Led by the Spirit

[AlightSeeker]

It was once usefully brought to my attention by some ministry which discussed the difference
between man's concept of self reform, self improvement or "turning over a new leaf" so to speak, and biblical repentance.

The article taught that biblical repentance is simply a change of one's mind and thinking about the past.
That is to have a turn in one's thinking, philosophy about how one use to think.
The article said many have an idea of repentance being a promise to do better in the future.

Now I feel to revisit that article for a fresh impression of the speaker's points.
Fellowship in the Body of Christ is always so good either way.

I did find it significant that 2TG above also submitted the implication of John 12:40.

I noticed that when the Jews asked Jesus what they should do to do the works of God in John's gospel
Jesus said the workof God was to believe in Him.

Then they said to Him, What shall we do that we may work the works of God?
Jesus answered and said to them, This is the work of God, that you believe into Him whom He has sent. (John 6:28,29)

I simply wanted to emphize this is in particular seems as John's focus, to believe.
But these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,
and that believing, you may have life in His name. (John 20:31)

True repentance has its presence in the gospel of Matthew.
True biblical repentance surely has its place in the book of Acts.

The Jews didn't believe in Him. He was sent by God but they thought he was a blasphemer who had a demon. It's their lack of belief in Jesus, that he was sent from God, that was their doom. But to me belief is more than saying you believe. We can praise him with our mouth but our heart is far from him.

 

[oikonomia]

It is also interesting to note that Jesus Himself did not teach of His Spiritual Circumcision, the cutting away of the Sinful Nature.

I am going to hear you out, though I am commenting as I read along.
Jesus, I would say, took the LEAD to teach spiritual circumcision even in John.
But let me read on.

But does this mean that His Spiritual Circumcision is not part of the Saving Plan of Eternal Life? It is correct, that Repentance is also not clearly taught in the Gospel of John. But does this mean that the ability to Repent is not actually granted . . . a true Spiritual gift?

The longer I am a Christian the longer I feel the entire matter is gifted. These days when praying for the unsaved I often
pray "Lord, give this one the ability to believe in You." Likewise men need God to grant them repentance - give to man repentance.

I know you know the verses. (Acts 5:31; 11;18; 2 Tim. 2;25)

It is a mysterious matter as you say, all around, the Gospel of John and the whole Bible.

What is taught, however, is that Jesus is the sender of the Holy Spirit. Lastly, the Gospel of John does not clearly teach that we must believe in the Resurrection and the Power that raised Jesus from the dead.

What would you say about John 11:24-26?

Martha said to Him, I know that he will rise again in the resurrection in the last day.
Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes into Me, even if he should die, shall live;
And everyone who lives and believes into Me shall by no means die forever. Do you believe this?

He is teaching beyond the point that He will rise. He is saying He at that moment IS "the resurrection and the [divine] life"

Martha was putting off to the distant future resurrection from the dead. Jesus said in essence that the resurrection and the
divine eternal life was standing right before her. Ie. 'You're looking at the resurrection and the divine eternal life.'

If that is too mystical, how about Jesus in John teaching that in three days He would rise should they destroy His body?

Jesus answered and said to them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. (2:19)

But He spoke of the temple of His body. When therefore He was raised from the dead,
His disciples remembered that He had said this,
and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken. (vs.21,22)

So, of the four primary Works of Jesus Christ, only one of them is clearly taught in John, the sending of the Holy Spirit.

But in John, the Holy Spirit is Himself in another form. After He goes to die they will see Him again.
And when they do He will not merely be just AMONG them but He will be IN them as the Spirit.

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter, that He may be with you forever, (v.16)

Even the Spirit of reality, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him;
but you know Him, because He abides with you and shall be in you. (v.17)

I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you. (v.18)

Yet a little while and the world beholds Me no longer, but you behold Me; because I live, you also shall live. (v. 19)

The "another Comforter" who is the Spirit of reality is clearly Jesus the first Comforter, in another form.
They already know Him because He "abides with you" as they have this very discussion.
But He will be "in you" in a little while as the Spirit.
you know Him, because He abides with you and shall be in you.

Immediately after telling them He will graduate from abiding with them to being in them He says
He will not leave them orphans because He will come to them in this manner.
I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you.

The "He" and "Him" of verse 17 suddenly becomes the "I" of verse 18.
the Spirit of reality, . . . you know Him, because He abides with you and shall be in you. (v.17)
I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you. (v.18)

John 14 therefore definitely shows Christ must DIE and RESURRECT in order to go from
merely being WITH them outwardly to abiding IN them as "another Comforter" Who is the Spirit of truth.

The (First) Comforter will change His form in resurrection to be the abiding in them "another Comforter" to be with them for
eternity. In transforming Himself this way He will not go away in death and leave them as orphans. "I am coming to you."

The Apostle Paul being thoroughly enlightened to all aspects of salvation wrote -
"the last Adam became a life giving Spirit." (1 Cor. 15:45b)

The last Adam [Christ] the (First) Comforter resurrected to become "a life giving Spirit" the "another Comforter".

. . . because I live, you also shall live.

However, one of the most important and clarifying verses of the entire Bible is found in John 9:39-41 where it states that the Purpose of Christ is to give Spiritual sight to those who cannot see. This is clearly referencing Spiritual Circumcision, the cutting away of the Veil that covers the human mind so that it cannot Spiritually see, hear, and walk. This Spiritual Circumcision is one of the statements that Stephen made in Acts 7 that caused the Jewish leaders to stone him to death. I have never heard any teacher teach on this subject . . . a major problem.

John 9:39 NLT - 39 Then Jesus told him, "I entered this world to render judgment--to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind."

That's very good. The fallen self undenied and undealt with by the cross of Christ is a big covering veil over the eyes of the human
heart. Thank the Lord He has made provision to terminate this covering.

In John 12 Jesus establishes Himself as the model, a prototype of one who denies Himself.
He must fall into the ground in death, die, in order to produce many others like Him.

He would not remain alive and ALONE. He would fall into the ground in death to release the
divine life concealed in the shell of His humanity to be put into many grains - duplications of the original grain.
Then He would not abide alone but produce a multiplication, a duplication of the life filled grain He was.

And this must involve His followers denying themselves to live by this new life.
They must follow His way to deny the self to live by the life of God.

Truly, truly, I say to you, Unless the grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it abides alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
He who loves his soul-life loses it; and he who hates his soul-life in this world shall keep it unto eternal life. (John 12:24,25)

 

[Oneofhope]

It seems like a mystery. Paul said that God cut them off and put us in their place to make them jealous. I suppose he does that to punish or to correct them. I'm unsure. But Paul goes on to say that we shouldn't boast against the branches because God can cut us off too. And he's able to graft them back in as well. So maybe God blinds us too like he did them. Maybe it's like I believe, he blinds us when we are not faithful like he did to them. But I dont know anything for sure. I'm walking by faith alone and i pray that I walk to right path.

To even acknowledge that these things are a Mystery is proof that you are more aware than most. Keep going down this path! Spend the rest of your life trying to figure out this incredible Mystery that Paul said has been kept hidden since the beginning!

Yes, my friend . . . all are Spiritually blinded, except for those whom the Lord has chosen. Just like there were 7,000 that the Lord reserved for Himself, those who never bowed down to Baal (when Elijah thought he was the only true Prophet who remained alive), we too are chosen and reserved for Him in this current day. This is not by works, but by the pure Grace of Election. As Paul explains, the rest were hardened in their hearts!

This all takes us back to the Adamic Curse as explained in Romans 5. The Curse that came about because of Adam and Eve, this Curse is also conveyed by stating that all people have been handed over to Satan. By default, all who are born belong to the Devil . . . even the animals . . . the entire earth is under this curse. We know this, for all people will die. Death is only defeated by the Work of Christ. And so it is this Curse by which we are to be Redeemed. This is the core focus of the Bible. The question is, the Mystery is . . . HOW? What is the Mysterious Plan of God?

Few realize that we cannot fully comprehend this Plan unless we know the entire Bible. When we study the entire Bible, the Mysterious Plan of God unfolds like never before. If we have ever hoped that we might one day understand the Bible in a manner in which our heart tells us that we should, this cannot happen until we devote our lives to the entire Bible.

I love your wisdom! The fact that you understand that there is a Mystery . . . you are so much further along than nearly everyone . . . even pastors. And this Wisdom can only come from the Lord. Keep going! Don't stop!

 

[AlightSeeker]

To even acknowledge that these things are a Mystery is proof that you are more aware than most. Keep going down this path! Spend the rest of your life trying to figure out this incredible Mystery that Paul said has been kept hidden since the beginning!

Yes, my friend . . . all are Spiritually blinded, except for those whom the Lord has chosen. Just like there were 7,000 that the Lord reserved for Himself, those who never bowed down to Baal (when Elijah thought he was the only true Prophet who remained alive), we too are chosen and reserved for Him in this current day. This is not by works, but by the pure Grace of Election. As Paul explains, the rest were hardened in their hearts!

This all takes us back to the Adamic Curse as explained in Romans 5. The Curse that came about because of Adam and Eve, this Curse is also conveyed by stating that all people have been handed over to Satan. By default, all who are born belong to the Devil . . . even the animals . . . the entire earth is under this curse. We know this, for all people will die. Death is only defeated by the Work of Christ. And so it is this Curse by which we are to be Redeemed. This is the core focus of the Bible. The question is, the Mystery is . . . HOW? What is the Mysterious Plan of God?

Few realize that we cannot fully comprehend this Plan unless we know the entire Bible. When we study the entire Bible, the Mysterious Plan of God unfolds like never before. If we have ever hoped that we might one day understand the Bible in a manner in which our heart tells us that we should, this cannot happen until we devote our lives to the entire Bible.

I love your wisdom! The fact that you understand that there is a Mystery . . . you are so much further along than nearly everyone . . . even pastors. And this Wisdom can only come from the Lord. Keep going! Don't stop!

Amen brother. What you say is what I believe.

 

[Oneofhope]

The Jews didn't believe in Him. He was sent by God but they thought he was a blasphemer who had a demon. It's their lack of belief in Jesus, that he was sent from God, that was their doom. But to me belief is more than saying you believe. We can praise him with our mouth but our heart is far from him.

It isn't just that they [didn't] believe, it is more of a condition that they [could not] believe even if they wanted to. This is what the Veil of Moses is all about; the Veil which Paul explains. The Veil is representative of the Sinful Nature, an evil Nature that Spiritual blinds people so they cannot "see" the Spirtual Plan of God. It is a Nature that causes deafness, so that we cannot "hear" the Plan of God and understand it. It is a Spiritual lameness that renders a person with the inability to "walk" with God. And this is the Work of Christ as He states it in John 9:39-41. Wow, that is such an important set of Scripture that we all need to know!

Romans 11:6-8 NLT - "And since it is through God's kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God's grace would not be what it really is--free and undeserved. 7 So this is the situation: Most of the people of Israel have not found the favor of God they are looking for so earnestly. A few have--the ones God has chosen--but the hearts of the rest were hardened. 8 As the Scriptures say, "God has put them into a deep sleep. To this day he has shut their eyes so they do not see, and closed their ears so they do not hear."

Go back to the speech of Stephen in Acts 7. Note that he references the physical circumcision of Abraham near its beginning. But toward the end of his speech, Stephen charges the Jewish leaders with being uncircumcised in ears and hearts . . . this is the crux of our Spiritual malady of which everyone needs to be Redeemed of. This charge of Stephen is largely what got him killed. And who was present for this first New Testament teaching of Spiritual Circumcision? Yes, young Saul, later to be renamed as Paul . . . the one who REALLY unpacks Spiritual Circumcision; Circumcision of the heart.

Oh . . . this incredible Bible of ours!

 

[AlightSeeker]

So that our faith should be in the power of God and not the wisdom of men.

1 Corinthians 2:4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

Spiritual Wisdom
6 However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God [c]ordained before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

9 But as it is written:

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.

13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the [d]Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

 

[AlightSeeker]

This thread is such a blessing to me today. I see things more clearly it seems

 

[Oneofhope]

I am going to hear you out, though I am commenting as I read along.
Jesus, I would say, took the LEAD to teach spiritual circumcision even in John.
But let me read on.

The longer I am a Christian the longer I feel the entire matter is gifted. These days when praying for the unsaved I often
pray "Lord, give this one the ability to believe in You." Likewise men need God to grant them repentance - give to man repentance.

I know you know the verses. (Acts 5:31; 11;18; 2 Tim. 2;25)

It is a mysterious matter as you say, all around, the Gospel of John and the whole Bible.

What would you say about John 11:24-26?

Martha said to Him, I know that he will rise again in the resurrection in the last day.
Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes into Me, even if he should die, shall live;
And everyone who lives and believes into Me shall by no means die forever. Do you believe this?

He is teaching beyond the point that He will rise. He is saying He at that moment IS "the resurrection and the [divine] life"

Martha was putting off to the distant future resurrection from the dead. Jesus said in essence that the resurrection and the
divine eternal life was standing right before her. Ie. 'You're looking at the resurrection and the divine eternal life.'

If that is too mystical, how about Jesus in John teaching that in three days He would rise should they destroy His body?

Jesus answered and said to them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. (2:19)

But He spoke of the temple of His body. When therefore He was raised from the dead,
His disciples remembered that He had said this,
and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken. (vs.21,22)

But in John, the Holy Spirit is Himself in another form. After He goes to die they will see Him again.
And when they do He will not merely be just AMONG them but He will be IN them as the Spirit.

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter, that He may be with you forever, (v.16)

Even the Spirit of reality, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him;
but you know Him, because He abides with you and shall be in you. (v.17)

I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you. (v.18)

Yet a little while and the world beholds Me no longer, but you behold Me; because I live, you also shall live. (v. 19)

The "another Comforter" who is the Spirit of reality is clearly Jesus the first Comforter, in another form.
They already know Him because He "abides with you" as they have this very discussion.
But He will be "in you" in a little while as the Spirit.
you know Him, because He abides with you and shall be in you.

Immediately after telling them He will graduate from abiding with them to being in them He says
He will not leave them orphans because He will come to them in this manner.
I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you.

The "He" and "Him" of verse 17 suddenly becomes the "I" of verse 18.
the Spirit of reality, . . . you know Him, because He abides with you and shall be in you. (v.17)
I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you. (v.18)

John 14 therefore definitely shows Christ must DIE and RESURRECT in order to go from
merely being WITH them outwardly to abiding IN them as "another Comforter" Who is the Spirit of truth.

The (First) Comforter will change His form in resurrection to be the abiding in them "another Comforter" to be with them for
eternity. In transforming Himself this way He will not go away in death and leave them as orphans. "I am coming to you."

The Apostle Paul being thoroughly enlightened to all aspects of salvation wrote -
"the last Adam became a life giving Spirit." (1 Cor. 15:45b)

The last Adam [Christ] the (First) Comforter resurrected to become "a life giving Spirit" the "another Comforter".

. . . because I live, you also shall live.

That's very good. The fallen self undenied and undealt with by the cross of Christ is a big covering veil over the eyes of the human
heart. Thank the Lord He has made provision to terminate this covering.

In John 12 Jesus establishes Himself as the model, a prototype of one who denies Himself.
He must fall into the ground in death, die, in order to produce many others like Him.

He would not remain alive and ALONE. He would fall into the ground in death to release the
divine life concealed in the shell of His humanity to be put into many grains - duplications of the original grain.
Then He would not abide alone but produce a multiplication, a duplication of the life filled grain He was.

And this must involve His followers denying themselves to live by this new life.
They must follow His way to deny the self to live by the life of God.

Truly, truly, I say to you, Unless the grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it abides alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
He who loves his soul-life loses it; and he who hates his soul-life in this world shall keep it unto eternal life. (John 12:24,25)

I love all that you wrote. Very impressive that you can put this together in such a short period of time. This shows me that you are coming to a strong understanding of this incredible puzzle that we have been given. You can't do this by your own Power, but by the Power of God.

How refreshing!!!

 

[AlightSeeker]

It isn't just that they [didn't] believe, it is more of a condition that they [could not] believe even if they wanted to. This is what the Veil of Moses is all about; the Veil which Paul explains. The Veil is representative of the Sinful Nature, an evil Nature that Spiritual blinds people so they cannot "see" the Spirtual Plan of God. It is a Nature that causes deafness, so that we cannot "hear" the Plan of God and understand it. It is a Spiritual lameness that renders a person with the inability to "walk" with God. And this is the Work of Christ as He states it in John 9:39-41. Wow, that is such an important set of Scripture that we all need to know!

Romans 11:6-8 NLT - "And since it is through God's kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God's grace would not be what it really is--free and undeserved. 7 So this is the situation: Most of the people of Israel have not found the favor of God they are looking for so earnestly. A few have--the ones God has chosen--but the hearts of the rest were hardened. 8 As the Scriptures say, "God has put them into a deep sleep. To this day he has shut their eyes so they do not see, and closed their ears so they do not hear."

Go back to the speech of Stephen in Acts 7. Note that he references the physical circumcision of Abraham near its beginning. But toward the end of his speech, Stephen charges the Jewish leaders with being uncircumcised in ears and hearts . . . this is the crux of our Spiritual malady of which everyone needs to be Redeemed of. This charge of Stephen is largely what got him killed. And who was present for this first New Testament teaching of Spiritual Circumcision? Yes, young Saul, later to be renamed as Paul . . . the one who REALLY unpacks Spiritual Circumcision; Circumcision of the heart.

Oh . . . this incredible Bible of ours!

What you say about God putting them in a deep sleep is what God has been showing me I think. It's what I been saying. I believe many in the church are still sleeping. Perhaps like the disciples who slept while the Lord prayed and asked them to keep watch with him. This scripture says to people in the church itself "wake up sleeper and Christ will shine light on you"

Ephesians 5:1Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved [a]you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God [b]as a fragrant aroma.

3 But sexual immorality [c]or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among [d]saints; 4 and there must be no filthiness [e]or foolish talk, or vulgar joking, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know with certainty, that no sexually immoral or [f]impure or greedy person, which [g]amounts to an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

6 See that no one deceives you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the [h]sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 [i]as you try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Do not participate in the useless deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; 12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. 14 For this reason [j]it says,

“Awake, sleeper,
And arise from the dead,
And Christ will shine on you.”
15 So then, [k]be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise, 16 [l]making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, [m]in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to [n]one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord; 20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father; 21 [o]and subject yourselves to one another in the [p]fear of Christ.

 

[AlightSeeker]

These scriptures seem like they should go together in my opinion


Ephesians 5:15 So then, [k]be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise, 16 [l]making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Matthew 7:24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

 

[AlightSeeker]

And I love how Matthew 7 says Jesus had authority not like their teachers of the law. God is the authority not man. Not teachers

 

[AlightSeeker]

Aren't we supposed to keep watch and wait for his return and be faithful to him? I think there is a scripture but I can't remember. I found these though. We are not to be asleep


Psalm 121:21 I will raise my eyes to the mountains;
From where will my help come?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not allow your foot to slip;
He who watches over you will not slumber.
4 Behold, He who watches over Israel
Will neither slumber nor sleep.

Matthew 24:42 “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.

Colossians 3:3 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

 

[AlightSeeker]

Hopefully this is the last scripture. My apologies for being a hog. I just like sharing things.

Matthew 24:42 “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. 43 But [a]be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. 44 For this reason you must be ready as well; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.

45 “Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his [b]master put in charge of his household slaves, to give them their food at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that slave whom his [c]master finds so doing when he comes. 47 Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 48 But if that evil slave says in his heart, ‘My [d]master [e]is not coming for a long time,’ 49 and he begins to beat his fellow slaves, and he eats and drinks with those habitually drunk; 50 then the [f]master of that slave will come on a day that he does not expect, and at an hour that he does not know, 51 and he will [g]cut him in two and assign [h]him a place with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Parable of Ten Virgins​

25 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they did not take extra oil with them; 4 but the prudent ones took oil in flasks with their lamps. 5 Now while the groom was delaying, they all became drowsy and began to sleep. 6 But at midnight [i]there finally was a shout: ‘Behold, the groom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. 8 But the foolish virgins said to the prudent ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’ 9 However, the prudent ones answered, ‘No, there most certainly would not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 But while they were [j]on their way to buy the oil, the groom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. 11 Yet later, the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open up for us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Be on the alert then, because you do not know the day nor the hour

 

[AlightSeeker]

I'm unsure if all these scriptures are related. But I like to compare scripture with scripture to gain understanding.

Matthew 25:9 However, the prudent ones answered, ‘No, there most certainly would not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 But while they were [j]on their way to buy the oil, the groom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut.

Revelation 3:18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.

Revelation 13:17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has [a]the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

Proverbs 23:23 buy truth, and do not sell it,
Get wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

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[oikonomia]

It seems like a mystery. Paul said that God cut them off and put us in their place to make them jealous. I suppose he does that to punish or to correct them. I'm unsure. But Paul goes on to say that we shouldn't boast against the branches because God can cut us off too. And he's able to graft them back in as well. So maybe God blinds us too like he did them. Maybe it's like I believe, he blinds us when we are not faithful like he did to them. But I dont know anything for sure. I'm walking by faith alone and i pray that I walk to right path.

The thought has crossed my mind. Ie. "Maybe the same principle God applied to the disbelieving Jews to have
mercy on the Gentiles He will apply again on disbelieving Christians to have mercy on ________."

Tis only speculation.
Anyway we are warned not to boast against the natural branches.

 

[oikonomia]

I'm unsure if all these scriptures are related. But I like to compare scripture with scripture to gain understanding.

Matthew 25:9 However, the prudent ones answered, ‘No, there most certainly would not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 But while they were [j]on their way to buy the oil, the groom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut.

Revelation 3:18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.

Revelation 13:17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has [a]the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

Proverbs 23:23 buy truth, and do not sell it,
Get wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

If we agree to excuse Revelation 13:17 I would propose the best way I know of interpreting the parable of the ten virgins.
I think your other verses relate. I do not think Revelation13:17 touches the matter of the wise and foolish virgins much at all.
Though it is important to other things.

How's your attention span if it results in a little longer couple of posts?

 

[AlightSeeker]

The thought has crossed my mind. Ie. "Maybe the same principle God applied to the disbelieving Jews to have
mercy on the Gentiles He will apply again on disbelieving Christians to have mercy on ________."

Tis only speculation.
Anyway we are warned not to boast against the natural branches.

I believe the church needs to return to the Lord so he can heal their blindness.

 

[AlightSeeker]

If we agree to excuse Revelation 13:17 I would propose the best way I know of interpreting the parable of the ten virgins.
I think your other verses relate. I do not think Revelation13:17 touches the matter of the wise and foolish virgins much at all.
Though it is important to other things.

How's your attention span if it results in a little longer couple of posts?

Post away. I'll read it. Please dont make it too lengthy however. I have a hard time with very lengthy posts. Perhaps a weakness of mine. I don't know. Thank you.

 

[oikonomia]

I love all that you wrote. Very impressive that you can put this together in such a short period of time. This shows me that you are coming to a strong understanding of this incredible puzzle that we have been given. You can't do this by your own Power, but by the Power of God.

How refreshing!!!

I was also impressed with you reference to the turning prevented by the Lord making repentance unavailable.

To make a long testimony short, many years ago I prayed a prayer as a young believer that God answered.
Very simply I asked God to put me with Christians who could shepherd me and help me to grow.
I was around 23 when prayed that. I am now over 70 and know that God heard and answered that prayeer.

I have the Spirit of course. And I have had very good mentors who took care of me.

 

[AlightSeeker]

I was also impressed with you reference to the turning prevented by the Lord making repentance unavailable.

To make a long testimony short, many years ago I prayed a prayer as a young believer that God answered.
Very simply I asked God to put me with Christians who could shepherd me and how me to grow.
I was around 23 when prayed that. I am not over 70 and know that God heard and answered that prayeer.

I have the Spirit of course. And I have had very good mentors who took care of me.

I was looking for such fellowship today. I found it in this thread. I don't want a shepherd but a brother with insight and wisdom to share. And fellowship in that.