But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him (1 Corinthians 2.9).
Introduction
God has provided wonderful and glorious blessings to the one who has put his faith in Christ. He has given these marvelous blessings to us because he loves us. Paul wrote that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. Paul proclaimed many of these blessings in the opening verses of Ephesians, one of the most magnificent passages in the Scriptures. He emphasized that these blessings to the believer in Christ are to the praise of the glory of God’s grace. Below is the passage with specific blessings emboldened.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight 9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him 10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory (Ephesians 1.3-14).
Some of these blessings enumerated above are explained below. These blessing are a “package.” When a person believes the gospel (1 Corinthians 15.1-4) he has a new relationship with God. He is no longer an enemy but a son or daughter of God. He stands in an unending stream of God’s grace from which all blessings flow. These blessings, though real, must be appropriated by faith for the believer to experience them. Faith gives victory in the Christian life. The Scriptures declare what God says about the present possessions for those who have put their trust in His Son. Believe them! Victory in the Christian life is through faith. Hebrews 11 declares how believers in the past had victory in their lives. It was all by faith; they believed what God said!
The blessings enumerated here are for those who have put their trust in Christ. For those who reject Christ’s redemption and love, only judgment and condemnation awaits. Jesus came to save mankind. His death and resurrection solved the problem of sin and death. But Jesus warned that judgment awaited those who refuse His offer of salvation. Listen to the words of Jesus,
16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God (John 3.16-18).
21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes. 22 For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, 23 so that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him (John 5.21-23).
For those willing to put their trust in Christ, God has provided incomprehensible blessings. We are rich beyond imagining. Some of the specific blessings are the following:
- Justification
- Redemption
- Regeneration
- Sonship
- Joint-Heirs
- Reconciliation
- Forgiveness
- Eternal Life
- Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
- Resurrection
Justification
The believer in Christ is declared by the Scriptures to be justified. Justification is a legal term in which the believer in Christ is declared righteous. More than a declaration of “Not guilty,” the believer in Christ is declared “righteous.” God imputes His own righteousness to the one who accepts the work of Jesus on his behalf. God justifies the believer in Christ on the basis of faith, not works. Paul wrote in Romans 3.21-24,
21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;
Justification is an act of grace by God. It is a gift. It cannot be worked for or earned. It is free–courtesy of the Lord Jesus Christ. He picked up the tab for us.
Paul wrote in Romans 5.1,
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”.
Justification results in peace with God. Peace with God is a blessing in which the believer can rest. Fear of God is removed. Fear of death or judgment is eliminated. We can rest, knowing that God has nothing against us. In Colossians 2.13-14, Paul wrote,
13 When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, 14 having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
Everything God had against us was paid for by the death and resurrection of Christ. To the one who trusts in the work of Christ on his behalf for salvation, who believes the gospel (1 Corinthians 15.1-4) God says, “Righteous!” cf. Romans 5.9.
Redemption
To redeem means to buy back something that used to belong to the purchaser but for some reason has passed out of his possession. The Scriptures tell us that we were redeemed by Christ. In Colossians 1.13-14, Paul wrote,
13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
And Peter wrote in 1 Peter 1.18-19,
18 knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.
The biblical picture of redemption is that of redeeming or ransoming us out of the slavery of sin and death. The agora was the Greek word for the market. It was where business was transacted. In modern terms we might think its equivalent being the mall, full of shops, banks, etc. One of the commodities in the ancient market was slaves. The Greek word ἐξαγοράζω means to buy out from the market and the biblical picture is one of buying slaves out of the slave market of sin (cf. Galatians 3.13, 4.5; Ephesians 5.16; Colossians 4.5). Apart from Christ, we were helpless and without hope, trapped in the slave market unless someone could buy us out. A slave cannot buy himself out of the slave market. He has no means. But Christ had the means. He was not in the slave market for he was sinless. The price of the purchase was His own blood.
Jesus taught the concept of being slaves to sin. In John 8.31-36, he spoke to the Jews saying,
31 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You will become free’?” 34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. 36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.
Redemption is a gift. And what a gift! It is an act of grace by God. It can neither be earned nor worked for. It can only be accepted.
Regeneration
Regeneration means a new birth. Everyone is born once–physically. The Scriptures teach us that we need to experience a new birth in order to have a relationship with God.
Jesus in his conversation with Nicodemus said,
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again (or from above), he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3.3).
Nicodemus did not understand what this new birth was. Jesus elaborated on His statement saying,
5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit” (John 3.5-8).
Why is a new birth necessary? Because we are dead. We enter this world spiritually dead. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15.22,
In Adam all die, so also in Christ all shall be made alive.
Paul explained this concept in Romans 5.12-21. When Adam disobeyed God and sinned, we all sinned for Adam was the federal head of the human race (we were “in Adam”). Sin spread seminally through the human race. We inherit the sinful nature of our father Adam. God warned Adam (Genesis 2.16-17) that on the day he ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, that “dying he would die.” Adam died spiritually the instant he ate of the tree. As a result, his relationship with God was broken. He became afraid of Him. The relationship of joy and peace was replaced by fear and guilt. Spiritual death led to physical death and Adam died physically after 930 years. It is the same for us. We enter the world spiritually dead and eventually die physically. When we believe in Christ, we are regenerated. We receive a new life–spiritual life–eternal life. John wrote that to have Christ is to have this life. Not to have Christ is death.
To the Ephesians, Paul wrote:
1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved) (Ephesians 2.1-5).
and to the Colossians:
When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, (Colossians 2.13).
God gives us His life, eternal life, when we believe Paul’s gospel (1 Corinthians 15.1-4).
He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son
of God does not have the life (1 John 5.12).
Sonship
Closely allied with regeneration is the doctrine of sonship. Once regenerated the believer becomes a child of God. John wrote,
11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, (John 1.11-12).
Paul wrote the Galatians in 3.26,
For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
And again in Galatians 4.4-7,
4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law,5 so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. 6 Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.
The relationship of children of God is one which God has predestined. Paul wrote in Ephesians 1.5,
“He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to
Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,”
God has elected His children. We exercise our wills by making a choice and believe. But God in His sovereign, omniscient wisdom made a choice also. Such a choice provides the believer in Christ security. Once a son, always a son. Once established, the relationship of being “in Christ” is unbreakable. Jesus illustrated this fact with relation to Jewish believers in the parable of the sheep and the good shepherd,
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of My hand” (John 10.27-28).
Joint-Heirs
Jesus is the unique Son of God. He is the God-Man–true God and true Man. When a person believes in Christ he becomes God’s adopted child. Furthermore, we are joint-heirs of Christ. One day, God the Father will sum up all things in Christ. He will give to His Son all there is to give. Paul wrote that we are joint-heirs with Christ. This blessing is beyond comprehension. In Romans 8.15-17, Paul wrote:
15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.
Peter wrote the same thing in 1 Peter 1.3-5:
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Reconciliation
Reconciliation is the great doctrine that declares that the estrangement between God and man due to sin has ended due to the death and resurrection of Christ. The believer in Christ has taken full advantage of this arrangement. Paul explained this in Romans 5.10-11:
10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
And again, Paul wrote,
19 For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say,whether things on earth or things in heaven (Colossians 1.19-20).
And finally, Paul gave this word in 2 Corinthians 5.17-19,
17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us theministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He hascommitted to us the word of reconciliation.
Forgiveness
God has forgiven the sins of the believer in Christ. Paul wrote in Ephesians 1.7,
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness
of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,”
This statement is paralleled in Colossians 1.13-14:
13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Later in this same letter, Paul wrote,
13 When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, 14 having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross (Colossians 2.13-14).
Forgiveness of sins for the believer in Christ is a present state. It is not something in the future that we hope for. God has forgiven us our sins–past tense. No believer in Christ should ever ask God to forgive him–He already has. All we can do is thank God for His forgiveness.
Eternal Life
Everyone dies. Death is the great enemy of the human race. Most people do not wish to contemplate death. We all cling to life. This is because God created man to live in an eternal relationship with Him. Sin destroyed this relationship. It resulted in spiritual death and later physical death. Sin created a barrier between us and God. When we put our trust in Christ, God imputes his own life to us. This life is eternal. One of the great themes of the Apostle John is life. Characteristic of John is that he sets forth powerful, profound truths with simple language. He recorded these words of our Savior in his gospel,
14 As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; 15 so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. 16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life (John 3.14-16).
John affirmed Jesus’ statement in his epistle in 1 John 5.11-13,
11 And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.
Most people believe eternal life is something that is obtained or begins at death. But the Bible declares that eternal life begins the moment we believe. John wrote, “we have the life” not “will have the life”. Eternal life begins the moment one puts his trust in Christ. And how long does eternal life last? Forever.
Indwelling by the Holy Spirit
When we put our trust in Christ, we are baptized by the Holy Spirit. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 12.13,
“For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.”
This baptism is a spiritual baptism (no water, please). God identifies us with Christ, that we are “in Christ”. We are part of His body, the Church. This blessing is unique to believers beginning with Paul’s ministry. Nothing in the Old Testament indicated such a relationship.
Paul also wrote,
And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ (Galatians 4.6).
And in Ephesians, Paul wrote,
13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory (Ephesians 1.13-14).
The Holy Spirit given to the believer in Christ is God’s “pledge” or “down payment” (ἀρραβών) of his inheritance (2 Corinthians 1.22, 5.5). The Holy Spirit is God’s “earnest money” for our future blessing as joint-heirs of Christ (Romans 8.17).
Resurrection
The Scriptures declare that we have the hope, i.e. the expectation of resurrection of our bodies. The resurrection is central to Christianity and to the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15.1-4). Without the resurrection Christianity does not exist. Without the resurrection we have no hope. We look forward to the day of Christ’s return and it is at that time that we will receive new, immortal bodies. These bodies will be fit for eternity. Our mortal bodies exist only briefly. They are corrupted by sin and eventually experience death. Above we saw the consequence of Adam’s disobedience of God’s command about eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. All of us have all been infected with Adam’s sin and suffer the consequence: death.
The resurrection is the “proof” of Christianity. The resurrection of Christ was the event that changed the disciples of Christ. At his crucifixion they fled. When he appeared to them raised from the dead, they became new men. They became bold as lions and proclaimed that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah. The resurrected Christ also appeared to the apostle Paul. He had been a furious enemy of the Way (as it was known then)–of those who believed in Christ. But when Christ appeared to him, alive, on the road to Damascus, God changed Paul’s life forever. As violent an enemy of Christ as he had been, he became his devoted follower and obedient servant. Listen to Paul’s powerful words regarding resurrection:
12 Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; 14 and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain.15 Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; 17 and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.19 If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied. 20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. 21 For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming, 24 then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be abolished is death. 27 For He has put all things in subjection under His feet. But when He says, “All things are put in subjection,” it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him. 28 When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all (1 Corinthians 15.12-28).
Paul described the nature and mechanics of resurrection in the following,
35 But someone will say, “How are the dead raised? And with what kind of body do they come?” 36 You fool! That which you sow does not come to life unless it dies; 37 and that which you sow, you do not sow the body which is to be, but a bare grain, perhaps of wheat or of something else. 38 But God gives it a body just as He wished, and to each of the seeds a body of its own. 39 All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one flesh of men, and another flesh of beasts, and another flesh of birds, and another of fish. 40 There are also heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is one, and the glory of the earthly is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory. 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 So also it is written, “The first man, Adam, became a living soul.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual. 47 The first man is from the earth, earthy; the second man is from heaven. 48 As is the earthy, so also are those who are earthy; and as is the heavenly, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly. 50 Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; 57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15.35-58).
See also Resurrection.
Truly, God has, as Paul wrote, blessed us with every spiritual blessing. All that we are meant to be has been provided for by God through the work of the Son. Thanks be to God!
©1999 Don Samdahl. Anyone is free to reproduce this material and distribute it, but it may not be sold.
Updated, February 3, 2008
Beautiful!!! Thanks so much. One quick question. I read that now we should have peace with God. Many say that we should still fear Him. Which one is it? I am confused. Also, what about if we sin now? You said we shouldn’t ask for forgiveness. Are we just to confess our sin to Him or how does that work?
Thanks
Linda,
If we have peace with God through the finished work of Christ for us we have peace. There is no fear. In our new standing we are heirs of God and joint-heirs of Christ. We are His children. See Romans 8.17, 31-39. When we sin, we are to acknowledge it and repent of it. We do not ask for forgiveness for God has told us we are forgiven. To ask for forgiveness is lack of faith. If God tells us we have something we are to believe Him! See my article, Identification with Christ.
Just a follow up to Linda’s question….
A fellow I considered very learned taught that we, as believes, should follow the instructions of I John 1:9 and confess our sin so that we could be empowered by the Holy Spirit. The teacher said this was a ‘rebound’ for us as believers. What are your thoughts on this? thank you
Joe,
Bob Thieme did not understand Paul’s unique apostleship. We can take the writing from others and use them applicationally as long as they are in concert with Paul. Paul never wrote for us to confess our sins. Paul wrote that we are forgiven but that if we sin we must repent.
I know of no verse in the Pauline epistles where Paul tells us “we must repent” as you’d stated. Am I in error?
Thank you!
Brian,
See http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=G3341&t=KJV for instances in which Paul used “repentance.” In 2 Corinthians 12.21 he used the verb. Paul only mentioned repentance for the unbeliever once in his letters (Romans 2.4). He used repentance a few times for sinning believers. This was an entirely different emphasis than John, Jesus, the Twelve’s ministry to Israel in which repentance was the heart of the message. For Paul, everything was “believe” and after one believed to be under the administrace of grace in which faith, hope, and love are the key components under the direction of the Holy Spirit.
Thank you but still confused a bit. That same person I mentioned earlier posted the following verses today and so I am confused as to what they mean and was hoping you could give me more insight. To me he is making it sound as though we are to fear God. Or is it more like reverence now?
Psalm 25:14
The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
Proverbs 3:32
For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.
Linda,
We need to distinguish between fearing God in the sense of fearing Him because of judgment and fearing Him for Who He is. The unbeliever fears God because of guilt and fears God as judge. Believers are to fear God in the sense of reverence for Who He is. In many of the passages that speak of the fear of God we could substitute the word “trust.”
Hi there, today I ran across this verses today and wanted to know your thoughts on them were ince you said we are forgiven already so if that is the cases what does the following mean?
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.
or
Romans 3:24-31
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
It seems as though we still ask for forgiveness. Sorry I am confused can you clear it up for me. Thanks.
Linda,
You are confused for good reason. If you mix what John, Peter, James, etc. wrote to Jews with what Paul wrote to the Church, the body of Christ only confusion will result. Paul taught we have been forgiven–past tense (Ephesians 1.7, 4.32; Colossians 2.13). When we sin as believers we are to acknowledge it, repent of it, and thank God that he has already forgiven us. See my articles Nature of Man and Identification with Christ.
I have done a word study on ‘repent’ and ‘repentance’. Would you share your thoughts on my understanding? My understanding is that Paul did preach repentance (having a change of mind) in the form of sanctification, a process of taking each thought captive and making it obedient to Christ by the cooperation of the believer with the work of the Holy Spirit in us. This is what I think is working out our salvation… I guess my question is… this repentance seems to suggest a preservation of physical life but a person would still have spiritual life… can this be a proper understanding?
Paul’s emphasis on repentance was for believers, not unbelievers. In only one place in his letters does he mention repentance–Romans 2.4. While he preached this the Athenians in Acts 17, we do not find repentance emphasized to unbelievers as we find in with John the Baptist, Jesus, the Twelve. Repentance means a change of mind. Once saved we find many occasions to repent. So yes, Paul used it in terms of sanctification, not salvation.
thanks for this powerful mesage,we are to be born of water and spirit what does it mean?
Castro,
It means that under the gospel of the kingdom water baptism was required for salvation (cf. Mark 16.16; Acts 2.38). Jesus proclaimed this gospel as did Peter. Paul’s gospel (1 Corinthians 15.1-4) requires only trust in His death for our sins and resurrection. Water baptism is unnecessary for salvation. They are two different gospels and salvations. Paul received his gospel from the risen, glorified Christ, not from Christ in His earthly ministry (Galatians 1.6-9, 11-12).
This may sound ignorant, but how do we know that Paul wasn’t just another type of Mohammad (Hijacking the famous Jesus Christ’s “ministry” and derailing/perverting it…say, into a religion of sorts, under demonic stronghold)?
I ask because I have never in all my twenty something years of being brought up in the western “Christian religion”, found anything to support this collection of books (Called the Bible) as being entirely “God breathed” or sacred. I have seen for myself though, that some of the “Old Testament” books have a prophetic quality to them, regarding Christ and his business with us on this planet. Only Revelations speaks about a “holy” book that is not to be tampered with, so when did that refer to the books we call the “New Testament”?
I need to know why people believe in Paul so much? I am about to read your “Jesus vs. Paul” article. Hopefully it will clarify some things for me.
Raphael,
Three quick comments: 1) Read his letters. Does he sound like a deceiver? He was gentle and loving, not someone who sought power. 2) Note how he suffered (2 Corinthians 11). Why would anyone suffer like he did–he was a rising star in Judaism. He had it made! Read his testimony Acts 9, 22, 26. 3) Note Peter’s words about Paul–see Acts 15 and 2 Peter 3.14-16.
Doctrine thata correct. Paul was vetted by Peter, James the Just, John etc. He was valid!
yea, not only vetted, also was a canonizer of scripture, not the romanized church of centuries later…see The Original Bible Restored by Dr. E.L. Martin at ASKELM.com
First of all, what does “vetted” mean? Is this an American term?
Second, I read (scanned) “The Original Bible Restored”. I don’t see how our current order of the NT books “exalts Rome”.
The author doesn’t see the unique apostleship of Paul, in my opinion. How can we accomplish “Jew first” today, when Israel is set aside right now?
Or am I missing something?
Sorry, Don, I should have specified…I was wanting YOUR input concerning the above-mentioned book, as you said that you have read it.
Grace Receiver,
Vetted means examined, critically appraised. It’s a good word. It’s been a while since I read Martin’s work and I did not follow through with my own study. There may be merit to what Martin wrote but what is essential (and my focus) is to distinguish between what Paul wrote and his apostleship and Jesus’ earthly ministry and the Twelve (the gospel of the kingdom). Martin’s work may support this but, as you wrote, Martin did not grasp Paul’s unique apostleship. I have not read these articles, http://www.etsjets.org/files/JETS-PDFs/53/53-2/JETS_53-2_225-241_Goswell.pdf and http://www.etsjets.org/files/JETS-PDFs/51/51-4/JETS%2051-4%20673-688%20Goswell.pdf but they may be useful if you’re interested. Thanks, as always, and grace and peace.
In Romans 8:17, it speaks of us, as believers being heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ if so be we suffer with him. Do you think these are two different things because of the conditional clause”if” or do you see these inheritances as one in the same? Also, what does the “suffering” with him mean? Thank you so much for your website ministry!
Julie,
Thank you. Suffering for Christ was expected. Paul had only brief periods when he wasn’t suffering and this was true for most of the churches he wrote. We are beneficiaries of Christianity having become dominant. That is changing. The normal fare for true Christians is suffering. Read Paul’s accounts of his life for examples of suffering with Christ.
Don,
Your writings continue to bring clarity and comfort in a day and age when everywhere we turn there are those who would pervert the word of God to their own end.
I would like some clarification as it relates to the “if-then” of salvation and, when and how “works” is defined. Paul teaches us it is through faith + nothing that we are saved. I truly believe I have been reborn and that I have received the Holy Spirit, but my fundamentalist son will challenge me that I haven’t done this or that, ie. giving up possessions, shunning non believers, praying for hours at a time, talking only in scriptures, etc.
Thank you
Gary,
Thank you. Salvation, technically justification, is immediate. It is received when one believes Paul’s gospel (Romans 3.26; 1 Corinthians 15.1-4). Sanctification is a process. In this lifetime, God is conforming us to the image of Christ (Romans 8.28-29). Due to our old nature we fail (Romans 7). But God is faithful. The true believer is one who wants to please God. In other words, when we believe the gospel, God changes our “want to.” Our salvation is complete (glorification) when we receive our resurrection body. It will have no Adamic nature (what Paul called the flesh) which wants to rebel against God. Be encouraged!
Is repentance( change of mind) necessary for salvation?
Yes. One must recognize he is a sinner without hope to believe the gospel.
Gud day doctrine
1, Believers blessings didt include healing ?
If no why ?
2, what are the punishment for those thst are still preaching law and forcing people the sow sacrificial seed.
3, if God through peter work miracle why peter is still preaching the gospel of kigdom + law then both gospel is acceptable in the side of god.
4, Muslims never know Christ what can u said about there salvation
Thanks very much ur articles really changed my life from saul to Paul.
Williams,
Thank you.
1. Under the kingdom gospel the gift of healing operated as it did in Paul’s early ministry. God continues to heal but not through men. Our greatest blessing is His Word and our relationship to Him through grace.
2. The gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20.24) frees the believer to obey God.
3. Peter stated at the Council of Jerusalem that Paul’s gospel was the only gospel valid from then on (Acts 15.11 cf. Galatians 1.6-9).
4. Salvation was accomplished by Christ’s work on the cross and His resurrection. It is available for all who will believe (1 Corinthians 15.1-4).
Don Samdahl,
Regarding Blessings Of The Believer.
When a person believes the gospel which Paul preached (1 Corinthians 15.1-4) he has a new relationship with God.
1 Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand,
2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain.
3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,
You state: The blessings enumerated here are for those who have put their trust in Christ. Then proceed to reference John 3:16-18 and John 5:21-23. To whom was Jesus speaking? Jews. Were Jews to believe that Jesus was the Messiah or that Jesus was to die on the cross as payment for the sins of the world? The Messiah. If I focus on Kingdom theology versus Salvation by Grace — Christ and Him crucified as the propitiation for our sins — how is it appropriate to reference kingdom theology regarding Gentile blessings as members of the body of Christ? Depending on, relying on, Christ’s work of salvation versus believing that Christ is the Messiah.
There are several other references to kingdom teachings used to support the blessings of those who DEPEND on salvation found in Christ.
Chuck
Chuck,
Thank you. When I wrote the article many years ago I did not have in mind just believers who have been saved believing Paul’s gospel. Many of the benefits of salvation are shared by both OT saints and grace age believers. I was not trying to point out differences but similarities. I have pointed out the difference in many other articles. Both OT believers and grace believers share redemption, sonship, eternal life, etc.
Don,
I understand your point. However, the text reminds me of the Sunday teachings where kingdom theology and Paul’s gospel are interchanged, commingled, which I believe results in confusion and misunderstanding.
Thanks,
Chuck
Don,
So to clarify; God having forgiven us means those who believe in Paul’s Gospel are forgiven of sins past, present and future at the moment of belief and sealed with the Holy Spirit till redemption . That is my understanding of the scriptures regarding forgiveness through Christ’s death and resurrection. It’s also my understanding of how believers have absolute peace with God and the assurance to humbly yet boldly walk a life dedicated to Christ without fear, knowing our salvation is eternally secure.
The misunderstanding of the fundamental truth of eternal security (OSAS) by much of so-called Christiandom seems to be the main factor that ultimately drives people into frustration and despair. It produces a powerless Christianity (if you can call it Christianity at all) in which one lives in constant turmoil and fear that God is going to get them. That when you least expect it, God’s going to drop the hammer on them for unconfessed sin or failure to obey the ten commandments and heaven is never really assured without continued effort on their part.
When I hear preachers spewing this junk and lay people giving this spiel before a praise and worship song, I literally cringe. When I speak to these people and explain scriptural facts, they deny them and use other scriptures completely out of context to hold to their legalistic viewpoint and more than often than not they use James 2. When I counter with how much work proves you’re saved or how little work proves you’re lost, they can’t answer me. When I ask them how many sins of omission they committed today, yesterday, the past week, month, year, since getting saved… they give me a dumbfounded look because they’ve ignored the obvious.
So to believe that you are only forgiven at conversion of past sins and must now tow the line (obey the commandments) to the end of your life so to speak is a burdensome task not founded whatsoever in God’s Grace and obviously a lack of belief.
Bruce,
Yes! God’s grace is awesome (Galatians 5.1).
Hi bro Don, i have a tough question for you…
In john’s gospels and letters we have Jesus giving PRESENT ETERNAL LIFE, to the little flock. I know of a few grace believers that say eternal security was offered to ot saintd like abraham david martha because of their faith. They also say that grace can never be combined ever with works for salvation, i would like your take on these arguments, thanks and God bless you!
George,
God is eternal life and that is the life He gives. Please see my article Faith vs. Works in James. The article, Assurance of Salvation, has an extended exchange with Brad? about faith and works that may be helpful.
I tried to find an essay more applicable but I couldn’t.
Current events:
Doctrine, how should we as Christians approach the refugee problems we are seeing on TV. What does the bible say about allowing refugees into our country from places that may not have our best interest at heart? If I’m worried about my family and don’t do my best to protect them am I worse than an infidel?
Joe,
As Christians, we can love and share the gospel with Moslems. But nationally, government exists to protect its citizens and ensure their liberty. We have no way to determine good from evil among these people. Render unto the Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s.
How does God work in the believers life ? Does He answer prayer and intervene directly in our lives? I’m confused on this matter as I’ve heard other “rightly dividing the word” pastors teach God does not intervene during the age of grace.
Thank you again.
Dawn,
God certainly answers prayer. It would be foolish for Paul to command us to pray without ceasing if God did not answer prayer. God works primarily through the revelation of His word and using circumstances to direct our paths. The Holy Spirit prevented Paul from going east into Asia. We’re not told how but somehow God closed the door. God opens some doors and closes others.
Hi Don
Do you mean ‘word’ in your previous reply to Dawn.
God Bless
Sue,
Yes. Thanks!
Good Morning Don, Please will you explain Romand 8 verse 19. I have begun hearing this from many people and have tried studying it but cannot understand its meaning. Thank you
Vanessa,
Paul’s topic is the Fall, and how it subjected the universe to corruption, entropy, because of man’s sin. This also goes back to Satan’s fall, the entrance of sin into the universe. The creation had no say in this (v.20). It groans (v.22) awaiting its freedom (v.21). This process will begin at the Rapture (v.19) which is the revelation of the sons of God. Paul has in mind the Church but it also includes the resurrection of all believers. During the Messianic kingdom the curse will be rolled back (wolves lie next to lambs, lions eat straw) and completely removed with the new heavens and new earth.
This a great article and thank you. Can you clear the confusion in regard to the Lords Super ?
Courtney,
Thank you. What did you have in mind?
Hello Don:
We are heirs with God, and co-heirs with Christ. Julie had a question similar to mine: Are we heirs by adoption; or is it conditional? I will re-read how Paul suffered; but what if our lives are generally “okay”? I have suffered emotionally in my life; but cannot say I have “suffered with Christ.” We are not to go looking for these things. We don’t live in war torn countries. How must we suffer? I have been reading a book by a well educated theologian–who throws in the false doctrine of “unfaithful” Christians being cast into the “Outer Darkness.” He deduces this from the parable of the man without proper wedding clothes. The author then writes that only (my words) “elite” Christians who were “super” faithful will be rewarded with preferred status in the “Kingdom.”
I know that this parable does not concern the Body of Christ. However; the “preferred status” (An heir) Christian fits into the class of Christians who have suffered with Christ. I thought that we were ALL heirs. Period. But– a condition is attached. Which is it? It almost sounds like a works doctrine. What kind of suffering? How much? How will you know if you meet the requirements for being an heir? (I’m not being flippant.)
Will you go into more detail with the answer you gave Julie? (Please.)
Sincere thanks.
Brian,
Read Galatians 4.1-7. We are sons, heirs, by adoption (υἱοθεσία). This word is formed by the word “son” and “placing.” Adoption in the ancient world was not like adoption today, which means to make someone else’s child one’s own. Adoption in the Roman world was a legal, technical declaration by a father which officially made his natural born child a son or daughter, with the attendant rights and privileges. Romans 8.14-17 is Paul’s further declaration of this relationship. We are sons, heirs, adoptees by divine declaration. We have nothing to do with it. Once one believes the gospel God sovereignly establishes this relationship. Paul’s point about suffering was we are like our co-heir. He suffered. We suffer. The word εἴπερ in Romans 8.17 translated “if” is probably better rendered “since” as all believers experience some degree of suffering. Some suffer more than others. This is in the domain of God to conform us to His Son. We cannot understand this. But in the end, I think every believer will recognize and understand that the things that we have experienced in this life have all worked to our good to make us all we could be (Romans 8.28-30).
Thank you Don. Your explanation nicely settles the issue for me. Very much appreciated.
May I ask one more question? knowing that the four Gospels were written for Israel; I’ll be approaching them with a different mindset. They teach me about Jesus’ life and ministry–but what else should I “take away” from them? I’ve always read them as Church doctrine; although a lot of it didn’t seem to “fit.” Now I know why. Unanswered difficulties I had about many of the Lord’s promises to The Twelve Apostles now make good sense. Mixing the Church with Israel really does cause a lot of error and confusion.
I’ll be paying more attention to Paul’s letters and epistles; since they were written for the Church. (But I won’t disregard the rest of Scripture.)
Brian,
The sound principle of interpretation is one interpretation, many applications. The expositor’s responsibility is first to interpret a passage, then make applications. The applications will vary depending on the nature of the passage. Paul’s commentary on this was Romans 15.4, 1 Corinthians 10.11. Grace and peace.
Hello Don,
Your articles have really blessed me and for the first time I really enjoying reading the scriptures as so much confusion and resultant frustration have cleared up. As a believer since age 8, I have been taught to appropriate the blessings for healing and protection through the Old Testament and Gospels, standing on the promises given by Jesus through faith and prayer. Now however I am not sure how to receive those blessings. Of course I know to have faith and pray for healing or protection, but do we add “in Jesus Name”? What promises do we stand on for healing and protection? I have so many questions on this subject. Is there a more complete article addressing this? Again, I really thank you for this instruction!
Janis
Janis,
Thank you. God still heals and protects but the gift of healing no longer exists. Why God grants some of our prayers and denies others is largely hidden from us. God knows all things and is working everything in the end to our benefit, to conform us to the image of Christ. I tried to point out in the article blessings we have as believers. In Romans 8, Paul wrote of God’s love for us and our destiny in Christ. He stated nothing can separate us from God’s love and that we are joint-heirs of Christ. We pray in Jesus’ name for He is the Head of the body and our Lord.
In your opening scripture 1 Corr 2.9 you used it out of context, doesn,t seem wrong to me, but what say ye?
Danny,
I don’t understand your comment. Are you saying you don’t think this passage applies to believers today?
No, I,m not saying that, but in its context of 1 Corr 2 it describes Pauls mystèry and the way you used it, is the way I,ve always heard it. To me that leaves Paul and the Holy Spirits intent shrouded in a fog bank.
Danny,
Paul is saying that God keeps secrets but has now revealed them and applies Isaiah 64.4 to us as those who love God.
It is so awesome to re-read these wonderful articles. After contending for the faith it’s nice to have a place where there is sound doctrine.
The message of our gospel is under attack, and the devil hates it. And we know why… 1 Cor. 2:8 And Ephesians. 2:1-6
The blessings we have in Christ are powerful. They are real! Man, we are so very blessed:)
We are thankful for you Don.
“The letter to Philemon contains what is probably the most beautiful illustration of imputation. Paul told Philemon that if his runaway slave, Onesimus, owed anything to reckon it to Paul’s account. In other words, any debt that Onesimus might have incurred would be charged against Paul’s account and Paul would pay it. Similarly, our sins were attributed, ascribed, reckoned to Christ, and He paid our debt fully.” – Dr. Charles Ryrie
Could you help me out with the”free will” issues I have. I’ve always struggled with the OSAS idea of a true believer, my challenge is that it seems that one can exercise personal free will to accept Jesus Christ as Savior (according to Paul’s Gospel) however, according to the ES doctrine those individuals no longer have free will in that they can never decide to stop believing????? Does not seem to compute in anyway I look at it, and in fact it seems to have been the trouble with Paul’s converts in all of Asia, that none if any stayed true to their faith and the Gospel he preached? I’ve heard responses from “out of fellowship” to still believers but loss of rewards, ect.
Carty,
I do not think I’ve heard the idea one no longer has free will after one believes the gospel as part of eternal security. As far as the Asian believers, they went into apostasy, abandoning Paul’s doctrines for legalism. This is what the book of Galatians is all about. This move began the great apostasy that still exists in Christendom. Almost all churches are in this state. Look how many are legalistic, deny the Rapture, etc. They have all abandoned Paul. Does this mean they are not saved? No, but they, like the Asians, will missed rewards and praise from Christ. In 1 Corinthians 15.1-2 , Paul wrote: Now I make known to you brethren, the gospel that I proclaimed to you, which you also received, by which also you also stand, through which you are saved, if you possess that message I proclaimed to you, unless you believed in vain. Paul qualified the salvation by stating whether they truly had taken possession of his salvation message or “believed in vain,” that is, really did not believe. I do not think one “stops believing” who has ever really believed. One’s free will still functions, but it is not something one will do. I have never known anyone to make this claim but I would say such a person never truly believed. Furthermore, it is not our believing that keeps one secure, it is Christ’s faithfulness. If one could do this, I think the Lord would remove the person for this would be worse than the sin in 1 Corinthians 5. Paul also wrote that God killed some believers for abusing the Lord’s supper.
I ask because I have witnessed in my life (as have all others believers) individuals for lack of a better term “back-slidded former believers” I of course have no way of knowing one’s heart truly (even my own is a challenge), but I do know I would claim with all assurance they were truly BELIEVERS in Paul’s Gospel of grace. I struggle to reconcile these examples with their current standing before the Father and (in Christ)! I’m speaking of those choosing turning away from their Faith and choosing to “Live in outright sin”, gay lifestyles, premarital cohabitation, etc. Heck some even continue to profess their faith and belief, as if all that ongoing sinning somehow pleases Jesus!!!???
Carty,
These things are troubling and at the end of the day they must be left to God. One day all we will understand all this. My only Scriptural answer is that Paul wrote that God killed and brought disease on some believers who engaged in sin (1 Corinthians 11.28-32). Some believers Paul delivered to Satan (1 Timothy 1.20). God deals with such individuals but they do not lose salvation. Paul wrote that one will reap what one sows. It is dangerous to mock God.
Don, so Ananias and Sapphira didn’t lose their salvation, correct?
Craig,
Correct. What occurred with Ananias and Sapphira was a preview of rule in the kingdom. The Scripture says Jesus will rule with a rod of iron. Sin will not be tolerated.
Thank you for this study I am using it in a ladies study group. You articles are amazing. Blessings to you. Brenda
Brenda,
Thank you. God’s blessing on your study group.
Don, I stumbled upon your writings after praying to the Lord to lead me into more understanding about His Word. Maybe I should say I was led to your site. I have been a believer for 42 years. My wife and I lost our first child in 1979, she was only 40 days old when she died. We were both non-believers just church people and not very good at that. Two weeks after our daughter died my wife was struggling to want to live she hurt so bad. She asked me if I would pray with her and maybe God would help. I agreed and I asked God to help us get through this time. Two weeks after I prayed Jesus appeared to me during the night and said, I will give you anouther daughter and you are to call her Rachel. I became a believer that same day as did my wife. I remebered Rachel was was somewhere in scripture from my catholic upbringing when we saw that Laban had to daughters, Leah the oldest and Rachel the youngest I just knew the dream was real. I became a Jesus fanatic, I would witness to everyone I came across. We started bible studies in our home, we sponsered a group of young adults from the catholic church in our home, Even in our zeal without a lot of biblical knowledge people came to the Lord. The Spirit of God did many wonderful things in our life. We adopted Rachel 5 years after the dream. She was 21 months old, we were in awe of God. After everything God did for us the last twenty years have been dry. I had trouble understanding scripture ans fell somewhat away. I gambeled lost lots of money, started smoking again, never lost my love of witnessing to people but was not living for the Lord. Now I feel the Spirit leading me back but I am afraid I may have blowen it. I started going to a church here in Parker Co a offshoot of John MacArther but something did not feel right. I am 75 years old and here I am again at home trying to find more truth. I know most Churches are lost today but my question to you is do you think I lost my first love and cannot get it back are is that a lie from Satan. God Bless you and if you have time please resdpond. Mike Schroeder
Mike,
Our God is the God of 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. chances. God is love. He is always faithful and like the story of the prodigal son, is always ready to receive one back and killed the fatted calf and celebrate. The fact that you have the concern you have shows you have an open heart. Read the Scriptures, especially Paul and ask God what He would have you do, day by day. He will lead you.
Doctrine,
There seems to be some debate as to forgiveness of sin. The issue seems to be whether or not a person in the post-cross time period is forgiven of sin regardless of their faith in the gospel. In other words, the argument is that an unsaved person nevertheless was forgiven of their sin at the cross.
It seems to me simple. Yes, the act that occurred at the cross was for the sin of all mankind…in that sense a person even if unsaved has had their sin forgiven, however, the benefit of Christ’s work at the cross is not relegated to the unbeliever.
Do I have that right?
Keith,
This is part of the argument of Calvinists who say if Christ died for everyone, everyone is saved. But all are not saved. Thus, Christ did not die for all. What is missing in the logic is mankind’s will, which Calvinists deny. Christ died for all, He forgave all sin, He paid the penalty for sin. But unless one exercises faith, trusts in Him, accepts His gift, His work does the individual no good. Without faith one cannot please God.
Doctrine,
I’m willing to be corrected. My understanding is that the cross forgave all sin. Sin is no longer the issue for salvation. Faith and believing the gospel is what saves us. 1 Cor. 15:1-4.
At the Great White Thrown judgement in Rev. 20 vs. 12 my bible says the unsaved are judged for their ‘works’ (not sins). No matter the works (good or bad) the unsaved are cast into the Lake of Fire. Maybe the judgement of works determines levels of punishment? If I were the deceiver today that’s what I’d want humanity to believe—good works = salvation.
Doctrine, Please help. Thank you.
Joe,
Correct.
Don, in the OT it says God will restore what was lost. I know this was written to Jews. But can it be applied to us believers? For example, if woman is barren. Or the things satan stole from us. Will God restore all these things in the next life?
Craig,
Whatever God will restore it will be far better than what we can imagine.
Don,
Does God hear the prayers of the unsaved?
Joe,
God knows all but responds to those to whom He has a relationship. If a person wishes to know God, He will respond.
Don, I asked the question because in the story about Cornelious, the Roman soldier, in Acts it appears even though Cornelious was a good, moral, giving man always praying he was not saved. (I think there is a message here if that’s the case). But God heard him. I was always under the impression that God only heard the prayers of the saved and those who wanted to be saved…as you said above. The story of Cornelious goes a long way in undermining the theory that the Church began at Pentecost. Also, if Cornelious was lost, this does not speak well to good works being the ticket to Heaven. Is it possible that Cornelious was a believer in the Kingdom Gospel before Peter arrived or is this just a story of a good man (in the eyes of the world) but still unsaved?
Joe,
Cornelius became a believer through Peter’s message.
Don, please confirm or correct my thinking. Based on your article, if a believer sins, he is NOT to ask God for forgiveness, but instead, should thank Jesus and recieve once again the forgiveness He already made available at the cross, repent ie turn in his behavior and keep moving forward unencumbered without any condemnation?
I’m asking because I am part of a prayer ministry where people, during the prayer session, are asking God for forgiveness. But to align with scripture, instead they should be thanking Jesus for His work on cross and re-recieve, if you will, the forgiveness, past tense, already provided? Tks.
Donna,
The Scriptures declare that God has forgiven us our sins (Ephesians 1.7; Colossians 1.14, 22). Do people ask for what they already have? Does your group think Christ paid for their sins, solving the problem of sin and death. Our role is to thank the Giver, not continue to ask for what He has given.
In the great scheme of things is it possible that the purpose of the United States of America is part of the eternal plan by God to protect the Jewish people? I feel certain that the power of our nation through God’s blessings has protected Israel and the Jewish people from total annihilation by the evil in the world. I wonder if the establishment/existence of our nation depends on our support for Israel. Is it possible any Jewish people would be alive today without America’s (God’s) support?
Joe,
America has generally befriended Jews and been a sanctuary for them. This seems to be changing, as evidenced by the recent action in the Ivy League schools. Harvard seems to have gone totally Nazi. The Abrahamic covenant is still in effect. Those who bless Jews, God blesses. God preserves the Jewish people. All nations eventually ally against Israel. God will destroy them.
Hi Don,
I am struggling to understand generational curses. I had appreciate your insight on this topic. Specifically:
1) how do you reconcile Exodus 20:5 with Ezekiel 18:1-32?
2) what are your perspective on breaking generational curses
Lastly, what did Paul meant when he says old things have passed away behold all things have become new?
Thank you
Gideon,
This is not a subject I have studied in detail. In general, God deals with nations and individuals. When a nation departs from God, the consequences continue for three or four generations. But an individual is not held responsible for the sins of his ancestors. Paul’s statement in 2 Corinthians 5.17 states that one who is in Christ is a new creation, has a new status. One becomes “Church,” a member of Christ’s body. In Christ, there is neither Jew nor Gentile. The Church is a new creation (cf. 1 Corinthians 10.32; Galatians 3.28; Colossians 3.11). Everything is new for one who believes Paul’s gospel (1 Corinthians 15.1-4). We are identified in Christ’s death and resurrection, made a member of His body, given eternal life, have all our sins forgiven, are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and have a future of spending eternity in the presence of the One who loves us, the Almighty, the Creator. A whole new status. What a God!