The Revelation of God's Righteousness and Humanity's Need for Salvation

[Neighbor]

On 6/28/2024 at 11:43 PM, First and the Last said:

The resurrection is central to understanding the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.

Hi, Might I add for consideration that it is the ascension of Jesus that does that ( A general reference  to the subject  is found within John 16).

[First and the Last]

Romans 1:18, "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness."

This verse emphasizes God's righteous judgment against sin and the serious consequences of living in opposition to His will. The "wrath of God" signifies His just and holy anger towards all forms of ungodliness and unrighteousness, highlighting that God's nature is not only loving and merciful but also just and holy.

This passage asserts that God's judgment is directed at those who "hold the truth in unrighteousness," meaning individuals who are aware of God's truth yet choose to live contrary to it. This rejection of divine truth and deliberate embrace of sin reflects a hardened heart and a willful defiance of God's righteous standards. This willful rejection of God’s truth leads to spiritual and moral decay, resulting in God's wrath.

The revelation of God's wrath "from heaven" underscores that divine judgment is both authoritative and unavoidable. It serves as a warning to all people about the seriousness of sin and the necessity of repentance. Acts 2:37-38 provides the essential response for those seeking salvation. This captures the moment when Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, addresses the convicted crowd on the Day of Pentecost.

Ultimately, this verse calls believers to live in a way that reflects the truth of God's Word, avoiding unrighteousness and striving for holiness. It reminds them of the importance of adhering to God's standards and the consequences of failing to do so. This understanding encourages a life of faithfulness, obedience, and reverence for God's righteous judgment.

Romans 1:19, "Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them."

This verse highlights the inherent knowledge of God that is evident within every individual. Paul is explaining that God's existence and attributes are clearly revealed to humanity through both internal and external means. Internally, God's moral law and awareness of His presence are written on the hearts of people, creating an innate sense of right and wrong and a longing for the divine. This inner witness points to the reality of God's existence and His nature.

Externally, God's revelation is manifest in the created world. The beauty, complexity, and order of creation testify to the Creator's power and divine nature. These revelations leave humanity without excuse for disbelief, as God has made His truth accessible to all. This universal revelation underscores the justice of God's judgment, as He has provided ample evidence of Himself to every person.

This understanding reinforces the necessity of responding to God's revelation with faith and obedience. The knowledge of God revealed within and around us calls for a response—turning away from sin and towards God. Recognizing and responding to God's self-revelation is crucial for entering into a right relationship with Him and experiencing the fullness of His salvation.

 

 

[First and the Last]

Romans 1:20, "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse."

This verse emphasizes the clarity and universality of God's self-revelation through creation. Paul asserts that the invisible qualities of God—His eternal power and divine nature—are made evident through the visible world, rendering humanity without excuse for disbelief or disobedience.

The "invisible things of him" refer to God's attributes and characteristics that, while not directly seen, are unmistakably demonstrated in the natural world. The intricate design, order, and beauty of creation testify to a powerful and intelligent Creator. The vastness of the universe, the complexity of biological systems, and the precision of natural laws all point to God's eternal power and His sovereign control over all things. This recognition of God's power should lead individuals to a reverent acknowledgment of Him as the Creator.

Secondly, the term "Godhead" in this context refers to the nature and essence of God. The Bible emphasizes the Oneness of God—that God is a singular divine being who has manifested Himself in various ways, as Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit. The natural world reflects aspects of God's unity and diversity, illustrating His ability to operate in different capacities while remaining one God. This understanding is crucial for believers, as it aligns with the biblical presentation of God's nature.

Furthermore, the phrase "so that they are without excuse" underscores the accountability of all humanity to respond to God's revelation. God's self-disclosure through creation is sufficient to hold people responsible for seeking Him and living according to His will. This innate knowledge of God leaves no one with a valid excuse for ignoring or rejecting Him. It calls for a response of faith, leading individuals to seek further revelation through Scripture and the preaching of the gospel.

In light of this revelation, the Scripture emphasizes the importance of responding to God's call through the plan of salvation as outlined in Acts Chapter 2. Recognizing God's power and divine nature should lead individuals to a transformative relationship with Him, marked by obedience to His Word and the infilling of His Spirit.

Ultimately, Romans 1:20 serves as a powerful reminder of God's clear and accessible revelation to humanity. It challenges believers to acknowledge the evidence of God's existence and nature in creation, respond to His call with faith and obedience, and share this truth with others, so that all may come to know and experience the fullness of God's salvation.

Romans 1:21, "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened."

This verse reflects the consequences of humanity's rejection of God despite knowing His existence and attributes. Paul highlights that instead of acknowledging God's greatness and giving Him glory, people chose to turn away from Him. This refusal to honor God as the supreme Creator and source of all blessings leads to spiritual and moral decline.

Knowing God entails more than mere intellectual acknowledgment; it involves recognizing His authority, submitting to His will, and expressing gratitude for His blessings. By failing to glorify God and give Him thanks, individuals become self-centered and prideful. They indulge in vain, futile thoughts and ambitions that are disconnected from God's truth and purposes. This departure from God's will leads to a spiritual darkness—an ignorance and distortion of spiritual truths—that affects the whole person, including their intellect, emotions, and moral compass.

Furthermore, the "foolish heart" becoming darkened signifies a moral and spiritual deterioration caused by rejecting God's truth and pursuing selfish desires. This aligns with the belief that sin not only separates individuals from God but also corrupts their understanding of right and wrong. As people persist in ignoring God's revelation and living according to their own desires, their hearts become hardened and resistant to spiritual enlightenment.

In response, the Bible emphasizes the need for repentance and a renewed commitment to honoring God as the rightful center of one's life. This includes turning away from self-centeredness and embracing humility, gratitude, and obedience to God's Word. Through the power of the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, believers are empowered to overcome the darkness of sin and live in alignment with God's truth and righteousness. This verse serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of rejecting God's truth and underscores the importance of seeking and honoring Him in all aspects of life.

[AdHoc]

On 6/29/2024 at 6:01 PM, warrior12 said:

Your reply did not address my question though.  While I understand the OP, post and reasoning, which I do agree with, as it outlines Paul calling and acceptance to do the work of an apostle, Paul nevertherless was chosen by Jesus Christ to suffer also in doing so.  Are we as belivers would become part of that suffering too, or is our calling indepentent as to each relationship or spiritual appointment with the Lord.   

Your response was about death and sin in general as I see it.   So address my question as to the specifics I asked in my reply. Read my post again if needed .  Thanks AdHoc.

I also included a verse by Peter to further my question point.

You are correct. I quoted your posting but answered the OP. This was a mistake. It should not have happened

To answer your question then I will be brief.  In the Garden of Eden, in the Church and in New Jerusalem there are elements. Without entering into a long explanation, God's House- both the tabernacle and the Temple, had common elements in the structure.
1. Gold, which depicts the nature of God, and silver, which depicts the redemptive work of Christ need to be REFINED
2. Bdellium is a pearl from a Tree. Once sin came in, the plant life could not fulfill God's plan and so the Bdellium is replaced by a pearl. A pearl comes into being by a wound in the oyster covered by layers of life-sap
3. Precious stones are made by wood going through a tough process ending with great heat and pressure. They depict the transforming work of the Holy Spirit
4. Wood depicts humanity. Men are Trees (Judges 9, Daniel 4, Ezekiel 31 and Jesus was a Vine and a carpenter)

To make up a House fit for God, these elements must be refined, pruned and hammered into shape, sawn, shaved, an refind in great heat. Even our Lord, though perfct from birth, must add the EXPERIENCE of suffering in

Heb.2.10; For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

Heb.5:8; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

Every man used by God for an important role suffered.

[Stewardofthemystery]

On 6/28/2024 at 10:43 PM, First and the Last said:

Underscores the dual nature of Jesus Christ, …this underscores the belief in Jesus Christ as both fully God and fully man, essential for understanding the mystery of the incarnation and the reality of His sacrificial atonement for humanity's sins. It also reinforces the idea that God's salvation plan is deeply rooted in historical and prophetic fulfillment, showcasing Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises and the central figure in God's plan of salvation.

Romans 1:4, "And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:"

Declares the exalted status of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, affirmed and demonstrated with power through His resurrection from the dead. This verse encapsulates the central tenet of belief in the deity of Jesus Christ and His triumph over sin and death. The phrase "declared to be the Son of God with power" emphasizes that Jesus' divine identity and authority were decisively revealed through His resurrection. It signifies that His resurrection was not merely a physical event but a supernatural demonstration of God's power, confirming His identity as the Son of God in the fullest sense.

The "spirit of holiness" refers to the Holy Spirit, who was instrumental in raising Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11). This resurrection power not only vindicated Jesus' claims about Himself but also validated His mission and teachings. In theology, this verse underscores the transformative power of the resurrection, which brings new life and spiritual empowerment to believers. It affirms that Jesus is not only the Messiah promised by the prophets but also the divine Son of God who conquered sin and death, offering salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him.

The resurrection is central to understanding the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. It is through the Spirit of holiness, dwelling within believers, that they experience the same resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead, enabling them to live victoriously over sin and to bear witness to the gospel with boldness. Thus, Romans 1:4 serves as a foundational truth that highlights Jesus' divine identity, the power of His resurrection, and the ongoing significance of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church and individual believers.

 

This belief is in error because Jesus Christ did not have a “dual nature” neither is it written that God is “fully man”.  To be “fully man” means you have a “sin nature” Neither God or Christ have a “sin nature” only a “Righteous Divine Nature”.

[AdHoc]

5 hours ago, Stewardofthemystery said:

This belief is in error because Jesus Christ did not have a “dual nature” neither is it written that God is “fully man”.  To be “fully man” means you have a “sin nature” Neither God or Christ have a “sin nature” only a “Righteous Divine Nature”.

You might have to reconsider.

To be "fully man" the Law of "KInds" of Genesis 1:11-12 makes our Lord Jesus fully man if he was seed of the woman. Any thing that has its seed within itself must produce the same kind.

The sin-nature does not decide if a man is fully man. The "seed" he came from decides. Adam was man in the day God created him:

1 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; 2 Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created. (Gen.5:1–2).

Verse 1 is single because Eve was still IN Adam. Verse 2 is Male and Female with a single name because God did not have to add anything to get the woman. However, because the soul of man is a new creature, the word "created" is used. In Genesis 2:7 man "became a living soul" indicates that he was not so before.

So also Hebrews 2.

16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

[Stewardofthemystery]

38 minutes ago, AdHoc said:

You might have to reconsider.

To be "fully man" the Law of "KInds" of Genesis 1:11-12 makes our Lord Jesus fully man if he was seed of the woman. Any thing that has its seed within itself must produce the same kind.

The sin-nature does not decide if a man is fully man. The "seed" he came from decides. Adam was man in the day God created him:

1 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; 2 Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created. (Gen.5:1–2).

Verse 1 is single because Eve was still IN Adam. Verse 2 is Male and Female with a single name because God did not have to add anything to get the woman. However, because the soul of man is a new creature, the word "created" is used. In Genesis 2:7 man "became a living soul" indicates that he was not so before.

So also Hebrews 2.

16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

Jesus was not conceived “by the seed of man,”Jesus was conceived “by the Holy Spirit,”therefore He did not have the “sin nature” of man.

Matthew 1:20

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is “conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.”

 

Luke 1:35

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that “holy thing”which shall be born of thee shall be called “the Son of God.”

 

1 Corinthians 15:47

The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven.

[First and the Last]

6 hours ago, Stewardofthemystery said:

This belief is in error because Jesus Christ did not have a “dual nature” neither is it written that God is “fully man”.  To be “fully man” means you have a “sin nature” Neither God or Christ have a “sin nature” only a “Righteous Divine Nature”.

The doctrine of the dual nature of Jesus Christ is a foundational belief that emphasizes His identity as both fully God and fully man, without implying any sinfulness in His humanity. The Bible teaches that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, making Him truly human yet without sin (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38). This dual nature is essential for understanding the mystery of the incarnation, where God took on human flesh (John 1:14). Jesus, being fully God, possesses the divine nature, and being fully man, He identifies with our human experiences yet remains sinless (Hebrews 4:15). This does not mean that Jesus had a sin nature; rather, He had a perfect human nature untainted by sin, allowing Him to be the perfect sacrifice for humanity's sins (2 Corinthians 5:21). This belief underscores the significance of Jesus' sacrificial atonement and His fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, as foretold in the Scriptures, making Him the central figure in God's plan of salvation.

[Stewardofthemystery]

1 hour ago, First and the Last said:

The doctrine of the dual nature of Jesus Christ is a foundational belief that emphasizes His identity as both fully God and fully man, without implying any sinfulness in His humanity. The Bible teaches that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, making Him truly human yet without sin (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38). This dual nature is essential for understanding the mystery of the incarnation, where God took on human flesh (John 1:14). Jesus, being fully God, possesses the divine nature, and being fully man, He identifies with our human experiences yet remains sinless (Hebrews 4:15). This does not mean that Jesus had a sin nature; rather, He had a perfect human nature untainted by sin, allowing Him to be the perfect sacrifice for humanity's sins (2 Corinthians 5:21). This belief underscores the significance of Jesus' sacrificial atonement and His fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, as foretold in the Scriptures, making Him the central figure in God's plan of salvation.

It does “imply”that Jesus had a “sin nature” when you say Jesus had a “dual nature” And when you say that God is “fully man” it also implies the same. In order to be “fully man” one has to have the “sin nature” that is in all mankind.

There is NO scripture that says Jesus had a “dual nature” and is “fully man” that is the words of men, NOT the words of God.

[First and the Last]

7 minutes ago, Stewardofthemystery said:

It does “imply”that Jesus had a “sin nature” when you say Jesus had a “dual nature” And when you say that God is “fully man” it also implies the same. In order to be “fully man” one has to have the “sin nature” that is in all mankind.

There is NO scripture that says Jesus had a “dual nature” and is “fully man” that is the words of men, NOT the words of God.

1 Timothy 3:16, "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh ..."

Encapsulates a profound declaration concerning the nature and work of Jesus Christ. It celebrates the mystery of godliness, revealing how God Himself was manifested in the flesh through Jesus Christ (Fully Human, seed of woman). This statement affirms the fundamental belief that Jesus is both fully God and fully man.

Seed of a Woman: This phrase originates from Genesis 3:15, often referred to as the protoevangelium or the first proclamation of the gospel. It prophesies that the seed of the woman will bruise the head of the serpent, referring to the ultimate victory of Christ over Satan and sin. In this context, "seed of the woman" emphasizes Jesus' Full humanity. He was born of the Virgin Mary through the miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:31-35), fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would come from the lineage of humanity, specifically through a woman.

The phrase "God was manifest in the flesh" emphasizes the incarnation of Jesus Christ, where the eternal Son of God took on human form to dwell among us (John 1:14). This manifestation of God in human flesh is a pivotal event in history, demonstrating God's love for humanity and His desire to reconcile us to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).