Paul's words are radical. When he wrote them, women didn't have the rights of honor and heirship that sons did. This verse, however, declares all followers of Jesus, men and women, have the rights of sonship and heirship. We are children of God, with all the rights and honors of full heirs! Our faith, expressed in our baptism, declares to the world that we are God's children, his sons by right. It doesn't matter if we are young or old, rich or poor, male or female, bond or free; we have chosen to be clothed in Christ and his righteousness. We do not depend on earning our own salvation. It is given us along with our heirship. He is our salvation and hope. He is our life and strength. He is our older brother and Savior. He is our Lord.
My Prayer...
Thank you, dear Father, for adopting me into your family. How can I thank you for all you have done to make me your child and a rightful heir to your glorious riches of grace? Thank you, dear Jesus, for your sacrifice that brought me into your family. In your name, O Jesus, do I offer my prayer and my praise. Amen.
No. I do not. I think our God is a forgiving one and beyond anything has "patience" unlike anything we've ever began to contemplate let alone even begin to understand. We're all His children. He loves us as much. Do you have children and if so, would you at anytime realistically be able to say "i do not love you anymore." - of course we are human and have emotions, we are also not perfect but God knows this and He allows us to keep trying in our own way. We are each individuals and have our own problems that we come to Him with but He already knows theses things and is prepared to help us in any way He can. We all sin, it's the learning from and trying not to do the same over and over or utilizing prayer at a whim to just get by. I believe He loves us unconditionally and is in some way cheering for us to be successful. God didn't create us to suffer. Mankind, can and will be evil. Free will involves a lot from both perspectives. We just have to try hard each and every day to ask Him for the strength to stay on the right path and protect us as well. 🙏 He's right there in your heart and He's told you this. 💙
I agree with most everything you put in this comment. I thank you for taking the time.
I've really been focusing on what the Bible teaches when it comes to the Once Saved, Always Saved ideology that is widely accepted within the circle of believers. Here is a question I've pondered along with Scripture to accompany my thinking:
If one cannot lose their salvation, why are there so many places where the Bible warns of the dangers of apostasy/falling away/departing from the faith? Key passages:
Hebrews 6:4-6
Hebrews 10:26-29
2 Peter 2:20-22
1 Timothy 4:1
Galatians 5:4
Going to Revelation and the letters to the seven churches. Five of the seven churches received threatening language from Christ regarding their sin and need to repent. Jesus told Sardis that basically, if they don't change their ways, they will be blotted from the Book of Life. The implications here is, those that endure and remain faithful will remain Saved but those that don't, can be removed from the BoL. If the five churches Jesus scolded were safe then why did He warn them to repent?
we're gettin' ready for bed but with what you've asked- I do have quite a bit to say: please forgive me , been up for quite a while and I'm starting to feel it. I will leave this up and open and as my wife said "we'll answer this one first- you can tell it's important." So that being said, I can say now - yes all of the warnings regarding falling away and apostasy and the need to repent is exactly that, the warning, to not turn away from God themselves and to truly repent and as it is said "go and sin no more." i.e stop making the same mistakes and turning away from God, -that being said, He knows we are human and sin, the greatest of which is to turn away from Him completely and it is most egregious to turn away "after" being saved. Just know Jesus died in order for our sins to be forgiven - period. He knew this and died for this very reason, for us. The greatest insult is to accept that salvation and then dismiss or throw it away. - Like I said, we have more to say on this and will do so when we get up. I appreciate what you've said and asked. I mean that. thank you Bob'. I read in what you're saying something is weighing on you so we'll get this answered in complete tomorrow for you, as I can tell this is sitting on your heart. That I can promise. -cheers and thank you again friend. 🙏🍻
I look forward to it. I can tell that both you and your wife understand what it means to love unconditionally and it is apparent in your responses that you not just believe it, but practice it. I hope you both sleep well.
Thank you for what you said Bob'. - I haven't posted but once tonight so far as "posting" but have began answering. Right now, we (my Wife and I) are working on our response to you and will not answer any other questions until we've gotten yours taken care of. It might take a little bit, or even perhaps be in a few pieces but we're working on the answer for you. Like I said, I'm a man of my word and my wife's word is good as gold. talk soon. -and thank you again, very much for what you said. much appreciated friend.
Take your time. Your contributions on GAW are valuable. Keep doing what you do. I'm patient and in no hurry whatsoever. I appreciate you and your wife taking a vested interest in giving a well thought out response. :)
Hebrews 6: 4-6 If you're only looking at those particular verses then yes it would read as though a person could lose their salvation, never to be saved again. But- if you read further in the chapter, specifically 9 and 10 - So what this is saying is that yes if you turn away after being saved and stay "away" from God and do not repent, then yes you can be blotted from the Book of Life. These verses speak of God's forgiveness and his seeing your entire work and labors of love and He will not turn away from you as long as you do not turn away from him.
Hebrews 10: 26-29
Again, as the selected verses read, by themselves -yes it would appear as though there remains no more sacrifice for sins. However, if you continue to read the chapter and having all the verses taken in context with one another, you see at verse 35 the reminder to not cast away your confidence which will give great reward. Further, in verse 36 an additional reminder for the need of Patience so that you may receive all that God promises. Finally, in verse 39 is the declaration that the Faithful are not of them who would be drawn back into perdition but are of them that believe to the saving of the soul. In other words, again this is a warning to not turn away from God, lest there be no further sacrifice for your sins as Jesus was the Ultimate Sacrifice which covered "all sins" and one who has a crisis of Faith, need only turn back to God in order to be covered by the Grace and Mercy of a "Forgiving" God. It also speaks of God's recognition that there will be struggle and that you must endure but may do so in the full Faith of God.
2 Peter 2:20-22
The verses that you quote are again, serving as a warning to those that have been saved that to turn away from God after this and knowing Jesus Christ, makes turning away from God at that point all the more egregious. If you read further, into the 3rd chapter - specifically vs 9: is the reiteration that "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." So again, while there is a warning and an admonishment there is also the reiteration of the promise of salvation one only needs to turn back to God and repent.
1Timothy 4:1
Here is the rest of that though: " speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscious seared with a hot iron; forbidding to marry and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with Thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with Thanksgiving: for it is sanctified by the word of God and Prayer. If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of Faith and Good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained." - So again, this is a warning that while there are those that will fall away, one only need Faith and a heart of Thanksgiving for the blessings that God bestows. Finally in the final verse of the chapter -sums it up perfectly. "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." So in sharing and discussing these very things and keeping to the whole word, taken in context, it is not only a heavy handed warning but a promise of Gods Grace and Hope in Salvation.
Galatians 5:4
Again, this singular verse by itself can be made to seem as though it is a declaration of damnation but again, it has to be taken in the full context of what Paul was saying and to whom he was saying it to. If you read ver's 1 - 6 together, you see that Paul was speaking to the crowd in which he was working with which were Jewish and believed only in the old law and did not believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ and he was warning them that the old law was essentially null and void under the new covenant. Just as it states in vs 6 "for in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor un-circumcision; but Faith which worketh by Love."
Summary of what we've gone through so far: God does and will punish those who stand outside of his rules, that being said, He is also Patient and knows very well of us being "human" and being influenced by Satan himself i.e. free will. He is warning us over and over again, even knowing we are not perfect and will sin, that he Loves us so much -that all we have to do is turn back to him for our salvation and it will be received. I'd never question his love for us do to one thing, one person and one happening - "He allowed his only son to be sacrificed" in the same breath: Jesus did this knowing we were sinners and were not perfect. That amount of love alone should make one feel closer and more trustworthy of God through Jesus Christ at a length not even describable. God would much rather have you come back ashamed and ask for forgiveness than to just turn away, give up and to never have been able to have been given your place in Heaven, ..with Him. I have one more thing on this very thing, but will answer it or rather reveal it to you at the end of my thoughts; it will be concerning my son. - Moving forward to your next question: Revelation and the letters to the Churches.
again, now - we are working on the last part of your question and will post as soon as we are finished. thank you again for your patience in having us write this. we just want to make sure we are answering in the best and most correct way that we can friend. u/bob_a_bouy
u/Bob_a_bouy - the rest of what we could help with: I hope it suffices friend.
Regarding your question concerning the letters to the Churches.
The warning to repent was given not as a strict admonishment that those churches would be lost and blotted out due to their short comings, rather He in each case acknowledges their efforts and the good works they have done and is simply reminding them that there is more work to be done and that in the end -as always, repentance is key. We'll go over each of the Seven as there were very specific things that Jesus points out that are unique to each one.
Church of Ephesus
Ch.2 vs. 4-5 "In this after Jesus acknowledges this church's good works He states [Never the less I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefor from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.] -Again, He is giving a warning and a reminder for them to repent for their short comings.
Church of Smyrna
Ch2 vs 10 "Fear none of these things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a Crown of Life." -Here Jesus is letting the church know that there are dark days ahead and that their faithfulness will see that they will have eternal life -with Him.
Church of Pergamos
Ch.2 vs 14-16 - In this set of verses Jesus admonishes them for a pretty serious set of short comings as this particular church still had those within it that were holding on to the doctrine and religion of Balaam "who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth." - so in this you have a church that professed to be a church of God that was still practicing and harboring those who do the very things that Jesus himself hates. But again, all is not lost as he tells them they simply must repent and throw away the doctrines of evil.
Church of Thyatira
Ch.2 vs 20-22 - In the letter to this church, much like the previous, Jesus sends a warning of very specific problems that he has with this church; specifically, "Because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. and I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds." - again, even the most egregious of sinners get a chance to repent. It is up to them to do so.
Church of Sardis
Ch.3 vs 3-5 : In this letter, He gives warning to hold fast to the faith and repent. "He that over-cometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his Angels." - In this Jesus acknowledges that while there will be hardships to hold the line and to repent so that they may overcome the trappings of the world, so that they may be with him in eternal life. -again key to this is to "Repent and not turn away from God."
Church of Philadelphia
ch.3 vs 8-11 : In this letter to this church, Jesus warns of those of the synagogue of satan "Those which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I will also keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown." - In this, Jesus is instructing and warning his church that they will be attacked by those who are not who they say they are but due to the faith and their devotion to Jesus, his church will ultimately be the Victors.
Church of Laodiceans
ch.3 vs 15-16 & 19-21 : In this, we see one of if not the most important of warnings. This church was as Jesus put it "That thou art neither cold nor hot; I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art luke warm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth." - Here Jesus is saying that He'd rather a church be all in or all out but never anything in between. We see this very thing today in the church today, pastors teaching doctrine's that directly contradict Gods word all to keep from hurting peoples feelings or from making them feel uncomfortable. But as with every other warning all is not lost as he says " as many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame and am sat down with my Father in His throne." - So, again while he is giving very specific warnings, he is also reminding them that yes they are safe so long as they repent and dedicate themselves fully to Him.
In ending, I hope that we have somewhat helped you to understand or rather given you some insight into what we interpret those particular chapters and vs's to mean. - The problem with myself: I had no identity growing up, horrible father and a mother who allowed unspeakable things to be done to me. God saved me by having my Mamaw and Pap get me out of that hell and made me safe. I became a Father and remember that very night. I'd never seen anything like it or experienced anything like it since. He, my son to me, was my world. I was "Dad".. I had an identity. Several years ago, against my wishes he had taken the shot, soon after he changed, I mean his faith, who he loved, hanged around with, his likes dislikes, and for the first time we fought. I know that sounds unbelievable but this boy, ..young man to me, was perfect. I'd not had to discipline him at all. He was a good boy growing up. -the shot. He changed so much that it caused him to do something. Something I fear... a lot due to the nature of what I have always read in the Bible and what I was raised believing. I lost him to this and now, I am just as lost. I try to hide my feelings with humor, or other things and my wife helps me very much as well. but at the end of the day, all it takes is a smell or a song on the radio... I fall apart. His biological mother before all this did nothing for him, so my wife and I sold our home. We got him a good little car that got good gas mileage and paid for his college. Right before the shot, he did a 23 and me. We'd found out his mother had lied and I was not the biological father- she'd known all along. I did not. It put me in the hospital, that was when I was diagnosed with ALS. I've been battling things, people, disease and just plain evil for quite some time now, but I will not give in nor will I give up. I'd be lying if I said to you that I'd never thought of just - being out of pain and just saying good bye, but in doing that, I'd never get to see those who I love so very much, who made me safe.. Mamaw, Pap, Uncle Kenny, and many many more... So I struggle just like you in many ways. Don't feel sorry for me. I do not want that. Be proud, proud of me for having the strength that God gives me every day to continue trying. My biggest failure in my own mind is not having been a better father to him, not physically or mentally but ..something I can't describe. I did the very best I could and doing that and it not being enough is extremely hard to deal with.... I should've been right there, I don't care how old or how big he was at the time, he'd be 31 this year but still... he was and always will be my 'baby' - my poot. I wish I had been stricter, more adamant on him not getting the shot but I couldn't be there as much as I wanted to.. I was battling getting better after being hit by a tractor trailer at a red stop light. I lost an awful lot in a very short time. -but I know that I would not be here, for what reason, i'm not sure, but God has a plan for each of us and I guess maybe he's not done with me just yet. I'll give him the very best I have and try my hardest, each and every day and do. My point, no matter how much you hurt or how much you doubt yourself, remember one thing- God, and as much as I love my son, don't you think God himself loves Jesus just as much if not more- yet he gave him to us, and Jesus gave himself - just so that we'd be forgiven. That is "unconditional love" That, is how much both Jesus and God love us- and to me, there's only ever been that one kind of love, unconditional. I hope I've not said too awful much and I don't want you to feel sorry for me. I just want you to know people have stories, lives, some good, some bad... feel blessed today just have been able to say "I made it through today... now tomorrow and God help me." People ..they go through so very much, but they don't realize their own strength when it comes to the depths of what love really means and what they'd do for the ones they love - put that into God's context of him, what he gave for us and what Jesus did for us as well. I don't have better words to describe what I wish I could. .but I hope I've answered some of your doubts or questions. Thank you for your time and for your comments. They are very much appreciated. I mean that. - Tetartos_Ippeas or in English "Fourth Horseman"
edit: I'd ask you only one thing. Don't pray for me but rather pray for my son and his soul. I know God can hear and do things even in the most darkest of places -my son, "Ethen" - if you do, I thank you with all my heart. many thanks again for listening and for reading all of this and again, I honestly do hope it helps you to better understand God's love and forgiveness he has for us.
What a beautiful witness to your walk with Christ fren. You have kept Christ Loving Heart throughout everything you suffered. Loved your scripture study as well...saving this post! Blessings dear fren...🙏🤍
I really appreciate all of what you said JD'. I'm not one that gives up easily but I have my days. I'm just awful thankful that I had my Uncles, my Mamaw especially and Pap to give me the foundation, a strong one at an early age in Christ. Them all being USMC and then me doing what I did helped as well. I do believe God guides us if we ask him and I ask for continued leaning, knowledge, understanding and direction - every time I pray. I don't exactly just pray. Many times if not every time now, I talk to him. Thank you again for always being so kind JD' - you and your words mean the world to my heart and make me feel better inside and out. I promise. - you take care and I'll catch you on the flip side. cheers and blessings my friend. as always - horseman 🙏🍻
First and foremost: I do not at all feel sorry for you. God has apparently blessed you in many ways in life to bring you to where you are now, having the worldview you have, and the output of love that you display. I admire you for your perseverance.
I have a stronger relationship with our Lord, Savior, and King Jesus Christ now more than ever. My inquiries came from a place of genuine curiosity as I was asked to teach in our Sunday School class for the month of April. I've been preparing my lessons recently. I was originally going to do a 4-part series on what the Bible does or doesn't say regarding Once Saved, Always Saved however the Holy Spirit has compelled me to pivot slightly as it felt like going into it like that might be seen as controversial and divisive. So now, I'm going to do a 4-part series on Salvation, focusing on what the Bible says about the following salvation topics: Grace, Faith, Christ, and Repentance.
I truly appreciate you and your wife taking the time to respond the way you did. Though I feel like we aren't exactly eye-to-eye, especially when it comes to repentance, I feel like your heart is certainly in the right place. When I have more time, I will delve deeper into what the Holy Spirit has put on my heart about such, especially when it comes to the 5 of 7 churches that were warned by Christ. I may record my Sunday School lessons and share them. We'll see what happens.
I am truly sorry to hear about your son. I can tell how your heart swells with love for him. I will surely take the time to say a proper prayer for him, along with you and your wife (Don't tell me how to live my life! ;^P), once I am done with this response to you.
This world is a tough, unforgiving place. I, too, have been in a state of mind before where all I wanted was to check out. Jesus had other plans, grabbed me by the hand, and pulled me out of the deep, dark hole I was in. All glory to Him for being here with you today. We both have a history of a family that wasn't the best support system. I've endured a multitude of trauma and spent decades suppressing everything until the Holy Spirit put it on my heart that it was time to heal. I had a lot of forgiving to do; not just with others but myself. This began roughly 5 years ago. With that said, I hope you've forgiven the mother of your precious poot. I also hope you can forgive yourself for not being everything you feel you should have been. Everything happened exactly according to God's Will.
Keep that chin up and that heart filled with love, brother. You're a light in this world of darkness. Don't ever let anyone extinguish that.
u/1baldeagle I've answered all of u/bob_a_bouy questions and didn't know if you'd be interested or u/Joys1Daughter as well as
u/thris. I know it is a long read, but I've answered it to the best of my knowledge. -many thanks again for your thoughts on any of my posts you comment on. you and your opinions are always very much appreciated. That goes for all the anons I mentioned here as well as those that I haven't. 🙏
many thanks Eagle', I appreciate what you said more than you know. awful glad I could be of some happiness and to have done something right this day for you. many thanks again friend, - mean it. 🍻🙏
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Paul's words are radical. When he wrote them, women didn't have the rights of honor and heirship that sons did. This verse, however, declares all followers of Jesus, men and women, have the rights of sonship and heirship. We are children of God, with all the rights and honors of full heirs! Our faith, expressed in our baptism, declares to the world that we are God's children, his sons by right. It doesn't matter if we are young or old, rich or poor, male or female, bond or free; we have chosen to be clothed in Christ and his righteousness. We do not depend on earning our own salvation. It is given us along with our heirship. He is our salvation and hope. He is our life and strength. He is our older brother and Savior. He is our Lord.
My Prayer...
Thank you, dear Father, for adopting me into your family. How can I thank you for all you have done to make me your child and a rightful heir to your glorious riches of grace? Thank you, dear Jesus, for your sacrifice that brought me into your family. In your name, O Jesus, do I offer my prayer and my praise. Amen.
Hallelujah and Amen!
many thanks Blu' 🙏
This is a great message and I thank you for sharing.
I want to ask: Do you believe one can lose their salvation & heirship after claiming Christ as Lord?
No. I do not. I think our God is a forgiving one and beyond anything has "patience" unlike anything we've ever began to contemplate let alone even begin to understand. We're all His children. He loves us as much. Do you have children and if so, would you at anytime realistically be able to say "i do not love you anymore." - of course we are human and have emotions, we are also not perfect but God knows this and He allows us to keep trying in our own way. We are each individuals and have our own problems that we come to Him with but He already knows theses things and is prepared to help us in any way He can. We all sin, it's the learning from and trying not to do the same over and over or utilizing prayer at a whim to just get by. I believe He loves us unconditionally and is in some way cheering for us to be successful. God didn't create us to suffer. Mankind, can and will be evil. Free will involves a lot from both perspectives. We just have to try hard each and every day to ask Him for the strength to stay on the right path and protect us as well. 🙏 He's right there in your heart and He's told you this. 💙
I agree with most everything you put in this comment. I thank you for taking the time.
I've really been focusing on what the Bible teaches when it comes to the Once Saved, Always Saved ideology that is widely accepted within the circle of believers. Here is a question I've pondered along with Scripture to accompany my thinking:
If one cannot lose their salvation, why are there so many places where the Bible warns of the dangers of apostasy/falling away/departing from the faith? Key passages:
Hebrews 6:4-6
Hebrews 10:26-29
2 Peter 2:20-22
1 Timothy 4:1
Galatians 5:4
Going to Revelation and the letters to the seven churches. Five of the seven churches received threatening language from Christ regarding their sin and need to repent. Jesus told Sardis that basically, if they don't change their ways, they will be blotted from the Book of Life. The implications here is, those that endure and remain faithful will remain Saved but those that don't, can be removed from the BoL. If the five churches Jesus scolded were safe then why did He warn them to repent?
What are your thoughts on this?
we're gettin' ready for bed but with what you've asked- I do have quite a bit to say: please forgive me , been up for quite a while and I'm starting to feel it. I will leave this up and open and as my wife said "we'll answer this one first- you can tell it's important." So that being said, I can say now - yes all of the warnings regarding falling away and apostasy and the need to repent is exactly that, the warning, to not turn away from God themselves and to truly repent and as it is said "go and sin no more." i.e stop making the same mistakes and turning away from God, -that being said, He knows we are human and sin, the greatest of which is to turn away from Him completely and it is most egregious to turn away "after" being saved. Just know Jesus died in order for our sins to be forgiven - period. He knew this and died for this very reason, for us. The greatest insult is to accept that salvation and then dismiss or throw it away. - Like I said, we have more to say on this and will do so when we get up. I appreciate what you've said and asked. I mean that. thank you Bob'. I read in what you're saying something is weighing on you so we'll get this answered in complete tomorrow for you, as I can tell this is sitting on your heart. That I can promise. -cheers and thank you again friend. 🙏🍻
I look forward to it. I can tell that both you and your wife understand what it means to love unconditionally and it is apparent in your responses that you not just believe it, but practice it. I hope you both sleep well.
Thank you for what you said Bob'. - I haven't posted but once tonight so far as "posting" but have began answering. Right now, we (my Wife and I) are working on our response to you and will not answer any other questions until we've gotten yours taken care of. It might take a little bit, or even perhaps be in a few pieces but we're working on the answer for you. Like I said, I'm a man of my word and my wife's word is good as gold. talk soon. -and thank you again, very much for what you said. much appreciated friend.
Take your time. Your contributions on GAW are valuable. Keep doing what you do. I'm patient and in no hurry whatsoever. I appreciate you and your wife taking a vested interest in giving a well thought out response. :)
Hebrews 6: 4-6
If you're only looking at those particular verses then yes it would read as though a person could lose their salvation, never to be saved again. But- if you read further in the chapter, specifically 9 and 10 - So what this is saying is that yes if you turn away after being saved and stay "away" from God and do not repent, then yes you can be blotted from the Book of Life. These verses speak of God's forgiveness and his seeing your entire work and labors of love and He will not turn away from you as long as you do not turn away from him.
Hebrews 10: 26-29 Again, as the selected verses read, by themselves -yes it would appear as though there remains no more sacrifice for sins. However, if you continue to read the chapter and having all the verses taken in context with one another, you see at verse 35 the reminder to not cast away your confidence which will give great reward. Further, in verse 36 an additional reminder for the need of Patience so that you may receive all that God promises. Finally, in verse 39 is the declaration that the Faithful are not of them who would be drawn back into perdition but are of them that believe to the saving of the soul. In other words, again this is a warning to not turn away from God, lest there be no further sacrifice for your sins as Jesus was the Ultimate Sacrifice which covered "all sins" and one who has a crisis of Faith, need only turn back to God in order to be covered by the Grace and Mercy of a "Forgiving" God. It also speaks of God's recognition that there will be struggle and that you must endure but may do so in the full Faith of God.
2 Peter 2:20-22 The verses that you quote are again, serving as a warning to those that have been saved that to turn away from God after this and knowing Jesus Christ, makes turning away from God at that point all the more egregious. If you read further, into the 3rd chapter - specifically vs 9: is the reiteration that "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." So again, while there is a warning and an admonishment there is also the reiteration of the promise of salvation one only needs to turn back to God and repent.
1Timothy 4:1 Here is the rest of that though: " speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscious seared with a hot iron; forbidding to marry and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with Thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with Thanksgiving: for it is sanctified by the word of God and Prayer. If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of Faith and Good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained." - So again, this is a warning that while there are those that will fall away, one only need Faith and a heart of Thanksgiving for the blessings that God bestows. Finally in the final verse of the chapter -sums it up perfectly. "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." So in sharing and discussing these very things and keeping to the whole word, taken in context, it is not only a heavy handed warning but a promise of Gods Grace and Hope in Salvation.
Galatians 5:4 Again, this singular verse by itself can be made to seem as though it is a declaration of damnation but again, it has to be taken in the full context of what Paul was saying and to whom he was saying it to. If you read ver's 1 - 6 together, you see that Paul was speaking to the crowd in which he was working with which were Jewish and believed only in the old law and did not believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ and he was warning them that the old law was essentially null and void under the new covenant. Just as it states in vs 6 "for in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor un-circumcision; but Faith which worketh by Love."
Summary of what we've gone through so far: God does and will punish those who stand outside of his rules, that being said, He is also Patient and knows very well of us being "human" and being influenced by Satan himself i.e. free will. He is warning us over and over again, even knowing we are not perfect and will sin, that he Loves us so much -that all we have to do is turn back to him for our salvation and it will be received. I'd never question his love for us do to one thing, one person and one happening - "He allowed his only son to be sacrificed" in the same breath: Jesus did this knowing we were sinners and were not perfect. That amount of love alone should make one feel closer and more trustworthy of God through Jesus Christ at a length not even describable. God would much rather have you come back ashamed and ask for forgiveness than to just turn away, give up and to never have been able to have been given your place in Heaven, ..with Him. I have one more thing on this very thing, but will answer it or rather reveal it to you at the end of my thoughts; it will be concerning my son. - Moving forward to your next question: Revelation and the letters to the Churches.
again, now - we are working on the last part of your question and will post as soon as we are finished. thank you again for your patience in having us write this. we just want to make sure we are answering in the best and most correct way that we can friend. u/bob_a_bouy
Good job...
many thanks Eagle' 🍻
u/Bob_a_bouy - the rest of what we could help with: I hope it suffices friend.
Regarding your question concerning the letters to the Churches. The warning to repent was given not as a strict admonishment that those churches would be lost and blotted out due to their short comings, rather He in each case acknowledges their efforts and the good works they have done and is simply reminding them that there is more work to be done and that in the end -as always, repentance is key. We'll go over each of the Seven as there were very specific things that Jesus points out that are unique to each one.
Church of Ephesus Ch.2 vs. 4-5 "In this after Jesus acknowledges this church's good works He states [Never the less I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefor from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.] -Again, He is giving a warning and a reminder for them to repent for their short comings.
Church of Smyrna Ch2 vs 10 "Fear none of these things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a Crown of Life." -Here Jesus is letting the church know that there are dark days ahead and that their faithfulness will see that they will have eternal life -with Him.
Church of Pergamos Ch.2 vs 14-16 - In this set of verses Jesus admonishes them for a pretty serious set of short comings as this particular church still had those within it that were holding on to the doctrine and religion of Balaam "who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth." - so in this you have a church that professed to be a church of God that was still practicing and harboring those who do the very things that Jesus himself hates. But again, all is not lost as he tells them they simply must repent and throw away the doctrines of evil.
Church of Thyatira Ch.2 vs 20-22 - In the letter to this church, much like the previous, Jesus sends a warning of very specific problems that he has with this church; specifically, "Because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. and I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds." - again, even the most egregious of sinners get a chance to repent. It is up to them to do so.
Church of Sardis Ch.3 vs 3-5 : In this letter, He gives warning to hold fast to the faith and repent. "He that over-cometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his Angels." - In this Jesus acknowledges that while there will be hardships to hold the line and to repent so that they may overcome the trappings of the world, so that they may be with him in eternal life. -again key to this is to "Repent and not turn away from God."
Church of Philadelphia ch.3 vs 8-11 : In this letter to this church, Jesus warns of those of the synagogue of satan "Those which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I will also keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown." - In this, Jesus is instructing and warning his church that they will be attacked by those who are not who they say they are but due to the faith and their devotion to Jesus, his church will ultimately be the Victors.
Church of Laodiceans ch.3 vs 15-16 & 19-21 : In this, we see one of if not the most important of warnings. This church was as Jesus put it "That thou art neither cold nor hot; I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art luke warm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth." - Here Jesus is saying that He'd rather a church be all in or all out but never anything in between. We see this very thing today in the church today, pastors teaching doctrine's that directly contradict Gods word all to keep from hurting peoples feelings or from making them feel uncomfortable. But as with every other warning all is not lost as he says " as many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame and am sat down with my Father in His throne." - So, again while he is giving very specific warnings, he is also reminding them that yes they are safe so long as they repent and dedicate themselves fully to Him.
In ending, I hope that we have somewhat helped you to understand or rather given you some insight into what we interpret those particular chapters and vs's to mean. - The problem with myself: I had no identity growing up, horrible father and a mother who allowed unspeakable things to be done to me. God saved me by having my Mamaw and Pap get me out of that hell and made me safe. I became a Father and remember that very night. I'd never seen anything like it or experienced anything like it since. He, my son to me, was my world. I was "Dad".. I had an identity. Several years ago, against my wishes he had taken the shot, soon after he changed, I mean his faith, who he loved, hanged around with, his likes dislikes, and for the first time we fought. I know that sounds unbelievable but this boy, ..young man to me, was perfect. I'd not had to discipline him at all. He was a good boy growing up. -the shot. He changed so much that it caused him to do something. Something I fear... a lot due to the nature of what I have always read in the Bible and what I was raised believing. I lost him to this and now, I am just as lost. I try to hide my feelings with humor, or other things and my wife helps me very much as well. but at the end of the day, all it takes is a smell or a song on the radio... I fall apart. His biological mother before all this did nothing for him, so my wife and I sold our home. We got him a good little car that got good gas mileage and paid for his college. Right before the shot, he did a 23 and me. We'd found out his mother had lied and I was not the biological father- she'd known all along. I did not. It put me in the hospital, that was when I was diagnosed with ALS. I've been battling things, people, disease and just plain evil for quite some time now, but I will not give in nor will I give up. I'd be lying if I said to you that I'd never thought of just - being out of pain and just saying good bye, but in doing that, I'd never get to see those who I love so very much, who made me safe.. Mamaw, Pap, Uncle Kenny, and many many more... So I struggle just like you in many ways. Don't feel sorry for me. I do not want that. Be proud, proud of me for having the strength that God gives me every day to continue trying. My biggest failure in my own mind is not having been a better father to him, not physically or mentally but ..something I can't describe. I did the very best I could and doing that and it not being enough is extremely hard to deal with.... I should've been right there, I don't care how old or how big he was at the time, he'd be 31 this year but still... he was and always will be my 'baby' - my poot. I wish I had been stricter, more adamant on him not getting the shot but I couldn't be there as much as I wanted to.. I was battling getting better after being hit by a tractor trailer at a red stop light. I lost an awful lot in a very short time. -but I know that I would not be here, for what reason, i'm not sure, but God has a plan for each of us and I guess maybe he's not done with me just yet. I'll give him the very best I have and try my hardest, each and every day and do. My point, no matter how much you hurt or how much you doubt yourself, remember one thing- God, and as much as I love my son, don't you think God himself loves Jesus just as much if not more- yet he gave him to us, and Jesus gave himself - just so that we'd be forgiven. That is "unconditional love" That, is how much both Jesus and God love us- and to me, there's only ever been that one kind of love, unconditional. I hope I've not said too awful much and I don't want you to feel sorry for me. I just want you to know people have stories, lives, some good, some bad... feel blessed today just have been able to say "I made it through today... now tomorrow and God help me." People ..they go through so very much, but they don't realize their own strength when it comes to the depths of what love really means and what they'd do for the ones they love - put that into God's context of him, what he gave for us and what Jesus did for us as well. I don't have better words to describe what I wish I could. .but I hope I've answered some of your doubts or questions. Thank you for your time and for your comments. They are very much appreciated. I mean that. - Tetartos_Ippeas or in English "Fourth Horseman"
edit: I'd ask you only one thing. Don't pray for me but rather pray for my son and his soul. I know God can hear and do things even in the most darkest of places -my son, "Ethen" - if you do, I thank you with all my heart. many thanks again for listening and for reading all of this and again, I honestly do hope it helps you to better understand God's love and forgiveness he has for us.
This is inspiring to me. Hallelujah and Amen.
🫡🙏
What a beautiful witness to your walk with Christ fren. You have kept Christ Loving Heart throughout everything you suffered. Loved your scripture study as well...saving this post! Blessings dear fren...🙏🤍
I really appreciate all of what you said JD'. I'm not one that gives up easily but I have my days. I'm just awful thankful that I had my Uncles, my Mamaw especially and Pap to give me the foundation, a strong one at an early age in Christ. Them all being USMC and then me doing what I did helped as well. I do believe God guides us if we ask him and I ask for continued leaning, knowledge, understanding and direction - every time I pray. I don't exactly just pray. Many times if not every time now, I talk to him. Thank you again for always being so kind JD' - you and your words mean the world to my heart and make me feel better inside and out. I promise. - you take care and I'll catch you on the flip side. cheers and blessings my friend. as always - horseman 🙏🍻
I treasure you friendship! ✨
My brother in Christ,
First and foremost: I do not at all feel sorry for you. God has apparently blessed you in many ways in life to bring you to where you are now, having the worldview you have, and the output of love that you display. I admire you for your perseverance.
I have a stronger relationship with our Lord, Savior, and King Jesus Christ now more than ever. My inquiries came from a place of genuine curiosity as I was asked to teach in our Sunday School class for the month of April. I've been preparing my lessons recently. I was originally going to do a 4-part series on what the Bible does or doesn't say regarding Once Saved, Always Saved however the Holy Spirit has compelled me to pivot slightly as it felt like going into it like that might be seen as controversial and divisive. So now, I'm going to do a 4-part series on Salvation, focusing on what the Bible says about the following salvation topics: Grace, Faith, Christ, and Repentance.
I truly appreciate you and your wife taking the time to respond the way you did. Though I feel like we aren't exactly eye-to-eye, especially when it comes to repentance, I feel like your heart is certainly in the right place. When I have more time, I will delve deeper into what the Holy Spirit has put on my heart about such, especially when it comes to the 5 of 7 churches that were warned by Christ. I may record my Sunday School lessons and share them. We'll see what happens.
I am truly sorry to hear about your son. I can tell how your heart swells with love for him. I will surely take the time to say a proper prayer for him, along with you and your wife (Don't tell me how to live my life! ;^P), once I am done with this response to you.
This world is a tough, unforgiving place. I, too, have been in a state of mind before where all I wanted was to check out. Jesus had other plans, grabbed me by the hand, and pulled me out of the deep, dark hole I was in. All glory to Him for being here with you today. We both have a history of a family that wasn't the best support system. I've endured a multitude of trauma and spent decades suppressing everything until the Holy Spirit put it on my heart that it was time to heal. I had a lot of forgiving to do; not just with others but myself. This began roughly 5 years ago. With that said, I hope you've forgiven the mother of your precious poot. I also hope you can forgive yourself for not being everything you feel you should have been. Everything happened exactly according to God's Will.
Keep that chin up and that heart filled with love, brother. You're a light in this world of darkness. Don't ever let anyone extinguish that.
I love you, brother. Keep being you.
Amen Brother..
🙏
u/1baldeagle I've answered all of u/bob_a_bouy questions and didn't know if you'd be interested or u/Joys1Daughter as well as u/thris. I know it is a long read, but I've answered it to the best of my knowledge. -many thanks again for your thoughts on any of my posts you comment on. you and your opinions are always very much appreciated. That goes for all the anons I mentioned here as well as those that I haven't. 🙏
Going back to read now TI. Have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day! 🍀🙏 Now go to bed, it's late..kek!
ditto JD' and thanks!
You got this brother. This is your hour. I am blessed by the love, patience and skill you go about your work. I am content and joyful to see this.
many thanks Eagle', I appreciate what you said more than you know. awful glad I could be of some happiness and to have done something right this day for you. many thanks again friend, - mean it. 🍻🙏
Ride On Mighty Tetartos_Ippeas!
Beautiful message, prayer & thoughts fren. Sunday blessings to you and your sweet wife! 🙏🤗
Thank you so much JD'. Blessings to you and yours as well. - thank you again. 🙏
🙏🤍
🤲 Amen. Thank you for the sermon.
🙏