Saved eventually.

 

 

  1. v) St. Hilary of Poictiers

 

“… [Hence a prevalent tone of hopefulness about the future state of the baptized]; even Sodom and Gomorrah, their punishment in history having satisfied the righteousness of God, shall ultimately be saved 359. Yet God has a perfect, immutable goodness of which human goodness, though real, falls infinitely short, because He is steadfast and we are driven by varying impulses 360 …” – Blessed St. Hilary of Poictiers, the “Athanasius of the West”, “Hammer of Arians”, Doctor of the Church, The Champion of Trinity in the West (c. 310 AD – c. 368 AD, 359 Ib. lxviii. 22, based on St. Matt. x. 15. and 360 Ib. lii. 11, 12.)

Source [via infamous Historian Mr. Philip Schaff]:

 

https://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf209.ii.iii.ii.html#fnf_ii.iii.ii-p249.1

 

and

 

“… 31. What that is must be understood in view of this same hope of our faith. … By their subjection, conceived as already past, is expressed the immutable power of Christ: by their subjection, as future, is signified their consummation at the end of the ages as the result of the fulness of time. … . The abolishing is not the same as the subjecting. … A subjection, on the other hand, which implies obedience and allegiance, is a proof of submission and mutability. 33. So when their authority is abolished, His enemies shall be subjected: and so subjected, that He shall subject them to Himself. … In the subjection of His enemies death is conquered; and, death conquered, life immortal follows. The Apostle tells us also of the special reward attained by this subjection which is made perfect by the subjection of belief: Who shall fashion anew the body of our humiliation, that it may be conformed to the body of His glory, according to the works of His power, whereby He is able to subject all things to Himself1286. There is then another subjection, which consists in a transition from one nature to another, for our nature ceases, so far as its present character is concerned, and is subjected to Him, into Whose form it passes. But by ‘ceasing’ is implied not an end of being, but a promotion into something higher. …” – Blessed St. Hilary of Poictiers, the “Athanasius of the West”, Doctor of the Church, The Champion of Trinity in the West (c. 310 AD – c. 368 AD, Book XI ‘On the Trinity’, Selected part of Points 31 – 37, re-emphasized)

 

Source:(via the Infamous Historian Mr. Philip Schaff):

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

and

 

“… Your third and last question relates to the passage in the same epistle where the apostle in discussing the resurrection, comes to the words: “for he must reign, till he hath put all things under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him that God may be all in all.” [1 Corinthians 15:24 – 28] I am surprised that you have resolved to question me about this passage when that reverend man, Hilary, bishop of Poictiers, has occupied the eleventh book of his treatise against the Arians with a full examination and explanation of it. Yet I may at least say a few words. The chief stumbling-block in the passage is that the Son is said to be subject to the Father. Now which is the more shameful and humiliating, to be subject to the Father (often a mark of loving devotion as in the psalm “truly my soul is subject unto God”) or to be crucified and made the curse of the cross? For “cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree.” If Christ then for our sakes was made a curse that He might deliver us from the curse of the law, are you surprised that lie is also for our sakes subject to the Father to make us too subject to Him as He says in the gospel: “No man cometh unto the Father but by me,” and “I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will DRAW ALL men UNTO ME.” [John 12:32] Christ then is subject to the Father in the faithful; for ALL BELIEVERS, NAY the WHOLE HUMAN RACE, are accounted MEMBERS of HIS BODY. But in UNBELIEVERS, that is in JEWS, HEATHENS, and HERETICS, He is said to be NOT SUBJECT; for these members of His body are NOT SUBJECT to the FAITH. But in the END of the world when ALL HIS MEMBERS shall SEE CHRIST, that is their own body, reigning, THEY ALSO shall be MADE SUBJECT to Christ, that is to their own body, that the whole of Christ’s body may be subject unto God and the Father, and that God may be ALL in ALL [1 Corinthians 15:24 – 28]. He does not say “that the Father may be all in all” but that “God” may be, a title which properly belongs to the Trinity and may be referred not only to the Father but also to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. His meaning therefore is “that HUMANITY may be SUBJECT to the GODHEAD.” By HUMANITY we here intend not that gentleness and kindness which the Greeks call philanthropy but the WHOLE HUMAN RACE Moreover when he says “that God may be all in all,” it is to be taken in this sense. At present our Lord and Saviour is not all in all, but only a part in each of us. For instance He is wisdom in Solomon, generosity in David, patience in Job, knowledge of things to come in Daniel faith in Peter, zeal in Phinehas and Paul, virginity in John, and other virtues in others. But when the end of all things shall come, then shall He be all in all, for then the saints shall severally possess all the virtues and all will possess Christ in His entirety….” – 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, Letter LV TO AMANDUS, Point 5, Written about the year 394 A. D.)

 

Source: http://www.annussacerdotalis.org/clerus/dati/2001-02/17-999999/Lett.html

 

Note: Though St. Jerome of the Vulgate began to lean toward Eternal-Hell theology of St. Augustine from 395 AD onward, he clearly reveals in the letter above circa 394 AD, “honestly” (a content which probably is “lost” quoting from St. Hilary of Poictiers’ 11th Book regarding the Mystery of Christ Centered Universalism). Please note also that St. Hilary has been dead for almost “30 plus years” at the time St. Jerome writes this letter proving that St. Hilary is certainly a Christ Centered Universalism believer.

 

  1. vi) St. Justin Martyr

And so he says: ‘Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? 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. 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. And in short, sirs,” said I, “by enumerating all the other appointments of Moses I can demonstrate that they were types, and symbols, and declarations of those things which would happen to Christ, of those who it was foreknown were to believe in Him, and of those things which would also be done by Christ Himself. But since what I have now enumerated appears to me to be sufficient, I revert again to the order of the discourse.” – 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: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/justinmartyr-dialoguetrypho.html

 

vii) St. Irenaeous of Lyons

 

“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, in order that there may be an end of all impurities.” (Fragment XXXIX, FRAGMENTS FROM THE LOST WRITINGS OF IRENAEUS)

Translation Source:

http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/irenaeus-fragments.html

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reward in His Kingdom for Christians – is there a Difference?

Yes, at least in these two major aspects, please consider Verses:

1) Difference in ‘Heavenly Treasures’ – some type of inheritance related thing or amount of heaven inherited or both where to obtain it one has to ‘Give to Charity’ (the earthly transaction in exchange for it)

“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.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:33 – 34, NASB)

2) A Resurrected Body in a Greater Glory/Beauty

“… 38But God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body. 39All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds. 40There are also celestial bodies and 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 15:38 – 42, NKJV)

This Type of Glory/Beauty in the Resurrection Body is determined by one’s own actions and good works as Blessed Apostle St. Paul writes these Verses below in the midst of writing the Verses above (in Context) where he laments the ‘lack of knowledge among Christians especially in regards to keeping away from sin’ and putting effort in ‘labor’ (or “Good Works”) to attain to this, Verses:

“34Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame. … 58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:34, 58, NKJV)

3) Rewards beyond our imagination or knowledge is also Promised

“But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9, NKJV)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Materialism Chains – The True Unseen Slavery

1) Biblical Problem

“21“So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:21, NASB)

2) Biblical Solution

“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.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:33 – 35, NASB)

Yes, that’s how we may keep our ‘lamps lit’ as Christ Spoke it when mentioning this Context only as First Christianity has taught, example post below (remember the Parable of the 5 Wise and 5 Foolish Virgins? Matthew 25:1 – 13):

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159446220277784&id=651792783

Or in this post too regarding ‘which fruit/oil is spoken of in the New Testament’?:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159543557617784&id=651792783

Or in this Post below too regarding which actions or toils in life are ‘Vanity’ Vs ‘not Vanity’:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159590401057784&id=651792783

Conclusion

If ever we save money or keep wealth, let it because to finance some type of ‘Common Welfare/Common Good Lifestyle’ toward others instead of saving up for materialism or equivalent pleasures “for oneself”. Bible Verses:

i) Some willingly put in all their possessions into the Common Good Lifestyle

“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.” (Acts 2:44 – 45, NKJV)

ii) Even if it’s a “Multitude”, this Common Welfare Lifestyle was Practiced in the First Church

“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.” (Acts 4:32, NKJV)

iii) Perfect Renunciation is God’s Perfect Will which only very few such as the Blessed Apostles of Christ have achieved in Christianity and that’s ‘how the last becomes first’

“21Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” … 27Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” 28So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. 30But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” (Matthew 19:21, 27 – 30, NKJV)

iv) Some of the Rich still kept their possessions to themselves but shared a significant amount of it in some way toward the Common Good Lifestyle

“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)

iv) No Discipleship is achieved without Practicing any of this Common Good/Common Welfare Lifestyle with our Possessions in some way

“So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 14:33, NASB)

Or in another translation manuscript:

“So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 14:33, NKJV)

 

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How much do we Love Christ?

Lessons from the Legendary Faith of Blessed St. Peter the Great Apostle of Christ

1) Is there a Biblical Context for “Loving God more than others”?

Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ, the King Himself Asked such a Question directly to Peter in Verses below implying that we can only show our Love to Him even “more” by “tending” and “feeding” his Sheep/Lambs. Feeding and Tending can refer to both spiritual and physical upkeeping or food/giving to our brethren. Verses:

“15So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” 16He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” (John 21:15 – 16, NKJV)

We cannot be tending or feeding the Sheep/Lambs if we are merchandising the Gospel, Verses:

“For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 2:17, NKJV)

Compare with another translation:

“A lot of people try to get rich from preaching God’s message. But we are God’s sincere messengers, and by the power of Christ we speak our message with God as our witness.” (2 Corinthians 2:17, Contemporary English Version)

Source:

https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/2-17.htm

2) Leaving All of one’s Possessions – the Perfect Obedience

“21Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” … 27Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” 28So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. 30But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” (Matthew 19:21, 27 – 30, NKJV)

3) Martyrdom – the Highest Love

Christ Prophesies Peter’s Martyrdom:

“17He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 18Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.” (John 21:17 – 19, NKJV)

Comment: Mystery of the “Quo Vadis” in Christian tradition, to quote:

“… Quō vādis? (Classical Latin: [kʷoː ˈwaːdɪs], Ecclesiastical Latin: [kwo ˈvadis]) is a Latin phrase meaning “Where are you marching?”. It is also commonly translated as “Where are you going?” or, poetically, “Whither goest thou?”.

It also may refer to a Christian tradition regarding Saint Peter. According to the apocryphal Acts of Peter (Vercelli Acts XXXV),[1] Peter flees from crucifixion in Rome at the hands of the government, and along the road outside the city, he meets the risen Jesus. In the Latin translation, Peter asks Jesus, “Quō vādis?” He replies, “Rōmam eō iterum crucifīgī” (“I am going to Rome to be crucified again”). Peter then gains the courage to continue his ministry and returns to the city, where he is martyred by being crucified upside-down.[2] The Church of Domine Quo Vadis in Rome is built where the meeting between Peter and Jesus allegedly took place. The words “quo vadis” as a question also occur at least seven times in the Latin Vulgate.[3] …” – Wikipedia

Source:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quo_vadis

Conclusion – Does it mean that those who do not experience Martyrdom love God less or are less loved by God?

Not necessarily as the Blessed Apostle who wrote the Verses above (St. John himself) remained the only Apostle of Christ who did not die in Martyrdom as the Verses continue below even calling him probably more special in some way as ‘Christ’s or God’s Beloved’ as he is often distinctly referred to in Scripture here as ‘… the disciple whom Jesus loved …’, Verses:

“20Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” 21Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” 22Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.” 23Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?” 24This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true. 25And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.” (John 21:20 – 25, NKJV)

‘… Let your Greatest Love be not a Human but God …’ – Anonymous

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Seek the Kingdom of God?

The only Bible Verses Directly discussing this (First Context):

“… 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. …” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords (Luke 12:31 – 35, NASB)

 

 

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do what makes you Happy – Not Money Driven

It’s a Biblical Advice in quote just phrased differently as the Bible Verse below agrees:

“I have seen that nothing is better than that man should be happy in his activities, for that is his lot. For who will bring him to see what will occur after him?” (Ecclesiastes 3:22, NASB)

These two things do “not” bring happiness but rather brings “curses” , “sorrow” and “perdition” inwardly and spiritually, so avoid:

1) Sin

“13Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. 16Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.” (James 1:13 – 16, NKJV)

2) Working Hard to be Rich

“Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your own understanding, cease!” (Proverbs 23:4, NKJV)

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:19, NKJV)

“21“So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” … 33SELL what you have and GIVE ALMS; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 35“Let your waist be girded and YOUR LAMPS BURNING;” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:21, 33 – 35, NKJV)

“Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have …” (Hebrews 13:5, NASB)

Conclusion

A lot of Christians think that it’s the ‘love of money’ only which is wrong, Verse:

“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.” (1 Timothy 6:10, NKJV)

Truth is, even “desiring” to be “rich” is wrong for a Christian who in turn loses or gets a lesser reward of godliness due to being ‘not content’ due to this desire for wealth/money where the worst case of it is spiritual perdition as Verses below also explain this different aspect very clearly:

“6Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, 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.” (1 Timothy 6:6 – 9, NKJV)

A Christian, if he is rich (a relative word) in any way must “share” and “give” and “do good” to attain to the First Resurrection’s “Elect’s Eternal Life” (Revelation 20:4 – 6), Verse:

“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)

More is Given means the rich are expected to do more good (God Measures even in Percentage as the case of the Poor Widow Reveals in Luke 21:1 – 4, so let’s be aware), Verse:

“47And that servant who knew his master’s will, 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.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:47 – 48, NKJV)

Christ Himself has Warned that one of the things which makes a tree “unfruitful” is one that is deceived by “riches” (money/wealth pursuits – this is not my opinion but His Own Most Blessed Words below):

“but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” – Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ, God in Flesh (Mark 4:19, NASB)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

True Biblical Blessing – Money Vs Wisdom – Which is God’s Gift?

The Bible Verses below clearly teach that:

1) Money Blessings or equivalent is by “time and chance” (meaning sometimes the righteous & wise may never get it while the wicked can have plenty):

“I 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)

The Prosperity and Health of the Wicked leaves them untouched on Earth but Judged in the afterlife upon their death (or “End”), Verses:

“… When I saw the prosperity of the wicked. … 4For there are no pangs in their death, but their strength is firm. 5They are not in trouble as other men,
Nor are they plagued like other men. … 12Behold, these are the ungodly, Who are always at ease;
They increase in riches. … 16When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me— 17Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end. 18Surely You set them in slippery places;
You cast them down to destruction. 19Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. 20As a dream when one awakes, So, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image. …” (Psalm 73:3 – 5, 12, 16 – 20, NKJV)

2) However, “no” wicked will be Gifted with “Knowledge and Wisdom” as that is reserved to anyone “who pleases God only” in some way:

“For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting, that he may give to him who is good before God. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 2:26, NKJV)

“13How blessed is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding. 14For her profit is better than the profit of silver and her gain better than fine gold. 15She is more precious than jewels; and nothing you desire compares with her.” (Proverbs 3:13 – 15, NASB)

Peace to you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Highest Giving Mystery – A Great Blessedness in His Kingdom Biblically

1) Give without Earthly Expectations

Give without Expecting Anything in Return (‘on earth now’) even if it means “borrowing (lending) money to your enemies” or any type of giving (yes even toward “enemies” too – so do they benefit freely from us in any way?), Verse:

“But love your ENEMIES, do GOOD, and LEND, 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.” – The Most Blessed KING Himself, Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:35, NKJV)

2) Forget what you have Given

” 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 openly.” – The Most Blessed KING Himself, Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:3 – 4, NKJV)

3) Do not expect Earthly Treasures but Expect Heavenly Ones one day in His Kingdom

“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 Most Blessed KING Himself, Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:19 – 21, NKJV)

4) Seeking His Kingdom is Best Proved by the Amount of “Charity Work” we do personally in “percentage count”

“30“For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. 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“SSELL 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.” – The Most Blessed KING Himself, Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:30 – 34, NKJV)

Comment: Please take note carefully in Verses above that when Christ mentioned to “seek His Kingdom”, He “only” referred to the Context of “Sell your Possessions and Give to Charity”. This is Very Deep if you understand it.

“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 (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)

Conclusion – Good Fruit Vs. Bad Fruit

“16You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 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.” – The Most Blessed KING Himself, Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:16 – 20, NKJV)

Comment: In Verses above, Christ mentions the Importance of “Good Fruit” and the Context of a bad tree being cast into the Fire. Now what is a “Fruit”? Isn’t a “fruit” metaphorically referring to what others can eat (benefit from you freely) as no tree eats its own fruit, right? So likewise doesn’t a fruit refer to what we give freely for the benefit of others?

Summary: Many Preachers give all kinds of definition for the word “fruit” here but I like the Most Blessed Messiah’s ForeRunner, Blessed St. John the Baptist himself’s explanation of this Same Context of the Tree risking being thrown in Fire unless it bears “Good Fruit” worthy of repentance as follows, Verses:

“9And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” 10So the people asked him, saying, “What shall we do then?” 11He answered and said to them, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.” 12Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13And he said to them, “Collect no more than what is appointed for you.” 14Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, “And what shall we do?” So he said to them, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.” (Luke 3:9 – 14, NKJV)

From the Bible Verses above it’s easy to see that the “Good Fruit” (the Fruits of the Most Blessed Holy Spirit) Manifests Itself in the following (example) actions as Blessed St. John the Baptist himself Reveals as follows:

i) Give to Charity or Share your money/possessions

“… 9And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” 10So the people asked him, saying, “What shall we do then?” 11He answered and said to them, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.” …”

ii) Never take any ‘overpayment’ for your Work done claiming it to be God’s blessing but only take your appropriate wages only

“… Collect no more than what is appointed for you. …”

iii) Don’t bully others from your position of power

“… Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely …”

iv) Do “not” pray or seek for Money nor the Prosperity Gospel because to do so contradicts the Command of being content (happy, satisfied) with your wages as soldiers at that time used to think that their salary is too low for the high quality work that they are doing

“… be content with your wages …”

Please remember that “Godliness” (being Holy or keeping His Commands) may “not” grow into the “Good Fruit” required if we are “not Content” (e. g. as the error of the Prosperity Gospel diminishes this), as another Bible Verse below confirms this Truth:

“But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.” (1 Timothy 6:6, NKJV)

May God Help us not to be Deceived by the Lures of the Love of Money against these “Bible Verses”.

 

 

Peace to you

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Anonymous Christian

Jonathan Ramachandran is founder at AnonymousChristian.org which serves as a Christian Blog discussing the Greater Hope of Biblical Christian in Christ Alone. He is also an IMO (International Math Coach) and a featuring Guitarist for many bands.

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