brakelite

One of my favorite authors once said in 1901.... The time is right upon us when there will be sorrow in the world that no human balm can heal. Even before the last great destruction comes upon the world, the flattering monuments of man's greatness will be crumbled in the dust. God's retributive judgments will fall on those who in the face of great light have continued in sin. Costly buildings, supposed to be fire-proof, are erected. But as Sodom perished in the flames of God's vengeance, so will these proud structures become ashes...... Man's pride will be buried with the treasures he has accumulated by fraud. God will avenge the widows and orphans who in hunger and nakedness have cried to Him for relief from oppression.

It is spiritualism and occult. Deception. Counterfeit. There is a real experience of being moved by the holy Spirit, of tongues, etc., but its purpose is never for selfish pleasure or amusement. Our joy and pleasure in our Christian walk comes not from being entertained by visions and manifestations of a variety of spiritual events, but our joy is to be found in loving service to others and in leading the lost to their Savior. Hence tongues. As far as I see, the "angelic" reference to language or tongues is not a validation that tongues is a language of angels, but Paul merely stating that if he did speak in the language of angels,but did not have love, it would have no value. That said, after 30 years of absence from a pentecostal church, I can still speak in an "unknown tongue". Thing is, it is unknown to me, it is no benefit to anyone, my own carnal heart is deceitful and susceptible to being deceived, therefore I do not speak it. And until God tells me that those words I have the ability to use (and they are words...they have syntax and rhythm...they are not the gibberish so common in charismatic settings...I have heard no-one use them anywhere else...they even come with an accent...)but I will not use them except I am in a situation where a different language is used, my own English not understood, the needs of the gospel to be taught, and the leading of the holy Spirit affirming my stepping out in faith. Meanwhile, I shall continue to speak to God in English. He understands that, and at times when I feel tongue-tied or unsure of what to ask for or who to pray for, I simply ask. And He answers every time. Again,in English.

Oh, okay; I'm coming from the perspective laid out in the OP...that of final salvation, and what we are judged on. To me, justification makes us right before God judicially, but doesn't necessarily secure our salvation experientially. While fruit is the natural result of abiding in the vine, not everyone remains abiding, thus they are found wanting at harvest time. No fruits of righteousness.No wedding garment.

No where in my post did I even remotely suggest anyone can earn eternal life.

Okay. Most on this board would agree with you that to sin is unacceptable. And I would also agree. Most on this board would also agree that God's commandments, or Jesus' commandments if you wish, ought to be obeyed. Not to obey God is sin. With me so far? I don't believe there would be many who would not agree in principle to the above. Yes? So, while all would agree, if one was to challenge them explicitly regarding God's commandments, why do do so many cavil at the 4th?

Wow, we are offended. Why the angst?

No need to be offended, I fully understand what you are saying. However, there was a specific reason I used that Psalm 119 quote. The word commandments in that quote is a direct reference to God's laws. I wanted to differentiate between what many believe; that they only need to obey those commandments spoken specifically by Jesus, eg the sermon on the mount. Thus negating the commandments He gave Moses on Sinai.

I would advise caution here. While I agree we have the mind of Christ, we are also prone to misunderstanding what the spirit is saying. Hence debate. The only real foundation for faith and practice is the word of God.

This is true. But ask them what sin is and they more often than not describe everything except the things they themselves are doing wrong.

When I am quoting David am I not quoting the spirit of Christ which was in him?

I agree with you here...not many understand that it is only by grace we have the power to do anything...but that power is sufficient to enable us to obey God in all things. Including righteousness. However, we should let God decide what righteousness is. It is not up to us to decide what the standards of living are...what the prerequisites are to eternal life...what the conditions are to salvation. (And for anyone thinking that there are no conditions to receiving salvation, they are not reading their Bibles.) Psalm 119:172 My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.

There are also many who use Galatians as an excuse to ignore God's commandments. I liked the previous poster's allusion to grace teaching righteousness. Righteousness according to David, is God's commandments. 119:172 My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments ....... 04687 מצוה mitsvah AV-commandments 173, precept 4, commanded 2, law 1, ordinances 1; 181 1) commandment 1a) commandment (of man) 1b) the commandment (of God) 1c) commandment (of code of wisdom) ............are righteousness.

We are going to have to agree to disagree on most of the above...although I did not intend to infer that the entire universe be recreated. I am a firm believer that we are not alone in the universe...I am convinced there are other places 'out there' populated by creatures of God...but unfallen. As God Himself and His Son will have their throne and center of government here, then one can rightly describe it as the capital of the universe. I simply see no evidence in scripture, nor any sense or logic to the popular modern idea that Jesus rules for 1000 years on esrth to then allow Satan once again to mount a rebellion. However, for the earth to be desolate and the fallen spirits including Satan to be alone and chained by the circumstance of their inability to mount any form of resistance or inflict any harm upon Gods people due to their complete absence, makes far more sense both scrioturally and ligically. The broken down nature of the earth is not indicative of Gad having lost controlb but on the contraryb it is indicative and the direct result of His soveregn judgement and power over the earth. Now, after 6000 years in which man has oppisedand denied His laws and trodden upon His holy Sabbath, the final 1000 1/7th years of its existence will be spent empty, devoid of all natural life, broken and devestated by the last plagues.

Though our justification is by grace alone through faith, what seems to be a contradiction but is not, is that we are judged by our works. This truth does not sit well with many, and should be sobering for us all.

I don't deny that. George Washington...33deg mason. Even the statue of liberty erected by masons...and Washington DC designed by them. And yes, many worthy charities are run by freemasons. But dont you think that Satan himself would do a good work if it were to his advantage?

@Lostlamb1978 Hi. Please don't be offended about what I am about to share with you. But if you dig deep enough, you will discover that what I am saying is true. All major religions...governments...corporations...and secret societies, even those groups who on the surface appear to be enemies, have at their head a group of 'enlightened' or 'illumined' ones who all share one thing in common. Whether the Catholic church, Islam, Hinduism, United Nations, world bank, and yes the Freemasons, all those who have gained positions of power and authority in those groups share one thing...they have risen to the top because they actively and with deep commitment worship Lucifer. They also hide this fact from all those of lesser rank. Take Catholicism for example. While the vast majority of members of that church sincerely believe they are following a genuine Christian faith, they are ignorant of the fact that it is a massive deception and that the ruling elite within the church are out and out Luciferians. It is essentially an occult pagan religion dedicated to the worship of Baal. One only has to look at the symbols that pervade Vatican art and architecture...and unfortunately those same occult symbols are found in Freemasonry. Again, the junior members and those loosely associated with the group believe they are working for the betterment of society doing good works...but they also are deceived. Not only by their leaders, but by Satan himself who has convinced them, and Catholics, that these good works are the means to their salvation. "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Lifen. No man comes to the Father but by Me." Jesus. Jesus regretfully has no part in papal deceptions nor Freemason benevolence.

Revelation 15:2 ‭And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, ‭and‭ over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.‭ Revelation 4:6 ‭And before the throne ‭there was‭ a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, ‭were‭ four beasts full of eyes before and behind.‭ Hi Keras. I could post a dozen scriptures that vividly describe the state of the earth after God has dealt to sinners through the last plagues. Baically, in one word...ruined. It remains this way until it is recreated...at the end of the 1000 years and after it is cleansed by fire...the same fire that destroys Satan and the othr fallen angels, and sinners. The earth during the 1000 years is the very last place I want to be. I, by the grace of God, will be standing on that sea of glass with all the other redeemed from the earth...and hopefully you also...in heaven. We shall return to the earth at the end of the 1000 in the city...like a bride adorned for her husband. Eternity will be upon the new earth...the future capital of the universe.

Shalom.... I don't see things quite that way. The Bible abounds with promises that the people of Israel will be saved. They are called “the people of Yahuwah” and “His holy nation.” Many times the promise is given that, even though they are scattered throughout the whole world, they would be gathered again, returned to their own land, and dwell there forever (Jeremiah 30:3). Today, all over the world, there are millions of Jews who still believe that Yahuwah's promises will be fulfilled through them. They claim to be both the "Israel of Yahuwah" and the "Israel according to the flesh." And many Christian churches second this notion. They are under the delusion that the promises Yahuwah made thousands of years ago can only be fulfilled by literal Israel today. As we go through this study we will see how our Father in heaven views it through His word. The Jewish Nation Not True Israel 1. In the Hebrew culture, every name had a deeper meaning. What does the name 'Israel' mean? “Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with Elohim and with men, and hast prevailed.” Genesis 32:28. Answer: Jacob had deceived his father to obtain the blessing that was due Esau. Upon discovering the deception of Jacob, Esau said, “Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he hath supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he hath taken away my blessing.” Genesis 27:36. The name Jacob meant “deceiver,” and he lived up to the name. The new name that he received from the angel, Israel, meant “overcomer.” The angel said that Jacob had “. . . power with Elohim and with men, and hast prevailed.” Verse 28. Jacob had overcome his sins, he was now a new creature, able to serve Yahuwah. Therefore, the name Israel was given to a man who overcame sin in his life. 2. How many of Israel will to be saved? “And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away wickedness from Jacob.” Romans 11:26. Answer: All Israel. The promises of Scripture have led many to suppose that the time would come when the literal descendants of Abraham -the members of the Jewish race- would return to Palestine, regain their nationhood, accept Yahushua as their Saviour, and become Yahuwah’s dispensers of light and truth to the nations. Because of this interpretation the present Zionist movement, sponsored by Jews in many lands, which aims to restore the Jewish nation in Palestine, has been heralded by many religionist as a sign that these predictions are about to be fulfilled. But neither the Zionist movement nor the establishment of the modern nation of “Israel” in Palestine has any connection with these Biblical prophecies concerning the restoration of Israel. Neither of these can have any part in establishing Yahuwah’s kingdom upon earth. They have not even been mentioned in Scripture. They have no standing whatsoever in Yahuwah’s scheme of things. Why? Because the literal Jewish race does not constitute Israel. 3. What does it mean that all Israel shall be saved? Answer: The immediate context of Romans 11:26 is verse 25. When "the fullness of the Gentiles be come in," then "all Israel will be saved." Or, to be exact, "And so all Israel will be saved." In other words, the coming in of the fullness or total number of the Gentiles results in "all Israel" being saved. Paul's idea seems to be that when all Gentiles (totally, throughout history) have come in, that is, have been grafted into the Vine, they, uniting with all Jews who have become believers, will form the total number of the saved. 4. Who are being identified as the true Israel of Yahuwah? “For in the Anointed Yahushua neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of Yahuwah.” Galatians 6:15,16. 5. How does Apostle Paul identify the true “Israel of Yahuwah” and the “Israel according to the flesh”? “For I could wish that myself were accursed from the Anointed for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of Yahuwah, and the promises. . . Not as though the word of Yahuwah hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of Yahuwah: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.” Romans 9:3,4, 6-8. Answer: An Israelite in Yahuwah’s sense of the term is one who accepts His plan of salvation through Yahushua, the Anointed, and who follows Yahuwah fully. A true Israelite may have been born of Jewish parents, or he may have had Gentile parents. It is not his natural or first birth that makes him an Israelite. It is the new or second birth. Israelites are twice-born men and women, who have accepted the grace of Yahuwah, and who recognize Yahushua as their Redeemer from sin and death. To simplify it, Apostle Paul is saying that being a literal Jew is not a passport into the family of Yahuwah. Yahuwah’s family consists of the children of promise. The true Israel of Yahuwah are true followers of Yahushua. Where The Jews Failed 6. In Yahushua's day, the majority of the Jews claimed to be the children of Abraham and heirs to the promises of Yahuwah based on lineage. But what was Yahushua’s response to their claims? John 8:39-47 "They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Yahushua saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of Yahuwah: this did not Abraham. Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even Yahuwah. Yahushua said unto them, If Yahuwah were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from Yahuwah; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of Yahuwah heareth Yahuwah's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of Yahuwah." Answer: Yahushua told them: "Ye are of your father the devil." 7. Where does Yahuwah write His law with reference to spiritual Israel? “Behold, the days come, saith Yahuwah, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith Yahuwah: But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith Yahuwah, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their Eloah, and they shall be my people.” Jeremiah 31:31-33. 8. What was a symbol Yahuwah used about the Jewish nation? “Yahuwah called thy name, A green olive tree, fair, and of goodly fruit: with the noise of a great tumult he hath kindled fire upon it, and the branches of it are broken.” Jeremiah 11:16. Answer: The Jewish nation - or literal Israel - is likened to a cultivated olive tree. 9. How can Gentiles become spiritual Israelites? “And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: For if Yahuwah spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of Yahuwah: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for Yahuwah is able to graff them in again. For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree? For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away wickedness from Jacob” Roman 11:17-26. Answer: Jeremiah and Paul likened the Jewish nation to a cultivated olive tree and Paul likens the Gentiles to a wild olive tree. The branches that were broken off were the Jews who rejected Yahushua. They were a part of the nation of Israel, but because of unbelief no longer belonged to Yahuwah. But Yahushua, the stock and root of the house of Israel, remained. New branches could be grafted into Yahuwah’s nation. Here the Gentiles were to have their chance. They could take the place of those who had fallen out. They were warned not to boast for they could fall from grace too, if they stopped trusting in Yahushua. To remain a part of the cultivated olive tree they were to continue in faith. One’s natural birth does not count. Paul concludes by saying, “And so all Israel will be saved.” This is so true, for Israel is made up of those whose sins Yahushua has taken away. His Spirit Visits The Gentiles 10. The Gentiles are given a wonderful promise, what is it? “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of Yahuwah; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Yahushua, the Anointed, himself being the chief corner stone.” Ephesians 2:19, 20. Answer: Gentiles cannot be saved unless they become Israelites through the new birth. Once without Yahuwah and with no hope, through the blood of Yahushua they are brought into the household of Yahuwah. They are then part of Yahuwah’s family. They have become one in Yahushua. 11. Who is a true Jew? “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of Yahuwah.” Romans 2:28, 29. 12. Through whom do we receive the promise of Yahuwah? “And if ye be the Anointed's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:29. Throughout his ministry Isaiah bore a plain testimony concerning [Yahuwah's] purpose for the heathen. Other prophets had made mention of the divine plan, but their language was not always understood. To Isaiah it was given to make very plain to Judah the truth that among the Israel of [Yahuwah] were to be numbered many who were not descendants of Abraham after the flesh. This teaching was not in harmony with the theology of his age, yet he fearlessly proclaimed the messages given him of [Yahuwah] and brought hope to many a longing heart reaching out after the spiritual blessings promised to the seed of Abraham. 13. When will the promises to spiritual Israelites be fulfilled? “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore Yahuwah is not ashamed to be called their Eloah: for he hath prepared for them a city.” Hebrews 11:13-16. Answer: In Heaven. Yahuwah gave to Abraham a view of this immortal inheritance, and with this hope he was content. "By faith he sojourned in the Land of Promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is Yahuwah. Hebrews 11:9, 10. Of the posterity of Abraham it is written, 'These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.' Verse 13. We must dwell as pilgrims and strangers here if we would gain 'a better country, that is, an heavenly.' Verse 16. Those who are children of Abraham will be seeking the city which he looked for, 'whose builder and maker is [Yahuwah].

You mentioned on another thread the work and teaching of Walter Veith in relation to freemasonry. He has some very interesting things to say about Islams links to freemasonry...as well as to the Vatican; so much so I understand there is evidence that Islam was created by the papacy...which would explain your query above.

All of which throws the entire 7 year trib period into the proverbial paper shredder doesn't it, which makes one realize that if it isn't a literal temple the Antichrist parks himself as per 2 Thess. then the only other conclusion to be drawn is that the Antichrist is in the church...not in the future necessarily to fulfil some 7 year or 3 1/2 year time line, but we could (and I believe we are) witnessing him among us as we share this. I might add that if Messiah has already fulfilled the first 3 1/2 years of the final week, then what of the final 3 1/2? Jesus instructed his disciples NOT to go to the gentiles, but to preach the gospel to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. This in general is what they did, until persecution drove them elsewhere after Steven's martydom, and Paul's declaration later that he was now turning his back on the Jews and was turning to the Gentiles. All this took place approx 7 years post Jesus' baptism...His annointing to the ministry.

Been studying last day events from Luke's perspective chapter 21. Luke 21:25 ‭And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; ‭ Thinking about that "perplexity"...the seas and waves roaring....I have until recently viewed the perplexity as belonging to the governments, but have now revised my view to thinking it belongs more appropriately to the common people. The prophecy demands that this be fulfilled on a global scale; what we are witnessing today is the birth pangs of that situation quickly increasing in intensity and duration. The civil unrest and violence in America on both racial and political lines, the waves of refugees charging through Europe searching for a place to call home...albeit often at the expense of the local culture...both becoming major headaches for the innocent who because of the many different directions the trouble is coming from, are confused and 'perpexed' as to solutions and stategies on how to cope with the situation they find themselves in, as well as confusing and usually conflicting opinions, from the media...politicians...observers...and participants, as to the aause and to whom one can rely upon to take responsibility for solving the problem. The governments themselves seem often to be the ones to blame, but we must understand that there stands skulking in the background others who bear ultimate rsponsibility, who have the ears of those in power, and more often than not hold the purse strings. Add religion to the mix and the confusion increases tenfold. Remember also that those seas and waves roaring are, according to Revel 17:15 peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues, then we can gain a very clear picture of where we stand with regards to final events. Expect the confusion to increase, and the problems themselves to grow to include other nations that up to this time have been relatively quiet...like Australia and New Zealand...

I don't want to sound callous or unsympathetic, because the discussion here is certainly focused on a very serious topic. After all, receiving or not receiving the mark is a life and death matter...of eternal consequences. But I must ask the question, is the Bible the foundation of your thinking or not? Because you folk are so busy looking at technology and the things of the world to answer your spiritual questions you are ignoring the fact that regarding any spiritual topic, and that includes eschatology, the Bible interprets itself. Yes, clearly there will be financial restraints placed on those who refuse to receive the mark, even ultimately the death sentence...but the financial restraints, nor the death penalty, is the mark itself. The beast to which the mark belongs is a global religious empire. The mark therefore is that this empire imposes on the world is of a spiritual/religious nature. How do we know this? Because the recipients of the mark are set by the prophecy itself as being in direct contradistinction to God's people who "keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus". Revel. 14:12. Remember, we are speaking of an antichrist spirit here...thus the transgression being commited by the bearers of the mark is contrary to, or in place of, the commandments of God. It also reflects that ones faith is no longer in the Creator God, (Revel 14:6,7) but in a counterfeit who claims this spiritual mark as a token of its own authority above that of the true God, but unlike the true God, has to use deception, coercion, force, and threats to implement it. Typical ages old Satanic principles at play here. But please guys, get back to using the Bible as your source to understanding prophecy. Stop prognosticating on matters that the Bible doesn't reveal, such as a literal barcode or chip that brings down the wrath of God unprecedented in human history. Come on, think about it. God doesnt care if you use technology to manage your finances. But He does care when you keep mans commandments when they directly contradict His own.

When I became a Christian it was in response to 2 questions from a friend. The first was, "do you believe in God.?" My answer was yes. That was the easy part. I had been brought up and educated in religious environment. The fact of God's existence was never a problem for me, though I had absolutely no evidence or reason for such a firm belief, it just was a product of my upbringing. I had never read a Bible, the family never owned one. But I went to church religiously every sunday, until I left school then I never gave God another serious thought...until that question came up. Like I said, simple answer. If my friend had asked why, I wouldnt have been able to give an answer. But the next question did have me occupied internally for the next 10 hours or so. I was asked, "Do you think God approves of the way you are living your life?" It was much later that night while lying on my bed staring up at the dark ceiling that I finally answered. Not to my friend but to the God who by then I realized was the one prompting the question. I had been alone all afternoon and all evening and that question never left me for a moment. So for the first time in my life I prayed. Not the rote repetitive charade of prayer I was raised on, but genuine sincere heartfelt honest admittance to what I knew was truth. I said..." No. My life would not meet with your approval. Please change it and make it into somethingxyou would approve of." That was it. Simple and honest. It was then, immediately after,that I had proof of God's existence. After several hours of running through the whole range of emotions from total joy, to love, to relief, and copious ammounts of weeping and laughing along the way, I knew I was forgiven, and that my future was in His hands. How did I know? Because He visited me that night and has never left me since. That was 40 years ago. I was 24 years old. You dont have to take 'steps' to believe. Just give Him your life and let God look after you. There are no set formulas to salvation, but there are conditions. The main condition is a genuine desire for change...a full honest recognition of your need for something better. God will take care of that, and over time you will have no doubts, or regrets. I woke the next morning a very different person from the one that went to bed te previous evening. You can experience that too. God can be trusted.

2Peter 1:2-4 ‭Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,‭ According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that ‭pertain‭ unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:‭ ‭Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.‭ Perfection? What do you mean by perfection? Remember, it was Jesus who said "be ye perfect even as my Father in heaven is perfect". From the verses above I have available to me all the creative power of God to recreate me in the image of Christ. Peter also said that the church will be without spot and without blemish when Christ comes. This does not mean sinless perfection, for yes, we are still human and susceptible to the weaknesses of 6000 years of hereditary decay, but that does not mean we are not able to overcome our selfish carnal natures, cease from sinning by the power of God working in us.