Don19

I was talking about overcoming the world, which pertains to the Scripture the OP cited. I don't measure this the way the world does. The life of Christ is a life of victory. Every day is a victory. And we overcome the world by walking in Christ the same way we received Him. I might not have a "specific victory" this day, as the world would see it. Maybe it was an unremarkable day, in worldly terms. The point is, Jesus said we are to take up our cross daily and follow Him. There's the carnal way of interpreting this saying, which I assume is easily accessible to the carnal mind (basically, doing works of the flesh) and then there's a spiritual way (seeing that the cross signifies death and means we are dead to self, dead to sin, crucified with Christ, and sealed with the Spirit). The latter--that is, spiritually--is how we take up our cross daily and follow Him.

I am dead and my life is hid with Christ in God; therefore, I die to self daily and have picked up my cross (which means death) and am following Him daily - not carnally but spiritually. I live with the certainty that Jesus Christ died for me and that I am in Him and He is in me, and that He has given me eternal life. Nothing I can ever do, or fail to do, can ever separate me from Him. It is finished for me, and I am sealed. So while the world lives with uncertainty, with conditionalism, and with having to do works all the time, I have entered rest. I pick up my cross and follow Him daily by dying to self - that is, by resting in Him, resting in the testimony of the Holy Spirit which tells me personally that I am sealed and have been given eternal life as an irrevocable gift. But the rest of the religious world tries every day to get to heaven by their own works of the flesh; they are building the Tower of Babel and attempting to ascend to heaven by their own efforts.

Prophetic or eschatological significance does not imply the approval of God. These are not the same thing. No doubt, if a "third temple" is erected and sacrifices brought, it would be a very wicked thing, an abomination, as God has provided the sacrifice in Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, it's hard not to see such a thing as significant in some way. It's not a totally random thing. It requires God's providence that such a thing may be brought about. And what for? I don't know. There are many errorists out there when it comes to the end times. Just because they have it wrong doesn't mean that a "third temple" is not significant.

I try to take as little thought for the morrow as I can.

A few thoughts I've had recently on the name of God. Joel 2:32: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call. Exodus 34:14: For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God: And, one very interesting passage: 1 Timothy 6:1-5: 1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. 2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. 3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. Now, "servants" in 1 Tim 6:1 is also δοῦλοι which means slaves. There are other words for a hired servant, but doulos is a slave. The New Testament uses this word so many times to refer to who we are in relation to God - we're His slaves. We're His possessions; we're not our own, but bought with a price. 1 Cor 6:15-20. So Paul is saying here, if you're a slave--not just a servant, but a slave who is not his own--then not to count your own master worthy of all honor would cause "the name of God" and "His doctrine" (singular!) to be blasphemed. He further calls this, "the doctrine"--again, singular--which is according to godliness! To call on the name of the LORD, therefore, results in being consumed in His jealousy and possessiveness, because His name is Jealous. It's to be "sealed" with the Holy Spirit of promise (2 Cor 1:21-22, Eph 1:13-14). When you are baptized with the Holy Spirit, you know you are sealed forever because you've been given the earnest of your inheritance, and the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God. You can neither neither lose nor forfeit salvation. You're forever a slave of a loving Master! Indeed, Jesus tells us to take on His yoke (Matthew 11:28-30).

You are correct! It's not any sort of writing of the moral law on the heart. The natural man already has a conscience for that (Rom 2:14-15), and the moral law is written on the heart of the natural man, which only shows him his sin. But the carnal mind is not subject to the law of God and cannot be, unlike the spiritual mind (Rom 8:7) - again, the moral law is not in view here when Paul wrote that. The "law of God" is the law of faith (Rom 3:27). We can keep the law of faith by resting in Him and believing the testimony of the Spirit, which is the earnest of our inheritance. For example, when it is written in Eze 36:27: And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. This is NOT referring to the moral law! Nor is it the Torah. We keep His judgments in that He has declared us righteous in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is our good works and our righteousness. We walk in His statutes simply by believing Him.

The bigger problem is the OP identifies himself as an "Orthodox Christian." Orthodoxy, like Roman Catholicism, is apostate. Its adherents do not believe the Biblical gospel. You cannot mix grace with works, as Orthodoxy does; Orthodoxy, like Catholicism, denies the gospel. To the question, though, a Christian cannot sell his soul to Satan. We who are in Christ are not our own (1 Cor 6:15-20), so we have no ability to sell that which we do not own. God owns us; we are not our own. We are His property, His possessions. How can we sell something that doesn't belong to us?! And Jesus has bound the strong man of the house and spoiled his goods (Matthew 12:29) - so even if an unbeliever intentionally "sold his soul" to Satan, he can still be redeemed by Jesus Christ and translated into the kingdom of God (Col 1:13).

I find this interesting. The first words spoken by God in the Bible are, "Let there be light." This has a Hebrew gematria value of 232. It's significant that 232 is also the Hebrew gematria value of "the word of the LORD." This points to Jesus Christ. He is the Word of God. He is the Light. However, "let there be lights" (plural) has a Hebrew gematria value of 666. This first appears in Genesis 1:14. And this is fascinating: 14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: 15 And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. 16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. (Genesis 1:14-16) Divide the day from the night. The lesser light to rule the night. It sounds like the division of the children of God from the children of the devil. And the "lights" (plural) as opposed to the Light (singular - Jesus Christ) suggests false Christs. Indeed, the word "antichrist" in Greek can literally mean "in place of Christ."

God has bound Himself by His own promises, and cannot disown any of His adopted children for any reason (Titus 1:2, Heb 6:14-20, Rom 11:29). He has given His own the earnest of our inheritance (2 Cor 1:21-22, Eph 1:13-14). An earnest cannot be revoked. It's sealed; it is finished. What happened to Saul is specifically something God said He would not do under the New Testament (2 Sam 7:14-16). So God cannot renege on His promises. Neither can His own people give back our own salvation, even if we so desire. Because we're His slaves, His purchased possession.

Wrong. Can a slave reject his master? No, he cannot; he is the property of his master (Exo 21:21, Lev 25:44-46). But those who are Christ's have been purchased by Him at a price, as we are not our own (1 Cor 6:15-20). If we're not our own, then we have no power to overthrow the purpose of God in electing us to salvation. If those who stormed the US Capitol are powerless to change the election, how much more so are the elect of God powerless to change God's election?

I don't always make resolutions. And if I do, it's not long before I've broken them.

My new year's resolution is to stick to a Bible reading plan for 2021 and read the whole Bible this year.

Gal 3:14 places the promise of the Spirit at salvation. Paul speaks of our salvation interchangeably with the promise of the Spirit in Gal 3:14. That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Likewise, 1 Thess 1:4-5: Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. Read 1 Cor 12:13 again. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. Our being in the Body of Christ is a result of the baptism by one Spirit into that one Body (of Christ - see also Rom 7:4). The baptism of the Holy Spirit makes us all one in Christ. It is emphatically not a post-conversion experience belonging only to some. Paul's egalitarian argument in 1 Cor 12:1-13 would be overthrown by such a notion.

As Paul said, if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His (Rom 8:9). Water baptism is not necessary for salvation - but no one who lacks the baptism of the Holy Spirit will be saved, since that baptism places us into the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:13; Rom 7:4; Eph 4:4, "one body"). The thief on the cross was before Pentecost. Jesus said the Spirit would only be given after He was gloried (John 7:37-39). Nevertheless, I would say what the thief received pictures Holy Spirit baptism. Jesus told him personally that he would be with Him in paradise. That pictures the sealing or earnest of the Spirit that is given at Holy Spirit baptism (Eph 1:13-14, 2 Cor 1:21-22). The words of Jesus are Spirit and Life (John 6:63). And yes, the thief needed that promise, just as we must be born again, that we be children of promise, that out of our belly shall flow rivers of living water.

Heb 6:2: Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

Actually, the article you posted supports my position, insofar as all the passages in question from Ephesians, 1 Corinthians, and Romans are referring to Spirit baptism, and not water baptism (there's also Gal 3:27, Col 2:11-12 - these are also referring to Holy Spirit baptism). Those who are in Christ already know all things (1 John 2:20), as we know the truth (John 8:32, 1 John 2:21). That is, an experiential knowledge. But some have not the knowledge of God (1 Cor 15:34). Those who already "know the truth" should study the Scriptures thoroughly to attain maturity - i.e., the perfect (2 Tim 3:16-17, Heb 6:1, Rev 3:2, 1 Cor 13:10-12).

Jesus baptizes us into Himself by the Holy Spirit. This is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Romans 6:3-4: Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. John 1:33: And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. The Holy Spirit is given to everyone who believes on Jesus Christ. Jesus makes this quite clear, that the Spirit is given to the one who believes on Him. John 7:37-39: In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

The "one baptism" is Holy Spirit baptism. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 1 Cor 12:13.

That's a good point. Rev 13:9. Either the mark refers specifically to Roman Catholicism and its adherents, or it refers more generally to those who trust in something other than Christ alone (which includes Roman Catholics, but also many others). God created both man and beast on the sixth day, and therefore to take the mark of the beast could be to rely on the sacrifice of man for salvation and not Christ. The term "antichrist" in Greek literally means in place of Christ. Those who have the spirit of antichrist substitute a trust in their own works for a trust in Christ. If this is so, then ironically, those who warn about the vaccine being the MOTB may have taken the mark themselves, if they think Christ's blood won't cover them should they consent to be vaccinated.

So I think this is a random thread where I can post this. But it's snowing! Beautiful outside and accumulating. We might get 3-5 inches. This weekend, I might go for a hike in the Poconos, as they will surely get more snow. Snow is a gift from God that I have always enjoyed.

Excellent post! I find this is what Paul was getting at when he told the Galatians that Christ is become of no effect to them and that they are fallen from grace, those who are justified by law (Gal 5:4). He's not insinuating that they might be unsaved, because he clearly implied they were (Gal 3:2). Rather, he's cautioning them that they won't enjoy the benefits of their salvation or intimacy with God in this life if they seek to be justified by law, and thereby sow to the flesh. He said likewise to the Colossians, where he talks about this benefit of our salvation as our reward. Col 2:18-19: 18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. What is our reward? It is God! Genesis 15:1: After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

A false distinction. Converts to false religion can undergo lasting changes in their behavior. It's proof of nothing. A Muslim convert now fasts and prays to Mecca 5x daily his whole life. A Catholic convert now prays the rosary all the time and lives a zealous life. (Rom 10:2: For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.) So the evidence you're seeking is meaningless. The fruit of the Spirit comes from obeying the words of the Spirit. It comes from rejoicing in the assurance of salvation. It's not a fleshy transformation. "broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat" But that's not exactly what the Bible says about the witness of the Holy Spirit. The Bible says this an earnest (Eph 1:13-14, 2 Cor 1:21-22). An earnest is something real and definite which is given to prove the good intentions of the one giving it. So the Spirit is given in such a way to confirm for us the reality and irrevocability of our salvation when we believe; therefore, it is also called a sealing. This is consistent with other verses like 1 Thess 1:4-5, Rom 8:16, 1 John 4:13, 1 John 5:10. Therefore, it is unnecessary and even counterproductive and legalistic for those who have received the witness of the Holy Spirit to look inwardly for salvation assurance, which can only entail taking our eyes off Jesus Christ and looking to bury our talents in the ground (that is, in the flesh). As Paul asked, rhetorically, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? (Gal 3:2) - so works of law can never produce true fruit because fruit requires a seed. That Seed is Christ is us, the hope of glory.

Salvation is fully, finally, and totally accomplished and assured when we believe in Jesus Christ and receive the witness of the Holy Spirit. Those who are working for assurance are not under a covenant of grace, but a covenant of works and are in the flesh, not the Spirit. This “long-term evidence” business is just fleshy transformation, which is to go the way of Cain and build you house upon sand. This “transformation” can be accomplished by willpower in the flesh; it’s evidence of nothing. It’s idolatry- worshiping the works of your own hands. Does the Father give us a stone if we ask for bread? A serpent if we ask for a fish? A scorpion if we ask for an egg? No!

A very common and false interpretation of James. James is not saying, and cannot be saying, that works are needed for assurance of salvation, because this assurance is given by the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:16, 1 Thess 1:4-5). No amount of "good works" (which in God's eyes are just filthy rags) can provide evidence of salvation. I believe James is saying simply that Jesus Christ is our good works. John 14:12: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. See? To the one that believes, the very works that Jesus Christ did are ours. These aren't works of our flesh. Jesus Christ is our complete body of good works. The Father is perfectly pleased with us as sons because we are in the Son of God Jesus Christ. And in the end we will all be judged by works, as the Bible says in many instances. We'll be judged by Jesus Christ. If He is our good works, which He is if our life is hid with Him in God, then our works will be perfect on the day of judgment.

Everything done in this body of death is sin. Still, God uses it for His glory. For instance, David killing Uriah the Hittite and taking his wife is also a picture of salvation - God has slain with the sword our former husband (the law) and taken us to be His bride! Compare to Romans 7:1-4. Also, Noah, a picture of salvation, getting drunk on wine, a picture of the gift of the Spirit.