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Just how obscured is the truth?
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Unfortunately yes it can be broken. See my post here for the verses.
You said:
No. Calvinism is unbiblical. The Bible teaches we have free will to choose God. See my post here for the verses. I believe in Prevenient Grace. That God draws man and man is able to respond of his own free will (or not) based upon God's drawing.
You said:
Yes. See my posts here, here, and here.
You said:
No. While a believer does need works of faith to show that their faith is genuine, baptism does not save. See my post here.
You said:
You mean the "fruits of repentance." Repentance is commonly misunderstood. Nobody to my knowledge seems to ever get this one right. Here are 10 points in Scripture for the definition on "repentance." Does forsaking sin deal with salvation? Well, we do have to overcome grievous sin or will not be saved. See Luke 10:25-28, Matthew 19:17-19, Luke 19:1-10, Matthew 5:28-30, Matthew 6:15, Matthew 12:37, Matthew 25:31-46, 1 John 3:15, Galatians 5:19-21, Romans 8:13, Revelation 21:8 (Note: You can hover your cursor over the above verses to check them out).
You said:
Yes, it is. The Bible has proven itself to be divine in origin in many ways.
I believe you have seen my Blogger article link in the other thread. For our other readers here, they can check that out here:
Love Branch: Evidences for the Word of God
You said:
66 books. One can just Google how the Apocryphal books directly contradict Scripture in many places.
You said:
Well, I would not consider myself to be Protestant or Eastern Orthodox. I think it is good not to be attached with any denominational labels. As for Protestants hating Catholicism, etc.: Well, I think this varies between different individuals. I don't think we can pigeon hole a whole group of people.
You said:
No. See Colossians 2:14-17.
You said:
I believe prophecy, and tongues have ceased. There are a lot of good articles out there on this one that you can Google.
You said:
The Bible does not mention the word "sacraments."
You said:
Idolatry is making an image of a god like being that one would worship or pray to.
This was usually in reference to statues of animals, and people. It is best to let the Bible define what idolatry is. There are some great articles out on the internet on this one.
You said:
I believe we are living in the last days and it is becoming harder and harder to find Christians who truly want to follow Jesus. No doubt, if Christ is living on the inside of us, we are going to naturally want to seek to be around others who are following Him, too. Your big building churches is not how the early believers gathered. Believers only met in each others homes.
You said:
Paul says we should focus on that which is good (Philippians 4:8).
You said:
Do you think they are all following Jesus and His followers only as we see it written in our Bibles? Or do you see them doing other religious things that are not in the Bible? Is God happy when we do things spiritually that are outside His Word?
You said:
Yes. See this post here.
You said:
Genesis 1 gives us the account of creation and it is true. GOD literally created everything in 6 twenty four hour days. Macro-Evolution is not true.
You said:
You have to pray and seek the truth out with God. Also, if something is false, it usually has bad fruit of some kind attached to it.
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truefiction1
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Good answer! The Truth is discovered in the Holy silence, in which the "still, small voice" of God is heard. (1 Kings 19:11-13)
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Gabriel12
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1 once salvation has truely happened there is no going back. If there were Chance of unsalction then salvation never truely happened
2 the idea of free will.....god knows your heart and the love that you have for Him and others. So in his eyes your are perdistine but in your eyes do you show the love of God?
3. He will take us like a thief in the night through the clouds.
4. Water does not cover sin. Faith that His blood took away your sin is the only answer
5 you cannot have salvation without repentant our sins.
6 the Bible is the word of God transcribed through man. Is not Jesus a translator for god? So the words we read are meant to be the words we lo read from god.
7 you can go through the New Testament and count but there are many books written from Paul and others that never made it to the Bible.
8 many subdivisions of Christ might not agree with one another. But if they don’t they are missing the big picture. CHRIST
9 your more than welcome to do nothing on Saturday but to do it from Jesus Christ would be in vain. Christ made the final sacrifice.
10 the Holy Spirit is the gift from Jesus to seal us until the day of redemption
11??
12 a statue or figurine is only as powerful as you make it. Christ is what holds the power behind a cross not the cross itself.
13 church is only two in accordance with Him. Church can be anywhere you make it. So yes. Find in with anyone you can.
14. There will always be false profits but if you are truely searching for the lord. He will find you.
15 I do not see denominations. I see belivers in Christ and non Belivers. The is counting Jehovas witness and Catholics. Where is your faith?
16 I see God as a trinity. Because that’s how he reveals himself. But who am I to say three is one. Or to say three in not one. All I know is that faith in Christ lead to the Holy Spirit which leads to god. Are the 3 connected? I believe so.
17 Have faith in How you were told you were created. If you believe you created differently then faith in god is not there. If you believe we can from evolution then What is your hope in the future?
He
2 the idea of free will.....god knows your heart and the love that you have for Him and others. So in his eyes your are perdistine but in your eyes do you show the love of God?
3. He will take us like a thief in the night through the clouds.
4. Water does not cover sin. Faith that His blood took away your sin is the only answer
5 you cannot have salvation without repentant our sins.
6 the Bible is the word of God transcribed through man. Is not Jesus a translator for god? So the words we read are meant to be the words we lo read from god.
7 you can go through the New Testament and count but there are many books written from Paul and others that never made it to the Bible.
8 many subdivisions of Christ might not agree with one another. But if they don’t they are missing the big picture. CHRIST
9 your more than welcome to do nothing on Saturday but to do it from Jesus Christ would be in vain. Christ made the final sacrifice.
10 the Holy Spirit is the gift from Jesus to seal us until the day of redemption
11??
12 a statue or figurine is only as powerful as you make it. Christ is what holds the power behind a cross not the cross itself.
13 church is only two in accordance with Him. Church can be anywhere you make it. So yes. Find in with anyone you can.
14. There will always be false profits but if you are truely searching for the lord. He will find you.
15 I do not see denominations. I see belivers in Christ and non Belivers. The is counting Jehovas witness and Catholics. Where is your faith?
16 I see God as a trinity. Because that’s how he reveals himself. But who am I to say three is one. Or to say three in not one. All I know is that faith in Christ lead to the Holy Spirit which leads to god. Are the 3 connected? I believe so.
17 Have faith in How you were told you were created. If you believe you created differently then faith in god is not there. If you believe we can from evolution then What is your hope in the future?
He
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You are no doubt going to receive different answers here. You need to read the word and decide what you believe. You are receiving answers from both Catholics and Protestants so there is no doubt that you will receive conflicting answers because there are different beliefs. You need to decide for yourself what you think is true and what denomination you should join. I recommend the LCMS. You can go to LCMS.org and study our beliefs.
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Reasons why the Apocrypha does not belong in the Bible
Catholics and Protestants disagree regarding the exact number of books that belong in the Old Testament Scriptures. The dispute between them is over seven books, part of what is known as the Apocrypha: 1 and 2 Maccabees, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Wisdom (Wisdom of Solomon), Baruch, Tobit, Judith, and additions to Daniel and Esther.1 However, there are a number of reasons why the Old Testament Apocrypha should not be part of the Canon or standard writings of Scripture.
Rejection by Jesus and the Apostles
1. There are no clear, definite New Testament quotations from the Apocrypha by Jesus or the apostles. While there may be various allusions by the New Testament to the Apocrypha, there are no authoritative statements like "thus says the Lord," "as it is written," or "the Scriptures say." There are references in the New Testament to the pseudepigrapha (literally “false writings”) (Jude 14-15) and even citations from pagan sources (Acts 17:22-34), but none of these are cited as Scripture and are rejected even by Roman Catholics. In contrast, the New Testament writers cite the Old Testament numerous times (Mt. 5; Lk. 24:27; Jn. 10:35) and use phrases such as "thus says the Lord," "as it is written," or "the Scriptures say," indicating their approval of these books as inspired by God.
2. Jesus implicitly rejected the Apocrypha as Scripture by referring to the entire accepted Jewish Canon of Scripture, “From the blood of Abel [Gen. 4:8] to the blood of Zechariah [2 Chron. 24:20], who was killed between the altar and the house of God; yes, I tell you, it shall be charged against this generation (Lk. 11:51; cf. Mt. 23:35).”
Abel was the first martyr in the Old Testament from the book of Genesis while Zechariah was the last martyr in the book of Chronicles. In the Hebrew Canon, the first book was Genesis and the last book was Chronicles. They contained all of the same books as the standard 39 books accepted by Protestants today, but they were just arranged differently. For example, all of the 12 minor prophets (Hosea through Malachi) were contained in one book. This is why there are only 24 books in the Hebrew Bible today. By Jesus' referring to Abel and Zachariah, He was canvassing the entire Canon of the Hebrew Scriptures which included the same 39 books as Protestants accept today. Therefore, Jesus implicitly rejected the Apocrypha as Scripture.
Rejection by the Jewish Community
3. The "oracles of God" were given to the Jews (Rom. 3:2) and they rejected the Old Testament Apocrypha as part of this inspired revelation. Interestingly, Jesus had many disputes with the Jews, but He never disputed with them regarding the extent of the inspired revelation of God.2
4. While the Dead Sea scrolls contain copies of several books of the Apocrypha, they contain far more copies of pseudepigraphal books like 1 Enoch that even the Roman Catholic church admits are clearly not inspired. What is important to note here, however, is that owning copies of a book does not imply belief in that book's inspiration. The Dead Sea Scrolls contain a variety of community rules, historical documents, festival calendars, and other uninspired documents that the community found useful. The scrolls do not contain commentaries on the Apocrypha as they do for the Jewish Old Testament books, and they do not cite the Apocrypha authoritatively as scripture. This probably indicates that even the Essene community did not regard the Apocrypha as highly as the Jewish Old Testament books.
5. Many ancient Jews rejected the Apocrypha as Scripture. Philo never quoted the Apocrypha as Scripture. Josephus explicitly rejected the Apocrypha and listed the Hebrew Canon to be 22 books.3 In fact, the Jewish Community acknowledged that the prophetic gifts had ceased in Israel before the Apocrypha was written.
Rejection by many in the Catholic Church
6. The Catholic Church has not always accepted the Apocrypha. The Apocrypha was not officially accepted by the Catholic Church at a universal council until 1546 at the Council of Trent. This is over a millennium and a half after the books were written, and was a counter reaction to the Protestant Reformation.4
7. Many church Fathers rejected the Apocrypha as Scripture, and many just used them for devotional purposes. For example, Jerome, the great Biblical scholar and translator of the Latin Vulgate, rejected the Apocrypha as Scripture though, supposedly under pressure, he did make a hurried translation of it. In fact, most of the church fathers in the first four centuries of the Church rejected the Apocrypha as Scripture. Along with Jerome, names include Origen, Cyril of Jerusalem, and Athanasius.
8. The Apocryphal books were placed in Bibles before the Council of Trent and after but were placed in a separate section because they were not of equal authority. The Apocrypha rightfully has some devotional purposes, but it is not inspired.
False Teachings
9. The Apocrypha contains a number of false teachings (see: Errors in the Apocrypha). (To check the following references, see http://www.newadvent.org/bible.)
- The command to use magic (Tobit 6:5-7).
- Forgiveness of sins by almsgiving (Tobit 4:11; 12:9).
- Offering of money for the sins of the dead (2 Maccabees 12:43-45).
10. The Apocryphal books do not share many of the characteristics of the Canonical books: they are not prophetic, there is no supernatural confirmation of any of the apocryphal writers works, there is no predictive prophecy, there is no new Messianic truth revealed, they are not cited as authoritative by any prophetic book written after them, and they even acknowledge that there were no prophets in Israel at their time (cf. 1 Macc. 9:27; 14:41).
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Scriptural proof that Christians cannot lose their salvation
Is there Scriptural proof that Christians cannot lose their salvation? Yes, there is; and it is found in the words of Christ.
- John 8:29, "And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him."
- John 6:39, "This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day."
Second, in John 8:29 Jesus told us that he always does the will of the Father because he says that he always does the things that are pleasing to Him. So, Jesus can never fail to do the will of the Father. If he did, then he would have sinned.
Third, we see in John 6:39 Jesus said that it is the will of the Father that of all who have been given to Jesus that he would "lose nothing but raise it up on the last day." From this, we can conclude that Jesus cannot lose anyone and that those who are given to him by the Father will also be resurrected. These are believers because Jesus says in John 6:37, "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out."Therefore, the context means that those who are raised are believers and is speaking of the resurrection to glory -- which occurs on "the last day," (John 6:44; 11:24). So, it is the will of the Father that of those whom are given to Jesus . . .
- Jesus will lose none
- Jesus will resurrect them on the last day
The will of the Father is not always done
It is true that the will of the Father is not always done. For example, God does not want people to sin, yet they do sin. But John 8:29 and John 6:39are not about those who fail to do the will of the Father. They are about Jesus who always does the will of the Father. Therefore, this couplet, particularly John 6:39, cannot mean that the will of the Father is not accomplished by Jesus.
Raising them up on the last day is not only for the Christians
It is true that all people will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment. The wicked will be judged and cast into eternal damnation and the righteous into eternal life; but in the context of what Jesus is speaking, of the ones raised are only the believers. Please take a look at the following verses:
- John 6:44, "No one can come to Me, unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day."
- John 6:54, "He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.""
You can lose yourself
Some people shift the burden of responsibility from Christ to the Christian when it comes to not being lost. They say that Jesus will not lose anyone, but the person can lose himself. Therefore, it is not Jesus who is doing the losing but the individual who rebels against God. This objection cannot work because if someone were to turn from Christ (if that is even possible after being regenerate), then Jesus would fail to resurrect those given to him by God the Father. Notice that in John 6:39 the will of the Father is that all who have been given to the Son will be raised on the last day. Again, Jesus said that he always does the Father's will. So, Jesus must resurrect them (to glory) on the last day, or he has failed even if "they lose themselves." Jesus is performing the action of the resurrection because he says so in John 6:40, " . . . and I Myself will raise him up on the last day." So, if a person can "lose himself," then Jesus will not be able to do the will of the Father by resurrecting to glory that person who has been given to him by the Father. Again, that would mean Jesus failed to do the will of the Father, which cannot happen.
There are Scriptures that tell us we can lose our salvation
If the analysis of Jesus' words in the couplet above is correct, then there can be no Scriptures to tell us we lose our salvation because the Bible does not contradict itself. If someone still maintains that salvation can be lost, then he must address what Christ says in John 8:29 and John 6:39. Nevertheless, the Bible must be understood as a whole; and if we have a set of verses on the subject of eternal security and one set of Scriptures can only be interpreted in one way and other Scriptures can be interpreted in different ways, then the latter must be interpreted in a manner consistent with the former. Otherwise, we are setting Scripture against Scripture.
John 6:37-40
When we examine John 6:39 in context, we can see even more clearly that none will be lost. I've color coded the verses to highlight related concepts to aid in explanation.
John 6:37-40
37 “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.
38 “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.
39 “This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day.
40 “For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.”
In verse 37 Jesus says he will not cast out any who come to him. In verse 38 Jesus is telling us he came from heaven to do the will of the Father. In verse 39 Jesus tells us that the will of the Father is that he lose none and that he also raise them up on the last day. In verse 40 Jesus continues to tell us the will of the Father which is that of all who behold the Son and believe in him will have eternal life and that Jesus will also raise them up on the last day.
So, Jesus came from heaven to do the will of the Father (v. 38). The will of the Father is that Jesus lose none (v. 39), that all who believe in Jesus will have eternal life (v. 40), and that Jesus also will raise them up on the last day (v 39, 40). If Jesus fails to accomplish the will of the Father by losing some, then does Jesus also not accomplish the will of the Father that says when someone believes in Christ they have eternal life? Neither would make sense. If someone believes in Jesus, he has eternal life. But if it is true that some are lost, then Jesus has not accomplished the will of the Father by not losing any, by not raising them up on the last day, and also by not giving them eternal life. It makes no sense.
Does God the Father fail?
If some of the ones that are given to Jesus by the Father end up being lost, then wouldn't that mean God the Father himself failed because some of the ones the Father decided to give to the Son for the Son to keep ended up being lost? Doesn't the Father, in all his omniscience, know who to give to the Son so that they will not be lost? And, does the Father also know that the Son will accomplish His will and not lose any? Of course he does. Does not the Son know how to carry out the will of the Father and keep those given to Him? Of course he does. So, to say that some of the ones given to the Son by God the Father will be lost is to accuse God the Father of making a mistake in his judgment of whom to trust with those he has chosen to have eternal life.
Do you see the humongous problem that is laid at the feet of those who would say that they can lose their salvation by saying they have to keep the law and/or remain faithful? The verses that we're talking about here speak of the work and the will of God the Father giving to the Son a special group of people and not giving others to Him. If they can be lost, then Jesus failed to do the will of God the Father; and it would also mean God the Father made a mistake in giving those to the Son for safe keeping.
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1 Thessalonians 4:17
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
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1 Peter 3:21
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
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Romans 8:29-30
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Matthew 20:16
So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
Matthew 22:14
For many are called, but few are chosen.
Mark 13:20
And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
1 Corinthians 1:27
But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
Ephesians 1:4-5
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
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I totally understand you my friend. Welcome to modern Christianity were two people can have complete opposite ideas from the same verse and we can't even agree of the simplest of things. I wish you good luck.
Certainly. 2 Peter 2:20-22 and 1 John 5:16 clearly suggests that someone can lose their salvation due to sin or turning away.
If you stop obeying God through our deeds and thoughts than it's possible that our salvation can be lost.
Ephesians 5:5-6 shows that if you are greedy for example you have no place in Heaven.
Matthew 7:21 shows that we have to do the will of God to enter his Kingdom.
Though no one take us away from salvation we can go away ourselves. Furthermore, John talks about eternal life in the present as Jesus himself and Paul talks about eternal life like a future state.
There's no predestination. I honestly can't see how anyone could get this from the Bible.
I honestly do not know. I find any doctrinal arguments from Revelations to be incredibly confusing and I really have no opinion since I've done limited research on the matter.
Obeying the teaching of Jesus saves us not faith alone. Matthew 7:24-28 shows we have to put Jesus' words in action to be safe from the storm. In addition Galatians 5:19-21 shows that certain groups of people just won't get into heaven.
Baptism is incredibly important due to Paul baptising the Jail guard in Acts 16:33. If it was purely symbolic he wouldn't have done it straight away. Baptism on it's own however will not save us.
If we see a sin that is upon us and don't repent it, than it is possible that we could lose our salvation.
Jesus Christ is the perfect word of God Revalation 9:13 and John 1:1. Not the 66-80 books of the Bible. 1 Kings 4:26 and 2 Chronicles 9:25 would suggest this as well as Nehemiah 7:37 and Ezra 2:33 as well as Matthew missing out 3 kings in the genealogy of our saviour (though I have seen a interesting argument that Matthew did it purposely).
However, the Bible is ridiculously important and just because the writers made errors because they're only human doesn't mean you throw it all out. If a prophet came to you tomorrow and spoke so true that you just repented on the spot but messed up your name and got the day wrong would you feel like his overall message was impacted?
There's 27 in the New Testaments. That should be undisputed. I'm not going to argue for the Old Testament but I personally believe in 66 (though I concede that I do need to do a lot more research into the Old Testament which I know is lacking).
That's a great question. Misunderstanding is the main reason but rarely against the people themselves (there was some real hate between Catholics and Protestants during the troubles in the Republic of Ireland and it's northern counterpart but luckily it has died down considerably over the last twenty years). but lets not forget that the Roman Catholic church has committed some of the worse atrocities in the entirety of western history and their down right corruption throughout the Middle ages is shocking.
Yes and no. Anyone who claims that the Apostles and early Christians followed a day Sabbath is intellectually dishonest or knows nothing about early christian history.
"Those who have been brought up in the ancient order of things have come to the possession of a new hope, no longer observing the Sabbath but living in observance of the Lord's day."
That's a quote from Ignatius. Appointed by Apostle John himself to be leader of the church in Antioch and wrote several letters in the very early 2nd century not later than 116 AD.
"The new law requires you to keep perpetual Sabbath, and you, because you are idle for one day, suppose you are godly, not understanding why this command was given to you"
That's from Justin Martyr speaking to Jews. A mid second century Christian who's regarded as a saint in most denominations. One of the most important men in church history besides the Apostles themselves.
Remember that the law has been expanded and fulfilled. Before we could make oaths, now every word we say must be honest. Before you couldn't committed adultery now looking at anyone with lust is as bad as adultery. Before we couldn't murder now just being angry at someone is as bas as murder.
In the same way, in the past we rested on the 7th day, now we rest in Christ everyday. Hebrews 4:4-9 contrasts 7th day rest to a different rest. A day sabbath no longer exists but Christians now keep the new Sabbath which is everyday.
I would say so but again my research and understanding of the topic is limited.
I can really only see Baptism and Eucharist as being sacraments. Is it even appropriate to call them sacraments?
Having crosses and items are not idolatry. Having statues and praying and worshiping to them is another matter. Even the bible could used for idolatry if we're not careful.
Chart: Comparing the Ten Commandments
Interesting that Roman Catholicism leaves graven images out despite that being one of the Jews most frequent sins in the Old Testament.
Lets establish a difference between the Church and a church. The Church is the catholic church (not the Roman Catholic church as much as they would love to have a monopoly on it) which means universal and every Christian is apart of it.
The church is the local building/ home/ area / people you attend with.
The former all have the Holy Spirit and live Godly lives whereas in many cases the latter may not.
You can try and find others that honestly want to live out a Godly life and being servants to Jesus and not even the gates of Hades can prevail against you.
Satan has no power to change the truth. No one is the world could change the fact that 1+1=2. What's more apt to say in my opinion is if someone could convince others that 1+1=3 which I think it's possible.
Absolutely terrible. 1 Corinthians 1:12-13 condemns such needless division. People come to know God through our unity in him not our divisions. That's why I'll never claim a denomination I'll just say I'm a Christian because I do not want to add to this division.
Certainly. We can argue on the semantics but clearly both the Son has always been seen as God since the beginning and there was not a time when he was not. Though it's harder for the Holy Spirit to be shown like that I think is show quite clearly in scripture too. Both are also separate from God (the Father) which is shown too. The Nicean creed is a great line for Orthodoxy and one of the last things the church did before is was infected by the state.
Evolution is honestly undeniable and one of the most evidenced based theories that we have. Christians in the future will be ashamed of our denial and fear of evolution I can assure you. Personally, the beginning of Genesis for me is quite poetic and non-literal. We as Christians shouldn't be afraid of taking passages of Scripture as non-literal.
I can't see the problem in believing in Homo erectus and Homo habilis for example and just believing that Adam was the first man with a soul.
In addition we take Genesis very literally but not 1 Samuel 2:8 which says that the world is held up on pillars.
For example, even though God light in verse 4 he created the Sun and Moon in verse 16 (though this could be interpreted as Jesus and his Church). Furthermore the repetition or "God said let there" and "it was good" would suggest it's quite poetic.
In addition, in the beginning might be more aptly translated to When ( I don't want to get into it) and it would also fit with another cultures around the world caring about disorder to order rather than nothing to something.
Another point Id'd like to make is that the language in Genesis 1:28 is very violent (subdued more specifically ) and only used in the Bible for death and destruction. This would fit with the interpretation that physical death did exist before the Fall but that brought about spiritual death (which would fit with Romans 5).
I question I would like to ask to people who deny evolution is scorpions. Where scorpions always built like tanks with a pincers and a stinger or did these develop after the fall? If after the fall, that seems quote similar to evolution but if before, why would they need such things if there was no death?
I suggest prayer towards our Heavenly father for guidance and study the Bible primarily. Secondly actually looking at early Christians (such as Ignatius and polycarp who knew the Apostle John) for answers. Early church literature really helped me grow in Christ.
God bless you.
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Here is a General List of Verses on How Believers Can Fall Away:
1 Samuel 16:14
1 Samuel 31:4
Ezekiel 18:24
Hebrews 3:12-14
Hebrews 4:11
Hebrews 6:4-9
Hebrews 10:26-30
Hebrews 12:15
1 Timothy 1:18-20
1 Timothy 4:1-7
Galatians 3:1-5
2 Peter 2:20-22
2 Peter 3:17
Matthew 13:18-23
1 Corinthians 10:12
2 Thessalonians 2:3
1 Samuel 31:4
Ezekiel 18:24
Hebrews 3:12-14
Hebrews 4:11
Hebrews 6:4-9
Hebrews 10:26-30
Hebrews 12:15
1 Timothy 1:18-20
1 Timothy 4:1-7
Galatians 3:1-5
2 Peter 2:20-22
2 Peter 3:17
Matthew 13:18-23
1 Corinthians 10:12
2 Thessalonians 2:3
Now, do not misunderstand me, believers cannot lose their salvation (like they would a pair of car keys), but they can forfeit their salvation (i.e. they can willingly throw it away by rebelling against God). In fact,
Here is a list of believers who have forfeited their salvation:
Saul (1 Samuel 16:14) (1 Samuel 31:4)
Demas (2 Timothy 4:10)
The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
Judas Iscariot (Psalm 41:9) (Luke 6:16) (Acts 1:25)
Hymenaeus and Philetus (2 Timothy 2:17-18)
Unnamed Christians destroyed by false teaching (2 Timothy 2:17-18)
Many Unnamed Disciples (John 6:66)
Some Younger Christian Widows (1 Timothy 5:14-15)
Some Christians Eager For Money (1 Timothy 6:8-10)
Ananias and Sapphira (Acts of the Apostles 5:1-11)
Demas (2 Timothy 4:10)
The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
Judas Iscariot (Psalm 41:9) (Luke 6:16) (Acts 1:25)
Hymenaeus and Philetus (2 Timothy 2:17-18)
Unnamed Christians destroyed by false teaching (2 Timothy 2:17-18)
Many Unnamed Disciples (John 6:66)
Some Younger Christian Widows (1 Timothy 5:14-15)
Some Christians Eager For Money (1 Timothy 6:8-10)
Ananias and Sapphira (Acts of the Apostles 5:1-11)
And here is a list of potential fallen believers:
The Servant Who is Not Looking For Him (Luke 12:45-46)
Recent Convert Who is a Potential Spiritual Leader (1 Timothy 3:6)
The Unforgiving in Heart (Matthew 6:14-15)
Luke Warm Unrepentant Believer (Revelation 3:14-22)
Fruitless Christians (John 15:1-10) (Matthew 25:14-30)
Widows That Live in Pleasure (1 Timothy 5:5-6)
Believers Whose Seed Fell Upon the Rocks (Luke 8:13)
Believers Whose Seed Was Choked by Thorns (Matthew 13:22)
Gentile Believer Who Did Not Have on a Wedding Garment (Matthew 22:1-14) (Revelation 19:7-8)
The Potential Fellow Believer Who Erred From the Truth & Was Converted Back
(James 5:19-20)
Recent Convert Who is a Potential Spiritual Leader (1 Timothy 3:6)
The Unforgiving in Heart (Matthew 6:14-15)
Luke Warm Unrepentant Believer (Revelation 3:14-22)
Fruitless Christians (John 15:1-10) (Matthew 25:14-30)
Widows That Live in Pleasure (1 Timothy 5:5-6)
Believers Whose Seed Fell Upon the Rocks (Luke 8:13)
Believers Whose Seed Was Choked by Thorns (Matthew 13:22)
Gentile Believer Who Did Not Have on a Wedding Garment (Matthew 22:1-14) (Revelation 19:7-8)
The Potential Fellow Believer Who Erred From the Truth & Was Converted Back
(James 5:19-20)
For Jesus is the Light and we are to shine the Light of Christ within our lives. For there are those who think they can serve Jesus and also live for oneself, sin, and evil; But this is wrong, though. "For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God" (John 3:20-21).
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Jesus does not force a person to stay saved if they no longer want to be saved after accepting Him.
We still have free will.
The KJV (Which existed for hundreds of years before the Modern Translations came on to the scene) says this:
"And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day" (John 6:39) (KJV).
Last I checked, the word "should" is not a guarantee.
Rick could say to Bob, "Hey Bob, I should be over tomorrow at your house, but I have a lot of work to do."
Does it sound like Rick is making a promise that he will show up at Bob's house?
No. The word "should" shows only the possibility.
In John 8:47 it says,
"He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God"
So a person has to hear (obey) God's words in order to be of God. Jesus said of the Jews that because they did not hear (obey) God's words, they were not of God. So is it possible for someone to not obey God's words after being a Christian? Yes. According to Jesus, they are not of God if they are not hearing (obeying) God's words. Let that sink for a moment.
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I believe one of the reasons why Christ is going to take up His bride in the Pre-Trib Rapture is for the fact that many who say they are Christian (and who are not obeying) are going to not make it (taken up). If they teaching that a person can sin and still be saved on some level, they are going to miss out on the marriage because they were not ready. They were not living holy by the Spirit (having enough oil in their lamps). They are justifying sin and God cannot agree with sin.
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I agree that we must learn by ourselves. If you want some input, maybe this can help. My personal study. Don't even take my words before you ask from the Lord. May God Bless you.
1. Can the seal of the Holy Spirit be broken and how. (Loss of salvation).
2. Are we predestined to heaven or hell
Since Genesis, the sacrificial done after human sin, is to point to the coming of Jesus as the lamb of God.
3. Is there a pre-trib rapture
Sorry, I don't see any verses that point to this. As for me all verses about second coming clearly states that Jesus is coming to raise the dead and 144000 will not face death (but the 144000 will face tribulation tho).
4. Does baptism save us or faith alone
Baptism comes when we have faith in God and wants to be renewed. Which is also reason why I don't agree in baptizing children who does not understand.
5. If we don't repent do we lose salvation
Yeah. But, repentance is not entirely our part because we human nature can't do it. We will have victorious life through the holy spirit and our effort.
Yeap. the Bible is enough! I still like to read other Christian book. But, the bible is our standard.
7. How many books are really in the Bible
39 in the old testament, 27 in the new testament. No more, no less. I know some denomination has extra book which does not make sense to me. If I would like to read them, I would treat the teaching as other Christian Book and not the standard as the bible.
8. Why do some protestants hate the Eastern Orthodox Church like Catholicism
I don't hate the people who attends the Church. In fact, there is God's people in the church but they may not have the chance to hear the truth. Take a look at this verse:
9. Are we supposed to keep the sabbath
I keep the weekly, 7th day sabbath. The reasons are:
10. Are the Holy Spirit gifts in operation today
Yep. We can just ask and it shall be given. The fact that there is still God's people on the earth and in this Christian Forum is the prove.
11. How many sacraments
Have faith, and he will guide you. As I know today, we need to be baptized and return tithe. Am willing to accept any if anyone has new lights to teach me.
12. Is it idolatry to have graven images or a cross like how some non-denom accuse others of.
I would say it depends.
I would say yes. I'm not suggesting you a particular denomination. I have been in and out of few churches. Left Christianity and searching the truth again.
I would decide a church based on these:
14. Just how much has satan corrupted the truth? Some make it seem like the truth is beyond recognition now.
The reason we have denominations is there is because God's people stand up for the truth like Luther, John Wesley and many other more. That is not wrong. The wrong thing is when the followers only do if Luther said so or if Wesley said so.
Think about the time of Book of Acts. They have issues between Gentiles and Jews. But do they build 2 churches? No. They combine their differences because they know what matters the most is the truth from God.
16. Is God really a Trinity?
There is a bible verse that summarize their roles. I'm sorry to say that this verse is shortened in any other bible version. So, you might need the King James Version.
Oh yeah, they are God. Three in one. It is like Husband and Wife. How does husband and wife become one? Do they literally become one? Or do they become one only when they have children, which means, no children, not husband and wife? Of course not. They are one because, in order to run a family, their thoughts must agree with each other. They must agree to how they would want to run the family. One mind. This is the same as God. They are one because they agree with each other. However, they are not one being.
17. How did Creation happen is evolution true?
True or not, it took faith to believe because:
1. Can the seal of the Holy Spirit be broken and how. (Loss of salvation).
- Eph 1:12-14 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
2. Are we predestined to heaven or hell
Since Genesis, the sacrificial done after human sin, is to point to the coming of Jesus as the lamb of God.
- Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
3. Is there a pre-trib rapture
Sorry, I don't see any verses that point to this. As for me all verses about second coming clearly states that Jesus is coming to raise the dead and 144000 will not face death (but the 144000 will face tribulation tho).
4. Does baptism save us or faith alone
Baptism comes when we have faith in God and wants to be renewed. Which is also reason why I don't agree in baptizing children who does not understand.
- Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
- Romans 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.
5. If we don't repent do we lose salvation
Yeah. But, repentance is not entirely our part because we human nature can't do it. We will have victorious life through the holy spirit and our effort.
- Romans 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Yeap. the Bible is enough! I still like to read other Christian book. But, the bible is our standard.
7. How many books are really in the Bible
39 in the old testament, 27 in the new testament. No more, no less. I know some denomination has extra book which does not make sense to me. If I would like to read them, I would treat the teaching as other Christian Book and not the standard as the bible.
8. Why do some protestants hate the Eastern Orthodox Church like Catholicism
I don't hate the people who attends the Church. In fact, there is God's people in the church but they may not have the chance to hear the truth. Take a look at this verse:
- Revelation 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
9. Are we supposed to keep the sabbath
I keep the weekly, 7th day sabbath. The reasons are:
- The 7th day sabbath is not for Jews. It was given in the garden of Eden. Adam and Eve are not Jews
- The Sabbath days that were mentioned in Colossians are not the weekly Sabbath. We have to read it as a whole and if we read Leviticus, they're clear.
- Mark 2:28 Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath. Jesus is the lord of Sabbath. He keep the sabbath
- Acts 13:42 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. Yep. The Gentiles keep the sabbath.
10. Are the Holy Spirit gifts in operation today
Yep. We can just ask and it shall be given. The fact that there is still God's people on the earth and in this Christian Forum is the prove.
11. How many sacraments
Have faith, and he will guide you. As I know today, we need to be baptized and return tithe. Am willing to accept any if anyone has new lights to teach me.
12. Is it idolatry to have graven images or a cross like how some non-denom accuse others of.
I would say it depends.
- Some people wear a cross for people to recognize they are Christian. I don't agree with that. When the Thessalonians(read 1 Thessalonians) receive Paul's teaching and they follow it, they become examples to people around them. Conversion in the heart is what matters the most. We don't need to a cross or tattoo to show our belief.
- I have no problem to have picture of Jesus at home or to have a cross in the car to remind what God has done for you to keep your mind focusing on God.
I would say yes. I'm not suggesting you a particular denomination. I have been in and out of few churches. Left Christianity and searching the truth again.
I would decide a church based on these:
- Revelation 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
14. Just how much has satan corrupted the truth? Some make it seem like the truth is beyond recognition now.
- Lucifer was once "the covering cherub". He has the privilege to be close to God and knowing His character. I'm sure he knows the truth much than we are. Which means, we can be deceived just as Eve. So, as for me, always ask for guidance from the source. God himself, through the holy spirit.
- Understanding that accepting God is personal, we will know that even in the true Church there will be some bad influence. 2 Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Then we may ask, what is the true church for if there are some members giving bad influence? My answer is, through the guidance of holy spirit, you will find a Godly friends that kept every word of God. They will help you to stay faithful just as the disciples do back then when they are having fellowship and breaking breads on the first day. Have lunch together. Hang out together. God knows we need friends, so he provide. Heb 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
The reason we have denominations is there is because God's people stand up for the truth like Luther, John Wesley and many other more. That is not wrong. The wrong thing is when the followers only do if Luther said so or if Wesley said so.
Think about the time of Book of Acts. They have issues between Gentiles and Jews. But do they build 2 churches? No. They combine their differences because they know what matters the most is the truth from God.
16. Is God really a Trinity?
There is a bible verse that summarize their roles. I'm sorry to say that this verse is shortened in any other bible version. So, you might need the King James Version.
- 1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
אלהים
'ĕlôhı̂ym
el-o-heem'
Plural of H433; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative
Source: H430 אלהים - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon
'ĕlôhı̂ym
el-o-heem'
Plural of H433; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative
Source: H430 אלהים - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon
Oh yeah, they are God. Three in one. It is like Husband and Wife. How does husband and wife become one? Do they literally become one? Or do they become one only when they have children, which means, no children, not husband and wife? Of course not. They are one because, in order to run a family, their thoughts must agree with each other. They must agree to how they would want to run the family. One mind. This is the same as God. They are one because they agree with each other. However, they are not one being.
17. How did Creation happen is evolution true?
True or not, it took faith to believe because:
- No one was there to witness the Big Bang. No one is there to witness how microorganisms in the soil was formed.
- And Moses was not there too to witness the creation, he is just inspired by God.
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