The Testimony

by Jannie

Meditate God’s Testimony (1 Jn 5:11)

Prologue

A quote from Bertrand Russell states, “Many people would die rather than think – in fact, they do so.”

Arthur Koestler observed “The mind likes a strange idea as little as the body likes a strange protein and resists it with similar energy. If we watch ourselves honestly, we shall often find that we have begun to argue against a new idea even before it has been completely stated.”

Voltaire said, “It is difficult to free fools from the chains they revere.”

Ponder then, the possibility of a purpose of life as to not die; and therefore, to obtain eternal, and even more so, – everlasting – life.  Contemplate 1 Thess 5:23 with even just Jn 11:26. Rom 8:19-20 (Eccl 1:2) seems to hint at an impurity, an imperfection that crept in via man’s vain attempts in self-righteousness (Rom 5:12) and that ultimately this deplorable, wicked state and untold miseries of what man brought onto the creation of God, due to our sin and rebellion against Love (God), will finally be delivered by Jesus’ second coming. This can raise our expectation, having received the first fruits of Holy Spirit (Rom 8:10-14; Heb 2:8-10). What we currently observe is hope rather than comfort. Is this how it was meant to be? Let’s examine this, shall we?

However, before considering the faith aspect and what God intended for us in terms of longevity [eternal, everlasting life], do a thorough research on the food industry with its sinister and reckless treatment of food and beverages that we buy in stores, often even in so-called “health stores”. We are basically poisoning ourselves with sugar, pesticides, preservatives, colorants, wrong diets, etc., at the very least removing nutritional value of food with bleach and what not, and then wonder why we seldom get older than one hundred years. We choose to ignore and even discard unhealthy habits, ultraviolet from the sun and such factors while being completely oblivious to the devastating effect of what the money-making industries cause us to suffer from. In other words, we refuse to take responsibility for our poor habits and ignorance and then seek reasons to blame God for our poor and failing health. This is ludicrous. But, if we set the obvious and natural effects [to be expected] of toxins, poisons and wrong diet aside, i.e., our self-destruction, we will find that what God promises in His Word, The Bible is quite clear. So, let’s ponder God’s Word, shall we?

Hear the Apostle Paul’s statement in Acts 28:25c-27…

“… The Holy Spirit was right in saying through Isaiah the prophet to your forefathers: Go to this people and say to them, you will indeed hear with your ears but will not understand, and you will indeed look with your eyes but will not see [not perceive, have knowledge of or become acquainted with what you look at, at all].  For the heart [understanding of the self-centred soul] of this people has grown dull (stupid, hardened, and calloused), and their ears are heavy and hard of hearing and they have shut their eyes, so that they may not perceive and have knowledge and become acquainted with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their souls and turn [to Me and be converted], that I may heal them “  (Is 6:9-10).

Take also special note here, that God is Love and will not manipulate you by removing your ability to choose (1 Jn 4:8; Jm 1:13-18); and that God has been greatly misrepresented by wrong religious dogma on this point.  (Refer to meditations such as “The will of God” and “The Gospel” on www.gospel-truth.co.za).

Would it not be a stupendous tragic oversight if we discover one day that our abbreviated lives were simply due to something like a faulty [damaged] telomere and our lack of faith in the actual full Gospel of Jesus Christ?

So then, first, we have to grasp and apply the following great truth:

There is not one but are at least two parts in the requirement to believe!  There is a follow-through aspect about the saving faith the Bible is about that is not a mere intellectual cognisance of historical facts; but a living, a lifestyle, a following of the precepts [teaching] of Jesus Christ. Even Rom 10:9-10 says so, if you understand the context and what it means to “in your heart” believe… that Jesus overcame death for us…  You know of course that the devil also believes in Jesus Christ but is not saved (Jm 2:19)!  The Truth is clear – to accept facts as truth is a far cry from following a teaching [Person] in your thought-life habitually and continuously [in a NT] because He dwells in you as a Spirit, Jn 4:24; Jn 14:26; Rom 8:14…

A friendly and humble warning:  careful with big claims such as “I fully understand” and “fully believe”… (1 Cor 8:2?) Please be careful to be too right-minded to take the words of Jesus Christ literally. We are more than 2 000 years A.D. and have to start waking up to the fact that we (“Christians”) are missing something radical!  Jesus must have provided more than what we are seeing today [since] as “Christians”.  Careful thus, with big and hasty claims such as “I fully understand” and “fully believe”… even claims to being “right-minded” while not believing Jesus Christ fully and unconditionally for what He said in Mt 19:26; Mk 9:23 and Lk 1:37 with Heb 11:6!  Even Gen 18:14 and Jer 32:17.  (Note Lk 18:27-30 and 34!)  Let us remain calm, open and honest and look at this carefully.

Note at Jm 2:14-26.  This is not proposing works but results.  It is saying that self-righteousness [law] apposes grace and mercy and that a thought life based on the teachings of Jesus Christ will show results (Mk 16:17-20; 1 Cor 15:26).  Not dogma of man opposing the teaching of Jesus (the same principle as in Mk 7:13; 12:24; Mt 15:6-9 where – in context – men tried to twist a law and so hypocritically tried to hide behind it as if their hands were tied).

 Note at 1 Jn 2:4.  Merely claiming to be a Christian whilst not following the teaching of Jesus Christ, is to be a liar who has not the Truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ in them. Note also, Rev 21:8 concerning such liars. (Also1 Jn 2:22, 2 Jn 1:7; Jm 2:14-26).

Note at Gal 4:1.  It is entirely possible that we completely and miserably misunderstand [in ignorance] our authority we are supposed to exercise in [Jesus] Christ, with “the date fixed” by Father (v.2) pointing very possibly to Heb 2:8; Eph 3:20-21; 4:12-20; Heb 10:13 with 1 Cor 2:9; 15:26; and Jn 11:26 – even Jn 19:30 (Heb 9:26)!!!…  So, why has Jesus Christ not returned yet?  We’ll examine this as we progress through this meditation.

Note at Gen 3:4. Note that (a) the serpent (devil) Eve was talking to was more subtle [cunning in a bad sense, crafty to cast doubt on God, verse 1 with 2 Cor 11:3], than all the beasts in the garden; (b) the context is that God said they will surely die – if they eat from the tree of good and evil, blessing and calamity ( self-righteousness, later illustrated with The Law, 2 Cor 3:6; Gal 2:19-21; as discussed in meditations such as  “The Covenant and the Law”, “Mixing Old and New”, and so on), and that the serpent then said this, what God had said about self-righteousness that kills and God that gives Life everlasting, is not so!  Refer to Rom 8:2 (Gen 2:7; Jn 10:10) and study this meditation openly and honestly in its entirety to its end to see that sceptics misquote Satan here and play into the devil’s hand!  Gen 2:9 and 3:24 will show that the Tree of Life (Jn 5:40; 6:47-58; Rev 2:7; 22:2,14,19) is Jesus Christ and that God actually wills for us to live and keep on living – in Christ.  The devil wants us dead.  The devil obviously wants to postpone the return of Jesus Christ [keep humans ignorant on God’s perfect, perceived will] because that will be Satan’s final and eternal demise.  Jesus is waiting for us (Heb 10:13) to demonstrate our authority He overpaid for in Jesus Christ and we should [be able to] demonstrate our sonship – 1 Cor 15:45-55,26 (Jn 1:12; Rom 8:17; Heb 2:8.  Note that Jesus’ suffering referred to in Rom 8:17 was probably the suffering caused by the stubborn religious mindsets as in Jn 15:18-27, and so to also have to die on a cross on behalf of us paying so for the sin of all mankind – still in unbelief [partial belief])!  The immortality we are talking about here (2 Tim 1:10-14), is to simply believe [Jesus, Jn 11:26; know Him better – observe Gen 4:1] to be able to live just as you are able to die – until Jesus returns after which we will receive a “glorified body” that cannot die at all from then on – 1 Thess 5:23.  We are not supposed to ‘go to heaven [to be with God, even Dt 30:11-19]’ – He came to us (even 2 Tim 1:14; Jn 14:23)! Therefore, currently, we should live not die, when in Christ and He dwells [remain] in us (Rom 8:11)!!!  Not?  Are you saying God wants your body dead? Contemplate 1 Jn 3:15 (Jn 1:4; 10:10; 11:26; and the rest of this meditation)!!  Let’s READ and CONSIDER the Scriptures given here and talk with God about it.  Let’s open up our hearts (Jn 4:24).  Start with a grasping of Rom 10:1-2; Tit 1:16; 1 Jn 2:4; Eph 3:19-21; Jn 16:9…

So, what is the actual gospel [good news] of Jesus Christ; that He was the anointed One [the Messiah]?  Is this the full gospel of Jesus Christ?  If you think so, carefully contemplate Jn 8:30-51 and note the religious leaders and scribe’s answer to Jesus in verse 52!

We read in The Bible twice where God [Jesus of Jn 1:1-5; Col 1;16-17],  marvelled.  We must try to grasp how astonishing noteworthy something must be for Jesus to marvel about it!  Once was in Mk 6:6 about the unbelief in Him (Jn 16:9) among the people in His hometown Nazareth, who resisted Him healing them.  But, as the popular saying goes, there must be more!… To be set free by Jesus only is a crucial knowledge (Rom 8:2!).  Observe that the Jews, who believed that Jesus was the Messiah, did not accept the [further, actual] good news [Full Gospel] of Jesus Christ!  Study Jn 8:30-59 carefully. It is hoped that the significance of Jn 8:42-45, 51,52-59 (Rom 10:1-2; Heb 6:1-5) will become clearer further on in this meditation. We hope to grasp that Jesus was talking about a certain [specific] unbelief of a people that saw the Red Sea part (Ex 14:19-31; but note Acts 7:36-60 and Heb 11:29), and that they were fed [could be kept alive] with supernatural bread (Jn 6:32-36,48-50).  The unbelief Jesus marvelled about was very possibly their unbelief [short burst] that failed to get beyond Jn 11:25 to verse 26… Do read on.

The other time we read of where Jesus marvelled, was at the faith of the centurion that placed total trust in Jesus and apparently understood more of Jesus and authority in Him, than any other that Jesus had seen!  (Mt 8:5-13; Lk 7:1-10).  Imagine a faith more than that of Adam, Seth, Abraham, David…  even Enoch!! It is obvious that we yet seem to fail to grasp the full and accurate knowledge of Jesus Christ and His Gospel and what Jn 8:32, 36 in fact implies.  We fall short of the mark (Jn 3:16; 11:26; Rom 3:23;1 Thess 5:23)!!!

So, let’s try again, shall we?

Carefully contemplate 2 Cor 2:14-17.  Note that we (Jn 17:15-20) are to be the sweet fragrance of Christ unto God (!!!) And, in 1 Jn 4:17, “… as He is, so are we in this world.”  In 2 Cor 2:17 Paul says “For we are not, like so many, [like hucksters, making a trade of] peddling God’s Word [shortchanging and adulterating the divine message]…” Observe here that the Good News [Gospel of Jesus Christ] is not that we can go to heaven and to hell with the rest (be and remain self-centered)! No, Jesus’ Blood and death on His cross was the most unselfish deed in history (Phil 2:4-8; Jn 10:11,17-18); and if we follow Him (Mt 16:24; Lk 9:23; Jn 10:27; 12:26) can we be transformed and live [abide in and be restored and equipped to] a lasting life of unselfish and perfect love (as in 1 Cor 13) – on earth.

If you think that we fully grasp what was being said here, just bear with this author, and let’s honestly investigate this possibility a little more, shall we?

Note at John 10:10.  The word abundantly here, is from περισσός (G4053, perissos), and is from G4012 in the sense of beyond, superabundant in quantity, superior in quality and so by implication excessive, beyond measure and more than what is just necessary.

In this meditation, this author challenges those who so readily recite phrases such as “There must be more”, “I unconditionally believe”, “I don’t need deeper knowledge for I just love Jesus” (am going to heaven?), and especially who ask the big question, “Why has Jesus not returned yet?” If Mt 28:19 is the criteria and we consider that Jesus has probably already been introduced to all nations, the deduction must be that our message [own lives] fall short and is not yet the full message and so we have made mostly proselytes not true disciples (Mt 23:13,15).

The following lines of thought will be covered and closer examined in this meditation:

  • Jesus is the Author and finisher of our faith.
  • Jesus is the A and Ω, the start and finish; the designer of us and our faith.  God designed [willed] us to live, not die. Death comes from the enemy (even self that eats from that tree), not God (Jn 8:44).
  • What the first Adam lost, the last and second Adam, Jesus Christ (1 Cor 15:45), has made restoration and availability for in abundance.  It is what He has done [provided] for us, not what we [can] do on our own and in our feeble minds [flesh; Rom 8:6-8], other than to believe Him [accept it, take it, cling to it].  We underestimate Scriptures such as Rom 12:9; Heb 11:6; Jn 3:16-21; 11;26.
  • God is Love.  He is able to, inside of us, maintain life (Rom 8:11). His NT Light is Lasting Life (Jn 1:4; Col 1:10-20; and note verse 14 with Rom 5:12 and 8:2).  Our flesh [mind] limits us, not God [Spirit].
  • Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the proof of things not seen [yet].  Selah
  • We are supposed to live by faith; and God has no delight in those that draw back (Heb 10:38; Lk 9:62).
  • Jesus can be taken literally and His Words can be believed unconditionally.
  • What is [sounds] impossible to man, is possible to God.
  • Everything we can possibly need is already supplied in the spiritual realm by and through Jesus Christ (Eph 1:3; Rev 16:17 after which John penned Jn 19:30).  There is no other way (Heb 2:8-17).
  • Consider how and when God made all things new (Rev 21:5; 2 Cor 5:17; Heb 8:13; 9:8).
  • We are supposed to be more than conquerors (Rom 8:37; 1 Jn 5:4,10-11).
  • The last enemy to overcome is death.
  • Now, contemplate the above with Heb 10:13 carefully. Note the principle in Is 5:18-21 and Hos 4:4-11; and then please read this meditation in its entirety…

By the way, Rom 8:6 (Ampl) speaks about the mind of the flesh that is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit that results in death both here and hereafter. It sounds therefore if unrepentant sinners cannot expect the eternal existence equal [in time] to those who are saved as per Jn 3:16. This idea is expanded on in the meditation “Hell”.

It is therefore sobering to contemplate Heb 5, especially verse 13 through Heb 6:3. Consider it? The writer of Hebrews admonishes us [too] to get past mere infant stuff such as laying on of hands, resurrecting the dead, and eternal judgement…  we are to have already moved on to advanced teachings that goes on to mention Melchizedek in chapter seven.  Note Heb 7:12-16 (Ps 110:4); 8:13; 9:8 (for those stuck in the old not willing to believe Jesus for a NT beyond our mindsets predisposed by carnal senses).  This continues to Heb 9:11-14 and then verses 27-28, discussed further on under the heading “Discussion” (d) on p.9. We will read that Jesus died so that we can live; just as we have been healed by His stripes (Is 53:5-6; 1 Pet 2:24)!…

Take special note of 1 Cor 15:50 (with Gal 6:7-8) and then 1 Cor 15:51 (Ampl) that states: “…Take notice! I tell you a mystery (a secret truth, an event decreed by the hidden purpose or counsel of God). We shall not all fall asleep [in death]…” And then with it, the “(d) Note at Heb 9:27” further on in this meditation.
So, let’s at least consider this, shall we?

Introduction

So, you are waiting on Jesus [God to act]? Just say that He is actually waiting on us instead (Heb 10:13)?!

Consider a few basic facts – and get them right (this is for the so-called and self-proclaimed right-minded):

God is Love (non-manipulative) is Life.  God [Jesus Christ] is the Source of LIFE[1]. (Jn 1:1-4; 10:10).

God is not the source of death/does not cause death – Jn 8:44; 10:10; Rom 5:12; 8:2,6,11,13 (Is 5:18-21); Mk 3:4; Lk 6:9; Heb 2:14-15; 1 Jn 3:24; Jesus is not the angel of death (Mt 4:16-17; 13:39; 24:31; Lk 16:22; Rev 9:11; 1 Cor 5:5; and perhaps we should take care here to still not hear Jesus’ Words!  Please read this meditation till the end and then come back to these scriptures with those in mind such as Ps 118:8; Acts 5:29; Mt 13:11-17-23; 19:26)!  Followers of Jesus Christ should overcome death [show victory, avoid death] – 1 Cor 15:26; Phil 4:13…  Is this not why you instinctively seek medical help and treatments and your body fights disease?…  And to what extent?  Let’s think about this, shall we?…

Note at 2 Sam 14:14.  Part b is clear: God “takes” no life! Part a refers to verses 2-3and 9 and the rest of chapter 14.  The statement “We must all die” (v 14a) was an admission of guilt, not a rule of God, for even this same woman from Tekoah recognizes [qualifies] that God “takes” no life in part b of her statement.  Consider also Ps 6:5; 13:3; 30:5; 33:19; 37:24-29; 56:13; 102:20-22; 118:8,17,18;119:116,144,175;  Prov 10:2,3,16,28-30; 11:19; 12:17,28; 13:14; 14:14-15,27; 16:5,18,25; 17:15; 18:21; 19:2; 21:6; and so on…  We’ll discuss this (also the possible idea in Jer 17:8-10) further as we progress during this brief discussion.

God [Jesus] is ever-lasting Life.  He wants us to live forever and have a lasting, permanent relationship with Him. He made you a spirit, with a soul in a body, if you’re spirit is re-born (1 Thess 5:23).  Those who have lost their bodies will get new, everlasting, incorruptible ones when He returns.  Why?  Do you know that God does not take any lives (Jn 10:10; Mt 10:8)?  God wants us [only] healthy, prosperous, happy and alive and well on earth; the devil wants us ignorant, sick and dead (1 Jn 4:9; Heb 2:9-14; Acts 10:38)!  Most of us eat completely wrong (uninformed and ignorant to how our food is produced and preserved and distributed to grocery stores and butchers), and so effectively poison our own bodies with “poisoned” and modified food, then falsely declare it is “our time” when we get illnesses such as digestive problems, organ failures or cancer!  It’s high time we get even our basic facts right!  Please be careful with ideas on who are right-minded!…  Try Isaiah 5:18-21!…

Note at 1 Cor 5:5.  The context correlates to after-life (Jn 11:25) and the fact that the body can die while the spirit is saved.  The dying [losing] of the body in this case seems in this scripture to be a form of “punishment” but actually serves here as a saving grace for the person who apparently kept on heeding fleshly desires [of his body] instead of living a truly re-born Christian’s life[style] – 1 Cor 6:15-20.  It was best for him to lose his body [die] and his spirit go to heaven and so remain saved than to remain [on earth] and become lost (Heb 6:4-12; 10:26-39)! God did not kill this man, God allowed this man to reap what he sowed (Gal 6:8; Rom 8:13)!!! Never forget though, that there is no requirement for  man to lose his body for his soul to be saved, our faith in the vicarious death of Jesus Christ for us at His cross at Golgotha and His resurrection, is what saves our soul (Rom 1:17; 10:9-10).  The man mentioned in 1 Cor 5:5 above was apparently venturing to what is mentioned in Heb 10:26-29 (1 Cor 6:15-20), and by the grace and mercy of God alone, could also he experience 2 Pet 3:9 (Jn 3:15-21).

We are TWO THOUSAND YEARS into the future of historical facts such as Jn 19:30; Rom 8:2,17 (Heb 9:16,17).  We are TWO THOUSAND YEARS into the future of them who saw results such as Acts 2:43; 5:14-42; 19:11-12; 26:18.  Remember now that they were in the same NT era as us, only starting (Acts 1:8-11; 2:1-4,16).  Now read on to Acts 2:35 and consider Heb 2:8; 10:13…  But let us slow down and walk through this calmly and carefully.  For now consider Jn 5:37-47; 6:43-68; 8:51-52; 11:25-26; 12:47-50…

Why do you suppose has Jesus not returned yet? (Heb 10:13; Acts 2:35; Col 2:13-15; Rom 8:11… 1 Cor 2:9 was referring to what Jesus Christ provided on His cross for us as followers of Him, such as 1 Pet 2:24).  What have you not seen yet? (Heb 2:8; 1 Cor 15:26; Rom 8:2).  What more can you do than Jesus Christ? (Jn 14:12-13; 1 Thess 5:23; Jn 11:26; 1 Jn 3:24).  Just say, that Jesus Christ, as the Word of God, gave a Testimony not preached by religious institutions and preachers who are building empires unto themselves? Just say He is waiting on us to be the salt and Light to the world as His city?  Perhaps we should reconsider the testimony of Jesus Christ, that clearly said He is Life, abundant LIFE – not abundant death, after-life, or abandoned life!…  Check Rom 10:1-11; 1 Jn 2:4-6.  For another starter, see that Heb 11:31- 40 implies a resurrected life better than the first (resurrected bodies, better off second time around – in a lasting life)!

This meditation challenge the traditional, somewhat powerless but certainly lesser concept of immortality; and specifically, when it [is meant to] commence.  This author believes the testimony of Jesus Christ is LIFE, life abundantly and ever-lasting in the plain straightforward sense that most “Christians” stubbornly refuse to even consider.  They keep on stuttering “but we have not seen it yet!”.  This is a self-declaration of unbelief (Heb 10:38; 11:1; Rom 10?)!  We should believe it (Jesus Christ, actually) first and then see it!

So please, this is not so hard to consume even intellectually.  Of course any one can [will] die if subject to lethal trauma (while not having received a glorified body, with Jesus’ return, yet).  This author is merely pointing out from Scripture and what Jesus and His disciples (at least some of them that we know of), seem to have clearly taught – that we should not die from any illness, for this would make no sense!  Why the teaching and reality to heal someone only to give up on health at a later stage?  You must bear in mind that Jesus [God] does – or provide – nothing inadequate or deficient!  So if you’re asking me why the people died that was healed by Jesus and His disciples, even those raised from the dead, I’d say probably because of unbelief (and other causes)!  God is not a manipulator and have left the ultimate choice up to us! To not jump the gun, let’s first contemplate a few more given facts from Scripture.  We’ll later get to this amazing matter of unbelief again and you might just find yourself liable to be utterly shocked!  So, please read this meditation in its entirety.  Don’t give up for it has to do with our spiritual authority and possibly Jesus’ return!

Consider the following seriously and carefully:

  • Immortality means what it says: continue to live.  Everlasting life is greater than [not the same as] after-life.  The distinction is that we will only receive our glorified bodies once Jesus has returned with the saints and they have received their [lost] bodies [back] – 1 Thess 4:13-18.  A body that lives with immortality [yet not glorified] can die; but can also live.  Note that it is nowhere stated by God that you must die [lose your body] when you are saved!  This is discussed further on in this meditation with Scripture references, and reference to misquotations by religious concepts.
  • The OT has fleeting, passing glories; while the NT is supposed to show lasting glories.
  • When do we expect to see immortality [start]? Carefully hear Jesus in Jn 5:37-47; 8:51;11:26.  If Jesus has made this provision [possible, Mt 17:20; 19:26; Jn 17:15-20] at His cross, we are in an incredible (!) ignorant calamitous juncture of unbelief (1 Jn 2:4) that have lasted 2 000 years because we have not been following [trusting] the gospel of Jesus Christ!  Is this why Jesus has not returned yet?
  • God is Life; sin of man brought death. Jesus paid for all sin once for all (Rom 5:12; Heb 10:9-14).  Do we really fully understand [grasp] Rom 8:2?  This will be discussed in this meditation.  Be open and be real.

Note at Mt 19:26; Lk 18:27.  We perhaps too superficially add Gen 18:14 and Jer 32:17 while blindly and obtusely skimming over 2 Cor 4:18; 5:7 (2 Cor 15:45); Heb 10:38; 11:1!   The context was a rich man that was self-righteous, claiming to have been following [grasping] the Law – according to himself – perfectly, despite Rom 3:20,28; Jn 14:6 (Jn 1:17; 9:28).  Jesus showed his lack of understanding by asking him to simply follow HIM [Jesus, 1 Jn 2:4].  This, the man thinking he has made provision for himself (Ps 24:1!), could not do because of a lack of trust [faith] in Jesus Christ as a Provider. This rich man [Jew] chose to rather rely on himself and that which the world-system has made him believe to trust in.  Observe here that his worldly view opposes that of God (Jn 14:9-12, 23-27; 15:18-23; Jm 4:4).  The point? The point is Jn 3:3 (Rom 8:2; 10:1-3)!!!  God’s definition of faith in Him (Jer 1:12; 29:11) is (a) an assurance [title deed] of things hoped for which is (b) proof of things we don’t see [yet, a spiritual realm, Truth, possibilities and intent of God Who designed us]. Noteworthy is that Jesus calls His followers, His disciples, His pupils.  If someone is your pupil (figuratively, the part of your eye that lets light in) he will see what you see (Dt 32:10 after 30:19; also Ps 17:8; Mt 16:24)..  So if God expects us to believe [trust Him and that His Words cannot be without power or fulfilment, Lk 1:37; Is 55:10-11] then who are we as mere men to argue this with God (Rom 3:3-4; Jm 4:4)??? Please bear with this author and let’s reconsider the immortal Words of Jesus Christ in Scriptures such as Jn 11:26.

Note at Mt 8:22.  Jesus said to one of His [pretending] disciples to follow Him [Jesus] and leave the dead (in sin) to bury their own!  Refer to verse 16-17 and Mt 10:7-28! Do we understand this correctly and fully?

 

His Testimony

The testimony of and from Jesus Christ by far surpasses those about Jesus Christ[2] (See Gal 1:1-12 Ampl).

This “almost-too-good-to be-true news” [euaggelion], is His testimony.  So what is this testimony of Jesus?  Read Gen 1:1-4 with Jn 1:1-4; 9:4,5,39.  Perhaps the church urgently needs to wake up to Jn 1:1-5; 12:42-50; 20:31!  God calls unbelief in [reasoning against] His Word, pride and tempting God. Furthermore, does God hate falsity [false teachings; play-acting] – see Rom 1:18;12:9 with 1 Cor 3:16,17 (Ps 119:104,128; Num 23:19; Rom 3:4; etc.)!

Jesus understands afterlife (Jn 11:25; it is His sacrifice that provides for us salvation!); yet Jesus says His good news is everlasting life (Jn 11:26)!!! The Amplified Bible states 1 Jn 3:24 as follows: “All who keep His commandments [who obey His orders and follows His plan (Jn 9:28!), live and continue to live, to stay and] abide in Him, and He in them (Rom 8:11; Jn 4:24) . [They let Christ be a home to them and they are the home of Christ.] And by this we know and understand and have the proof that He [really] lives and makes His home in us: by the [Holy] Spirit Whom He has given us (Jn 14:23-26; Rom 8:11)!… (Emphasis mine).  In other words, the living proof that Jesus lives [after His crucifix and ascension, is [will be] that we can continue to live with Him in us and we in Him – on earth!!!   But, God is not a manipulator and allows us to choose our outcome (Rom 8:13; 10:9-10; Jn 11:25-26; Gal 6:7-8!).   This is one reason why we have temporary arrangements by God’s grace and mercy alone of which one is called “heaven”! But sadly and shockingly, is this possibly why we “Christians” up to now (since Jn 19:30) has been unable [unsuccessful] to prove to the world that Jesus lives… and why Jesus has not returned yet!!!

Carefully consider again 1 Cor 15:51; 2 Cor 5:3; 1 Thess 4:13-17; 5:23 and please read on…

Attitudes and mindsets

Do we defend denominational doctrines, or our own personal theological ideas; even worse, allow our flesh [reasoning with carnal mindedness, Rom 8:6-9] to dictate to our minds what to find acceptable [to our minds] – despite what Jesus taught, because we keep on stuttering “but we don’t see it [yet]?  See 2 Cor 5:7; Heb 10:38; 11:1.  Or can we get ourselves so far as to really believe [choose, trust and follow/preach] Jesus Christ?  For Christians Jesus Christ is supposed to weigh more than dictates from our senses (sight).

In Mt 24:37 Jesus compared the people’s attitude with His 2nd coming to that in the days of Noah.  During those 120 years they all mocked and scoffed at Noah for talking about a required change of mind and a flood, probably scornfully asking “where/when have you ever seen so much rain, Noah?”  Today, “Christians” scoff at the literal Words Jesus Christ spoke about NT everlasting life, sticking to their lesser afterlife; they refuse point blank to hear Jesus Christ in Mk 7:13 and 12:24; Jn 11:26; 12:42-50.  Amazing!  Consider the meditation “Mixing Old and New” by the author – see that the old system had/has merely fleeting glories while the New Testament [with Christ DWELLING in believers/followers], offers a lasting glory!…

We all need to talk with Jesus Christ and hear His Voice, to hear what He has to say… and has said all along…  It is about giving [admitting, acknowledging] weight to His Words, more than those of men.  This includes you and I and all the clever theologians who still are men (Gal 1:1,11,12; 2:6; Acts 10:34,35).

Think about it this way:

  • Just say, that the writers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ were credible people that accurately recorded the Words [precepts, teachings] of Jesus Christ Himself
  • Just say, that Jesus Christ was able to use the correct words and articulate/express Himself accurately
  • Just say, that Jesus Christ meant exactly what He said [literally] (Lk 1:37; Mk 7:13; 12:24)
  • Then consider Jn 12:47-50. Not far from this, is Mt 7:15 (Jn 8:44; 10:10) -27;12:32 (Rom 8:14)-37…
  • Note that Jesus nowhere used the word [concept] afterlife as His good news [Gospel] like the denominations do, although He understood it (Jn 11:25; Lk 16:19-31!!!); but always said He wants us to enjoy everlasting life (Jn 11:26; 3:15,16; 5:37-47; 6:48-51; 8:51; 10:10…  Paul knew this in 1 Thess 5:23; 2 Cor 4:12; and so did prophets long before them, such as Isaiah [25:8; 38:16-20] and David [Ps 102:18-20; 119:104,116,144,175] and Ezekiel (18:31,32) and Moses [Dt 30:11-19]…

An example of someone who believed this Testimony was Enoch.  It seems he was way ahead of his time in his faith of God’s testimony… on his side of Jesus’ cross…   Heb 11:5 (KJV) says, “ By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God”.  See Heb11:40 + Rom 8; Heb 2:8; 1 Cor 15:26.  It is quite possible that Enoch (3383-3018 BC) was much closer to God’s testimony than us!!  (Jn 1:4)…

And don’t ask me where Enoch is now!  Jesus had to be the First Born of many, not ashamed…

Some ask the question, “Why then, are some of the oldest people alive today, not Christians?” We see today that the ages of the so-called supercentenarians (aged older than 110 years), are validated by the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) or Guinness World records (GWR); and yet they call someone recently 127 years old as “the oldest ever” – apparently not acknowledging information [on human ages as found in the OT] of The Bible. Never the less, parts of the answer to this question can be the following: (i) God’s statements as in Ez 33:11 and 2 Pet 3:9; but bear in mind that God does not manipulate or kill and Jesus is not the angel of death (Jn 8:44; 10:10)!  In other words, anyone can naturally simply live longer with a healthier lifestyle or more advantageous conditions or “better” genes.  The indication from The Bible though, is that God originally intended for man to remain [stay alive] but that man lost this privilege through their own doing [Rom 5:12, the choice of self-righteousness, as discussed with the two specific trees in “Genesis to Revelation”, p. 2-3; and the speculation on the possible change in atmospheric conditions after Noah’s Flood.  Refer to the meditation “The Flood”]. (ii) We also observe that God has often had a message send through heathens, to complacent “followers”.  An example is Nebuchadnezzar.  The 70 weeks of Daniel 9:24-27 is probably the biggest prophecy in The Bible, and discussed in the meditation “Rapture raptured”, p. 1-7 and in more detail on p.17-21. The idea with this meditation is to examine this possibility that God made provision [intend] for us to be restored to what he had in mind for us in the beginning but only in Jesus Christ and our faith in Him (Jn 1:1-4; 6:43-51; Cor 15:45).

If we accept that God intends a difference in reward for those following Him as opposed to those who don’t (especially those who fake it in falsehood – Rev 20:10; 1 Jn 2:4; Gal 1:6-9; Mt 7:22,23; 23:13-16,23-35), can then reasonably look forward to a more advantageous result as an absolute final outcome (Heb 11:6). The mere concept of an eternity completely baffles the current state of our minds. Who knows now what can lay in store for us? Nevertheless, if after death all gets a continued existence in terms of time but only with a difference in the quality [nature] of that existence, then we assume Jn 3:16 means that we all get an eternal life but some just in indefinite torture and this interpretation would then make Rev 21:8, for one, problematic (for it seems to clearly state that the rest will eventually and ultimately be totally destroyed). Part of the question is to what purpose will the lost who chose to deny Jesus Christ as God and God’s salvation plan be tortured indefinitely and in so doing be kept alive by a miracle? God is not a torturer or a sadist but He is Holy and as such can His righteousness not avoid judgement and as a consequence, a final penalty.  However, this penalty does not equate to eternal punishment as in ever-lasting torture by a God that is Love. The meditation “Hell” expands on this but for now, if the reader considers Rev 21:8 with Jn 3:16 the observation in Jn 3:16 alone can be that an everlasting life is not the same as after-life. One has no end at all, not even the physical (Jn 11:26) while the other still differentiate between the length of existence but not on earth.

It astonishes how “believers” resist Jesus’ message of everlasting life [not afterlife] by stubbornly holding in front “but we don’t see it /haven’t seen it yet”!  Why do you think has Jesus not returned yet???  Why? Contemplate 2 Cor 4:18; 5:7; Heb 11:1; Rom 8:6-19.  Who are Jesus Christ’s adversaries (plural) in Heb 10:13?  Remember that it is not the devil (Col 2:15)!  See Eph 1:17-23.  Note the “divisions” and “party spirit” in Gal 5:20,21.  What if the “church” [followers, self-righteous religious] is still only man-made denominations [of what God nominated, 1 Pet 2:1-10]; and that these religious institutions is still His adversary (1 Jn 2:4) – double-minded in flesh [divisions] and so He is waiting on us (Heb 10:13) to start showing forth His Light (Is 60:14; Mt 5:14) which is Life everlasting in victory (Jn 1:1-4; Rom 8:2,11-19,29-39; 1 Cor 15:26,27; Eph 2:5-8; Phil 4:13).  What a shocking thought that we could all still be unbelieving “Christians” shunning Jesus Christ instead of shining Jesus Christ [Life everlasting, Jn 1:4; 5:40; 6:49-50,63,68; 7:38; 8:51; 11:26; 12:50…]!

Note at Dt 32:39. We are not supposed to be obtuse, so before demanding from GOD to explain Himself to us, read Dt 32:39b and Dt 32:4-5, 16-21 and the “defile themselves” in Ezek 37:23; and “to themselves” in Is 5:18. The lesson is merely that no one (not even Solomon, Rev 13:18 with 1 Ki 10:14,18-20; 11:1-6!) can survive when going against God.  We must not be imperceptive. This is not a [manipulating] threat of dispensing death; it is a fact [result] of those rebelling against the one supreme Judge that has no equal. Dt 32:39 was also prior to Jn 3:16-21 (1 Thess 5:9; 2 Cor 5:19; Rom 8:2)!! Isaiah and Ezekiel must have known [seen, heard from God] this fact, hence Is 5:18; 54:13-17 and Ezek 37:5-11. God is not a manipulative extortioner; some merely chooses wrongly their own destruction.  False teachers are equally deaf to Hos 4:4-11, the last sentence in Hos 4:14; Ps 119:104; Mt 7:20-23! The “killing” in Dt 32:39 is then rather speaking of God as a Spirit (Jn 4:23-24) that is superior to all with no equal and the reality of an eventual spiritual life or death that depends on our faith in His salvation plan. He alone is our absolute authority, judge and determiner as in Rev 21:8. God is our Tree of Life (Rev 22:1-2) and does not dispense death to us as a threat to coerce or extort us to Him! He rather states in Dt 32:39 that for the wicked there is no escape from His power, and this will prove to be a terror for His enemies who hate Him but that He is a comfort for His own people (Rom 12:9; Heb 11:6). This can also be read in 1 Sam 2:6; 2 Ki 5:7; Is 5:18; 26:19; Hos 13:10; Jm 4:4-5; et al.

By the way, perhaps we should see a connection between Ezek 37:1-4; Hos 13:14 and 1 Cor 15:12-26 and 1 Thess 4:13-18 as well?

Synthesis

 Can you take time here to very carefully contemplate the following for probably the biggest revelation you can get?  Apply Jm 1:5 and then carefully look at the gift of prophecy (to say what God says) that is part of every believer who has Christ dwelling permanently in him as part of a NT kingdom.  Please be careful to too hastily claim to fully understand! Very carefully [prayerfully] read a golden thread woven through Lk 6:46-49; 11:50-52; 14:29-30; 17:24; Rom 15:20-21; 1 Cor 3:10-23; Eph 2:20 and 1 Tim 6:19-21; and 2:7-10.  If you have really seriously considered this whole meditation [and the Bible], you should tremble with excitement with the enormity of what Jesus Christ is probably all about – everlasting LIFE  (1 Cor 4:20)!!!

O yes, of course you fully [unconditionally, literally] believe Jesus Christ (Mk 10:27; Lk 18:27; Jn 11:26)…

It astonishes how many professing followers of Christ, quickly reply to the above issues and questions with concepts such as “being saved from hell”, or “going to heaven one day” – all still centred around the “self”; not knowing “the heavenly calling” is a higher life [realm] right here on earth, right now. The “rest” they are looking forward to, is borrowed from the world’s idea of [a “well earned”] retirement.  Fortunately Noah was not “retired” at 600 years of age!  Many men’s retirement is around the waistline at some stage.  But seriously, have you noticed how seldom you truly see Christians demonstrate [confess] Heb 12:2?  Is this “rest” not the peace in following God’s plan for us, ruling on earth in His dominion forever – now (Heb 3:8-19)?  Why do Christians – since Christ paid for such an amazing exchange – still live to die???…

Why do “Christians” fail to see that self-righteousness is apposed to God-righteousness [Jesus Christ, Rom 13:14]?  Because the Law (self-righteousness, 1 Cor 2:12-16; 2 Cor 3) blinds!  Consider Phil 3:19 with Rom 10:15-17 again.  Self-righteousness makes people in ignorance buy readily into a system of (a) Merit, where they seek praise through Law and religion; and (b) blame God for sickness and calamity and seek pity.  Self-pity that gives the message that God is dealing too harshly with them and ignore Scripture such as Is 5:18; 59:12-15; Jer 29:11; Mal 2:17; Jn 10:10; Jm 1:13,17.  Compassion is different – that gets you to the Healer Jesus Christ.  Compassion makes you see what [as] He sees.  This is what a pupil [disciple] does – it lets Light in so the eye can see what it previously could not (in darkness, Col 1:13-17).  Try Jm 5:14,15 again.  This “wholeness” is spirit, and soul, and body as in 1 Thess 5:23.  Like Father, Son, Holy Spirit…

Just by the way:  Jude 14 should give us a hint that Jesus will be returning with the saints (surrounding us, Heb 12:1).  Return to where?  Earth, where we are right now[3].  Heaven is obviously then not our goal [final destination], but a heavenly calling [higher order of living eternally] – Rev 1:5; 5:9-10.  Check yourself, is your “life-planning” and religion actually all centred around dying?  Afterlife is not yet everlasting life!…

So what is that testimony, the Testimony of/from Jesus the Christ of God?  Could it simply be… LIFE?!

Note that Jn 10:10b,27,28; 3:16,36;5:37-40; 6:58,68 especially 11:26, mentions ever-lasting, abundant LIFE.  Not after-life [life postponed to the future so that any unbeliever can recite the same words of  having a super-natural Father but not be above the natural as His re-born child, and has to [lose and then] die first.  No, right now, right here on earth, kings rule in a kingdom that has come with the King.  A king has a kingdom, a king rules in his kingdom, so contemplate your King of kings and your relationship [with] to Him.  Are you meant to postpone all victory to the far future and suffer as a weakling here, and lose your body just like the beasts, as a child of God (Ps 49:20)?  Or can you subdue all on earth to you, His Body, His city in whom He dwells, His Bride (Gen 1:26-28; Heb 2:8)?  It sounds as if we have not grasped Gal 4:1-10; or Jude 21; or 1 Thess 5:23 yet.  Paul hoped that our bodies would be kept whole (2 Cor 4:12; 1 Pet 1:12; Rom 8:11)!  This wholeness is an available lasting package manifesting in spirit, and soul and body.

You don’t [have to] die to get eternal Life, Jesus Christ was obedient unto HIS death [as Son of Man] so that through HIS obedience, we might obtain – inherit – LIFE everlasting (Heb 2; 9; Jn 3:16; 2 Pet 3:9)!

Let us first slaughter a few ridiculous holy cows right now that has confused and darkened many people most on this issue of [immortal, everlasting] Life.  And this is probably the following few misquotes:

(a) Note at Job 1:21.  This statement by Job has been popularised by death-preachers, favourably accepted at funerals, claiming – like Job there in despair – that “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away…”.  Why do these thieves (Jn 10:1-10) neglect to continue to Job 35:16; 38:1-2; (33:4) and Job’s own admission that he has spoken in error (Job 42:3; even 3:25, 26 with Ezek 18:32; Phil 4:6-9; Heb 11:40; 9:8-14)?  Amazing!  And why have we been so gullible to fall for those lies and even repeated them in parrot-like fashion (Eph 4:11-24)? The Amplified Bible expands on Job 35:16, saying that Job “uselessly opens his mouth and multiplies words without knowledge[4] drawing the worthless conclusion that the righteous way has no more advantage than the wicked (that will be destroyed)”.  (Brackets mine).

It is quite possible that from early times others in times of despondency and when disheartened such as Asaph (Ps 73) or even in a combination of despondency and trust [faith, hope] in God’s Righteousness such as Hannah (1 Sam 2:6), was nevertheless also influenced by Job’s erroneous deduction in his moment of despair (Job 1:21).  We see that Asaph saw the Light when he stopped reasoning from his point of view and started talking with God and so heard from the Holy Spirit (Ps 73:17) and then became able to correct his own poor insight (v. 27-28). Similarly, Hannah no doubt meant well (1 Sam 2:1-3,10), and probably merely stated God’s sovereignty (refer to the meditation “The Will”) – not a fact told by God that God abruptly ends a good useful life by “plucking the beautiful flower” (1 Sam 2:30; Ps 91:14; Jn 3:17-21; 10:10; 14:21-26).

So what happened to Job?  In Job 2:3-7 we see who the instigator is.  Did God instruct the devil to target Job (2:3)? No, God effectively said, have you considered [observed] My servant Job [of 1:5] and what is your business with him (Jm 1:13-17; 1 Cor 10:13; Gal 6:1 because of Gen 1:26-28 and 1 Jn 3)?  What happened to Job was that Job feared (3:25) which shows a lack of total trust and so revealed Prov 18:20-21 to us.  Job [not God] failed to rule [exercise dominion] over these evil thoughts in his head – not God’s head (Is 54:13-14-17;  2 Cor 10:5[5]).  Job only had to resist the devil [not God] – Jm 4:7.  Can you see 1 Pet 5:6-9? For the purpose of this writing, we will not go deeper into Job now, but suffice to note Job’s repentance (Job 42:3-6) and how God immediately applied Is 1:18 (in the very next Job 42:7 after all the wrong Job spoke amongst all of his trust in God!); note Prov 28:13; Ps 30:5; 103:8-17; etc.  God is only good!

All right, a further note on Job. Job 42:10 tells us God gave Job double what he had before (Job 1:3) and stipulates it in Job 42:12. But, that refers to the animals, for the sons and daughters were the same number again (Job 1:2 compared to Job 42:13) that might not seem to be double – but only if you do not take into account that the children would be double if the first are still alive! That confirms an after-life (and the Sadducees apparently missed that). Job did not get another wife because [we assume] the one that was his first, remained and could very well, for the purpose of this writing, symbolise the difference between ever-lasting life and after-life. For the bride of Christ one is superior to the other in that it is more desirable.

By the way, does Job 42:11 challenge us once more with the need for our vital understanding with the statement that God brought calamities over Job. This is the opposite of what it sounds like when so declared in human suspicion by an observer or a writer (perhaps in design; 2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Pet 1:20,21; discussed in “The Bible” and “Apparent Controversies in The Bible”) and when read superficially. Refer to the consideration of Job 35:16 above in the first paragraph on Job 1:21 as well as the meditation “Apparent controversies in The Bible” in paragraph 5.33 that expands on this crucial point under the heading “Note at Is 45:7”. For now, take note of Jm 1:13-14 and Is 5:18. The same with Mt 6:13. The prayer there in fact is that we be delivered from evil so that we are not in need to be lead out of there and then especially not under the Law (Jn 1:17 and examined in the meditation “The Covenant and The Law”).

Do we know the character of the Giver of Life, are we hearing and listening to His Voice? Read His Word, until you hear His Voice, not that of false teachers preaching death.  God is the only Giver of Life, not death[6]!  God is the only Healer, not the destroyer!  And with Him is no shadow of change (Jm 1:17; Heb 13:8)!  If your body dies, it perishes, and you have lost [it].  Not gain it, but lost it!  Even Job 31:8 ties in with Prov 2:8; Is 28:12,15-18; 2 Cor 4:1-7; and so on. Come on, think like a godly person should think, not the ignorant world trapped in self-righteousness and guilt!  You should have conviction, not self-condemning guilt [condemnation].  What do you suppose does Rom 8:29-35 mean?  And if you wonder how to answer verse 36, go on to 37-39!!  Have you also told [your] little children “Jesus came to take [mommy] away”?  So is Jesus now the angel of death?  Mt 12:35-37; 18:1-6…  Watch out for deception and dull ignorance!  Jesus repeatedly made it abundantly clear that only someone evil takes a life (Mk 3:4; Jn 1:4; 10:10…)!!!

(b) Note at Phil 1:21.  Those bent on death [obsessed and overwhelmed by it, planning their whole life around it], will also misquote this popular verse.  Do you realise the context is actually rather summarized in verse 17 (as in Col 3:1-10,16,17; 2:14,15,20 Amplified; Rom 6:3-14 and Jn 12:25,26; 15:18,19; remembering the “world” referred to here is the religious Jewish law-world)?  Why not defend Ps 6:5; 68:20; 118:17,18; Prov 8:36; 18:20-21; Dt 30:11-19, to name a few?  Answer Ps 89:48 with Jn 14:6 and Jn 11:26, even 1 Jn 5:16 with Jn 16:9.  Have you ever considered Is 28:11-18?  How is it that people settle for losing their lives while God is all about everlasting Life?  Do you know that He will bring all saved souls and spirits of the departed back here and give them their physical bodies back again?  You do?  Really?  And you think He does not want you to live until then?  Why do you so eagerly defend to die?  Rom 5:12-15; 8:1-4.  Is God about Life or death?  If all your sin is paid for, why die?  And your Scripture reference is…?  Come church, wake up!

If you are bent on reasoning against life ever-lasting, still saying that Paul was saying death is advantageous for man [to leave this planet], at least be logically consistent and make the equal conclusion that Paul implied that a murderer is doing his victims a favour, and suicide is an option, and that the head of a family (representing Christ as the Head of His Church) can kill his family.  No, stop being obtuse and see that Paul advocates dying to the self like he told the Gnostics and you and I (Col 3:1-3).

It is also plausible that Paul, in Phil 1:21, was simply venting his frustration with Judaizing teachers who, just as Paul has converted people to follow Christ, were undoing his work and then to make their followers think they need them for guidance (and payment) to make them look good (Acts 13:50; 14:19; 17:37; 22:30; Gal 4:15-17; 1 Tm 2:5). Paul, also human (Mt 26:41) might in effect sometimes have felt to just leave them be and just “go away” (1 Tim 1:16-20). Consider here the following Scripture: 2 Cor 11:24; 12:7-9; Gal 2:14-21; Mk 4:4,7 and Eph 1:17-18.

Consider again Ps 6;5; 33:18-19; Is 38:18-19; Ez 33:11; 18:32 with Rev 3:12,20-22?

 (c) Note at Phil 3:10.  Similarly, the same writer in the same letter mentions the necessity to be transformed (Rom 12:1,2; Eph 4:22,23) by a more accurate and fuller knowledge of Jesus Christ and His accomplishment on His cross [through His death at Golgotha].  Refer here to 1 Cor 1:23; 2:2.  The death Paul says is beneficial, is not of your own body (ask any loved one of you such as your young child), but of the self-righteous attempts to save yourself – in other words, your death to law (Gal 5:4,18; Rom 7:4,6).

If you and I [and them Paul was talking to] have to “die with Christ”, ask yourself when this will be (when will Christ die with you, Heb 10:14)?  It is plain and clear that this death is to the self while you remain living [now for Christ] with Christ inside of you as a “living sacrifice” (1 Cor 6:19,20; 2 Cor 5:17; Rev 22:17)!  Note also Jesus’ Words in Mt 13:49-52; Jn 14:6,23-27; Rev 21:3.

(d) Note at Heb 9:27.  The word men there, is anthrōpǒs [444] and is from anēr [435], a primary word actually indicating an individual man, a husband!  Look it up in a Greek concordance.  The writer of the book Hebrews (2 Tim 3:16) gives a more enriching depth to this text (Heb 9:27), and why “men” [444] should therefore rather have been translated as “Jesus Christ” (435, refer to Gal 3:16!); if we consider the words of Jesus in Mt 19:4-6 (Eph 1:17-23; 5:31-32! Now re-consider Jn 3:16…)!  Even just reading the context of Heb 9, you should have noticed that the very next verse (28) states that so it is with Christ, having offered to take upon Himself and bear as a burden the sins of all once for all…  The judgement then, for all sin, was thus on Him that took it [death] on our behalf!  It is saying that Jesus is the Lamb of God and the only Savior of all that believes this outrageous deed of love!  He had to die so that we can live!  (Rom 8:2; Heb 2:9). Live for God, don’t pretend to die for Him!  Read His Word. LIVE!  What honour, what grace and what mercy is there in death?  Can you see grace, honour and mercy in life?  So, why die?

At any rate, when reading Heb 9:27, have you noticed verses 11-18 in that same chapter?  Check the context with Scriptures like 1 Thess 5:9-11; Rom 5:8-11; Col 1:20; 2 Cor 5:14-21; 2 Tim 2:11-17;  Gal 4:4-12; Mk 1:15; Ps 30:5; and you Zion (Is 60:14; Mt 5:14) in Ps 102:15-28; 118:17-19 (Heb 2:8-18)…

(e) Note at 1 Cor 15:36-37.  Also read verses 34-35 and 39-42.  Then read the same writer’s (Paul’s) words in Col 3:1-3.  Who was Paul talking to in Col 3 – the dead?  No, let’s not be dull-witted and realize that the teaching is mainly (a) that your current, yet un-glorified body is still liable to die [can die if your head is chopped off] but that the glorified body (1 Thess 4:13-17; 1 Cor 15:42-51) will not be liable to death again and will remain living eternally; and (b) that it is to the old [Adamic] nature in you that you must die first before your spirit [God-consciousness] can be born-again, they cannot co-exist.  Hence play-acting’s evil…

(f) Note at 2 Cor 5:1.  Is Paul saying here that God wants us out of our bodies on earth and into a city in heaven?  Read the verse again.  It says “if the tent which is our earthly home…” [meaning a temporary, movable dwelling as in liable to death, but certainly not destined to must die!]; “… is destroyed (dissolved) then we have from God…” a statement corroborating exactly what John heard from Jesus Christ on Patmos and penned in Jn 11:25, as did Paul that heard from the same resurrected [ascended!] Jesus Christ in Scriptures such as mentioned elsewhere in this meditation (ex. Rom 8:2,11; and the brief discussion on 1 Cor 5:5 on p.2 above; etc.). Or for that matter, Peter in 1 Pet 2:4-10,15-16.  Note at 2 Cor 5:2 and 3 that Paul says God designed us and wants us to have a body [of some sort, in His image of a trinity – body-soul-spirit]! Note at verse 4 that this mortal body [liable to death + life ever-lasting!] can be “swallowed be up by LIFE that is exactly what Jn 1:1-4; 11:26; Rom 8:2,11 is saying!!! Observe in verse 5 that this Life is of God (Jn 10:10; Rom 8:11) and verse 7 spells out that the devil wants us [ignorant and] dead (Jn 8:44) because Satan knows we are “of little faith” (2 Cor 4:18; 5:7; Heb 10:38; 11:1) – read this with Heb 2:8-18; and 2 Cor 5:14-21 with the notes (a) to (e) above! Try also Heb 10:13 with 1 Cor 15:21,26,51! 2 Cor 5:6 can be read with Eph 2:18-22; and verse 10 with 1 Cor 3:11-16-20; and shockingly, 1 Cor 5:5,11 with Gal 1:6-9; 1 Jn 2:4!

(g) Note at Mt 10:30 and Lk 12:7. Please don’t even try to force this context to read that God has limited the days of your life, for it would be too much of a shameful interpretation. Mt 10:30 and Lk 12:7 in essence rather simply states that God is omniscient (knows the number of hair on your head). Refer to Ps 139. For the context of being advised to not be so short-sighted as being fearful of hypocrites, reconsider Lk 12:1-5. There is in these scriptures a beautiful comparison made to sparrows. In Mt 10:29 we are told two sparrows were sold for a penny and in Lk 12:6 that five sparrows were sold for two pennies; so that if God even considers that “special” that was added for no extra payment, how much more would God consider you (Mt 13:46; Jn 3:16; Rom 8:1-2,29-39)?  But, alas, people that are adamant to run in parrot-like fashion after religious death-preachers want to read in this a God that is not Life and Love (Jn 1:1-4; 10:10) but a murderer and a sadist (that plans ahead all the gruesome deaths for “innocent” people?).  This is ludicrous! Read now Ps 90:12; Dt 30:19; Ps 119:144; 1 Cor 15:26; Jn 11:25-26; and why not at least consider the rest of this meditation in its entirety?

(h) Note at 1 Tim 6:16.  Carefully and prayerfully (Jm 1:5-8) digest Heb 2:8-17; with Rom 8:2,11 (5:12); 1 Cor 15:26; Jn 3:15-16; with the rest as above and in this meditation.

  • Note at 1 Cor 15:26 that death is the last enemy that shall be destroyed [by our faith before Jesus returns]; it does not say death should be our last hurdle, step, or required way point along a route, but to be abolished [destroyed and cease to exist altogether for re-born Christians]. Note that the word for “destroyed” here is καταργέω; G2673; katargeō; from G2596 and G691; to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively: – but more so it means to completely abolish, cease, cumber, deliver, destroy, do away, become (make) of no (none, without) effect, fail, loose, bring (come) to nought, put away (down), vanish away, make void. It will thus be the last enemy that we as believers have destroyed and eliminated so that we can remain when [before] Jesus returns! Jn 11:26 and 1 Thess 5:23 then makes more sense, does it not? The aim of life is to not die! Think about it carefully.

 (j) Note at Lk 16.  Why is almost everyone at a loss of words to explain Lk 16:8 satisfactory?  Certainly the Lord was not commending the dishonesty (shrewdness) of this manager!  The reason this passage is difficult to grasp, is when it is looked at with exactly what Jesus was, once again, pointing out, namely self-righteousness.  But more, a blindness to everlasting life (as opposed to the lesser afterlife)!  Once this meditation is read to the end and you come back to this part it will probably make perfect sense.  Observe for now, the following in Lk 16:

  • Verse 1-2: This man was a steward of what belonged to the rich man [owner], and had to give account of his stewardship.
  • Verse 3: This man became ashamed when he realized his stewardship was to be taken away.  More precisely, he lost it due to his fault of mismanagement.  (This concept is also to be read in the meditation “The Will”).  Carefully contemplate Jm 1:6-8 and Heb 2:8 with Rom 8:2; Jn 11:26; and so on…
  • Interestingly, in verse 3, the steward mentioned he can’t dig. Was it insinuating an inability to do normal work or an unwillingness to dig his grave? Don’t discard this thought too lightly!
  • Read verses 4-7. This steward was trying to make provision where to live after his termination of service where he was up to that moment of being discovered to be mismanaging the owner’s estate [squandering his provision].

So what is Jesus [God] commending in verse 8?  Certainly not dishonesty! The KJV now tells it this way: AndG2532 theG3588 lordG2962 commendedG1867 theG3588 unjustG93 steward,G3623 becauseG3754 he had doneG4160 wisely:G5430 forG3754 theG3588 childrenG5207 of thisG5127 worldG165 areG1526 inG1519 theirG1438 generationG1074 wiserG5429 thanG5228 theG3588 childrenG5207 of light.G5457

The word “generation” (G1074) is derived from γένος (genos, G1085), that is from γίνομαι (ginomai,

G1096).  A prolonged and middle form of a primary verb; to cause to be (“gen” -erate), that is, (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literally, figuratively, intensively, etc.): – arise be assembled, be (come, -fall, -have self), be brought (to pass), (be) come (to pass), continue, be divided, be done, draw, be ended, fall, be finished, follow, be found, be fulfilled, + God forbid, grow, happen, have, be kept, be made, be married, be ordained to be, partake, pass, be performed, be published, require, seem, be showed, X soon as it was, sound, be taken, be turned, use, wax, will, would, be wrought.

Verse 8 seems to make more sense if it is saying that Jesus was asking the question, “How is it that the people of the world can make a system work for them but you – that are supposed to be children of the Light (Jn 1:4) – fail to make My (Jn 3:16; 10:10) provision work for you (Rom 8:2)?”  Note how we fall short of the mark by our self-righteous reading of Jn 3:16 (Mk 7:13; 12:24; even Mt 15:6-9).  More about this further on.

Verse 9 continues: And IG2504 sayG3004 unto you,G5213 MakeG4160 to yourselvesG1438 friendsG5384 ofG1537 theG3588 mammonG3126 of unrighteousness;G93 that,G2443 whenG3752 ye fail,G1587 they may receiveG1209 youG5209 intoG1519 everlastingG166 habitations.G4633

The name Mammon  μαμμωνᾶς (mammōnas, G3126) is of Chaldee origin and implies confidence, that is, figuratively wealth, personified).  This is used in conjunction with the word unrighteousness, ἀδικία (adikia, G93) that means (legal) injustice (properly the quality, by implication the act); moral wrongfulness (of charater, life or act): – iniquity, unjust, unrighteousness, wrong.  Can it be that this wrong is faith we fail in?

The word everlasting is mentioned (note not after-life, but ever-lasting life); then the word habitations, σκηνή (skēnē, G4633, amazingly apparently akin to G4632 and G4639; a tent or cloth hut (literally or figuratively): – habitation, tabernacle. G4636 – but more amazingly –  is from σκεῦος (skeuos, G4632) that refers specifically to a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband!  The wife being a kind of vessel! The place(s) God prepared is discussed in more detail when we consider Jn 14:2 further on.

Lk 10-11 goes on:  He that is faithfulG4103 inG1722 that which is leastG1646 isG2076 faithfulG4103 alsoG2532 inG1722 much:G4183 andG2532 he that is unjustG94 inG1722 the leastG1646 isG2076 unjustG94 alsoG2532 inG1722 much.G4183  Lk 16:11:  IfG1487 thereforeG3767 ye have notG3756 beenG1096 faithfulG4103 inG1722 theG3588 unrighteousG94 mammon,G3126 whoG5101 will commit to your trustG4100 G5213 theG3588 trueG228 riches?

Mk 4:11 says the secret counsels of God is only secret (hidden) to the ungodly, even those mentioned in 1 Jn 2:4 (Mt 7:21-23)! Just as Mk 4:25 is not saying that God will take money away from the poor to give to the [already] rich, but instead is actually saying those who are spiritually dwarfed in self-righteousness (trying to disprove Rom 3:20,28), will lose their little [feeble, half-hearted] spiritual authority by own doing while those believing [following] the testimony of Jesus Christ fully and complete, will [can, may] remain as in 1 Thess 5:23 (Jn 11:26)!

This gives a consistent meaning to also Lk 16:12:  AndG2532 ifG1487 ye have notG3756 beenG1096 faithfulG4103 inG1722 that which is another man’s,G245 whoG5101 shall giveG1325 youG5213 that which is your own?G5212 Think here of examples such as Lazarus, but ultimately our Husband Jesus Christ.  Observe carefully here, Heb 9:27 (expanded on in (d) above).

Lk 16:13 will be clearer when correctly understanding Jm 1:6-8.  Self-righteousness cannot co-exist with a life dedicated to God in victory, even that of 1 Cor 15:26!  Lk 16 in this context now fits in with Gal 6:7 and all the Scriptures discussed in this meditation on everlasting Life. Hear Jesus again in Jn 5:37-47; 8:51; 11:26.

Note at Rom 8:28.  This is one of the most misquoted scriptures in The Bible.  The essay “The will of man, the will of God” expand on the general misconception about God’s sovereignty. What we will look at now is the context of verse 28.  The popular statement [interpretation] that “Everything works for the better” is obviously false.  For example, will you tell a widow her two year old son and five year old daughter and husband were killed in an accident so that “all work out for a better outcome in God’s plan”? So God then killed them [had them killed] so that she could marry someone else???  What a shame for “Christians” to let such wicked thoughts manifest into words [nonsense declarations!]. God is omnipresent Love and thus always there [available]; His presence [on a scene, His availability to guide, intercede, strengthen, even comfort or council] does not make Him the culprit!!!  Refer to the essay “The will of God” for an exegesis.

The idea that “everything works out for the better” probably originated from a two-fold argument to try and rationalize negative [harmful] situations or events of the Christian’s life.  Refer here to Rom 10:1-3; 2 Cor 10:4-6; 2 Tim 4:2-4; then consider the two arguments. The first is that God has done [arranged, orchestrated] the calamity in order to so get [force] people to Him.  This is dim-witted reasoning.  Refer also to the essays “Christian suffering” and “Who by fire” for an exegesis.  God is Love [not manipulative or cruel], and certainly need nothing bad to do or be good or get good results! The second line of reasoning might be based on the general concept of synergy. Synergy is the creation of a whole that is greater than the simple sum of its parts. The term synergy comes from the Attic Greek word συνεργία synergia, from synergos, συνεργός, meaning “working together”. Ironically, in the context of Romans 8 the more accurate application is in fact startling.  We will see that (i) “labor” is rather implying a type of giving birth to a new life (2 Cor 5:17; Jn 3:16 literally); and (ii) that the Holy Spirit of God indeed should manifest more than the sum of our [carnal-minded] parts!!!

A brief review of Romans 8 might shock the reader to the core.  Carefully ponder the following:

:2 – If death is a result of sin, why die if your sins are paid for? – Rom 5:12; 1 Cor 15:45…

:3 – God [Jesus Christ] did what the Law cannot do (Rom 7:10) – for all those who accept His sacrifice

:4 – … In us who live… not by ways, standards or dictates of carnality but by Holy spirit [Life, Love]

:5 – 7 – Intellectualism [carnal-minded reasoning] is enmity towards God when rejecting His Truth

:8 – This cannot please God (Rom 12:9; Heb 11:6)

:9 – Only those with the Spirit of Christ [Light is Life, Love of God] are children of God (verse 14)

:10 – Afterlife for those saved (Rom 10:9-10; Jn 11:25; in part Jn 3:16; even resurrection 1 Cor 15:35-)

:11 – Everlasting [continuing] life for those who accept this (Jn 11:26; Heb 9:27 as (d) above; 2:8-15)

:12 – Again, Heb 2:8-10-15; Jn 11:26; 1 Cor 15:51…

:13 – Heb 11:6; Gal 6:7-8 (even 1:6-9)

:14 – Verse 9

:15 – Jn 1:12-13

:16 – Jn 1:12-13

:17 – Gal 3:29; Eph 1;11; 2:6

:18 – Heb 2:8; Is 54:13-17; Hab 2:3 with 1:12

:19 – The whole creation awaits the birth [manifesting] of these sons of God (verse 22)

:20 – Eccl 1:2; Hab 2:3; Heb 2:8; 9:11,14-18…

:21 – 1 Cor 15:26-27

:22 – Verse 19

:23 – Verse 17-22 reiterated

:24 – Heb 10:38-11:1; Jude :21

:25 – Repeat

:26 – Jn 4:24; (Jn 11:33,38!); Jude :20; 1 Cor 14:39…

:27 – Repeat

Hence, we now only arrive at verse 28 and see God being a partner in this birth [labor], and will see to it (Is 55:10-11) that all these things will together add to a creation [result] that is more than the sum of its parts!  A life everlasting in Christ that exceeds a mere after-life (with bodies such as 1 Cor 6:14-20 lost)!  Of course this everlasting life is only available for those who love God (Rom 12:9; Rev 22:7; Hos 5:15-6:2 with Heb 10:13) and are called [react by own choice] according to His purpose (Life everlasting in unity, Jn 17:15,20-26). Now see that Romans 8:29-39 seems to logically build on this premise and God as a perfect Father (:31, 39).  This then would be the people He indwells like a city – permanently (Is 60:14; Mt 5:14; Jn 14:23; Rev 21:3; also 1 Cor 6:15-20; 2 Cor 6:16-18).

Indeed, Ps 127:1 (Acts 7:48; Heb 3:3,6; 9:10-15; Is 66:1-2; 1 Cor 3:10-13…)!

 

Honesty and a sound mind required

The stern warning to us all is to guard against Spiritual decay and indolence (Mt 25:2,8-12,26,30 with Mt 11:25; 13:12; 25:29; even Jm 2:19 and 2 Tim 3:16-17 with Rom 10:9-10 and carefully note Mt 25:26,30; Lk 17:10 and especially the explicit Jn 15:1-6)! Note that it is not reckless and brutal greed, or outright evil, but simple apathy, neglect or sloth [of followers] that is the fault noted for condemnation in these parables about laziness!! We should clearly use our talents, our gifts of learning, our wit, riches, spiritual gifts, or whatever, to honour and glorify God and then to the advantage of others; otherwise we are really useless, good for nothing and eventually by our own desertion, condemned!! We know Rom 1:16-17 and Mk 8:38; but is this indolence and invisibility part of the “cowardice” in Rev 21:8 that appears first on the list of the condemned?  Contemplate therefore, carefully again, Mt 25 and see why we are summoned to be vigilant and ready (Mt 25:13 and hence 1 Cor 10:31). The meditation “The Gospel” expands on this.

So, we should please stop the senseless and syrupy “I don’t need knowledge [learning, such as this], I just love Jesus”; and repent of such acting that is probably just plain apathy and hear Jesus in Jn 14:15; Hos 4:6; Jn 16:9; 11:26; 1 Jn 2:4; Titus 2:14; 2 Tim 1:10-12; 3:16-17…  Note also, that all sinners (Jn 16:9) look at God as a hard master, unreasonable and tyrannical (Mt 25:24), while Jesus gave with this teaching Mt 11:28-30 (Jn 1:17)…

There is prone to be a fuller meaning in being saved in a “wholeness” of Rom 10:9-10; Jm 5:15; and 1 Thess 5:23.  How do we know what may be installed for us in an eternity (Mt 25:23; Heb 11:6)? So then, if you know, realize, and believe God [alone] gives Life and that the devil destroys life, and only through deception (Col 2:15), the question is why do Christians [Christ-like, Life-like people] die?  Yes, exactly because of this simple fact, because they believe they must!  They do not believe they can live [remain]!  Carefully and slowly digest 1 Pet 5:8-11 and Jm 4:1-10; Jude 21 (see the “wait”?).  Also 1 Jn 5:16 with Jn 16:9; 3:15-16; 11:26; 15:1-6 (can you hear yourself in Jn 8:51-55?).  Sobering, is it not?  I hope so.

Now look at 1 Jn 5:9-13 (Ampl).   Does your Bible say that he who possesses the Son, has that (not “the”) life, and he who does not possess the Son of God does not have that life? Does your Bible say that life is  “… life, yes, eternal life”?  Did you see v. 11 with v. 14 saying that if you are in agreement with God’s plan [of eternal life for you], that you can get all you ask?  Are you getting all you ask?  Well, are you in agreement with God’s plan of  (an everlasting, unbreakable, eternal, immortal, never-ending) life?  Have you asked for life?  Or are you only relying on what you can physically see [yet, like the other unbelievers pointing it out to you], forgetting 2 Cor 5:7 and Heb 11 (and Is 5:18-20).  What does your Bible say in Jn 16:9?  And what do you think is this sin that 1 Jn 5:11-21 is referring to?  Remember Jn 14:1; Mt 17:5? Read Rom 8:1-3; and 6:23 (perhaps also I Jn 3:14-24) again.  Are we missing something?

If we trace this from Genesis, right through the O.T. we basically get Ez 18:31,32 (Hos 4:6-8; 13:14-16 with Is 53)!  Is it not amazing that we have been missing THAT testimony?  God has said over and over again (as in Jer 1:12) that He is alert, and active and watching over His Word to perform it (Jn 1:1-3,14; 10:27-28; 11:26)!  He is able, what is our problem with believing HIM?  But alas, do we follow people [including our great minds] or Jesus?  We trust our own minds, forgetting Jer 17:9; Rom 8:7; and then – what if Jesus’ words in Mt 13:15-17 was for us (this generation)?  The vision Habakkuk had to give all the proud was for an [then, yet] appointed time (Hab 2:2-4,14; the vision: Hab 1:12)!!! Is it now?  Selah!

God, as the only Giver of Life, does not take any life – people give it away, give it up, loose it, out of unbelief [in God’s Word of Life].  Consider Titus 1:2-3;3:7.  Read it with Jn 12:48-50…  Sobering?

Yes, Jesus, we hear You perhaps better now, what You revealed in Heb 5:12-6:20.  And in Rom 2:7 (Phil 3:11 Ampl); 5:10,17-21; 6:4,22,23; 8:1-4,6,11-19; and yes, people do not believe this testimony of immortal, continuous, everlasting life because they have not heard it yet (Rom 10:17; Gal 6:7,8)!!!  They have heard thieves stealing their true sonship, and a message of abundant death, not abundant Life!  I am not saying they do not love God, or that God does [did] not love them; I am saying they [that came after those first disciples like John and Paul] possibly lacked a more accurate and full knowledge of Jesus Christ, and the testimony of God – everlasting Life through Christ – and man slipped into denial with greater trust in their senses (sight) than in the Spirit Word of God.  Consider 2 Cor 5:4; Gal 1:6; 2:20; 2 Tim 1:10; Eph 4:18…

Have you considered Paul in Phil 3:8-16?  Have you read v 11 in the Amplified (“… while in this body…”)?  And you have read his words in 2 Cor 4:12 (1 Pet 1:12; 2 Pet 1:14) and 1 Thess 5:23?  And you still think he did not understand that our bodies should continue to live until the returning of our Lord Jesus Christ?  Have you considered Heb 1:13; 10:13 with 1 Cor 15:45 and Rom 8:11-21?  See it?  Sobering!!! Why do people insist to read “after-life” where Jesus Christ clearly said “everlasting Life”?

Can it be that we resist to spiritually grasp [the absence of any interruption in everlasting life, by death] in Heb 5:9-14?  Why would Jesus command Mt 10:8; and demonstrate it, even through His disciples – then and now (Heb 13:8)?  Even 1 Kings 17:-24; 2 Kings 4:25-37.   Again consider Jn 1:1-5,17; 3:17; 5:37-47; 8:32,36,51; 11:25,26; 12:47-50.   Who of your teachers have explained it to you  (Rom 10:17; 1:16-17)?   Why on earth would we want to give up on [everlasting] life, if Jesus said Jn 3:15-16?  Why?

Can it be that we have ourselves (our own unbelief) as our biggest enemy, and that the last enemy to be conquered is death (1 Cor 15:19-29)?  Can it be that the Bible says that Jesus will return when we have regained dominion again on earth as mature sons (children) of God, having obtained [His] victory over death, the last enemy to be overcome? It is a sin to not believe JESUS that we can get this from our Father [who wants to give us everlasting life anyway]!  Where is the logic, the trust in-, rely on-, cling to Jesus [God’s] promises of everlasting life – and then abundantly – if we postpone this possibility to the future?  How big, how capable is your God?  Can He really give you an eternal, everlasting life?  When?  No wonder Jesus had to proclaim in amazement “ye of little [short bursts of] faith”!  Even if  (Heb 2:8c), it is a sound doctrine…  Hear Paul in 2 Cor 4:12.  Where does God say you must die in Christ??? Where?

Now then, in this meditation we shall look at another few Scriptures that seem to be troublesome for those who find it hard to believe that God [Jesus Christ] is all about Life, and that He does not want us to die.

Note at Is 57:1,2.  Isaiah did not put those chapter and verse references there.  Before going further, read verse ten in the previous chapter again [with Hos 4:6]; then Is 54:13-17.  It seems very possible that Isaiah could in fact have made these two observations:  (a) that the righteous don’t seem to even wonder why they can have the same fate as the unrighteous [by losing their bodies, perish, die]; and (b) that they then start to reason [rationalise] that they will be better off and prevented to experience bad [to come].  This is erroneous.  Job 35:16 (Ampl) also concludes this is erroneous reasoning.

Note at Ps 103:15-16 (Is 40:6-8).  This is not saying we all must die like grass! Even verses 11-12, 17-19 and verse 22 of this same Psalm,  when read with Rom 5:12; and 8:1-2 and Heb 10:14, the reader should see what Isaiah also reiterated in Is 40 about Jesus Christ and His provision for us to continue in Life everlasting (Jn 10:10; 11:26; 12:48-50)!  The people that will wither like grass, or a flower, are those who are trying to be self-sufficient [thinking they can obtain everlasting life by themselves] such as a rich man in self-righteousness (Lk 12:28; Jn 5:39-47).  Peter also mentioned those in the flesh that are like grass (1 Pet 1:24), and that they cannot be compared to the Word of God [Jn 1:4; 6:48,63] that will always stand (Heb 13:5).  Paul also referred to this in Rom 8:5-8,13; so perhaps seriously reconsider Rom 8:1-3,9-12,14,19 with Heb 2:8 (2 Tim 3:15-17; 1:10-12)!

Note 2 at 1 Cor 15:36.  Refresh your mind with Heb 12:1-2, that it is about a new spiritual life in Jesus Christ with a death to old desires to satisfy the self.  Heb 2 and 9 (as partly discussed previously in the note at Heb 2:27) help us here to point us to the Firstborn, and that exchange on His cross, what He had to pay for so that we can inherit freely [by faith], that is why He had to be buried.  Further on, 1 Cor 15:47-51 also speaks [teaches] about all those believers in Christ (Eph 2:5-10; 4:24-27; 6:3-11; Rom 8:1-4,29-38; and so on).  Note that it mentions believers in Jesus Christ, not stubborn clingers to tradition (Mk 7:13). Self has to die!

 Note at Heb 10:38.  Also 11:6.  Do not shrink in fear, condemnation or guilt; but respond in terms of conviction.  For this points to 1 Jn 5:16; Jn 16:9; 2 Pet 1:4,12-14 (2 Cor 4:12; 1 Pet 1:12  do you see it?  1 Jn 2:4 can be all too real for most “Christians” that refuse to believe Jesus that they can remain [live], and so they die!  You might have noticed that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob received a promise from God that they would have children of their own despite their perception that told them otherwise – their wives were seen [perceived by their experience and intellect] to be barren, still they chose to believe [trust] God, not sight.

Note at 1 Jn 5:16.  This author believes this grave sin to point to Jn 16:9 (Jn 11:26) as discussed in this meditation.  Yet, there is another aspect here that shows that it is extremely difficult for the re-born Christian to get lost [even be destroyed in hell]. Heb 6:1-3 is astonishing for today’s average Christian.  Looking at Heb 6:3-5, we see that there seems to be at least five “qualifications” [“steps”] that reveals why it would be extremely difficult for a re-born Christian to go [completely and utterly, permanently] lost.  Observe that (i) “enlightened” points to Col 1:12-23; Rom 10:16-21); (ii) “consciously tasted the heavenly gift” points to Rom 8:29-39; 2 Cor 5:17-21; (iii) “shares/partakers of the Holy Ghost” points to Acts 10:44-47; 19:2-6); (iv) “Felt how good the Word of God is” points to revelation knowledge [not mere information-knowledge and parrot-like preaching] – Eph 4:12-20; Mt 7:18-24; (v) “the mighty powers of the age/world to come” points to Mk 16:16-20; Jn 17:20.  In other words, very few Christians that are “qualified” according to all five “steps” above, will qualify to commit the sin (Heb 6:6-20) of rejecting all of (i) through (v) above (Heb 6:3-5).

Alright, let’s move on and look at meditating God’s Word, not doctrines of men – God’s Word.  He creates with His Word.  So we will do well to act on HIS WORD.  Not our ability to grasp His ability.

Meditate means to ponder on, study, contemplate, consider, think about – not to “empty your mind” and think about nothing (this idea comes from Buddhism that thinks evil thoughts are so prevented, but this has no victory, it is empty, stupid, and powerless).  We are to habitually meditate the teachings of the Lord, and then by day and by night (Ps 1:2) remembering Gal 3.

Note at Isaiah 54:14You shall establish yourself in righteousness (rightness, in conformity with God’s will and order):  you shall be far from even the thought of oppression or destruction, for you shall not fear, and from terror, for it shall not come near you”.

 Job seems to have discovered the last part (above) in Job 3:25,26.  But let’s look at Is 54:14.

Can you see the urgency [immense importance, protection in Love and greater knowledge of our Father-God about His kingdom and His subjects that need His wisdom in His kingdom] here in a commandment (“you shall…”)?  Contemplate Gal 6:7, and note here that (1) you have been given authority [dominion] by God Himself to harvest [only] what you think, and consequently speak[7]; and (2) that this spiritual law [active, operating principle] works 24/7 [continuously] for “whosoever” (those inside and outside the kingdom of God) – Mk 11:23.  “This mountain” was probably the law (Dan 2:34,45 with 1 Pet 2:3-8 and Heb 2:5-15; 8:13; and Rom 8:1-3)!!  Jesus was “connecting the dots” between Lk 13:6-9 and Mt 21:18-22!  Religion and her bondage has to be cast out (Gal 4:30), and a reflecting, fruitful personal relationship with the living Christ inside of you must start ruling in His kingdom on earth!  And Christ is everlasting.

When God says “you shall be far from even the thought of oppression…” God is not saying you will passively [with Hos 4:6 and Rom 10:2] be forced into a “bliss” where you enjoy Him doing all for you (fixing your continual and habitual reckless neglect and rebellion)!  No, God is saying that you should take responsibility, that you must grow up and be spiritually mature, and start heeding 2 Cor 10:5; Eph 4:22-25; that you will only then understand [reflect applied knowledge, experience ] of scriptures like Prov 6:2; 12:5; 15:26; 16:2; 18:4,7,21; 24:9; Ps 139:17,23. Think about 1 Cor 3:10,11; 4:20; 6:18-20; Gal 6:3-7; Phil 4:8.  Why?  Why do people insist to read “after-life” where Jesus Christ clearly says “everlasting Life”?

Note at Jn 6:63. The statement in the KJV, that “the flesh profits nothing”, might appear to mean that the body cannot profit at all and so some think this statement says the body cannot stay alive [remain].  This is wrong and in context quite the opposite of what Jesus is teaching, for it in fact states that flesh [especially the body] cannot convey [originate] benefit that which can only come from Spirit that is [the Source of] life (Jn 1:4; 1 Cor 15:45) and especially life everlasting (Jn 6:32-33; Gal 6:7-8 with 1 Cor 6:12-20 and Rom 6:6-8,11-13).  This is interwoven in the analogy of the two specific trees in paradise.  The meditation “Genesis to Revelation” p. 2-3/14, expands on this.  In short, the “good” that Eve saw in that forbidden fruit (Gen 3:6), implies that there can be good [self-satisfying pleasure] from a human perspective while God’s idea of good offer vastly more [that is Spirit and eternal]. There is a definite and real implication to the physical body but the body cannot convey [produce, originate] the benefit of Spirit which is Life eternal and even everlasting [from now on as in Jn 11:26].  Self-righteousness, in other words, can never benefit our spirit.  This is why Adam replied that he was naked when God asked him where he was [spiritually] in Gen 2:9-10.  The Tree of Life is Jesus – Rev 2:7; 22:14,22.  Even Jn 1:1-4 and Col 1:8-20.  In their state of rebellion, God [Love] would not have them (us) remain forever hopeless; hence His prevention of them eating from the Tree of Life in their fallen state.  First, at the right time (Heb 9:11-12), our Savoir Jesus Christ had to pay on our behalf and then be buried so that we can inherit a NT (Heb 9:16-18; Rom 8:17)!  Then only, since His sacrifice (Jn 19:30; Rev 16:17) can we eat from that Tree of Life and not only obtain everlasting Life spiritually but remain in our bodies until His return, hence Paul’s hope in 1 Thess 5:23!!! (Jn 3;16; 5:37-47; 6:32-35,4850,63; 8:51; 11:25-26; 12:47-50.  This is expanded on in the the rest of this meditation  (“The Testimony”).

A golden thread can now be connected between Dan 4:14; Jer 2:20; 3:6,13; Mic 4:4; Zech 3:10; and yes, Ez 6:13 and again in chapter 28 pointing to Jn 1:48-51 and Acts 7:51-56 (this enormously momentous incident is expanded on in the meditations “Rapture Raptured” and  “The Testimony”. We are supposed to see the heavens opened [realms of heaven and earth connected] with Jesus Christ on the throne… our Tree of LIFE covering all of us who follow Him without end (Rev 2:7; 22:14,22;  even Jn 1:1-4,17 and Mt 6:10; Lk 17:20-21; 12:32!)…

See, the power is not in the mind, but in the words that are Spirit (Jn 6:33), and these words [fruit] were in seed form in the mind, watered by contemplation; but the moment you speak those words from your mouth they sow the seed inside them into the thoughts of those hearing them – and those words travel often beyond what you comprehend [at that time], therefore we are to loathe rumours, slander, accusing or doubt or words of unbelief, but heed Mt 12:35-37.  Be careful with what you let out of your mouth.

Look at Ps 118:16,17; and Josh 1:8.  What is it saying?  2 Cor 6:9 leads to v. 14-18!  Why share another unbeliever’s belief that you “must die”?  Is this what God has in mind for you as His believer?  What is Heb 3:1 saying?  What is this “heavenly calling”?  Carefully study Ps 8.  Christ in you forever on earth…

Why would (the whole) creation wait for God’s children to mature and manifest themselves (Rom 8:19)?  Why would Jesus give to His whole Church gifts to grow to His full stature (Eph 4:11-16)? If He is our firstborn (Rom 8:29; Col 1:18; Heb 12:23-29; Rev 1:5), and we are to be moulded into His image, can you shrink from any enemy, even death?  Lk 12:32 and 17:21 tells you where the kingdom is, is this not what Jesus said (Mt 4:17)?  If He came to pay for all sin, He also came to remove death (Jn 1:29; 1 Jn 3:8b; Heb 2:14,15; Rom 8:1-3)!  He is a Triune God speaking to His triune beings!…  Why block your ears?

This truly is good news!!  This is the gospel of Jesus Christ, stop spreading the gospel about Jesus Christ!  Jesus paid an unfathomable price for a “package deal”, a Testament – take it!  Choose Life!  Please read Dt 30:11-20 again slowly and carefully and prayerfully.  Then watch your mind and your mouth.  Selah!

Do you want to look back to sin and death (Rom 5:12)?  Read Lk 9:62.  Why would Jesus instruct his disciples to heal the sick and then say to them “the kingdom has come close to you” [is “at hand”, or “is near to you”]?  They almost had eternal life!  But we can!  If it is in and around you [with Christ inside of you, 1 Jn 4:4] when you are born again, they must have not been where you are now!  And many Christians think it would have been better there with Jesus in His ministry, forgetting His words in Jn 6:68; 14:23-31; 15; 16:7 – we are better off than they were!  We are in the dispensation of His Holy Spirit (the outpouring in Acts 2 had then just began , although He fully came – v.18).  What if we are the generation, waking up, seeing the real [continuous, unending] “revival” of what God had in mind all along?  What if we all be the manifested sons of God, continuously, habitually, constantly, ever-lasting [wherever we go]?  Then Jesus Christ may just return!!  Then He has a kingdom of Love [a Trust] to hand back [legally, free from law!!] to His Father (1 Cor 15:20-29).  Note that Rom 5:12 must be read with Rom 3:23, also vs. 24-25; 8:1-3!

Note at Jn 14:1.  Believe the [full] testimony of Jesus Christ, not that of men [only about Jesus Christ].

 Note at Jn 21:22-23.  Was Jesus saying all reborn will die, or did He (and John) point out: (1) that although this extremely good news – of everlasting life – is to be preached (Rom 10:17 is the message that came from the lips of Jesus Christ), John the disciple’s body would die [but after penning the Book of Revelation, his letters, and lastly this gospel according to John, and after teaching a few good students]? (2) That Jesus just stated that it had nothing to do with men (them) what and when He activates or manifest things [promises] in His kingdom (Col 1:15-17)?  (3) Even though John would die, the testimony, the good news of everlasting life, is still a sound doctrine and to be preached.  (4) That the reasoning that all men “must” die, is flawed because it contradicts scriptures such as 1 Cor 15 (see v 51) and 1 Thess 4:13-18; Eph 1:3-12.  It makes no sense to live [and] to die; or to raise someone from the dead to “must” [anyway] die [again]!

Tradition says the Romans [later] tried to kill John by throwing him in a pot of boiling oil, but he survived, and that this was one of the reasons why they placed him on the isle of Patmos (they could not kill John).  Digest Ps 119:97-130,144.  Do you see everlasting Life?  No?  Prayerfully take [consume] Prov 9:1-5; Jn 6:32-58 (especially vs 54,55,58).  Now have a close look at Gal 3:8 with Gen 14:17-20 and Heb 7.  I shall not expand on all of that now, but leave you with Holy spirit, and suffice to point you to Mt 10:7-8 and 1 Cor 11:23-30.  and Rom 8.  Enjoy the good news, by saying and showing [your trust, belief] in it, in Christ!  2 Cor 5:7; Heb 11; Eph 6:15; Rom 10:15…

I believe 2 Tim 1:10; Rom 2:7; 8:11 is for you, it is for us.  What if this good news was [given, offered by God] foreseen to be taken [accepted, trusted, appropriated, reflected, activated, believed] by a “last” generation?  And what if this generation is us – you and I?  His “elect” is His foreknowledge of our choices.

What then, shall we say of these things?  Can you get the revelation in Jn 5:39,40?  It is significant that the religious [Jews] said Jesus was insane (“under the power of a demon”), because JESUS said, “…if a man keeps My word (testimony), he will never taste of death into all eternity” (Jn 8:51-52).  Are you saying the same as those religious Jews now (with the same religious spirit inside of you), or are you saying openly what Jesus says in full (faith) trust in HIM?  Who do you say is He?  Life or death?  Is Jesus both??

Live and go into action until He returns – prophecy!  So let it be – in Jesus’ name – amen!

Are you saying that GOD wants the physical body excluded from everlasting life right now (since Jesus paid for all sin)???  Read Gen 2:17 with Rom 8:13.  When is “…this day you shall surely die…”? Reconsider and again contemplate Rom 8:1-3 and the fact that Jesus came to remove the result of unbelief (Rom 5:12).

Summary (of part one)

This gospel message is about God’s grace and mercy and the unlimited power He had in mind for us from the beginning on this earth, this is not the message of condemnation and doom that religion [law] brings!

It is about an Old and a New.  An old passing, fleeting glory with religious attempts at self-righteousness and death; and a new lasting glory in Life (to remain) available in the accurate and full knowledge + trust, belief + acceptance of God’s Righteousness imparted [credited] to us in Christ Jesus.  He is waiting on us!

The carnal mind has this unbelievable confidence in its own reasoning, being excessively self-conscious (of only what it can detect and reason out with its own yet limited abilities), and is not as God-conscious as it thinks and sometimes professes to be.  Consider 2 Cor 5:7 and Heb 11 carefully.  Only the Word of God [Christ Jesus] can be trusted as absolute Truth.  And Jesus spoke about kingdom truths, not the common sense of man (Hab 1:5; Acts 13:40,41; Rom 8:7; 2 Tim 3:5; and so on).  Only He [the Lord Who created all] is eternal life, so only in Him can we find this same life, or see [perceive, trust in-, believe] it as a possibility for God [for us] right now as starting here [unbreakable] on earth, not in your mind.  It is about His grace and His mercy and His works, not ours.  There was an exchange on His cross (Is 53)!  Rom 6:3 goes on to v 4-6; and 8:1-2!  If He wants to work in us continuously, we surely should continue to be present here on this earth until He returns to seal these immortal, everlasting trinities as “glorified”.

“Experience” of death (Jn 8:51) must include the physical body.  Jesus Christ Himself has made amazing and radical statements concerning [this concept of] eternal life, but an astonishing phenomena can be seen here, whenever the exact words of Jesus concerning eternal life is quoted, the preacher gets the exact same response from religious minds as Jesus did when He spoke it (Jn 8:51-55; 11:25-28a; 21:21-24; even Is 28:12-18; Acts 28:24-27; Acts 13:48-52 with Lk 10:8-12)!  When this possibility is too much to grasp [believe, accept, take from God] right here on earth right now by unbelievers, man simply and easily postpone it to a distant future with a forced philosophical theology, thinking he out maneuvered and hid his own unbelief, typically blaming the preacher for the way [manner] in which this message was brought to them.  As if someone else is to blame for your unbelief or spiritual immaturity!  If someone comes shouting (rudely) that your house is on fire, you can either start arguing with the messenger (for the way the message is given), or you can be mature [smart] and investigate, and best of all – act on those words (Mk 4:22-25).

Too many preach and hear a testimony about Jesus Christ, not the testimony of Jesus Christ.

But all things were made by Him and came into existence through Him.  In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men.  Shockingly this man [made by Him!] chooses darkness over light, stumbling[8] in unbelief, with little or no power of God [glory] manifested in his life.  Still this lack of manifestation bothers the religious not (1 Jn 5:5-14)!  The majority of the present supposed Body of Christ, is weak and in darkness and fast asleep, and seems to be stubbornly content with this condition!?  And Rom 8:18-33?  Can we overcome (Eph 3:1-21),  even the last enemy (1 Cor 15:26), now already but obviously receive our glorified bodies only after Christ’s second coming, or do we really have to wait for this last step in dominion as only achievable with Jesus’ return?  Why do we battle with this “package deal” inheritance?  Some fools even claim death is not their enemy, yet say they must die… and loose their bodies… temporarily?!  Insane!

Read 2 Thessalonians in one sitting.  While at it, also Rom 2:7.  If you still think you are a pilgrim, then read Eph 2:1-21.  So where is this place prepared for you (Jn 14:3; Eph 2:4-6)?  If you still think you have to leave the planet to be “there”, you need to seriously rethink the gospel of Jesus Christ as apposed to what you perceive the gospel about Jesus Christ to be.  If you are a child of God, it is right now, right here – and then it must show with His powerful signs following you – this is what His Word says is true.  His power (glory) must follow you.  If not, you only have another dead religion.  This [your] show must not go on!

Results is the sign that HE is there with you (what you said was what HE says) – Mk 16:17-20.

Several parts of Scripture can be used to reveal the unlimited power God has in mind for us, but we will try the following few examples as a start in this awesome walk as [perfected, mature] sons of God [not babes].  This manifestation is not what must still be created, but must just be shown to the world [that it already exists in hidden form inside of us as a treasure], revealed only by the Light [Life] of God – Jesus Christ.

Note at Rom 8:11.  We refer to this verse [statement] seven times in this meditation, and forgive this [Afrikaans-speaking] author for taking these English/Greek words literally, especially from Scripture.  Consider the following words related to this statement in Rom 8, that the same Spirit (Jn 4:24) that dwells within you will quicken the mortal body…   Do you also note requirements of (a) God’s Spirit having to remain in you as you are to remain in Him [here on earth, 1 Thess 4:15; 5:23]? (b) That He then will (Is 55:11) energize, excite, incite, prompt, inspire, kindle, refresh, revive, rouse (not only with Jesus’ return but lift you into a higher realm!), strengthen, vitalize vividly [glowing like Mt 5:14] with a graphic lifelike stirring that also promises to dispatch [actuate, prompt, stimulate, propel, spur, urge, impel] and expedite? (c) Note that this is all applicable to a mortal body – one liable to death, thus still on earth living.  Note that “liable” relate to being accountable (Rom 5:12), but amenable, able to be influenced (2 Cor 5:15-21; Rom 8:2!!!), tractable [governable, pliable, workable, obedient, compliant], responsible, also answerable and chargeable (by own choice, Rom 8:2 or :13 or Jn 3:16?).  It means we are required to be acquiescent [trust, believe God] and then is susceptible [prone, inclined, predisposed, ready-minded, and willing] to LIVE!!!  Please reconsider and carefully contemplate Jn 1:1-4; 10:10!  To be able means to be adept, adroit, adequate (Rom 8:29-39),  and powerful (Phil 4:13; Mt 17:20; 19:26; Jn 11;26; Rom 8:30-37)!  Note that even heathens fight to live, yet “Christians” believe they must die and so prepare for death and an after-life, completely shunning an ever-lasting life [they claim to believe in it but only one day in the distant future!]!  This is probably why they so readily buy into nonsense like raptures and false preachers “preparing” you to die and still live an Old Testament life with fleeting [passing, temporary] glories and ignorantly fail to accept [appropriate, activate, manifest] a New Testament with its intended lasting glory (Rom 8:19-22)!!! These “Christians” have difficulty why God would want you healed and alive and well but also dead?  Does He really want your body temporarily dead? Have you heard Jesus in Mt 10:8; Jn 17:15-20?  You have?  Do you know that the NT started only after Jesus’ crucifixion (Heb 9:16-18)?  Try to realize the implication of this and grasp the utter self-righteousness in falling for “Hell and Heaven” gospels that “Christians” propagate where you have to pick one of two “celestial retirement resorts”!  Yes, it is ridiculous! Try Gal 1:6-12 and remember that this same Paul also wrote 1 Thess 5:23 (and 2 Cor 4:12 where he basically admit that those religious Jews were going to have him killed for certain next time because these yet un-glorified bodies can die up to the point of Jesus’ return… but it can [is able to] also LIVE…).  Consider Jm 1:5 and please read on.

Comment on raising the dead

 In the Bible we find the following examples mentioned:

  • Elijah raised the son of the Shunem woman (2 Ki 4:18-20,28-37).
  • Jesus raised the daughter of Jairus, one of the synagogue’s rulers (Mt 9:18,19,23-25; Mk 5:22-24,38-42; Lk 8:41’42’49-56). Note how the [Jewish] people sneered at Jesus (Mt 9:24; 13:58; Mk 5:40; Lk 8:53), hence Jn 1:10,11, recorded by John last (See meditation “The four Gospels”).
  • Jesus raised the widow from Nain’s son (Lk 7:11-15). Probably too old to have another son or re-marry, this woman was typical of people Jesus have deep compassion for (Jm 1:27).
  • Jesus raised Lazarus (Jn 11:1-44)[9].
  • Peter raised Tabitha (Dorcas in Greek) – Acts 9:36-42 (note Mk 5:40; Lk 8:51, with Acts 9:40).
  • Paul raised Eutychus (Acts 20:9-12).
  • Then there is the reference by Jesus in Mt 16:4 to Jonah 2:6; 3:1-6… (Refer to the meditation “Apparent controversies in The Bible”, paragraphs 2.2 and 5:42 for an exegesis)

 

 Note at Mt 10:8.  Jesus’ instruction to raise the dead raise the [valid] question in many minds, “At what point or when is this “raise the dead” beyond what Jesus seem to-/could have meant in Mt 10:8?”  For instance, what about all the saints since (say, 65 A.D. to date), or someone cremated?  Must we raise them?

With scriptures such as 2 Tim 3:15-17; Rev 22:18-19 (22:10); Rom 16:17; Gal 1:6-9; Jn 14:10-15; Mt 17:20; 19:26; in mind, we look at Jesus’ words in Mt 10:7-8.  It is recorded as follows:

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.  Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils; freely ye have received, freely give.  (KJV)

And as you go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand!  Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons.  Freely (without pay) you have received, freely (without charge) give.  (Ampl)

We can from this perhaps rather safely make the following reasonable deductions:

  • Lk 17:20-21 applies to this kingdom of heaven [God]. (Discussed in “Mixing Old and New”).
  • Jn 17:15-21 means Mt 10:8 applies to us today.
  • Jesus did not stipulate a time constraint. Neither for a calendar, nor an age restriction…
  • We must preach correctly – Gal 1:6-9; Rom 12:9; Prov 8:13; 11:20-21; 16:5; Jm 1:5-8; 5:19-20…
  • Heal [cure] the sick ties in with Jn 1:1-4; 10:10; 1 Pet 2:24 plus our authority as sons of God (Jn 1:12-13; 14:12-15; Rom 8:14) that should manifest on earth – Heb 2:8-17 (Ampl); Eph 1:3; 2 Pet 1:3-4…
  • It is wicked to make money from doing anything that God instructed us to do freely (extort).
  • The fact that God have provided all in the spiritual realm (Eph 1:3) in Jesus Christ, means we should not fret over saints (Rom 8:29-39) having lost their bodies long ago or in a catastrophic manner. This is why we have what the apostle Paul gave us in 1 Cor 15:49-55 (verses 56-58 is expanded on elsewhere in this meditation in Rom 5:12; 8:2; and (a) through (h)); and 1 Thess 4:13-18. We can, however – in Christ – save anyone from immediate or resent death and let them live [not lose them due to sickness].

We can summarize by saying that it is not a ‘cop-out’ [evasion] when having to determine where the line is between raising the dead and letting them be, by referring to Jn 4:24; Rom 8:14; Gal 5:18; and 1 Jn 2:20 [because of Jn 8:32,36]!  This Paul indicated in 2 Cor 4:11-12 because he knew that although he survived many attempts at killing him – actually having left him for dead at least five times and having survived miraculously – they would this time around sever his head from his body and his body would hence be dead until Jesus resurrects it with His second advent.  Observe here Paul’s use of the word “may”, expressing his [in fact God’s – Jer 29:11; Jn 1:4,17; 3:16] wish in 1 Thess 5:23, “… and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved sound and complete [and found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah)…” It therefore seems that the command and precepts in this regard Jesus gave us was simply the following:

  • To fully believe [trust, follow, cling to] Him – Mk 11:24; Mt 19:26…
  • To be victorious.
  • God is Life, Love, mercy, grace…
  • Death, sickness, infirmity is not of God and should not be embraced by saints as “God’s will” (refer to the meditation “The will of man, the will of God”).

Amen.

Further discussion (Part two)

 

If the apostle Paul (in Phil 1:21) says “for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain”, do you immediately assume he is [only[10]] saying it is better [for your body] to die, to not be on this earth[11]?  What then, must you rule over and have dominion?  Your thoughts of calamity!  What is death?  Is it not a calamity?  What if the context of Paul’s letters points to this “world” he was talking about as the “world” of law [the system of merit and attempts of self-righteousness]?  This “world” is what Jesus is not the King of (Jn 18:33-38).  It is indeed gain to die to the world of  “self” (Gal 2:19-21; Col 3; Rom 7:6,9; and so on)!

In the O.T. God – to the Jews (even though Abraham was a Chaldean, and Elijah a Tisbite) – showed Himself a generational [lasting for those on earth] God [of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob[12]], now He says, when you receive His Spirit you cry out Abba Father (He becomes your real Father, not man – 1 Pet 1:17-25; 2 Pet 1:4; 2 Cor 5:17; Jn 1:12).  Abraham did not believe God at first (Gen 15:2), but when he eventually did, God immediately counted [believing God] as Abraham’s righteousness (Gen 15:6; Gal 3:6; Rom 4:3; Jm 2:23; and so on).  Note also, God told Abraham to get out of his tent (temporary mindset) first…  Today, in the dispensation of Holy Spirit, Jesus still[13] says to not believe HIM is sin (Jn 16:9).

Jesus mentioned an exciting principle [spiritual law made and instated by Him], that a man can reap where he has not sown (Jn 4:34-38; and parables such as in Mk 4 with Mt 25:14-30 and Lk 19:12-27.  (Note Mt 11:24-30 ties in here).  The ultimate demonstration of this principle is that we can be the righteousness and holiness of Jesus Christ by faith alone (Heb 10:14), not by distrust!  Read Heb 11, taking special note of the statement this section concludes with (v 40)!  So Gal 6:7 goes on to verse 8 and 9.  Jesus help us!

So, perhaps we can reason that this generation can indeed reap what was sown by a thousand before us.  Consider Heb 11:1-40.  The proud [those wise in their own eyes, thinking God will not and can not be able to do it NOW], will reject it.  One can say that this could be applied to everlasting life as well, in the sense that we could by grace live until Jesus returns to show forth His glory [power, rule] over all, including death which is the last enemy for us to overcome – something those not truly re-born will neither see nor lay hold of [believe].  His name is I AM, because He is NOW.  He is present continuous, ever-lasting.

Lasting restoration (Is 40:31; 2 Cor 3:18b) certainly was foreshadowed in the O.T.  A fine example would be our “father of faith”, Abraham, and also Sarah.  Genesis 20 reveals that Sarah was so attractive to Abimelech, king of Cerar, that he took her into his harem.  (She was compared to the very prettiest, very young girls in his land).  The significance is that Sarah was about 100 years old (after previously being barren)!  See also Joshua 14:10,11 and Dt 34:7.  The Bible says Joshua said he was as strong as he was forty years earlier, not that he felt [imagined himself] that he did not age since the Lord spoke His word to Moses.  Note here the law-readers (the Levites) inherited no land (Josh 14:3,4 with 2 Cor 3:12-16).  Also, Joshua aged up to that point of receiving [following] God’s Word (vs 7,8), then not again until he died.  [The bodies of] Enoch and Elijah were seemingly not allowed to die, even then.  Could it be that they have conversed [“walked”] with God in absolute trust in His agenda, not like the rest (Heb 11:40)?

Another fact [precept] is that God has demonstrated throughout history (His-story) that He first revealed through prophets what has happened [was provided, intended] in the Spiritual realm, and then only later do we see it manifested in the natural realm (Amos 3:7; Rev 10:7[14]).  In other words, contemplating 1 Pet 1 – especially verses 11-13, you can see that seeing is not believing, as worldly wisdom suggests.  This is a stupid statement and the opposite of God’s wisdom (Heb 11:1; 2 Cor 5:7).  The whole creation is waiting like a woman in birth-labor pains for the mature sons of God to really believe [the teaching of Jesus Christ , the will of God, to trust His testimony of abundant and ever-lasting life] and LIVE so that the world [unbelievers can see it is His Truth!!  The apostles and disciples of Jesus spoke here in prophecy about the generation [in the third day, is this starting the third millennium after Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection?] – that is us – that will see immortality.  See Rom 8:11,13,19,37 and bear in mind 1 Cor 15:26.  As long as any sickness kills your body you have lost – think about it.  Now contemplate 2 Pet 1; 1 Pet 1:13; Phil 4:8; Rom 12:1; Eph 4:23,24; and so on, and see the context become infinitely fuller and more meaningful than the lame gospels about Jesus Christ.  The gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God, and indeed the nearly-too-good-to-be-true-news (euaggelion), i.e. the “gospel” of Jesus Christ.  Again consider Gal 1:6-12; 1 Cor 4:20; Rom 5:2 (again speaking of this hope); 2 Tim 3:5; 1 Pet 2:5; Acts 14:3; 2:22 (2 Tim 1:10,11 in the Amplified shows that this testimony was what he was persecuted for, namely immortality…).  And again Mk 7:6-9; 16:16-20; Jm 5:19; Jn 8:51,52; 10:27-28; 11:25-26!!…

How big is God to us?  Is He active, able and willing to give all we ask, to show His glory[15]? And has He [by choice] given that [His] glory to us who believe [trust] HIM (Jn 17:3-5,9,15-26)?  Can you dare to read Is 9:6 and ask Jesus why He is called everlasting Father?  Can it be that He is the Father [First Born] of everlasting life (Jn 1:1-4,17; 11:26; Heb 2:8-10; Col 1:15)?  Are we so trapped, are our minds in such captivity that we refuse HIS WORDS of SPIRIT and LIFE to permeate us?  Paul [Saul] had to be rescued from the Jews [Judaism] by Jesus Christ crucified (Acts 26:18), read Is 4:2; 5:20 and Hos 4:6 again.  Can you see the real context?  Remove self-righteousness [law-mentality], and remember 2 Cor 3:12-18.  Who told you to prepare for death?  Mt 9:28 (“… then He…”, see v. 29); 19:11…  Is He I AM to you?  Who do you say is He?  What do you suppose could be the greater work Jesus talked about in Jn 14:12?  To have a body that the world can see never died (Jn 11:26)?  To be a true son [mature, ruling child] of God although physically born from sinful flesh, yet quickened by the Spirit who [then still] dwells inside of you (Rom 8:11)?  Jesus was the first-born (Heb 1:5,6), we are the many sons brought to [His] glory (Gal 4:1-7; Rom 8:29-32; Heb 2:10)!  If we are co-rulers and co-heirs (Eph 2:6), this kingdom of God is ours (Lk 12:32)!  Carefully study Col 1:11-29.  Note that the Church of Jesus Christ is His Body, we are indeed part of Him if we are in Him and He in us!  So until we realize this [reveal it to the world], can Jesus not return to accomplish 1 Cor 15:24,25.  Read v 26,27 with Rom 5:12-15; 6:23; 7:4; 8:1-3; Eph 3:6-21 (note here that “generations” or “ages” in v 21 very strongly implies “while on earth”…); 4:12-16; 5:23 and Heb 2:4-18.

Before looking at a magnificent revelation, just another little test of your faith [in Jesus Christ].  Consider that Jesus has [“technically”] more than one “coming”, do you straight-out reject it, or hear something in your spirit and cautiously [not in disbelief, but to see if it is from Jesus] ask for qualification?  Questions for an explanation [better understanding, insight] is crucial (examples would be Mary and Abraham), but questioning [unbelief, offense] is self-destructive [rejecting God’s great truths], an example here would be Zachariah (Lk 1:18-20).   All right, here is the qualification:  Jesus Christ the Messiah first came as “unto us a child is born”, and will return again in His glorified body with the saints that are with him, yes.  But He has appeared on many other occasions, even before Bethlehem (such as 1 Ki 11:9), and will probably keep on doing it until He comes again (such as His appearances after His resurrection over 40 days – this was not His “second coming”.  Also after Pentecost to the apostle Paul on many occasions (Acts 7:2; 9:17; 26:15,16; and so on), and today to [ex-] Muslims, Buddhists and many occurrences documented all across the world to many, but to those that realize and confess the limitless sonship given to us through Jesus Christ, not the self-righteousness of religion [leaning on law for mercy or grace].  Jesus paid for our mercy and grace.  Stop trying to grow into, develop into, or work your way into sonship – try faith in Jesus [His teachings, His precepts] and be God’s son!  Take the dominion He provided!  This dominion is not over other man, but 2 cor 10:5.  His name is I AM.   The law has no mercy in it, stop being bewitched by it!

Now, let’s briefly look at Jeremiah 32:8-14.  “The court of the guard” (v 8) compares to where Jesus later had His mock trial.  Also see how this O.T. prophet spoke of what was sealed for them but what Jesus would  reveal, and how the unsealed was revealed in the body of Christ on the cross, while the sealed was placed in an earthen vessel (Is 29:16; 64:8; Jer 18; also Rom 9:21; and Mt 27:6-10!), for revealing it after lasting a long time.  Could today be “after a long time”[16]?  All actually still point to Jesus Christ and His completed work on His cross (Jn 19:30; Rev 16:17) – we inherit (Heb 9:16,17) what Jesus had sealed up inside of Him as our inheritance of His “right of redemption” (Rev 5; Jer 32-17; Ez 21:27).  Very carefully think of Jer 32:27 in the very same chapter!  Also worthy of note here are Jer 31:29-30 and Ez 18:1-3.  Re-think 2 Cor 5:17 and [for believers!] Jn 3:16.  If 2 Cor 4:10-14 sounds as if you “must”[17] die, read 2 Cor 4:12; 1 Pet 1:12 and then the whole book and then note the “we”, “you” and “us” Paul used in these verses (and also in 1 Thess 5:23)!  He revealed exactly what this O.T. prophecy is about!  Also 1 Peter 1:18.  The “temporary residence on earth” in 1 Pet 1:17, possibly just refers to what the same writer expressed in 2 Pet 3, namely that the elements of this world that is ungodly [including outward religion] will be destroyed by fire and the “new heaven and earth” that was God’s intention for us from before the foundation of this earth, will be our permanent abode, saying this present environment [with law present] is only temporary.  Also compare Mt 24:29,34 with Dan 12:3; Job 25:5 (Rev 1:16-20) with Rev 6:13.  Do you remember who the fig tree resembles?  Those religious Jewish leaders who bear no fruit (1 Jn 4:1-4; Mt 3:7,8; 11:11-26; 21:33-45;23:13-15,32-36; Mk 11:13,14; …)!  Do you recall?  Ask Holy Spirit for His wisdom (Jm 1:5-8).

Jesus Christ appears to brethren (Rom 8:29; 1 Cor 15:5-8; Heb 2:11; Jm 1:9), possibly not exclusively, but certainly.  Let Him be God!  A fact is that manifestations of His power are shown in healings, wonders, miracles and signs [of His power, grace and love].  We need to accept His Word without reasoning [against Him about the possibility of His testimonies], and without offense (Mk 6:2-6).  What is Rom 8:29-39 saying?  Just be His mature son, like Jesus!  Digest Heb 2:8-15 – He appears to brethren…

To die or not to die, is not the question; the question is to believe or not believe Jesus Christ – and live!

He is the Word of God, and only HE is the Savior.  We cannot save ourselves, neither can any one else “warning us” from hell or “enticing us” from heaven, that implies Jesus’ Blood was really insufficient, or His Spirit is not quite capable of convicting those who believe HIM. You can only be saved by believing and confessing the testimony of JESUS CHRIST (Rom 10:6-11).   But there is more to being saved – you can realize you are re-born from above [of God] and that this re-birth made you a new creature, and your vision and diet (thinking) has changed.  Now, depending on the degree of your believing the words of JESUS, you will show [reveal] what has been hidden as a treasure inside of you – that you are a child of God, as Jesus is a child of God!  This has been a mystery for all the ages until Jesus came to shed His Light on this amazing truth!  No, you are not the Godhead, but you inherited a kingdom that is His good pleasure for you to have an abundant Life in, being a priestly-king, to rule over destructive thoughts with the Godhead inside of you permanently (Eph 1:19-23)!  Remember, He is One Triune God!!!…

An equally tragic misconception is to think that once you accepted that Jesus’ Blood washed your sins away, was only the start of your walk in which you must follow a set of rules or steps to stay saved – this is relying on law [“self”, again?!] to keep yourself saved!  This then, sadly makes Paul’s words in Gal 3 and 4 applicable to you [why so bewitched by law (self)?].  Grace is unconditional (Rom 11:6; 9:16)!!  To remain saved, we must keep on following Him [cling to Him] in a genuine personal relationship as daily Bread.

Slowly read Jesus’ prayer, especially Jn 17:14-26 – you are supposed to be one with Him! The gospel of Jesus Christ is for believers, not achievers.  Note, the religious “God loves the sinner but hates the [saved “sinner’s”] sin”, is perhaps not so Scriptural – Is 1:18; Heb 8:12,13!  Even 1 Jn 3:3; Jn 3:3…  Be bold [sure] (Heb 4:16), because of your trust in what Jesus did, not because what you did (or neglected to do)!  When you accept your authority in Jesus Christ, you can do what He did, and more!  You can never threaten Him with the authority He gave you!  Go for it, heal the inflicted and the sick, raise the dead!  Go for Life! Be open to receive the Bread of Life, eat it, make it part of you.  Stop circling Mt. Sinai (Mk 11:23-24!).

Brother and sister in Jesus Christ, Jesus paid an extremely high price for us to be a co-heir and a co-ruler in Gods kingdom, do not throw it back in His face with a wavering mind [your own unbelief]!  Take Jesus seriously!  Commit your life to Him!  Fear God, not man![18]  God is your Abba [real, able, fit, active, willing] Father if you take His Word for it!  Reveal it!  A secret [mystery] is only hidden until it is revealed, but once revealed [by Jesus Christ our Brother and Lord, the Light], it is for all who accept it!  When it has come to Light [in you], it must be seen and follow you daily!  Jesus is Lord[19]!  If you say HE is your Lord [maximum Authority], then let the world see it with signs and miracles! Let the world (believing and unbelieving) hear you say what He says, confess HIS Name, not circumstances, fear, unbelief, “niceties” conflicting with HIS WORD (Jn 5:39,40), or lame “lovely” talks.  Listen to the prayers recited by Christians – what do they confess?  Often you hear a distant and ignorant “…God, if it is Your will, please…”, and then they ask for things [seed-words, healing, authority] Jesus has already provided for on His cross!  Selah.

The “aggression” [urgency, 2 Tim 4:2-3] a man of God sometimes show against [revealing] callousness, hardness of heart, hypocrisy and alienated thought patterns toward our Lord God is often attacked by shallow play-acting words of warning of “red lights” against this what they see concerning this “aggressive behaviour”.  Well, what if it is about weight [of Jesus’ testimony and glory against superficial misleading testimonies/ideas of man]?  Is it “aggressive” or “urgent”?  Hear Jesus (Mt 23; Lk 24:25; Jn 8:40-44), John the Baptist (Mt 3:6-10): and someone like Moses (Ex 2:12; 32:19-20; 20:10-12); or Paul (Acts 13:9-11), and similarly numerous accounts of prophets of God’s “aggressive” words against hypocrites content with superficial religion.  The gentleness and meekness Jesus talks about is the sensitivity we first need towards God [and His Word and His teachings], and then those misled; not arrogant stubbornness of stiff-necked, ignorant, professing Christians (1 Jn 2:4)!  Jesus was prophesied to be the Prince of Peace (Is 9:6), but clearly stated that this peace [redemption, propitiation] He was paying for, was between God and man (Mt 10:34; Jn 15:17-19, saying we as believers should be equally open to HIS Word – 1 Jn 3 – as one Body of Christ with one baptism/submission; Eph 1:4,5).  See Gal 4; Heb 5 and 1 Cor 3 and see the call to be mature sons [G 5207, hulios] of God, not immature children, unable to rule a kingdom [yet], i.e. babies still in self [G 5043, teknon] knowing nothing of righteousness (Phil 3:9; Heb 5:13-6:3-20).  Guilt is a feeling that God owes you something or you owe God something – this is the world Jesus is not King of, that we [that belongs to Him] are not from, it is called law [merit-system, self-righteousness].  And yes, with 1 Pet 5:3-4, but see the context (at least vs 1-14) – the hearers must also be open to Jesus and His testimony.

If your name is Peter (Patricia), a suggestion that you should be Peter (Patricia) Christ, will probably cause religious people to have a stroke.  But what does “Christ” mean?  It  is a title that means “anointed” of God.  Why then the heavenly calling to reach Eph 4:12-15?  Contemplate the likes of Jn 1:12-13,17; Eph 1:4-23; Phil 1:10-19; Col 1:11-29; Heb 2:8-10; PS 145:11-13; and so on.  What if  “Heavenly calling” does not mean God is calling you to die, but to rule on earth with His heavenly Word until He returns?  Do you accept that God’s agenda for you is that you clothe yourself with His glory (Rom 13:14)?  Do you realize that His glory is His power, and that God wants to see you crowned with it (Ps 8)?  Do you want your inheritance (His glory on all the earth) as a mature child of God, or do you choose to postpone your trust to an indefinite, weak, fearful future, even wishing to not even be [ruling] here as GOD wants us (you) to do?  Do you realize that 2 Pet 1:1-15 reads with 2 Cor 4:12 and 1 Pet 1:12?  They knew it but we must live it (Heb 11)!

Jesus was “sold” [betrayed] for 30 pieces of silver.  This was the price for [also] a female slave (Ex 21:32; Joseph was sold for 20 pieces, Gen 37:28).  Zech 11:11-13 was foretold and happened in Mt 26:15. Why would these scribes that knew these prophecies “play in Jesus’ hands” by fulfilling them[20]? They did not understand them (Is 27:11; Lk 2:47; 24:45; Jn 12:16; Eph 4:18; Col 1:9)! Jesus’ body was sold and nailed to that cross.  He redeemed the Bride, His Body, His Church, from slavery [law] (Heb 2!).  He left a legit testament because His body was buried, a New Testament that explains our inheritance:  His glory, His resurrection power – LIFE – inside of us… an eternal Light and eternal Life… here and now –  if we accept it!  Not afterlife but everlasting Life! What a God, what a Father!  Jesus’ body was resurrected and will forever identify with us, and He will return in it, to us who remain, not forsaking us, nor shaming us…

And what does this clay [earthen] vessel say to its Maker?  Are we still so “solid” (full of our ideas, ability) that we cannot receive HIM [LIFE EVERLASTING] inside of us?  Do we understand Jn 3:16 + Heb 12:2??  Do we have strongholds that we call principles [principalities] that actually are “wickedness in high places”?  (Satan is defeated, he has no access to the throne of grace – we have!)  Could we be the beast (until the point we crucify the “self”)?  O, may we allow Holy Spirit and Jesus to help us!  Please selah!

Now, concerning this place that Jesus prepared for us (Jn 14:2), is it “a mansion floating in heaven [space] somewhere” like in star trek?  What kind of roof or windows does it have?  Why?  Who will stay in this house with you, if they all get their own?  Why would you have to stay in a house (shelter against what)?  We could go on.  No, a cubit speaks of perfection, Rev 21 is a people, an Eph 3:18-21 and Is 60:14; Gal 4:24-29; Mt 5:14; 1 Jn 4:4 people, not a place in space! So, let’s stop the nonsense and look at what Jesus said.  The context around John 12 to 17, was the crucifixion of Jesus.  Strange how advocates of strange doctrines about a mansion in space one day (based on Jn 14:2) miss the advise in v. 1 (Mt 17:5b) and seems to never get to v 23-24; or Mt 5:14; or 1 Pet 2:1-10; or Rev 21:1-3; or 1 Cor 3:16; or Eph 2:19;3:15; or Col 1:11-29; or that the Body of Jesus (Col 2:9,10) is His Church with they in Him.  What a “Mansion”!  The city promised to Abraham (Gal 4), but he only can see in us (Heb 11:40).  Shall we reveal it in Christ?

Jesus was telling the followers of His teachings (His disciples) that He had been with them for a little while, then would be away for a little while, then return for a while, then go away again but send His power to live in us that accept His teachings.  A disciple is a student, a follower, a pupil.  A pupil is the part in your eye that allows light into it, so that you can perceive the images you receive through this light.  A pupil of Jesus sees what He sees.  He is the Light to the world.  The “world” Jesus was not part of, is the law, the system of tradition, ceremony and rituals with no understanding of what it represents.  What do you see?  Jesus appeared in visible form to become Man to take away [upon Himself] sins (1 Jn 3:5-8).  Now see 1 Pet 1:18-23 with Gal 3:16,29 and 1 Jn 3:9.  Do you connect the dots with Gen 4:10 and  Rom 8:19?  Would Mt 5:38-48 help, especially v.45?  The blood of Abel called for vengeance from earth [with the natural seed, nature still inborn, inherited from Adam and Cain], but the Blood of Jesus from heaven [Spiritual realm, born anew from God] called out for mercy. The war is between the evil seed and the good seed, good vs (good + evil) [blessing and calamity] mixed.  The minute I take the natural seed I frustrate the grace of God. See Heb 12:22-29.  Are you walking and talking by faith or by sight?  Really?

Is my God too small to give me the everlasting life He promised in Jn 3:16, starting now; or do I circumnavigate my unbelief [little bursts of faith] by claiming the power of God will be greater demonstrated by resurrecting all of us (?) one day in the distant future when He returns?  Is there not enough [millions] already to receive their resurrected bodies?  Can we not manifest [demonstrate, reveal, show forth] God’s power and true promises by living until He comes, as rulers in His Kingdom here on earth, taking the responsibility and dominion He intended and paid for?  Why do we want to stubbornly remain powerless but pretend to want God to show us “something new”?  He has, and He has repeatedly said so!  When will we wake up?  Is loosing your body a complete victory?  What does Jesus Christ say?

In the beginning God created [ex nihilo] by saying “[Light] Be!”.  We are human beings (vs doings), but are we to merely helplessly and phlegmatically exist and loose, or rule here in lasting life (Gen 1:26-28)?  Jesus, as the Word of God rebuked the play-actors in Mt 23 and this Last Adam – the Firstborn – teaches man to be a son of God, and not to try and “do” a son of God!  Get an abundant Life, not an abundant death.  Get an abundant life, not an abandoned life!  Get Life, not law – eat Bread not a stone!  Amen?

Take note [of the principle truth] of Acts 13:40-41; as well as the warning in Heb 4.  Be afraid to distrust the promise of entering God’s rest [genuine, lasting peace]!  If you still think God’s rest is not available right now, on this earth, you will do well to carefully study the context (of even just Heb 2:2-16; and the verses leading up to Heb 4:1 that starts with “Therefore…”.  “Therefore” means there is a why for (Heb 4:2; 11:8-9 – their distrust in God’s promises was just as applicable to them as for us today).  Get God’s rest, have joy and peace because you know [trust Him that] you are righteous and holy and faultless and glorified before Father because of what JESUS CHRIST did!  Know you are His son (child) and that He is your real Father [able, active, willing – perfect in every way]!  Whatever is His in this kingdom – on earth – is yours (Eph 2:6)!  Rule, show dominion, represent Him and change your environment and your circumstances!  Heal the sick, raise the dead – live [until Jesus comes]!  Prophecy, don’t doubt and cry!

Your joy in the Lord is your strength[21].  Your laughter is a [voice] gift to God.  Know this:  God is God.  He made us, not we Him.  We are His people, His well-tended sheep.  Enter with the password: “Thank You!”.  Make yourselves at home, talking praise for Him!  For God is shear beauty, all-generous in love, loyal always and eternal.  And if you are partakers of the divine everlasting, eternal nature of God (2 Tim 1:10 Ampl); how can you want your body to die?  Why do you suppose will He return with those [souls and spirits] to give them back their bodies?    They have less than you who still have your body and the opportunity to rule over death before Jesus returns!  Again try to digest  Jn 17:12-20 and accept His promises and His will [intent] for us.  Don’t lose the battle against sickness, defeat it in Jesus’ name!

Come on, church, show the world what you BELIEVE so that they can SEE.  Proclaim [confess, teach] to the world of unbelievers and religious powerless play-actors what Jesus Christ really came to do.  Show them and tell them [first] that He is the Truth, the way and Life everlasting – and mean and understand it.  Overcome the world [dead ritualistic, ceremonial, tradition-trapped religion] and place all enemies under your feet, even the last one to be conquered.  How can you be ashamed of His Words?  We must be like Him[22], and then He will return with that cloud of witnesses.  Then He will give them their bodies back and make our immortal bodies [still capable of death, but lasting], glorified [never able to die].  Praise the lord!

Study 1 Thess 4:13-17; Heb 2; and 1 Cor 15…  and think about 1 Jn 2:4.  Why reject 1 Thess 5:23,24?

Carefully contemplate Mark 12:24; Jn 14:6; 10:27-28; 11:26.  Think about it.  Ask Jesus what He was saying!  Its not what will happen to my body, but what I believe Jesus said is possible [could happen]!

Many heathens have more material possessions than you, so that will not attract them to the eternal Father and Author of Life .  Only the super-natural will rule over the natural.  His will for us is to be like Him.  He is above the natural, so as His mature child we aught to be – above the natural.  Prove [test, reveal] Jn 3:16.

Now, in closing, please consider the following scriptures very carefully in His Spirit of Truth, remembering that the whole Bible is one, unfolding,  revelation of Jesus Christ and His work for us.

We receive grace for this reason:  to live, not to die.  You can not earn life, Jesus is the Giver of Life.

Now take your Bible as if for the first time, Hear His Spirit and slowly digest and re-think the following:

Read the gospel of John, keeping in mind this was written by John after his three letters and Revelation, and then take special note of the following verses – Jn 1:1-4,11-13,17; 3:3-21,31-36; 4:10,14,23-26,35-38; 5:17-27,36-47; 6:32,33,39-40 (Heb 2:9; 9:11,26),43-51,63-68; 7:16-19,38-39; 8:11,12,15,16,23-29,32,36,42,44,51-52; 9:5,14-22 (16:2 with Mt 7:21-24),30-41; 10:1-11,14-20,26-30;11:15,25-26; 12;1,2,9-11; 12:32-50; 14:9-21,23; 15;16;17.  Did you see [hear] Him?  Do you hear everlasting LIFE?

Well, now read Is 28:4-18; Prov 8:31-36; 18:20-21; Ps 102:13-28 (Is 60:1,14; Mt 5:14; Gal 4:21-31).

I suppose you know how Peter explained how prophets [men who show you to Christ] could speak in the first person of things that never happened to them, but them in Christ , like Ps 22:16 (1 Pet 1:10-13)!

Believe me, there is more!  We will do well to heed Is 5:18-21.  How absolutely astonishing, to think that N.T. man dies only because they do not believe Jesus Christ, they think they can not live till He returns, yet they quote in parrot-like fashion scriptures like Ps 23; 91; Phil 4:13; Rom 8:2,34… they stutter on Rom 8:6-8 and miss v 11-17,29-39; 2 Cor 4:12; 5:7; 1 Pet 1:12; Heb 11:1!  Habakkuk said it (1:12;2:4); Paul said it (2 Cor 4:12; 5:7); many said it!  Have you read the song for the Sabbath day (Ps 92:15 Ampl)?  Why do men die if all their sin is paid for by Jesus Christ (Rom 3:4; 9:14)?  Why? Why? Jn 3:15-21 (Jude 21)!

Try Jn 16:9 with 1 Jn 5:16.  Again contemplate Is 28:7b-18… and again read 2 Pet 3:9 (1 Thess 5:23)!…

Be blessed in the power and victory – even over death – in Jesus Christ.  Come on church of Jesus Christ, be those living memorials to His Truth!  God is Love is Light is Life!  He gives us grace to receive Life!

Live for God!  Nothing is impossible to God!  If He gave you eternal Life, why lose it[23] out of unbelief?

If He says you do not have to ”experience death in any way at all”, what is so difficult for you to grasp?

If you preach you are more than a conqueror (Rom 8:37; Jn 16:33; 1 Jn 5:4; Rev 3:5; 6:2; 12:11); you better be it (1 Cor 15:26; Heb 2:8-9; Jn 14:12-15).  Get it?  All you can do more than Jesus, is to not let your body die [by believing His teaching]!  You must certainly die [once] to “self”, but you shall live!

When you are re-born, you [self-righteousness, carnality] die; and then you are risen in Christ to live!

Just remember, afterlife is not – and is still inferior to – everlasting life!

Now we read passages where Jesus was telling the Jews how they were caught asleep by having had the prophecies and yet rejected Him as the Messiah, like Lk 12:36-38, and miss the message for us!  We are supposed to be waiting [living] here for Him to return as a triune God to His triune children being whole with our spirit and soul inside our body (1 Thess 5:18).  The message is: LIVE, do not die!  Be more than conquerors in Christ, you are able to with Christ inside of you; you be [remain the Body of] Christ on earth

Have you checked # 1228 Diabŏlŏs in the Greek dictionary of the N.T.? It speaks of the devil, and says  his name means “false accuser”, “slanderer”.  Did you get it?  The devil is a false accuser!   Slander means defamation, misrepresentation, smear, backbite, vilify, malign…  Do you realize what Col 2:15 implies?  And Rom 3:24-28; 8:29-39?  Really?  Have you seen that the cords that unbelievers draw calamity and punishment to themselves with are iniquity and falsehood ?  Do you realize that these “unbelievers” are any of those not believing Jesus Christ and His Words of  SPIRIT is ETERNAL LIFE?  That the “churches” today are filled with unbelievers that practise falsehood by claiming they follow Jesus Christ but loose (die)?

Whether you are in a “church” or not, whether you are religious or not – do you actually believe Jesus (1 Thess 5:24)?  Do you trust His Words?  What a sobering thought!  Again I ask you these two questions:

  1. If [human] death is only there because of sin (Rom 5:12); and
  2. If Jesus Christ has paid for-, and removed all sin once for all (Heb 10:9-10), why must your body die [perish, be lost just like that of an animal with no spirit, Rom 8:11-20]?

What if people die for one reason only, namely they do not believe Jesus that they can live until He returns (Rom 8:1-4; Jn 16:9; 11:26)!  What a shocking tragedy that would be!  What a ridiculous distrust in Life!

Why not accept Jesus’ words [Jn 8:51; 11:26; 12:50; and why not second Paul in 1 Tim 1:16-17?  Have you noticed that Peter said that “…  God is extraordinarily patient towards you, not desiring that any should perish [die], but that all should turn to repentance…”?  Repentance means to change your mindset.  See how Peter started his letter in 2 Pet 1:2-5.  Do you know Rom 8:2; and Jn 3:16?  Fully and accurately?

Again contemplate Is 5:18-21, and read it with Rom 1:17-23.  Do you see why Paul prayed 1 Thess 5:23?  Paul did not say “our”, he said may “your” … bodies be preserved whole at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. May “your” – means our –  NT bodies be preserved until Jesus appears again with that cloud of witnesses.  Witnesses of what? That He is about LIFE EVERLASTING! Remain (1 Thess 4:15)!!!

Note at Rom 10:9-10. To be saved (1 Thess 5:23), we have to accept He overcame death (Jn 6:48-50; 1 Jn 5:20), and that there was a successful exchange on His cross – He died so that we can LIVE (Jn 1:4; 3:15-16; 8:51; 10:10; 11:26; Rom 8:11)!  Perhaps we have missed too much already by shunning, instead of shining, Jesus Christ [Light, Life]!

What if Jm 1:12 reads with Rom 12:9?  What if God hates religion, falsity, calamity, weakness, losing to sickness?  What if we should also hate this, and hate death?  What would happen if we would love Life, Light, the glory and power God wants us to exercise [demonstrate] and enjoy right here on earth?  What would His Body [Church] then be – on earth (1 Jn 5:11,12)?  The principle [and advice] in Titus 1:13-16 holds true (Is 5:18-21; Jn 3:17-20; Gen 1:26-28).  There are things that God will not [cannot] do on earth, because He will not manipulate or violate His Word.  There are things we have to appropriate [take, make active, believe].  Eph 3:19-21 (1 Cor 8:2-3)!  Perhaps it is not out of context to connect Rev 3:8,15 with Rev 22:6.  How complete do we believe the redemption in Heb 9:12,14 [by [24]Jesus of  Heb 7:16,17] to be?

Check a decent dictionary, “everlasting” (Jn 3:16; 12:50) means “deathless”, “endless”, “immortal”, “never-ending”, “perpetual”, “undying”, “ceaseless”, “constant”, “continuous”, “incessant”, “uninterrupted”; it does not mean “hereafter”.  There is no mention of an “after-life” with Christ permanently inside of you on earth;  but only an everlasting life!  You can go to a “hereafter”, but will then be brought back here to those “who remain”.   We as NT believers, should not be like those in Eph 4:17-19 (see v 20).  We should comply with Phil 2:16; perhaps see fuller into Jm 1:12[25].

Again try Jn 1:4 with 2 Cor 4:6-7; Rom 13:11-,14; 1 Cor 15:45; Col 1:9-22; 2:3-3:4;

and Dt 30:11-20 with Rom 10.  Read Prov 12:28 with Heb 5:13-6:3; and Hos 4:6-11 (2 Cor 4:14-7).

Again, contemplate the following: Ez 18:32; Ps 6:4,5; 36:9; 119:116,144; 133:3 (Mt 5:14); Jn 1:1-5,17; 3:15-18,36; 4:14,36-38; 5:24,37-40; 6:33,47-50,56,60-68; 8:12,51,52; 10:10; 11:26; 12:47-50; 17:2,3;

Rom 2:7; 8:11-19; Gal 6:8… Then, consider the Bridegroom and the bride, Christ and His Body [Church]; and the grounds for divorce (Mt 5:27-28,31,32; Eph 5:17-20; Mal 2:5,12-17 with Is 5:18-20; Rev 2:13; 3:15-22).  If we [church] give in to thoughts [demons] of death,  we have broken the vow of faithfulness and commitment in Christ.  Religion is no protection (Mal 2:12; Heb 10:5-14; Mt 5:6;18:18; Mk 7:13).

Note that Rom 8:35-39 is to be read with the verses prior to that!

In the beginning, God made a distinction between Light and darkness (Gen 1:3,4) that means He separated life from death[26].  Although Rom 5:12  tells us human death followed only as a result of Adam’s sin (not using his authority correctly (Gen 3:16; Jm 4:7; Gen 1:26-28); do we have the provision and existence of our life forms – created by God about 4 000 BC kind by kind – so that Life could be (Eph 1:4; Col 1:10-20).  Note that God wants us to continue to live eternally in all three capacities (1 Thess 5:23; Jn 3:16; 8:51; 11:26; etc.) but that man with his own religious mindset fixates on death – Ps 23:3; 112:4; Is 5:18-20 with Jn 10:10 and 2 Cor 11:11-16a; Ps 112:4; Gen 49:10; Col 1:10-20; Jn 3:16-18; Lk 1:79… see 1 Jn 1:5…Selah…

From the meditation “Evolution” and “Body, soul and spirit of man”, a short note on Ps 73:22: Hear Asaph (mentioned at least 46 times in The Bible), “So foolish, stupid, and brutish was I, and ignorant; I was like a beast before You”, making a clear distinction between animals without a spirit (God-consciousness) and humans with a spirit (God-consciousness); even God’s Spirit inside of us (Jn 14:26 and the meditation “The Gospel”). Gen 1 tells us God created all animals according to their kind, then He made man to His image and to rule over animals (Gen 1:26-27). So, this author concurs with Joshua (Josh 24:15).

So then, let us try to think clearly in summary:

  • Jesus Christ [God] is the sole Source of Life
  • Jesus Christ [God] is everlasting and about Life everlasting [for His followers as God’s children]
  • Jesus Christ [God] wants us to have an everlasting relationship with Him
  • When Jesus Christ returns to earth physically, will He give the saved who have lost their bodies, bodies back that will from then on not die at all
  • If He wants that for us, why could you not remain [until He returns], in His victory over death?
  • What is impossible for God? Is death an enemy (1 Cor 15:26; Phil 4:13; Mk 7:13; 12:24; Heb 8:13)
  • Does faith requires visible evidence first? Or must our faith be [demonstrate] the evidence?
  • What did Jesus clearly say on this subject – literally? (Jn 3:16; 5:37-47; 8:51; 11:26; 12:50)
  • Paul’s expectancy [trust, faith in the Good News of Jesus Christ] is reflected in him using the words “we” in 1 Cor 15:34 and “us” in 1 Thess 4:15. Jesus’ Testimony of Life remains a sound doctrine!!
  • Mention of life expectancies of 120 years (Gen 6:3) or 70 years (Ps 90:10) are addressing specific issues of specific OT people. (a) We have at any rate, a NT (Jn 3:16; 11:26; 19:30; Rom 8:2,11; Heb 8:13) when we abide in Christ and He permanently [also] in us! (b) Gen 6:3 has to do with the controversial “sons of God” mentioned here but would never the less put an end to any claims of humans being gods. (c) Isaiah 5:18-30 also shows that God (as in Dt 32:39) merely indicates that God allows mankind to reap the results of our own choices (refer Dt 32:1-38; and 41 onwards stating that a judgement [fair result] befalls “them that hate me”. Observe that it is, at any rate, understood incorrectly that God determined those people to only live 120 years for we find the following ages of people in that time:

Noah died at 950 – Gen 9:29 (although Gen 6:8,9);

Sham died at 600 (Gen 11:10-11)

Arphaxed died at 403 (Gen 11:12-13)

Salah reached 433 (Gen 11:14-15)

Eber died at 464 (Gen 11:16-17)

Peleg was 239 (Gen 11:18-19)

As was Ren who died at 239 (Gen 11:20-21)

Serug was 230 (Gen 11:22-23)

Nahar, 138 (Gen 11:24-25)

Terah, 205 (Gen 11:32)

Sarah 127 Gen 23:1)

Isaac, 180 (Gen 35:28)

Even Ishmael reached 137 ! (Gen 25:17)

Jacob was 147 (Gen 47:28)

Abraham, 175 (Gen 25:7)

Note at Ps 90:10.  It seems to indicate a limited lifespan for [all] man of 70 years but is not the case.  Ps 90 is accredited to Moses, who was interceding with God to remove the curse which made it necessary for every Israelite over twenty years of age (when they rebelled against God at Kadesh-barnea) to die before reaching the promised land (Num 14:26-35). Moses says most of them are dying at seventy years of age. It is mistaken to mean a limited lifespan for all mankind. It was not intended to refer to anyone except those Israelites under the curse during that particular 40 year period. Seventy (or 120) has never been the average lifespan for humanity. When Jacob, the father of the twelve tribes, had reached 130 years (Gen 47:9), he complained that he had not attained to the years of his immediate ancestors.  In fact, Moses himself lived to be 120 years old, Aaron 123, Miriam several years older, and Joshua 110 years of age. Is 65:20 says that in the millennium a person of 100 years will still be thought a child.

At any rate, why would God apparently change His mind to limit humankind’s maximum age and then to 120 and later even to 70 years?  And then exempt a few (Acts 10:34,35)? The Bible makes no mention that God prohibits us from continuing to live on earth. The Bible, as quoted numerous times in this meditation, rather shows Love [God] wanting us to be well and alive and then until Jesus returns (Jn 3:16; 1 Thess 5:23; Heb 11:5,40).

  • If death is a result of sin (Rom 5:12), and Jesus paid for all sin (Heb 10:12), why will you die (Rom 8:2,29-39)? Because of 1 Jn 5:16 and Jn 16:9 with Jn 11:26 (Heb 10:38; Rom 8:11…)???

By the way, ponder the “self-murder” as referred to in scriptures such as 1 Sam 2:30 and Prov 6:32 with the result they brought unto themselves (1 Sam 2:31-36; 1 Cor 6:13-20; Eph 5:5,17).

Thus, instead of allowing God (Jn 4:24) to DWELL in us [permanently and continually; Jn 14:23-26; Rom 8:11], do we stick to the notion [Mk 7:13; 12:24; Mt 15:6-9; Rom 8:2-8] of going to God [when and how it suits us]! We probably have the City/Bride/authority on earth all wrong and so still see decay and death in humans…  while Jesus Christ has made all the provision for us to remain 2 000 years ago?

God [has offered to] help and preserve [stay with] us!   Ps 118:13-22 and 1 Thess 5:23 to you!  Amen?

Notes

 

  • Commit your life to God, not your death
  • God wants you alive [remain on earth]. The devil wants you dead. Healthy people should NOT die!
  • The devil wants Christians to be ignorant about [our] authority [on earth] and overcoming our last enemy (death) so that Jesus’ return is delayed. The devil knows that will be his end!!! (Heb 10:13; 1 Cor 15:26,51)
  • 2 Tim 1:10 (Ampl)
  • We receive mercy and grace to live, not to die
  • God is all about an abundant life; not an abandoned life or abundant death
  • God is Love is Light is Life everlasting – He does not manipulate or force unwillingly
  • Seeing is not believing, it is accepting with your senses what you would not believe
  • If all your sin is forgiven by Jesus Christ on His cross and death is the result of sin, why die (Rom 5:12; 8:2)? What if 1 Jn 5:16 points to Jn 11:26; 1 Jn 3:24 + Jn 16:9?
  • You can die but you can also live [remain] – Jesus Christ (Jn 11:25,26)
  • Afterlife is not – and is less than – everlasting life
  • Jn 14:12 – what can we do more than Jesus Christ other than to not have our bodies [temporarily] die? He had to die so that we can live – by faith!  You live by faith and die by sight (distrust)!
  • God is going to give the saved their bodies back because they have lost it
  • Jesus Christ never – NEVER – demonstrated or preached that any man MUST die, He always healed the sick, even raised the dead and gave us a command in Mt 10:8 (Jn 17:20)
  • Again try to believe Jesus Christ’s Word unconditionally (like you say you do); and contemplate Jn 1:4; 3:15,16; 4:24,38; 5:39,40,44; 6:48-50; 7:38; 8:51; 11:25,26; 12:50
  • Who is the adversary of Jesus Christ (note the plural use of enemies in Heb 1:13; 10:13)? See Col 2:15.  What if the adversary of Jesus Christ is the religious institutions who are divided but yet call themselves the church (Gal 5:20,21; 1 Jn 2:4)?!!!  We should be at Jesus’ feet (Eph 1:22; 4:11-15) as His followers in a oneness that Jesus prayed for in Jn 17:15-26 (Eph 4:3-6). God, help us!
  • Note that Jesus is waiting [whilst being our intercessor, 1 Jn 2:1; Heb 7:25] for us to get to His feet (Heb 10:13), then He will return with His cloud of witnesses (Heb 12:1-2)…
  • Ask Jesus about the connection between Mt 6:33; 7:5; Rom 11:32-36; 1 Jn 4:19; Rev 2:8; Heb 12:2
  • Ask Jesus about 1 Cor 11:23-30; Jn 6:27,32,40,47-50; 11:25-26 (Jn 16:9 with Heb 2:8-15).
  • May we indeed remain (1 Thess 4:15; 5:23).
  • God is Life everlasting, He is not a murderer (Gen 1:26-28; Dt 5:17; Mk 3:4; Jn 1:4; 10:10)!!!
  • There is more to say on this subject. For instance, we can only hope that Lk 14:27-35 and Mt 7:18-23 does not refer to a Gospel short of Jn 11:26!  There are many more Scriptural references, but let’s say this suffice for now.

Reconsider the following openly and honestly:

 

  • Rev 21:3,22-27 with Is 60:14; Mt 5:14; Jn 14:23; 2 Cor 4:4-7; 1 Pet 2:4-10…
  • Rev 21:6 with Jn 4:14,24; 6:32,47-50,63; 7:38…
  • Rev 21:7 with Jn 1:12; Rom 8:14-17; 10:9-11…
  • Rev 21:8’s cowards with Rom 1:16,17; 2 Tim 1:7-12; 4:3-5…
  • Rev 21:8’s liars, unbelieving and faithless and abominable with also 1 Jn 2:4…
  • Rev 21:16 with Eph 3:18-21; 2:18-22; 1 Pet 2:4-10. Note that a cube represents perfection , or the fullness of God as intended in His city (Heb 2:8-18), not plans to building contractors… And this fullness can very well be our body, soul and spirit as a trinity (the image of our triune God; even Eph 3:18; 4:13-18 with Rev 21:16 and 1 Thess 5:23).
  • Rev 21:27 with Jn 1:4,12-13,16-17; 5:37-47; 6:51; 8:51-55;11:25,26; 12:47-50…
  • 2 Cor 10:5; 11:12-15… who are these false teachers really (Jn 8:42-45; 10:10)? Note the idea of LIFE…
  • Dt 30:11-20? Jn 3:16?

Will you tell Jesus you have lost your body because you were right-minded and thus could not accept His testimony of ever-lasting life on earth?  May we all wake up from our slumber and haughty ignorance!

We can, at this juncture, perhaps again consider 1 Jn 5:11 with just Jn 1:4; 3:16; 11:26; even Jn 17:15-26 with Ps 133:1-3…

If I am wrong about this possibility of everlasting life until Jesus’ second coming; it would not be heresy!  At most it would be my total belief of Lk 1:37; 18:27-30; Heb 11:6 and even Heb 6:17-20 with Jn 17:20.

Note that even those twelve with Jesus “understood nothing of these things” [His mission] – Lk 18:34.

Peace and joy – in everlasting Life with Christ and for Christ – for us all (1 Thess 5:23)!

Amen.

PS

  • Let’s be mature in Christ (Really know what James 3 teaches. Note for instance, that Jm 3:17 starts with “This wisdom from above must first be pure…” [undefiled, even 1 Jn 2:4; Gal 1:6-9]; then peace-loving, courteous…) and demonstrate a working knowledge of 2 Cor 10:4-9…
  • I have much to learn, but suspect that many are/were caught out with repeating a Christian cliché just one too many times, “There must be more” – without fully realising that God has already provided more!  It is done [on His part]! We often pretend to be ready for “more”, but when God shows us more, draw back?  How does this fit in with Lk 9:62?
  • Very carefully consider Heb 10:38…  Scholars refer here to Hab 2:3 but have you seen the context connect with Hab 1:12?  For that matter, Lk 9:62 (Old fleeting glories vs New that is supposed to be lasting)? It also revokes 2 Tim 1:8-12; 2:11-26; 3:5-7; 4:1-6 (2 Cor 4:11-12!)…
  • I welcome exhortation for faulty hermeneutics, but hoped to have demonstrated some familiarity with this subject with Rev 13:15-18 and Jm 1:3 and even just the meditation “Apparent controversies in The Bible”?I take the Words of Jesus Christ literally for what they are.  If I am wrong in doing this, my guilt is to believe Jesus Christ [God] unconditionally and His grace will be enough for me.  It is by His grace alone, I’m not trying to earn anything from Him.  It is done. However, I also take heed of Heb 10:26-29…

My bottom-line on this subject of immortality is this:  I simply believe [Jesus] that we can remain [until His return – Rom 8:2,11].  Yes, of course we can die, but surely we can also continue to live [with Him constantly in us]! The meditation “Body, soul, spirit of man” tries to show our responsibility to look after our well-being intelligently, as well.

All the best to you and those you love.

1 Thess 5:23!

So then, re-considering the first sentence of this meditation, I intend to live forever, or die hoping!

Jannie

[1] Gen 1; Jn 1:1-4; Acts 3:15; Col 1:15-17; Heb 1:1-4; 5:9; Rev 3:14; and so on.  Jesus calls taking a life evil (Mk 3:4; Dt 5:17)!  It screams against God’s character, nature and teachings to accuse Him with “It pleased God to take from us…” especially after that same [accuser] will say that this deceased person had died in an [unfortunate] accident!!!

[2] For a discussion on what “gospel” means, read the meditation [with that title] by the same author .

[3] What about 2 Cor 4:12; 2 Pet 3:10-12?  This “earth” is actually “the elements of this world”, which shall be dissolved:  the weak and beggarly elements denoting a state of religious knowledge existing amongst the Jews before the coming of Jesus Christ, and still today.  They are not “of the world”, because they are made up of types appealing to the senses.  They are “weak” because they are insufficient, and “beggarly” because they are dry and barren, not accompanied by fruit of Holy Spirit, and God’s power and gospel grace.  The destruction will be the ungodly things, and ungodly people (2 Pet 3:7b), false teachings, and religion.  Note the present “heaven” [as a “waiting place” for saved souls to be re-united with a glorified body on earth], will also end, and that then we will experience a “new heaven and a new earth” [God’s original idea], and He will rejoin His Father, being all in all.  No intercession is then necessary for us  anymore because we rule with Him here on earth.  Also, He put all intercessors out of  a job (1 Tim 2:5; Heb 9:26; 2 Cor 5:19; Lk 2:14; 1 Jn 2:2).  Remember Gen 18:23-25 and Ex 32:9-14 and Ez 22:30 was O.T. Now Jesus has come!  Heb 10:12; 7:25.  Therefore, carefully consider Mt 10:8 (with Jn 17:17-20).  Prophecy!!!  Intercession for the N.T. believer is not to duplicate Jesus’ completed work [asking on their behalf]; but rather to quench the fiery darts [intercept destructive thoughts] before they hit [negatively effect, destroy] their targets.

[4] Eph 4:12-15; 2 Pet 1:5; Rom 10:1-11…

[5] Yes, Job was “B.C.”, but you only have to recall Jn 1:1-4; 14:7-11,24,31 to get the idea [Truth].

[6] 2 Sam 14:14 with Rom 8:1-3; Heb 2:14; 1 Cor 15:26!

[7] Jn 4:38 is a privilege, a work and plan of God; it is not the same as the principle mentioned in Gal 6:7 (see v 8!)

[8] Note that the stumbling is over a stone (Ps 91:11,12; 118:2,17,18; Jer 17:9,10; Is 8:14; Lk 4:11).  Mt 7:11 says, “who will, when asked for Spirit of Life (Jn 6:33-50), give the law (Rom 9:32; 1 Pet 3:2; Mt 3:9)?”   The devil tempted Jesus here by asking Him to turn the law into life to show He is the Son of God (Rom 8:3), but Jesus never tripped over the law.  He healed people on the Sabbath (2 Cor 3:3,14; Jer 31:32,33) while the religious could only come to Him after the law was out of their way (that evening, the end of Sabbath – Lk 4:40).  Jesus showed what was permitted [also on the Sabbath], but the religious disagreed with JESUS (Mt 12:6; Jn 4:23; Heb 9:8).  The stone that was rolled away that Lazarus could come alive (Jn 11:41; Gal 3:10-13; Heb 7:19), represents the law!  See 1 Pet 2:6-8, see and hear and eat the Bread, not the stone.  Jesus did not throw a stone at the “dog” (Mk 7:25-30; and Jn 8:3-12) as the Jewish law said He could, but instead gave her Bread.  She saw her miracle, do you?

[9] It is significantly only recorded by John of Rev 1:1; that recorded Rev 16:17 after which John then also recorded Jn 19:30, having been the only disciple at the cross (Jn 19:26-27,30) while Jesus was crucified by the Jews – Jn 7:32; 8:42-48,59; 10:31,39; 11:47-57; 12:9-11; 16:2-3; 19:6,7,13-18; Acts 2:2:22-23; 3:13-15; 4:1; 12:11; 13:38-41; 17:13; 26:14-18; Rev 3:9…  discussed more in the meditation “Israel racism”.

[10] He was possibly frustrated by their hardness of heart (2 Tim 1:10-14, note his words such as “life and immortality”, for this gospel I was appointed a herald preacher” and “this is why I am suffering as I do”.  Paul then warned Timothy personally in 2:14-16; and 3:3-4.  Why would Hymenaeus and Philetus (2 Tim 1:17) miss the mark and thought the resurrection had already taken place?  What if they had also misunderstood Paul’s gospel Truth:  “you shall not die at all (Jn 11:26)”? Remember also that Mt 27:51-54 did happen!  This is one reason why we have a world-wide A.D. date.  Is 2 Tim 2:23-26 and 1 2:8 fresh [in context]?  The resurrection and immortality do not have to co-inside (1 Thess 4:15-18), and immortality does not say you have received your glorified body yet, you just live till Jesus comes, and then receive your glorified, permanent body!

[11] Gen 1:26-28; Ps 8; 68:20; Mt 28:-20; Mk 16:16-20 (after vs. 11-14!); Ez18:31,32; Hos 4:6-8; even Hos 13:13-16 with Rom 8:11.  How active, able and willing is your God?  Can He?  Will He?  When?

[12] Food for thought:  could (should?) have been:  Abraham, Isaac, and Esau, but Esau sold this birthright (Mt 16:26) for something to eat (Jn 4:32-34,23-24; 6:57-63,68).  Like soup, so will milk, at some stage, lack!…

[13] Gal 3:8 (Heb 7; Jn 8:56-58; Heb 11:13; 4:6).  A promise of God, accepted, must be mixed with faith.

[14] Remember Rev 15:8 leads to Rev 16:17 that was later [by the same author] penned in Jn 19:30]…

[15] Rom 8:29-31.  Tie in here Rom 8:7-13 with Jn 16:9 (2 Cor 3:18, from an Old to a New, a fleeting, to a lasting).

[16] Jn 8:51-52; 11:26 with  “for an appointed time” like Hab 1:12; Is 28:18; Ps 102:16-28; 118:17,18…

[17] Jesus, in Jn 11:25, did not say “must” or “shall”  or “will”, but Jesus said “may”, and continued with v 26.

[18] Mt 5:5; Ps 37:4,6,9,11,22-24,29; (Ps 24:1;Lk 12:32; Eph 2:6!).  In Mt 12:29 Jesus is saying He is meek and gentle towards His Father, thus sensitive to hear His voice, not calloused and alienated.

[19] “Lord” means ”maximum authority” or  “owner” (Ps 24:1).  A landlord receives your rent.  Jesus tested [showed] the rich young man’s [poor] understanding in Mt 19:21.  The rich claimed he lacked nothing, yet lacked not only Jesus [as Savior], but understanding of the Word.  Note that throughout the Bible the Lord says we must bring our tithes (not give it, but return in faith what anyway belongs to Him).  Note that the “eye of the needle” was the smaller opening in the wall [the night-gate], that could not allow a camel through, let alone his goods on the camel – you had to dump all outside and go in without your [materially impressive] belongings, in trust [good faith] – without having seen all first…  Compare this with trust in JHVH (Lk 10:3,4)

[20] Note how Mt 27:3-10 correlates to Lev 6:24-28; Is 29:16; 64:8; 30:14; 32:14; Jer 18:6; 19:1,10,11; 2 Cor 4:7; Rom 9:21.  Also note that Zech 1:4 quoted Jer 18:11,12 (Zech 7:7), thus was accurately translated in Mt 27:9!

[21] Your physical body has an optimum frequency, ph level; an optimum electro-chemical, neuro-magnetic balance, that is effected by your state of mind, that is effected by your perceptions [belief].  This physical condition determines to a great extent to what degree your body is susceptible to illness and disease.

[22] 1 Jn 3:2.  We will not then change to be like Him, He will only return when we are like Him!

[23] I Thess 5:23; your body is part of your being – 1 Thess 4:13-18, all saints will be triune again!  Your soul [emotion and intellect] needs your body to express itself, therefore will experience losing it (Jn 8:51; 5:40).

[24] Note at Rom 8:10.  This is not saying your body has died (see v 9,11-17), and you wait to be resurrected the moment Christ lives in you!  It is saying guilt and sin [self-righteousness] is gone when you are truly reborn (Eph 3:16-21).  This perfection [cubical equality of all sides] is a heavenly city, and God abides with men (Jn 14:23-26; Rev 21:3).  Also Jn 15:7-12.  Remember, Jesus was here in the OT speaking to OT people (Heb 9:16,17)!  Get it?

22  Note at 2 Cor 5:1.  This is not a city floating in space; not in heaven, but the heavenly, the above, not below [as a realm].  The one set on a hill whose light cannot be hidden to the world (Is 60:14; Mt 5:14; 1 Pet 2:1-10).

[25] James did say 4:13-15; but not in the sense that you cannot remain [live] until Jesus returns.  James, in all likeliness, was merely saying that the vainglorious [proud and haughty, like the fool in Lk 12:16-20] err to claim they know [plan] everything in advance, and wants to judge everyone else (v 11 with Mt 6:14,15).  Remember that Rom 3:20; Gal 5:4; and so on, clearly states that it is not the law we live by, but the faith in the accomplished work of Jesus Christ on His cross and by the guidance [teaching, counseling] of the Voice of God Himself (Jn 10:27,28; Rom 8:14).  We are to humble ourselves to the offer of God’s mercy and grace and dump for good any of our attempts at self-righteousness – if we want experience the fullness of Life He has [had] installed for us.

[26] Light is later revealed to [also] mean Life – Jn 1:1-4; 9:5; Dan 2:22; Ps 27:1; and so darkness is [also] death – Job 10:21,22; 12:22 with Ps 23:4; Job 18:5,6,18; Mt 8:12; 22:13; 25:30.  This all concerns man and sin, not non-humans.