Eternal life is through faith in Jesus Christ
Jesus spoke to Martha
Joh 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
Joh 11:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
Jesus is the way to eternal life and we receive eternal life by faith in him who gave his body as a sacrifice for our sins. He is God, the Son who has been raised from the grave and is preparing a place for us. Where he is, our soul shall be.
Joh 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
Joh 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Joh 14:4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
Joh 14:5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Joh 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Jesus gave us the victory over sin and death
Cor 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
1Cor 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
1 Cor 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
1 Cor 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Cor 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
From dust to a living soul
Gen 2:7 And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
(Man was created from the dust of the ground We were fashioned into vessels for the masters use. The Spirit of God has made me and breathed life into me.)
Dust to dust spirit to Spirit
Ecc 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
(The flesh will perish and return to the ground leaving only memories in the hearts of those left behind. But the spirit returns to God the creator, and if in Christ, to everlasting life.)
Eternal life for a baby
2Sa 12:23 But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me
(David mourning the loss of his baby son shows us that we only live in the flesh once. But he knew that he would see the innocent child again in paradise. There is no reincarnation, that is false doctrine.)
Blessed Saints
Psa 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD [is] the death of his saints.
1Cr 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
(He will say come to the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. We are his beloved children.)
We shall be like Him
1Jo 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
(We will be glorified with him. We will be like him and see him face to face.)
Everlasting life
Jhn 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
Mat 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Jhn 8:51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.
(Eternal life, everlasting ife with no condemnation because of the grace and redemption accomplished by of our Lord Jesus Christ.)
With Jesus
Jhn 13:36 Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.
Receive my spirit
Act 7:59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon [God], and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
Paul's desire
Phl 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart,and to be with Christ; which is far better:
2Cr 5:8 We are confident, [I say], and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
I believe that my soul will go straight to Jesus and that later I will be given a new spiritrual body.
2 Tim 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
2 Tim 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Moses and Elijah appeared as living souls
Luke 9:28 And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.
Luke 9:29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.
Luke 9:30 And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:Luke 9:31 Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.
(Moses and Elijah were not in a grave, they appeared whole)
Jesus on the cross- grace to a thief
Luke 23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
Luke 23:40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
Luke 23:41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
Luke 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
(Jesus promises the thief, that without baptism or anything but faith in him, he would be with Jesus in Paradise. With Jesus that is what is important. Baptism is a command to those who are able, following faith in Jesus Christ.)
Luke 23:44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
Luke 23:45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
Into my Fathers hands
Luke 23:46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
Luke 23:47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.
( The Bible says that Jesus raised himself, trhat he was raised by the Holy Spirit and the Father raised him. He was raised by the Triune God. Jesus' body was raised with nail prints and all to fulfill prophecy; It would not see corruption. The body of Jesus never was found. It was raised as a testimony that he had power over death. He returned to the glory he whad before he came to earth.)
Thomas saw the risen body with the wounds
John 20:27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
John 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
(Psa 16:10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.)
spiritual bodies
1 Cor 15:40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
1 Cor 15:41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
1 Cor 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
1 Cor 15:43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
1 Cor 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
A quickening Spirit
1 Cor 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
1 Cor 15:46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
1 Cor 15:47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
1 Cor 15:48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
1 Cor 15:49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
1 Cor 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
A mystery
1 Cor 15:51 Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
1 Cor 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
1 Cor 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
(This corruptible body shall receieve an incorruptible body. Our soul will be housed in an immortal home because of Christ Jesus)
Saints will return with Jesus
1Th 3:13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
1Th 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
Rev 19:14 And the armies [which were] in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
Final warning
Rev 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
Rev 22:13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
Rev 22:15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
Rev 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Rev 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
Rev 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
Rev 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Rev 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
Rev 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Rev 21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
Rev 21:6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
Rev 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
There are strange stories of the after life from various religions. Jesus Christ proved that he is the way of life after death because he was raised from the grave, according to the scriptures. The authority of God's word assures us that by faith in the Messiah Jesus that we shall pass from (spiritual death ) to spiritual life.
2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Gal 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
We must be born again in the Spirit of God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
The Spirit Filled Walk
Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
This is the key to victory. Now Paul is looking to Jesus and is finding his strength and standing in Him. There is no condemnation to them, who have received Christ Jesus by faith. Our eternal standing is to be one with Christ, we are children of God. Jesus bore the condemnation we deserved - and as He is condemned no more, neither are we condemned.
Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
In Jesus we are free from the law of sin and death, the Mosaic laws, and are led by the Spirit of God. The laws are written on our hearts.(Heb 8:10)
Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Thank You Lord Jesus for bringing us your victory. You died on the cross, not for yourself, for you are holy. You died for the world lost in sin and bound by laws they could never keep. You bought us with your shed blood. We receive you as master and we are in you, becoming one with you. Father God sees us in you, your blood covering us . We are free in our standing from all sin and oppression. There is no condemnation for us. We have passed from death into eternal life. Help us to understand all that this means so that we may serve you in strength and in truth.
Rom 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
Jesus, the eternal Son of God, became flesh to take upon himself our sins and by doing this to remove sins power over us and its penalty: death.
Rom 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
We have victory over sin because we are in Jesus. The law pointed out sins, Jesus kept the law without sin, so in Him we are free having fulfilled the righteousness of the law. All this because spiritually we are one with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
1 Cor 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
If we live by the flesh, we fail in the flesh and our bodies die. Yes, we are flesh, and our bodies will die. But, our soul and spirit belong to Jesus. If we live our life's as servants of Jesus by his Spirit making our spirit alive we shall have life and peace as well as everlasting life with our Savior.
Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Rom 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Rom 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
There you go. Case closed, you cannot of the flesh please God by any work or effort of your own. No such thing as "picking yourself up by your own bootstraps" as the saying goes.
Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
2 Cor 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
If having received Messiah Jesus by faith, you become a new person, the Holy Spirit of God gives you truth and power to live for God. Without this, you are flesh and cannot please God. Your life will show if you are truly changed.Believe in Jesus and be made new by Father God.
Rom 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
1 Cor 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
1 Cor 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
Yes, we continue in this body that fails being subject to sin and death but Christ in us is life and righteousness!
Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
This is an awesome verse. I have read this to a friend dying in the hospital, and by faith and the power of God he was raised up for two more years. Those who walk by the Spirit's power have life, the seem life that raised Jesus from the grave. He shall make your body alive. How often I have been exhausted, and then the Spirit uses me and great strength is revived for his work to be done. We are servants of the Most High God, the "I Am", by his Spirit that dwells in us, because by faith we submit to Jesus our master. We are saved and shall do great exploits, as Jesus came to obey the Father, we go forth in obedience to him!
Isa 61:1 The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
Isa 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
Adopted Children
Rom 8:12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
Rom 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Gal 3:3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Paul is telling us that not only are we saved by the work of the Spirit, but we must walk by the Spirit if we are to grow and pursue holiness in the Lord; we cannot be like some among the Galatians who sought to begin in the Spirit, but then try to find spiritual perfection through the flesh. (Galatians 3:3) The end of the flesh is death. The Spirit lives forever. We become everlasting children of God.
Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
We become sons first, or children of God by faith in his son Jesus. Then we are led by His Spirit. The world cannot follow the Spirit. We have been separated from the world unto God.
Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Bondage and fear come to the flesh from the devil and those who are in his control. Jesus has given us an inheritance with him. We are adopted into God's family, God is our Father. Abba, Daddy, a term of affection. Our past identity is gone. We belong to a new family.
2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2 Cor 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
LORD God, you are the Father of all who trust in you. Those who have no good earthly father, you are the eternal father. The creator of all. You will take care of your children. You are always faithful and true.
Joint-heirs with Jesus
Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Yes, the Spirit of God has made our human spirit alive. We were dead in spirit because Adam passed death onto us. All have sinned and were separated from God. But now, we are the children of God! Adopted into God's family by the Lord Jesus Christ who made the way by shedding his blood on the cross. As the Spirit raised him to new life, so we are raised and made alive in him.
Col 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Col 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Col 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
We are identified in Christ Jesus, joined as heirs with Jesus. We are heirs of all that he is heir to; all things! While on earth, we shall suffer many things. The world hated Jesus and they will hate us, but we have overcone the world. We shall be like Jesus, glorified and eternal with all things given to us, surrounded by love and peace. What are the things of God that we receive? All power and dominion with him, all knowledge, love, the creation, all things, wow! Now we search the deep things of God by His Spirit and His word, that comes alive.
1 Cor 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
1 Cor 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
1 Cor 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
1 Cor 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
1 Cor 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
2 Cor 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
2 Cor 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
A song; It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus, Life's trials will seem so small When we see Christ; One glimpse of His dear face All sorrows will erase So bravely run the race Till we see Christ. (Esther Kerr Rusthoi) We belong to Almighty God, we belong to Jesus. Thank you Lord for these great promises. We receive them now by faith, amen.
This is the key to victory. Now Paul is looking to Jesus and is finding his strength and standing in Him. There is no condemnation to them, who have received Christ Jesus by faith. Our eternal standing is to be one with Christ, we are children of God. Jesus bore the condemnation we deserved - and as He is condemned no more, neither are we condemned.
Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
In Jesus we are free from the law of sin and death, the Mosaic laws, and are led by the Spirit of God. The laws are written on our hearts.(Heb 8:10)
Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Thank You Lord Jesus for bringing us your victory. You died on the cross, not for yourself, for you are holy. You died for the world lost in sin and bound by laws they could never keep. You bought us with your shed blood. We receive you as master and we are in you, becoming one with you. Father God sees us in you, your blood covering us . We are free in our standing from all sin and oppression. There is no condemnation for us. We have passed from death into eternal life. Help us to understand all that this means so that we may serve you in strength and in truth.
Rom 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
Jesus, the eternal Son of God, became flesh to take upon himself our sins and by doing this to remove sins power over us and its penalty: death.
Rom 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
We have victory over sin because we are in Jesus. The law pointed out sins, Jesus kept the law without sin, so in Him we are free having fulfilled the righteousness of the law. All this because spiritually we are one with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
1 Cor 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
If we live by the flesh, we fail in the flesh and our bodies die. Yes, we are flesh, and our bodies will die. But, our soul and spirit belong to Jesus. If we live our life's as servants of Jesus by his Spirit making our spirit alive we shall have life and peace as well as everlasting life with our Savior.
Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Rom 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Rom 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
There you go. Case closed, you cannot of the flesh please God by any work or effort of your own. No such thing as "picking yourself up by your own bootstraps" as the saying goes.
Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
2 Cor 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
If having received Messiah Jesus by faith, you become a new person, the Holy Spirit of God gives you truth and power to live for God. Without this, you are flesh and cannot please God. Your life will show if you are truly changed.Believe in Jesus and be made new by Father God.
Rom 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
1 Cor 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
1 Cor 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
Yes, we continue in this body that fails being subject to sin and death but Christ in us is life and righteousness!
Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
This is an awesome verse. I have read this to a friend dying in the hospital, and by faith and the power of God he was raised up for two more years. Those who walk by the Spirit's power have life, the seem life that raised Jesus from the grave. He shall make your body alive. How often I have been exhausted, and then the Spirit uses me and great strength is revived for his work to be done. We are servants of the Most High God, the "I Am", by his Spirit that dwells in us, because by faith we submit to Jesus our master. We are saved and shall do great exploits, as Jesus came to obey the Father, we go forth in obedience to him!
Isa 61:1 The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
Isa 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
Adopted Children
Rom 8:12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
Rom 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Gal 3:3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Paul is telling us that not only are we saved by the work of the Spirit, but we must walk by the Spirit if we are to grow and pursue holiness in the Lord; we cannot be like some among the Galatians who sought to begin in the Spirit, but then try to find spiritual perfection through the flesh. (Galatians 3:3) The end of the flesh is death. The Spirit lives forever. We become everlasting children of God.
Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
We become sons first, or children of God by faith in his son Jesus. Then we are led by His Spirit. The world cannot follow the Spirit. We have been separated from the world unto God.
Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Bondage and fear come to the flesh from the devil and those who are in his control. Jesus has given us an inheritance with him. We are adopted into God's family, God is our Father. Abba, Daddy, a term of affection. Our past identity is gone. We belong to a new family.
2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2 Cor 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
LORD God, you are the Father of all who trust in you. Those who have no good earthly father, you are the eternal father. The creator of all. You will take care of your children. You are always faithful and true.
Joint-heirs with Jesus
Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Yes, the Spirit of God has made our human spirit alive. We were dead in spirit because Adam passed death onto us. All have sinned and were separated from God. But now, we are the children of God! Adopted into God's family by the Lord Jesus Christ who made the way by shedding his blood on the cross. As the Spirit raised him to new life, so we are raised and made alive in him.
Col 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Col 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Col 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
We are identified in Christ Jesus, joined as heirs with Jesus. We are heirs of all that he is heir to; all things! While on earth, we shall suffer many things. The world hated Jesus and they will hate us, but we have overcone the world. We shall be like Jesus, glorified and eternal with all things given to us, surrounded by love and peace. What are the things of God that we receive? All power and dominion with him, all knowledge, love, the creation, all things, wow! Now we search the deep things of God by His Spirit and His word, that comes alive.
1 Cor 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
1 Cor 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
1 Cor 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
1 Cor 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
1 Cor 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
2 Cor 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
2 Cor 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
A song; It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus, Life's trials will seem so small When we see Christ; One glimpse of His dear face All sorrows will erase So bravely run the race Till we see Christ. (Esther Kerr Rusthoi) We belong to Almighty God, we belong to Jesus. Thank you Lord for these great promises. We receive them now by faith, amen.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Legalistic Error
Acts 15:1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
These were the Judaizers, insisting that new converts first keep the Jewish old testament covenant, including circumcision. Paul addresses this in the Epistle to the Galatians. We are not to be put back under the law.
Gal 5:12 I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
Gal 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Gal 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Acts 15:2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
Paul probably more then anyone new the law and grace. He knew that the law was not to be imposed on the new believers as a requirement for salvation; but that by grace ye are saved.
Gal 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
Gal 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Gal 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
Gal 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Acts 15:3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
Acts 15:4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
What had God done? Both Jew and Gentiles had come to Jesus. There were signs and wonders following the gospel message. The evil hearted Jews persecuted them, even stoning Paul, but God had raised him up.
Acts 15:5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
1 Cor 4:19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.1 Cor 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
Believing Pharisees wanted to bring the old ways with them and impose them on others. They were intoxicated with the old wine.
Luke 5:37 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.
Luke 5:38 But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.
Luke 5:39 No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.
Mat 26:27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
Mat 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Col 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Col 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Rom 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
Eph 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
It is grace through faith in Jesus, nothing more. There are those who will argue some point of scriptures to the point of destroying the unity. Do you preach the gospel? Jesus Christ is our focus, these other things become a hindrance. Our strength is in unity.
The Jerusalem Council
Acts 15:6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
The apostles were chosen by Jesus, the original disciples and Paul. The elders were the chosen and ordained leaders of the churches.
This was an important event for the Christian faith. The Judaizers were Christian Jews who were demanding that the Gentile believers first be circumcised and obey the Jewish laws. Were laws required to receive salvation? Or was salvation by the finished work of Jesus on the cross, and by faith alone? Most religions try to please God by good works. Is this what God requires? Or is it the work of God by faith?
We know that it is the work of God by faith.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
John 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Now we look at the historical event that came to this conclusion, the council at Jerusalem.
Acts 15:7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
There was much disputing, discussion and reasoning together. Peter testifies of what God has done in his life regarding the Gentiles.
Acts 15:8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
Peter witnessed the conversion of the Gentiles and their receiving the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is the sealing of the believer unto God.
Acts 10:24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
Acts 10:32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
Acts 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.
Acts 15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Peter says it well, by faith they received the purifying of their hearts. Paul repeats this in his epistles (letters.)
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Peter spoke from God.
Acts 15:10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
Acts 15:11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
Acts 15:12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles, he had witnessed both Jew and Gentile receive the Lord, with signs following.
Acts 15:13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
James was half brother to Jesus, he wrote the book of James. He was not a believer until after the Lord arose. He was thought to be the elder of the Jerusalem Church.
Acts 15:14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
Acts 15:15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
Acts 15:16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
Acts 15:17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
James quotes from Amos 9:11-12. All questions should be first be brought to the scriptures. The word of God is God's will.
Acts 15:18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
Acts 15:19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
To sentence is to make a judgment. A judge at a trial would pass a sentence. This was a trial of deciding if the Gentiles could enter God's grace without keeping the ceremonial laws of the Jews. We as Christians are not to judge, in this meaning, we are not to pronounce a sentence or a final judgment on another. Jesus will judge all things by his word. We are however to use judgment through God's word in knowing right from wrong and in warning those who are opposing God's way. To warn and exhort and to admonish, is not to pass a sentence.
Important considerations
Acts 15:20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
Acts 15:21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
These laws were particularly important to Jews, both saved and traditional under the Old Covenant. The law of Moses was taught to the Jews every Sabbath day.
John includes part of this in his conclusion to 1John.
1 John 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
These are not commands that must be included to be saved, no, it is through faith in Jesus we are saved. These were to be observed so as not to be an offense to the Jews.
Paul spoke of meat offered to idols that was sold in the marketplace.
Rom 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
Rom 14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
Rom 14:15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
Rom 14:16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
Rom 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Rom 14:18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
Rom 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
Rom 14:20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
Rom 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
Rom 14:22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
Rom 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
Interestingly though Paul, admonished Peter for leaving the company of the Gentiles when the Jews from James were present. Peter was concerned not to offend those of Jewish origins. Paul hearing from Jesus, by the Holy Ghost confronts him.
Gal 2:11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
Gal 2:12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
Gal 2:13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
Gal 2:14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
The book of James spoke about doing good works; Paul put grace first, works to follow. But no works will gain God's favor. It is the blood of the Lamb that he sees. We are loved, because we are in His son. We must not impose rules to gain God's favor. We also cannot be man pleasers, if so we may take away from God's truth.
Gal 2:15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,
Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Gal 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
What shall we do in regards to people who are without Jesus? We should not be an offense in our manner of life; be on their level.
1 Cor 9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
1 Cor 9:20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
1 Cor 9:21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
1 Cor 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
1 Cor 9:23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
The New Covenant is a better covenant.
Heb 8:6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
Heb 8:7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.
Heb 8:8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:
Heb 8:9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.
Heb 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
Heb 8:11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
Heb 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
Heb 8:13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
Jewish Christians may keep the old covenant with it's promises, but salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ.
Gentiles are not under the Mosaic law and the covenant to the Jews. The sign of the old covenant was Sabbath keeping. The sign of the new covenant is water baptism.
Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Rom 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Rom 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Those who wish to observe the Jewish laws are not to impose them on the Gentiles as a requirement for salvation. The New Covenant believers are Spirit controlled with the laws written on their hearts. It is not necessary to be under the law of Moses to be a born again believer. We are free in Christ.
These were the Judaizers, insisting that new converts first keep the Jewish old testament covenant, including circumcision. Paul addresses this in the Epistle to the Galatians. We are not to be put back under the law.
Gal 5:12 I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
Gal 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Gal 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Acts 15:2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
Paul probably more then anyone new the law and grace. He knew that the law was not to be imposed on the new believers as a requirement for salvation; but that by grace ye are saved.
Gal 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
Gal 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Gal 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
Gal 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Acts 15:3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
Acts 15:4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
What had God done? Both Jew and Gentiles had come to Jesus. There were signs and wonders following the gospel message. The evil hearted Jews persecuted them, even stoning Paul, but God had raised him up.
Acts 15:5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
1 Cor 4:19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.1 Cor 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
Believing Pharisees wanted to bring the old ways with them and impose them on others. They were intoxicated with the old wine.
Luke 5:37 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.
Luke 5:38 But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.
Luke 5:39 No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.
Mat 26:27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
Mat 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Col 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Col 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Rom 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
Eph 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
It is grace through faith in Jesus, nothing more. There are those who will argue some point of scriptures to the point of destroying the unity. Do you preach the gospel? Jesus Christ is our focus, these other things become a hindrance. Our strength is in unity.
The Jerusalem Council
Acts 15:6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
The apostles were chosen by Jesus, the original disciples and Paul. The elders were the chosen and ordained leaders of the churches.
This was an important event for the Christian faith. The Judaizers were Christian Jews who were demanding that the Gentile believers first be circumcised and obey the Jewish laws. Were laws required to receive salvation? Or was salvation by the finished work of Jesus on the cross, and by faith alone? Most religions try to please God by good works. Is this what God requires? Or is it the work of God by faith?
We know that it is the work of God by faith.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
John 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Now we look at the historical event that came to this conclusion, the council at Jerusalem.
Acts 15:7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
There was much disputing, discussion and reasoning together. Peter testifies of what God has done in his life regarding the Gentiles.
Acts 15:8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
Peter witnessed the conversion of the Gentiles and their receiving the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is the sealing of the believer unto God.
Acts 10:24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
Acts 10:32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
Acts 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.
Acts 15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Peter says it well, by faith they received the purifying of their hearts. Paul repeats this in his epistles (letters.)
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Peter spoke from God.
Acts 15:10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
Acts 15:11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
Acts 15:12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles, he had witnessed both Jew and Gentile receive the Lord, with signs following.
Acts 15:13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
James was half brother to Jesus, he wrote the book of James. He was not a believer until after the Lord arose. He was thought to be the elder of the Jerusalem Church.
Acts 15:14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
Acts 15:15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
Acts 15:16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
Acts 15:17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
James quotes from Amos 9:11-12. All questions should be first be brought to the scriptures. The word of God is God's will.
Acts 15:18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
Acts 15:19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
To sentence is to make a judgment. A judge at a trial would pass a sentence. This was a trial of deciding if the Gentiles could enter God's grace without keeping the ceremonial laws of the Jews. We as Christians are not to judge, in this meaning, we are not to pronounce a sentence or a final judgment on another. Jesus will judge all things by his word. We are however to use judgment through God's word in knowing right from wrong and in warning those who are opposing God's way. To warn and exhort and to admonish, is not to pass a sentence.
Important considerations
Acts 15:20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
Acts 15:21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
These laws were particularly important to Jews, both saved and traditional under the Old Covenant. The law of Moses was taught to the Jews every Sabbath day.
John includes part of this in his conclusion to 1John.
1 John 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
These are not commands that must be included to be saved, no, it is through faith in Jesus we are saved. These were to be observed so as not to be an offense to the Jews.
Paul spoke of meat offered to idols that was sold in the marketplace.
Rom 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
Rom 14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
Rom 14:15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
Rom 14:16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
Rom 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Rom 14:18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
Rom 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
Rom 14:20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
Rom 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
Rom 14:22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
Rom 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
Interestingly though Paul, admonished Peter for leaving the company of the Gentiles when the Jews from James were present. Peter was concerned not to offend those of Jewish origins. Paul hearing from Jesus, by the Holy Ghost confronts him.
Gal 2:11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
Gal 2:12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
Gal 2:13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
Gal 2:14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
The book of James spoke about doing good works; Paul put grace first, works to follow. But no works will gain God's favor. It is the blood of the Lamb that he sees. We are loved, because we are in His son. We must not impose rules to gain God's favor. We also cannot be man pleasers, if so we may take away from God's truth.
Gal 2:15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,
Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Gal 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
What shall we do in regards to people who are without Jesus? We should not be an offense in our manner of life; be on their level.
1 Cor 9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
1 Cor 9:20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
1 Cor 9:21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
1 Cor 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
1 Cor 9:23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
The New Covenant is a better covenant.
Heb 8:6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
Heb 8:7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.
Heb 8:8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:
Heb 8:9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.
Heb 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
Heb 8:11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
Heb 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
Heb 8:13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
Jewish Christians may keep the old covenant with it's promises, but salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ.
Gentiles are not under the Mosaic law and the covenant to the Jews. The sign of the old covenant was Sabbath keeping. The sign of the new covenant is water baptism.
Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Rom 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Rom 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Those who wish to observe the Jewish laws are not to impose them on the Gentiles as a requirement for salvation. The New Covenant believers are Spirit controlled with the laws written on their hearts. It is not necessary to be under the law of Moses to be a born again believer. We are free in Christ.
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