In our last visit we discovered that as restored innocence we are now in GOD's Righteousness and His Faith program and that none of this is of our own doings. In other words it is not of our efforts in doing good works to prove ourselves, but is all of GOD's doing through and in our flesh that housed His own Spirit within His Son the Son of His Love manifestation among His humanity. We saw that our justification is by His Faith, as it was evidenced in the OT Scriptures. We shall move on in this revelation here in chapter 4 of Romans by beginning at verse 9, to get the rest of this story, of the promise realized by faith, through the end of verse 15.
Romans 4:9-12 "Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised." (KJV)
Romans 4:9-12 "Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised." (ESV)
Romans 4:9-12 "Is this blessing restricted exclusively to the circumcision or extended also to the uncircumcision? Remember we are looking at Abraham as an example; his righteousness was founded on faith. Did circumcision play a role in Abraham's standing before GOD? Certainly not; it is clear that GOD already calculate his faith as righteousness before he was circumcised. (Righteousness is not a reward for good behavior.) Circumcision was introduced as a (prophetic) external seal to confirm the fact that Abraham's faith already resulted in righteousness. This qualifies him to be the father of all uncircumcised people who would believe as he did in the impartation of acquittal. (The seal was not meant to be a distraction but rather a prophetic confirmation to righteousness by faith. Just like a receipt is only a reference to, and not the actual transaction.) At the same time he also represents as father all those for whom circumcision is not merely a skin deep religious ritual, but is for those who actually walk in the footprints of his faith." (The Mirror)
Romans 4:13-15 "For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression." (KJV)
Romans 4:13-15 "For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression." (ESV)
Romans 4:13-15 "Righteousness by faith and not righteousness by Law prompted the promise when GOD announced to Abraham that he would father those who would inherit the world. It is again a matter of embracing a gift rather than receiving a reward for keeping the Law. Faith would be emptied of its substance and the principle of promise would be meaningless if the Law of personal performance was still in play to qualify the heirs. (Faith is not in competition with the Law. The life quality that faith reveals is consistent with humanity's original design and mirrors very life law promoted.) The Law system is bound to bring about disappointment, regret and anger; if there is no Law there is nothing break; no contract, no breach." (the Mirror)
What follows is a major revelation and the LORD willing, we shall delve into it, as a cold miner searches for gold, in our next visit.
Thursday, January 31, 2019
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", taken from Romans 3.3 & 4, the renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
We are now down to the wire on Romans chapter 3, as we deal with the Law of works verses the law of faith, but don't get existed there is allot more to go. For where is righteousness and how does GOD work it in? Okay, we will pick the flow back up at verse 27 and then head for chapter 4 and verse 8 before we finish here for now. For GOD has buried in Scripture a wealth of riches and knowledge untapped by most us as we read through our daily readings and recitals of scriptures.
Romans 3:27-30, 31-4:8 "Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture (of Genesis 15:6)? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth (G3049) righteousness without works, saying (in Psalm 32:1-2)," Blessed (H835) are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin." (KJV)
Romans 3:27-30, 31-4:8 "Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.
Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law. What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture (Genesis 15:6) say? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness." Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts (G3049) righteousness apart from works (Psalm 32:1-2): "Blessed (H835) are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; Blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin." (ESV)
Romans 3:27-30, 31-4:8 "The law of faith cancels the Law of works; which means there is suddenly nothing left for anyone to boast in. No one is superior to another. (Bragging only makes sense if there is someone to compete with or impress. "While we compete with one another and compare ourselves with one another we are without understanding. [2Corinthians 10:12]. "Through the righteousness of GOD we have received a faith of equal standing. [Look at 2Peter 1:1 RSV] The OS (operating system) of the Law of works is self-willpower; the OS of the law of faith is love. Galatians 5:6 Love set faith in motion. The Law presented one with choices; grace awakens belief! Willpower exhausts, love ignites! If choices could save us we would all be our own Saviors! Willpower is the language of the Law, Love is the language of Grace and it ignites faith that leads to romance; falling in love beats "making a decision to believe in love" by far! Look at Romans 7:19 "Willpower has failed me; this is how embarrassing it is, the most diligent decision that I make to do good, disappoints." ) This leaves us with only one logical conclusion, humanity is justified by GOD's Faith and not by their own ability to keep the Law. Which means that GOD is not the private property of the Jews but belongs equally to all the nations. (While the Law excludes the non-Jewish nations, faith includes us all on level ground and terms.) There is only one GOD, He deals with everyone, circumcised or uncircumcised exclusively on the basis of His Faithfulness.
No, faith does not re-write the rules; instead it confirms that the original life-quality meant for humanity as documented in the Law, is again realized. If we look at our father Abraham as an example and scrutinize his life, would you say that he discovered any reason for placing confidence in the flesh through personal contribution? (What qualified Abraham to be the father of the multitudes of nations? The only part he played was his unwavering belief in GOD's Faith in him.) If he felt that his friendship with GOD was a reward for good behavior, then surely he would have reason to recommend the recipe; yet it is plain to see that it was all GOD's initiative from start to finish! Scripture is clear (Genesis 15:6): "Abraham believe what GOD believed about him and that concluded his righteousness." There is a large difference between a reward and a gift: if you have earned something through hard work, what you receive in return is your due and certainly not a gift. It is clear then that someone who believes that GOD declares the ungodly innocent understands that it is faith and not our toil that accounts for righteousness. David confirms this principle when he speaks of the blessedness of the one who discovers GOD's approval (G3049) without any reference to something specific that they had done to qualify themselves. ( in Psalm 32:1-2) "Oh what [1, H835] happy progress one makes with the weight of sin and guilt removed and one's slate wiped clean! (The Hebrew word [1; H835] ashar, blessed, means to advance, to make progress.) How blessed is the one who receives a [1] receipt instead of an invoice for their sin." ([1; G3049, from G3056 and G3004] logitzomai, to make a calculation to which there can only be one logical conclusion, to take an inventory.) (The Mirror)
In our next post we shall carry on with our look at righteousness, or more correctly our innocence.
Romans 3:27-30, 31-4:8 "Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture (of Genesis 15:6)? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth (G3049) righteousness without works, saying (in Psalm 32:1-2)," Blessed (H835) are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin." (KJV)
Romans 3:27-30, 31-4:8 "Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.
Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law. What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture (Genesis 15:6) say? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness." Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts (G3049) righteousness apart from works (Psalm 32:1-2): "Blessed (H835) are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; Blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin." (ESV)
Romans 3:27-30, 31-4:8 "The law of faith cancels the Law of works; which means there is suddenly nothing left for anyone to boast in. No one is superior to another. (Bragging only makes sense if there is someone to compete with or impress. "While we compete with one another and compare ourselves with one another we are without understanding. [2Corinthians 10:12]. "Through the righteousness of GOD we have received a faith of equal standing. [Look at 2Peter 1:1 RSV] The OS (operating system) of the Law of works is self-willpower; the OS of the law of faith is love. Galatians 5:6 Love set faith in motion. The Law presented one with choices; grace awakens belief! Willpower exhausts, love ignites! If choices could save us we would all be our own Saviors! Willpower is the language of the Law, Love is the language of Grace and it ignites faith that leads to romance; falling in love beats "making a decision to believe in love" by far! Look at Romans 7:19 "Willpower has failed me; this is how embarrassing it is, the most diligent decision that I make to do good, disappoints." ) This leaves us with only one logical conclusion, humanity is justified by GOD's Faith and not by their own ability to keep the Law. Which means that GOD is not the private property of the Jews but belongs equally to all the nations. (While the Law excludes the non-Jewish nations, faith includes us all on level ground and terms.) There is only one GOD, He deals with everyone, circumcised or uncircumcised exclusively on the basis of His Faithfulness.
No, faith does not re-write the rules; instead it confirms that the original life-quality meant for humanity as documented in the Law, is again realized. If we look at our father Abraham as an example and scrutinize his life, would you say that he discovered any reason for placing confidence in the flesh through personal contribution? (What qualified Abraham to be the father of the multitudes of nations? The only part he played was his unwavering belief in GOD's Faith in him.) If he felt that his friendship with GOD was a reward for good behavior, then surely he would have reason to recommend the recipe; yet it is plain to see that it was all GOD's initiative from start to finish! Scripture is clear (Genesis 15:6): "Abraham believe what GOD believed about him and that concluded his righteousness." There is a large difference between a reward and a gift: if you have earned something through hard work, what you receive in return is your due and certainly not a gift. It is clear then that someone who believes that GOD declares the ungodly innocent understands that it is faith and not our toil that accounts for righteousness. David confirms this principle when he speaks of the blessedness of the one who discovers GOD's approval (G3049) without any reference to something specific that they had done to qualify themselves. ( in Psalm 32:1-2) "Oh what [1, H835] happy progress one makes with the weight of sin and guilt removed and one's slate wiped clean! (The Hebrew word [1; H835] ashar, blessed, means to advance, to make progress.) How blessed is the one who receives a [1] receipt instead of an invoice for their sin." ([1; G3049, from G3056 and G3004] logitzomai, to make a calculation to which there can only be one logical conclusion, to take an inventory.) (The Mirror)
In our next post we shall carry on with our look at righteousness, or more correctly our innocence.
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", taken from Romans 3.2, the renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
What the world's people don't know or understand is that most of us have been in one form or another brainwashed to believe a lie from the very beginning of our development in life. This being done through of all places the very religion and church that we hang our hats on, and come to depend on so religiously all of our lives. That being said, I will now turn my attention to the issues at hand in Romans 3 beginning at verse 19. Then we shall look at our justification by faith the very thing that so many people get hung up on, for they have a hard time threading the eye of the needle on this one. Not realizing that all is of GOD and His doing, while Jesus His divine messenger was nailed to the wood stack of our due, the cross and is what was meant in this, 'It is Finished!'
Romans 3:19-20 "Now we know that what things soever the Law saith, it saith to them who are under the (requirements, demands and rule of this) Law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds (required) of the Law there shall no flesh be justified (G1344 from G1342) in his sight: for by the Law is the knowledge of sin." (KJV)
Romans 3:19-20 "Now we know that whatever the Law says it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the Law no human being will be justified (G1344 from G1342) in his sight, since through the Law comes knowledge of sin." (ESV)
Romans 3:19-20 "The fact that all these quotations are from the Jewish writings, confirm that their Law of moral conduct did not free them from the very same sins the rest of the world was (held captive by as in) trapped in. The entire human race is now confronted with the [1; G1344 from G1342] righteousness of GOD. (The word [1; G1342, from G1349] upodikos, is from upo meaning under and dikay, two parties finding likeness in each other, the stem of the word (G1343) dikaiosunay, is righteousness (the Hebrew of H6663: tsâdaq, tsaw-dak'). Look also at Romans 1:17, 4:25, also Acts 17:31) The Law proves all of humanity equally guilty and confirms that their most sincere duty-driven decision and "self-help" programs are within the confines of the flesh cannot give them any sense of improved confidence in their standing before GOD" (The Mirror)
Romans 3:21-26 "But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon (G1519) all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned (G264), and come short (G5302) of the glory (G1391) of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance (G463) of God; To (G4314) declare (G1732), I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier (G1732) of him which believeth in Jesus." (KJV)
Romans 3:21-26 "But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all (G1519) who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned (G264) and fall short (G5302) of the glory (G1391) of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received (G1732) by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance (G463) he had passed over former sins. It was to (G4314) show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier (G1732) of the one who has faith in Jesus." (ESV)
Romans 3:21-26 "We are now talking a completely different language: the gospel unveils what GOD did right not what we did wrong! Both the Law and all the prophets writings pointed to this moment! (This brings us back to the theme of our ministry, chapter 1:1-2, 5, 16-17. There is no point in telling people how condemned they are! Tell them how loved they are! GOD's dealing with his humanity is based on the fact that their conscience continues to bear witness to their original design. Romans 7:22.) Jesus is what GOD believes about you! In him the righteousness of GOD in on display in such a way [1; G1519)] that everyone may be equally persuaded about what GOD believes about them, regardless of who they are; there is no distinction. (The preposition, [1; G1519] eis, indicates a point reached in conclusion.) Humanity is in the same boat; their [1; G264, from G3313] distorted behavior is proof of a [2; G5302] lost [3; G1391 from G1380] blueprint. (The word sin, is the word [1; G264, G1 from G3313] hamartia, an is from ha, a negative or without and meros, portion or form, thus to be without your allotted portion or without form, pointing to a disorientated, distorted, bankrupt identity; the word meros, is the stem of morphe, as in 2Corinthians 3:18 where the (G3339, from G3326 and G3445) word metamorphe, with form, which is the opposite of hamartia - without form. Sin is to live out of context with the blueprint of one's original design; to behave out of tune with GOD's original harmony. Look at Deuteronomy 32:18, "You have forgotten the Rock that begot you and have gotten out of step with the GOD who danced with you!" Hebrew (H7876; H2342), khul or kheel , to dance. Look at Romans 9:33. The word [2; G5302] hustereo, to fall short, to be inferior, [3; G1391 from G1380] doxa, glory, blueprint, is from (G1380) dokeo , opinion or intent.) Jesus Christ is proof of GOD's grace gift; he redeemed the glory of GOD in human life; humanity condemned is now humanity justified! (He proved that GOD did not make a mistake when he made you in his image and likeness! Sadly the evAngelical world proclaimed verse 23 completely out of context. There is no good news in verse 23, the gospel is in verse 24! all fell short because of Adam; the same 'all' are equally declared innocent because of Christ! The Law reveals what happened to humanity in Adam; grace reveals what happened to the same humanity in Christ, the second Adam of promise. (Genesis 3:15) Their is no distinction - all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of GOD - now they are justified freely as a gift through the redemption [the liberating action] of Jesus Christ!) Jesus exhibits GOD's mercy. In his blood conciliation GOD's Faith persuades humanity of his righteousness and the fact that he has brought closure to the historic record of their sin. (Not by demanding a sacrifice but providing the sacrifice of himself, again as promised in Genesis 3:15.) Jesus is the unveiling of the Father's heart towards us. (Look at Hebrews 8:12 and also 1John 2:2) All along GOD [1;G463] refused to let go of humanity. At this very moment GOD's act of [2] righteousness is [3; G1732] pointing them to the evidence of their innocence, with Jesus as the [4] fountainhead of faith. ( GOD's tolerance, [1; G463] anoche, to echo upwards; GOD continues to hear the echo of his likeness in us. Look at Romans 2:4. in both these verses [25+26] Paul uses the word, [3; G1732] endeixis, from where we get the word indicate from. It is also part of the stem of the word translated, righteousness, [2; G1343] dikaiosune. To point out, to show, to convince with proof. Then follows, [4; G1537, G4102-G3982] ek pisteos iesou; ek, source or origin and iesou is in the Genitive case, the owner of faith is Jesus! He is both the source and substance of faith! Hebrews 11:1, 12:2 "The Incarnation means that GOD Himself condescended to enter into our alienated human existence, to lay hold of it, to bind it in union with Himself; and the consummation of the Incarnation in the death and resurrection means the Son of GOD died for all men, and so once and for all constituted men as men upon whom GOD had poured out His life and love, so that men are for ever laid hold of by GOD and affirmed in their being as His creatures. They can no more escape from His love and sink into non-being than they can constitute themselves men for whom Christ has not died. How can GOD go back upon the death of His dear Son? How can GOD undo the Incarnation and go back upon Himself? How can GOD who is Love go back upon the pouring out of His love once and for all and so cease to be Himself? That is the decisive, final thing about the whole Incarnation including the death of Christ, that it affects all men, indeed the whole of creation, for the whole of creation is now put on a new basis with GOD, the basis of a Love that does not withhold itself but only overflows in our unending Love. That is why creation still continues in being, and that is why man still exists, for GOD has not given him up, but on the contrary poured out His Love upon him unreservedly once and for ever, decidedly and finally affirming man as His child, eternally confirming the creation as His own handiwork. GOD does not say Yes, and No, for all He has done is Yes and Amen in Christ. That applies to every man, whether he will or not. He owes his very being to Christ and belongs to Christ, and in that he belongs to Christ he has his being only from Him and in relation to Him.) (The Mirror)
Until we meet again and the good LORD willing, we shall pick this back up at verse 27.
Romans 3:19-20 "Now we know that what things soever the Law saith, it saith to them who are under the (requirements, demands and rule of this) Law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds (required) of the Law there shall no flesh be justified (G1344 from G1342) in his sight: for by the Law is the knowledge of sin." (KJV)
Romans 3:19-20 "Now we know that whatever the Law says it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the Law no human being will be justified (G1344 from G1342) in his sight, since through the Law comes knowledge of sin." (ESV)
Romans 3:19-20 "The fact that all these quotations are from the Jewish writings, confirm that their Law of moral conduct did not free them from the very same sins the rest of the world was (held captive by as in) trapped in. The entire human race is now confronted with the [1; G1344 from G1342] righteousness of GOD. (The word [1; G1342, from G1349] upodikos, is from upo meaning under and dikay, two parties finding likeness in each other, the stem of the word (G1343) dikaiosunay, is righteousness (the Hebrew of H6663: tsâdaq, tsaw-dak'). Look also at Romans 1:17, 4:25, also Acts 17:31) The Law proves all of humanity equally guilty and confirms that their most sincere duty-driven decision and "self-help" programs are within the confines of the flesh cannot give them any sense of improved confidence in their standing before GOD" (The Mirror)
Romans 3:21-26 "But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon (G1519) all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned (G264), and come short (G5302) of the glory (G1391) of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance (G463) of God; To (G4314) declare (G1732), I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier (G1732) of him which believeth in Jesus." (KJV)
Romans 3:21-26 "But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all (G1519) who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned (G264) and fall short (G5302) of the glory (G1391) of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received (G1732) by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance (G463) he had passed over former sins. It was to (G4314) show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier (G1732) of the one who has faith in Jesus." (ESV)
Romans 3:21-26 "We are now talking a completely different language: the gospel unveils what GOD did right not what we did wrong! Both the Law and all the prophets writings pointed to this moment! (This brings us back to the theme of our ministry, chapter 1:1-2, 5, 16-17. There is no point in telling people how condemned they are! Tell them how loved they are! GOD's dealing with his humanity is based on the fact that their conscience continues to bear witness to their original design. Romans 7:22.) Jesus is what GOD believes about you! In him the righteousness of GOD in on display in such a way [1; G1519)] that everyone may be equally persuaded about what GOD believes about them, regardless of who they are; there is no distinction. (The preposition, [1; G1519] eis, indicates a point reached in conclusion.) Humanity is in the same boat; their [1; G264, from G3313] distorted behavior is proof of a [2; G5302] lost [3; G1391 from G1380] blueprint. (The word sin, is the word [1; G264, G1 from G3313] hamartia, an is from ha, a negative or without and meros, portion or form, thus to be without your allotted portion or without form, pointing to a disorientated, distorted, bankrupt identity; the word meros, is the stem of morphe, as in 2Corinthians 3:18 where the (G3339, from G3326 and G3445) word metamorphe, with form, which is the opposite of hamartia - without form. Sin is to live out of context with the blueprint of one's original design; to behave out of tune with GOD's original harmony. Look at Deuteronomy 32:18, "You have forgotten the Rock that begot you and have gotten out of step with the GOD who danced with you!" Hebrew (H7876; H2342), khul or kheel , to dance. Look at Romans 9:33. The word [2; G5302] hustereo, to fall short, to be inferior, [3; G1391 from G1380] doxa, glory, blueprint, is from (G1380) dokeo , opinion or intent.) Jesus Christ is proof of GOD's grace gift; he redeemed the glory of GOD in human life; humanity condemned is now humanity justified! (He proved that GOD did not make a mistake when he made you in his image and likeness! Sadly the evAngelical world proclaimed verse 23 completely out of context. There is no good news in verse 23, the gospel is in verse 24! all fell short because of Adam; the same 'all' are equally declared innocent because of Christ! The Law reveals what happened to humanity in Adam; grace reveals what happened to the same humanity in Christ, the second Adam of promise. (Genesis 3:15) Their is no distinction - all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of GOD - now they are justified freely as a gift through the redemption [the liberating action] of Jesus Christ!) Jesus exhibits GOD's mercy. In his blood conciliation GOD's Faith persuades humanity of his righteousness and the fact that he has brought closure to the historic record of their sin. (Not by demanding a sacrifice but providing the sacrifice of himself, again as promised in Genesis 3:15.) Jesus is the unveiling of the Father's heart towards us. (Look at Hebrews 8:12 and also 1John 2:2) All along GOD [1;G463] refused to let go of humanity. At this very moment GOD's act of [2] righteousness is [3; G1732] pointing them to the evidence of their innocence, with Jesus as the [4] fountainhead of faith. ( GOD's tolerance, [1; G463] anoche, to echo upwards; GOD continues to hear the echo of his likeness in us. Look at Romans 2:4. in both these verses [25+26] Paul uses the word, [3; G1732] endeixis, from where we get the word indicate from. It is also part of the stem of the word translated, righteousness, [2; G1343] dikaiosune. To point out, to show, to convince with proof. Then follows, [4; G1537, G4102-G3982] ek pisteos iesou; ek, source or origin and iesou is in the Genitive case, the owner of faith is Jesus! He is both the source and substance of faith! Hebrews 11:1, 12:2 "The Incarnation means that GOD Himself condescended to enter into our alienated human existence, to lay hold of it, to bind it in union with Himself; and the consummation of the Incarnation in the death and resurrection means the Son of GOD died for all men, and so once and for all constituted men as men upon whom GOD had poured out His life and love, so that men are for ever laid hold of by GOD and affirmed in their being as His creatures. They can no more escape from His love and sink into non-being than they can constitute themselves men for whom Christ has not died. How can GOD go back upon the death of His dear Son? How can GOD undo the Incarnation and go back upon Himself? How can GOD who is Love go back upon the pouring out of His love once and for all and so cease to be Himself? That is the decisive, final thing about the whole Incarnation including the death of Christ, that it affects all men, indeed the whole of creation, for the whole of creation is now put on a new basis with GOD, the basis of a Love that does not withhold itself but only overflows in our unending Love. That is why creation still continues in being, and that is why man still exists, for GOD has not given him up, but on the contrary poured out His Love upon him unreservedly once and for ever, decidedly and finally affirming man as His child, eternally confirming the creation as His own handiwork. GOD does not say Yes, and No, for all He has done is Yes and Amen in Christ. That applies to every man, whether he will or not. He owes his very being to Christ and belongs to Christ, and in that he belongs to Christ he has his being only from Him and in relation to Him.) (The Mirror)
Until we meet again and the good LORD willing, we shall pick this back up at verse 27.
Monday, January 28, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", taken from Romans 3.1, the renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
Picking things back up at verse 9 of GOD'S indictment against the world's religions guilty. But because of man's limited sight and vision being of a religious makeup he sees this area as a indictment against his own humanity, based solely on his perception of scriptures read. Just as Israel of old was limited by their own unbelief and rebellion and therefore have internalized these words by guilt's association caused by the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, this condition of perspective being carried over to day in a sin conscientious. But when we become awakened within us by GOD's Spirit restored we begin to hear and see differently now having the restored divine nature of man in Genesis 2's account. This taking place while the Lord Jesus Christ was hanging on the tree as us and we in Him. The process chosen by GOD to bring humanity's redemption to light and life by our co-death, co-burial, co-descention into the darkness of hells fire, co-resurrection, and co-ascension to our home as seen in Genesis 1:26-27. Keeping in mind that "Israel" was and is in the symbolizes language, used for GOD'S Humanity and what they carry as a nation humanity carries as the completion or wholeness of them. Known by divine revelation and revealed by the Spirit of Truth, just as promised by the GOD of promise.
Romans 3:9-18, 19-20 "What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth (H7919; G4920), there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable (H444; G823); there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.
Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world (G2889, kosmos) may become guilty (G5267) before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified (G1344) in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin." (KJV)
Romans 3:9-18, 19-20 "What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written (in Psalm 14:1-3, 53:1-3; 5:9, 140:3; 10:7; by Isaiah in 59:7-8; and Psalm 36:1): "None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands (H7919; G4920); no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless (H444; G889); no one does good, not even one." "Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive." "The venom of asps is under their lips." "Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness." "Their feet are swift to shed blood; In their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known." "There is no fear of God before their eyes."
Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world (G2889, kosmos) may be held accountable (G5267; G1394) to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified (G1344) in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin." (ESV)
Romans 3:9-18, 19-20 "It is common knowledge that sin holds the sway over both Jew and Greek (Gentiles) alike. (Just like disease would show the same symptoms regardless of some one's nationality. It knows no bounds or restraint based on ones makeup.) Scripture records that within the context of the Law, no-one succeeds to live a blameless life. (Psalm 14:1-3, "To the choirmaster of David. The fool says in his heart, 'There is no GOD.' They are corrupt and they do abominable deeds, there is none that does good. The LORD looks down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any that act wisely, that seek after GOD. They have all gone astray, they are all alike corrupt; there is none that does good, no, not one." In Genesis 18, Abraham intercedes for Sodom and Gomorrah, "If there perhaps are 50 righteous people, will you save the city on their behalf?" He continues to negotiate with GOD, until he's down to, "perhaps ten?"...."there was none righteous, no not one...." This argument is building up to the triumphant conclusion of the fact that there is indeed no distinction; the same people who fell short of the glory of GOD are now justified through GOD's work of grace in Christ. If humanity was 100% represented in Adam, then they are equally 100% represented in Christ! [Romans 3:21-24.] ) "Because there seems to be no sincere craving and desire to know GOD there is no spiritual [1; H7919; G4920] insight." (While a person remains casual and indifferent about GOD, their heart remains calloused; the word, [1, Hebrew H7919 śâkal, saw-kal,' means has inteligence, [1; G4920] suinemi, means joint-seeing.) "Their distraction has [1, H444; G889] bankrupted their lives; that goes for the mass of humanity, without any exception." (This word, [1, H444; G889 is from G888] אָלַח neelachu, means 'unprofitable,' in the Hebrew means to become 'putrid' and 'offensive' as being 'filthy' like fruit that has spoiled. In Arabic, it is applied to milk that has become sour.) "When they open their mouth to speak they bury one another with destructive words. They snake each other with lies and corruption." (Albert Barnes comments, "Their throat is an open sepulchre - This and all the following verses to the end of the 18th are found in the Septuagint, but not in the Hebrew text; and it is most evident that it was from this version that the apostle quoted, as the verses cannot be found in any other place with so near an approximation to the Alexandrian MS. But they exist in the Vulagate, the Ethiopic, and the Arabic. As the most ancient copies of the Septuagint do not contain these verse, some contend that the apostle has quoted them from different parts of Scripture; and later transcribers of the Septuagint, finding that the rest were found originally there too, and so incorporated them in their copies, from the apostle's text.
Their throats is an open sepulchre - By their malicious and wicked words they bury, as it were, the reputation of all men. The whole of this verse appears to belong to their habit of lying, defamation, slandering, etc., by which they wounded, blasted, and poisoned the reputation of others.) With sharp tongues they [1, H8496] cut one another to pieces, cursing and cheating; their every word is inspired by the [2] wearisome efforts to survive in a dog-ate-dog world. (Taken directly from the Hebrew text of Psalm 10:7 in Hebrew, [1, H8496 from H8432] tok tok is from tavek , to cut to pieces. In the Hebrew [2, H205] amal and aven, to exert oneself in wearisome effort.) Murder has become a regular ritual; without any regard for another's life. Their path is littered with broken lives. They have lost the art of friendship. They have completely lost sight of GOD." (3:13-18 are quoted from Psalm 10 and 14.)
The fact that all these quotations are from the Jewish writings, confirm that their law of moral conduct did not free them from the very same sins the rest of the world (G2889) was trapped in. The entire human race is now confirmed with the [1, G5297, from G1394, G1342, G1344] righteousness of GOD. ( The word [1; G5297, from G1394 and G1342, G1344] upodikos , is from upo , meaning under and dikay , two parties finding likeness in each other, the stem of the world dikaiosunay , righteousness. Look at Romans 1;17, also 3:21 and Acts 17:31, Romans 4:25. ) The Law proves all of humanity equally guilty and confirms that their most sincere duty-driven decision and 'self-help' program within the confines of the flesh could not give them any sense of improved confidence in their standing before GOD." (The Mirror)
Until our next visit when, the LORD willing we shall continue with verse 21.
Romans 3:9-18, 19-20 "What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth (H7919; G4920), there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable (H444; G823); there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.
Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world (G2889, kosmos) may become guilty (G5267) before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified (G1344) in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin." (KJV)
Romans 3:9-18, 19-20 "What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written (in Psalm 14:1-3, 53:1-3; 5:9, 140:3; 10:7; by Isaiah in 59:7-8; and Psalm 36:1): "None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands (H7919; G4920); no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless (H444; G889); no one does good, not even one." "Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive." "The venom of asps is under their lips." "Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness." "Their feet are swift to shed blood; In their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known." "There is no fear of God before their eyes."
Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world (G2889, kosmos) may be held accountable (G5267; G1394) to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified (G1344) in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin." (ESV)
Romans 3:9-18, 19-20 "It is common knowledge that sin holds the sway over both Jew and Greek (Gentiles) alike. (Just like disease would show the same symptoms regardless of some one's nationality. It knows no bounds or restraint based on ones makeup.) Scripture records that within the context of the Law, no-one succeeds to live a blameless life. (Psalm 14:1-3, "To the choirmaster of David. The fool says in his heart, 'There is no GOD.' They are corrupt and they do abominable deeds, there is none that does good. The LORD looks down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any that act wisely, that seek after GOD. They have all gone astray, they are all alike corrupt; there is none that does good, no, not one." In Genesis 18, Abraham intercedes for Sodom and Gomorrah, "If there perhaps are 50 righteous people, will you save the city on their behalf?" He continues to negotiate with GOD, until he's down to, "perhaps ten?"...."there was none righteous, no not one...." This argument is building up to the triumphant conclusion of the fact that there is indeed no distinction; the same people who fell short of the glory of GOD are now justified through GOD's work of grace in Christ. If humanity was 100% represented in Adam, then they are equally 100% represented in Christ! [Romans 3:21-24.] ) "Because there seems to be no sincere craving and desire to know GOD there is no spiritual [1; H7919; G4920] insight." (While a person remains casual and indifferent about GOD, their heart remains calloused; the word, [1, Hebrew H7919 śâkal, saw-kal,' means has inteligence, [1; G4920] suinemi, means joint-seeing.) "Their distraction has [1, H444; G889] bankrupted their lives; that goes for the mass of humanity, without any exception." (This word, [1, H444; G889 is from G888] אָלַח neelachu, means 'unprofitable,' in the Hebrew means to become 'putrid' and 'offensive' as being 'filthy' like fruit that has spoiled. In Arabic, it is applied to milk that has become sour.) "When they open their mouth to speak they bury one another with destructive words. They snake each other with lies and corruption." (Albert Barnes comments, "Their throat is an open sepulchre - This and all the following verses to the end of the 18th are found in the Septuagint, but not in the Hebrew text; and it is most evident that it was from this version that the apostle quoted, as the verses cannot be found in any other place with so near an approximation to the Alexandrian MS. But they exist in the Vulagate, the Ethiopic, and the Arabic. As the most ancient copies of the Septuagint do not contain these verse, some contend that the apostle has quoted them from different parts of Scripture; and later transcribers of the Septuagint, finding that the rest were found originally there too, and so incorporated them in their copies, from the apostle's text.
Their throats is an open sepulchre - By their malicious and wicked words they bury, as it were, the reputation of all men. The whole of this verse appears to belong to their habit of lying, defamation, slandering, etc., by which they wounded, blasted, and poisoned the reputation of others.) With sharp tongues they [1, H8496] cut one another to pieces, cursing and cheating; their every word is inspired by the [2] wearisome efforts to survive in a dog-ate-dog world. (Taken directly from the Hebrew text of Psalm 10:7 in Hebrew, [1, H8496 from H8432] tok tok is from tavek , to cut to pieces. In the Hebrew [2, H205] amal and aven, to exert oneself in wearisome effort.) Murder has become a regular ritual; without any regard for another's life. Their path is littered with broken lives. They have lost the art of friendship. They have completely lost sight of GOD." (3:13-18 are quoted from Psalm 10 and 14.)
The fact that all these quotations are from the Jewish writings, confirm that their law of moral conduct did not free them from the very same sins the rest of the world (G2889) was trapped in. The entire human race is now confirmed with the [1, G5297, from G1394, G1342, G1344] righteousness of GOD. ( The word [1; G5297, from G1394 and G1342, G1344] upodikos , is from upo , meaning under and dikay , two parties finding likeness in each other, the stem of the world dikaiosunay , righteousness. Look at Romans 1;17, also 3:21 and Acts 17:31, Romans 4:25. ) The Law proves all of humanity equally guilty and confirms that their most sincere duty-driven decision and 'self-help' program within the confines of the flesh could not give them any sense of improved confidence in their standing before GOD." (The Mirror)
Until our next visit when, the LORD willing we shall continue with verse 21.
Sunday, January 27, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", taken from Romans 3, the renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
"All the World Guilty or God's Righteousness Upheld" are the headings of my study Bibles for Romans chapter 3, carry's on with the thinking of chapter 2. My foot note labels this area as "the Religious," from verse 1 through 20. So with that said, shall we begin our look into these scriptures to find out for yourselves why the translator, writers and publishers have titled it this why.
Romans 3:1-8 "What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just." (KJV)
Romans 3:1-8 "Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, "That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged." But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) By no means! For then how could God judge the world? But if through my lie God's truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just." (ESV)
Romans 3:1-8 "Having said all this, you might ask whether there is still any advantage in being Jewish? Is there any significance in circumcision? Everything only finds its relevance and value in the original intention of GOD when realized by faith (not mine or yours but His Faith, the same faith that the Lord Jesus operated on.) The question is, how does someone's failure to believe GOD affect what GOD believes? Can their unbelief cancel GOD'S Faith? (What we believe about God does not define; GOD'S Faith defines us. Look at the RSV translation, "What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of GOD? By no means!" ) GOD'S word is not under threat! In fact if all of humanity fails, truth remains intact. Truth is defined in GOD; it is neither challenged nor vindicated by human experience. Contradiction does not intimate or diminish the faith of GOD. Scripture records that GOD stands justified in his own word; it confirms that GOD's Promise and purpose are not compromised through humanity's failure; neither is GOD'S reputation threatened by our behavior. (Truth does not become true by popular vote. It is already as true as it gets because GOD believes it; it is from Faith (His seed of) to faith (our seed stock), says Paul. [Romans 1:17]; there is no gospel in it until the righteousness of GOD is revealed and realized; "we can do nothing against the truth!" [look at 2Corinthians 13:5 and 8]. David's sin did not cancel God's promise. "But my mercy I will not take from him" and "his house shall be made sure, and his kingdom is (remains) for ever before me, and his Throne shall be set up forever." [2Samuel 7:15-16] ) We could argue then that GOD doesn't have a right to judge us, if our unrighteousness only emphasizes his righteousness. This would make GOD an unfair judge of the world. This almost sounds like I am saying that it is not really wrong to sin, if our cheating only serves to further contrast the truth of GOD. Because of my emphasis on GOD'S Grace, some people slanderously make the assumption and accuse me that my teaching would give people a license to sin. "Let us do evil that good may come!" I strongly condemn such foolish talk!" But if our wickedness advertises the goodness of GOD, do we feel that GOD is being unfair to punish us in return? (I'm using human tit-for-tat argument.) Not a bit of it! What sort of a person would GOD be then to judge the world? It is like saying that if my lying throws into sharp relief the truth of GOD and, so to speak, enhances his reputation, then why should he repay me by judging me a sinner? Similarly, why not do evil that good may be, by contrast all the more conspicuous and valuable? (As a matter of fact, I am reported as urging this very thing, by some slanderously and others quite seriously! But, of course, such an argument is quite properly condemned." ---Phillips Translation)
We shall, the LORD willing continue on with, "No one righteous," next time.
Romans 3:1-8 "What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just." (KJV)
Romans 3:1-8 "Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, "That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged." But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) By no means! For then how could God judge the world? But if through my lie God's truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just." (ESV)
Romans 3:1-8 "Having said all this, you might ask whether there is still any advantage in being Jewish? Is there any significance in circumcision? Everything only finds its relevance and value in the original intention of GOD when realized by faith (not mine or yours but His Faith, the same faith that the Lord Jesus operated on.) The question is, how does someone's failure to believe GOD affect what GOD believes? Can their unbelief cancel GOD'S Faith? (What we believe about God does not define; GOD'S Faith defines us. Look at the RSV translation, "What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of GOD? By no means!" ) GOD'S word is not under threat! In fact if all of humanity fails, truth remains intact. Truth is defined in GOD; it is neither challenged nor vindicated by human experience. Contradiction does not intimate or diminish the faith of GOD. Scripture records that GOD stands justified in his own word; it confirms that GOD's Promise and purpose are not compromised through humanity's failure; neither is GOD'S reputation threatened by our behavior. (Truth does not become true by popular vote. It is already as true as it gets because GOD believes it; it is from Faith (His seed of) to faith (our seed stock), says Paul. [Romans 1:17]; there is no gospel in it until the righteousness of GOD is revealed and realized; "we can do nothing against the truth!" [look at 2Corinthians 13:5 and 8]. David's sin did not cancel God's promise. "But my mercy I will not take from him" and "his house shall be made sure, and his kingdom is (remains) for ever before me, and his Throne shall be set up forever." [2Samuel 7:15-16] ) We could argue then that GOD doesn't have a right to judge us, if our unrighteousness only emphasizes his righteousness. This would make GOD an unfair judge of the world. This almost sounds like I am saying that it is not really wrong to sin, if our cheating only serves to further contrast the truth of GOD. Because of my emphasis on GOD'S Grace, some people slanderously make the assumption and accuse me that my teaching would give people a license to sin. "Let us do evil that good may come!" I strongly condemn such foolish talk!" But if our wickedness advertises the goodness of GOD, do we feel that GOD is being unfair to punish us in return? (I'm using human tit-for-tat argument.) Not a bit of it! What sort of a person would GOD be then to judge the world? It is like saying that if my lying throws into sharp relief the truth of GOD and, so to speak, enhances his reputation, then why should he repay me by judging me a sinner? Similarly, why not do evil that good may be, by contrast all the more conspicuous and valuable? (As a matter of fact, I am reported as urging this very thing, by some slanderously and others quite seriously! But, of course, such an argument is quite properly condemned." ---Phillips Translation)
We shall, the LORD willing continue on with, "No one righteous," next time.
Saturday, January 26, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", taken from Romans 2.2, the renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
All we now have left are the last few verse of chapter 2 in Romans dealing with circumcision of the human heart. It pretty much speaks for itself. so here goes. By the way my own footnote calls this area from verse 17 to 29 the "Political-Religiousness of man." And chapter 2 does not end with verse 29 but continues on into chapter 3 and by rights I shall do as before and carry it on through to the end of verse 8 of chapter 3.
Romans 2:25-29 "For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? 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 God." (KJV)
Romans 2:25-29 'For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God." (ESV)
Romans 2:25-29 "The real value of circumcision is tested by your ability to keep the Laaw. If you break the Law you might as well not be circumcised. The fact that you are circumcised does not distinguish you from the rest of the world; it does not give you super-human power to keep the commandments. If it is not about who is circumcised or not, but rather who keeps the Law or not, then in that case even uncircumcised people can judge the ones who claim to know it all and have it all! On the one hand you have those who feel naturally inclined to do what is right, yet none of them are circumcised, then you have the circumcised who know the letter of the Law but fail to keep it. So it is not about who you appear to be on the outside that makes you a real Jew, but who you really are on the inside. For you to know who you are in your heart is the secret of your spirit identity; this is your true circumcision, it is not the literal outward appearance that distinguishes you. After all it is God's approval and not another's opinion that matters. People see skin-deep; GOD knows the heart." (The Mirror)
With that we have covered Romans chapter 2. And in our next visit we shall the LORD willing head into chapter 3, and begin our look at "the World as being Guilty" or "GOD"S Righteousness Upheld," depending on ones point of view.
Romans 2:25-29 "For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? 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 God." (KJV)
Romans 2:25-29 'For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God." (ESV)
Romans 2:25-29 "The real value of circumcision is tested by your ability to keep the Laaw. If you break the Law you might as well not be circumcised. The fact that you are circumcised does not distinguish you from the rest of the world; it does not give you super-human power to keep the commandments. If it is not about who is circumcised or not, but rather who keeps the Law or not, then in that case even uncircumcised people can judge the ones who claim to know it all and have it all! On the one hand you have those who feel naturally inclined to do what is right, yet none of them are circumcised, then you have the circumcised who know the letter of the Law but fail to keep it. So it is not about who you appear to be on the outside that makes you a real Jew, but who you really are on the inside. For you to know who you are in your heart is the secret of your spirit identity; this is your true circumcision, it is not the literal outward appearance that distinguishes you. After all it is God's approval and not another's opinion that matters. People see skin-deep; GOD knows the heart." (The Mirror)
With that we have covered Romans chapter 2. And in our next visit we shall the LORD willing head into chapter 3, and begin our look at "the World as being Guilty" or "GOD"S Righteousness Upheld," depending on ones point of view.
Friday, January 25, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", taken from Romans 1.5, the renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
Okay, here we are facing the last few lines of Romans 1 and GOD's indictment against the unrighteousness and ungodliness of fallen humanity. This does not end at verse 32 but rather continues into chapter 2 to the end of verse 16. Paul in his writing brings to bear the accounts of deceived humanity's dependence on the flesh, as the evil imagination of the devils playground. The every thing brought to an end by the death of sin and deception of the flesh that housed the LORD of lords and King of kings.
Romans 1:28-32 "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient (G545) to parents (G1112), without understanding (G801), covenantbreakers (G802), without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment (G1345) of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them." (KJV)
Romans 1:28-32 "And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient (G545) to parents (G1112), foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's righteous (G1345) decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them." (ESV)
Romans 1:28-29 "Their indifference about their god-identity veiled GOD from them. Sin snowballs! It spreads like a disease, exhibiting its ugly symptoms in every possible form, from perverse sexual obsession, to every kind of atrocity. The problem with sin is that it never in satisfied or satisfies, leaving the victim miserably unfulfilled and constantly craving for more of the same deception: vileness, jealousy, anger and an unnatural obsession with self. Life is cheap, murder doesn't matter; they are steeped in constant quarrelling and wickedness, their conversation has become reduced to slanderous gossip. No one is safe in their company; they think that by insulting people they can voice their hatred for GOD; proudly bragging about their latest inventions of filth. They remain [1; G545] indifferent to any definition of [2; G1112] parenthood, disregarding the fact that we did not invent ourselves. (The word [1; G545 from G1 and G3982] apeithes, is where we get the word apathy from, traditionally translated to disobey, and translates better as being indifferent; which is from (G1) a, a negative and (G3982) peitho, to believe; to make friends, to win one's favor, to gain one's good will, or to strive to please one. The word [2; G1112 from G1096] goneus, is parent; is from base of (G1096) ginomai, to be born.) They live [1; G801] dysfunctional, [2; G802] disconnected lives where no [3; G794] sympathy or mercy is shown. (The words, [1; G801, and G4809] asynetous , a , negative and (G4809 and G4920) sunetos; is from (G4920) suniemi; a joining together like that of two streams; a fusion of thought, a joint-seeing. Thus, with them, there seems to be no compatibility or harmony to connect meaningfully with others. The word [2; G802, G1 and G4934] asunthetos again, a, negative and suntithemai - to stand in agreement or support with of another. They live completely out of sync with others. Then Paul uses the words, [3; G794, G1 and G415] astorgos, without natural affection and eleemon, no mercy.) It just doesn't make any sense, they started off knowing the [1; G1345] righteousness of GOD, yet by their lifestyle they flirted with death; it is almost as if sin has become a fashionable contest. ([1; G1345 is from G1344 and G1342, innocent] dikaioma, righteousness - not judgment, as some translations suggest!
From verse 18 to 32 Paul paints the picture of the dilemma and darkness of the fallen mindset - where the distorted picture becomes the norm. This is the language of a Law system, which defines people by their behavior rather than their design. He then concludes in 2:4 with this amazing statement to underline his conviction as recorded in 1:16-17 about the powerful rescuing act of GOD announced in the Gospel. "Do not underestimate GOD's kindness. The wealth of his benevolence and his resolute refusal to let go of us is because he continues to hear the echo of his likeness in us! Thus his parent patient passion is to Shepherd everyone into a radical mind shift.)
Since chapter 2 is a continuation of chapter 1 we shall, the LORD willing, carry this forward next time.
Romans 1:28-32 "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient (G545) to parents (G1112), without understanding (G801), covenantbreakers (G802), without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment (G1345) of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them." (KJV)
Romans 1:28-32 "And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient (G545) to parents (G1112), foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's righteous (G1345) decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them." (ESV)
Romans 1:28-29 "Their indifference about their god-identity veiled GOD from them. Sin snowballs! It spreads like a disease, exhibiting its ugly symptoms in every possible form, from perverse sexual obsession, to every kind of atrocity. The problem with sin is that it never in satisfied or satisfies, leaving the victim miserably unfulfilled and constantly craving for more of the same deception: vileness, jealousy, anger and an unnatural obsession with self. Life is cheap, murder doesn't matter; they are steeped in constant quarrelling and wickedness, their conversation has become reduced to slanderous gossip. No one is safe in their company; they think that by insulting people they can voice their hatred for GOD; proudly bragging about their latest inventions of filth. They remain [1; G545] indifferent to any definition of [2; G1112] parenthood, disregarding the fact that we did not invent ourselves. (The word [1; G545 from G1 and G3982] apeithes, is where we get the word apathy from, traditionally translated to disobey, and translates better as being indifferent; which is from (G1) a, a negative and (G3982) peitho, to believe; to make friends, to win one's favor, to gain one's good will, or to strive to please one. The word [2; G1112 from G1096] goneus, is parent; is from base of (G1096) ginomai, to be born.) They live [1; G801] dysfunctional, [2; G802] disconnected lives where no [3; G794] sympathy or mercy is shown. (The words, [1; G801, and G4809] asynetous , a , negative and (G4809 and G4920) sunetos; is from (G4920) suniemi; a joining together like that of two streams; a fusion of thought, a joint-seeing. Thus, with them, there seems to be no compatibility or harmony to connect meaningfully with others. The word [2; G802, G1 and G4934] asunthetos again, a, negative and suntithemai - to stand in agreement or support with of another. They live completely out of sync with others. Then Paul uses the words, [3; G794, G1 and G415] astorgos, without natural affection and eleemon, no mercy.) It just doesn't make any sense, they started off knowing the [1; G1345] righteousness of GOD, yet by their lifestyle they flirted with death; it is almost as if sin has become a fashionable contest. ([1; G1345 is from G1344 and G1342, innocent] dikaioma, righteousness - not judgment, as some translations suggest!
From verse 18 to 32 Paul paints the picture of the dilemma and darkness of the fallen mindset - where the distorted picture becomes the norm. This is the language of a Law system, which defines people by their behavior rather than their design. He then concludes in 2:4 with this amazing statement to underline his conviction as recorded in 1:16-17 about the powerful rescuing act of GOD announced in the Gospel. "Do not underestimate GOD's kindness. The wealth of his benevolence and his resolute refusal to let go of us is because he continues to hear the echo of his likeness in us! Thus his parent patient passion is to Shepherd everyone into a radical mind shift.)
Since chapter 2 is a continuation of chapter 1 we shall, the LORD willing, carry this forward next time.
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", taken from Romans 2.1, the renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
Picking things up in Romans 2 and verse 12 where on of my study Bibles give the heading of, "God's Judgment verses the Law." And this has been the bone of contention for the past almost 2000 years now. Is Israel and the Jewish faith wrong or Is GOD the Creator? Do Not for get this one important fact, Jesus stood by the faithfulness of GOD and not his obedience to the Law as He was and is the Law giver. Jesus stood by Hosea and Habakkuk's revelation of Himself and the other Prophets as well as the Psalms.
Romans 2:12-16 "For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel." (KJV)
Romans 2:12-16 "For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus." (ESV)
Romans 2:12-16 "Ruin and self-destruction are the inevitable results of sin, whether someone knows the Law or not. Righteousness is not a hearsay-thing, it is faith-inspired practical living, giving new definition and meaning and purpose to the (Grace and Love by faith) law. For even a pagan's natural instinct will confirm the law to be present in their conscience and though they have never even heard about the Jewish Laws. Thus they prove to be a law unto themselves. This law is so much more than a mere written code; its presence in human conscience even in the absence of the written instructions is obvious, condemning or commending personal conduct. Every hidden, conflicting thought will be disclosed in the daylight of GOD's scrutiny, based on the Good News of Jesus Christ that I proclaim." ( The ineffectiveness of good intentions and self discipline to produce lasting change, which is real change, will be exposed as being entirely worthless in contrast to the impact of the message of Christ's death and resurrection as representing humanity's death and new birth as our ultimate reference to our redeemed identity and righteous innocence before GOD! In GOD's eyes.) (The Mirror)
Okay, I cannot resist myself I must of need move forward from here with the rest of the truth, story. The second portion of Laws coverage. My own foot notes that I have written in the margin call this area, from verse 17 through the end of 29, "the Political-Religious of man."
Romans 2:17-24 "Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, and knowest his will, and approvest (G1381) the things that are more excellent (G1308), being instructed out of the law; And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast (Micah 3:11) of the Law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? (Isaiah 52:5, Ezekiel 36:22-32) "For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written." (KJV)
Romans 2:17-24 "But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God and know his will and approve (G1381) what is excellent (G1308), because you are instructed from the law; And if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast (Micah 3:11) in the Law dishonor God by breaking the Law. (Isaiah 52:5, Ezekiel 36:22-32) For, as it is written, "The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you." (ESV)
Romans 12:17-24 "Your Jewish identity does not make GOD your exclusive property, even though you boast in the fact that you have the [1; G1381] documented desire of God [2; G1308] published like an instruction manual in the Law. (The word [1; G1381] dokimatso, comes from document, decree, approve; [2; G1308] diaphero, is from to carry through, to publish [look at Acts 13:49, the word was published throughout].) You promote yourself confidently as a guide for the blind, and a light bearer for those groping about in darkness. You feel yourself so superior to the rest of the world that you promote yourself as the "kindergarten teacher" to the mindless, an instructor of infants, because you believe that in the Law you have knowledge and truth all wrapped up in a nutshell. However, the real question is not whether you are a good teacher; how good a student are you? What's the good of teaching against stealing when you yourself steal? You speak against adultery while you cannot get your own mind off sexual sins. It just doesn't make sense does it? You say idolatry stinks yet you steal stuff from pagan shrines. Your proud association with the Law is ruined every time you dishonor GOD by dodging the doing bit. This has been going on for hundreds of years; it is all recorded in Scripture. No wonder the Gentiles think that your God is no better than any of their philosophers when it comes to living the life the Law promotes." (The Mirror)
In our next visit we will, the LORD willing, look at circumcision of the heart verses the flesh of foreskin. As we head forward through to the tone in chapter 3.
Romans 2:12-16 "For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel." (KJV)
Romans 2:12-16 "For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus." (ESV)
Romans 2:12-16 "Ruin and self-destruction are the inevitable results of sin, whether someone knows the Law or not. Righteousness is not a hearsay-thing, it is faith-inspired practical living, giving new definition and meaning and purpose to the (Grace and Love by faith) law. For even a pagan's natural instinct will confirm the law to be present in their conscience and though they have never even heard about the Jewish Laws. Thus they prove to be a law unto themselves. This law is so much more than a mere written code; its presence in human conscience even in the absence of the written instructions is obvious, condemning or commending personal conduct. Every hidden, conflicting thought will be disclosed in the daylight of GOD's scrutiny, based on the Good News of Jesus Christ that I proclaim." ( The ineffectiveness of good intentions and self discipline to produce lasting change, which is real change, will be exposed as being entirely worthless in contrast to the impact of the message of Christ's death and resurrection as representing humanity's death and new birth as our ultimate reference to our redeemed identity and righteous innocence before GOD! In GOD's eyes.) (The Mirror)
Okay, I cannot resist myself I must of need move forward from here with the rest of the truth, story. The second portion of Laws coverage. My own foot notes that I have written in the margin call this area, from verse 17 through the end of 29, "the Political-Religious of man."
Romans 2:17-24 "Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, and knowest his will, and approvest (G1381) the things that are more excellent (G1308), being instructed out of the law; And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast (Micah 3:11) of the Law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? (Isaiah 52:5, Ezekiel 36:22-32) "For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written." (KJV)
Romans 2:17-24 "But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God and know his will and approve (G1381) what is excellent (G1308), because you are instructed from the law; And if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast (Micah 3:11) in the Law dishonor God by breaking the Law. (Isaiah 52:5, Ezekiel 36:22-32) For, as it is written, "The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you." (ESV)
Romans 12:17-24 "Your Jewish identity does not make GOD your exclusive property, even though you boast in the fact that you have the [1; G1381] documented desire of God [2; G1308] published like an instruction manual in the Law. (The word [1; G1381] dokimatso, comes from document, decree, approve; [2; G1308] diaphero, is from to carry through, to publish [look at Acts 13:49, the word was published throughout].) You promote yourself confidently as a guide for the blind, and a light bearer for those groping about in darkness. You feel yourself so superior to the rest of the world that you promote yourself as the "kindergarten teacher" to the mindless, an instructor of infants, because you believe that in the Law you have knowledge and truth all wrapped up in a nutshell. However, the real question is not whether you are a good teacher; how good a student are you? What's the good of teaching against stealing when you yourself steal? You speak against adultery while you cannot get your own mind off sexual sins. It just doesn't make sense does it? You say idolatry stinks yet you steal stuff from pagan shrines. Your proud association with the Law is ruined every time you dishonor GOD by dodging the doing bit. This has been going on for hundreds of years; it is all recorded in Scripture. No wonder the Gentiles think that your God is no better than any of their philosophers when it comes to living the life the Law promotes." (The Mirror)
In our next visit we will, the LORD willing, look at circumcision of the heart verses the flesh of foreskin. As we head forward through to the tone in chapter 3.
Thursday, January 24, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", taken from Romans 2., the renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
We are now starting in Romans chapter 2 with what my studies Bibles show to be, one headed with "The Impartiality of GOD" and "God's Righteous Judgment!" And my own notes say "the moral" of humanity, which comes before "the Judgment of the Law" or "The Jew Is Condemned by the Law."
Romans 2:1-11 "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest (G2706) thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance (G463) and longsuffering (G3115, G3116 with G2380); not knowing that the goodness (G5543) of God leadeth (G71) thee to repentance (G3341)? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life (G166): But unto them that are contentious (G2052), and do not obey (G544) the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish (G4730), upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God." (KJV)
Romans 2:1-11 "Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume (G2706) on the riches of his kindness and forbearance (G463) and patience (G3115), not knowing that God's kindness (G5543) is meant to lead (G71) you to repentance (G3341)? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed. He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life (G166); but for those who are self-seeking (G2052) and do not obey (G544) the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. There will be tribulation and distress (G4730) for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality." (ESV)
Romans 2:1-11 "A presumed knowledge of that which is right or wrong does not qualify you to judge anyone; especially if you do exactly the same stuff you notice other people do wrong. You effectively condemn yourself. No one is another person's judge. God must judge all transgression, but your judging others does not make them any guiltier. GOD is completely impartial in his judgment; you are not scoring any points or disguising your own sins by telling of others. Do not [1; G2706] underestimate God's [2; G5543] kindness. The wealth of his [2; G5543] benevolence and his [3; G463] resolute refusal to let go of us in because he continues to hear the echo of his likeness in us! Thus his [4; G3115] patient passion is to [5; G71] Shepherd everyone into a [6; G3341] radical mind shift. (The word translated, underestimate is the word, [1; G2706 from G2596 and G5426] kataphroneo, and it is from kata, down, and phroneo, to think, to form an opinion; thus a downward mind, to despise or take for granted. It is the revelation of the goodness of GOD that leads us to [6; G3341]repentance; it is not our "repentance" that leads GOD to goodness! The word "repentance" is a fabricated word from the Latin word, penance, and is used to give religion more mileage, the English word became re-penance! That is not what the Greek word means at all! The word, [6; G3341 and G3326 and G3563] metanonia, comes from [G3326] meta, meaning together with, and [G3563] nous, mind; thus, together with God's mind. This word suggests a [6] radical mind shift; it is to realize GOD's thoughts towards us. [look at Isaiah 55:8-10] The word, [2; G5543] chrestos, kind, benevolent, is from xeir, hand which is also connected to the word xristos, to draw the hand over, to anoint, to measure; look at the Hebrew (H4886) for Messiah, mashach, to draw the hand over, to measure! In Jesus Christ, GOD has measured humanity innocent, he is the blueprint of our design! The word [3; G463 from G303 and G2192] anoches comes from ana, meaning upwards; ana also shows intensity and the word echo, to hold, or embrace, as in echo. He continues to hear the echo of his likeness in us! [look at Romans 3:26] The word, [4; G3115, G3116 with G2380] makrothumias, means to be patient in bearing the offenses and injuries of others. Literally, passion that goes a long way; from (G2380) the stem thuo, to slay a sacrifice. The word, [5; G71] ago, means to lead as a Shepherd leads his sheep.) A calloused heart that resists change accumulates cause to self-destrution, while God's righteous judgment is revealed in broad daylight.[as in Genesis 1:5] (The gospel openly declares that GOD declared humanity innocent.) By resisting him you are on your own; your own deeds will judge you. (Rejecting his goodness [v4] keeps you snared in a lifestly ruled by sin-consciousness and condemnation.) The quest of humanity is to be constant in that which is good, glorious, harmonious and honorable and of imperishable value. We are to be eager to pursue the original blueprint-life of the [1; G166] ages. (The life of the Ages, is from [1; G166] aionios, which is the most attractive life we could wish to live; it is the life of our design, yet it remains elusive just outside the redemption that GOD in Christ achieved on our behalf. Not even the most sincere decision to live or love a blameless life under the Law, religion of mans devising or any sincere philosophy could satisfy the heart hunger of humanity.) Yet there are those who ignore the truth through [2; G544] unbelief. (The truth about their original identity as sons. Genesis 2:7) They continue to exist as mere [1; G2052] hirelings, motivated by a monthly wage (rather than sonship.) They believe in their failure and unrighteousness and are consumed by outbursts of rage and anger and displeased within themselves. (The word, [1; G2052, G2042 and G2054] eithea, comes from erithos, working as a hireling for wages; and it is often translated, self-willed or contentious. The word, [2; G544, from G545 from G1 and G3982] apeitheo, means to be not persuaded, without faith, often wrongly translated as disobedience, or disobedient.) Pressures from every side, like an [1; G4730] overcrowded room, (or a cramped foot in an undersized shoe.) is the experience of the soul of everyone who does what is worthless. The fact that the Jews are Jewish does not make their experience of evil any different from that of the Greeks. (Symptoms of disease are the same in anyone; they are not a respecter of persons. The word, [1; G4730, is a compound of G4728 and G5561] stenochoria, means narrowness of room.) In sharp contrast to this, bliss, self-worth and total tranquility is witnessed by everyone, both Jew and Greek, who finds expression in that which is good. We are tailor-made for good. GOD does not judge people on face value." (The Mirror)
I sincerely pray that I have not missed one point in this. Until next time the LORD willing, we shall pick things back at verse 12.
Romans 2:1-11 "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest (G2706) thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance (G463) and longsuffering (G3115, G3116 with G2380); not knowing that the goodness (G5543) of God leadeth (G71) thee to repentance (G3341)? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life (G166): But unto them that are contentious (G2052), and do not obey (G544) the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish (G4730), upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God." (KJV)
Romans 2:1-11 "Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume (G2706) on the riches of his kindness and forbearance (G463) and patience (G3115), not knowing that God's kindness (G5543) is meant to lead (G71) you to repentance (G3341)? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed. He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life (G166); but for those who are self-seeking (G2052) and do not obey (G544) the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. There will be tribulation and distress (G4730) for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality." (ESV)
Romans 2:1-11 "A presumed knowledge of that which is right or wrong does not qualify you to judge anyone; especially if you do exactly the same stuff you notice other people do wrong. You effectively condemn yourself. No one is another person's judge. God must judge all transgression, but your judging others does not make them any guiltier. GOD is completely impartial in his judgment; you are not scoring any points or disguising your own sins by telling of others. Do not [1; G2706] underestimate God's [2; G5543] kindness. The wealth of his [2; G5543] benevolence and his [3; G463] resolute refusal to let go of us in because he continues to hear the echo of his likeness in us! Thus his [4; G3115] patient passion is to [5; G71] Shepherd everyone into a [6; G3341] radical mind shift. (The word translated, underestimate is the word, [1; G2706 from G2596 and G5426] kataphroneo, and it is from kata, down, and phroneo, to think, to form an opinion; thus a downward mind, to despise or take for granted. It is the revelation of the goodness of GOD that leads us to [6; G3341]repentance; it is not our "repentance" that leads GOD to goodness! The word "repentance" is a fabricated word from the Latin word, penance, and is used to give religion more mileage, the English word became re-penance! That is not what the Greek word means at all! The word, [6; G3341 and G3326 and G3563] metanonia, comes from [G3326] meta, meaning together with, and [G3563] nous, mind; thus, together with God's mind. This word suggests a [6] radical mind shift; it is to realize GOD's thoughts towards us. [look at Isaiah 55:8-10] The word, [2; G5543] chrestos, kind, benevolent, is from xeir, hand which is also connected to the word xristos, to draw the hand over, to anoint, to measure; look at the Hebrew (H4886) for Messiah, mashach, to draw the hand over, to measure! In Jesus Christ, GOD has measured humanity innocent, he is the blueprint of our design! The word [3; G463 from G303 and G2192] anoches comes from ana, meaning upwards; ana also shows intensity and the word echo, to hold, or embrace, as in echo. He continues to hear the echo of his likeness in us! [look at Romans 3:26] The word, [4; G3115, G3116 with G2380] makrothumias, means to be patient in bearing the offenses and injuries of others. Literally, passion that goes a long way; from (G2380) the stem thuo, to slay a sacrifice. The word, [5; G71] ago, means to lead as a Shepherd leads his sheep.) A calloused heart that resists change accumulates cause to self-destrution, while God's righteous judgment is revealed in broad daylight.[as in Genesis 1:5] (The gospel openly declares that GOD declared humanity innocent.) By resisting him you are on your own; your own deeds will judge you. (Rejecting his goodness [v4] keeps you snared in a lifestly ruled by sin-consciousness and condemnation.) The quest of humanity is to be constant in that which is good, glorious, harmonious and honorable and of imperishable value. We are to be eager to pursue the original blueprint-life of the [1; G166] ages. (The life of the Ages, is from [1; G166] aionios, which is the most attractive life we could wish to live; it is the life of our design, yet it remains elusive just outside the redemption that GOD in Christ achieved on our behalf. Not even the most sincere decision to live or love a blameless life under the Law, religion of mans devising or any sincere philosophy could satisfy the heart hunger of humanity.) Yet there are those who ignore the truth through [2; G544] unbelief. (The truth about their original identity as sons. Genesis 2:7) They continue to exist as mere [1; G2052] hirelings, motivated by a monthly wage (rather than sonship.) They believe in their failure and unrighteousness and are consumed by outbursts of rage and anger and displeased within themselves. (The word, [1; G2052, G2042 and G2054] eithea, comes from erithos, working as a hireling for wages; and it is often translated, self-willed or contentious. The word, [2; G544, from G545 from G1 and G3982] apeitheo, means to be not persuaded, without faith, often wrongly translated as disobedience, or disobedient.) Pressures from every side, like an [1; G4730] overcrowded room, (or a cramped foot in an undersized shoe.) is the experience of the soul of everyone who does what is worthless. The fact that the Jews are Jewish does not make their experience of evil any different from that of the Greeks. (Symptoms of disease are the same in anyone; they are not a respecter of persons. The word, [1; G4730, is a compound of G4728 and G5561] stenochoria, means narrowness of room.) In sharp contrast to this, bliss, self-worth and total tranquility is witnessed by everyone, both Jew and Greek, who finds expression in that which is good. We are tailor-made for good. GOD does not judge people on face value." (The Mirror)
I sincerely pray that I have not missed one point in this. Until next time the LORD willing, we shall pick things back at verse 12.
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", taken from Romans 1.4, the renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
We are at verse 24 of Romans 1 and looking at how GOD sees His fallen Creation of His Human form. The very form of His design and blueprint which is of His own image and likeness. Or put another way, those of immorality caught up in all kinds of perversions of unrighteousness, called and known as sin, those who live of the fruit of a tree of false goodness and false truth, all this of distortion of thought and opinions of fostered religion. By the philosophies of self-righteous men who place more confidence on the flesh than on GOD. A Spirit of Truth and Grace reintroduced by the Son of old, the LORD God clothed in humanity's flesh on a mission to bring correction, a re-birth, a re-genesis, a redemption in the flesh of human form. He came as the world of humanity to redeem the world and in the process to judge the fallen angel of deception, called the devil and Satan, the accuser of humanity. Who was kicked out of heaven on His watch.
Romans 1:24-25 "Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen." (KJV)
Romans 1:24-25 "Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen." (ESV)
Romans 1:24-25 "It seemed like GOD abandoned humanity to be swept along by the lusts of their own hearts to abuse and defile themselves. Their most personal possession, their own bodies, became worthless public property. Truth suppressed (v18) became twisted truth (like we have to day). Instead of embracing their Maker as their authentic identity, they preferred the deception of a distorted image of their own making, religiously giving it their affection and worship. The true GOD is blessed, GOD of the Ages. Hey! He is not defined by our devotion or indifference! ( And all this became because they traded the true GOD for a fake god, and worshiped this god, the god they made instead of the GOD who made them.) (The Mirror)
Romans 1:26-27 "For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust (G3715) one toward another; men with men working (G2716 from G2596 and G2038) that which is unseemly (G808 and G809 with G4976), and receiving in themselves that recompence (G489) of their error which was meet." (KJV)
Romans 1:26-27 "For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed (G3715) with passion for one another, men committing shameless (G2716 from G2596 and G2038) acts (G808 and G809 with G4976) with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty (G489) for their error." (ESV)
Romans 1:26-27 "By being confused about their Maker they became confused about themselves; which led to all manner of obsessions. Men and women alike became inflamed with perverted fantasies. This brought about an intense [1; G3715] striving and [2; G2716 from G2596 and G2038] laboring in the pursuit of the illusion of a [3; G808 and G809] distorted image - which are clear symptoms of an [4; G489] inferior estimate of oneself. (The word, [1; G3715 from 3713] orexei describes a reaching out after something. The word [2; G2716 from G2596 and G2038] katergazomai, is from kata, meaning downward; also to emphasize intensity; and ergatsomai, to toil. Then he uses the word [3; G808 and G809 with G4976] aschemosune which is from aschemon , deformed from a, negative or without and schema, from or pattern. The word [4; G489 from G473 and G3408] antimisthia is from anti, against or opposite and misthois, the wage of a hireling; translated here, as an inferior estimation; or a wage that leaves one disappointed. This word is used again in 2Corinthians 6:13.) (The Mirror)
I, the LORD willing, will close next time.
Romans 1:24-25 "Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen." (KJV)
Romans 1:24-25 "Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen." (ESV)
Romans 1:24-25 "It seemed like GOD abandoned humanity to be swept along by the lusts of their own hearts to abuse and defile themselves. Their most personal possession, their own bodies, became worthless public property. Truth suppressed (v18) became twisted truth (like we have to day). Instead of embracing their Maker as their authentic identity, they preferred the deception of a distorted image of their own making, religiously giving it their affection and worship. The true GOD is blessed, GOD of the Ages. Hey! He is not defined by our devotion or indifference! ( And all this became because they traded the true GOD for a fake god, and worshiped this god, the god they made instead of the GOD who made them.) (The Mirror)
Romans 1:26-27 "For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust (G3715) one toward another; men with men working (G2716 from G2596 and G2038) that which is unseemly (G808 and G809 with G4976), and receiving in themselves that recompence (G489) of their error which was meet." (KJV)
Romans 1:26-27 "For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed (G3715) with passion for one another, men committing shameless (G2716 from G2596 and G2038) acts (G808 and G809 with G4976) with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty (G489) for their error." (ESV)
Romans 1:26-27 "By being confused about their Maker they became confused about themselves; which led to all manner of obsessions. Men and women alike became inflamed with perverted fantasies. This brought about an intense [1; G3715] striving and [2; G2716 from G2596 and G2038] laboring in the pursuit of the illusion of a [3; G808 and G809] distorted image - which are clear symptoms of an [4; G489] inferior estimate of oneself. (The word, [1; G3715 from 3713] orexei describes a reaching out after something. The word [2; G2716 from G2596 and G2038] katergazomai, is from kata, meaning downward; also to emphasize intensity; and ergatsomai, to toil. Then he uses the word [3; G808 and G809 with G4976] aschemosune which is from aschemon , deformed from a, negative or without and schema, from or pattern. The word [4; G489 from G473 and G3408] antimisthia is from anti, against or opposite and misthois, the wage of a hireling; translated here, as an inferior estimation; or a wage that leaves one disappointed. This word is used again in 2Corinthians 6:13.) (The Mirror)
I, the LORD willing, will close next time.
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", taken from Romans 1.3, the renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
In our last post we did not make it to verses 18-23 well now that is just where we start from here. In my study Bibles this area has the title of "Unbelief and its Consequences" or "God's Wrath on Unrighteousness," depending how far one wants to take it. I like to keep things in a thought or paragraph kind of thing so I limit my areas to that. I do not like just quote a passage as one tends to loose the thought that it was a part of and twisting of meaning is the result. Some times this can become a real problem as many passages just seem to keep moving on and on with no end in sight, but then that is the way they wrote everything, no commas no punctuation, kinda like my style. Also keep this in mind as we read Paul's observations from GODS point of view, he does it all as a lawyer and builds the case in that fashion.
Romans 1:18-23 "For the wrath (G3709) of God is revealed from heaven against (G1909) all ungodliness and unrighteousness (G93) of men (G444), who hold (G2722) the truth in unrighteousness (G93); Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed (G5319) it unto them. 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: 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. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things." (KJV)
Romans 1:18-23 "For the wrath (G3709) of God is revealed from heaven against (G1909) all ungodliness and unrighteousness (G93) of men (G444), who by their unrighteousness (G93) suppress (G2722) the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown (G5319) it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things." (ESV)
Romans 1:18-23 "GOD's [1; G3709] passionate persuasion is uncovered from heavens perspective in sharp [2; G1909] contrast to the foolishness of [3; G444] people who [4; G2722] suppress and conceal an [5; G93] inferior reference of themselves. (The righteousness of God that is endorsed in the language of the heavens is so different to the counterfeit, earthly reference that blindfolds people in their own unrighteousness (G93). The word often translated wrath , [1; G3709] orge, means desire - as a reaching out or excitement of the mind, passion. The preposition [2; G1909] epi means over, above, across, against, continual influence upon; It translated here as contrast. The word for the [3; G444, G142 and G3735, ] human species, male or female is anthropos, and is from ana, meaning upwards, and tropos, meaning manner of life; character; in like manner. The word [4; G2722 - G2596, G2192] katecho, to echo downwards is the opposite (G2192) of anoche, to echo upwards; look at Romans 2:4 and 3:26. Then in Colossians 3:2 Paul encourages us to engage out thoughts with things above [God's belief], and not below [Law of works]. The word [5; G93, the Hebrew form of G94-G1 and G1349] adikia, unrighteousness, is opposite (G1349) of dikay, two parties finding likeness in each other; thus, without harmony. The Law reveals how guilty and sinful humanity is, while the gospel reveals how forgiven and restored to our origin and original blueprint we are. Look also at 2Corinthians 4:4.) For this reason GOD is not a stranger to anyone; whatever can be know of GOD is [1; G5319] apparent in human form. GOD has revealed it in the very core of their design which bears witness within their own conscience! (Note Romans 2:14-15 For even a pagan's nature; a natural instinct will confirm the law to be present in their conscience and though they have never even heard about Jewish Laws. Thus they prove to be a law unto themselves. The Law is so much more than a mere written code; its presence in human conscience even in the absence of the written instruction is obvious. Look also at 2Corinthians 4:4 and 7 and Colossians 1:27. Blindfold-mode does not remove the treasure from where it was hidden all along! Every time we love, encounter joy or experience beauty, a hint of the nature of our Maker is reflected within us; even in the experience of the unbeliever. In the incarnation Jesus unveils GOD's likeness, not His "otherwise," in human form as in a mirror! The word [1; G5319 from G5316 and G5457] phaneros is from phaino, which means to shine like light. Again look at Colossians 2:9-10 "It is in Christ that GOD finds an accurate and complete expression of himself, in a human body! Jesus mirrors our own completeness." While the expanse cannot measure or define GOD, his exact likeness is displayed in human form. Jesus proves that human life is tailor-made for GOD! Look also at Ephesians 4:8 And James 3:9. We can say beautiful things about GOD the Father but with the same mouth curse a fellow human made in his mirror image and likeness. The point being it is not what a person did to deserve the insult! The point is that people are image and likeness bearers of GOD by design, not proxy!) GOD is on display in creation; the very fabric of visible cosmos appeals to reason. It clearly bears witness to the ever present sustaining power and intelligence of the invisible GOD, leaving humanity without any valid excuse to ignore Him! (Psalm 19:1-4, "GOD's glory is on tour in the skies, GOD-craft on exhibit across the horizon. Madame Day holds classes every morning, Professor Night lectures each evening, Their words aren't heard, their voices aren't recorded, but their silence fills the earth: unspoken truth is spoken everywhere." ) Yet His humanity only knew him in a philosophical religious way, from a distance, and failed to give Him credit as GOD. Their taking his for granted and lack of gratitude veiled His from them; they became absorbed in useless debates and discussions, which further darkened their understanding about themselves. Their wise conclusion only confirmed their own folly. Their losing sight of GOD, made them lose sight of who they really were. In their calculation the image and likeness of GOD in them became reduced to a corrupted and distorted pattern of themselves. Suddenly a person has more in common with "creepy crawlers" than with their original blueprint." (The Mirror)
The LORD willing I shall pick up with verse 24 next time.
Romans 1:18-23 "For the wrath (G3709) of God is revealed from heaven against (G1909) all ungodliness and unrighteousness (G93) of men (G444), who hold (G2722) the truth in unrighteousness (G93); Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed (G5319) it unto them. 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: 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. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things." (KJV)
Romans 1:18-23 "For the wrath (G3709) of God is revealed from heaven against (G1909) all ungodliness and unrighteousness (G93) of men (G444), who by their unrighteousness (G93) suppress (G2722) the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown (G5319) it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things." (ESV)
Romans 1:18-23 "GOD's [1; G3709] passionate persuasion is uncovered from heavens perspective in sharp [2; G1909] contrast to the foolishness of [3; G444] people who [4; G2722] suppress and conceal an [5; G93] inferior reference of themselves. (The righteousness of God that is endorsed in the language of the heavens is so different to the counterfeit, earthly reference that blindfolds people in their own unrighteousness (G93). The word often translated wrath , [1; G3709] orge, means desire - as a reaching out or excitement of the mind, passion. The preposition [2; G1909] epi means over, above, across, against, continual influence upon; It translated here as contrast. The word for the [3; G444, G142 and G3735, ] human species, male or female is anthropos, and is from ana, meaning upwards, and tropos, meaning manner of life; character; in like manner. The word [4; G2722 - G2596, G2192] katecho, to echo downwards is the opposite (G2192) of anoche, to echo upwards; look at Romans 2:4 and 3:26. Then in Colossians 3:2 Paul encourages us to engage out thoughts with things above [God's belief], and not below [Law of works]. The word [5; G93, the Hebrew form of G94-G1 and G1349] adikia, unrighteousness, is opposite (G1349) of dikay, two parties finding likeness in each other; thus, without harmony. The Law reveals how guilty and sinful humanity is, while the gospel reveals how forgiven and restored to our origin and original blueprint we are. Look also at 2Corinthians 4:4.) For this reason GOD is not a stranger to anyone; whatever can be know of GOD is [1; G5319] apparent in human form. GOD has revealed it in the very core of their design which bears witness within their own conscience! (Note Romans 2:14-15 For even a pagan's nature; a natural instinct will confirm the law to be present in their conscience and though they have never even heard about Jewish Laws. Thus they prove to be a law unto themselves. The Law is so much more than a mere written code; its presence in human conscience even in the absence of the written instruction is obvious. Look also at 2Corinthians 4:4 and 7 and Colossians 1:27. Blindfold-mode does not remove the treasure from where it was hidden all along! Every time we love, encounter joy or experience beauty, a hint of the nature of our Maker is reflected within us; even in the experience of the unbeliever. In the incarnation Jesus unveils GOD's likeness, not His "otherwise," in human form as in a mirror! The word [1; G5319 from G5316 and G5457] phaneros is from phaino, which means to shine like light. Again look at Colossians 2:9-10 "It is in Christ that GOD finds an accurate and complete expression of himself, in a human body! Jesus mirrors our own completeness." While the expanse cannot measure or define GOD, his exact likeness is displayed in human form. Jesus proves that human life is tailor-made for GOD! Look also at Ephesians 4:8 And James 3:9. We can say beautiful things about GOD the Father but with the same mouth curse a fellow human made in his mirror image and likeness. The point being it is not what a person did to deserve the insult! The point is that people are image and likeness bearers of GOD by design, not proxy!) GOD is on display in creation; the very fabric of visible cosmos appeals to reason. It clearly bears witness to the ever present sustaining power and intelligence of the invisible GOD, leaving humanity without any valid excuse to ignore Him! (Psalm 19:1-4, "GOD's glory is on tour in the skies, GOD-craft on exhibit across the horizon. Madame Day holds classes every morning, Professor Night lectures each evening, Their words aren't heard, their voices aren't recorded, but their silence fills the earth: unspoken truth is spoken everywhere." ) Yet His humanity only knew him in a philosophical religious way, from a distance, and failed to give Him credit as GOD. Their taking his for granted and lack of gratitude veiled His from them; they became absorbed in useless debates and discussions, which further darkened their understanding about themselves. Their wise conclusion only confirmed their own folly. Their losing sight of GOD, made them lose sight of who they really were. In their calculation the image and likeness of GOD in them became reduced to a corrupted and distorted pattern of themselves. Suddenly a person has more in common with "creepy crawlers" than with their original blueprint." (The Mirror)
The LORD willing I shall pick up with verse 24 next time.
Monday, January 21, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", taken from Romans 1.2, the renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
Again, we are looking into Romans chapter 1 and verses 16-17 to start with, this could reach on post to 18-23 depending how the Holy Spirit leads. As we begin we see that we are to be a people of Abraham's and Jesus' faith who totally trusted in GODS Faithfulness. In other words their faith was in GOD.
Romans 1:16-17 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith." (KJV)
Romans 1:16-17 'For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith." (ESV)
Romans 1:16-17 "I have no shame about sharing the Good News of Christ with anyone; the power rescuing act of GOD persuades both the Jews and the Gentiles alike. Herein lie the secret of the power of the Gospel; there is no good news in it until the righteousness of GOD is revealed! The dynamic of the gospel is the revelation of GOD's Faith as the only valid basis for our belief. The Prophets wrote in advance about this fact that GOD believes that righteousness reveals the life of our design. "Righteousness by His (GOD'S) faith defines life." [Habakkuk 2:4]
(The gospel is the revelation of the righteousness of GOD; it unveils how the Father, Son and Spirit succeeded to put humanity right with themselves. It is about Them and what They did Right, not what Adam did that was wrong. (This is what the worlds systems of religions teach from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in mans fallen state.) The good news reveals how GOD's righteousness rescued the life of our design redeemed us, and established our original innocence. Where Humanity's futile efforts to obey a system of moral laws failed those in miserable self-struggles and a weight that they could not carry. The Good News shifts the emphasis away from humanity's failure and condemnation to highlight what it was that GOD accomplished in Jesus Christ on humanity's behalf! "Look away [from the Law of works] unto Jesus; he is the author and finisher of faith." [Habbakkuk 12:1] The language of the old written code was, "Do in order to become! The language of the new is, "Be, because of what was done!" Instead of do, do, do, it's done, done! It is GOD's Faith to begin with; it is from faith to Faith, and not our good or bad behavior; we are not defined by our performance or circumstances. Paul to Habakkuk's 2:4, "The just shall live by his [GOD'S] faith." is our right and is GOD's answer. Habakkuk saw a complete new basis to humanity's standing before GOD! Instead of reading the curse when disaster strikes, he realized the Promise out-dates performance as the basis to humanity's acquittal. Deuteronomy 28 would no longer be the motivation or measure of right or wrong behavior! Instead of righteousness as a reward to humanity's efforts to obey the Law, Habakkuk celebrated GOD's righteousness based on GOD's belief, in the face of apparent disaster, represented in the evidence of all the curses mentioned in Deuteronomy 28! He sings, "Though the fig trees do not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fails and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the GOD of my salvation. GOD, the LORD, is my strength; He makes my feet like hinds feet, He makes me tread upon my high places." [Habakkuk 3:17-19] It is interesting to note that Habakkuk - chabaqquq, was possibly the son of the Shunammite woman and her husband who hosted the Prophet Elisha. They could not have children, until Elisha declared that in a year's time she would embrace - chabaq - a child! When the child grew up to be a young man he died of sunstroke and Elisha stretched himself over the boy and mirror-embraced the dead child, face to face and the boy came back to life. Chabaqquq is a double embrace - it is the prophetic picture of our mirror-resurrection together with Christ! If anyone knew that righteousness was not by works but by GOD's Faith it was Habakkuk!
The word righteousness comes from the Anglo Saxon word, "rightwiseness;" wise in that which is right. In Greek (Strong's G1343 from G1349; G1166) the word for righteousness (G1343) is dikaiosune, and is (G1349) from dikay, that which is right, and (G1166) which is deiknuō, which means, to show, expose to the eyes; it is a relationship word and refers to two parties finding likeness in each other and thusly being able to see clearly with clear perception. Righteousness points to harmony in relationship. Look at 2Corinthians 6:14. Faith-righteousness has nothing in common with the pagan philosophies of karma and performance-based religion approval; they could never balance the scales or be evenly yoked together in any context. [The word (Strong's G2386) heterozugeo, an unequal or different yoke; is from the (G2218) word, zugos, a yoke or a teaching; the yoke or philosopher represented their doctrines; from the Hebrew (Strong's H6663, H6664, H6666) word, tzedek, means forensic moral self-righteousness; and also is the word used for a beam in a scale of balances, which is the word for righteousness. [Now it is also interesting to note that the Greek goddess of Justice is Dike [pronounced, dikay] and she is always pictured holding a scale of balances in her right hand.] Look also at 2Corinthians 6:15. In Colossians 2:9-10, "It is in Christ that GOD finds an accurate and complete expression of Himself, in a human body! He mirrors our completeness and is the ultimate authority of our true identity.") (The Mirror)
We have covered enough ground in this one post for now. So the LORD willing, next we shall continue again in chapter 1 with verses 18-23. My hope is that we have helped to remove some bones of contention, that have bugged and plagued many to believe another gospel. A gospel of sustained self works for obedience mixed with faith as the bases of salvation. When in Hebrew salvation is Yeshua, Jeshua, Emmanuel or Jesus in the Greek, the only Messiah. The Incarnated in His people, church, body and family as One being. The secret of Pentecost. That Habakkuk saw.
Romans 1:16-17 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith." (KJV)
Romans 1:16-17 'For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith." (ESV)
Romans 1:16-17 "I have no shame about sharing the Good News of Christ with anyone; the power rescuing act of GOD persuades both the Jews and the Gentiles alike. Herein lie the secret of the power of the Gospel; there is no good news in it until the righteousness of GOD is revealed! The dynamic of the gospel is the revelation of GOD's Faith as the only valid basis for our belief. The Prophets wrote in advance about this fact that GOD believes that righteousness reveals the life of our design. "Righteousness by His (GOD'S) faith defines life." [Habakkuk 2:4]
(The gospel is the revelation of the righteousness of GOD; it unveils how the Father, Son and Spirit succeeded to put humanity right with themselves. It is about Them and what They did Right, not what Adam did that was wrong. (This is what the worlds systems of religions teach from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in mans fallen state.) The good news reveals how GOD's righteousness rescued the life of our design redeemed us, and established our original innocence. Where Humanity's futile efforts to obey a system of moral laws failed those in miserable self-struggles and a weight that they could not carry. The Good News shifts the emphasis away from humanity's failure and condemnation to highlight what it was that GOD accomplished in Jesus Christ on humanity's behalf! "Look away [from the Law of works] unto Jesus; he is the author and finisher of faith." [Habbakkuk 12:1] The language of the old written code was, "Do in order to become! The language of the new is, "Be, because of what was done!" Instead of do, do, do, it's done, done! It is GOD's Faith to begin with; it is from faith to Faith, and not our good or bad behavior; we are not defined by our performance or circumstances. Paul to Habakkuk's 2:4, "The just shall live by his [GOD'S] faith." is our right and is GOD's answer. Habakkuk saw a complete new basis to humanity's standing before GOD! Instead of reading the curse when disaster strikes, he realized the Promise out-dates performance as the basis to humanity's acquittal. Deuteronomy 28 would no longer be the motivation or measure of right or wrong behavior! Instead of righteousness as a reward to humanity's efforts to obey the Law, Habakkuk celebrated GOD's righteousness based on GOD's belief, in the face of apparent disaster, represented in the evidence of all the curses mentioned in Deuteronomy 28! He sings, "Though the fig trees do not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fails and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the GOD of my salvation. GOD, the LORD, is my strength; He makes my feet like hinds feet, He makes me tread upon my high places." [Habakkuk 3:17-19] It is interesting to note that Habakkuk - chabaqquq, was possibly the son of the Shunammite woman and her husband who hosted the Prophet Elisha. They could not have children, until Elisha declared that in a year's time she would embrace - chabaq - a child! When the child grew up to be a young man he died of sunstroke and Elisha stretched himself over the boy and mirror-embraced the dead child, face to face and the boy came back to life. Chabaqquq is a double embrace - it is the prophetic picture of our mirror-resurrection together with Christ! If anyone knew that righteousness was not by works but by GOD's Faith it was Habakkuk!
The word righteousness comes from the Anglo Saxon word, "rightwiseness;" wise in that which is right. In Greek (Strong's G1343 from G1349; G1166) the word for righteousness (G1343) is dikaiosune, and is (G1349) from dikay, that which is right, and (G1166) which is deiknuō, which means, to show, expose to the eyes; it is a relationship word and refers to two parties finding likeness in each other and thusly being able to see clearly with clear perception. Righteousness points to harmony in relationship. Look at 2Corinthians 6:14. Faith-righteousness has nothing in common with the pagan philosophies of karma and performance-based religion approval; they could never balance the scales or be evenly yoked together in any context. [The word (Strong's G2386) heterozugeo, an unequal or different yoke; is from the (G2218) word, zugos, a yoke or a teaching; the yoke or philosopher represented their doctrines; from the Hebrew (Strong's H6663, H6664, H6666) word, tzedek, means forensic moral self-righteousness; and also is the word used for a beam in a scale of balances, which is the word for righteousness. [Now it is also interesting to note that the Greek goddess of Justice is Dike [pronounced, dikay] and she is always pictured holding a scale of balances in her right hand.] Look also at 2Corinthians 6:15. In Colossians 2:9-10, "It is in Christ that GOD finds an accurate and complete expression of Himself, in a human body! He mirrors our completeness and is the ultimate authority of our true identity.") (The Mirror)
We have covered enough ground in this one post for now. So the LORD willing, next we shall continue again in chapter 1 with verses 18-23. My hope is that we have helped to remove some bones of contention, that have bugged and plagued many to believe another gospel. A gospel of sustained self works for obedience mixed with faith as the bases of salvation. When in Hebrew salvation is Yeshua, Jeshua, Emmanuel or Jesus in the Greek, the only Messiah. The Incarnated in His people, church, body and family as One being. The secret of Pentecost. That Habakkuk saw.
Sunday, January 20, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", taken from Romans 1.1, the renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
We are in Romans chapter 1 and continuing on from verse 8 through 15 with the faith gift of GOD given to those of Paul's revelation receiving, that is to say the Christ within, mans true identity in his humanity. This said lets see what we can learn from what is revealed by GOD through Paul before we get into How GOD sees those of the fallen Adam nature, immoral man.
Romans 1:8-15 "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world (G2889). For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; Making request (G1189), if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart (G3330) unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together (G4837) with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. I am debtor (G3781) both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians (G915); both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also." (KJV)
Romans 1:8-15 "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world (G2889). For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention (G1189) you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart (G3330) to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged (G4837) by each other's faith, both yours and mine. I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. I am under obligation (G3781) both to Greeks and to Barbarians (G915), both to the wise and to the foolish. So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome." (ESV)
Romans 1:8-15 "My greatest joy is to realize that your faith is announced throughout the entire world. The total [1; G2889)] cosmos is our audience. (The word, [1] kosmos in the NT refers to the entire human family, this includes those who are hostile to GOD and are obstacles to the gospel.) I am completely engaged in my spirit in the gospel of GOD's Son; constantly including you in my prayers; GOD is my witness. Since I already feel so [1; G1189] connected to you I long to also see you face to face. ([1] To beseech, deomai, is from deo to tie together, to be knitted together.) I really look forward to finally meet you in person, knowing that my spiritual [1; G3330] gift will benefit you greatly; it will cement and establish you in your faith. (The word, [1; G3330] metadidomi, translates as the kind of giving where the giver is not distanced from the gift but wrapped up in it! The Apostles, Prophets, preachers, pastors, and teachers are gifts to the Ekklesia to establish them in their faith and to present everyone in the full and mature stature of Christ [Ephesians 4:11-16]. There is such a vast difference between a gift and a reward! We are GOD's gifts to one another. What GOD now has in us is gift wrapped to the world. What we are in our individual expression is a gift and not a reward for personal diligence or achievement. These gifts were never meant to establish one above the other, or to become mere formal titles, but rather to identify specific and dynamic functions with one defined purpose, to bring everyone into the realization of the fullness of the measure of Christ within us all!) And so we will be mutually refreshed in the [1; G4837] participation and reflection of our common faith. (The word, [1; G4837 from G4862 with G3870] sumparakaleo, comes from sum, together with; para, is a preposition indicating close proximity, a thing proceeding from a sphere of influence, with a suggestion of union of place of residence, to have sprung from its author and giver, originating from, denoting the point from which an action originates, intimate connection, and kaleo, meaning to identify by name, to surname.) Until now I have been prevented from coming to you, even though I have frequently desired to reap some harvest in you as much as I anticipate the full fruit of this gospel in all the nations. I am so convinced of everyone's inclusion; I am [2; G3781] indebted both to the Greeks as well as those many [1; G915] foreigners whose languages we do not even understand. I owe this message to everyone, it is not a matter of how literate and educated people are; the illiterate are equally included in the benefit of the Good News. (The word, [1; G915] barbaros, means one who speaks a strange and foreign language; [2; G3781 from G3748 and G3786] opheiletes, means to be indebted, obliges one to return something to someone that belongs to them in the first place.) Because of this compelling urgency I am so keen to preach to you Romans also." (The Mirror)
From here we will move on, the LORD willing to verses 16-17 and then 18-23 next time.
Romans 1:8-15 "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world (G2889). For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; Making request (G1189), if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart (G3330) unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together (G4837) with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. I am debtor (G3781) both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians (G915); both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also." (KJV)
Romans 1:8-15 "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world (G2889). For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention (G1189) you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart (G3330) to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged (G4837) by each other's faith, both yours and mine. I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. I am under obligation (G3781) both to Greeks and to Barbarians (G915), both to the wise and to the foolish. So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome." (ESV)
Romans 1:8-15 "My greatest joy is to realize that your faith is announced throughout the entire world. The total [1; G2889)] cosmos is our audience. (The word, [1] kosmos in the NT refers to the entire human family, this includes those who are hostile to GOD and are obstacles to the gospel.) I am completely engaged in my spirit in the gospel of GOD's Son; constantly including you in my prayers; GOD is my witness. Since I already feel so [1; G1189] connected to you I long to also see you face to face. ([1] To beseech, deomai, is from deo to tie together, to be knitted together.) I really look forward to finally meet you in person, knowing that my spiritual [1; G3330] gift will benefit you greatly; it will cement and establish you in your faith. (The word, [1; G3330] metadidomi, translates as the kind of giving where the giver is not distanced from the gift but wrapped up in it! The Apostles, Prophets, preachers, pastors, and teachers are gifts to the Ekklesia to establish them in their faith and to present everyone in the full and mature stature of Christ [Ephesians 4:11-16]. There is such a vast difference between a gift and a reward! We are GOD's gifts to one another. What GOD now has in us is gift wrapped to the world. What we are in our individual expression is a gift and not a reward for personal diligence or achievement. These gifts were never meant to establish one above the other, or to become mere formal titles, but rather to identify specific and dynamic functions with one defined purpose, to bring everyone into the realization of the fullness of the measure of Christ within us all!) And so we will be mutually refreshed in the [1; G4837] participation and reflection of our common faith. (The word, [1; G4837 from G4862 with G3870] sumparakaleo, comes from sum, together with; para, is a preposition indicating close proximity, a thing proceeding from a sphere of influence, with a suggestion of union of place of residence, to have sprung from its author and giver, originating from, denoting the point from which an action originates, intimate connection, and kaleo, meaning to identify by name, to surname.) Until now I have been prevented from coming to you, even though I have frequently desired to reap some harvest in you as much as I anticipate the full fruit of this gospel in all the nations. I am so convinced of everyone's inclusion; I am [2; G3781] indebted both to the Greeks as well as those many [1; G915] foreigners whose languages we do not even understand. I owe this message to everyone, it is not a matter of how literate and educated people are; the illiterate are equally included in the benefit of the Good News. (The word, [1; G915] barbaros, means one who speaks a strange and foreign language; [2; G3781 from G3748 and G3786] opheiletes, means to be indebted, obliges one to return something to someone that belongs to them in the first place.) Because of this compelling urgency I am so keen to preach to you Romans also." (The Mirror)
From here we will move on, the LORD willing to verses 16-17 and then 18-23 next time.
Saturday, January 19, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", taken from Romans 1.0, the renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
I do get a spiritual kick when I encounter a fellow traveler of GODS path, the narrow path of faith's revelation of the secret things of GOD now being revealed to His heirs by His Holy Spirit of promise.
Picking back up with the Mirror Study Bibles point of view of Romans 1:1-7.
Romans 1:1-7 "Paul, [5; G1401] passionately engaged by Jesus Christ, [1; G873 from G575 and G3724] identified in him to [2; G652 from G] represent him. My [3; root of G3724] mandate and [4; G2098] message is to announce the goodness of GOD to humanity. (Mandate, the scope or horizon of my message, from [3] horitso, meaning marked out. the word [2] apostelo, means an extension of Him, a representative; [5] doulos, means slave from deo, to be bound or knitted together like a husband and wife; [1] kletos comes from kaleo, and means called out, to identify by name, to surname; and [4] eu + angellion, means well done announcement, good news, the official announcement of GOD's goodness.) This message is what the Scriptures are all about. It remains the central prophetic theme and content of inspired writing. The Son of GOD has his natural lineage from the seed of David; (In Matthew 22:41-45 Jesus asked the Pharisees, "'What do you think of the Christ? Whose son is he?'" They said to him, "The son of David." He said to them, 'The LORD said to my Lord, sit at my right hand, till I put your enemies under your feet?' If David thus calls him LORD, how is he his son? Matthew 23:9 "You must not call anyone here on earth Father, because you have only one Father in heaven!' "Yet there is for us only one GOD, the Father, who is the Creator of all things and for whom we live; and there is only one LORD, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created and through whom we live." (1Corinthians 8:6) "For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth receives its true name." (Ephesians 3:14-15) "....there is one GOD and Father of all people, who is LORD of all, works through all, and is in all." (Ephesians 4:6-7).) however, his powerful resurrection from the dead by the Holy Spirit, [1; G3724] locates and confirms his being and sonship in GOD. (The word, locates, comes from [1] apo + horizo, meaning to mark out beforehand, to define or locate, literally horizon. The same word is translated as mandate in verse 1. In Acts 13:32-33, Paul preaches the resurrection and quotes Psalm 2, "Today I have begotten you." Jesus locates us and confirms that we have our genesis in GOD! Peter understood that we were born anew in the resurrection of Christ. The relevance of the resurrection is the revelation of humanity's inclusion in Christ [see 1Peter 1:3]. Hosea 6:2 is the only Scripture that prophetically prophesies the third day resurrection, and here in this single dramatic prophesy, we are called co-included in his resurrection! "After two days he will revive us, on the third day he will raise us up!" [RSV] This is the crux of the message of the mystery of the Gospel! "Will the earth be brought forth in one day? Can a nation be born in a moment?" [Isaiah 66:8-9].) The grace and commission we received from him, is to bring about a [1; G5218 from G5219 and G5259 from G191] faith-inspired lifestyle in all the nations. [2] His name is his claim on the human race. (Paul immediately sets out to give new definition to the term, "obedience," no longer by Law, but by Faith! [1] Obedience, from upo + akoo, means to be under the influence of what is hear, accurate hearing; hearing from above (a change in observation, perspective). [2] Every family in heaven and on earth is identified in him (Ephesians 3:15).) In Jesus Christ you individually discover [1; G2822] who you are. (The word, [1; G2822] kaleo, means to call by name, to surname.) In addressing you, i address all in Roman. I am convinced of GOD's love for you; He restored you to the harmony of your original design; you were made holy in Christ Jesus; no wonder then that you are [1; G2822 from G2821] surnamed [2; G40] Saints. His grace gift in Christ secures your total well-being. The Father of the Lord Jesus Christ is ours also; He is our GOD. (The word [1] ka-leo, means called, identified by name, surname; [2] hagios, means Saints, restored to harmony of your original design; "He separated me from my mother's womb when He revealed his Son in me, in order that I may declare his in the nations; immediately I did not consult with flesh and blood." [Galatians 1:15-16]. "From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ after the flesh, we regard his thus no longer." [2Corinthians 5:16])
The LORD will we shall pick this back up at verse 8 next time.
Picking back up with the Mirror Study Bibles point of view of Romans 1:1-7.
Romans 1:1-7 "Paul, [5; G1401] passionately engaged by Jesus Christ, [1; G873 from G575 and G3724] identified in him to [2; G652 from G] represent him. My [3; root of G3724] mandate and [4; G2098] message is to announce the goodness of GOD to humanity. (Mandate, the scope or horizon of my message, from [3] horitso, meaning marked out. the word [2] apostelo, means an extension of Him, a representative; [5] doulos, means slave from deo, to be bound or knitted together like a husband and wife; [1] kletos comes from kaleo, and means called out, to identify by name, to surname; and [4] eu + angellion, means well done announcement, good news, the official announcement of GOD's goodness.) This message is what the Scriptures are all about. It remains the central prophetic theme and content of inspired writing. The Son of GOD has his natural lineage from the seed of David; (In Matthew 22:41-45 Jesus asked the Pharisees, "'What do you think of the Christ? Whose son is he?'" They said to him, "The son of David." He said to them, 'The LORD said to my Lord, sit at my right hand, till I put your enemies under your feet?' If David thus calls him LORD, how is he his son? Matthew 23:9 "You must not call anyone here on earth Father, because you have only one Father in heaven!' "Yet there is for us only one GOD, the Father, who is the Creator of all things and for whom we live; and there is only one LORD, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created and through whom we live." (1Corinthians 8:6) "For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth receives its true name." (Ephesians 3:14-15) "....there is one GOD and Father of all people, who is LORD of all, works through all, and is in all." (Ephesians 4:6-7).) however, his powerful resurrection from the dead by the Holy Spirit, [1; G3724] locates and confirms his being and sonship in GOD. (The word, locates, comes from [1] apo + horizo, meaning to mark out beforehand, to define or locate, literally horizon. The same word is translated as mandate in verse 1. In Acts 13:32-33, Paul preaches the resurrection and quotes Psalm 2, "Today I have begotten you." Jesus locates us and confirms that we have our genesis in GOD! Peter understood that we were born anew in the resurrection of Christ. The relevance of the resurrection is the revelation of humanity's inclusion in Christ [see 1Peter 1:3]. Hosea 6:2 is the only Scripture that prophetically prophesies the third day resurrection, and here in this single dramatic prophesy, we are called co-included in his resurrection! "After two days he will revive us, on the third day he will raise us up!" [RSV] This is the crux of the message of the mystery of the Gospel! "Will the earth be brought forth in one day? Can a nation be born in a moment?" [Isaiah 66:8-9].) The grace and commission we received from him, is to bring about a [1; G5218 from G5219 and G5259 from G191] faith-inspired lifestyle in all the nations. [2] His name is his claim on the human race. (Paul immediately sets out to give new definition to the term, "obedience," no longer by Law, but by Faith! [1] Obedience, from upo + akoo, means to be under the influence of what is hear, accurate hearing; hearing from above (a change in observation, perspective). [2] Every family in heaven and on earth is identified in him (Ephesians 3:15).) In Jesus Christ you individually discover [1; G2822] who you are. (The word, [1; G2822] kaleo, means to call by name, to surname.) In addressing you, i address all in Roman. I am convinced of GOD's love for you; He restored you to the harmony of your original design; you were made holy in Christ Jesus; no wonder then that you are [1; G2822 from G2821] surnamed [2; G40] Saints. His grace gift in Christ secures your total well-being. The Father of the Lord Jesus Christ is ours also; He is our GOD. (The word [1] ka-leo, means called, identified by name, surname; [2] hagios, means Saints, restored to harmony of your original design; "He separated me from my mother's womb when He revealed his Son in me, in order that I may declare his in the nations; immediately I did not consult with flesh and blood." [Galatians 1:15-16]. "From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ after the flesh, we regard his thus no longer." [2Corinthians 5:16])
The LORD will we shall pick this back up at verse 8 next time.
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", taken from Romans intro and chapter 1, the renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
By the new heading you can see that from this point we are doing something a bit different. Beginning with this introduction which I am taking a portion of that in "The Mirror Study Bible's,"
outline of Romans.
In his dynamic book addressed to the Romans as a pivital book Paul introduces himself and his intention: "My mandate and message is to announce the goodnews of GOD to His Humanity. This message is what the Scriptures of old are all about. It remains the central prophetic theme and content of inspired writing." (Romans 1:1-2)
By this mandate scripture can never again be interpreted in any other way, than that of being spiritual by His design. The gospel is the message of the success of the Cross which gives content and context to Scripture.
This message has nothing in it to be ashamed of; the message unveils how GOD got it right to rescue His Humanity from the effects of what Adam did wrong! (Romans 1:16-17)
The very dynamics of this gospel is the revelation of GOD's Faith as the only valid basis of our belief (from faith to faith). Paul quotes Habakkuk who prophetically introduced a "new area" when he realized that righteousness would be founded in what GOD believes and not on human clumsiness and inabilities to obey the Law of works that it became and still to this day is among the lost.
For from now on righteousness by GOD's Faith defines His humanity's life. (Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, 3:27)
Instead of reading with a mindset of the curse when disaster strikes, Habakkuk realized that the Promise out-dates performance as the basis of humanity's acquiring acquittal! Deuteronomy 28 would no longer be the motivation or the measure of right or wrong behavior! "Though the fig trees do not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD (meaning Jesus), I will joy in the GOD of my Salvation (H3468). GOD, the LORD, is my strength; he makes my feet like hind's feet, he makes me tread upon my high places. (Habakkuk 3:17-19 a loose translation)
Paul in chapters 1:18 through to 3:20 proceeds to give a graphic display of distorted human behavior. He being a Jews Jew and knowing the Law, offers no real advantage since it offers no disguise of defense from sin. For it has the same ugliness only deserves the judgment of the broken bond of a father and his son. In his triumphant statement in verses 16, 17 of chapter 1 and again reinforced in chapter 3:21-24, is set against this back drop. The good news declares how the same condemned humanity in Adam is now freely acquitted by GOD's grace through the redemption that is unveiled in Christ the man Jesus.
Then in chapter 7 Paul, using himself, under the Law begins the age old argument of the ineffectiveness of the weakness and beggarly practices required of the Law to get one such a person to change their habits and behavior, to its final crescendo. He states in 7:1 that he is writing to those who know the Law. They have first-hand experience therefore of the weakness of the rule to consistently govern a person's conduct.
For he knows the best the Law could offer was to educate and confirm good intentions; but the more powerful law, the law of sin introduced to humanity through one man's transgression, has to be changed by a greater force than human willpower alone.
Because sin robes humanity of their true identity and awakened in them all kinds of worse-than-animal-like conduct, a set of rules couldn't do it. The revelation of GOD's righteousness has to be far more effective and powerful than humanity's slavery to sin.
It is self evident that because of humanity's corrupt behavior, we deserve nothing less than condemnation. Yet within this context the grace and mercy of GOD is revealed; not as mere licence nor mere tolerance from GOD's side to turn a blind eye and to put up with sin, but as GPD's triumphant act through Christ to cancel our debt and guilt and to break sin's spell and dominion over His humanity.
For salvation to be relevant it has to offer humanity a basis and reference point from which faith is to launched. It has to offer a conclusion of greater implication than the stalemate condition they find in themselves under the dispensation of the Law.
Therefore Paul says, "My inner person agrees that the Law is good and desires to obey its requirements yet my best intentions leave me powerless against it's demands of sin in my body! Oh, wretched being that I am!"
All this said, woe be onto us but for the revelation of GOD's righteous intervention! the man Christ Jesus is the mediator of humanity. The judgment humanity rightfully deserved fell full force on him: he was made to be our sin who knew no sin. "He was handed over because of our transgressions, and triumphantly raised because of our (humanity's) acquittal! (Romans 4:25)
Paul by the Holy Spirit was convinced that whatever happened to GOD human race because of Adam's action is far superseded in every possible proportion by the revelation of humanity's inclusion in the life, death and resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. He places the fall of Adam and every act of unrighteousness that followed against the one act of righteousness that GOD performed in and through Christ as proof of humanity's acquittal!
Further more the revelation of righteousness by GOD's Faith unveils how Jesus the Christ represented and redeemed His Humanity. The etymological essence of the word, "righteousness" in its stem, dike, implies the idea of two parties finding likeness in each other; with no interference of any sense of blame, guilt or inferiority. The Hebrew word for righteousness is the word tzedek which refers to the wooden beam in a scale of balances. When Adam lost the glory of GOD (Hebrew, kadod, weight; the consciousness of GOD's likeness and image) the Law proved that no amount of good works could balance the scale again. Grace reveals how GOD redeemed his image and likeness again in our human form; now the scale is perfectly balanced! No wonder Jesus cried out on the cross, "It is Finished!"
This is the essence of Paul's message that he said he owed to the entire world!
Romans 1:1-7 "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) concerning his Son Jesus Christ our LORD, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ." (KJV)
Romans 1:1-7 "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our LORD, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, to all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (ESV)
There is much to fill in with this portion and therefore I will, the LORD willing, pick the narrative up here on our next visit.
outline of Romans.
In his dynamic book addressed to the Romans as a pivital book Paul introduces himself and his intention: "My mandate and message is to announce the goodnews of GOD to His Humanity. This message is what the Scriptures of old are all about. It remains the central prophetic theme and content of inspired writing." (Romans 1:1-2)
By this mandate scripture can never again be interpreted in any other way, than that of being spiritual by His design. The gospel is the message of the success of the Cross which gives content and context to Scripture.
This message has nothing in it to be ashamed of; the message unveils how GOD got it right to rescue His Humanity from the effects of what Adam did wrong! (Romans 1:16-17)
The very dynamics of this gospel is the revelation of GOD's Faith as the only valid basis of our belief (from faith to faith). Paul quotes Habakkuk who prophetically introduced a "new area" when he realized that righteousness would be founded in what GOD believes and not on human clumsiness and inabilities to obey the Law of works that it became and still to this day is among the lost.
For from now on righteousness by GOD's Faith defines His humanity's life. (Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, 3:27)
Instead of reading with a mindset of the curse when disaster strikes, Habakkuk realized that the Promise out-dates performance as the basis of humanity's acquiring acquittal! Deuteronomy 28 would no longer be the motivation or the measure of right or wrong behavior! "Though the fig trees do not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD (meaning Jesus), I will joy in the GOD of my Salvation (H3468). GOD, the LORD, is my strength; he makes my feet like hind's feet, he makes me tread upon my high places. (Habakkuk 3:17-19 a loose translation)
Paul in chapters 1:18 through to 3:20 proceeds to give a graphic display of distorted human behavior. He being a Jews Jew and knowing the Law, offers no real advantage since it offers no disguise of defense from sin. For it has the same ugliness only deserves the judgment of the broken bond of a father and his son. In his triumphant statement in verses 16, 17 of chapter 1 and again reinforced in chapter 3:21-24, is set against this back drop. The good news declares how the same condemned humanity in Adam is now freely acquitted by GOD's grace through the redemption that is unveiled in Christ the man Jesus.
Then in chapter 7 Paul, using himself, under the Law begins the age old argument of the ineffectiveness of the weakness and beggarly practices required of the Law to get one such a person to change their habits and behavior, to its final crescendo. He states in 7:1 that he is writing to those who know the Law. They have first-hand experience therefore of the weakness of the rule to consistently govern a person's conduct.
For he knows the best the Law could offer was to educate and confirm good intentions; but the more powerful law, the law of sin introduced to humanity through one man's transgression, has to be changed by a greater force than human willpower alone.
Because sin robes humanity of their true identity and awakened in them all kinds of worse-than-animal-like conduct, a set of rules couldn't do it. The revelation of GOD's righteousness has to be far more effective and powerful than humanity's slavery to sin.
It is self evident that because of humanity's corrupt behavior, we deserve nothing less than condemnation. Yet within this context the grace and mercy of GOD is revealed; not as mere licence nor mere tolerance from GOD's side to turn a blind eye and to put up with sin, but as GPD's triumphant act through Christ to cancel our debt and guilt and to break sin's spell and dominion over His humanity.
For salvation to be relevant it has to offer humanity a basis and reference point from which faith is to launched. It has to offer a conclusion of greater implication than the stalemate condition they find in themselves under the dispensation of the Law.
Therefore Paul says, "My inner person agrees that the Law is good and desires to obey its requirements yet my best intentions leave me powerless against it's demands of sin in my body! Oh, wretched being that I am!"
All this said, woe be onto us but for the revelation of GOD's righteous intervention! the man Christ Jesus is the mediator of humanity. The judgment humanity rightfully deserved fell full force on him: he was made to be our sin who knew no sin. "He was handed over because of our transgressions, and triumphantly raised because of our (humanity's) acquittal! (Romans 4:25)
Paul by the Holy Spirit was convinced that whatever happened to GOD human race because of Adam's action is far superseded in every possible proportion by the revelation of humanity's inclusion in the life, death and resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. He places the fall of Adam and every act of unrighteousness that followed against the one act of righteousness that GOD performed in and through Christ as proof of humanity's acquittal!
Further more the revelation of righteousness by GOD's Faith unveils how Jesus the Christ represented and redeemed His Humanity. The etymological essence of the word, "righteousness" in its stem, dike, implies the idea of two parties finding likeness in each other; with no interference of any sense of blame, guilt or inferiority. The Hebrew word for righteousness is the word tzedek which refers to the wooden beam in a scale of balances. When Adam lost the glory of GOD (Hebrew, kadod, weight; the consciousness of GOD's likeness and image) the Law proved that no amount of good works could balance the scale again. Grace reveals how GOD redeemed his image and likeness again in our human form; now the scale is perfectly balanced! No wonder Jesus cried out on the cross, "It is Finished!"
This is the essence of Paul's message that he said he owed to the entire world!
Romans 1:1-7 "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) concerning his Son Jesus Christ our LORD, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ." (KJV)
Romans 1:1-7 "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our LORD, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, to all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (ESV)
There is much to fill in with this portion and therefore I will, the LORD willing, pick the narrative up here on our next visit.
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", part 21.2 the renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
We are at the end of the synoptic gospels and at the end of John's in particular and just days away from GODS greatest of all wonders. This wonder reaches out through the ages of GODS might and splendors, the restoration of a fallen humanity. This if it were a hat trick would have amazed His skeptics beyond belief and so it has for the last 2000 years or so. Those of the world systems still cannot acknowledge what has taken place and those old time religions well they are in the dark especially those of the Hebrews and Judaism they refuse Him and just wont let go of their old traditions, rites, rituals and custom even if it means the lost of the very souls. They have the right to turn all around in a moment in the twinkling of an eye by just acknowledging and accepting Him whom, whom they have pierced and hung as being accursed in His and their and our own innocence. The restoration of GODS creation to a Genesis son and daughter by the death of sin and the resurrection into a new and better life. I may, the LORD willing, in our next visit begin a look into Romans or I may look into the Salvation Victory, that I have not yet finished.
John 21:20-23, 24, 25 "Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, "Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?" Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, "Lord, and what shall this man do?" Jesus saith unto him, 'If I will that he tarry till I [G2064] come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.' Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, "He shall not die;" but, "'If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?'"
This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.
And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen." (KJV)
John 21:20-23, 24, 25 "Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?" When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" Jesus said to him, 'If it is my will that he remain until I [G2064] come, what is that to you? You follow me!' So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, "'If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?'"
This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true.
Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written." (ESV)
John 21:20-23, 24, 25 "Peter turned around and saw Jesus' beloved disciple following them; he was also the one who would lean against the chest of Jesus at the dinner table and asked, "Lord who will betray you?" Seeing him Peter asked, "Lord, what about this man?" Jesus said to him, 'If I would rather have him remain while I am [1; G2064] going, should not concern you; just keep close company with me.' (The word [1; G2064] erchomai can mean coming or going - depends on the context.) So a rumor began amongst the followers that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus didn't say that he wasn't going to die, he said, "'If I wish that he remains while I am going should not concern you.'"
This is the very disciple who is bearing witness to all these things in this writing. We confirm that his testimony is true.
Were the vastness of the works and words of Jesus carefully detailed, the libraries of the world could not contain them. (Look at 20:30)
(In the final chapter and Epilogue to his book, John beautifully highlights a significant parallel, reflecting on their first encounter with Jesus, when as business partners he and his brother James and Simon Peter toiled all night and had nothing to show for their efforts; here he portrays Peter taking the initiative to go back fishing to possibly help them deal with the extreme emotional tensions of the past days and also his disappointment with himself in denying Jesus three times. In John's account, Jesus again demonstrates dramatically how great grace dimension that outperforms their best efforts and intentions, eclipsing their familiar world with its highs and lows. In Jesus' conversation with Peter, as Simon the son of Jonah, he deliberately calls him this name again to remind him of the significant moment when he discovered by revelation that in Jesus as the son of man, our physical identity is surpassed by a greater identity and birth, we are hewed out of the same rock; we share sonship because we have the same Father! This is the foundation of the Ekklesia that Jesus builds. [Matthew 16] Then instead of blaming Peter for denying him, Jesus deliberately reminds his of their friendship where their love for one another is reinforced three times; this union will also be the basis of Peter's role in his Shepherd leadership of Jesus' flock. It is also interesting to note the name of Thomas, and Nathaniel in the account of the fishing episode; they, too, had their moments of doubt.) (The Mirror)
John 21:20-23, 24, 25 "Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, "Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?" Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, "Lord, and what shall this man do?" Jesus saith unto him, 'If I will that he tarry till I [G2064] come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.' Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, "He shall not die;" but, "'If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?'"
This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.
And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen." (KJV)
John 21:20-23, 24, 25 "Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?" When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" Jesus said to him, 'If it is my will that he remain until I [G2064] come, what is that to you? You follow me!' So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, "'If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?'"
This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true.
Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written." (ESV)
John 21:20-23, 24, 25 "Peter turned around and saw Jesus' beloved disciple following them; he was also the one who would lean against the chest of Jesus at the dinner table and asked, "Lord who will betray you?" Seeing him Peter asked, "Lord, what about this man?" Jesus said to him, 'If I would rather have him remain while I am [1; G2064] going, should not concern you; just keep close company with me.' (The word [1; G2064] erchomai can mean coming or going - depends on the context.) So a rumor began amongst the followers that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus didn't say that he wasn't going to die, he said, "'If I wish that he remains while I am going should not concern you.'"
This is the very disciple who is bearing witness to all these things in this writing. We confirm that his testimony is true.
Were the vastness of the works and words of Jesus carefully detailed, the libraries of the world could not contain them. (Look at 20:30)
(In the final chapter and Epilogue to his book, John beautifully highlights a significant parallel, reflecting on their first encounter with Jesus, when as business partners he and his brother James and Simon Peter toiled all night and had nothing to show for their efforts; here he portrays Peter taking the initiative to go back fishing to possibly help them deal with the extreme emotional tensions of the past days and also his disappointment with himself in denying Jesus three times. In John's account, Jesus again demonstrates dramatically how great grace dimension that outperforms their best efforts and intentions, eclipsing their familiar world with its highs and lows. In Jesus' conversation with Peter, as Simon the son of Jonah, he deliberately calls him this name again to remind him of the significant moment when he discovered by revelation that in Jesus as the son of man, our physical identity is surpassed by a greater identity and birth, we are hewed out of the same rock; we share sonship because we have the same Father! This is the foundation of the Ekklesia that Jesus builds. [Matthew 16] Then instead of blaming Peter for denying him, Jesus deliberately reminds his of their friendship where their love for one another is reinforced three times; this union will also be the basis of Peter's role in his Shepherd leadership of Jesus' flock. It is also interesting to note the name of Thomas, and Nathaniel in the account of the fishing episode; they, too, had their moments of doubt.) (The Mirror)
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