The Message of Jesus Christ

[x141]

... and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son ...

 

[TRWord]

From very early in my Christian experience I have been astonished at the number of long standing Christians who speak of the original sin as Eve biting an apple. And when they are alerted to the fact that this is not what is written, they then go from an apple to a forbidden fruit.

This also is not written, but many of us stubborning ignore what’s written, while we boldly describe ourselves as Bible believing Christians.

It’s inevitable that this habit of not paying attention to what’s written would lead us to confusion, so it should be no surprise that many of us have confused the holy Spirit with the Holy Ghost.

First

John the Baptiste made a clear distinction between the baptism with water, which represents the holy Spirit, and the baptism with fire, which represents the Holy Ghost.

John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: Luke 3:16

When Jesus said: “Ye must be born again.” Telling us that we must be reborn to a new identity as spirit. He was speaking of the holy Spirit, the Spirit of God the Father that dwell in us.

And when Paul said, now that we know that the Spirit of God dwell in us, we should not grieve the Spirit by engaging in anything that is unacceptable to the will of God. He also was speaking about the holy Spirit.

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Eph. 4:29-30

Jesus declared that God is a Spirit and He said we that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and truth. In other words the two requirements to worship the Father are, we must accept His holy Spirit and we must know the truth.

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. John 4:23-24

But how do we know the truth?

Jesus said, those of us that heed His word shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free.

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:31-32

When Jesus was about to leave this earth He promised us His disciples a Comforter which the Father would send and which will teach us all things. This is the Holy Ghost.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:26

It’s important to note that the Holy Ghost is “the Spirit the truth” which He also said would guide us to all truth. In other words it’s through the Holy Ghost that we receive the truth.

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. John 16:13-14

This now answers the question:

How do we trespass against the Holy Ghost?

Obviously if we do not know the truth, we will trespass against “the Spirit of truth” which is the Holy Ghost in a million ways.

 

[x141]

The apple is an interesting type. It's only used eight times in the OT, and likened to the pupil of the eye (third of the three visible parts), as well as to the fruit of the womb, all connected to the one who is in the midst in relationship to what/whom it is speaking to. For the woman/feminine/soul (the tree that God commanded them not to eat of), was the one that was in the midst of the garden.

I am more inclined to use the word forbidden in relationship to the commandment given.

Lev_5:17 And if a soul sin, and commit any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the LORD; though he wist it not, yet is he guilty, and shall bear his iniquity.

But I see this same apple thing in a variety of ways, happening in relationship to the people of a congregation and the ministry of that congregation as they wander after truth outside of themselves. One must remember that which looks pleasant to the eyes, is often not the truth.

 

[TRWord]

Most of us if we were interested in seeing the playoffs and we were told that there were few tickets left. This would inspire us to act with some degree of urgency to make sure that we acquired one of the few tickets that were left.

Jesus said: “strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it,” but this statement has hardly inspired any sense of urgency in most of us.

Most of us justify this lackadaisical attitude, telling ourselves that this statement was made to the world at large and therefore Christians are the few that Jesus is speaking of.

But the true reason for this attitude is our ability to ignore what’s written, especially the word of our Lord Jesus Christ, and still be convinced that we are His.

Why? because “being a Christian” is no longer seen as “being a disciple of Jesus Christ.”

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. Acts 11:26

The idea of a forbidden fruit is the most glaring example of this ability to ignore what is written, and it is at the heart of all our religious misconceptions and misunderstandings.

It’s written:

And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Gen. 2:16-17

Jesus used the parable of a man traveling into a far country (Matt 25:14-30) to teach us how the servant’s image of his master determine his relationship with his master. Jesus illustrated the difference in the relationship between the servant who knew his master as a hard man and the other two servants who had a different image of him.

Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strowed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. Matt. 25:24-25

There is no greater example of this than how believing that God forbade Adam has affected our relationship with our Father.

Believing that God forbade Adam has given us a “do as I say, or else” image of the Father. As a result our relation with Him is one of rules that we must obey or be punished. We believe that God was just testing Adam’s obedience.

It has also blinded us to the fact that “the knowledge of good and evil,” is the cause of our downfall, and that God commanded Adam against it because it’s a violation of the truth, a transgression against the Spirit of truth which is the Holy Ghost. And the reason why Adam’s transgression leads to death.

Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. Matt. 12:31-32

 

[TRWord]

It’s important that we understand that the word Christian did not exist when Jesus walked the earth. The disciples of Jesus Christ were called Christians years later.

According to the word of the Lord, His message cannot be received except through discipleship.

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:31-32

It’s crucial that we recognize the steadfast, no nonsense commitment that discipleship requires, and realize that few of us meet this requirement.

Then the disciples were called Christians but today a Christian need not be a disciple.

If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:26-27

What is Jesus saying here?

Except we are willing to give up our father and mother, our wife and children, our brother and sisters, and even our own life if necessary, we cannot be His disciple. And we must bear our own cross which means we must face whatever sacrifices, hardships, and even death if necessary to be His disciple.

All of us in the church have been called by the Father and have been given the opportunity to receive the message.

Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:43-44

But Jesus also used two parables: The man who went out early in the morning to hire laborers: Matt 20: 1-16, And the king who made a marriage for his son: Matt 22:1-14, To tell us that many are called but few are chosen.

For many are called, but few are chosen. Matt. 22:14

Who are these chosen few?

Jesus also said: To many who call Him Lord He will profess that He never knew them.

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matt. 7:22-23

The church today is filled with religious misconceptions due to our refusal to accept the absolute need for discipleship.

And highlighting this fact is seen as trouble making and criticizing the church.

Christ in His message to the churches Revelation Chapters 2 & 3 said:

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Rev. 3:19

Throughout this message He kept saying: He that hath an ear, let him hear, because many in the church are refusing to answer His call.

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Rev. 3:20

Remember this message is given to the churches which means that many in the church have not overcome the things that Jesus said He hated.

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Rev. 3:21-22

 

[Gregory Thompson]

Here we are over two thousand years later, and the vast majority of us still believe like the ancient Hebrews, that we need to present ourselves as sinless before God.

perhaps "him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy" (Jude 1:24) is not the one being trusted?

 

[TRWord]

I accepted Jesus as my personal saviour at age 15. And for the next 15 years I believed that Jesus had died on the cross in my place so that my sins may be forgiven.
This was my understanding. I believed that this was what “being born again” meant and I interpreted the scriptures through this understanding.

At thirty I decided to seriously study the Bible.

John 3:16 was always my favorite verse, but then to my utter surprise I discovered I had never interpreted it correctly. I had not perceived what it said: that “those of us who believe in Him” will have everlasting life.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

How do we believe in Him? Is believing that He had died in my place the same as believing in Him?

Not only did the scripture clearly indicate that believing in Him was believing “WHAT HE SAID” but I also discovered that He had emphasized the importance that we know “the truth.”

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:31-32

What is “this truth” and what shall it free us from?

Obviously since I didn’t know “this truth,” I realized that I certainly was not free from whatever it freed us from.

I had always been aware that there was a great deal of difference between the disciples of the book of Acts and my Christian experience.

Then I discovered the missing ingredient.... “LOVE.”

It slowly became clear that Jesus came to teach us “to love” so that we can be the children of our Father which is in heaven.

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. Matt. 5:44-45

But how do we love persons who have wronged us in this way. It seemed so difficult at first, then I realized it is difficult, because we haven’t forgiven them, which explained why JESUS SAID we should forgive seventy times seven.

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Matt. 18:21-22

Clearly there is a direct connection between love and forgiveness, there cannot be one without the other, which means if our Father loves us, He has also forgiveness us.

To confirm this JESUS SAID: All our sins will be forgiven: All but one.

Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. Matt. 12:31

In addition Paul is explaining here, when we receive the spirit which is of God we come to know the things that are freely given to us of God; “His love and forgiveness.”

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. 2:12

Knowing “the truth” sets us free from seeking “our Father’s forgiveness,” which is freely given, allowing us to seek the true reason for Christ’s sacrifice, “which leads us to life.”

 

[x141]

Truth, Love, and God are synonymous. You cannot not become intimate with truth without becoming it.

John 5:26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;

 

[TRWord]

The belief that Jesus died in our place has led us to the idea of Jesus Christ as our personal saviour.

But Jesus did not die for your sin or my sin. He died for the sins of all mankind for eternity, and until we recognize this, we are not of the new covenant and we have not yet been delivered from sin.

For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Matt. 26:28

Christ has obtained eternal redemption for all of mankind, and when we realize this then we are delivered from sin.

For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. 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. Heb. 8:12-13

Jesus said:

And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Matt. 20:27-28

Here Jesus is explaining the terms of our redemption, that there is no greater or lesser.

And when HE said: that we should love our enemies.

That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. Matt. 5:44-45

He was explaining that there is no longer the just and the unjust, we are all the same in the eyes of the Father.

As confirmed here by Peter the Apostle:

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: Acts 10:34

We have been delivered from sin, so that we may find the way to life, but if we continue believing that salvation is having our sins forgiven, we remain under the old covenant, frustrating the grace of God, and Christ has died in vain.

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. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. Gal. 2:21

The Father gave His Son, first to deliver us from sin, and then to lead us to life.

This requires that we follow Him, but most of us will not, we ignore His commandment; that we take up our cross and follow Him, and His forewarning; that few of us will find the way to life.

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matt. 7:13-14

We delude ourselves, that we Christians are the few that will find the way to life, again ignoring His forewarning; that few of us who have been called will be chosen.

For many are called, but few are chosen. Matt. 22:14

It’s the few that heed His forewarning and commit themselves to finding the way to life whose names will be written in the Lamb's book of life.

And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. Rev. 21:27

 

[TRWord]

Very recently a member of this forum asked: What exactly is blasphemy of the Holy Ghost.

Jesus said: All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but blasphemy of the Holy Ghost will not be forgiven.

Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. Matt. 12:31-32

So obviously we should all be fervently seeking the answer to this question.

It’s the will of the Father that none should perish, so He gave His Son to deliver us from sin, but nonetheless many of us will perish, Why? because of “a violation” which cannot be corrected by His forgiveness.

But how do we blaspheme against the Holy Ghost? Do we have to literally speak against the Holy Ghost?

Jesus taught first, that the Comforter is “the Spirit of truth” which cannot be received by the world.

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. John 14:16-17

He continued teaching that the Comforter is the Holy Ghost which tells us that “the Spirit of truth” is also the Holy Ghost.

These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:25-26

Adam brought sin and death into the world and we all have inherited Adam’s sin.

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Rom. 5:12

Adam disobeyed the Father and believed a lie and therefore “the Spirit of truth” which is the Holy Ghost could no longer dwell in him.

We all inherited this belief and therefore we are all in violation of the truth and the only way to salvation is, believing the truth.

But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 2 Thess. 2:13

We blaspheme the Holy Ghost when we violate the truth. When we are deceived or believe a lie, we cannot receive “the Spirit of truth” which is the Holy Ghost, and consequently we cannot receive the gift of life.

As another member of this forum said:

Truth, Love, and God are synonymous. You cannot not become intimate with truth without becoming it.

John 5:26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;

 

[TRWord]

In His message to the churches (Revelations Chapters 2 & 3) Jesus spoke of something that we must overcome if we are to receive the gift of life.

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Rev. 2:7

Again He’s speaking of something we must overcome to avoid the second death.

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. Rev. 2:11

It’s written:

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Prov. 3:5

But this has been the problem from the very beginning; our inability to trust the word of God.

Our natural impulse to yield to our own understanding, and disbelieve the word of God, is how we are deceived, and is what Jesus is speaking about in His message to the churches.

Beginning with Adam who stood at a cross road which is represented by the two trees in the midst of the garden. He could trust the word of God which led to life or trust his own understanding which led to sin and death.

God forewarned Adam not to partake of the knowledge of good and evil because the fruit or consequence of that knowledge is death. But he yielded to temptation anyway and came to know good and evil.

For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. Gen. 3:5

Through Adam we all came to know good and evil, and the consequence is, we are separated from the Father and blinded to the way to life.

So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. Gen. 3:24

The scripture says: From the beginning God has chosen His elect to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: In other words it’s by the Spirit, and the belief of the truth, that we are saved.

Paul explained “the way to salvation” saying that after we have heard the word of truth, and after we have believed, we are sealed by the holy Spirit that was promised. Again it’s by the Spirit and the belief of the truth.

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. Eph. 1:13-14

However the following prayer or something similar is commonly used as “the way to salvation.”

Dear God in heaven, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I acknowledge to You that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for my sins and the life that I have lived; I need your forgiveness.

I believe that your only begotten Son Jesus Christ shed His precious blood on the cross at Calvary and died for my sins, and I am now willing to turn from my sin.

You said in Your Holy Word, Romans 10:9 that if we confess the Lord our God and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we shall be saved.

Right now I confess Jesus as the Lord of my soul. With my heart, I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. This very moment I accept Jesus Christ as my own personal Savior and according to His Word, right now I am saved.

Clearly the belief that “the way to salvation” is having our sins forgiven was not derived from the word of God, but from yielding to our own understanding, which Jesus said we must overcome if we are to receive the gift of life and avoid the second death.

 

[Norah63]

We become what we behold.
Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.
Dove's eye on Christ, no view of sin.

 

[TRWord]

At age 15 a young pastor visited our church and delivered a fire and brimstone sermon that terrified me. I dared not leave the building still in sin that night, so I answered the altar call, accepted Jesus Christ as my personal saviour and then I spent the next 15 years in the fear of hell and at war with sin.

It’s written:

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. Prov. 9:10

Most of us begin our walk with Christ through the fear of hell, but we should not remain in this state, we are suppose to grow in the knowledge of God.

But as Paul said, many of us who should be teachers by now, are still in need of teaching because we are not growing in knowledge. We are like babies still needing milk instead of strong meat.

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. Heb. 5:12

Jesus said: “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

And during those early years I believed that I was “born again” because I had accepted Jesus as my saviour.

Being born again, or “being born of the spirit” is the foundation of our faith, it’s absolutely necessary, but unlike Nicodemus many of us are unaware that we do not understand what Jesus is saying here.

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. John 3:5-6

Jesus is explaining that we are “born of the Spirit” or “born again” when we accept through faith that the Spirit of God dwell in us. Then we are no longer of the flesh but of the spirit.

To confirm this, Paul said that we are in the spirit if the Spirit of God dwell in us.

So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 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. Rom. 8:8-9

Without the spirit we can be religious, but we cannot be spiritual.

In our natural state we cannot receive the things of the Spirit of God because they are spiritually discerned.

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Cor. 2:14

Without the spirit we interpret the scripture by the letter or at face value and therefore we are unable to receive the message because it’s the spirit that interprets the message.

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 2 Cor. 3:5-6

Without the spirit we are what Paul called unskilful in the word of righteousness, we therefore are unable to grow in the knowledge of God.

For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Heb. 5:13-14

Ye “MUST” be born again: cannot be over emphasized. If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

test everything. too much of what is posted on the internet, actually anywhere and everywhere, is inaccurate, on purpose or otherwise.....

If the book of Job is not a parable then you’ll have to be comfortable with the idea of God wagering with Satan.
....
A conversation between God and Satan defies the truth.

It is Written.

".... defies the truth" is simply false.
Yhwh can wager anything with anyone He decides to.
He speaks with satan and with whomever else He chooses to.
It is written, and there is no reason to doubt Yhwh's Word, nor to think Job is a parable.

......
The power the beast has over the saints is most of us don’t know who or what he is are therefore we are serving him without knowing it.

the power the enemy gets over the saints is permission to persecute and execute them.

the believers following Y'shua, immersed in Him, do not serve the enemy willingly
- the enemy deception of believers is not the power over them - from this they have a way of freedom in Y'shua HaMashiach(Jesus).

the ones who don't know the truth from the lie, who remain deceived and not set free, are not saints.

....
As Jesus said: Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: Matt. 19:17
That is the understanding of the old testament, but Jesus said that our understanding of this term must exceed that of the scribes and the Pharisee if we are to enter the kingdom of God......

Perhaps I just mis-read this or didn't see clarification later,
but as it is written
He didn't say understanding of this term would help anyone.
He said "RIGHTEOUSNESS", not understanding, must exceed.....

..
..
and, later, for research for those seeking truth, try to find anywhere in Hebrew Scripture or Greek Scripture that "set apart" is used as a NAME.

 

[x141]

He didn't say understanding of this term would help anyone.
He said "RIGHTEOUSNESS", not understanding, must exceed.....

How can you separate righteousness from understanding?

 

[x141]

Clearly the belief that “the way to salvation” is having our sins forgiven was not derived from the word of God, but from yielding to our own understanding, which Jesus said we must overcome if we are to receive the gift of life and avoid the second death.

Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

How or why would you put the 2 together ?

Righteousness being pure and holy(set-apart) to Yhwh, being clothed with the Righteousness of Christ to stand in Yhwh's Presence...

Understanding (used here) meaning the mental exercise of getting the meaning of a term in some language and context.

How can you separate righteousness from understanding?

 

[x141]

How or why would you put the 2 together ?

Righteousness being pure and holy(set-apart) to Yhwh, being clothed with the Righteousness of Christ to stand in Yhwh's Presence...

Understanding (used here) meaning the mental exercise of getting the meaning of a term in some language and context.

If you don't know what it is what good is it to you.

As an add on ...

We must understand that Jesus did away with religion or man's perception of coming to God, which in scripture is in picture form a serpent.

The knowledge of God is past finding out which the cross in one of its many facets is a symbol of, which is where you begin to understand the knowledge freely given from the beginning concerning self.

Those who reason with God become clean.

 

[TRWord]

It is written, and there is no reason to doubt Yhwh's Word, nor to think Job is a parable.

The book of Job is a parable because the scripture said it is.

Moreover Job continued his parable, and said, As God liveth, who hath taken away my judgment; and the Almighty, who hath vexed my soul; All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils; My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit. Job 27:1-4

You’ll also note that we are being told that we need an interpreter which also confirms that it’s a parable and that we should not interpret it by the letter or at face value.

If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show unto man his uprightness: Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom. Job 33:23-24

the ones who don't know the truth from the lie, who remain deceived and not set free, are not saints.

The ones who know the truth from the lie and who are not deceived are those whose names are in the Lambs book of life.

It’s written:

For many are called, but few are chosen. Matt. 22:14

The scripture is making a clear distinction between the many who are called, “all believers or the saints,” and the few who are chosen “those whose names are in the Lambs book of life.”

And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Rev. 13:7-8

Here Paul is describing the chosen, you’ll note he saying that they are chosen through sanctification of the Spirit and “belief of the truth.”

But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 2 Thess. 2:13

Understanding (used here) meaning the mental exercise of getting the meaning of a term in some language and context.

Understanding is the knowledge of God or righteousness.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. Prov. 9:10

 

[TRWord]

In His conversation with the woman of Samaria, (John 4:7-29) Jesus is emphasizing the importance of knowing God and the correct way to worship Him.

The woman of Samaria believed that the place of worship was important, a misconception that many hold to this day.

The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. John 4:19-20

Jesus explained that where we worship wasn’t important but knowing “what” we worship was.

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. John 4:21-22

You’ll note that Paul is saying the same thing to the men of Athens.

Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. Acts 17:22-23

Like the woman of Samaria and the men of Athens, many of us have our own ideas of how we should worship God.

“Give me that old time religion,” many of us say; believing that our religious doctrine and traditions are the right way to worship. But Jesus has warned, we worship in vain, if we worship this way.

Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. Mark 7:7-8

Keeping in mind what He said to the woman: “Ye worship ye know not what: we know “what” we worship:”

Jesus has left absolutely no room for misunderstanding here as to “what” we worship and how we must worship.

He said: God is a Spirit: In other words we worship a Spirit.

And HE said: We “MUST” worship Him in spirit and in truth emphasizing that we “MUST” receive the spirit and the knowledge of the truth to worship Him.

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. John 4:23-24