Markie51

I agree with your post, but with one exception: the soul. The original-language terms as used in the Scriptures show “soul” to be a person, an animal, or the life that a person or an animal enjoys. In other words, it is not that we have a soul, but that we are a soul. (Genesis 2:7; Exodus 1:5; Leviticus 24: 17, 18; Joshua 11:11; 1 Corinthians 15:45; 1 Peter 3:20;) The “soul” also dies.- Ezekiel 18:4, 20; Revelation 16:3. The difficulty lies in the fact that the meanings popularly attached to the English word “soul” stem primarily, not from the Hebrew or Christian Greek Scriptures, but from ancient Greek philosophy, actually pagan religious thought. Greek philosopher Plato, for example, quotes Socrates as saying: “The soul,…if it departs pure, dragging with it nothing of the body,…goes away into that which is like itself, into the invisible, divine, immortal, and wise, and when it arrives there it is happy, freed from error and folly and fear…and all the other human ills, and . . . lives in truth through all after time with the gods.”-Phaedo, 80, D, E; 81, A. God is referred to as having a “soul“: Leviticus 26:11, 30; Psalms 11:5; 24:4; Isaiah 1:14; 42:1; Jeremiah 12:7; 14;19; Matthew 12;18; Hebrews 10:38

v Contrary to popular beliefs, the star-mentioned at Matthew 2:2-was not a sign from heaven and the three travelers-as being depicted as kings or wise men-is not supported scripturally. These so called “wise men” were from the neighborhood of Babylon and were not academics; neither were they kings and worshipper of the true God. They were, as most modern English translations read, “astrologers,” “stargazers” or “Magi.” They were “diviners” who engaged in a practice of predictions based on the position of the stars and planets of which is condemned in the Holy Scriptures. (Deuteronomy 18:10-12) Note, that only these astrologers were reported to have “seen” the star. If the star had been an actual physical body, it would have been as visible as a beacon to the public in general. But even King Herod had to ask them about the details of its appearance. It is also notable of their adverse results of their visit: placing in danger the life of the future Messiah. In consideration of their having been directed by a source adverse to God’s purposes as relating to the promised Messiah, it is certainly reasonable to ask if the one who “keeps transforming himself into an angel of light,” whose operation is “with every powerful work and lying signs and portents,” who was able to make a serpent appear to speak, and who was referred to by Jesus as “a manslayer when he began,” could not also cause astrologers to “see” a star like object that guided them first, not to Bethlehem, but to Jerusalem, to Herod, where resided a mortal enemy of the promised Messiah.-Matthew 2:1, 2; John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 11:3, 14; 2 Thessalonians 2:9. These facts give evidence that the star was from an evil source: Satan the Devil. The Bible describes him as using “lying signs and portents.”-2 Corinthians 4:4; 11:14; 2 Thessalonians 2:9.

It is established, by theologians, that Moses penned the book of Genesis. Prior to the creation of humans, no one was an eye witness to the creation account from the beginning through part of the sixth day. Therefore, it was conveyed directly by God himself to Adam. This may also have been accomplished-in parts or its entirety-through the preceding five generations, of Moses, by means of written documents or most likely oral traditions. Keep in mind that people of that time period enjoyed longer life spans. All three of these means may have been used. “This is the history of” (Genesis 2: 4) is simply an introductory phrase or a partial summary of Genesis 1:1 through 2: 3. As suggested in the preceding paragraph, this seems logical to me because of the means of retaining this biblical information. Genesis, as with other parts (books, for example) of the Bible, was not always penned in a chronological. Genesis 2 is more in depth about human creation and subsequent human’s earliest affairs. This part was rightfully the highlight of creation.

It seems to me that the “ytube [You Tube] preacher” is correct. If anyone succeeds in helping someone from a sinful course and to repent helps keep that person under Christ’s ransom, avoids a spiritual death and condemnation to destruction.-Ezekiel 18:21, 22; 33:11; Galatians 6:1.

I agree with your conclusion: however, I can add support to your reasoning. Jesus Christ was speaking to his disciples in the present of the Pharisees and scribes prior to the account at Luke 16:19-31; and, often taught a lesson by telling a story through the means of parables or illustrations. In this illustration, the rich man depicts the Jewish clergy who were well provided for with spiritual provisions; who considered themselves children of the kingdom, clothed in purple/fine linen, very self-righteous; and, were proud of being Abraham’s offspring. (Matthew 23:27, 28; Romans 3:1, 2; Revelation 19:8) The beggar, Lazarus, depicts the Jewish common people, who were despised by the clergy. Being neglected, they were hungering and thirsting for righteousness (spiritually ill); and, who appreciated their need of Christ Jesus.-John 7:49; Matthew 5:6; Mark 2:17. The death of the rich man and of Lazarus pictured a change taking place in the relative positions of these two classes. This should be no surprise to us because the Bible shows that death can be used symbolically, representing people as dying or having died though still alive, meaning thereby that a great change in one’s life or course of action. Compare Romans 6:2, 11-13; 7:4-6; Colossians 3:3; 1 Timothy 5:6. A death, or change from former conditions, happened when Jesus fed the Lazarus class spiritually; and, they thus came into the favor of the greater Abraham: God. At the same time, the false religious leaders “died” with respect to having God’s favor. Being cast off, they suffered torments when Christ’s followers after Pentecost forcefully exposed their evil works. (Acts 7:51-57) So this illustration is not literal and does not teach that some dead persons are tormented in a literal fiery hell. Furthermore, it is not reasonable or Scriptural to believe that a man suffers torment simply because he is rich, wears good clothing and has plenty to eat. It is not Scriptural to believe that one is blessed with heavenly life just because he is a beggar. Jesus said nothing about the rich man’s living a degraded life worthy of “fiery” punishment; the man’s failing was that he did not spiritually feed the poor. Further, Jesus said nothing about Lazarus’ doing good things, things that clearly would merit his going to heaven. Finally, “No man has ascended into heaven but he that descended from heaven, the Son of man.” (John 3:13) The resurrection of the dead did not start at that time.

I also interpret this passage the same as you by considering Leviticus 18:7.

The “roaring of the sea” at Luke 21:25 is referring to Satan’s earthly system of things and the people that compose it.-Isaiah 57:20; Revelation 17:15. The other parts of this verse are symbolic and spiritual descriptions.-Revelation 6:12. Similes/metaphors like this one are frequently used in many other places in the Bible.

If you consider abhorring or detestable is likened to "hate" someone or something, then consider just a sampling of scriptures that reference what God hates, abhors or finds detestable.-Leviticus 18:6-30; 20:1-23; Deuteronomy 12:31; 18:12; 22:5; 23:18; 24:4; 25:16; 2 Kings 17:18; 21:6; 2 Chronicles 28:3; Proverbs 6:16; 15:9; 28:9; Malachi 2:16.

Shilohfoal: I meant to type "paradise." I apparently misspelled this word and when "spell check" opened up, I unknowingly and carelessly "checked" the wrong word. I apologize for the confusion. I would be confused myself.

Understanding who the “woman” refers to is helpful in identifying the “child.” The woman and male child that John sees in heaven are not a literal. They are signs, or symbols.-Revelation 1:1. In some scriptures, women are represented as organizations “married” to inanimate things/beings. In the Old Testament, Israel was spoken of as a wife of God. (Isaiah 54:5; Jeremiah 3:14, 20) In the New Testament, the congregation of anointed Christians is spoken of as Christ’s bride. (Revelation 21:9-14) The symbolic woman John sees is also symbolically married to someone, and she is about to give birth. Later her child is “caught away to God and to his throne.” (Revelation 12:5) God claims the child as his own. Therefore, the woman that John sees is God’s symbolic wife. Compare Galatians 4:19. Centuries earlier, God had addressed this symbolic wife. (Isaiah 54:5, 13) Jesus quoted this prophecy and showed that these sons were his faithful followers, who later formed the congregation of anointed Christians. (John 6:44, 45) So these members, spoken of as God’s sons, are also children of God’s symbolic wife. (Romans 8:14) The apostle Paul adds the final piece of information when he says: “The Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.” (Genesis 3:15; Galatians 4:26; Philippians 3:20) The “woman” seen by John, then, is “the Jerusalem above.” Since Paul spoke of her as “above,” and John sees her in heaven, she is clearly not an earthly city; neither is she the same as “New Jerusalem,” since that organization is the bride of Christ. (Revelation 21:2) Notice that she is crowned with 12 stars. The number 12 is associated with completeness in an organizational setting. Hence, these 12 stars seem to indicate that she is an organizational arrangement in heaven, just as ancient Jerusalem was on earth. Jerusalem above is Jehovah’s universal organization of spirit creatures that acts as his wife, both in serving him and in producing a symbolic offspring. This offspring or “child” refers to the birth of God’s Messianic Kingdom (government) with Jesus ruling as a king.

No, not everyone professing to be a Christian will be part of the symbolic "bride" class. Only 144,00 of whom are Called by God, reborn and anointed. The remaining of the Christian class have the prospect of everlasting life on paradise earth and will be considered God's children.-John 10:16; 14:2, 3; 2 Corinthians 11:2-6; Revelation 7:9, 13, 14: 14:1.

Satan/Devil is referred to as a/the serpent at Revelation 12:9. Compare 2 Corinthians 11:3; Revelation 20:2.

What John was emphasizing at 1 John 2:19, was what Christ and the apostle Paul had earlier warned about to the members of the Christian congregation and of the religious leaders outside the congregation rejecting or not accepting what they taught. (Matthew 7:15; 2 Timothy 4:3, 4) Such people were referred to as apostates or antichrists. (2 Thessalonians 2:3-5; 1 John 2:18; 2 John 7) This is not inclusive to any one individual/s, but kingdoms, nations, and organizations are singularly shown to be part of the antichrist in the symbolic description at Revelations 17:8-15; 19:19-21. Just as what happens today, such was the same during the apostolic period. Members of the Christian congregation were not fully committed, did not have a complete heart, and were not of like thinking. Therefore, they eventually imposed their own philosophies and influenced others. (Matthew 24:4, 11; Luke 21:8; Acts 20:29; 2 Peter 2:1-3) They abandoned or were expulsed from the congregation where they form destructive sects. Compare Matthew 7:21-23; Mark 13:21, 22; Luke 13:24-27; 1 Corinthians 15:33; 2 Corinthians 6:14.

Jesus has been answering his apostles’ questions regarding the sign of his presence and of the conclusion of the system of things. As he did frequently, he responded with an illustration of which the disciple realized that Jesus is talking about them.-John 14:2. The “ten virgins” symbolize all Christians who are in line for or who profess to be in line for the heavenly Kingdom.-Revelation 14:1, 3. The “oil” refers to the all Christians shining as illuminators of the inspired Word of God. The “foolish” ones do not have that same in themselves. He was making the point that in connection with the Kingdom, each of his disciples has the capacity to choose to be vigilant or to be distracted.

This reply is for the last post made by member SHILOHSFOAL to my post: "...believe Satan is restricted to a specific country...." How is it that you concluded this from my prior post? Regardless, I do thank you for your reply.

“Darkening” of sun, moon and stars are symbolic, a metaphor-in this example. Yes, other references to darkening of the heavens, sun, moon, stars, and etcetera where literal (Exodus 10:21-23; Joshua 10:12-14; Luke 23:44, 45). In Matthew, such conditions are referring/represent the loss of prosperous and favorable conditions; and, replaced by much less desirable conditions as the result of being alienated or in an unapproved relationship with God.

I agree with what member Michael 37 posted. Herod was only a tool or means by which Stan tried to kill Jesus as an infant.

Thank you "Revelation man." for pointing out my scriptural reference error.

To my understanding, Christ prophecy at Matthew 34:2 was fulfilled in 70 AD. The Arch of Titus, in Rome, commemorates this.

The prospective body called as Jesus’ “bride” are promised to him in a symbolic marriage, and they must be resurrected to the heavens in order to take part in “the marriage of the Lamb.” (2 Corinthians 11:2; Revelation 19:7, 8; 21:9) The apostle Paul looked forward to receiving his heavenly resurrection. (2 Timothy 4:8) When Christ’s “presence” takes place, there are some of his spiritual brothers yet alive on earth, “invited to the evening meal of the Lamb’s marriage,” but those of their number who have died are given first attention by a resurrection. (Revelation 19:9) This is explained at 1 Thessalonians 4:15, 16. Thus, at the time that they finish their earthly course faithfully in death, the remaining ones who have the invitation to “the evening meal of the Lamb’s marriage” are immediately resurrected to join their fellow members of the bride class in heaven. They do not “fall asleep in death” in the sense of waiting in a long sleep, as did the apostles but, on dying, are “changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, during the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised up incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:51, 52) Evidently, though, “the marriage of the Lamb” does not take place until after judgment has been executed upon “Babylon the Great.” (Revelation 18) After describing the destruction of this “great harlot,” and after all of the 144,000 have been finally approved and “sealed” as faithful ones and have been resurrected to the heavens, the marriage can proceed.-Revelation 19:7

Revelation was a vision of John. There are a significant number of scriptures in the bible such as you posted Revelation 9:16-18. This scripture, as with many, many others are metaphors, similes, illustrations and so forth. Compare, for example, Joel 1:4, 11; 2:25. This attack was against "Babylon the Great," the world empire of false religion and its followers. This is a prophesied spiritual war-on earth-initiated and conducted not by Satan/Antichrist, but by God Almighty and his son Jesus and their spiritual sons and daughters. Revelation 9:11, Abaddon (Hebrew) and Apollyon (Greek) is referring to Jesus Christ as “the angel of the abyss.”- Luke 8:31; Revelation 1:18.

What these scriptures (2 Corinthians 6:17) are mostly referring to is avoiding the unclean temples/idols-religious building today-and false religion. We need to spiritually separate ourselves from the false teachings and practices of Christendom-including its errant worshippers. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) This included the influences of the “flash” and “glitter” of our cultures and the ways and practices of the world. Reference John 13:34, 35; 15:19; James 4:4; 1 John 3:10-12; 5:19.

During the early beginning of the Christian congregations, few copies of the many scrolls/letters-that now compose the modern day Bible-were few and not readily available; therefore making public readings was essential. The apostle Paul commanded the ancient writings and his letters be read publically at the meetings of the fledgling Christian congregations and ordered them to be exchanged with other congregations so that others may benefit from such readings.-Colossians 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:27. Paul was instructing Timothy.

By learning from Jesus‘ examples, we become his followers. Liken this to someone we admire, respect such as an entertainers, athletes, politicians and so forth. Do not some of us try to emulate them in such matters as dress, hair styles, philosophies, speech, possessions…etcetera. The load that Jesus carries is doing God’s will. (John 4:34; 15:8) Yes, imitating Jesus requires courage, determination, endurance, and strength of which most of us lack and therefore we could not last. However, with God’s spirit, such a load will not be too heavy to bear.-2 Corinthians 4:7; 1 John 5:3.

This scripture-like many others-were prophetic. The literary use of metaphor and similes-in the Bible-are very common. This prophesy, at Genesis 3:15, is a very complicated scripture to discuss in this manner. It was, however, not fulfilled until thousands of years had passed. God was talking to Satan. The “woman” is referring to the birth of God’s new heavenly arrangement (spiritual Jerusalem) with Jesus appointed as king.-Galatians 4:26; Revelation11:15; 12:1-6.