Markie51

I agree. Furthermore, it seem to me that what is also being discussed here is that Paul was referring to Christians being “baptized for the purpose of being dead ones,” or “baptized into his [Jesus’] death”? They were to be immersed into a course of life that was to lead them as integrity-keepers to death, as was the case with Christ, and with the hope of a resurrection like his to immortal spirit life. (Romans 6:3-7; Philippians 3:10, 11) This was not a baptism that was accomplished quickly, as water immersion is. More than three years after his immersion in water, Jesus spoke of a baptism that was not yet completed in his own case and that was yet future for his disciples. (Mark 10:35-40) Since this baptism leads to resurrection to heavenly life, it must begin with the operation of God’s spirit on the person in such a way as to engender that hope, and it must end, not at death, but with realization of the prospect of immortal spirit life by means of the resurrection.-1 Corinthians 6:14; 2 Corinthians 1:21, 22.

The word “hell” is found in many Bible translations. In the same verses other trans-lations read “the grave,” “the world of the dead,” and so forth. Some translations use she’ohl´ (Hebrew) and its equivalent hai´des, (Greek) which refer, not to an individual burial place, but to the common grave of dead mankind. “Hades” is the ancient mythical Greek name for their “god“ of the “underworld.” Also, ge´enna (Greek), which was used as a symbol of eternal destruction. Furthermore, modern translators of the Bible have nurtured this doctrine by not rendering an accurate translations of these words within the various editions of the Bible; these same translators are not even consistent in their different applications in the various context of the scriptures. The ancient Babylonian and Assyrian have been identified mostly as the ancient peoples whose religious beliefs of a “nether world…place of horrors” gave birth to this fallacy. The ancient Egyptian added to this with a “fiery aspect.” Buddhism, in time, evolved a concept of “hot and cold hells.” Sadly, both in Christendom and in many non-Christian religions it is taught that hell is a place inhabited by demons and where the wicked, after death, are punished (and some believe that this is with torment). God warned the human families’ first parents what the results for disobedience would be: death and returning to dust. (Genesis. 2:17; 3:19) Other than the conditions that imperfection brings, no other conditions were given as a warning to be imposed after death. Apostle Paul counseled that death acquits us of our sins; furthermore, he stated that the wages for sin is death-nothing else. (Romans 6:7, 23; Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6, 10; Psalms 146:3, 4) Theological doctrine as “Hell/Hades.” is only one of Satan (Opposer) the Devil’s (Slanderer) ploys to mislead many. (Revelation 12:9) Remember that he is the “father of the lie” and the god of this system of things. (John 8:44; 12:31; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 6:11; 1 Peter 5:8; 1 John 5:19) The correct translations are the common grave or pit. (Job 17:16; 34:15; Psalms 146:4; Ecclesiastes 3:20; Isaiah 14:11) These are only a few scriptures comforting us of the condition of the dead.

Christians may not be able to rely on their personal strength to endure trails and tribulations. We need to rely on God fully by means of His word in the scriptures and prayer. His spirit should comfort and sustain us. Reference: Romans 15:4, 5; James 1:5.

Yes the fourth beast is Rome.-Daniel 2:32, 40; 7:7. The third beast was the king of Greece.-Daniel 2:39; 8:21, 22. The second beast was Darius-king of the Medes/Persians.-Daniel 2:39; 5:28; 8:20.

The scriptures do not support the the nation of Israel is the only nation/national group to be saved. Consider a-only-few of related scriptures. Matthew 22:8-10; 24:14; 28:19; Mark 13:10; John 4:9-15; Acts 9:15; 10:15, 34; 13:46, 47; 18:6; 28:28; Romans 1:16.

Consider reading and meditate only the listed scriptures in the book of Matthew carefully (definitely not inclusive). “This is my Son…”-3:17 “…son of God…“ (4:3); “…Jehovah’s mouth…” (4:4); “…son of God…” (4:6); “Jehovah your God…” (4:7); “…Jehovah your God you must worship…”-4:10 “…your Father who is in the heavens.“ (5:16, 45) “…heavenly Father…”-5:48 “…Father who is in the heavens” (6:1); “..pay to your father…” (6:6); “…God your father…” (6:8); “Our father in the heavens…” (6:9); “…heavenly Father…”-6:14, 26, 32 “…your Father who is in the heavens…“-7:11, 21 “…Son of God…“-8:29 “…my Father who is in the heavens…“ (10:32, 33); “…sent me forth.”-10:40 “…Father…“-11:25-27 “…my Father who is in the heaven…“-12:50 “You are really God’s son.“-14:33 “…my heavenly father…“-15:13 “…son of the living God…” (16:16); “…my Father who is in the heavens…“ (16:17); “…come in the glory of his Father…“-16:27 “This is my Son…“-17:5 “…my Father who is in the heaven…“ (18:10, 14); “…my Father in heaven…”(18:19); “…my heavenly Father…”-16:35 ‘…my Father…“-20:23 “…your Father, the heavenly one…“ (23:9); “…your Leader…” (23:10); “…he that comes in Jehovah’s name!”-23:39 “…neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father.”-24:36 “…blessed by my Father…“-25:34 “…in the kingdom of my Father.“ (26:29); “My Father…” (26:39, 42, 53); “By the living God…Christ the Son of God!” (26:63); “You yourself said it…”-26:64 “Certainly this was God’s Son.“-27:54 “All authority has been given me…“-28:18

The harlot, "Babylon the great," is the world empire of false religion.

Many believe that what makes man different from the animals is that man has a soul but the animals do not. However, Genesis 1:20 and 30 says that God created “living souls” to live in the waters, and that the animals have “life as a soul.” In these verses some Bibles use the words “creature” and “life” instead of “soul,” but their marginal readings agree that the word “soul” is what appears in the original language. The Bible was originally written mainly in Hebrew and Greek. When writing about the soul, the Bible writers used the Hebrew word ne'phesh or the Greek word psy·khe'. These two words occur well over 800 times in the Scriptures. When you examine the way “soul” or “souls” is used in the Bible, it becomes evident that this word basically refers to (1) people, (2) animals, or (3) 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. Consider how the word "soul" is used in these scriptures: Psalms 11:5; 24:4; Isaiah 1:14; 42:1; Jeremiah 12:7; 14:19; 32:41; Matthew 12:16; Hebrews 10:38.

Numbers, at times, were used in the Bible symbolically. The number six signifies imperfection, something not normal, monstrous. Compare 2 Samuel 21:20; 1 Chronicles 20:6; Daniel 3:1. Therefore since the number six falls short of seven (completeness to God’s standards) and is tripled representing gross imperfection. The account states that it is a man’s number, and because people encompass the second beast as well, it could not be spiritual but earthly-symbolizing human governments. (Revelation 13:11-18) Furthermore, it is a fitting name for the world’s gigantic political system that rules supreme and do not measure up to God’s standards.

I did not understand the second half of this scripture, but it is clear to me now. A reference to Nebuchadnezzar-in this circumstance-like other kings mentioned in the Bible are also synonymous to the people under his/their reigns. A common practice after conquering a nation was to disperse-in to slavery-the indigenous/conquered people to other nations. This was mainly to minimize the threat of future rebellions. The nation of Babylon was-in effect-no more in existence by being absorbed and diluted into other nations-culturally-with subsequent generations. Consequently, the conquered people and their offspring became salves-in a sense-to other nations. Compare: Deuteronomy 30:3; Psalms 147:2; Isaiah 11:12, 56:8; Ezekiel 36:24, 37:21. The ancient Jewish nation suffered a similar result because of the fear that they were multiplying too quickly and thus posed a threat to the nation enslaving them.-Exodus 1:8-22.

The Northern king-initially-was Seleucus 1 Nicator (Alexander's general), and the Southern king-initially-was Ptolemy 1 (Alexander's general).

Revelation Chapter 7 mentions two groups of sheep. First, the 144,000 “sealed out of every tribe of the sons of Israel.” (Revelation 7:4) Comparing Revelation 14:1-5 shows that the 144,000 are “bought from the earth,” to become “firstfruits to God.” (See Luke 12:32; John 14:2-4) These, therefore, are the ones who will reign in heaven with Christ. (Galatians 6:16; 2 Timothy 4:18) The second group is “…a great crowd, which no man was able to number…,” who “…come out of the great tribulation….”-Revelation 7:9, 14. Those determined to be “meek ones” and “upright” will “possess the earth” forever. They “will be left over in it.” (Psalms 37:11, 22, 29, 34; Proverbs 2:21; Matthew 5:5) Compare: Psalms 78:69; 104:5; 115:16; Isaiah 45:18; Ecclesiastes 1:4.

For those interested, I made a comment regarding the rider of the "White Horse" on this forum. Original post was made by Charlie 744, I replied to on February 13, 2021. I did not want to post a duplicate response.

If you are referring to Matthew 19:30, the account is explained in the following verses (Matthew 20:1-16).

It is clear to me that by reading the prose that the accounts in Genesis were not related to Moses and documented/written at the same time. Genesis 2:3 ends the brief summary of creation. Genesis 2:4 starts a retelling of the account but in a different detail. Compare-for example-Genesis 1:30 to Genesis 2:5.

Is anyone aware the "God," according to the scriptures< has a "soul" also. Compare: Psalms 11:5; 24:4; Isaiah 1:14; 42:1; Jeremiah 12:7; 14:19; 32:41; Matthew 12:18; Hebrews 10:38. This philosophy was first introduced by the Greek philosopher Aristotle and then further promoted by his student Plato.

I am satisfied with other scriptural references made to the identity of the rider of the "White Horse": Jesus Christ. Consider Revelation 19:11-16 because it helps describes-in detail-the identity of the rider. White Horse: Proverbs 21:31; Jeremiah 1:16; Revelation 1:14; 6:2 Faithful: Hebrews 3:6; Revelation 1:5 True: John 1:14; Revelation 3:14 Fiery eyes: Revelation 1:14; 2:18 Name: Revelation 2:17 Word: John 1:1 Sword: 2 Thessalonians 2:8; Revelation 1;16; 2:16 Iron Rod: Psalms 2:9; Isaiah 4:2; Revelation 2:27 These references are not inclusive.

Concerning "...those dead in Christ outside those who have died...." Consider these scriptures: Matthew 8:22; Luke 15:24; Romans 6:2, 11; 7:4-13, Ephesians 2:1, 5.

I do not see this as a contradiction. Consider Exodus 24:11. What they all saw was a "vision."

I do not see this account as a contradiction. Consider the verse a Exodus 24:11. What they all witnessed was a "vision."

I agree with you that the "Bride of Christ" is not the "Church" or "Jerusalem." No "...cities are coming down out of heaven...." The reference made in this scripture are symbolic. Jesus' bride are the 1444,00 anointed. Compare a sampling: Matthew 22:3; Luke 14;17; John 14:2; 2 Corinthians 1:21; 1 Peter 1;3; Revelation 19:9.